Guyana Times Monday March 30, 2020

P14

GPHC staff who were exposed to COVID-19 cleared

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

Issue No. 4241

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 28

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Court has no jurisdiction to give legitimacy to the “plainly illegitimate” ꟷ PPP ...court cannot negate GECOM’s role to order recount, to which Chair is committed

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Stories on pages 3 & 13

Expired HIV kits scandal

Auditor General had cited embattled company on numerous occasions

Ministerial task force P10 calls in Police to enforce "social distancing" …as Govt disavows Guyanese caught illegally travelling to Suriname

Tullow writes off US$60M on low-quality Guyana oil P7 wells ...low prices dampen future prospects

Page 11

ꟷ had documented Public Health Ministry's breaches of law for company

Over 800 US citizens repatriated home from Guyana Page 9

NBTS records decline in blood donations P14

ꟷ Canada, UK also seeking to do same

P15 New Amsterdam inundated after heavy downpour

NA municipality imposes lockdown after COVID-19 case …residents to be indoors by 19:00h

Page 12

2

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 30 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Tuesday, March 31 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 30 – 07:05h – 08:35h and Tuesday, March 31 – 07:55h – 09:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloud will prevail during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:52h and 20:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.33 Low Tide: 13:56h reaching a minimum height of 0.73 metre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

03 16 20

22 25 27

FREE TICKET

11 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

08 15 16 21 23 LUCKY 3

7

6

5

3

Afternoon Draw

0

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

05

08

11

12 18 21

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

04 05 08 09 12

06 07 09 15 16

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

Court has no jurisdiction to give legitimacy to the “plainly illegitimate” – PPP

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is of the view that the court has no jurisdiction to give legitimacy to what is “plainly illegitimate”, that is, the contentious elections results of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) which has been mired by “credible allegations” of fraud.

Following the declaration of the Region Four results on March 13, there have been widespread calls for a recount locally and from the international community.

In fact, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) had brokered a national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 elections, which was requested by President David Granger and agreed to by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. However, this had to be abandoned after an APNU/AFC candidate, Ulita Moore, obtained an injunction from the High Court to block the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from conducting the recount.

The PPP had questioned the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter but on Friday last, High Court Judge, Justice Franklyn Holder ruled that he had jurisdiction and set today for commencement of the injunction proceedings.

However, the PPP has since appealed Justice Holder’s decision in the Full Court. An application was also filed to stay the injunction proceedings while the appeal is being heard. These matters will come up for hearing at 11:00h today.

According to the PPP in a statement on Sunday, the ultimate objective of any judicial system is to resolve disputes in accordance with

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$

Change %

$24.93/barrel $251.55 /ton $350.70/ton

Live Spot Gold

-5.66 +1.49 +0.09

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask $1628.00 Low/High $1605.30 Change 0.00

$1629.00 $1642.40 0.00%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Freedom House

the law. It noted that any time a court obstructs, rather than facilitate the resolution of a dispute before it, in any form or fashion, then that court would be departing from its conceptual role as well as its constitutional duty.

“The very survival of Guyana, as a Nation-State, being part of the civilised and free world, is currently before the courts of Guyana… The fair, just and expedient thing for a court to do in these circumstances is to hold its hands, while the constitutional institution discharges its mandate.

After all, no court has the jurisdiction to give legitimacy to that which is plainly illegitimate,” the party noted.

The PPP pointed out that the quintessential issue of controversy is whether a recount of the ballots cast should be done. It noted that the law says it is a mandatory facility available to any political party desirous of a recount.

This request for a recount was made by eight of the political parties that contested the election four weeks ago but this was denied for the most dubi-

ous reasons by a Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, whose credibility, the party said, is “damaged beyond redemption.”

In addition to the political parties, including the caretaker APNU/AFC through its leader, it posited that every major local organisation and every accredited international observer team has called for this recount.

The same has been done by almost every diplomatic mission in Guyana and the Governments that they represent, while Caricom has gone as far as brokering an agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition to facilitate a recount and in this regard, an aide-memoire was signed by the nation’s two foremost leaders, the PPP stated.

The party went on to outline too that even the GECOM Chairperson, (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh has given an undertaking to the court, orally and in the form of a sworn affidavit, to conduct this recount.

“The Chairperson, a former Appellate Court Judge, has submitted to the court that GECOM has made a decision to conduct this re-

count; she emphasised that GECOM has the constitutional power and mandate to carry out this recount.

She reminded the court that GECOM is an autonomous independent body, exclusively charged with the responsibility to conduct elections. She has pleaded a case for GECOM to be allowed to discharge that mandate and has confirmed that GECOM was in the process of so doing, when injuncted by the court,” the party noted.

The statement added that Justice Singh further implored the court to recognise that GECOM must at all times act with fairness and impartiality, and that it is imperative that the Elections Commission be allowed to do so in a manner that will continue to inspire public confidence in the electoral machinery and the results generated therefrom.

“The world has said to Guyana that no Government, which assumes Office through the current declaration of the Region Four results, would enjoy legitimacy and that a repertoire of sanctions will be unleashed upon Guyana, and personally against those who aided and abetted in the derailing of democracy at these elections.

Against this backdrop, why would a court stand in the way of such an imminent resolution of the dispute before it by the authorised constitutional agency?” the party questioned in its missive on Saturday.

Nevertheless, the PPP surmised that in these circumstances, any court that hinders the resolution of this dispute regarding the recount becomes part of the problem and not the solution.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Views Social distancing 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

Fight for democratic Govt

O

n March 2, Guyanese thought they drew a proverbial line in the sand on the creeping subversion of the rule of law, which is a disturbing sign of a return to the dark days of the PNC’s dictatorial rule, especially between 1968 and 1985 under Forbes Burnham, that party’s “founder leader”.

During the last five years, there were too many examples abounding of governmental institutions — led by David Granger — stretching and acting outside their constitutional remit and taking unilateral political decisions that plunged the country further down the Burnhamite abyss.

As usual, it began with testing actions that violated the spirit of agreements that were solemnly crafted to guide actions in the political realm. For Granger to renege on the agreement with the AFC contained in the “Cummingsburg Accord” – to have his Prime Minister chair the Cabinet and be in charge of domestic governance – by claiming the Constitution precluded it was more than bad faith. It was a sign that, without compunction, Granger was willing to break the moral contract between parties that undergirds the rule of law writ large. The Constitution authorises the President to delegate any of his Executive powers to any of his Ministers, but unfortunately, the AFC was unwilling to challenge him on his claim. Their mouths were muzzled by the hand that feeds them.

Granger moved on to actually violate the Constitution when he disputed, in a long and contentious argument, the clear language that was inserted to approve the nomination and appointment of “any other fit and proper person” than a judge as the Chair of GECOM. He said it was simply the “perception” of the Chief Justice, to whom the matter was referred. He insisted that he was entitled to his “perception”, and took the matter all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Even when that apex court ruled against him, Granger insisted on another obtuse interpretation of the law to claim he was entitled to include his nominations on the list of six names the Opposition Leader was supposed to submit for him to choose from.

It is when these intrusions form a pattern of violations of the spirit of the rule of law that the vigilance of the citizenry becomes critical since dictatorships are usually constructed in broad daylight while the citizens are inattentive. Soon the rights of those citizens themselves are trampled upon as the “dictator in the making” enlarges the scope of his unilateral actions.

In fact, the Chief Justice had to rule that a unilateral action

by Granger to annul the leases of several West Coast Berbice farmers was illegal. But clearly, from his subsequent actions, that judgement did not serve to disabuse the President of his misapprehension of the “separation of powers” doctrine and his encouragement of the traducing of the rule of law.

Not surprisingly, Granger’s cavalier attitude infected other officials of his Government, and almost every day one could read of further transgressions. The secreting of the “signing bonus” received in the Bank of Guyana (BoG) for over a year — done by two senior Ministers: Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan — and not in the Consolidated Fund as mandated by the Constitution (Art 216) was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg of egregious transgressions. The overreach on the oil contract signed by Trotman is still an ongoing saga, which had to be approved by the imperious Granger.

Now that Guyanese have voted, events currently unfolding in Guyana have left citizens in shock and lost for words, as they cannot believe that what is happening before their very eyes is actually real.

The fight for the return of free and fair elections and to be ruled by a democratic government was not an easy battle; it was long and hard. We are now in 2020, and we had thought that, by this time, the nation had matured politically and leaders would act responsibly to save their country from descending into chaos and confusion and going backwards. Unfortunately, this is not the case; we have leaders who would hold on to power at all costs, even at the expense of seeing their country being destroyed.

Ballet dancer and performer Ashlee Montague wears a gas mask while she dances in Times Square as the coronavirus outbreak continues in Manhattan, New York City, March 18, 2020 (Reuters/Andrew Kelly)

Dr Irfaan applauded Dear Editor, The public applauds Dr Irfaan Ali for the leadership skills demonstrated since the election crisis and particularly so over the last several days. In conversations, people indicate that Dr Irfaan has been demonstrating strong leadership in the crises, telling the public the truth about the election and setting the tone for what could happen to the nation if the outcome is fraudulent.

They note that Dr Irfaan came across very presidential in his updates of the court matter pertaining to the elections and his address on the coronavirus. They say the tone and content of his addresses show he cares about the people. People say that his addresses to the nation have soothed some of their

fears on the electoral outcome and the corona.

Dr Irfaan demonstrated he has good communication skills in the way he spoke to the public.

The coronavirus had provided an opportunity for the Government and the Opposition to address a major health crisis. Irfaan did extremely well by bringing in experts to discuss the problem and to offer some guidance on combating the virus and how to stay safe.

In tapping into the talent of the pool of people around him, Dr Irfaan shows that he can work with a range of other people, regardless of political party, to promote what is best for the country during the health and election crises. Some of the individuals whose talents he

tapped into were known opponents of him.

In his addresses, Dr Irfaan also came across as someone who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good of the public, calling on the authorities to follow the law and for people to do things to protect their health.

Irfaan explained in several addresses what happened with the attempt by Caricom to supervise a recount of ballots and the ongoing court case as well as the plan to file an appeal to the ruling of Justice Franklyn Holder. And in a separate speech, he conveyed the gravity of the coronavirus threat on the population as well as on the economy.

Irfaan was very fair and objective in his com-

ments. He did not present his personal views. He invoked facts and based his decisions on them. He used reliable information available in the courts on the election matter and from sciences and medical experts on corona.

Clearly, Irfaan shows he is very concerned about the health threat to the nation from corona and he asked experts to address the issue and relate how the problem can be addressed to negate fallouts. He was straightforward and candid.

The public hopes Dr Irfaan will continue to provide regular updates on the court matter and other issues.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Granger using the judicial system to become a “constitutional dictator” Dear Editor, Free, fair and regular elections are the cornerstone of democracy. But elections cannot be free and fair when one public official in the election body meddles with the rules or unfairly tilts the playing field in favour of one political party. In the recent elections, there have been alarming incidents of public officials exercising improper influence in the elections process.

This abuse of power threatens the integrity of our electoral process and strikes at the heart of Guyana’s democracy.

Protecting democracy is a commitment to prevent election manipulation by public officials that would take concrete action to preserve free and fair

elections. Even if it is not possible to influence the outcome of an election, attempts at manipulation will at least cause frustration and uncertainty.

Since the assumption of the presidency in 2015, David Granger has failed in numerous ways to be the leader Guyana demands to charter us into the future. Many loyalists of Granger may want to differ from the fact that he has failed Guyanese, but it is evident that the majority of Guyanese have spoken through their ballots in the just concluded General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020, leaving David Granger and the APNU/ AFC cabal shocked with defeat.

David Granger’s

APNU/AFC is facilitating the refusal process not to allow a recount of the ballots, deliberately leaving it to the judicial system to ratify a decision that is preconceived. Careful attention must be given to the emphasis and relevance David Granger is giving the court’s decision that would illegally facilitate him to be a “constitutional dictator”, that would ensure Guyana is being sanctioned by the international partners.

