Guyana Times Monday, August 3, 2020

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New President's parents beam with pride as their son accomplishes his dream …tell Guyanese to expect hard work, commitment

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4366

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

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Front Page Comment

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t is truly said that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to tear down and a time to build.” Over the past five months, there has been enough tearing down for a lifetime, and we believe that all Guyanese would agree that “it is now a time to build”.

We in Guyana are in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, which does not discriminate as to whom its tentacles can reach to snatch them away. We have to build and execute a coherent response to see us through this scourge.

Whatever else might have been said, our political and legal systems were strained but did not break: they demonstrated an abiding resilience. We must be thankful for the strength of their institutions in a nation that has just attained its Golden Jubilee and commit ourselves to continue to strengthen and build those institutions. We must thank all of those who stood up and were willing to be counted for their country. The international system has frequently been criticised as “chaotic”, but it stood by us in our hour of need and acted in measured

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deliberation in the best interest of our fledgling democracy. We must continue to build our international credentials.

Finally, we, the people of Guyana, have seen that there will always be those who will exploit differences to create divisions. It is up to us to now commit ourselves to build bridges to heal those divisions so that we can go forward as a united people and fulfil our historic promise. As our national poet Martin Carter warned us, “Like a jig/ shakes the loom;/ like a web/ is spun the pattern/ all are involved!/ all are consumed!”

Dr Irfaan Ali sworn in as 9th Executive President of Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with First Lady Arya Ali share a photo moment with Prime Minister Mark Phillips, his wife, Mignon Phillips and daughter, Maya along with Dr Ali's parents Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali

Democracy has triumphed in Guyana – OAS …says declaration prevents further int’l embarrassment

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Democracy rules in Guyana – US State Department

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Taxi driver killed, 4 injured in P17 nightclub shooting

44 new cases of COVID-19 P15 reported in 24 hours

…recommits to govern for all Guyanese death recorded, …as Phillips sworn in as PM; Nandlall AG; Teixeira Governance Minister …another active cases now 268 ...new Vice President Jagdeo to lead Govt’s transition team Pages 3 & 7 Crane man P17

Former President David Granger urges supporters ABCE look forward to remain peaceful to working with Page 14

…APNU/AFC to seek redress through election petition

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President Irfaan Ali

found dead with neck slashed

Cocaine, ganja found in butter during Police operation P16

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 3 – 04:30h – 06:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Tuesday, August 4 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, August 3 – 16:35h – 18:05h and Tuesday, August 4 – 16:55h – 18:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be thundery showers and partly cloudy skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to Southerly to South South-Easterly to South-Easterly to Easterly to East High Tide: 16:34h reaching a maximum height of 2.46 metres.

Low Tide: 10:08h and 22:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.75 metre.

Dr Irfaan Ali sworn in as 9th Executive President of Guyana …recommits to govern for “best interest” of Guyanese

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ive months after a record-breaking protracted electoral process stemming from the caretaker A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s refusal to accept defeat and give up office, People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) Dr Irfaan Ali was on Sunday finally sworn-in as the ninth Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The swift and simple ceremony took place around 16:00h at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown – the same venue that was used for the National Recount which verified Ali’s victory at the March 2 polls.

The 33-day exercise confirmed the PPP/C won the presidency with a commanding 233,336 votes, a remarkable lead of 15,416 votes over its nearest political rival, the APNU/AFC – which has been insistent in hanging onto power and dragged out the electoral process with several litigations in the courts.

The coalition secured 217,920 votes.

Dr Ali was sworn-in by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, following the much-anticipated declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) earlier on Sunday.

In his inaugural address as President-elect, Dr Ali committed to Guyanese that he will uphold the Oath of Office he took and work every day in the best interests in the people of Guyana.

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

The President-elect noted that there is a lot of work to be done and this will start instantaneously.

Unity and inclusiveness

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In fact, in a subsequent interview, he posited that it is now time for Guyana to charter a way forward that is built on unity and inclusiveness. He used the opportunity to reassure Guyanese that he and his Administration will continue to govern for all of Guyana.

“We have to be respectful to each other. We have to ensure, and this is what [my] Government will be focused on, a development agenda that would reflect the priorities of every Guyanese. We’re building a country for every Guyanese. There is no [need] for fear, there is no need for distinction based on political persuasion; no need for distinction based [on] reli-

gious belief or ethnicity. This is a Government for all of Guyana and that is the way this Government will operate,” he contended.

Reflecting on the event over the past five months, Ali explained that the experience will further strengthen his resolve and commitment to good governance and adhering to the rule of law.

“I did not require the events of the last five months to make me more appreciative of who we are as a people.

We all have responsibility to safeguard and protect who we are as a people, to protect our freedom and our democracy. So, the events have strengthened my resolve and my commitment to ensuring that democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the changes that are required to ensure we never find ourselves back in a position like that, must be addressed,” he posited.

The President further outlined that Sunday’s events are all about celebrating democracy and on that note, expressed his gratitude to the various political parties, civil society, the diplomatic and international community and other stakeholders who were committed to ensuring democracy was protected and prevailed in Guyana.

“Guyana will have a bright future because of your efforts. I take the Oath of Office because of the hard work of many individuals… We thank you sincerely for your confidence and your trust… In voting for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, you’ve elect a Government to serve all the people of Guyana and that is what your next Government will be doing,” he added.

President Dr Irfaan Ali taking the Oath of Office during the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Experience

Dr Ali brings to the presidency a long and diverse experience at all levels of Government. He previously served as a Government Minister under the PPP/C, with responsibilities for major sectors like housing, tourism and commerce. During his tenure, he conceptualised and implemented the largest and most extensive housing drive in the country’s history, undergirded by a massive house lot distribution to citizens from all strata and geographic regions.

The 40-year-old politician also has a wealth of parliamentary experience; he became a Member of Parliament in 2006 and during the last National Assembly, he chaired one of the most important committees; the Public Accounts Committee which is responsible for examining public expenditure.

Ali was born in Leonora, West Coast Demerara

(WCD). He attended St Stanislaus College and has been a member of the PPP for over 20 years, starting at the Party’s youth arm. He was recently awarded a PhD in Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the West Indies at St Augustine, Trinidad.

He has also been a part of the leadership for 15 years, during which time he held the position of Finance Secretary for several years.

In his professional experience before he became a Minister, Ali worked as an economic planner, also chairing a Project Steering Committee on the Low-Income Settlement Committee.

He also worked as the National Programme Coordinator of local Caribbean Development Bank-funded programmes.

When he did become a Minister in 2009, he went on to serve in the Cabinet for seven years.

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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

Irfaan Ali Presidency: A new beginning

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ll Guyana has to have breathed a sigh of relief that good sense had finally prevailed in the APNU/AFC camp and, because they share a deep commitment to the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved homeland, they accepted the GECOM Chairwoman Claudette Singh’s declaration that Irfaan Ali, presidential candidate for the PPP/C, has been duly elected as the next President of Guyana.

In a statesmanlike gesture, President David Granger issued a statement ahead of the GECOM Chair’s receipt of the longrequested CEO’s Report and her expected declaration. He announced that he recognised, as a consequence of the recent decision by the Court of Appeal, the Chair had a “legal obligation” to proceed with the declaration. Most pertinently, he noted that in reference to the objections his party raised about the votes, these would be pursued via an elections petition.

In the morning GECOM meeting, CEO Lowenfield had not presented his report and he was instructed to do so at 2pm.

In the meantime, the Government Commissioners requested that the Chair invite the President and the Opposition leader to have a “discussion” in view of what they asserted were deep disagreements between the parties. The Chair complied, but Jagdeo indicated he was willing to meet to discuss “governance issues” but only after the declaration. It was after his call that President Granger issued his statement of concession.

At the 2pm meeting, the CEO presented his report using the numbers from the recount as instructed and the Chairwoman subsequently made her declaration; contacted the Chancellor to inform her of her constitutional responsibility to swear in the President-elect, and Dr Irfaan Ali duly became the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on August 2, at 4:36pm.

While we cannot gloss over the acrimony generated during the last five months over the results of the March 2 elections, we are certain that the vast majority of Guyanese – including the supporters of the APNU/AFC coalition – are now prepared, like President Granger, to accept the lawful resolution of our elections dispute and are now prepared to get on with the task of developing our great nation. Our nation has unfortunately been on pause politically since March 2, even as Guyana was hit by the potentially-devastating COVID-19 pandemic, almost right after the elections. The political crisis precluded the meeting of Parliament and as such, even the few initiatives that were undertaken by the caretaker Administration did not have the input and critique of the PPP/C. But Guyana is fortunate that they have a new government that will hit the road running. While very youthful, the 40-yearold President Ali had been one of the most experienced Cabinet Ministers in the previous PPP/C Administrations. He even held multiple portfolios at one time while unfurling one of the largest housing drives this country has ever seen, as Minister of Housing and Water. But unlike the predecessor APNU/AFC Administration, he will also have Ministers who have seen Guyana through even more daunting challenges in the past than what we are presently confronting.

Immediately after his swearing-in, President Ali announced the appointment of Bharrat Jagdeo who was not only President of Guyana for 12 years, but preceded that stint with concurrent and previous experience as Minister of Finance to bring back Guyana from the worst economic disaster that hit it in its history. Anil Nandlall was returned to the post of Attorney General and he also brings a vast pool of experience within his critical portfolio. The veteran Gail Teixeira with decades of experience in various ministerial portfolios in her new post of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs should be invaluable in the effort to have a working relationship with the new Opposition and enact all the legislation that are necessary to retool our legal framework for the new economy.

We must congratulate President Ali for hitting the precise note needed at this time: that he will be working for Guyanese of all classes, ethnicities, and races.

Congratulations to President Irfaan Ali.

GUYANA’S 9TH EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT: His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali making his inaugural speech after being sworn in as President on Sunday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Seated from left: First Lady Arya Ali; First Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo; Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall and President Ali’s parents, Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali

APNU/AFC’s Ocean View heist – a global poster child for corruption Dear Editor, David Granger in his continued squatting in the presidency took a rare timeoff from his home last Friday to commission the former Ocean View Hotel as an infectious disease hospital. As he travelled to and from the Ocean View site, he passed supporters gathered in front of his old home who mistakenly thought Granger would have distributed $50,000 each for COVID-19 relief.

He did not stop; he did not acknowledge them. The last five years exposed the PNC (APNU/AFC) and exposed David Granger. The PNC has not changed its stripes – its DNA is that of dictatorship.

Their continued effort to thief the March 2 elections has united the whole world in a brutal rebuke. Granger himself has shown unambiguously he is more comfortable presiding over subjects as an emperor. As the PNC and Granger continue to build on their shameful credentials as dictators and emperors, they have accumulated a record sheet of corruption that ranks in the Caribbean region and around the world as some of the most brazen, barefaced corruption deals ever.

They now call the rehabilitated Ocean View Hotel the National Infectious Disease Hospital. The soundness of a policy for a dedicated National Infectious Disease Hospital is questionable.

There never was a policy discussion for a stand-alone infectious disease hospital.

I will discuss the pros and cons of such a hospital another time. However, note that HIV, TB, malaria and other infectious diseases responsible for thousands of deaths in Guyana never catapulted Guyana towards a national infectious disease hospital.

We did have a hospital dedicated to leprosy once, in

Mahaica, and over time, that hospital was abandoned, as we integrated leprosy treatment into the general medical and public health sector. We also once had a TB hospital, in West Demerara, which was also closed and that facility was developed into the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The integration of these diseases into the overall health sector was consistent with global policy directives. Guyana today is moving in a different direction from other countries. That is what dictatorships do.

But whether or not it is a sound policy, the establishment of the socalled National Infectious Disease Hospital will forever be known as the Ocean View heist. It already ranks among the Caribbean region’s most brazen corruption deals. In fact, for Guyana and Caricom, the Ocean View heist will stand forever as a poster child for corruption. When first announced, the Ocean View Hotel was going to be rehabilitated to house persons with or exposed to COVID-19, with a price tag of about $250 million. Then that price tag mysteriously bloated to $1 billion.

At the commissioning, Granger had no idea what the cost was. Volda Lawrence announced, however, a new price tag for the rehabilitation - $1.6 billion or US$8 million. Lawrence, who like Mr Granger is a squatter, announced she does not have the final cost, that the Ministry of Finance has those details. How are you commissioning something you call the National Infectious Disease Hospital and you do not know the details of the cost, just that the rehabilitation has now exceeded $1.6 billion?

Now the story has morphed into even more bizarre shenanigans. The hospi-

tal is not yet ready to take in patients because the $1.6 billion rehabilitation cost is just for the construction cost; new money has to be found to equip the hospital.

