Guyana Times Sunday April 5, 2020

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4247 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, April 5, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 34

Every vote must be counted for transparent, credible results – Canadian diplomat

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ocean View P8 Hotel now being prepared for COVID-19 patients

Page 3

…hopes court ruling today does not impede recount process

Very disappointed over political crisis in Guyana – T&T PM

COVID -19 lockdown

Page 7

…situation threatens viability of Caricom Secretariat

Canada, US P16 evacuating citizens stranded in Guyana

COVID-19

Test results going to Irfaan Ali distributes 1000 face masks in Minister before doctors is endangering lives Region 3 …rolls out National Mask Distribution drive …population is at risk – Opposition Leader – Dr Frank Anthony

Republic Bank donates $31.5M to fight COVID-19

P11

See stories on pages 15 & 16

… another person tests positive for COVID-19 …Guyana's figure now stands at 24 Page 17

New York records more than 600 virus deaths in a day

CDC to provide support for P14 persons affected

by COVID-19

“Do not exploit commuters” – UMU President to minibus operators

P17

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali chats with a senior Police Officer on Saturday after he donated face masks for members of the Guyana Police Force in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). Over 1000 masks were donated to persons on the West Demerara

Page 18

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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 5 – 03:00h – 04:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Monday, April 6 – 04:00h – 05:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, April 5 – 14:10h – 15:40h and Monday, April 6 – 15:05h – 16:35h.

Every vote must be counted for transparent, credible results – Canadian diplomat …hopes court ruling today does not impede recount process Road to Appeal Court

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 0.89 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:53h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 08:26h and 20:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.70 metre and 0.54 metre.

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Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee

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ews that the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has decided to do a recount has been described by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, as encouraging, as she noted the importance of every vote being counted.

In an exclusive interview with this publication on Saturday, the High Commissioner noted that Guyana can only arrive at credible results if all votes are counted in a transparent manner. According to her, GECOM’s decision on Friday is one that the general public has been calling for.

“I am very encouraged that GECOM has proceeded with a national recount.

This is what we’ve been calling for. We believe that every vote needs to be counted in order to have a transparent and credible process.”

“So, I’m encouraged by that and I hope that the court ruling tomorrow [today] does not impede the recount process,” the High Commissioner noted, adding that she will have to wait and see what is the outcome of the court proceedings.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) had previously been invited by caretaker President David Granger to supervise such a recount. Following the Caricom initiative which was signed by himself and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, the process had to be stopped when one of Granger’s own candidates moved to the court and was granted an injunction which halted the process.

According to Chatterjee, it is important for independent observation of the recount.

“I believe there are various options that are being reviewed. We hope that GECOM will allow the already accredited observers to continue and let’s see.

Hope there will be an independent [observation]. First of all, the registered parties need to be present. Also, independent, accredited observers.”

On Tuesday last the Full Court had dismissed an injunction, seeking to block GECOM from conducting the Caricom supervised recount. That injunction, filed for by APNU/AFC candidate, Ulita Moore, was granted by High Court Judge, Justice Franklyn Holder, who had previously ruled he had jurisdiction to hear the case.

This was successfully challenged by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in the Full Court. Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, who presided in the Full Court along with Justice Naresh Harnanan, ruled that the High Court has no jurisdiction to hear the application filed by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidate Ulita Moore.

The Full Court took into account the fact that the Chair of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, had given a public undertaking that the votes would be recounted to ensure that the results of the polls are credible and accepted by the various stakeholders.

As such, the interim injunction blocking the recount was discharged, paving the way for GECOM to go ahead with the process.

However, this led to Moore approaching the Appeal Court to challenge that decision.

On Friday the Appeal Court denied an application by lawyers for Moore to prevent GECOM from mak-

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Caretaker President David Granger

ing a decision on whether to proceed with a national recount or not, before the legal proceedings are completed, through an interim injunction.

While Appellate Judge Dawn Gregory did not grant the interim order sought, she, however, indicated that the court intends to hand down its decision today at 11:00h. As such, Justice Gregory asked that the

court be informed of any developments from GECOM, where a meeting was being held simultaneously.

Subsequently, before the hearing ended, Claudette Singh’s attorney, Kim Kyte, informed the court that the seven-member Elections Commission had decided to do the national recount.

However, it was explained that GECOM will nevertheless wait on the court ruling.

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

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

The authoritarian danger

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he PNC demonstrated its authoritarian bent for twenty-eight long years after it assumed power in 1964 in coalition with the United Force. This authoritarian turn was not responsive to any threat either internally or externally, but was derived from its Founder Leader Forbes Burnham’s Machiavellian conception of power. However, he opportunistically used the 1966 Venezuelan invasion and occupation of Ankoko Island against the background of its border controversy as a pretext for creating one of the largest armed forces in the world on a per capita basis to pre-empt any domestic challenge to his upcoming grab for power.