David Granger’s weak and fragile leadership is the main reason why the APNU/AFC has failed Guyanese. People might consider Granger as a decent person but he is the mastermind in every corruption, scandal, bad deal, elections rigging etc.

If Granger was a man of strong leadership capabilities, he would not have allowed a candidate of his party APNU/AFC to stop a commitment he made with the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and the other Caricom leaders. Despite Granger’s public disassociation of not interfering with the elections process and GECOM, it is a known fact that APNU/AFC’s political operatives are in GECOM. These facts are poisonous for any democracy, as they erode the foundations of our political system — namely the need for basic confidence in the legality of electoral decisions and respect for the wishes of the majority.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

5

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

This nation owes Mr Granger nothing Dear Editor, I have heard and seen enough to conclude that GECOM, the PNC, and team Granger are using the State apparatus to attempt to bully this nation into accepting results that are furthest from the truth. But before I continue, let me state what the elections were not about. It is not a conflict between our different ethnic groups. While some may want to push that narrative, it is an arithmetical impossibility for any party to win these elections on the support of any one ethnic group (Indo-Guyanese – 39 per cent, Afro-Guyanese

29 per cent, Amerindians – 11 per cent and Mixed – 21 per cent).

These elections are not a conflict between individuals because when the dust settles, PNC supporters (the APNU is the PNC) and PPP supporters have to continue to work together to build this nation. These elections are not about whether this nation should take a path of democracy or dictatorship because clearly, the people in their hundreds of thousands came out on E-Day to voice their support for democracy and registered their commitment to the philosophy of one man: one vote.

I know of no one, save an except a small cabal in GECOM (and an even smaller cabal at the top of the PNC with tacit support from another cabal at the top of the police), who wants to take away the right of the people to vote and who wants to achieve power by fraud. It would be grossly damaging to the intelligence of the overwhelming majority of the people of this nation, to suggest otherwise.

What these elections have taught me is that both the PPP and PNC have a strong base but that base, especially the youthful portion, has a greater loyalty

Madame Chairwoman of GECOM, please act expeditiously Dear Editor, I am 22 years old and I work at a utility company and my hobbies include debating, site-viewing and reading – particular political pieces. I have been following the cases within the courts and the cases of COVID-19 within Guyana, both of which are pressing emergencies within my country – our country, Guyana.

Madame Justice retired Claudette Singh, I appeal to you to put a stop to what you can control. It’s within your jurisprudence and power, if you are willing to ascertain the votes cast on the March 2, 2020 elections and declare the winner – clearing the way for a Government to be installed which then leads to more resources, necessary resources deployed in the fight against COVID-19.

Your office and chair under the Constitution of this land have an obligation to the people, please act now.

I am not sure if you are aware that your POs, who worked diligently at the March 2, 2020 elections possess the knowledge and the evidence to end this confusion; that is, whether the elections were conducted within the ambits of the law; whether it was credi-

ble; whether the votes were tallied correctly and more importantly, whether the SoPs sent to the CEO, RO, and DROs are a true representation of the valid votes cast; all are questions that can be answered by the POs. In addition, the POs can help to ascertain where the fraud occurred and the perpetrator, if any, and if such a thing did happen.

Madame Chairwoman, I ask that you consider to call back your POs, ask them to present their authentic evidence copies; that is, the replica of SoPs handed to GECOM and party representatives.

In doing so, I fervently believe this issue with respect to elections can be concluded and put to rest.

I also believe that it would see the instalment of a Government, whose first responsibilities include giving back my family, friends and the Guyanese people their livelihoods.

You see, Madame Chairwoman, I am a boy without a mother; further, my step-mom was laid off from the Roti Hut without a severance package, the company told her that business was not making profits and that they are downsizing and will call her when they get money.

Granger using...

They can raise questions about democracy itself — and that in a time when it faces powerful adversaries, including autocrats, populists or other opponents of pluralism.

If we allow cheating in our democratic process, and we allow this now, what about next time and the time after that? This is a breach of the law. The actual manipulation of elections results is “criminal”, and

FROM PAGE 4

must never be allowed in Guyana’s future elections again.

Guyana must urge that Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C set up a CoI into GECOM and ensure all those who are responsible for what is happening in the country pertaining to the elections results are given the maximum penalties.

With regards, Zamal Hussain

My dad is a cobbler at Stabroek Market, his daily earnings is a meagre sum that cannot feed the family. My uncle, who works for Courtney Benn Construction Services, has not been paid over a month now.

The ration is depleting exponentially. My family needs a Government installed that can aid in an economically viable recovery programme (EVRP) that can help us. This cannot happen if you don’t act expeditiously.

Yours faithfully, PO

to Guyana and its human development rather than to their respective party. What these elections taught me is that any political party can be beaten in Guyana, especially if the Government fails on the policy front. Mr Granger failed convincingly on the policy front between May 2015 and March 2020 and that is why he lost these elections. In particular, he failed the youths on the jobs front and discriminated against people who were perceived not to be his “kith and kin”. The people in return dealt him a political blow that he did not expect, thus his dogmatic adverse reaction to the truth.

What these elections have taught me is that in 2025, the youths will have many choices and I think this is what is scaring the living daylight out of the PNC gang of geriatrics who have now outlived their usefulness in a democracy arena, hence their commitment to the idea of dictatorship and rigged elections. These “old-timers” realised that that the 68 per cent (youths under 40 years of age), do not identify with them. That spells bad news for the PNC. But the solution is not rigged elections. The solution is one man: one vote and an attitudinal metamorphosis that can cause a re-engineering of the thinking in that party and its leaders to a life of hard work and service to all, not only your

“kith and kin”. The solution is the crafting of public policies to ensure that every man feels part of project Guyana. That is why when given the chance to rule, each leader must do their best for their comrades, irrespective if that comrade sleeps on the public pavement in front of the Bourda Post Office or lives in the biggest mansion.

We must never go back to 1974 and the Sophia declaration as exalted by the PNC. A small cabal of people must never be allowed to feel that irrespective of their poor performance, this nation owes them and they can subscribe to bankrupt ideologies like “the State is but an arm of the party” as advanced by the then PNC strongman, Mr Burnham.

This nation owes Mr Granger nothing!

The truth of the matter is, everything he owns is as a result of what Guyana provided to him. Therefore, he owes a debt of gratitude to this nation. But what we have been seeing from him for a while now is an attitude of mind of deep ingratitude and ungratefulness.

History has shown that ungrateful leaders are a danger to a nation. Is this the situation we are having here today?

A grateful leader will allow the nation access to copies of the SoPs from District

No Four that were provided to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) by the respective Presiding Officers. For all purposes, these SoPs are public documents to which the citizens of Guyana are entitled to access. All that these SoPs represent is a carbon copy of the public document that was pasted on the doors of each Polling Station on the night of the elections. These SoPs contain facts about each Polling Station, especially those from District No Four, that when aggregated, will determine who won these 2020 elections.

At the end of the day, the losers have to go back to the drawing board and start planning for 2025. But what is unacceptable is a continuation of this infantile and petty anti-developmental attitude of mind of undermining a credible ascertainment and tabulation of the results of Region No Four as is being perpetrated by the folks in the PNC and their “flunkies” at the top of GECOM. That sort of attitude is reserved for a spoilt brat on the cricket field who when bowled at the middle stump, grabs the ball and the bat and runs home shouting, if I cannot bat, no one else shall bat.

Grow up, Mr Granger.

With regards, Sasenarine Singh

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 16

6

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. This is the second part of English Paper 1 and the answers for Sunday’s edition (Questions 1-23)

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT PAPER 1

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Reading Time: 10 minutes Writing Time: 60 minutes

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY 1. This test has 40 questions. You have 1 hour 10 minutes to answer them.

2. Each question has four possible answers: (A), (B), (C) and (D). Read each

question carefully then choose the correct answer.

3. On your answer sheet, find the number that matches the question you intend to answer.

4. Shade the circle which has the same letter A, B, C or D, next to the answer you have chosen.

Sample Question

For questions 24 and 25 choose the correct form of the verb to complete each sentence.

24. Last September, my parents to enrol my brother in the Technical Institute.

(A) decide (B) decides (C) decided (D) deciding 25. The journey to Lethem __ about seven hours.

(A) take (B) takes (C) taken (D) taking For questions 26 and 27, identify the function of the word underlined in each sentence.

26. Tandy ran around the field slowly.

(A) Verb (B) Adverb (C) Adjective (D) Preposition 27. The teacher marked the books and gave them to the pupils.

(A) Noun (B) Adverb (C) Pronoun (D) Conjunction For questions 28 and 29, choose the correct word for each sentence.

28. A person who shows people to their seats.

(A) Usher (B) Tourist (C) Manager (D) Chauffeur 29. A person who writes books.

(A) Leader (B) Author (C) Hostess (D) Labourer Choose the sentence which is written correctly in the negative form.

30. (A) We could not find no books anywhere.

(B) I don’t want no money from Mark.

(C) The boys are not doing any of their chores.

(D) All the witnesses claimed that they didn’t see nothing.

Read the passage and answer the questions which follow.

When a raw peanut sprouts, it usually grows into a plant about eighteen inches high. The plant produces bright yellow blossoms that look like the garden flowers known as sweet peas. After the flowers pollinate

1. The opposite of interior is ANSWER SHEET (A) inside. (B) below.

A B C D (C) outside. (D) above.

The letter C is shaded on the answer sheet because outside, the correct answer, is next to C.5.

If you want to change your answer erase it completely before you fill in your new choice.

6. When the supervisor tells you to begin, turn the page and work as quickly and as

themselves, they wither. A shoot from the stem grows longer and longer, bends downward, and pushes into the earth. Underground, the shell develops and encloses the seed. That’s why the peanut is called the groundnut in a good many countries.

The peanut is more than a snack food. A pound of peanuts contains more protein than a pound of beef. They also supply a nutritious oil that is used for cooking and salad dressings.

The peanut is special in more ways than one. It can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted or fried. It grows flowers above ground, but its “fruit” grows underground. It grows in more countries than most other “nuts”. Its roots enrich the soil by putting nitrogen back into it, instead of leaving it poorer.

Hundreds of different products have been made from it.

31. Raw nuts grow into a plant (A) like sweet peas.

(B) close to eighteen inches high.

(C) less than eighteen inches high.

(D) more than eighteen inches high.

32. Which word in the passage means “begin to grow”?

(A) Sprout (B) Enrich (C) Wither (D) Pollinate 33. The peanut blossoms look like garden flowers because (A) they wither quickly.

(B) they grow into the earth.

(C) they shine in the sunlight.

(D) they are bright yellow in colour.

34. Why is the peanut called ground nut in many countries?

(A) It is not a fruit.

(B) It enriches the soil.

(C) It produces many products.

(D) Its shoot pushes underground and the shell then encloses the seed.

35. The peanut is not merely a snack because (A) it can be eaten raw.

(B) it can produce bright blossoms.

carefully as you can.

7. If you try a question and find that you cannot answer it, leave it and go on to the next one.

You may return to that question later.

8. You must not use calculators for this assessment.

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

(C) it is special in more than one way.

(D) its nutritious oil can be used like beef.

Read the extract and answer the questions which follow.

Almost everyone reads daily newspapers. Some of the most popular ones sell several million copies each day! The coming of radio and television has not wiped out the press, as it was feared they might. This is probably because newspapers are cheap and can be picked up and read when the reader wishes.

The content of most newspapers is roughly the same. There will usually be a sports page, a special page for women, some advertisements, some items of political news (both home and abroad) and news of general interest.

So why is there not just one newspaper, which everyone would buy, instead of several?