The nation is now warned that the cost of retrofitting the building to serve as a hospital will be in excess of three times the rehabilitation cost - that is about $4.8 billion.

How do they know that?

Is there a list of the equipment and a cost estimate done? Or, as feared by many of us, have they given out a contract for the acquisition of this equipment? When this cost is added, the overall construction and equipping cost would be in excess of $6.6 billion.

The new Linden Hospital was built during the Jagdeo presidency, when I was Minister of Health, at a fraction of the cost for the Ocean View thing. Note also that the new Inpatient Building at the GPHC, for construction and equipping, was a fraction of the rehabilitation cost for the Ocean View thing. The Public Health Lab building and equipment was a fraction of the cost that is being attributed as the cost for this Ocean View thing.

And note also that when the Japanese Government built the new New Amsterdam Hospital during the Jagdeo presidency, the cost was also a fraction of what this Ocean View thing is costing.

With such an enormous cost to rehabilitate the building and now must be incurred for equipment, taxpayers’ money is being spent without any tendering. All of this huge sum of money is spent on sole-sourcing contracts. The stench that this Ocean View heist has caused is about to get even more stinky. We have now learnt that the building was in receivership and the Government has not entered into any agreement to

procure the building.

Those discussions are now taking place. So outside of the almost $7 billion expenses for rehabilitation and equipment, there is also the charge for procuring the Ocean View property. This part of the deal is shrouded in secrecy.

Wait, this thing stinks so much, one would think it could not get more stinky.

Well, hold your breath.

There was never any plan developed to staff this new infectious disease hospital.

With already chronic shortages of doctors and nurses and other staff in the existing hospitals, where is the staff coming from? The hospital started out simply as an emergency need to accommodate quarantined persons. It now has morphed into a hospital and is not likely to be housing patients for a while.

Because there was no discussion, no consultation, the availability of other accommodation for quarantining purposes was never explored. A number of possibilities exist, but were never explored. Instead, Guyana has committed to an enormous cost, one of the largest ever in the health sector, without any tendering.

While we are at it, how come we could have spent almost $7 billion to rehabilitate a building, but we abandoned the construction of the Specialty Hospital which was going to cost less and which was going to be funded by the EXIM Bank of India through a loan to a private company which would have operated it as a BOT - Build, Operate and Transfer - arrangement.

This deal stands brazenly as a poster child for corruption. This deal must be investigated. There must be a Commission of Inquiry.

Yours sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

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A humble but strong Leonorian, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali finally sworn in Dear Editor, Finally, Guyana has a reason to rejoice soberly in all sincerity after 153 days of antagonising and frustrating waiting days. The entire Guyana is buzzing with uncontrollable excitement as Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been finally officially declared as the legal and legitimate elected 9th Executive President for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to rule for the next five years in power and the PPP/C party is to be invited to form the new Government.

GECOM has sent an official memoir to the Chancellor, attesting to this affirmation. At the time of writing, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings Edwards (ag) was swearing in the new President.

Also sworn-in was the new Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips. The new Vice President of Guyana is past President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

Not surprising, Mr Anil Nandlall was sworn in as the new Attorney General. It was a very historical event. This was made possible only after GECOM’s CEO, Mr Lowenfield, finally presented a report in concurrence with the direction of the Madam Chair, the honourable Retired Justice, Ms Claudette Singh.

His report formed the basis as per the Caricom creditable recount result, confirming that the allocation of seats will be PPP/C 33, the APNU/AFC 31 and the combined parties 1.

All this occurred after some testing and teasing moments earlier in the morning as the APNU/AFC Commissioners went through their usual shenanigans. But that has become a norm and perhaps without that type of performance, APNU/AFC would not have been living up to its true nature.

They departed the meeting prior to the declaration.

Sunday is considered, acknowledged, accepted, recognised and observed as basically, the Sabbath day, a day for prayers, a day to visit a place of worship as per one’s faith, belief or religion, a day for weddings, a day for religious function, a day to socialise, a day to read, a day to relax, a day to read, a day to rest and for some, it’s just another working day.

But in the wisdom of the learned madam Chair, she waited from Thursday’s decision from the COA to summon a meeting for Sunday, perhaps a strategy in the framework of foresight within the confines of anticipated positivity or administrative authority or closeddoor transactions or undisclosed negotiation or voluntary discussions.

Did the weather play a hand in the decision making, literally or ironically? Was the significance of both holidays on Friday and Saturday intriguing and in-

Recent Test series between England and the West Indies

Dear Editor, After the euphoria of winning the first Test against England, that lifted the spirits of all West Indian fans, the West Indies team only flattered to deceive in the remaining two Tests to meekly surrender the Wisden Trophy to the Englishmen.

To say it was a pathetic performance by the West Indies team would be an understatement. It was more like a no-contest from the time Broad and Root entered the second Test.

It was painful to watch the Englishmen outplay them in every department.

Editor, how on earth after winning the toss in the second and third Tests West Indies chose not to bat first knowing the nature of the Old Trafford wicket and also will be batting last on a fourth and fifth day wicket. It boggles the mind.

The Englishmen would have been laughing their heads off at those two decisions.

Poor decision making. Next, the West Indies catching and fielding were extremely poor, especially the catching where

the misses proved costly and batsmen went on to score big runs. That’s an area we have not improved over the years, that has cost us dearly in many Test matches.

Finally, I come to our batting that can only be described as atrocious, mediocre and substandard. Watching some of our batsmen getting out the same way over and over tells me that our batsmen who score runs in our regional tournament do not face quality bowling like Broad.

Anderson, Stokes, Archer, Woakes and the others who dished it out to them and they are found wanting at Test level. Most of them have too many technical flaws and no wonder our batting is our biggest problem for the longest while now, and as Roger Harper said recently, our batsmen average around the thirties in regional cricket and make the West Indies team.

Small wonder, no batsman scored a century in the whole series. John Campbell does not know where his off stump is, he either gets caught in the slips or is bowled. Brathwaite’s awk-

ward stance where the bowlers turn him around, gets LBW or bowled most times.

After the first Test, Dowrich’s technique was cruelly exposed by his inability to handle short-pitched bowling. I cringed when I saw him ducking and taking his eyes off the ball even when it was pitched on a good length. Shai Hope should have been dropped after the second Test.

He needs to go back to the drawing board, clear his head and look back at how he had scored all those runs in one day cricket. He too was jumping in his crease to short-pitched bowling. Even Jason Holder, it seems like the pressure was taking a toll on him. His batting has fallen away also.

And lastly, it is clear Shannon Gabriel has serious fitness and stamina problems.

He can only play one Test and rest the next.And Rakheem Cornwall should not be playing any international cricket, period!!! I say no more.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

We have now seen the light at the end of the tunnel Dear Editor, The Guyana Diaspora Council appreciates the declaration made today by the Guyana Elections Commission.

We have now seen the light at the end of the tunnel. We look forward to seeing both sides work together towards a peaceful transition of power, strengthening Guyana’s democracy, in the interests of the people. We thank the outgoing President, David Granger, for his service. We congratulate the incoming President, Irfaan Ali, and wish him all the best.

While the electoral crisis appears to near an end, politi-

cal and electoral reforms must be made, in order to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future. Guyana is a nation at a crossroads. While experiencing the potential of economic prosperity, as a result of the recent oil discoveries, this election has once again exposed the racial differences that have divided Guyana and hindered development throughout its history. The next Government must take this opportunity to unite all Guyanese. They must govern in a manner that unites across racial or ethnic lines.

They must ensure that the economic prosperity can benefit all

individuals, from all strives of life, from the businessman in Georgetown to the rice farmer in the country.

They must look to the example of neighbouring Venezuela, and ensure that the recent oil discoveries, while benefitting Guyana, are handled properly, such that the nation does not fall into a similar crisis.Now is the time to rediscover and fulfil the promise of Guyana. To be one people with one nation and one destiny.

Sincerely, Rusat Ramgopal Vishnu Mahadeo PRO

The Iron Lady sings and Guyana can breathe again

Warmest congratulations to President-elect Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Ministerelect, Brigadier (retd) Mr Mark Phillips on their successful election as Executive President and Prime Minister respectively in our Republic.

May God bless and guide them in their many endeavours as they take the mantle and reins of Government.

A word to Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr Anil Nandlall: your tenacity and steadfastness assured success and victory.

Thank you, madam Chair, for restoring faith and confidence in the rule of law. Over to you gentlemen as you write the next chapter in our country’s history.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

fluential in any persuasive manner? Did someone’s conscience “prick them” as ole people would say? Was there a mood that entertained a change of heart? Did the APNU/AFC finally succumb to the national and international pressure? Did an unannounced “foreign interference” slip through a bird vine? Did reality finally kick in? Did an undisclosed intervention surface to play a deciding role? Did an unknown reason emerge? Finally, was there a unanimous decision among the APNU/AFC to agree to this concession?

It wasn’t a day or time to publicly celebrate yesterday nor is it today. But congratulations are in order to be conveyed to the madam Chair for bringing a successful conclusion to this election process and to the other respective members of the Commission also.

Notwithstanding, again, due congratulations is conveyed also to the new President,

Dr Irfaan Ali, the new Prime Minister Mr Mark Phillips and the PPP/C. Perhaps, it was not the finest hour for Guyana as the swearing-in ceremony occurred, the 9th President for Guyana and the second from the West Coast of Demerara and the first from the village of Leonora. Because of the sensitive political situation in the country, perhaps the urgency to initiate an immediate swearing-in ceremony had to be performed under not abnormal but realistic circumstances.

The forty-year-old, a Muslim by faith, is a grandson of the late Sakina Mohamed of Leonora, one of the longest and strongest members from the women’s arm of the PPP/C. It was a proud day for Leonora to see a son of the village being sworn in to hold the highest office of the land.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the new President, recognition and cognisance for the

contributions from all sources, large or small, especially from the electorate, specifically the national and international community was acknowledged and his heartfelt thanks and appreciation was conveyed.

The way is finally paved and cleared to see transparency and accountability becoming effective immediately with a transition team, led by the new Vice President.

Last night, Guyana slept peacefully for the first time in five months and the inauguration ceremony is expected today. Congratulations from around the world are already pouring in. Good luck and best wishes to the PPP/C and the entire Guyana is a winner without a loser as the reality of a marriage of differentiation and integration hits the ground running without a honeymoon.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

Memorable moments Dear Editor, The recent court cases that engaged our apex court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal, have indeed had some memorable moments, but for the purpose of brevity, only a few would be mentioned here.

I am certain others would have their own memories to share.

If I have misquoted/misrepresented anyone, it is not as a result of being “vexatious”, and I hope no one feels it is his/her private or public duty to file criminal charges against me, as I beforehand apologise.

Firstly, the expressions on the faces of the Judges of the CCJ, especially the President of the Court, gave me, at least, the impression of saying, without verbalising it, What nonsense are these lawyers (headed by not DAG, but only AG) saying to this Court?

Where did these people study law?

Then there was one of the Iron Ladies adjudicating in a few of these proceedings, who on one occasion told one lawyer, “this is my court”, which to my mind meant “tek yo seat and wait till I tell yo, yo can talk”.

There were numerous terms used which had me hustling fo me dictionary/thesaurus, beginning with “mutates mutandis”, which I understand many in the legal profession, because of his over frequent use of this term, would stop calling him Basidee or pagalee and now call him by that term.

Possibly he can find some way to ask the learned Trinidad Senior Counsel, how he can fit into his nonsense the term “stare decisis”.

Or if he is not too embarrassed, he can ask “young Ram” how he can make some use of the words “res judicata”, but he should be careful and not spell it in his written presentation, as “Rise Judy Canta”.

Now the “old Ram”, a genuine senior, even though many thought, again took a political line, was enlightening with his historical review that brought the role and function of the CEO into force, but it appears

as if the current holder of that position has not read that amendment and is still stuck in that “lower field”.

A moment I could look at again and again, was another star of the show (who, unfortunately, in my opinion, pitched a few times in the past, possibly because of not having enough tail or a bad loop, like a kite) soared high in the Court of Appeal, in her presentation on behalf of the original “Iron Lady” and again when asked her opinion on a Stay.

Vexatious again took centre stage. Basidee, yo hear, who vex, vex!!!

Watching the live proceedings (despite GPL deciding to again black out coverage, not realising playback was possible) one could not escape the sheer desperation on the fac-

es of the lawyers whose entire case was thrown out, followed by the excuse/plea by mutatis mutandis’ shadow that his instrument was not working.

The question by a real AG, as to what was being requested to be “stayed” as there was NO ORDER granted, made sense, and have persons in a state of puzzlement up to now.

And then to crown it all, a majority of “No Stay” to a majority of “yes Stay”.

Hopefully, Editor, the comedy show has now come to an end, and GECOM allows the nation to resume breathing and for the new Government to effectively fight the COVID-19 and to rebuild our damaged economy.

Best regards, H N Nawbatt

6 NEWS HSS Raksha Bandhan message: Protection for each other’s growth MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he festival of Raksha Bandhan is a symbolic festival to send to the members of a society that they have a duty to protect one another. This has to begin with oneself: tying a Raksha Sutra (Rakhi) around one’s wrist serves as a reminder for us to honour our moral duty of protecting our family and country.

Tying Rakhis has long been a tradition of HSS, much like anywhere else in the Hindu world – but with a difference. Traditionally,

also traditionally offered by leaders to other leaders to offer protection to each other. In Guyana, this would be akin to the leaders of the different parties vowing to protect each other and therefore the entire society.

For HSS members (Swayamsevaks and Sevikas), it is a little different.

They have a duty to protect not only sisters, or relatives, but their community (Samaj) and country as well – a duty to protect Dharma.

perish.” The responsibility to protect therefore lies with each of us, equally.

To symbolise its duty to our nation and Dharma, the HSS’ Bhagwa Dhwaj (flag) and Golden Arrowhead (National Flag of Guyana) are always hoisted and both tied with Rakhis by its members and other citizens to demonstrate their duty to protect our beloved country.

Modern Rakhis tend to be decorated with multi-coloured silk thread, beads or stones. The female wing

Rakhis are tied on the wrists of a brother or ‘protector’ by a sister or someone considered to be a sister, and the former swears to protect the latter.

Importantly, Rakhis are

And this leads directly back to the core of HSS’ “Service to Humanity”. “It’s as if we are all in a boat, which we all have a duty to protect.

Should someone bore a hole in the boat, we would all

of HSS conducted a virtual session to make Rakhis using locally sourced materials, which turned out to be a success. Traditionally, the Rakhis are blessed with sacred verses or consecrated in

rice or grass before being offered. These customs ensure that the tie both protects and removes sin from the wearer, a shield which is said to last for one year. During the offerings, prayers are made for prosperity and happiness, and once the Rakhi has been tied, a mantra may be chanted.

The Hindu Sywamsevak Sangh continues with its mandate to preserve Dharma, foster better social relations, instil discipline, promote culture and preserve traditions through these programmes, regular Shaka (value transmission) sessions and addressing issues of concern of the nation.

We once again celebrate Raksha Badhan with the hope that the significance of the Rakhi extends from brothers and sisters to husbands and wives, teachers and students, neighbours and all citizens of Guyana alike.

Happy Raksha (Unity and Protection Day) Guyana. Let us be reminded of our motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

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Foundation

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n ox came down to a reedy pool to drink.

As he splashed heavily into the water, he crushed a young frog into the mud.

The old frog soon missed the little one and asked his brothers and sisters what had become of him.

"A great big monster," said one of them, "stepped on little brother with one of his huge feet!"

"Big, was he!" said the old frog, puffing herself up. "Was he as big as this?"

"Oh, much bigger!" they cried.

The frog puffed up still more.

"He could not have been bigger than this," she said. But the little frogs all declared that the monster was much, much bigger and the old frog kept puffing herself out more and more until, all at once, she burst.

WORD SEARCH

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vice President Jagdeo to lead Govt’s transition team …as Phillips sworn in as PM; Nandlall AG & Teixeira Governance Minister

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, now Vice President of Guyana, receiving his instrument of appointment from President Dr Irfaan Ali

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ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo has taken up a prominent role in the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, serving as Vice President of Guyana.

He was appointed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a simple ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Sunday shortly after the elections declaration was made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Also taking the oath of office was former Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips who will serve as the country’s Prime Minister.

Anil Nandlall has returned as Guyana’s Attorney General while Gail Teixeira was appointed

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance.

They are all members of the Government’s transition team.

Jagdeo as Vice President

Jagdeo, who served as President from 1999 to 2011, will be heading the Irfaan Ali-led Government transition team, which will, in the coming week, work towards a full transition of power with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Speaking with the media following the appointment, Jagdeo explained that he did not want to return, in an official capacity, to Government.

“Frankly speaking, I did not want to [take up the post] …maybe I wouldn’t have been had we had an immediate transition,” he

explained.

“But given the reality of what took place, the pandemic and then the collapse of economy and this attitude of bullyism, I think the experience I have must be deployed in a formal way…,” Jagdeo pointed out, noting that in the past, he was more inclined to serve in an informal advisory capacity.

Going forward, the former Opposition Leader said the PPP/C will now have to work towards creating an environment that will be conducive of working together.

“It didn’t have to be this way; we could have had a transition to a new Govt based on the results of the elections five months ago and create an atmosphere that could have been conducive to working together,” Jagdeo stated.

But he explained that

Dr Irfaan Ali sworn in...

Policies

The new President has committed to executing the manifesto of the party, which they consider to be a contract they made with the electorate which put them into office. The PPP/C has outlined a range of policies and programmes it intends to embark upon to bring relief to the country’s economic sectors, business community, and ordinary citizens who have been largely affected by the policies and programmes, or lack thereof, implemented under the APNU/ AFC Administration.

However, in an overarching manner, the new President announced in the period during the long recount that he was very concerned about immediately addressing divisions in the country which were precipitated and exacerbated by the APNU/AFC’s hysterical and incendiary campaign.

He specifically pointed to the need for inclusive governance, which was included in the manifesto but which he

will prioritise. He also pointed to the already stagnated economy, which was further devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as requiring his urgent attention. It is fortuitous that economic development is the new President’s forte and it is expected that he will hit the ground running in this area.

While President Ali combines youth with experience, he heads a team that includes his Prime Minister Mark Philips with decades of organisational experience as a senior officer of the Guyana Defence Force and also the former longest-serving President of the Republic of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, who has promised to place all his experience at the service of the new Administration. Unlike the outgoing Administration, the PPP/C, which was in office only five years ago, has experienced personnel at all levels, inclusive of the youthful faces that have been seen during the campaign.

Among the policies out-

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lined in the PPP/C manifesto are the removal of ValueAdded Tax (VAT) on key areas such as electricity, water and healthcare.

Also, on the Party’s agenda is the reversal and/or reduction of the over 200 tax measures imposed by the coalition Administration — such as on building materials, on data, and exports.

VAT will also be reversed on farming, mining and forestry equipment.

The Party has promised to reverse the land rent, and draining and irrigation charges on cattle rearing, rice farming and new taxes miners.

The manifesto outlined 20,000 online scholarships and plans to offer free university education within its five-year term in office.

Other areas the PPP plans to address are reducing the age limit on the importation of vehicles, reversal of the 2 am curfew, the restoration of the Joint Services bonus and support for small businesses.

notwithstanding the difficulties, the PPP/C will have to find a way to work together.

However, he noted that, at the same time, “people are not going to forgive us if we don’t ensure that some people who have stolen resources wantonly from the treasury, if they are not brought to account.”

In this regard, the PPP/C General Secretary expressed that “we have to pursue that accountability in a professional way, objective way, not a vindictive way.”

Speaking about the priorities of the new Government, he explained that the country’s economy is under stress and therefore the Administration will have to find a way to get people back to work and get businesses back to making money while at the same time, helping those who have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transition requires cooperation

Meanwhile, Teixeira, who has a wealth of knowledge on parliamentary and governance affairs, told <<<Guyana Times>>> during an interview that transition has to do a lot

Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips taking his oath to serve as Prime Minister of Guyana

with cooperation. And, she explained that in 2015, when the PPP/C had to demit office, the party was cooperative.

“We would (hope) that would be reciprocated,” she expressed.

Regarding the next steps hereon, the former presidential adviser admitted that “we have an awful lot of work to do”.

Apart from ensuring the PPP/C fulfil its many man-

ifesto promises, Teixeira pointed out that the top priority would be to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

Ali, during an interview with the media following his official swearing-in, explained that later this week, there will be an inauguration function where he will announce his full Cabinet, and explain, in a comprehensive manner, the way forward for Guyana.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A new era…

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…for Guyana he Irfaan Ali Presidency of Guyana begins today.

Forged in fire, it is guaranteed the resilience and durability that will take Guyana to the heights that has been so long in coming – all the way from the days of Raleigh and his search for El Dorado. As we enter the third decade of the new millennium, changes in the world order are not only being generated by the technological innovations that have always telescoped development epochs, but right now we’re in the midst of a COVID -19 pandemic that’s forcing the entire globalized world to rethink almost every truism that has brought us so far.

For instance, are we ever going to return to fully manned offices when it has been proven that so much of office work can be done from home?? What does this do to commuting and vehicle sales?? The point is that in such a milieu, leaders ossified in their thinking: those who remember and don’t think really can’t cut it any longer. We need new and young leaders who can think outside of the box and seize opportunities that aren’t even visible to the older generation.

President Irfaan Ali combines the best of both world – while so young at forty, incredibly, he has the work experience of someone twice his age!! The new El Dorado with its black gold off our shores presents all kinds of opportunities to someone not locked into the old paradigms. Our oil revenues, for instance, offers us the opportunity to leap frog so many countries in the development trajectory once we focus, as the PPP manifesto has outlined, on the transformational possibilities of, say, the ICT world that beckons.

Within the vision of the PPP, in which Irfaan Ali has grown up, there’s no place for sectionalism. And he took time to declare this in his very first sentence as the President of Guyana, to promise this as the hallmark of his presidency. There’s been a perennial cry about “divisions” of our society. But what the confirmed votes that catapulted him into office has shown, is that this new PPP has now brought into its ranks Guyanese from all classes, races and ethnicities. So even before President Ali gets off the block, they’ve addressed the old bugbear.

But he promised to go beyond that expansive base to include all of Guyana into the vision for a new Guyana.

While we have just come off a bruising post-elections contretemps, its end was presaged by a very realistic assessment by former President David Granger.

It is your Eyewitness’ hope that his example will be followed by his supporters so that, as his successor Irfaan Ali declared: We are in this together!! …in cooperation They say adversity can sometimes bring out the best in people. But evidently, this also extends to countries.

Will we ever be able to thank our Caribbean sisters and brothers who stood by us in our hour of need?? There was a time when we had to flock their shores when we were down. But we now have the opportunity to show them our gratitude for both their past and present solidarity with us.

There’s no question our oil wealth will give us the wherewithal to become the driving economic force in the region. And we can show our gratitude by eschewing the insularity that can develop so easily. Within Guyana, we’ve seen all the small parties bringing in a welter of new faces into the political arena. And while they mightn’t have brought in that many votes, they stood tall in defending what’s right. Guyana owes them a debt of gratitude.

Of course, there’s all the non-political persons who became their brothers’ keepers after the pandemic hit.

Kudos to them all! …in international solidarity Behind every dark cloud lies a silver lining. And out of our election crisis, over one hundred countries stood by our democracy.

But special thanks must go not only to CariCom, but to the western democracies!! Bravo!!

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

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS ABCE looks forward to working with President Irfaan Ali MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…urges new Govt to urgently address COVID-19, national development

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epresentatives of the ABCE countries – United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada and European Union (EU) – who had over the past five months stood up for Guyana’s democracy, are looking forward to working with new President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali and have urged his Administration to urgently start tackling critical issues like COVID-19.

Dr Ali was sworn in at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Sunday by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, on Sunday in the presence of a number of members of the diplomatic community including US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, UK High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and EU Ambassador Fernando PonzCanto.

In a joint statement shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, the diplomats representing the ABCE countries congratulated President Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on its victory and also thanked former President David Granger for finally accepting the results “as befits the dignity of his office.”

Immediate challenges

The diplomatic community noted that much

needs to be done by the new Government, in terms of addressing the social and economic needs of the people, and pledged their support for Guyana’s future development.

“We look forward to working with President Ali and his Government as it confronts many immediate challenges, including the need to address the social and economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the development needs of Guyana’s people,” the ABCE representatives stated.

The diplomats noted that they also look forward to seeing the new Government at its onset reach across political divisions to unite Guyanese of all ethnicities, races and regions, around meaningful progress on constitutional reform and reconciliation. “As friends of Guyana, we look forward to working with all to continue to support Guyana’s development for the benefit of all its people,” the envoys added.

Upholding Guyana’s Constitution

Besides President Ali and the PPP/C, the diplomats also extended thanks to all the other parties and observers (domestic and international), as well as Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who

President Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips share a photo moment with US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Canadian Ambassador Lilian Chatterjee and UK High Commissioner Greg Quinn

declared Ali the President and initiated the process for him to be sworn in.

It was Justice Singh who persisted despite numerous attempts to undermine her, in ensuring that the certified results of the recount were used to declare the President.

The ABCE country representatives, therefore, thanked her for her courage in upholding Guyana’s Constitution.