It would be very dangerous if that were the case. People could easily be given false news, and have no way of knowing it was untrue. Some items of news could be omitted altogether and no one would know. It is very easy to control what people think, if you control the information that is given to them. In most “free” countries, therefore, there are many newspapers and other ways of getting news too.

36. With the advent of television and radio people felt that (A) there will be fierce competition.

(B) newspapers would lose their readership.

(C) the newspapers would suffer some financial loss.

(D) television and radio would be better than newspaper reports.

37. What has caused newspapers to continue to do well?

(A) Newspapers aim to tell the truth.

(B) People like to read many types of news.

(C) Different newspapers tell different stories.

(D) Newspapers are cheap and easily available.

38. In what ways are newspapers roughly the same?

(A) They are cheap and appear daily.

(B) They all compete with radio and television.

(C) News and entertainment are provided for everyone’s interest.

(D) They all carry sports, political, advertisements, general and special news items.

39. What do you think “free countries” means?

(A) Places with unlimited freedom (B) Countries where news are not controlled by anyone (C) These are democratic countries where there is freedom under the law (D) Countries where news and entertainment are seen through radio, tv and newspaper 40. Which one of the following statements is true?

(A) Newspapers do what they want.

(B) Nearly everyone reads newspapers.

(C) All newspapers sell millions of copies.

(D) Radio and television try to wipe the newspapers out of the market.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1 ANSWER KEY 1. B 2. C 3. D 4. C 5. C 6. B 7. A 8. A

9. D 10. C 11. A 12. D 13. B 14. A 15. C 16. D

17. A 18. D 19. C 20. A 21. D 22. B 23. C

NEWS

7

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tullow writes off US$60M on low-quality Guyana oil wells ...low prices dampens future prospects

Tullow Executive Chair, Dorothy Thompson

I

t was a disappointing 2019 for British oil company Tullow. It was forced to write off US$1.2 billion in wells that were not financially viable, with further write-offs announced for 2020. Included in the 2019 amount is US$60 million for three wells Tullow drilled offshore Guyana but could not continue working on.

The three wells – the Joe, Jethro and Carapa-1, were all deemed not to have been financially viable due to the low-quality oil they contained. According to Tullow Executive Chair Dorothy Thompson in her contri-

bution to the 2019 Annual Report, investors are frustrated with the drilling campaign in Guyana.

“In line with our exploration strategy, we drilled three wildcat exploration wells, acquired promising acreage, and ensured all prospects were subject to rigorous scrutiny. The Joe and Jethro discoveries in Guyana were ultimately disappointing with lower oil quality discovered than originally prognosed, and investors were frustrated,” she said in the recently released report.

“The Carapa-1 well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons and importantly, supports the potential of the Cretaceous play from the Exxon-operated Stabroek license on both the adjacent Kanuku and Orinduik licenses,” Thompson also said, while adding that they would have to consider carefully how to proceed in Guyana for 2020.

Thompson also said that the Board was disappointed with the financial and operational performance for 2019 and went on to apologise for this in the report. In fact, Tullow’s performance in 2019 led to a shakeup in leadership in the company.

Tullow’s write-offs for 2019 paint a dismal picture for the company

Chief Executive Officer, Paul McDade, and Exploration Director, Angus McCoss, both resigned in December after being stalwarts at the company for over a decade. The duo had previously presided over discoveries from West Africa to Guyana.

“The Board was disappointed by the operational and financial performance, and the overall executive leadership of Tullow’s business in 2019. On behalf of the Board, I would like to apologise for this poor

performance,” she said, adding that “the lower quality of oil found in the Jethro and Joe discoveries in Guyana was a further setback.”

“The next steps in Guyana will be to integrate the three well results into updated geological and geophysical models, with a focus on the high-grading of the Cretaceous portfolio where better quality oil is expected across both the Kanuku and Orinduik Blocks.”

Going forward, Tullow also noted that the falling

oil prices could adversely impact its future financial results and position should the downward trend continue for an extended period of time.

Since the novel coronavirus hit globally, it has had a serious impact not just on lives but also the global economy and specifically, oil. As of March 27, Brent crude has been trading at US$25 a barrel.

Brent crude was being traded at US$66 per barrel when Guyana first started oil production in December

2019. Rystad Energy, a Norway-based research company that has written extensively on Guyana’s oil sector, has projected that the situation will get worse.

According to Rystad in a recent missive, the spread of the coronavirus has dealt a blow to the global demand for oil. It noted that in February of this year, the demand for crude dropped by 4.6 million barrels per day. China, where the coronavirus had originated, made up 2.9 million barrels of this cut to demand.

8

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Changing the narrative…

I

…on PNC rigging nevitably, as always occurs when the PPP’s about to win an election, the PNC and its acolytes try to shift the narrative to one which claims “African-Guyanese” will be consigned to “another round of slavery” – or worse.

If that can be imagined. Back in 1992, conceding that the previous four elections had been rigged by the PNC, they objected to Cheddi Jagan leading the new government. If that were to happen, the Army and Police would rebel, they said. He was “Indian” – an ironic label for a fella who held nothing but contempt for ethnic labels as a dyed-in-the wool communist!

How about Roger Luncheon, the PPP countered, he was “Black”, no? “Nah…too red,” was the riposte!! After 1992, the PPP was castigated for committing “ethnic cleansing” when it made some changes in the civil service personnel. That it was impossible to make such changes in an institution that was 90 per cent African-Guyanese went unacknowledged!!

Interestingly when the APNU/AFC Government came in and also made changes, no such comment was made even though the changes were primarily from the 10 per cent “other”!!

Another hyperbolic charge was made by a trade unionist, who recently described himself as “an angry, Black Guyanese man”. He insisted the PPP was committing “economic genocide” against African-Guyanese, even though “Household Income and Expenditure Surveys” had shown that African-Guyanese had been economically worse off under the previous pre-1992 PNC and their condition had improved to match Indian-Guyanese by 1999!! And we know where all these apocalyptic announcements led to between 2000 and 2008, don’t we?? Mo fyaah; slow fyaah!!

Anyhow, here we are in 2020, after the elections of 2011 and 2015 showed conclusively that the PPP can be beaten in free and fair elections, the narrative’s again being floated that if the PPP were to get in, it’s genocide time again!! The big question is why?? The PPP doesn’t have its old builtin majority of Indian-Guyanese, so doesn’t this mean it got enough African-Guyanese votes, to put it over the top?? Just as the PNC-as-APNU was able to do with IndianGuyanese in 2015??

If the PPP took its whuppin’ and stayed around for another re-election, why can’t the PNC?? Or, hold it!! Does it think that because it fired 7000 mostly Indian-Guyanese sugar workers during its turn at the helm, the PPP will do the same?? Just because Eusi Kwayana said, “Do fuh do na abeah??”

So, the old chestnut of “power sharing” is back in play.

Never mind that the PNC-as-APNU still hasn’t said if its rigging succeeds to form the next government, it’ll practise “power sharing”.

Nope! That’s only for the PPP!! …on the ABCE Oh, how things change when the shoe’s on the other foot!! Back in 2014, after a feral blast from the PPP had helped sour relations with the Americans, the PNC-as-APNU shed bitter tears about the PPP insulting our “nearest and dearest ally”!! It embraced the “vote like a boss” initiative that was sponsored from those quarters and which did quite a bit to arouse its alienated youth base in 2015.

But suddenly, the sounds coming out from the APNU camp against not just the Yanks but against the entire western bloc – the Brits and the Europeans and Canadians – are sounding suspiciously “feral”. Why, Hamilton Green even suggested that the Carter Center are nothing but a bunch of rednecks, who’re out to lynch the PNC!! The trope has been picked up by a wide swathe of PNC myrmidons and extended to the Brits for working to extend our “enslavement” into the future. Why is this??

Just because they dared to say, “Please if you’re going to rig, at least give us deniability??!!

Even Caricom had to balk!! …on COVID-19 The US is arguing whether total shutdowns will violate the vaunted rights of their citizens. Your Eyewitness wonders whether a threat that exceeds Pearl Harbour and 9/11 doesn’t inspire some flexing??

Just do it!!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 800 US citizens repatriated home from Guyana – Canada, UK also seeking to do same

T

he United States Embassy in Guyana has facilitated some 800 citizens here to return home in the last two weeks in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has been devastating countries around the world including the US. Guyana had closed its borders, including airspace, from March 18 to April 1 – one week after recording its first imported COVID-19 case via a 52-year-old woman who died days after re-

chartered flight provided by Eastern Airlines, which has a capacity for 200 passengers per flight. The flight, Georgetown to Miami, was available via a first-come, first-serve basis.

The US Embassy said in a notice on Sunday that Americans in Georgetown seeking additional flights home should complete an online form (link available on US Embassy Guyana Facebook page). The Mission added that it is continuing to work with commercial

Persons boarding the chartered Eastern Airlines flight at the CJIA on Saturday afternoon

turning from New York.

Four of her family members, including a 13-yearold, have since contracted the deadly virus and are in institutional isolation. The Public Health Ministry on Saturday announced that three more new cases have been confirmed – bringing Guyana’s total cases of coronavirus up to eight.

In a social media post on Saturday evening, the US Embassy here said it was honoured to have helped over 800 American citizens and their families reach the US safely, while committing to continue assistance wherever needed.

The most recent batch to leave Guyana was on Saturday afternoon via a

airlines to organise more of these “humanitarian flights” for citizens wanting to return to the US. However, it was noted that since Guyana’s border is closed to incoming flights, the chartered commercial carrier must fly to Guyana empty with extra crew, as such the cost of the one-way flight from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the Miami International Airport (MIA), is consequently higher than preCOVID-19 pricing for this route.

In a video message posted on social media last week, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, reiterated that there is no higher priority than the protection

of US citizens and lending assistance to those who are in need at this historic time in the world’s history.

She noted that the Embassy has been successful in exploring commercial options to fly Americans home, which required special permission from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and will continue to make such requests.

“When that permission is granted, there is a sudden announcement of a flight as these announcements come on an irregular basis. As soon as we know about them, we will post that information on our Facebook page. If your plan is to leave Guyana, you need to be ready at a moment’s notice to purchase your ticket and get to the airport,” Ambassador Lynch advised.

The US diplomat has since expressed appreciation to both the GCAA and Eastern Airlines for their help in making these flights available to American citizens.

Eastern Airlines was scheduled to commence flights twice a week from New York City to Guyana on March 19, 2020. However, due to the closure of the CJIA to incoming commercial flights, this had to be postponed.

Nevertheless, the airline has been playing a critical role in flying Americans who are stranded overseas during this deadly outbreak, especially in Central and South America, back home.

The US Government has been working with other airlines and Governments around the world to repatriate thousands of Americans under its “Wheels down!” initiative.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

Meanwhile, similar efforts are being undertaken by the Canadian and United Kingdom Governments to repatriate their citizens here in Georgetown.

In fact, the Canadian High Commission in Guyana had urged its citizens here who wanted to return home via the US to secure seats on Saturday’s Eastern Airlines flight.

A post on the High Commission’s Facebook page indicated that there were “limited seats available” and that Canadian citizens, who fulfil the US entry requirements and were interested, should book their flights.

With regards to the UK, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, in a video message on Sunday, assured that efforts are being made to secure flights for citizens who want to return home. However, he lamented that in these extraordi-

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

nary times, there are minimal options available in the near short-term.

He explained that initially, they had been working with the Guyana Government and airlines to allow British nationals, via a chartered aircraft, to fly to Bridgetown, Barbados, for the last connecting flights to London with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

But those UK-destined flights from Barbados have since stopped as of March 27, hence the High Commission is unable to offer any future charters since it is unclear when they will restart.

“At this time, we do not know how long this will continue for but we’re monitoring the situation. Our colleagues in Barbados are in touch with both airlines, are monitoring the situation closely, and will let us know immediately once the flights restart. When that happens, we will be in touch with

you about possible options,” Quinn stated.