All four ABCE diplomats have, in fact, played crucial roles in ensuring that democracy prevailed in Guyana.

One of the most pivotal moments in the elections was on March 13, when the four diplomats walked out of the tab-

ulation process for District Four at the Region Four command centre in Ashmins building.

At the time, former Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo was using figures that did not correspond with the Statements of Poll (SoPs) in the possession of political party representatives and observers, to tabulate and make a declaration.

Mingo’s figures would have resulted in a win for the APNU/AFC. The diplomats registered their disapproval and non-acceptance of the RO’s conduct by walking out and subsequently issu-

ing a strongly-worded statement alerting Guyana and the world to what was happening.

“We are concerned about intimidation tactics we observed against those seeking to ensure that a credible process is followed. We must be clear that in the absence of a credible process, as directed by the Honorable Chief Justice, it is our view that any results for Region 4 which will impact the overall results of the 2 March elections will not be credible and a President sworn in on the basis of those results will not be considered legitimate,” the diplomats had said in their

statement.

The rest is history. The lack of credibility in Mingo’s two declarations resulted in then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and then President David Granger agreeing to a National Recount, which eventually showed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes, while the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 217,920.

Amid APNU/AFC’s refusal to accept the results, the ABCE countries and other international and regional partners had maintained pressure on the former Government to concede defeat. This was especially the case with the US, which led the way by slapping visa restrictions on a number of senior functionaries who it deemed to be “undermining democracy” in Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Government supported both the Caricom team and the Carter Center on their observation mission to Guyana in addition to technical support to GECOM. Speaking with Guyana Times after the swearing-in of Dr Ali, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee said that she is happy democracy has prevailed and that the will of the people was upheld, adding that Canada is proud to have offered its support to the Guyanese people.

NEWS

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP/C secures 33 parliamentary seats, APNU/AFC 31 …as Guyana’s elections finally end after 5 months

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inality was brought to the elections process, some five months after, when the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh, declared that the Dr Mohamed Irfaan Aliled People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates garnered the most votes at the March 2 polls.

The final declaration was made on Sunday, at just about 15:00h, after Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield submitted his final elections report to the Commission.

Based on the numbers submitted by Lowenfield, the PPP/C secured 233,336 votes while the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) garnered 217,920 votes. The smaller parties – A New and United Guyana – 2313; Change Guyana –1953; Liberty and Justice Party – 2657; People’s Republic Party – 889; The Citizenship Initiative – 680; The New Movement – 244; and the United Republican Party – 360.

The PPP/C’s victory became official after a long battle with the incumbent as it relates to getting to the final declaration. On Sunday, the seven-member Elections Commission began its meeting just about 10:00h in an effort to determine the way forward.

It was at that meeting that the Governmentnominated Commissioners – Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman – proposed that the GECOM Chair ask the then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and now former President David Granger to hold a discussion on the way forward.

“What has happened is that Commissioner Corbin made a proposal in terms of us not accepting the recount as the basis for results that it would be useful for the two leaders to speak on the way forward,” Alexander said.

The proposal came after the coalition insisted that the figures emanating from the 33-days-long National Recount were not the true reflection of the will of the people. However, they are yet to provide any form of solid proof that the March 2 General and Regional Elections was plagued by voter fraud.

The Chair acceded to the proposal and contacted both Jagdeo and Granger, who agreed to dialogue. However, Jagdeo explained that his Party is only open to dialogue with the APNU/AFC after the Commission made a declaration.

The meeting was then adjourned from the morning to 14:00h.

Concession

Following Jagdeo’s revelation that dialogue would only come after a declaration, Granger realised that all the cards in the deck were rightfully stacked

against him and he had no other choice than to give up. He knew that no matter what his Party did, they could no longer delay the inevitable – which is the ascension of Ali as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In a statement, Granger related that he would have received a call from Justice Singh, who invited him to converse with Jagdeo on the way forward. He explained that he had no objection to speaking with Jagdeo.

After months of abusing the judicial process, in an effort to stay in power longer, Granger recognised that the Commission has a legal obligation as a result of the recent ruling of the Court of Appeal, to proceed with a declaration. Granger said that notwithstanding that declaration, the APNU/AFC maintains that the anomalies and irregularities which have been uncovered during the recount process cannot be accepted and will form the grounds for an election petition.

CEO submits report

Jagdeo’s refusal to open dialogue with Granger in the absence of a declaration set several things in motion with the main one being a concession by the incumbent.

Granger’s concession led to his GECOM Commissioners singing a different tune. The trio, known to conveniently skip GECOM meetings when things are not in their favour, returned just as CEO Lowenfield submitted his report using the numbers from

the recount.

The task to get Lowenfield to submit the correct report has been a long and hard one for both the Chair of GECOM and the PPP-nominated Commissioners. The CEO went rogue throughout the polling day process and submitted several reports reflecting fraudulent figures.

Twice he voided votes and the last time he added over 14,000 extra votes to the total number of ballots cast at the polls. It took three Courts – the High Court, Court of Appeal and Caribbean Court of Justice – in two cases to get Lowenfield to submit the correct numbers that reflect the true will of the Guyanese people.

On Sunday, he did just that and submitted the correct numbers from the National Recount that reflected the PPP/C win.

In his report submitted, the CEO outlined that PPP/C secured 33 parliamentary seats, while APNU/ AFC got 31 and joiner parties (A New and United Guyanese, Liberty and Justice Party, The New Movement) – which had an accumulated 5214 votes – received one seat.

Walkout

The APNU/AFC Commissioners, after Lowenfield’s report, and the tabling of the motion to declare Ali as President, walked out of the meeting.

According to them, the walkout is to “distance” themselves from the declaration.

“We feel that every vote should be counted and no invalid vote should be allowed to impact the results.

Any other approach will lead to another political saga in our country’s short but turbulent political history. We are, therefore, distancing ourselves from any declaration other than a non-declaration and fresh elections,” the trio noted in a prepared statement.

Declaration

“Following the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal on 30th July, 2020, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission Justice Claudette Singh wrote to the Chief Election Officer, Mr Keith Lowenfield requesting that he presents

his report using the results of the recount of the ballots cast in the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. The CEO complied with the Chairperson’s request and submitted the

report as requested…After careful examination of the report, Justice Claudette Singh declared Mohamed Irfaan Ali as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” GECOM said in a statement.

The GECOM Chair made the declaration before the Commissioners from the PPP – Sase Gunraj, Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick – after the APNU/AFC trio walked out.

The declaration set several things in motion, which led to a swift swearing-in of Ali as Guyana’s 9th Executive President.

Following the declaration, Gunraj told the media that: “It’s their prerogative (the APNU/AFC trio distancing themselves from the declaration). I want to say that it is their last hoorah in terms of standing up against the figures that were generated. Even as late as this morning they were attempting to raise issues that were already litigated and pronounced upon by the court and I guess everyone has a reason for doing what they do and they perhaps have the best reasons in mind.”

Immediately after the declaration, the GECOM Chair wrote to the Chancellor of the Judiciary,

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Yonette CummingsEdwards, informing her of the regime change. She said: “Subject to the results of the Recount of the ballots cast at the General and Regional Elections held on 2nd March, 2020 and Article 177 (2) (b) pf the Constitution of Guyana, Mr Mohamed Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic was declared the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana by the Guyana Elections Commission on 2nd August, 2020.

“In this regard, I take this opportunity to officially inform you of the declaration by the Commission and to request that in your capacity as Chancellor, arrangements are made to facilitate the swearing in of the new President.”

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

Scenes from the swearing9th Executive President,

Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards looks on as President Dr Irfaan Ali signs his oath of office

Dr Irfaan Ali gives his first speech as President following the declaration on Sunday

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mark Phillips share a photo moment with members of the diplomatic community

Prime Minister Mark Phillips signs his oath of office

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira and Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards among the gathering on Sunday

President Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and their son

Chancellor Yonette Cummin hands over a signed copy o of appointment to President

Dr Daniel Josh Kanhai of The New Movement Party shares a photo op with President Dr Irfaan Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking to the media after taking his oath of office

Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali along with his par

Att

13

0 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

-in ceremony of Guyana's H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

ngs-Edwards of the instrument t Dr Irfaan Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali hands over the instrument of President Dr Irfaan Ali hands over the instrument of appointment appointment to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

L-R: Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels; GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; President Dr Irfaan Ali; acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie and Fire Chief Marlon Gentle

President Dr Irfaan Ali hands over the instrument of appointment to Attorney General Anil Nandlall

rents (left) and mother-in-law

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with a party supporter

torney General Anil Nandlall, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo shares a light moment with First Lady Arya Ali and supporters

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and President Dr Irfaan Ali share a light moment

14 NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Democracy has triumphed in Guyana – OAS …says declaration prevents further int’l embarrassment

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he Organisation of American States (OAS) has lauded Guyana for finally concluding its five-month-long election process, making it clear that with the swearing-in of President Irfaan Ali on the basis of the will of the people, democracy has prevailed.

At one point, while the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government persisted in subverting the will of the people, there was a real possibility that Guyana could be expelled from the OAS. In a statement on Sunday, the organisation lauded the people of Guyana and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for finally concluding the process.

They also heaped special praise on GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, for discharging her job in accordance with the Constitution.

“The Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, congratulated the new President of Guyana on his election. We are happy that the multiple calls by the General Secretariat, national stakeholders and bilateral and multilateral partners, for the genuine results of the elections to be respect-

OAS General Secretary Luis Almagro

ed, were heard by GECOM.” Additionally, the OAS congratulated the people of Guyana for their patience.

“We also congratulate the GECOM Chair, Justice ret’d Claudette Singh, for remaining true to her convictions and standing firm against the many efforts to undermine the will of the people,” the organisation also said.

According to the OAS, democracy was put to the test but in the end, democracy prevailed. The organisation also reminded everyone that Guyana still has work to do in filling the gaps in its electoral system. As an observer in the elections, the OAS revealed that its final report on the elections will seek to address this.

“Democracy in Guyana

was put to the test in this process. Although it ultimately prevailed, it is clear that there are weaknesses in Guyana’s electoral system that must be addressed. In the coming months, we will issue our final report on the 2020 process with recommendations that can assist in addressing these weaknesses and avoiding a similar situation in the future.”

On July 21, Guyana was brought before OAS Permanent Council, where all member states present took a unified position that the democratic will of the people must be respected and APNU/AFC ran a gauntlet of rebukes for denying the will of the people.

Some of the strongest words came from Bradley

Former President David Granger urges supporters to remain peaceful …APNU/AFC to seek redress through election petition

Former Granger

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President

David

ormer President David Granger, who still leads the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), has urged his supporters to remain peaceful as the embattled party seeks redress through the court after losing power.

On Sunday, GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh declared the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) the winner of the General and Regional Elections. President Irfaan Ali was sworn in short-

ly after. In a statement on Sunday, Granger reiterated his compliance with the GECOM Chair’s declaration, adding that the coalition respects the lawful consequences of the ‘declaration’ as announced by the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

“The APNU+AFC Coalition will challenge the declared results lawfully, peacefully and purposefully…the Coalition asks its members, supporters and friends – who have been patient throughout our campaign and a prolonged legal process in our Courts – to continue to conduct themselves in a lawful and peaceful manner,” Granger also said, going on to thank Guyanese who participated in the elections as well as his coalition partners.

Meanwhile, People’s National Congress (PNC) Chairwoman, Volda Lawrence also issued a statement in which she said that her party will continue its fight against the declaration of the results in the court, through an election petition.

“I know that you are disappointed and sad. We all are. But our Party has always been a resilient party that has withstood the test of time for more than sixty years….In 1992 we were in this position but, though long, we maintained the struggle and again overcame in 2015.”

The declaration of Dr Ali as President and the PPP as the new Government, brought five months of repeated attempts by APNU/ AFC and its surrogates to rig the elections in their favour to an end.

Back in March, Mingo had made two controversial declarations of the Region Four results, Guyana’s largest voting district.

Those results were widely criticised by stakeholders as well as the international community as lacking transparency and credibility. This led to the conduct of a National Recount, during which it was unearthed that the RO had heavily inflated the numbers to give Granger’s coalition a landslide victory.

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Freden, who spoke on behalf of United States representative to the OAS, Carlos Trujillo. Freden questioned whether APNU/AFC wants Guyana to be a leader in the hemisphere or an international disgrace. He urged that they make the right choice. “There’s no way to minimise how flagrant the actions of Guyana’s leaders have been… if the stalemate continues, it will only be the Guyanese people who suffer.

APNU and its leaders face a stark choice. Does the party, does Guyana want to be a leader in the hemisphere and an example of democracy? Or does it want to be an international pariah?” he had told the Council.

During the Permanent Council meeting, Almagro

had made it pellucid that democracy must be upheld in Guyana and had urged that the Judiciary stop being the refuge of those who want to do nothing more than delay the declaration of results of the General and Regional Elections.

While making his virtual appearance to the OAS Permanent Council on behalf of the former Government, former Attorney General Basil Williams had erroneously claimed that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) did not rule that the recount results must be used as the basis for the elections declaration.

However CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, in delivering the court’s judgement on July 8 in the Irfaan

Ali et al v Eslyn David et al case, had said that “Unless and until an election court decides otherwise, the votes already counted by the recount process as valid votes are incapable of being declared invalid by any person or authority.”

The OAS was expected to meet again on the unresolved political situation in Guyana if it was not resolved after the Court of Appeal’s Thursday ruling in Jones v GECOM et al. This could have possibly led to a resolution that could have had unpleasant consequences for Guyana. However, the court’s ruling on Thursday paved the way for the GECOM Chair to declare Irfaan Ali the President on Sunday.

Democracy rules in Guyana – US State Department

…US looks forward to supporting Guyana's development

Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Western Affairs of the US State Department, Michael Kozak

It was only on Thursday that Kozak had, on his Government's behalf, announced more visa restrictions for senior Guyanese officials who are undermining democracy. Kozak was at the time taking part in a teleconference when he made the announcement.

"On July 15, the Secretary announced the imposition of visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana. Today, we are acting to prevent ad-

will continue to act until the Granger Administration accepts the will of Guyanese voters,” Kozak had said.

Dr Irfaan Ali of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was sworn-in as Guyana’s ninth Executive President on Sunday, bringing an end to a record-breaking prolonged electoral process that was driven by the incumbent APNU/AFC regime refusing to bow to the will of the people as expressed through their ballots.

he United States (US) has been a driving force behind the international community's push for the former coalition Government to accept the will of the Guyanese people.

On Sunday, acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Western Affairs of the US State Department, Michael Kozak lauded the conclusion of the election process.

After five months, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) finally accepted defeat on Sunday and President Irfaan Ali was sworn in. In a statement on his social media account, Kozak called the declaration a triumph for democracy.

"Democracy rules in Guyana! Today, Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in as president, reflecting the will of the Guyanese people," Kozak tweeted, sharing a joint statement from the ABCE countries - US, United Kingdom, Canada and European Union (EU) congratulating the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

According to Kozak in his tweet, the US Department of State "congratulates President Ali & look forward to working with all to support Guyana’s development for the benefit of all its people."

ditional senior individuals from that country from entering the United States,” Kozak had said.

He had reiterated the words of US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who had made it clear that the US would act in the face of the then Granger Administration and its allies’ continued defiance of the will of the Guyanese people by refusing to accept the vote count.

“The count has been certified as valid by international observers OAS and Caricom, Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s highest courts.

The United States joins the rest of the Region refusing to go along with this farce. We

He was sworn-in by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards following the declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

The PPP/C won the presidency with a commanding 233,336 votes, a remarkable lead of 15,416 over its nearest political rival, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) – which has been refusing to accept defeat, and which at the last hour, attempted to file an injunction in the courts to prevent the declaration by Chairman of GECOM Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lack of confidence in Judiciary stems from inconsistent approaches to bail, sentencing – UNDP

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recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which assesses the judicial systems in nine Caribbean territories, has highlighted that the lack of trust and confidence in Guyana’s Judiciary has arisen from the inconsistent approaches to bail and sentencing.

“The length of time in completing civil and criminal cases also affects public perception whilst a lack of trust and confidence stems from inconsistent approaches to bail and sentencing as there are no sentencing and bail guidelines or legislation,” the report asserted.

The UNDP recom-

mended sentencing guidelines and bench books for both Magistrates and High Court Judges.

“This is possible to achieve through a practice direction from the Chancellor and would not necessarily require legislative amendments. This would be particularly useful for High Court Judges who are rotated every three months and therefore, may not be as versed in the criminal practice as a dedicated Criminal Court Judge would be.”

It was also noted that the Bail Act could also assist in criminal justice as it would be able to streamline approaches in terms of

those who are qualified for bail.

The report also outlined that the rules must also involve the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) actively managing cases from committal proceedings for a

more efficient process.

During a judgement delivered in May last, in the case of a sexual offence from Guyana, the full bench of seven Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) stressed the need for

44 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in 24 hours …active cases now 268

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whopping 44 new COVID-19 cases were recorded as of Sunday – the largest increase ever witnessed in one day since the virus was detected locally back in March thus bringing the new total to 474 with 286 active cases.

A breakdown of the new cases shows that 42 are from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which borders neighbouring Brazil while the other two are from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Officials have expressed worry about Region Nine since Brazil is labelled the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in South America and there are frequent illegal crossings from that country into Guyana.

The Public Health Ministry’s daily dashboard showed that the number of deaths moved to 21, with another fatality originating from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

There are 268 persons in institutional isolation.

Of that number, 38 persons are in institutional quarantine and three persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Meanwhile, 185 recoveries were recorded.

Thus far, a total of 4893 tests were conducted, 4419 of which returned negative results.

It was reported that Guyana ranked fifth in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), for the highest number of coronavirus cases within member states as of Saturday. This alarming trend also continues when the death rates are compared, as the country is in second place. Statistics show that Haiti has the highest number of cases, fol-

lowed by Suriname (1650); Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Phase Four of the country’s reopening process commenced on Saturday. This stage remains the same as Phase Three, but places of worship are now allowed to recommence in-person worshipping, prayers, weddings and funerals in a controlled manner.

In this regard, these religious buildings are only permitted to host 25 per cent of their total capacity and the surroundings must be sanitised as soon as the services are over.

The 20:00h to 06:00h (8 pm to 6 am) curfew was ex-

tended until August 15, unless extended or amended by notice through the Public Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing health conditions.

This is only applicable to Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturdays and Sundays only, while mining areas and coordinates listed in the gazette document will follow the 18:00h to 06:00h (6 pm to 6 am) curfew.

Persons are still not allowed to travel into or out of these areas without authorisation from the Ministry and it was decided

that “all mining operations shall cease” – amid several calls from organisations and concerned stakeholders about the serious implications and risks.

Further, the Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F Correia International Airports shall remain closed to all international flights except for outgoing, cargo, medevac, and special authorised flights and technical stops for fuel only.

All other conditions related to public service, transportation and dining among others remain the same as previously outlined.

sentencing guidelines to be developed and published by the Judiciary of Guyana.

The regional Judges agreed that trial Judges of Guyana would benefit significantly from sentencing guidelines crafted, decided upon, and published by the Judiciary of Guyana.

“The publication of sentencing guidelines would undoubtedly play a key role in building public trust and confidence in the Judiciary of Guyana and in promoting the rule of law.”

Meanwhile, in May

2019, the Legal Affairs Ministry advertised that it was looking for a consultant to draft a Bail Act. The Bail Act will be aimed at bringing uniformity concerning the granting and refusal of bail. It is expected to bring some level of consistency.

According to the 2018 Improve Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT) report, countries without a Bail Act are Guyana, Grenada, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Montserrat, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. (G1)

MoPH confirms 21st COVID-19 death – victim identified as Diamond resident

The Public Health Ministry in the wee hours of Sunday confirmed Guyana’s latest COVID-19 death, bringing the total to 21.

The victim has been identified as 34-yearold Doodkumar Sookraj of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to reports, Sookraj passed away on Thursday last. Following his death, a COVID-19 test was conducted on him and that returned a positive result late Saturday evening.

On July 22, Guyana recorded its 20th COVID-19 death as 56-year-old Roger Martindale, a resident of Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), succumbed to the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

The man’s death was only announced three days after his demise by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle, during the coronavirus briefing.

The man’s family was in a state of emotional turmoil as he was just laid to rest a few hours prior to the Ministry making the announcement.

The situation was compounded by the fact that they vehemently disagreed with the conclusion that he died from COVID-19.

The family is holding out

that the man was sick for the past four months, and upon seeking treatment at the Bartica Hospital, doctors diagnosed him with Tuberculosis (TB) and as such, the revelation about him contracting the deadly virus is alarming.

In addition, the 19th COVID-19 death was recorded on July 15. A 36-yearold male from the North West District in Region One (Barima-Waini) died at the Georgetown Public Hospital allegedly from COVID-19related complications.

He was in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and died less than 24 hours after the 18th death was recorded. Milton Paul, a 74-year-old resident of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, had reportedly died several days after he was admitted.

His family members are also contending that the elderly man was taken to the hospital to be treated for an ailment and are convinced that he might have contracted the virus at the medical facility.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer had stated that for a country with fewer than one million people, Guyana has recorded a “very high” COVID-19 death rate.

news@guyanatimesgy.com

16 NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New President’s parents beam with pride as their son accomplishes his dream

…tell Guyanese to expect hard work, commitment

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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ne of the first and foremost thing parents do is to support their children’s dream. It does not matter how out of reach that dream may seem, they support it and push their children to accomplish that.

That has been the role of parents Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali and 40 years later, they are seeing their baby’s dreams become a reality. To say that the parents of newly minted President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali are proud would be a gross misrepresentation of their emotions at the time of their son’s swearing-in.

However, their pride did not just manifest itself when their son was declared as President rather it has always been there.

Mrs and Mrs Ali sat down with Guyana Times amidst the hustle and bustle at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday – less than an hour after their son took his Oath of Office to serve the Guyanese people for the next five years.

The way Mrs Bibi Shariman Ali spoke about President Ali is enough for one to conclude that she is filled to the brim with pride.

She took us back decades into their home when she related that the presidency has always been a dream of her son.

Back when President Ali was in secondary school, he was entertaining the family and asserted that he would become President one day.

It was something his parents just seemingly brushed off but for him, it was the goal.

President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali with his parents Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali

He worked arduously to ensure that he was priming himself to accomplish exactly what he set out to become.

“We are really, really, really proud and it is humbling.

That is why I said emotions are mixed because when I look at his childhood, look back at everything else, it makes me believe that whatever you feel you can achieve you can because from a little boy he was saying that he would be President. When he was in high school, he was the family comic and he always used to entertain us and one time when he was entertaining us, he was pretending to be the President and he said he will be the President,” Mrs Ali recounted.

Seeing her youngest child achieve his dream is a feeling, Mrs Ali wishes every parent experiences. As a mother to two boys, she remembers be-

ing quite often asked whether she misses the presence of a daughter but would always respond in the negative. She explained that her sons, particular President Ali, was exceptionally kind and caring.

They ensured that everyone was loved as taken care of.

She also noted that as parents, both she and Mr Ali made sure their sons were kind and generous and to this date, the kindness and generosity have stuck with them.

President Ali’s parents always made sure that they were first and foremost supportive. When he decided to enter the political realm by joining the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) – the youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – they were sceptical but nevertheless supportive.

“As parents, we always tried to support him and we

Cocaine, ganja found in butter during Police operation

never let him feel that you can’t be that or it’s too much for you. We would smile and the support is always there.

Even when he joined the PYO we were very supportive. It was very hard at times because when your son is in politics, and he was the one who is always in the forefront, as parents you worry sometimes but we never discouraged him. Most I would do is pray for him to make sure that he is safe and everything is fine with him,” the proud mother said.

Mr and Mrs Ali are cognisant of the struggles their son went through post-March 2 up until the declaration of results. They know that his assumption to the presidency comes after a long-fought battle to restore democracy to Guyana – a nation which is poised to undergo major economic transformation due to its newfound oil wealth.

His journey to the presidency commenced in January of 2019 when he was elected to lead the PPP/C’s List of Candidates after the Party toppled the incumbent in a vote of no-confidence on December 21, 2018.

“It feels so surreal because this process was such a long process you know and every time you think something will happen, then something crops up so it is kind of surreal. It’s a proud but humbling moment for us.

It is very surreal,” Mrs Ali said.

Meanwhile, the seemingly reserved Mr Mohamed Osman Ali could not help but beam at his son’s accomplishments.

“This is something that had me stunned when until it came to reality. I was home relaxing so when he told me (to get ready for the swearing-in) I felt so great knowing that Irfaan has been a boy who has been very committed very dedicated and he never gives up. He loves humanity, he loves Guyana, he loves the people of Guyana

President Irfaan Ali with his parents Bibi Shariman and Mohamed Osman Ali

and I am sure he would serve all the people of Guyana,” the proud father related.

He said that his son is someone who cares and is all about progressing Guyana to where it is supposed to be. He assured all Guyanese that President Ali will ensure that there is development for every one of them.

When asked about how he, as a parent took to the unwarranted criticisms his son had to face, the elder Ali noted that it was very disturbing when the questions began to swirl around about his son’s qualifications.