Nevertheless, he reassured British citizens that they are doing everything possible to help them get home.

Like the US, citizens from both Canada and the UK are asked to sign online forms to indicate their interest in returning home.

Citizens from these three countries are being asked to check the social media accounts of their respective Missions to be updated on travel arrangements and any other critical information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the foreign diplomats are also encouraging their citizens to adhere to the laws and directives established by local authorities to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, especially by practicing social distancing.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ministerial task force calls in Police to enforce "social distancing" …as Govt disavows Guyanese caught illegally travelling to Suriname

A

s Guyana continues to confront the coronavirus pandemic, efforts are now being put in place to utilise ranks of the Police Force in order to

enforce social distance compliance, a decision taken by the National COVID-19 ministerial Task Force (NCTF).

The NCTF met on

Thursday last and subsequently urged ‘declustering’ in public spaces, and “to zealously practice social distancing and to refrain from socialising…Guyanese

are advised to spend as little time in public as is possible and to only leave their homes when absolutely necessary.”

NCTF additionally announced that “the Guyana Police Force will shortly commence a campaign to advise persons against gathering in public spaces and to discourage persons who are found to be doing so.”

The ministerial Task Force, in a statement at the end of the week, said it “remains deeply concerned about the large number of persons who continue to ignore the advisories…

The NCTF pleads with all Guyanese to play their part in ensuring that they take the recommended actions in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19.”

The ministerial body used the occasion to also warn Guyanese, particularly those in the Corentyne, not to enter Suriname illegally by boat.

“Those who do so may be subject to seizure of their vessel and engine, arrest and deportation.”

It was noted that persons deported to Guyana, as a result, will also be subject to the Ministry of Public Health’s mandatory quarantine protocols.

Additionally, the Task Force iterated that neither it nor the Government of Guyana can commit to making diplomatic or other representation on their behalf for the return of their vessels and/or engines.

Former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

NCTF also used the occasion to reaffirm the closure of Guyana’s airports to incoming international flights, save and except technical stops for aircraft that require fuel and specially authorised flights.

“For the avoidance of doubt, “specially authorised flights” will only be considered in extreme humanitarian and emergency cases.

Outgoing cargo flights and outgoing medivac flights will continue to be permitted.

The NCTF comprises Chairman, former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with caretaker Ministers Khemraj Ramjattan, Basil Williams SC, Volda Lawrence, Winston Jordan,

Dr Karen Cummings, Dr Nicolette Henry, Ronald Bulkan, David Patterson, Raphael Trotman and Winston Felix.

Guyana has confirmed a total of eight COVID-19 positive cases with one death.

Lawrence in an update over the weekend had disclosed that 32 persons have been subjected to institutional quarantine.

Apart from these figures, another six persons were placed in institutional isolation by health authorities.

“The number of confirmed cases has moved from five to eight with the number of deaths remaining at one. The total number of persons who have been tested has moved from 39 to 44. With regard to persons in institutional quarantine, the number is now 32, while the number of persons on home quarantine has not changed,” she announced.

Guyana’s first imported case died at the Georgetown Public Hospital after travelling to Guyana from New York. A short period after, four of her family members including a teen relative have tested positive. They were all quarantined at a state facility.

Since then, health authorities have prepared four facilities, which can accommodate some 350 persons. All ten administrative regions also have the capacity to cater for an additional 134 persons.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Expired HIV kits scandal

Auditor General had cited embattled company on numerous occasions – had documented Public Health Ministry’s breaches of law for company

C

aribbean Medical Supplies, the company currently embroiled in scandal for supplying Guyana’s Public Health Ministry with expired Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing kits, has, in fact, been cited on numerous occasions over the past few years by the Auditor General because the Ministry bent the rules to procure drugs from them.

Back in 2017, the company was flagged by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2016 report for having $7.6 million worth of outstanding deliveries as of September 2017. It was pointed out in the report that the Ministry kept $167 million worth of cheques (including the $7.6 million for Caribbean Medical Supplies) on hand rather than refunding them to the Consolidated Fund.

Section 43 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act states “Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, at the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance of public moneys issued out of the Consolidated Fund shall be returned and surrendered to the Consolidated Fund.”

The company was again cited by the AG in 2017 for having $67.8 million in outstanding deliveries dating from 2015. It had made ef-

tached documentation, the supplier was the authorised distributor for the goods being procured. However, it could not be ascertained whether the supplier had exclusive rights to the goods being procured and whether there were other suppliers that the Ministry could have used to source the goods,” the Auditor General also wrote, though the Ministry indicated that the drugs were for emergencies.

quest approval for them to participate in a restricted tender. NPTAB granted this approval, although no contract was eventually awarded since they did not meet the requirements.

Scandal

More breaches

Charged: Caribbean Medical Supplies Area Manager Devendra Rampersaud

forts to clear its backlog, delivering $11.1 million worth of drugs between September 2016 and September 2017.

In the Auditor General’s 2017 report, it was also pointed out that Caribbean Medical Supplies was allocated $166.3 million for the supply of drugs and medical supplies. It was one of six companies that had outstanding deliveries as at September 2018.

That very report also documented the fact that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) sole sourced 13 contracts totalling $91.4 million, which went to Caribbean Medical Supplies.

“According to the at-

Another finding was that Caribbean Medical Supplies was one of several companies that were awarded contracts and received millions in payments in 2017.

Their contracts had stipulated that a 10 per cent performance security had to be submitted.

However, this was not paid and according to the Auditor General, this exposed the Ministry should the suppliers default. In the Ministry’s response, they admitted that no performance security was paid because the suppliers opted to supply more than the 10 per cent without being paid.

Even more discrepancies involving the company were picked up by the AG. Caribbean Medical Supplies received contracts worth almost $80 million from the Public Health Ministry to supply goods. However, the

The expired kits were accepted under the nose of the Public Health Ministry, headed by Volda Lawrence

AG noted that the Ministry only sought approval from the tender boards after the goods were delivered.

“This practice contravened the requirement of the Procurement Act 2003.

As a result, it could not be determined whether the Ministry received value for the sums expended, since there was no evidence that prices was evaluated to determine the most competitive supplier, the AG said.

Again, the Ministry cited emergency reasons for the contravention.

Caribbean Medical Supplies was one of six companies that the Public Health Ministry wrote NPTAB on behalf of to re-

The company now finds itself embroiled in a controversy involving its Area Manager, Devendra Rampersaud, who has been charged for supplying 400 expired HIV testing kits with misleading information to the Ministry of Public Health.

It is understood that the company was procured and paid to supply the testing kits but never followed through on its obligations.

Reports indicate that after being pressured by the Ministry last year to supply the kits, the company mysteriously produced the kits without the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) even aware the supplies had entered the country.

In fact, the company had circumvented all established procedures by repackaging expired kits from Kenya and then smuggling them into Guyana to sell to the Government without the knowledge of the manufacturer or distributor.

Reports indicate that both the manufacturer of the kits, Trinity Biotech,

Auditor General Deodat Sharma had continuously redflagged the company in his reports

and their Trinidad-based authorised distributor, Transcontinental Medical Products Limited, became suspicious and investigated the matter.

Trinity then wrote to the Guyana Government, bringing it to their attention and urging them to recall the kits since they posed a health risk to the public. Trinity also brought the matter to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) attention. This would raise serious questions, however, about the Public Health Ministry’s monitoring and quality assurance capabilities.

CORONAVIRUS HOW TO HANDWASH? (COVID-19) WASH HANDS OR USE HAND SANITISERS

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice.

They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

12 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NA municipality imposes lockdown after COVID-19 case ‌residents to be indoors by 19:00h

I

n light of a suspected COVID-19 case in the town of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), the municipal-

ity on Sunday stated that non-essential businesses will be closed with immediate effect while others will have to be closed by 18:00h.

Residents of the town are also advised to be indoors by 19:00h while all bars, rum shops, beer gardens, fish shops, hangout spots, beau-

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force outside of the Municipal Market in New Amsterdam

ty parlours and barbershops were ordered to close immediately.

Further, all churches, mandirs and mosques and other religious groups are asked to cease hosting their respective services until further notice.

Supermarkets and grocery shop owners are advised to monitor the intake of customers and have to be closed by 16:30h.

Pitt Street, a commercial area in New Amsterdam,

has been closed with immediate effect and sanitisation works will commence on Tuesday.

Moreover, pharmacies are to remain open until 6 pm. Markets will be closed at 12:00h (midday) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and will be closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Only persons selling essential products, such as green and yellow vegetables,

fruits and meats will be allowed to vend in the market.

Vendors selling non-essential items, such as clothing and shoes will not be permitted to do business.

To this end, the New Amsterdam Municipal Business Complex will be closed tomorrow for sanitisation works. With respect to pensioners, the monthly outreach at the New Amsterdam Post office on April 1 has been cancelled.

Failure to comply with the new guidelines will result in the Guyana Police Force being informed to take necessary action. In the meantime, the Mayor has advised residents to eat healthy foods, so as to build their immune system, and in so doing, fight the COVID-19.

Only Saturday last, the Linden Mayor and Town Council, in collaboration with a newly formed Regional Health Emergency Committee, imposed a mandatory curfew that will be implemented in all communities of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

NEWS

13

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Court cannot negate GECOM’s role to order recount, to which Chair is committed stored.”

As such, Justice Singh has since requested that the “Court, and the Commission should be permitted to execute its constitutional role and functions with or with-

GECOM’s Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

J

ustice Franklyn Holder will today meet to continue hearing a challenge by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidate Ulita Grace Moore into whether the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should be prevented from doing a recount.

GECOM’s Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh believes, however, that “if the court grants

Ulita Grace Moore

the reliefs sought, it is contended that the court would be making decisions for GECOM, which is certainly not the lawful role of the court”.

The claims were made

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall

Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo

by Justice Singh in her affidavit of defence filed in the court this past week.

The litigation brought by Moore in addition to seeking to prevent the recount of the votes cast at the recently-concluded General and Regional Elections also called for a declaration based on the final results.

This based on the declarations of regions made by the regions’ Returning Officers. Several local and international observers, as well as Governments, have since denounced the declarations made by Region Four RO Clairmont Mingo as lacking credibility.

The stakeholders have, in addition to calling for a recount, warned that a new government sworn in on the basis of results that lack credibility and transparency, would not only be not recognised by the international and business community but would face isolation and likely sanctions.

Justice Singh, in her affidavit of defence against the APNU/AFC candidate, noted the applications by several of the contesting parties

for recounts were rejected by the RO for Region Four for varying reasons, but “the Commission can intervene to correct this even at this stage”.

According to the former Chief Justice, the Representation of the People Act gives the Commission two options: to either accept the Chief Elections Officer’s report or order a recount of the votes cast.

As such, she contends, “It would be unlawful for the court to direct the Commission on the way forward to complete the process where these issues are still outstanding.”

In urging the court to set aside the APNU/AFC candidate’s request, she noted former Chief Justice Desiree Bernard in a related ruling had said: “In the present volatile situation, which pervades our country, no effort must be snared to assure everyone that the process was fair and impartial. Lingering doubts that hang like a sword of Damocles over the head of the Commission must be removed. Confidence in the electoral process must be re-

out the Caricom Agreement”.

She was referring to the Caricom initiative, which saw Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and Head of State, President David Granger agreeing to a deal

after the latter approached Caricom Chair, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Motley requesting the regional body’s supervision of a recount.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14 NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rotary Guyana continues to GPHC staff who were collaborate to combat COVID-19 exposed to COVID-19 cleared

J

ust five days after collaborating with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) to put public hand washing stations at the Stabroek Market Square to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Rotary Club of Georgetown announced that they have collaborated with several businesses to launch the “Community COVID-19 Initiative.”

According to the Rotary Club, the objective is to lend a helping hand to the Public Health Ministry to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will be implemented with guidance from The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), which are recognised as leading global experts.

Moreover, the initiative seeks to focus on expanding an effective multimedia campaign that will keep the pub-

The sinks set up at Stabroek Market

lic educated using credible information.

That information will be taken from PAHO/WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ministry of Public Health.

The organisation further stated that it will raise funds for the procurement of medical supplies for healthcare providers to meet the anticipated need.

After the fundraising, the supplies that were achieved during that period will be given to the health authori-

ties.

“These will be given with monetary support from the business community, the initiative will seek to assist with the procurement of critical medical supplies,” the statement read.

In a release, the club said that the initiative acknowledges PAHO’s technical expertise and its important supportive role in Guyana’s healthcare system.

“To date, the Community COVID-19 Initiative has identified medical supply needs from the Ministry of

Public Health and Mercy Hospital. They are also communicating with other healthcare facilities to identify their medical supply needs at this time,” the release said.

The aim of the Community COVID-19 Initiative for their multimedia campaign is to bring awareness to the general public to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

“Through multimedia platforms, the initiative will be sharing informative messages, videos and flyers to reach as many Guyanese as possible. All of these messages that will be shared with our fellow Guyanese on COVID-19 will be based on credible information published by the Ministry, PAHO/WHO, and CDC,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, its aim is to gain as much support from other businesses and they are welcoming all concerned citizens of Guyana to join the fight against COVID-19.

NBTS records decline in blood donations

A

s the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect the many facets of everyday life, the virus has also impacted the flow of blood donation to the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS).

The year 2020 started exceptionally well for the blood bank, but as fears and confirmation of the COVID-19 cases locally became a reality, the blood bank noticed a significant decrease in blood donations.

Director of NBTS, Doctor Pedro Lewis is urging persons to donate blood.

According to the doctor, there is no evidence to support that COVID-19 can be transferred via blood.

“Persons ask if the immune system will be affected by donating blood and the question is no. There is no evidence pointing out that persons can get this virus through blood donation. We know the hospitals, the patients, everybody is depending on our voluntary donors for blood.”

However, for people who will be receiving blood transfusions, they too are being ensured that every precautionary measure is being taken to ensure that safe blood is obtained.

“Just like every ordinary respiratory illness, we always screen our donors.

We asked questions about coughing, we ask questions about fever if that person is

Director of NBTS, Dr Pedro Lewis

taking medications for their illnesses so that we can defer donors who come here with fever. Another problem that is facing a lot of blood banks too is that most of the

persons with COVID-19 are symptomatic.

Lewis further stated that unless persons donate blood, the blood bank can quickly become depleted.

“Our stock will run down because for the past two weeks we have barely had two or three persons coming and donating; this is countrywide. We are talking about Region Six, 10, Two and Three. This is the reason I am appealing to people not to be scared. You can still come and donate”, he urged.

Meanwhile, the process of blood transfusion takes about 15 minutes, and a unit of blood can only be kept for 35 days, after which it must be disposed of.

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

T

he doctors and nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation who were quarantined after they came into contact with Guyana’s first COVID-19 patient have been deemed coronavirus-free.

This is according to Manager/Head of Strategic Planning and Communication, Chelauna Providence during an engagement with the media.

“We did have some staff in isolation who had come in contact with the patient, all of those staff members are cleared to return to work, they were isolated, observed, tested and they all have been cleared to return to work,” Providence stated.

Providence also stated that the families of these doctors and nurses have mounted concerns about them returning home.

Berbice family

In addition, the Alness family of four of East Berbice-Corentyne, that was requested to self-isolate after it was discovered that they travelled on the same flight as the first COVID-19 victim, was also deemed coronavirus-free.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Director of Regional

Health Services, Region Six, Jevaughn Stephen stated that “they are no longer on quarantine.”

It was reported to health authorities in that region, that the family was on the same flight as the first victim, as such, a team of medical professionals was deployed to the family where it was confirmed and they were asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Stephen stated that they have not shown any symptoms of COVID-19.

As of Saturday, Guyana recorded three new cases of the deadly virus, raising the country’s total number to eight.

Caretaker Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence stated that while the number of deaths remains at one, some 32 persons have been subjected to institutional quarantine and six isolated.

Globally, the number of confirmed cases from 201 countries and territories stands at 621,636 with a total death of 28,658. In the region of the Americas, the total number of confirmed cases climbed from 81,139 to 100,314 with the number of deaths moving at a rapid rate from 1176 to 1485.

(Shemar Alleyne)

NEWS

15

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Amsterdam inundated Trinidad: 2 more test positive after heavy downpour for COVID-19, cases now 78

T

S

everal sections of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were on Sunday inundated after several hours of continuous rainfall.

Those areas severely affected were the main shopping centre at Pitt Street and businesses in that vicinity and Vrymens Erven.

Some car parks were also under several inches of water as well as the municipal market.

At Republic Bank, persons had to walk through about two feet of water to get to the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) machine.

Inside the ATM building, the water rose to six inches.

However, in Vrymens

Erven, the water level rapidly rose to 18 inches on the street. In most areas, the water level continues to rise.

Water also made its way into several stores but the owners could not have gained access due to the

municipality being on lockdown.

According to a forecast by he Hydrometeorological office of the Agriculture Ministry, New Amsterdam will experience reduced rainfall today.

wo more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in T&T. The following is a statement by the Health Ministry: As part of the national drive to safeguard the health of the Trinidad and Tobago population in the face of the global COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Health continues to provide up-to-date information on the country’s status in this regard.

As of the afternoon of Sunday, 29th March, 2020 the Ministry reports the following: Number of samples submitted to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing for COVID-19 – 525 Number of samples which have tested positive – 78 Number of deaths – 3 Number of persons discharged – 1 The Ministry of Health provides the following update: · Two additional positive cases have been confirmed.

Of the total number of

Global Medical Response of Trinidad and Tobago (GMRTT) employees during a demonstration exercise with a COVID-19 victim during a press conference on COVID-19 at the Ministry’s head office on March 4

positive cases, 49 of these positive cases came from the group of nationals who recently returned from a cruise: · 46 positive cases from the group of 68 nationals who returned from the cruise together · 3 positive cases from the group of nationals who returned from the same cruise separately from the other 68 nationals.

The Ministry of Health

Court cannot negate GECOM’s role to...

The Opposition Leader’s Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall expressed optimism at the notion of a recount based on Singh’s submission.

Opposition Leader Jagdeo had successfully applied to the court to halt Mingo’s declaration and has also applied to have the application brought by Moore

denied.

Nandlall told media operatives the GECOM Chairperson’s submissions that were tendered to the court illustrated that she has finally assumed her role “and has indicated in those submissions that she is prepared to discharge her duties under the Constitution”.

According to Nandlall,

the GECOM Chair in her submissions reiterated that it was that entity that was in charge of the electoral process and Moore’s application should not be granted “because it would force GECOM to make decisions that are not truly GECOM’s decisions”.

Nandlall pointed to the fact that Singh in her sub-

mission conceded that while the Caribbean Community was intended to play a role in the recount process the actual decision to facilitate the recount was in fact taken by the Commission.

Singh, in her submissions – a copy of which was seen by Guyana Times – observed that the most important order that was sought

reminds the public that placing your hands on your face increases the risk of contracting the virus. The virus can transfer from your hands to your nose and mouth, and then enter your body. Protect yourself by washing your hands often with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based sanitiser that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol, if soap and water are not available.

(Trinidad Guardian)

FROM PAGE 13

by the APNU/AFC candidate was that the recounting of the votes was unconstitutional and that the basis of the contention was that the Commission could not do so on the terms contained in an Aide Memoire signed by the President and Opposition Leader, or at all.

She was adamant, however, that once there was

evidence that the electoral process was compromised, to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution or of any Act of Parliament, the Commission is constitutionally mandated to intervene to ensure public confidence in the electoral process.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

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

Setting up a fund for managing the COVID-19 disease outbreak in Guyana Dear Editor, I wish to use this media as a means of appealing for a public fund to be established to finance the provision of materials and other support deemed necessary in the fight against the spread of the dreaded coronavirus COVID-19, here in Guyana.

We have been told that so far eight (8) persons have been confirmed to have been infected with the disease.

However, it is very likely that there are more cases that have not been detected as yet, and there is no programme in place to conduct mass-testing for the disease.

I know that our society has a high percentage of poor and vulnerable persons who just cannot afford to access the preventative measures recommended by

the local and international health authorities. We would all have seen what a sudden spike in demand for sanitising and protective products would have done to their supply and prices.

Thankfully, a few of our local manufacturers have stepped in to make some of these disinfectants, and to even provide them free of cost.

It is likely that very soon Guyana will have to follow the lead of other countries affected by this disease and implement more stringent measures. Should there be a countrywide lockdown, we have to understand the likely impact on the poorest in our society. How will they get the basics to survive when they cannot even leave their abodes to earn an income or ask someone

better off to help them?

We the citizenry must come up with workable systems to help our fellow brothers and sisters in this time of need. I doubt that we could depend on the Government to do much for us. We would have seen that even in developed countries with stable Governments, some of the challenges they are facing. Here in Guyana, a worsening political crisis is threatening the very functionality of institutions and has created a terrible aura of fear and distrust for the very systems we would need to depend upon.

We know that our society has a small but affluent group of business entities and persons who have the means to assist the less fortunate among us. Among those who are better posi-

Guyana has had enough of PNC’s politics of stupidity Dear Editor, Ms Claudette Singh has finally informed our courts (Local Press, March 28, 2020) that she has the necessary authority to order a recount, ‘if necessary.’ With all of this authority at her disposal, she did not then, nor has she now, seen it fit to scrap the two sets of fraudulent results prepared and published by Mingo and company? Is Ms Singh aware that fraudulent results have been declared under her authority? And that she is soon expected to be coerced or influenced to approve those fraudulent results?

Has the legal mind of Ms Claudette Singh sorted out the ramifications of her inaction thus far? Is she really waiting to see what will happen before she makes a decision to stop the fraud under her watch? Guyana is closing in on her recalci-

trance, as are the ABCEs, not to mention the international renown she has achieved these last few weeks.

Ms Singh will very likely be unable to salvage her name or reputation should she approve the fraud that has transpired under her at GECOM. The time for her to act has long passed. She is currently trying to salvage whatever she considers important to her as a professional, and how she will be recorded in the history books.

Ms Claudette Singh has one option, which is not tied to anything that is transpiring in our courts: squash the two fraudulent results already declared and immediately issue an order for the completion of the tabulation/verification process for Region Four results, without Mr Clownford, since he is clearly not working in the

interest of producing credible results.

There can be little dispute by now regarding the expected outcome of our verified and officially declared election results.

While the coalition might have received a significant portion of our votes, these voters did not sign up for a dictatorship in the event of the coalition’s loss at the polls. Guyana has had enough of the PNC’s politics of stupidity - minority rule of incompetence in a democracy. The little thugs at the PNC’s beck and call do not run our country.

Harmon has got to be the nation’s biggest nincompoop if he seriously thinks that Guyanese do not know that the PNC is in fact behind the affairs at GECOM, that the PNC is in fact behind the rigging efforts at GECOM. Sad to say, the PNC did not perform well enough to enable many of their dinosaurs to die in office, their life-long ambition. Their young ‘uns have disgraced themselves as national leaders of our future. Can we usher in our future together, please?

With regards, Craig Sylvester

tioned to help, are such entities and persons who only recently would have given generously to the financing of elections campaigns for the various political parties.

It may not matter what your motivations were back then, but we do know your help is needed more now, as there is at this stage a real health crisis in Guyana, the real extent of which we may not know due to the secrecy that surrounds everything

that is related.

In numerous other countries, societies have benefited from the kind support of the affluent. Here in Guyana, you who have been so generous up to recent times, we call upon you to follow the examples of Jack Ma, Bill Gates and others.