“We all know in honesty that he worked hard. He was very committed to his studies and whatever he achieved, it was achieved with honesty and pride. The past five months was somewhat difficult because it’s your son and there’s a feeling for him and when one would sit and see and hear all these talks and distortion of facts and all of that it, makes you feel like something is going wrong,” he said.

However, he would always advise his son not to quit on his dreams and to keep fighting because it makes the end results even more worthy.

Meanwhile, Mrs Ali added that she would also encourage their son to never give up. She noted that it is not mere rhetoric when her son says he will govern for

all the people, explaining that Guyanese should expect him to be a President for all since he is someone who would not judge you based on ethnicity or social class.

“Believe that when he promises to be President for the people, he will hold that.

I know him, he is very, very genuine when it comes to that. He loves the people, he loves this country, it is the very core of him and I know my son more than anybody else.

“You can expect that he will work very hard. I know him and he puts a lot of energy into his work. He likes to get things done quickly. You will see inclusive Government and I believe he will keep that promise and he will make sure that all Guyanese feel that they’ve won this election,” she said.

She told Guyanese to expect hard work and commitment from their new President since he is exactly that person.

From a boy with a humble upbringing on the West Coast of Demerara village of Leonora, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali now ascends to the highest office in the land with the promise to govern with the best interest for all. It is a promise his parents said he will keep and informed the nation that they “will be there to make sure he does.”

Former President David...

FROM PAGE 14

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2 3 - y e a r - o l d pork-knocker of Saffron Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Sunday arrested following the discovery of a quantity of ganja and cocaine at the Kurupukari Police Outpost, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo).

Based on reports received, Police acting on intelligence, intercepted a vehicle at the Police Outpost and conducted a search during which 1667 grams of marijuana and 171 grams of cocaine were unearthed in a bucket of

butter.

The illegal substances were reportedly concealed in several taped parcels.

After the discovery, the Charlestown resident admitted ownership and as such, he was arrested and is assisting Police with the investigation.

According to the recount results, the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes while the APNU/AFC obtained 217,920 votes – a difference of some 15,416 votes.

However, APNU/AFC used a number of its supporters to file court cases seeking to overturn the recount results.

In addition, it has staged protests with supporters shouting slogans like “valid votes only.” In fact, a mini protest was held two streets away from GECOM, while the Chair made her declaration on Sunday.

On the heels of international threats of serious consequences and sanctions if Guyana does not have

a legitimate Government, the United States had announced visa restrictions last month for individuals responsible for, or complicit in, the undermining of democracy of Guyana. Those persons’ immediate family members are also affected. Further visa restrictions were later announced, as APNU/AFC persisted in holding on to power.

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal dismissed the final challenge brought by APNU/AFC supporter Misegna Jones in a unanimous decision and upheld Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George’s recent ruling that the National Recount exer-

cise is valid, and that the decision taken by GECOM to use the recount figures as the basis for a final declaration of the March 2 polls must be adhered to. She also ruled that APNU/AFC must address their grievances in an election petition.

In the ruling handed down by Appellate Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, along with High Court Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, it was asserted that the proceedings filed by Jones are an abuse of the court system, since many of the issues raised were previously dealt with in other litigations filed during the protracted electoral process.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taxi driver shot dead, 4 injured after shooting incident at nightclub

Injured: Edward Skeete, called “Pretty Boy”

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taxi driver was shot dead while four others were injured in the wee hours of Sunday following a shooting incident at Magic City

Nightclub, Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Twenty-one-year-old Raymond Lindo of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the injured men has been identified as Edward Skeete called “Pretty Boy” of Lot 309 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown. He was reportedly shot at least four times about his body and was listed in a serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Skeete was reportedly one of the men who pulled the trigger.

Based on information received, the now dead man was at the exotic nightclub with some friends when an argument broke out between Skeete and another man.

Dead: Raymond Lindo

This quickly escalated and the two men reportedly drew their firearms and opened fire.

However, after the shooting, Lindo was discovered in an unconscious state in the bathroom area

and was dragged out of the facility by his friends.

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

When this publication contacted the relatives of Lindo, they refused to comment on the fatal shooting other than to say he was last seen on Saturday at about 17:30h.

One brother explained that the family was not in a frame of mind to speak with the media. On the other hand, Skeete, who remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), was acquitted in 2018 for the 2015 murder of Ryan Clementson. He was also implicated in several armed robberies in the past.

Meanwhile, persons living in close proximity of the nightclub told several media outfits that they were awakened by the loud sounds of gunshots, which they claimed to be normal. One woman claimed that every weekend, intoxicated patrons would discharge rounds in the air, thus posing a threat to villagers.

Nevertheless, after the shooting, investigators were combing the area, picking up spent shells. From all indications, two small-calibre weapons were used in the shootout.

The Magic City Night Club is one of the many clubs that have been violating COVID-19 measures since the deadly virus was detected back in March.

Presently, there is a curfew from 20:00h to 06:00h.

3 arrested for Port Mourant Crane man found dead with Chinese Supermarket robbery neck slashed with $1.4 million in cash, a quantity of GTT and Digicel phone cards and one black Huawei cell phone.

In addition, Qiu Jing Zou, 48, one of the owners of the supermarket, was relieved of $10,000 while the sales representative’s Samsung Galaxy cellphone was taken away.

After the ordeal, the

T

The Long Sheng Supermarket

hree persons are now in custody in connection with an armed robbery committed at the Long Sheng Chinese Supermarket, at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Guyana Times understands that the three men were arrested during a cordon-and-search operation by ranks in B Division.

Those in custody are Denzil Thomas of Carpen Street, Rose Hall Town; Kelvin Bates of New Market Street, Corentyne and Nitesh Nandlal, a driver of Portuguese Quarter, Port Mourant.

It was reported that three masked men, armed with guns and a cutlass, invaded the supermarket around 20:00h and demanded cash.

Surveillance footage seen by this publication showed two men barging into the supermarket, while a third person kept guard.

The suspects accosted a Chinese national, 22-yearold Baosheng Zouand, while holding one of the female staff at gunpoint.

The sales representative was led to the cashier booth, along with one of the owners, and was forced to put the day’s sales in a bag. The footage also showed the bandits gun-butting and kicking

The bandits on camera robbing the supermarket

the Chinese nationals.

Zouand was later taken to a room in the Supermarket where he handed over a large sum of cash.

The armed men escaped

three men made their escape in a waiting motor car. The crime was reported and the Police launched an investigation.

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22-year-old man was on Sunday evening found dead with a gaping wound to his neck at a ball field located at Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD). The dead man has been identified as Darrel James of Crane, WCD. Based on information received, the discovery was made at about 09:00h on the day in question. Reports reaching Guyana Times revealed that the man was last seen alive on Sunday morning at about 08:30h.

At the time, he was taking out a flock of sheep to graze but his body was later discovered lying in a pool of blood. While there are not any known issues between the now dead man and any villagers, his relatives are hoping that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

He was reportedly threatened by the stepfather and older brother of a young woman who he was courting. He was reportedly warned to stay away from the

Dead: Darrel James

young woman, who resides in the same village.

In light of the threats, the now dead man would have reported same to his family. Police in D Division have since launched an investigation into the murder.

No arrests were made up to press time.

18 Message from the GCCI CIOG congratulates HE on swearing-in of HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali O MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wishes to congratulate His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his appointment as the ninth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. We also extend our congratulatory greetings to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on its success at the March 2, 2020 polls.

The Chamber would like to thank all parties and entities which participated in the electoral process. We would also like to thank the

Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh for executing her office and duties as Chairperson in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.

The GCCI looks forward to working with HE Dr Ali and the Government of Guyana on the task of nation-building and, in particular, Private Sector development. However, a number of immediate challenges confront Guyana, foremost of which is the devastating public health and economic impact of the novel corona-

virus.

The Chamber anticipates a now fully functional Government to comprehensively address this pandemic which has had deleterious effects on the welfare of Guyanese.

As said previously, the GCCI remains supportive of any Government brought to power by the democratic process and will continue to act as a partner in nation-building as we all seek to develop this nation of ours. We anticipate Guyana’s continued development, for the benefit of the people of Guyana.

Viraat Sabhaa Guyana extends congratulations to Dr Irfaan Ali

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he Viraat Sabhaa Guyana extends congratulations to Dr Irfaan Ali as the ninth Executive President and Mr Mark Phillips as our new Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The Sabhaa pledges to support you and your Government in every regard of development within our na-

tion. Over the past five years, our country has depreciated in almost every conceivable regard.

It’s time to rebuild, as such, all resources and efforts are required to confront the forthcoming challenges. The Sabhaa is willing to subscribe to the national interest.

We believe together we can collaborate to make Guyana proud once again.

The Sabhaa wishes to congratulate the entire team and those who supported your team to victory.

Guyana is multi-ethnic and diverse in cultures, hence our support is to subscribe to national harmony, irrespective of differences of beliefs and faiths.

Once again, congratulations to you and your Government.

n behalf of myself and family and on behalf of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), I wish to congratulate you on ascending to the Office of the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, amplified because you are also the first Muslim President of our country.

Your Excellency, the Muslim community is bursting with joy at this blessing from Allah (SWT), that he has chosen one from the Ummah of our Master Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to lead our country.

Make no mistake, your elevation to this office was made possible only by the permission of Allah (SWT), who has entrusted you with guiding and protecting our nation.

Please, do not ever breach the Amanah (trust) that Allah (SWT) has placed on your shoulders. In this regard, I remind myself and you of the verse of the Holy Qur’an: “It is He Who hath made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He hath raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He hath given you” (Al-An’âm 6: 165)”.

For your guidance, as you undertake this new

chapter in your life, Allah (SWT) has said: “There has come to you from Allah Light and a Plain Book.”

(5.15). Please read the Book of Allah as much as possible; this will be the source of your success. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us” (Quran, 21:73).

Your ascension comes at a time when there is a lot of division in our country, but we are confident that you can heal the wounds and unite our people.

Allah says in chapter 49 of the Holy Quran: “O mankind we have created from a single pair of a male and a female; and have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other, not that you may despise one another. Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most righteous.

Verily Allah is well acquainted of all things.”

I implore you to govern with Ihsan (excellence), compassion, justice, patience, endurance, commitment, sacrifice and most critically bowing down in Worship to the King of Kings, the

Lord of the Worlds – Allah (SWT). It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (PUBH) said, “Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth” (Al-Hakim). Prayers and supplications bring us nearer to God and protect us from calamities and destruction. On the positive side, prayers and supplications plead our case to God who bestows more blessings on us. In verse 60 of Sura Mu’min, God commands us, “And your Lord says, Call on me; I will answer your (prayers). But those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely enter Hell - in humiliation.”

May Allah (SWT) grant you the tawfeeq to lead our country in a manner that is pleasing to HIM. May Allah (SWT) bless you and bestow upon you the wisdom, strength, and humility to be worthy and successful.

I pledge my personal support and the support of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana.

Your brother, Al Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG)

LJP congratulates HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

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he Liberty and Justice Party congratulates President-elect, Dr Irfaan Ali and the People Progressive Party/Civic on their victory at the March 2, 2020 elections.

That the declaration took this long is a travesty and an event that has caused very serious societal fault lines that the people will now look to the incoming Administration to take significant steps to

heal. The events leading up to these delayed results are matters that we hope the incoming Administration treats with decisively to avoid future such events and to deter anyone from thinking they can perverse the will of the people.

We extend our gratitude to all the political parties that fought to defend democracy, the international community and partners, the Guyana Elections Commission and the pa-

tient Guyanese population.

We also extend a special thank you to the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, madam Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh for all her tireless efforts and for the delivery of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

We look forward to an inclusive Government and the fulfilment of the PPP/ C’s pre-electoral promises to ensure an inclusive and progressive Guyana.

URP looks forward to working with HE Dr Irfaan Ali

O

n behalf of the Executive of the United Republican Party (URP) and on my own behalf, we would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the Co-operative Republic Of Guyana.

We are sure that under your leadership, wisdom, and guidance, Guyana will strive to much greater heights and achievements.

We take this opportuni-

ty to reaffirm the URP’s unequivocal commitment to the development of our beloved country Guyana.

Your ascension to the highest office of the land comes at a critical time and we encourage you to pursue electoral and constitutional reform. You can count on our absolute support for your efforts.

We look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our friend-

ship and to advance our common objective of building a modern and safe Guyana every Guyanese will be proud of.

The URP looks forward to working closely and strengthening the cooperation between our parties’ ideological concepts wherever they intersect and find common grounds.

Let me once again reiterate the URP’s sincere congratulations on your success.

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Coronavirus: Victoria declares state of disaster after spike in cases

Russia says July oil output in line with OPEC+ deal

R

ussia’s Energy Ministry said on Sunday that the country’s oil output in July was unchanged from levels seen in June, in line with an OPEC+ agreement.

The Ministry added that its level of compliance with the deal in July was close that recorded in June, when it stood at 99 per cent.

Energy Ministry data published earlier on Sunday by Interfax news agency showed that Russia’s oil and gas condensate production had increased to 9.37 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, up from 9.32 million bpd in June.

Oil output cuts, agreed between the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other major producers including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, are due to be eased in August.

Under the OPEC+ agreement, Moscow pledged to reduce its output to around 8.5 million bpd in May-July to support oil prices.

The deal does not include output of gas condensate, a light oil.

The cuts under the global deal should be eased starting from August because of a recovery in oil prices LCOc1. Russia has said it would increase its oil production by 400,000 bpd.

The Ministry data showed that Russian oil and gas condensate production rose to 39.63 million tonnes in July from 38.16 million tonnes in June, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russia usually produces 700,000 to 800,000 bpd of gas condensate. That means that excluding gas condensate, Russia could have produced around 8.57 million to 8.67 million bpd of crude oil in July.

Russian oil exports outside the former Soviet Union stood last month at 15.72 million tonnes, down 27.1 per cent from July 2019. In barrels per day, exports reached 3.72 million, according to Interfax.

The news agency also said on Sunday that Russian natural gas output reached 50.33 billion cubic metres in July, down 7.9 per cent from a year earlier. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

Melbourne's normally bustling city centre is now deserted

he Australian state of Victoria has declared a state of disaster and imposed new lockdown measures after a surge in coronavirus infections.

Under the new rules, which came into effect at 18:00 (08:00 GMT), resi-

dents of the state capital Melbourne are subject to a night-time curfew.

There will be further restrictions on residents' ability to leave home.

Australia has been more successful than many other countries in tackling COVID-19, but cases are

V

Workers in protective suits spray to disinfect the Amazonas Theatre ahead of its reopening after the Amazonas State government eased isolation measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Manaus, Brazil, August 2, 2020

T

B

spread their message to as many voters as possible.

If the GOP decision stands, it will mark the first party nominating convention in modern history to be closed to reporters.

Some GOP delegations have privately raised logistical issues with travelling to either city, citing the increasing number of jurisdictions imposing mandatory quarantine orders on travellers returning from states experiencing surges in infections.

The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2500 official delegates to the convention.

Alternate delegates and guests have already been prohibited. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The night-time curfew is being implemented across Melbourne from 20:00 to 05:00.

The only valid reasons for leaving home during these hours will be work, medical care or care-giving.

Melbourne residents will only be allowed to shop and exercise within 5km (three miles) of their home.

Exercise outside of the home will only be allowed for one hour at a time.

Only one person per household is allowed to shop for essentials at a time.

All students across the state are returning to home-based learning and childcare centres are closed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil registers 25,800 Venezuela's major new coronavirus cases; Opposition parties pledge to death toll tops 94,000 boycott December election

Republican renomination of Trump to be held in private

he Republican Party vote to nominate President Donald Trump will be conducted in private later this month, without members of the press present, a spokeswoman for the party's national convention said, citing coronavirus concerns.

While Trump called off the public components of the convention in Florida last month, citing spiking cases of the virus across the country, 336 delegates are scheduled to gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 24 to formally vote to make Trump the GOP nominee once more.

Nominating conventions are traditionally meant to be media bonanzas, as political parties seek to leverage the attention the events draw to

rising in Victoria.

The state - Australia's second most populous state - now accounts for many of the country's new infections in recent weeks, prompting the return of lockdown restrictions in early July.

But on Sunday Premier Daniel Andrews said the measures were working but too slowly. "We must go harder. It's the only way we'll get to the other side of this," he told reporters.

The new rules will remain in place until at least September 13, Andrews added.

On Sunday, Victoria reported 671 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths.

Those increases brought the totals to 11,557 infections and 123 deaths.

razil recorded 25,800 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 541 deaths from the disease caused by the virus in the previous 24 hours, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Brazil has registered more than 2.73 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began, while the official death toll has risen to 94,104, according to Ministry data.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

enezuela’s main Opposition parties on Sunday pledged to boycott legislative elections scheduled for December 6, saying they would be rigged by the ruling socialist party and that taking part would amount to “collaborating with the dictatorship’s strategy”.

The move was widely expected after a series of recent interventions by President Nicolás Maduro’s government in the National Electoral Council (CNE) and Opposition political parties. The parties boycotted Maduro’s 2018 re-election on similar grounds, and now label him a usurper.

But it nonetheless paves the way toward a loss of Opposition control of the National Assembly, which could complicate the standing of Juan Guaidó, recognised by dozens of countries as Venezuela’s rightful President due to his position as the Congress’s Speaker.

“Venezuela, a nation undergoing a humanitarian cri-

sis that is also subjected to a criminal, oppressive dictatorship, deserves free, democratic and transparent elections,” the 27 parties wrote in a statement published on the National Assembly’s website.

The parties included Guaidó’s Popular Will party, as well as the Justice First, Democratic Action, and A New Era parties, which are collectively known as the “G4” and make up the bulk of Opposition representation in the legislature.

Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Maduro calls Guaidó a US-backed puppet seeking to oust him in a violent coup, and has argued the Opposition boycotts elections it knows it would lose.

The parties’ decision to boycott comes after the Maduro-friendly supreme court named directors of the CNE, which oversees elections, a function the constitution assigns to the National Assembly.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Three dead in attack on Afghan jail, scores of prisoners flee

A

n attack claimed by Islamic State on a jail compound in the Afghan city of Jalalabad killed at least three people and injured dozens, triggering heavy fighting in which scores of prisoners escaped, an official said.

Sohrab Qaderi, a provincial council member, said a huge car bomb explosion was followed by at least two smaller blasts outside the Government-run prison,

and that Police then fought attackers who had taken up positions nearby.

Islamic State’s Amaq news agency quoted a military source as saying its fighters had carried out Sunday’s attack but gave no further details. There was no independent confirmation that the militant group was responsible.

“At least three people were dead and 25 were injured in the ongoing clash-

es,” Qaderi said. More than 50 prisoners escaped, and the death toll could rise, he added.

The assault happened on the third and final day of a ceasefire between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, when hundreds of Taliban prisoners were released in an attempt to make a final push for intra-Afghan peace talks.

The Taliban was not responsible for the attack, a

spokesman for the Islamist group said.

President Ashraf Ghani and the Taliban have both indicated that long-delayed negotiations could begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha festival, which took place in Kabul on Thursday.

The Taliban says it has freed all 1000 Afghan prisoners it had pledged to release in a deal with the United States. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

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DILBERT

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SUDOKU

Call on those you know and trust to help you make the changes that will propel you in the direction you want to pursue. Personal improvement is favored.

Don't sit around, waiting for someone to step in and take over. Put your emotions aside and do what you need to do.

Strive for stability.

Don't fall into a pattern that will hold you back. Pay less attention to others, and spend more time mapping out how to get ahead.

Don't take a risk when it comes to business, health or contracts. Anger solves nothing, but discipline and hard work will lead to success.

If you let your emotions take over, you will be left behind. The best way to handle change is to find a way to fit in in any way possible. Think big, be positive and forge ahead.

Contemplate your next move before making a change.

Keep your emotions out of the equation, or you may end up triggering a chain reaction that does more harm than good.

Focus on being positive, and align yourself with people who motivate you, not those who are demanding or argumentative. Expand your mind and pursue creative endeavors.

When in doubt, gather the facts before you take action.

Given a chance, someone will mislead you. Let your intuition be your guide. Learn from experience, and let success be your revenge.

Outside interference will SAGITTARIUS cause problems between you (Nov. 23and someone you love. Focus Dec. 21) on domestic matters and self-improvement projects.

Choose peace and love over discord.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

It's essential to offer solutions that will benefit everyone. Take control, and you will bring about better relationships. A possible change will improve your home life.

You'll have an impact on those who look up to you if you are understanding. Pay close attention to the way you look and how you present yourself to the world.

A change based on emotional influences will create a problem with someone close to you. Consideration, trust and honesty will make matters more comfortable to deal with as you move forward.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

21

Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix after puncture on last lap

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ewis Hamilton took an extraordinary victory in a dramatic finish to the British Grand Prix despite suffering a puncture on the last lap.

The Mercedes driver's left-front tyre failed halfway around the last lap, but he held on in front of Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Verstappen would have won had he not stopped late for fresh tyres in a successful quest for the point for fastest lap. Hamilton's team-mate Valtteri Bottas also punctured, two laps earlier, which dropped him out of the points. The Finn finished 11th and dropped to 30 points behind Hamilton in the title race, a potentially devastating blow to his hopes so early in a season truncated by the coronavirus.

McLaren's Carlos Sainz was a third driver to suffer a left-front puncture, his like Hamilton's on the last lap, and he dropped from fourth place to 13th. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was promoted from fourth to the final podium spot by the late drama. The drama started with Bottas suffering a puncture to his Mercedes with two laps to go It was a remarkable finish to a race that had been soporific until that point, and Hamilton recognised that afterwards, saying over the radio, his voice drenched in relief: "That was close." The Mercedes drivers had been nursing their tyres after making an earlier-than-expected pit stop because of the second of two safety cars.

They stopped to change from medium to hard tyres on lap 13, very early to make it to the end of the race on one set of hard tyres.

They were clearly managing their pace from then on, but despite that dark rings ap-

Lewis Hamilton

peared on their tyres as the race moved into the closing stages.

But there was no real sign of the drama to come until Bottas' left front tyre deflated shortly after starting lap 50, with two to go. The Finn limped around almost an entire lap and was too far back to get into the points.

Hamilton looked then to be cruising to the flag, until he too suffered a puncture, this time heading down the back straight towards Brooklands. Then it was a question of whether he could get around the remainder of the lap – more than half of it –- before Verstappen caught him. Hamilton said: "Until the last lap, everything was relatively smooth sailing.

"The tyres felt great. Valtteri was really pushing incredibly hard and I was doing some management of that tyre and he looked like he wasn't doing any.

"When (his) tyre went, everything seemed fine, so I was thinking maybe it was OK. And then just down the straight it deflated.

"I noticed the shape of the tyre shifting, and that was heart in the mouth and I didn't know if it had gone down until I braked.

Then just driving it – sometimes it will come off and break the wing. I nearly didn't get round the last two corners. Maybe we should have stopped towards the end when we saw the delaminations (on the other cars)."

Hamilton said his engineer Peter

Bonnington was counting down the gap to Verstappen over the radio as he neared the flag.

"The car seemed to turn OK through Maggotts and Becketts," Hamilton said, "and then it was a real struggle in the last two corners. I could hear the gap coming down from 19 to 10. I could hear out of the last corner him going, 'Nine, eight, seven,' and I was just like: 'Get back on the gas.'"

It was a dramatic finish to a race that could well have an equally substantial impact on the championship fight.

Following Sainz's late puncture, Renault's Daniel Ricciardo came out on top in a close midfield battle, passing the other McLaren of Lando Norris late in the race, while the Australian's team-mate Esteban Ocon took sixth.

Alpha Tauri's Pierre Gasly drove a strong race to seventh, including a brave pass on Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel around the outside of Stowe and then taking the inside for the tight left-hander at Vale that follows. And Red Bull's Alexander Albon recovered to eighth after being penalised – harshly in some eyes – for a collision with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen at Club on the first lap, an incident that brought out the first of two safety cars.

Hamilton was impressive in his consummate control, both of the race and his final lap, but Leclerc was perhaps the standout performer, taking third in the uncompetitive Ferrari having qualified it fourth, while his team-mate Sebastian Vettel was a long way behind in an uncompetitive 10th, losing out in fights with midfielders.

(BBC Sport)

Test recall, 2023 World Neymar: Barcelona President says it is “unfeasible” to sign Cup on Bairstow's mind Brazilian during COVID-19 J

onny Bairstow is keen to return to England’s Test squad and also wants to help the team retain their 50-overs World Cup title in 2023, the 30-year-old has said.

Bairstow played the last of his 70Ttests in South Africa in December and was left out of last month’s home series against West Indies as well as the first Test against Pakistan, beginning on Wednesday.

A Test recall “is my burning ambition, but the only way I’m going to do that is to score runs, starting in this ODI series” he told Sky Sports after his quick-fire 82 secured England’s four-wicket victory in the second One-Day International against Ireland on Saturday in Southampton, England. “I’m hopefully going back to Yorkshire to play two four-day games in between this and the T20s. So, yeah, the journey to hopefully get back into contention for that starts here.”

An important cog in England’s limitedovers squads, he reached his 50 against Ireland in just 21 deliveries – matching the fastest by an Englishman in one-day cricket.