Just dig a little deeper into your pockets and prepare to assist people who will really need your help.

I am only asking of you

that you give in equal measure, what you would have given the political parties, to help establish such a health crisis fund. You may also want to be part of the management structure and process to ensure that your support reaches those most in need. I have every reason to believe that our country will be truly grateful to you.

Yours sincerely, Khemraj Tulsie

Quite capable of fighting a dictatorship and COVID-19 at same time Dear Editor, Beware the proponents of electoral fraud who are covertly using the COVID-19 outbreak to gloss over APNU/AFC/GECOM rigging with a view of tricking well-intentioned people into accepting another PNC/APNU dictatorship.

They are using beautiful language and invoking laudable concepts such as sovereignty and brotherhood.

These are well-known tricks of their trade.

Citizens must remain vigilant and expose such impostors. Guyanese can take comfort in the fact that for the most part, despite our ethnic diversity, we have always lived as one.

Like CPL Cricket and the Guyana Amazon Warriors,

COVID-19 will bring us closer. However, this does not mean we have to accept a dictatorship in order to fight the coronavirus.

Guyanese have the strength and wherewithal to fight both simultaneously.

The IMF deemed Guyana the least prepared country in South America so the new democratically elected Government cannot do worse. We did not arrive where we are overnight.

Volda Lawrence and the Ministry of Public Health have displayed a total lack of emphasis for this mega health threat. The former Minister has been preoccupied with electoral fraud at our country’s expense.

Many APNU/AFC supporters have seen through their electoral shenanigans and

like the rest of us are waiting for a democratic transition.

Citizens are also aware that if the Government is not legitimate Guyana will not receive assistance from the international community and this means people are going to get sick and die in large numbers because of APNU/AFC stubbornness. Can anyone explain how APNU/AFC expects to borrow US$5 million from the international community at this 11th hour to fight COVID-19 while at the same time telling same to stay out of our affairs?

Freddie hit the nail on the head when he said mad people are in charge.

Sincerely, Ravi Ram

The Hughes epistle Dear Editor, What 'corn' is there to share Nigel? I was flummoxed to read a two-thousand-word epistle from Nigel Hughes (the sometimes politician) titled "How are we going to share the corn 2020". This diatribe is filled with inaccuracies and pseudo-historical facts to support the claims that there is an Indodominance in Guyana. Let me be pellucid in response.

The disastrous period of APNU/AFC governance has moved Guyana's treasury from a surplus position of US$968 million to an over-

draft deficit of US$400 million.

There will be no oil windfall or 'corn' to share and we are facing the very real possibility of LIZA 1 being capped if oil prices do not regain a position over US$28 per barrel.

All other sectors (pillars) of the economy have been decimated by the policies of the APNU/AFC The refusal to accept the No-Confidence Motion loss in 2018 and the electoral defeat in 2020 are not based on anything other than an ignorant lust for power.

Your characterisation of a vote for APNU/AFC as hope and one for PPP/C as racial is an indictment of your mindset and is not reflective of the will of the people.

No one race can win an election; the PPP/C has made a clear effort to reach all Guyanese with its message of inclusivity.

The APNU/AFC’s 2020 campaign was based on stirring racial sentiments and the post-election period has not done credit to the multi-ethnic character of the 'coalition'.

In closing, I suggest Nigel Hughes confine his fallacious arguments to use in consoling his spouse. The nation is faced with an enormously important task of fighting the COVID-19 outbreak with an empty treasury and an illegitimate Government and an obdurate outgoing President.

We are already starting to pull together to make the best use of resources available. Hughes would be better off advising Granger et al that they came to power democratically and it would be best to effect a transition of Government in the same manner, than in sharing imaginary corn.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Regional

Bolivia, Uruguay confirm 1st coronavirus deaths

U

ruguay and Bolivia have confirmed their first deaths related to coronavirus, as many Latin America countries go into lockdown in a bid to mitigate the impact of the global pandemic that has infected nearly 700,000 people worldwide and killed over 30,000.

Bolivia’s Health Minister, Aníbal Cruz said on Sunday that a 78-yearold woman in the lowland city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the region most affected, had died of severe respiratory distress after contracting the virus from a family member.

“We recommend that the population take care of our older adults who are the most vulnerable and sensitive to this disease,” Cruz told reporters.

Bolivia, which has 81

Bolivian Health Minister Aníbal Cruz

confirmed cases, has taken aggressive measures to slow the spread of the disease including a nationwide quarantine and closing the country’s borders.

Nearby Uruguay also reported its first coronavi-

rus death, while total cases climbed above 300 in the grains and cattle producer, which has a population of around 3.5 million people.

The country’s Health Ministry said in a report that a 71-year-old former

electoral court minister, Rodolfo González Rissotto, had died after contracting the virus.

An 82-year-old Uruguayan woman who died earlier in March was found to have had the virus, but her death was attributed to the terminal cancer she was suffering.

Chilean authorities reported a total of 2139 confirmed cases on Sunday after the number had passed one thousand on Wednesday.

The copper-rich country has recorded seven deaths.

Neighbouring Argentina, which has imposed a nationwide quarantine, has 745 confirmed cases with 19 deaths, though the number of cases rose by the smallest margin in five days on Saturday, data from the Health Ministry showed.

(Reuters)

Coronavirus: Brazil's Bolsonaro in denial and out on a limb

A

s the world tries desperately to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, Brazil's President is doing his best to downplay it.

Jair Bolsonaro has largely struggled to take it seriously. Going against his own Health Ministry's advice earlier in March, and while awaiting the results of a second coronavirus test, he left self-isolation to join rallies against Congress.

He shook hands with

supporters in Brasilia and sent a message to millions that this was not something to worry about.

In a televised address last week, he repeated a now well-worn phrase. "It's just a little flu or the sniffles," he said, blaming the media once again for the hysteria and panic over Covid-19.

A few days later, he clearly demonstrated his prioritisation of the economy over isolation measures favoured

by the rest of the world.

"People are going to die, I'm sorry," he said. "But we can't stop a car factory because there are traffic accidents."

"Jair Bolsonaro is alone right now," says Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of the publication Americas Quarterly. "No other major world leader is denying the severity of this to the extent that he is and depending on how things go, that

approach could cost a lot of lives in Brazil."

Bolsonaro is frustrated.

He came to power last year promising a better economy and coronavirus has put a stop to that.

Rio's beaches are deserted and the normally gridlocked streets of São Paulo are empty. Shops, schools, public spaces and businesses in many states have shut.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Help for Jamaican students in Barbados

F

oreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the welfare needs of Jamaican students in Barbados are being addressed.

Providing an update on the students, in the Senate on March 27, Johnson Smith said Barbados has instituted daily curfews to minimise the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and some of them are getting anxious.

They are being accommodated at the University of the West Indies halls of residence, and they are in touch with members

rime Minister Allen Chastanet on Friday thanked the Government and people of Cuba as 113 Cuban medical professionals arrived there to lend support to the ongoing efforts to strengthen the health system amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that every country in the world is facing their own challenges at this time – including Cuba and we are so very thank-

17

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith

of the Jamaica/Barbados Association, which is offering counselling. “Their phones have been topped up and they have been provided with groceries,” she said.

The Minister added that the Honorary Consul was working day and night to ensure that everybody's needs have been addressed.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said the curfew was slated to last until April 14.

The Foreign Minister urged Jamaicans at home and abroad to look out for each other and assist where possible.

She reminded Jamaicans that travel has

become “very risky” and called on them to be aware of their circumstances and surroundings.

“The consular teams overseas have been incredible and I want to place on record here the thanks of a grateful nation for their efforts for Jamaicans in distress overseas,” she said.

For her part, Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Donna Scott Mottley urged Jamaicans to stay at home and abide by the rules of the Health and Wellness Ministry.

“We don't know who we are coming in contact with,” she said.(Jamaica Observer)

ful for this immense show of brotherhood from this longstanding friend of St Lucia.”

“On behalf of the Government and people of St Lucia, we thank the Cuban President and Cuba’s Ambassador to our island, Alejandro Simancas Marin for their efforts to assist St Lucia,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is a true show of unity and caring and we are proud that Cuba has been

among the nations leading the charge to find treatment for COVID-19 and helping hard hit countries such as Italy.

He said although the island has only had three confirmed cases, “we are in preparation mode, setting up our quarantine and respiratory hospital facilities”.

“Our local team has been working very hard and going above and beyond as our country tries to be as pre-

pared as we possibly can.”

Chastanet said the Cuban team will be of great help in stabilising that initial transitioning phase to the new hospital and providing support in some of these areas.

Chastanet also thanked the Government of the Cayman Islands for the transportation arrangements in transferring the medical team from Cuba to St Lucia free of cost. (CMC)

Coronavirus-stricken cruise in race to transfer “healthy” passengers

The Zaandam has now been granted permission to pass through the Panama Canal (Reuters)

A

cruise ship carrying more than 1800 people off Panama has begun moving healthy passengers to another ship after four people died and two others tested positive for coronavirus.

The owners of the Zaandam, Holland America, said that more than 130 people on board had reported suffering "flu-like symptoms" and respiratory issues.

The Dutch-owned operator said it was transferring asymptomatic people to a sister ship.

It said this would avoid further cases.

The Zaandam and its sister ship the Rotterdam are both off the Pacific coast of Panama.

The Zaandam was planning to sail to Florida, but got stuck after the Panamanian authorities said that no vessel with confirmed coronavirus cases on board could pass through the Panama Canal.

However, both ships were later granted permission to continue their journeys in order "to provide humanitarian help" – although the Panamanian authorities added that no passenger could disembark.

The company first announced its plan to "transfer groups of healthy Zaandam guests to [the] Rotterdam" in

a statement on Facebook on Friday, adding that it would follow "strict protocols".

It said that "four older guests" had died, but did not give further details about the causes of death.

"We received approval from Panamanian authorities to conduct ship-to-ship operations at anchor between the two vessels," the statement reads.

An unspecified number of passengers –- as well as medical supplies and staff – are being transferred between the vessels.

Holland America had earlier said that 53 guests and 85 crew members had reported influenza-like illness symptoms.

There were initially 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board the Zaandam, including four doctors and four nurses, the company said.

The Panama Maritime Authority later said that passengers who were not displaying coronavirus symptoms could be transferred to the Rotterdam.

“It has been concluded that it does not represent any risk to our population since it will be carried out more than eight miles from the mainland,” the authority said, adding that the bodies of the deceased would remain on the Zaandam.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

St Lucia Carnival postponed

T St Lucia thanks Cuba for medical team P

he Government of St Lucia on Friday announced that Carnival 2020 has been postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a release, the Administration said the decision was made by taking into account the economic and public health implications associated with the virus.

“The Government of St Lucia held several consultations with representatives of the carnival community, regarding the best possible strategy for Carnival 2020.

In so doing, the Government

sought a broad consensus which would serve the best interests of the festival’s presenters, promoters, participants, producers and partners.”

Following discussions, the representatives agreed that with a highly unpredictable global environment “nothing should be done which would compromise local efforts at containment”.

The issues that influenced the discussions included international travel restrictions, competing regional events and the availability of sponsorship support. (CMC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Around the World

OILNEWS

The global oil market is broken, drowning in crude nobody needs

T

he global oil market is broken, overwhelmed by an unmanageable surplus as virus lockdowns cascade through the world’s largest economies.

Onshore tanks in many markets are full, forcing traders to store excess oil in idle supertankers. Refineries are starting to shut down because nobody needs the fuels they produce.

In physical oil markets, barrels are already changing hands for less than US$10, and in a few landlocked markets producers are paying consumers to take away their crude.

“The physical oil market has seized up,” said Gary Ross, an influential oil watcher and chief investment officer of Black Gold Investors LLC. “The logistics are struggling to cope because we are facing a catastrophic loss of demand.”