Bairstow reached the 3000-run milestone in oneday cricket on Saturday and has now set his sights on helping England retain the World Cup he and his team-mates won on home soil last year.

“We try and reach 4000; we try and reach even more than that, as long as you’re contributing to the team and playing the way we have been over the last few years, he said. “We’re striving to keep pushing those boundaries forward to 2023. That’s my next bit – I want to be there in 2023 and really pushing and Jonny Bairstow see if we can retain it.” (Reuters)

I

t is "unfeasible" for Barcelona to resign Neymar from Paris St-Germain in the current economic climate, says the club's President, Josep Maria Bartomeu.

A move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has also been affected. Bartomeu told Spanish newspaper Sport that Barca generated 200 million euros less than expected between March and June because of the coronavirus pandemic. "All the big European clubs are affected," he said.

"This isn't going to last a year, but three or four."

Brazilian forward Neymar joined PSG for a world record 222 million euros in August 2017, but Barcelona tried to re-sign the player last summer. "Neymar? In this situation, it's unfeasible," said Bartomeu.

"Nor does PSG want to sell him.

"Barca have spoken with Inter about Lautaro, but the talks have stopped. The situation doesn't invite large investments."

Bartomeu went on to explain that Barcelona lost 200 million euros between March and June. He added: "In the 202021 season, we expected to post 1.1 billion

euros, but we'll have 30 per cent of that. If the situation of the pandemic doesn't improve, there will be no spectators, no museum, no stores open, and money will continue to be lost.

"It forces us to be very rigorous in management: we must review which investments are essential and which can wait."

Bartomeu also confirmed the club opened up disciplinary proceedings against midfielder Arthur, who is joining Juventus as part of a swap deal with Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic, after he failed to return to the club from holiday.

"We reached the agreement that until the Champions League ended, he would continue playing for Barca. He could help us," said Bartomeu, who has been Barca President since 2014.

"But he didn't return from his minibreak, so we have opened a file on him." (BBC Sport)

22

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Edwards to play CPL, miss county season in England

F

idel Edwards will miss the 2020 county season and has been awarded a testimonial as he looks to have played his last competitive game for Hampshire.

Edwards, the 38-year-old fast bowler, signed Kolpak terms with Hampshire in 2015 and has played 81 times for them across formats. He has been a key part of their County Championship attack, still finding good pace late in his career and was part of the squad that won the Royal London Cup in 2018.

He has been in Barbados throughout the lockdown.

With international travel and visa arrangements difficult on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, he came to a mutual decision with the club to end his contract. He will play for Jamaica Tallawahs in next month's Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

With Kolpak registrations set to be cancelled from the end of this year, Edwards would have to re-sign as an overseas player for Hampshire, but prospects of that are minimal since Kyle Abbott's contract contains a clause stipulating that he will automatically move to an overseas deal. As a result, Edwards has been awarded a testimonial, which is due to take place at some point next summer.

"It's a bit sad that my Hampshire career looks to be ending in these circumstances, during the pandemic, but there is a lot to celebrate and remember from my days at Hampshire," Edwards said. "I want to thank all my team-

mates and the staff at the club who have made m e feel so welcome and, of course, the supporters too. I hope this isn't it for me and county cricket, but for now I am proud to have pulled on the Hampshire shirt and look forward to returning for my testimonial match in 2021."

Giles White, Hampshire's Director of Cricket, said: ''Circumstances have conspired against a return for Fidel and sadly, it may be that he has played his last game for the club.

Personally, I can't speak highly enough of Fidel and the impact that he has had. He's been an unbelievable player over his whole career, but most recently with us.

"We will miss him in every way; he's been a great team-mate and a wonderful performer, and we all look forward to welcoming Fidel Edwards

Fidel back next year to pay tribute to his outstanding contribution to the club.''

Limits on international travel have caused significant problems for counties in the build-up t o the start of the Bob Willis Trophy on Saturday, with several high-profile players missing and the majority of overseas deals cancelled or deferred.

Hampshire are also without Abbott and Brad Wheal for their season opener, while Sussex have confirmed that Stiaan van Zyl and David Wiese will not play for them in the competition – though there are hopes Wiese will arrive in time for the Blast.

Alec Stewart, Surrey's Director of Cricket, has been lobbying his local Member of Parliament for support in trying to sort out visas for Morne Morkel and Hashim Amla, while Ravi Rampaul will miss Derbyshire's first game of the season.

Farhaan Behardien, Durham's Kolpak signing, will miss their first game, but the club remain hopeful he will arrive "in the not-too-distant future". (ESPNcricinfo)

“Nowhere did the letter ask for anything” – Skerritt yet to put support behind any candidate for ICC Chairman

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223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

ricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt says he has not made a decision on who to support for International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman just yet despite stories suggesting he would, at the very least, not be supporting the bid of his predecessor, Dave Cameron.

Speaking on Antigua Observer Radio show, “Good Morning Jojo”, Skerritt said he had not responded positively or negatively to a letter from Cameron because it did not seek a response. “[…] we received a letter from my predecessor which, in effect, he said the letter speaks for itself and he said, looking forward to your support. Nowhere did the letter ask for anything,” said Skerritt.

Skerritt was referring to claims from Cameron that he sent a letter requesting that the CWI support him in his bid for Chairman of the ICC, in effect offering him as a candidate the organisation nominates.

“The letter was simply saying about all the things that he said I knew about, and in other words, I knew all these things he is going to do so, therefore, he is looking forward to my support,” said Skerritt.

“He, in effect, was assuming that because Cricket West Indies knew the issues, that he could look forward to our support; and I suppose he feels like that is an automatic

support and so the letter came across as look, I expect you to support me. I know he has the right to think that, but, however, he has gone on to tell people and I am not sure where he got it from, that I have said I am supporting the [former] Chairman [Colin Graves] of the ECB [England & Wales Cricket Board],” he said.

Skerritt, in response to comments that the CWI would be offering its support elsewhere, said no such decision has come, because nobody has announced they were yet running for the ICC’s top post.

“Nobody, including the Chairman of ECB, to the best of CWI President Ricky Skerrit (left) and former CWI President Dave Cameron my knowledge, has announced that he is going to be running for nominate Cameron for the top post. Cameron will the ICC chairmanship,” said Skerritt. need two nominations if he is to be part of the process Despite Skerritt’s claims, United States Cricket of electing a new ICC Chairman. (Sportsmax) has written to the ICC, indicating their willingness to

IPL franchises await news on South Africa players' participation

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223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

he non-participation of most South African players in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has brought into focus the possibility of them also missing parts, if not all, of the Indian Premier League (IPL_ season due to travel restrictions in the country because of the COVID-19 situation.

With no clarity yet – the IPL governing council meeting was on Sunday – on player replacements, the franchises are searching for answers, with some reaching out to their recruits and others waiting to broach the topic.

As such, of the South African players in the IPL, Imran Tahir might be available for Chennai Super Kings. He had stayed on in Pakistan after the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and is expected to join the squad soon after his CPL commitments with Guyana Amazon Warriors. The tournament is slated to finish on September 10.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, who have AB de Villiers, Chris Morris, and Dale Steyn in their ranks, could be the worst hit, while Super Kings also have two key players in Faf du Plessis and Lungi Ngidi, apart from Tahir. Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock are contracted with Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians respectively.

Royal Challengers could potentially have a situation where Sri Lanka's Isuru Udana could well be occupied till September 20, and thus miss their training camp, if he finds a team in the Lanka Premier League, which is being planned for an August 28 to September 20 run.

But the fact that South Africa's borders are closed might not be the biggest concern – a player agent ESPNcricinfo spoke to said the Board of Control for

Cricket in India's guidelines, and a formal statement of procedure (SOP) to chart the next course of action, remain more crucial.

The CSK management too has touched base with du Plessis and Ngidi, and remain confident of their players participating. ESPNcricinfo understands that a decision on potential replacements would only be taken after the BCCI's meeting with the franchises, which is likely to take place next week.

South Africa continues to remain in lockdown, with all provincial and international borders closed. While repatriation flights continue to leave the country, there has been a blanket ban on commercial flight operations.

Restrictions are likely to be lifted only after the pandemic peak passes, most likely towards the end of September.

While no franchise has been willing to come on record, there are murmurs over the possibility of teams hiring a charter flight to ferry the South African players to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). From South Africa's point of view, the absence of any significant window between the end of CPL and the start of the IPL has already led to the home season being pushed back further.

"West Indies tour of South Africa has been postponed indefinitely. We are struggling to find a time with the IPL being fitted in," Graeme Smith, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Director of Cricket, said on Friday. "It looks like our players are going to be needed from the beginning of September, Government-permitting, and travel permitting.

"Sri Lanka also [postponed]. I expect that once things get up and running, our team, on the men's side, I would

say from November onwards, if all goes well, it will be a really busy period for South African cricket, probably playing in times that we haven't played before and trying to cram in a lot of the missed tours."

As such, CSA has already said that it will issue noo b j e c t i o n certificates to the contracted players.

However, the onus then falls on the players to obtain travel permits and fulfil quarantine regulations if any. (ESPNcricinfo)

AB de Villiers and other South Africa players may have to get the better of travel restrictions to play IPL 2020 @ BCCI

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Confirmed! UAE to host tournament from September 19 to November 10

I

ndian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10, pending clearance from the Indian Government.

During its meeting on Sunday, the IPL governing council decided to set a 24-player limit for each squad, and approved the use of unlimited COVID-19 substitutes.

There will be 10 double-header days in the tournament schedule, which will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The night matches will begin at 7.30pm IST (6.00pm UAE time), and afternoon matches at 3.30pm IST (2.00pm UAE time).

This window makes IPL 2020 a 53-day event, three days longer than the last two editions, and the longest for an eight-team edition in the tournament's history. A franchise told ESPNcricinfo that detailed fixtures will be sent to them today, and that the first leg of the tournament will be played behind closed doors. The Emirates Board, earlier this week, had shown a keenness to have the stadiums at 30-50 per cent capacity.

In the lead-up to the meeting, it was understood that the date for the final was a toss-up between November 8 and November 10. With the latter being picked,

the IPL will, for the first time, have the final on a weekday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesday.

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) release said the Women's T20 Challenge would also take place alongside the IPL, featuring three teams playing four matches during the final week of the tournament. The release added that the governing council would finalise and publish its standard operating procedures (SOPs) "in due course, including the agencies to execute and deliver a bio-secure environment for safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season".

The IPL will retain all its major sponsors, including the Chinese mobile company VIVO, the title sponsor. The topic of Chinese sponsors has been a contentious one in recent weeks, given the cross-border tensions between India and China.

In April, the BCCI postponed the 2020 IPL season i n -

definitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board's first preference was to stage the event in India, but the rap-

idly increasing count of coronavirus cases in the country has made that unfeasible. The total count of confirmed cases in India has shot past the 1.75 million mark, which puts the country in third place behind the USA and Brazil worldwide.

On July 21, Brijesh Patel, the Chairman of the IPL governing council, announced that plans were afoot to hold the tournament in the UAE. Part of the 2014 edition was also held in the UAE, since it coincided with the General Elections in India. (ESPNcricinfo)

RHTY&SC, BCB distribute cricket gear under Basil Butcher Memorial Project

on the game which made them household names.

He committed himself, the RHTY&SC and the BCB to working harder every day to lift Berbice cricket even higher, so that the legacy of Butcher, Rohan Kanhai, Joe Solomon, and John Trim can live on. Sixty-two more youths will receive gear during the month while bicycles, school bags, food hampers, and scorebooks would also be distributed.

Requests for assistance with cricke t gear had been received from as far as Essequibo, East Bank Demerara,

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday last distributed cricket gear to youth cricketers in Berbice under their joint Basil Butcher Memorial Project.

A total of 25 youths received

Some of the cricketers with their gear (Brandon Corlette photos)

from the Ancient County entities a piece of cricket gear. At the simple presentation ceremony, BCB President and RHTY&SC Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that the late Basil Butcher was a legend and hero to be emulated, and urged the

attentive youths to always strive for excellence.

He urged the young players to develop a culture of hard work, honesty, discipline, dedication, and respect. The first set of players came from Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Canje, Blairmont and West Berbice.

The youths also received a Youth Information Booklet.

Gratitude was extended to all the persons who contributed to the effort, but Foster expressed disappointment that numerous former Berbice and Guyana players, along with cricket officials, have turned their backs

Georgetown and East Coast Demerara.

The RHTY&SC has promised to look into the requests and assist where possible.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020

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

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RHTY&SC, BCB distribute cricket gear under Basil Butcher Memorial Project

Pg 24

Confirmed! UAE to host tournament from September 19 to November 10 Pg 24

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