Oil traders say it’s likely to get worse this week.

The root cause is an accelerating plunge in consumption that’s without precedent since a steady flow of oil became essential to the global economy more than a century ago. The great crash of 1929, the twin oil shocks of the 1970s and the global financial crisis don’t come close. The world normally uses 100 million barrels of oil daily, and traders and analysts reckon as much as a quarter of that has disappeared in just a few weeks.

The global airline industry is grounded, countless businesses and factories are shuttered and billions of people have been forced to stay home.

“Demand clearly is off, in some parts of the world, very dramatically,” Chevron CEO Mike Wirth told Bloomberg TV. The immediate problem is a lack of storage in the right places. With demand running 20 million barrels a day below supply, the world won’t have enough tanks to store the surplus in two or three months. But the issue is even more pressing because global tank capacity, mostly concentrated in a few hubs like Rotterdam, the Caribbean and Singapore, isn’t available to every producer. For those without access to pipelines and ports, local storage will run out in days, traders and consultants say.

For those with access to the coast, one solution is to use the supertanker fleet as floating storage tanks, and that’s happening at an unprecedented rate. The CEO of the world’s largest tanker owner, Frontline Ltd, said on Friday that he’d never known such demand to hire ships for long-term storage. Traders could book ships to put 100 million barrels at sea this week alone, he estimated, but even that could account for less than a week’s oversupply.

In the US, one of the largest pipeline companies, Plains All American Pipeline LP, has asked oil producers to voluntarily cut output to avoid overwhelming the network that connects wellheads to refineries through thousands of miles of pipelines.

The world is running out of places to put oil because the shutdown of vast swathes of the economy has been catastrophic for demand. The collapse in commercial air travel has cut jet fuel use by up to 75 per cent, or almost 5 million barrels a day.

As for gasoline, American drivers are the single biggest source of demand, using more than 9 million barrels a day, according to the Energy Information Administration. As whole states, including California and New York, have told people to stay home, billions of car journeys have been lost. It’s a pattern repeated in Europe and Asia.

Around the world, about 700 refineries turn crude oil into gasoline, diesel and other fuels. They are starting to dial down production and even shut outright because demand for the fuel they produce is so dire. In India, for example, where 1.3 billion people are under lockdown until mid-April, the nation’s biggest refinery has cut processing rates at most plants by as much as 30 per cent.

A small refiner in Italy, the epicentre of Europe’s virus outbreak, shut on Friday because demand for fuel plunged 85 per cent.

As the refining system withers, the crude oil market is suffering. Many crudes, especially sticky, sulfurous grades that refiners find hard to process, trade at hefty discounts to international benchmarks. Western Canadian Select, a tarry blend squeezed from Alberta’s oil sands, reached a record low of US$4.51 a barrel on Friday.

The surprise, perhaps, is that benchmark futures are still trading as high as they are. Brent, the North Sea grade that sets the price for about two-thirds of the world’s oil, ended last week at US$24.93 a barrel, well above the historic low of US$9.55 a barrel in 1998.

Luckock at Trafigura said future prices are likely to fall another US$10. Black Gold’s Ross also said Brent and the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, will be trading in the teens within days.

The next stage of the oil market’s meltdown will be widespread production shutdowns as drillers decide the only option is to leave it in the ground until better days return. There are signs this is starting to happen. (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

Coronavirus: India's PM Modi seeks “forgiveness” over lockdown

I

ndia's Prime Minister has asked for his country's forgiveness after imposing a sweeping lockdown that he said had hurt millions of poor people.

Criticism has mounted over the lack of planning ahead of the coronavirus shutdown, which was introduced with less than four hours' notice.

Many of India's 1.3 billion citizens have been left jobless and hungry.

In his weekly radio address, PM Narendra Modi apologised for the impact of the strict stay-at-home measures.

But he said there was "no other way" to stop the rapid spread of the virus.

People are banned from leaving their homes for three

Migrant workers and their families have been crowding at bus stations as they try to get home

weeks under the "total lockdown" measures announced on Tuesday. All non-essential businesses have been closed and almost all public gatherings are banned.

It has sparked an exodus from major cities such as

Delhi, where thousands of migrant workers are setting out on long journeys back to their home villages after transport was stopped.

India announced a US$22 billion (£19 billion) bailout for the country's

poor on Tuesday, including free food and cash handouts, but there are concerns this might not reach those most in need.

India has reported about 1000 cases of coronavirus and 25 deaths.

However, experts worry that the real number of infections could be far higher.

India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world, although efforts are underway to ramp up capacity.

There are fears that an outbreak in the country - one of the world's most densely populated - could result in a catastrophe.

The country’s economy was already in the midst of a severe slowdown before the country went into lockdown.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

German State Minister kills himself as coronavirus hits economy

T

homas Schaefer, the Finance Minister of Germany's Hesse state, has committed suicide apparently after becoming "deeply worried" over how to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus, state premier Volker Bouffier said on Sunday.

Schaefer, 54, was found dead near a railway track on Saturday. The Wiesbaden prosecution's office said they believe he died by suicide.

"We are in shock, we are in disbelief and above all, we are immensely sad," Bouffier said in a recorded statement.

Police and prosecutors said factors, including the questioning of witnesses and their own observations at the scene, led them to conclude that Schaefer killed himself.

Hesse is home to Germany's financial capital Frankfurt, where major lenders such as Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have their headquarters.

The European Central Bank is also located in Frankfurt.

A visibly shaken Bouffier recalled that Schaefer, who was Hesse's finance chief for 10 years, had been working "day and night" to help companies and workers deal

Thomas Schafer belonged to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU party

with the economic impact of the pandemic.

"Today we have to assume that he was deeply worried," said Bouffier, a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"It's precisely during this difficult time that we would have needed someone like him," he added.

Popular and well-respected, Schaefer had long been touted as a possible successor to Bouffier.

Like Bouffier, Schaefer belonged to Merkel's centre-right CDU party.

He leaves behind a wife and two children. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China defends against incoming 2nd wave of coronavirus

A

growing number of imported coronavirus cases in China risked fanning a second wave of infections when domestic transmissions had “basically been stopped”, a senior health official said on Sunday, while eased travel curbs may also add to domestic risks.

China, where the disease first emerged in the central city of Wuhan, had an accumulated total of 693 cases entering from overseas, which meant “the possibility of a new round of infections remains relatively big”, Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission (NHC), said.

Nearly a quarter of those came from arrivals in Beijing.

In the last seven days, China has reported 313 imported cases of coronavirus

A man wearing a face mask skateboards on a street in Wuhan, Hubei province, the epicentre of China's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, March 28, 2020

but only six confirmed cases of domestic transmission, NHC’s data showed.

Airlines have been ordered to sharply cut international flights from Sunday.

And restrictions on foreigners entering the country went into effect on Saturday.

Saturday marked the

fourth consecutive day that Hubei recorded no new confirmed cases.

All airports in Hubei resumed some domestic flights on Sunday, with the exception of Wuhan, which will open to domestic flights on April 8.

Restrictions have also

been eased on people looking to return to the capital, although the procedure still appears much more vigorous as it’s done on an application approval basis.

As scientists worldwide scramble to fight the battle against the coronavirus, a Chinese research institute said this week it has developed a nanomaterial that can absorb and deactivate the coronavirus, and that it is looking to work with companies to apply the technology in making air purifiers and face masks.

Lab tests by a CDC branch in China’s Anhui province showed the material deactivated 96.5-99.9% of the coronavirus, the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under state think tank Chinese Academy of Sciences said in a statement. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

19

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

DILBERT

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Personal gain can be yours if you share your ideas and collaborate with like-minded people. Let go of regrets and know enough to walk away from emotionally manipulative people.

Avoid getting into a discussion with someone who exhausts you. Focus on the good you can do, not on negative people or someone pressuring you to take a risk.

Don’t deny yourself the desire for something new or different. Refuse to let fear stop you from experiencing what life has to offer. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

Romance is favored.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

A dead-end project should be cut loose. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. Concentrate on the people and projects that will enhance your life instead of those that hold you back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You’ll face opposition if you aren’t willing to meet someone halfway. Don’t ignore the signals someone is sending you. If you neglect your personal or professional responsibilities, problems will occur.

LIBRA

Don’t allow anyone to use you as his or her puppet. You’ve worked hard to get where you are, and it’s time to recognize your value. Stand up for your rights.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Listen to others, but don’t let anyone make decisions for you. Be true to your beliefs and needs, and follow through with your plans.

Charm, not stubbornness, will help you reach your objective.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Spend more time building a solid foundation. Learn from your experiences and branch out in a direction that excites you. Romance is in the stars.

Changes to how or where SAGITTARIUS you live will turn out bet(Nov. 23ter than anticipated. Listen Dec. 21) to your heart, not to what someone else tries to lead you to believe.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Reconnecting with someone will prompt you to revisit a goal you have yet to reach. Make a personal change that will add to your appeal and boost your confidence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Think about what you have, what you want and the best way to achieve your goal. Take a closer look at your motives and future, and make a change.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Put personal papers in order. Don’t say things you don’t mean. Being frank will spare you emotional grief.

The changes you experience will alter your outlook.

20

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

Even in MotoGP's virtual Season could be lost, says Uefa boss world, a Marquez still rules beginning of the next [season], starting the following one later. We will see the best solution for leagues and clubs."

As it stands there are nine games to be completed by the majority of Premier League clubs, and up to 12 in the Football League.

All football in England is suspended until at least 30 April.

Ceferin says that playing remaining games behind closed doors would have to be an option across Europe.

Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez pose for pictures during a launching ceremony in Jakarta, Indonesia

A

Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League

U

efa president Aleksander Ceferin says the current football season could be lost if it cannot be restarted by the end of June.

Most leagues in Europe are suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, with this summer's Euro 2020 tournament postponed for another year.

Ceferin says seasons could be finished behind closed doors. "If we don't succeed in restarting, the

season will probably be lost," the Slovenian said.

He told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "There is a plan A, B and C. "The three options are to start again in mid-May, in June or at the end of June.

"There is also the possibility of starting again at the

"It's hard for me to imagine all the matches behind closed doors, but we still don't know whether we'll resume, with or without spectators," he said.

"If there was no alternative, it would be better to finish the championships."

(BBC Sport)

lex Marquez celebrated a first MotoGP win — even if only virtually — in a ‘#StayAtHomeGP’ esports race featuring 10 top riders including older brother and six-time world champion Marc.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic that has brought live sport to a standstill, the 23-year-old Moto2 champion is still waiting to debut in the top category after moving up to partner Marc at Repsol Honda.

The opening race in Qatar on March 8 was canceled and all other races up to May 17 have been postponed, with more likely to be stalled.

Sunday’s light-hearted online race, with riders joining remotely, was put on by MotoGP organizers to give fans something to watch while reinforcing the message about staying safe at home.

“I am really pleased to win

my first race!” joked Alex, whose brother has won the last four MotoGP titles and triumphed in 12 of last year’s 19 races with single-season point and podium records.

The Spaniard said Indonesian esports racer Putut Maulana had given him some useful tips, which he had kept to himself out of sibling rivalry.

Italian Francesco Bagnaia was second for Pramac Ducati with Yamaha’s Spaniard Maverick Vinales third in a crash-strewn race over six laps around the virtual Italian Grand Prix circuit at Mugello. Marc Marquez was fifth.

“I enjoyed it a lot and I hope everyone who watched also had a good time,” said Alex Marquez.

“Let’s hope that everyone continues to follow the advice of the doctors and scientists so that we can return to a more normal life, seeing friends and

family, enjoying the outside and going racing.”

Second only to Italy in fatalities, Spain is preparing to enter its third week under neartotal lockdown with most of the population housebound as the country tries to curb the virus.

Seven of Sunday’s 10 riders were Spanish.

Petronas Yamaha’s French rider Fabio Quartararo came fourth, and set the fastest lap, after starting from pole position but taking out future team mate Vinales at the first corner of a chaotic opening lap.

“You need a different style in these kinds of races so I had to adapt my strategy a little bit during the day,” commented Marc Marquez, who also crashed.

“A good time and I am really happy to be able to do something for the fans.”

(Reuters)

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATION Aracari Hotel, W.B.D. Accommodation Rates from USD$25. Amenities: Pool, Bar, Restaurant, Gym, Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 Nights and Get 1 Free. Tel: 264-2946.

ASTROLOGY & SPIRITUALITY Having Problems with Marriage/ Love Relationships, Health, Job, Money, Removal of Obstacles of any kind. Meet me once and change your life. Call 688-2135 Are you suffering from Health, Money, Job, Marriage Relationships problems, Removal of Blockage/ Evil Spirits, Clear Negative Energy, Permanent Protection. Call: 6961857 for appointment.

FOR SALE Mix Breed Puppies for Sale. Contact: Tel- 253-3114/692-0126.

Purebred Rottweiler Puppies, 6 Weeks old, $140,000,6631295/639-8924

LAND FOR SALE W.B.D, Versailles, Gated Community Lot 14 - 10214 SQ FT. Ph # 264-2948 / 615-2270.

VACANCIES Pump attendant-680-3863, Store helper-624-003, Driver for water canter-680-3863, Porter for water canter-680-3863, House keeper-624-0033 Call or Whatsapp One (1) General Domestic to work in the interior to cook, clean, wash, etc. Accommodation and meals provided. Please contact: 680-2702 Pump attendant -680-3863 Store helper- 624-003 Driver for water canter- 680-3863 Porter for water canter- 680-3863 House keeper- 624-0033. Call or Whatsapp.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21

22

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Coe says delaying 2020 Games relieved "mental turmoil" of athletes S

ebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, says the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics was made for the wellbeing of athletes.

Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, says the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics was made for the wellbeing of athletes. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini/ AFP via Getty Images Sebastian Coe has said the postponement of the Olympics was necessary in order to safeguard the psychological wellbeing of athletes because many were in “mental turmoil” not knowing if the Tokyo Games were to proceed as scheduled.

The 2020 Olympic Games were postponed last Tuesday in response to the coronavirus pandemic following talks between Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, and the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach.

Two weeks ago Lord Coe, the president of World Athletics, had been circumspect, saying “anything is possible” and emphasising the difficulties of moving the Games to 2021.

He now concedes events necessitated action.

“We’re no different from everyone else out there but I think we just concluded that sport, on this occasion, had to take a back seat,” Coe told TalkSport. “We didn’t want to have the athletes in a position where they were countering government advice, maybe even breaking the law.

“And of course in the back of their minds was always that concern, it wasn’t just their own training programme, but that they ran the risk of effectively infecting themselves, their families, their kids, grandparents or parents, and we just wanted to take them out of that mental turmoil as quickly as we possibly could.”

Bach has setup an IOC taskforce called Here We Go whose brief is to work with 33 international sports federations about setting new dates for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Among the considerations is staging the Games in the spring of next year.

“The agreement is that we want to organise these Games at the latest in the summer 2021,” Bach said. “This is not restricted just

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe

to the summer months. All the options are on the table including the summer 2021.”

The new head of UK Athletics has vowed to restore belief in an organisation that has been mired in controversy. Joanna Coates, appointed chief executive late last year, is well aware of the negative focus triggered by the results of its independent review into

the handling of Mo Farah’s former coach Alberto Salazar. Neil Black, the UKA performance director, became the latest senior figure to leave his role before another review was launched, this time by UK Sport.

IOC president Thomas Bach has created a taskforce. The IOC president, Thomas Bach, has created a taskforce to come up with new dates for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

“The board has given me the remit to make changes to ensure this organisation gets back to where it should be,” Coates told the Sunday Telegraph. “There will be major change in the organisation, and that doesn’t just mean people. That means policy, procedures, how we liaise with other organisations.” “I do not want medals at all costs.

I hope Dina [Asher-Smith] wins. I believe she will and we want her to. But it’s about her story, her journey in athletics and what athletics can bring to anybody that participates. That’s what it should be about.” (The Guardian)

ECB readies financial rescue plan, but no cuts for Root and Stokes J oe Root and Ben Stokes during a nets session in Colombo in early March before England’s tour of Sri Lanka was abandoned Joe Root (right) and Ben Stokes during a nets session in Colombo in early March before England’s tour of Sri Lanka was abandoned.

Photograph: Gareth Copley/ Getty Images The England and Wales Cricket Board is preparing to unveil an emergency financial package to support the game during the costly delay to the season but pay cuts for centrally contracted players are not being discussed.

The postponement of

the 2020 campaign is set to place a huge strain on the sport’s fragile finances, with no cricket before 28 May at the earliest and potentially well beyond that. The ECB spent much of last week in talks with several key stakeholders – including the 18 first-class counties, the Professional Cricketers’ Association and broadcasters – to map out measures that could be taken to keep the game afloat at a time when the usual summer revenue taps have run dry.

An action plan is likely

Ben Stokes and Joe Root

to be delivered for board approval in the next few days but the bumper deals commanded by England’s top all-format players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler will not be targeted. They earn in the region of £1m from their ECB contracts, with red- or whiteball specialists on a sliding pay scale. With savings being sought across the board it is not impossible they will end up on reduced terms but it is understood any such move would have to be a voluntary one considering the

terms of their agreements.

Instead the ECB is likely to use its cash reserves – which have slipped considerably in recent years to around £11m – and offer support for clubs as they seek to access government schemes. The eventual funding package is due to cover the recreational game as well the county system, with the ECB particularly eager to protect grassroots cricket as part of its promise to grow the game in the wider community. (The Guardian)

Turkey's legend in hospital with coronavirus

Rustu Recber was part of the Turkey side who reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup

R

ustu Recber was part of the Turkey side who reached the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup Turkey's most capped player, former goalkeeper Rustu Recber, is in a "critical period" in hospital with coronavirus.

The ex-Barcelona and Fenerbahce keeper, 46, won 120 caps and was one of the players of the tournament when Turkey reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

"We are still in shock by the sudden and rapid-

ly developing symptoms," his wife Isil Recber said on Instagram.

Isil and her two children have tested negative for the virus.

Rustu retired in 2012 after a five-year stint with Besiktas.

"We convey our wishes for a speedy recovery to our former national team goal-

keeper Rustu Recber, who sported our jersey for many years; we wish for him to regain his health as soon as possible and hope to receive good news from him," Fenerbahce said on Twitter.

Barcelona wrote on Twitter in Turkish: "Get well Rustu! We love you and we as Barcelona stand with you!" (BBC Sport)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

23

Bramble's 4-Day performances...

An unlucky streak for a determined Bramble

S

ome players are simply unlucky. In terms of not actually playing for West Indies after putting in some solid performances at the domestic level, Anthony Bramble sits on top of that list. In the past few seasons, Bramble has recorded some strong performances with bat, and his glovework continues to get better daily.

In the 2017-18 season, Bramble racked up 613 runs for the Guyana Jaguars. The lad, who plays for Albion locally, backed up his aggregate with 42 catches and three stumpings in that memorable season. After averaging 47.15 with the bat, Bramble had one century, a high score of 196*, and four half-centuries.

The right-handed batsman then proved his consistency, following up in the 2018-19 4-Day season with 580 runs at a stunning average of 52.72. Bramble scored two centuries in that season and again was in

in Tests, ahead of

Bramble.

Hamilton has also been in the runs at the Regional 4-Day level, but from 2017-18 to the 2020 season, his numbers were inferior to Bramble’s.

Hamilton's dream season was in 201617 where he scored 648 runs in nine matches at an average of 46.28, includ-

Anthony Bramble

top form with the gloves.

He accounted for 42 catches and one stumping. After those back-to-back season efforts, Bramble earned selection for the West Indies T20 team, but did not play a single match.

In Bramble's most recent 4-Day season, he had promising outings; however, but his performance was not as impressive compared to the previous outings. He scored 339 runs at an average of 26.07, including two

half-centuries with a high score of 91, just missing out on a century.

Shane Dowrich has established himself as the first-choice Test keeper, but Jahmar Hamilton was given an opportunity in 2019

397 minutes of Tagenarine Chanderpaul

ing two centuries and two half-centuries. The busy right-handed Hamilton then had a poor 2017-18 season, scoring 237 runs in eight matches with only one half-century at an average of 16.92. In 2018-19, Hamilton then scored 385 runs in seven matches at 29.61 with three half-centuries.

The most recent Regional 4-Day season saw Hamilton scoring 372 runs at 28.61 with four fifties.

If Dowrich misses a Test and Shai Hope is not given the opportunity to keep in Tests, will Bramble be tipped ahead of Hamilton or will he continue to be unlucky? (Brandon Corlette)

Yarde says his father has died with coronavirus

G

uyana Jaguars opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul has been known for his solidity at the top of the order. His innings of 66 not out against Barbados Pride in the second round of the 2020 Regional 4-Day, where he carried his bat in the innings of 209 all out, came off 280 balls and 397 minutes.

Bridgetown, Barbados witnessed a painstaking innings in one of Jaguars’ poor batting efforts in the season. Despite his poor 2020 season, the young Chanderpaul had been in the runs in the 2017-18 and 201819 season. Chanderpaul scored 315 runs in the eight matches he played this season at an average of 24.23. He recorded three half-centuries, all of which came early in the tournament. He had a highscore of 68, and his three half-centuries were in the 60s.

Prior to the start of the 4-Day season, the young Chanderpaul had hopes of scoring heavy runs in this 2020 Regional 4-Day season to press a case for selection to tour England. However, this season did not reflect on his solid performances in previous seasons. In the 2018-19 season, Chanderpaul scored 542 runs at 33.87. The defensive batsman had recorded one century and one half-century with a high score of 117.

Meanwhile, in the 2017-18 season, where Chanderpaul played nine

Anthony Yarde has won all 19 of his professional bouts, including 18 by knockout

B matches; he made 459 runs at an average of 38.25. He had one century and three half-centuries, with a high score of 101. Some may say that the young Tiger has a style for Test cricket, some may argue that he is not ready for the highest level of cricket. To date, Chanderpaul has played 43 FirstClass matches and made 2072 runs.

He is still a work in progress; he has a batting average of 29.18 with

two First-Class centuries in his career and 10 half-centuries. The 23-yearold, who was a former West Indies U-19 player, has a long career ahead.

With his great temperament, Test cricket is not far from his reach. Given he develops his scoring ability at the higher level, he will certainly follow the footsteps of his father, the great Shivnarine Chanderpaul. (Brandon Corlette)

ritish boxer Anthony Yarde says his father has died after contracting coronavirus.

The 28-year-old light-heavyweight has urged people to stay at home, saying his father had been "fit with no health issues" before becoming ill.

"I'm still in shock but maybe this can help people stay at home," Yarde posted on social media.

"The more people go out and mingle, the longer this isolation will last and the more it will spread."

The total confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK on Sunday had reached 19,522, with 1,228 deaths.

Yarde's promoter, Frank Warren, expressed his "sincere condolences to Yarde and his family".

"Coronavirus is an issue affecting all of us, but that doesn’t make the individual casualties any less tragic," he said.

"We hope that his fans listen to Anthony’s heartfelt plea for people to take the government's advice seriously so we can try and minimise the suffering of others."

Yarde's next fight was set to be against Britain's Lyndon Arthur on 11 April, but the event has been delayed until 11 July because of the pandemic. (BBC Sport)

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Coe says delaying 2020 Games relieved “mental turmoil” of athletes

Page 23

397 minutes of Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Page 22

Bramble’s 4-Day performances...

An unlucky streak for a determined Bramble Page 23

Blackwood to curb aggressive approach to batting See story on page 21 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.