Burnham’s rigging of elections in 1968 made his coalition partner redundant, and his 1980 constitution merely gave a “legal” imprimatur to his supreme powers after his “Declaration of Sophia” had bestowed “paramountcy” of the PNC over the government. That paramountcy was extended over the state when the PNC flew its party flag over the Court of Appeals, then the apex court in our judicial system – the only bulwark against the Executive President that routinely rigged elections to control the legislature via every increasing “majorities”.

Today, Guyana has reached a conjuncture that eerily echoes the situation in 1968, which marked the inflection point towards authoritarianism. In its five years of coalition governance, the PNC-as-APNU showed scant regard for its AFC coalition partner that had given it the numbers to seize the reins of government. However, unlike the UF that had resigned in disgust at the PNC’s high- handed actions in general over their four years in office, and in particular its preparations for rigging the 1968 elections, the AFC has remained loyal to the PNC, even after the blatant fraud perpetrated on the Reg 4 tabulation of SOPs. Analogous to the Venezuelan threat of the 1960s, Guyana is now confronted with an even greater threat presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there exists a clear and present danger that the PNC-as-APNU, which still heads the Caretaker Government, will use it as a pretext for returning to its authoritarian roots to maintain power.

It has already defied the entire foreign community for a month in refusing to allow a free and fair count of the votes.

Caretaker President Granger does not fool anyone in his assertion that he is merely complying with the law, even as he allows one of his candidates to challenge the decision of GECOM to order a recount.

He has just declared a month-long countrywide lockdown and a curfew between 6pm and 6am with only specified activities permitted, where more than five persons can gather for “essential services”. Significantly, the media were not classified as an essential service, and while early enquiries have suggested it might have been an “oversight”, it should not escape notice that in other authoritarian states, such as China, Egypt, Algeria etc, the media have already been severely curtailed in their activities.

This is par for the course for authoritarian governments which view the free flow of information as their greatest threat. In its first iteration, the PNC had monopolised radio and TV broadcasting, and had severely curtailed the press so that it was almost vestigial. In terms of the build-up of the armed forces, the PNC-as-APNU had already made this a priority, and allocated billions towards that end even as spending on agriculture was slashed radically.

It is certain that protests against the Government will be curtailed as it has been in Algeria, for instance, where there had been protests over the past year over lack of democratic reform. Because of the caretaker regime’s blatant rigging attempt in front of the world, the fears that it would even tamper with the ballot boxes presently under lock and key are such that opposition parties have insisted on “keeping watch” on them physically. It would not be surprising that the regime would move to stop this activity, even though the participants have taken great care to observe COVOD-19 guidelines. Forewarned is forearmed on the PNC’s authoritarian imperative.

We do not need “firestick” to see what is clear in bright daylight.

Guyana’s democracy on trial Dear Editor, The public has witnessed and shown extreme concerns over the unbelievable, duplicitous and irrational actions of the APNU/AFC since the Granger-led cabal was woefully exposed and held unaccountable by a keen and potent PPP/C Opposition. It seems as though Mr Granger was schooled in ‘Timbuktu’, or he could not otherwise seriously contemplate the acceptance of his party’s perpetuated fallacies at home or abroad. Ever since Mr Granger’s team argued 65/2 = 34, the nation should have been aware that the foolhardy nature or intent of this person, requires judgement from George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

It was the sustained militancy of the vibrant Bharrat Jagdeo-led Opposition and other stakeholders, which exposed the overwhelming, fault lines in a fractured Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The cracks have now widened beyond the cover-up stages and it is no longer surprising that their spin-doctors have turned to desperate, shameless and flagrant attacks on observers representing the local and international community. The international response, however, has been swift, decisive and assertive. Individually and collectively, the responses emphasise and re-affirm that the time-stretching shenanigans characterised by a lack of rationality and extreme abuse of the court system, must end.

There is no doubt that the likes of the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfied; Region No Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo along with others they commandeered, have all proved themselves a compromised shameless bunch whose actions defeats the constitutional autonomy granted to

GECOM. Those found to be involved in this wanton attack on the State should not be allowed to get away with it. They must be made to face the strongest available sanctions! Were it not for the strong fearless pillars like Madam Roxane George upholding the Judicial arm of our democracy, our dear country would have long disintegrated into absolute anarchy.

Working on the inside, these compromised/planted agents of the PNC, have biasedly, practically created and extended every advantage at these elections in promoting the undercurrents advanced by the shameless PNC/APNU/AFC cabal. They have been relentless in their pursuit of power and would stop at nothing to achieve their sinister power-grabbing ideals. Although Chairwoman Justice retired Claudette Singh inherited this can of worms, she too in my view, has not exercised the level of assertiveness required in preventing the current day escalation the nation is experiencing.

Notwithstanding, it is very welcoming that GECOM Chairwoman Justice retired Claudette Singh has finally stood her ground in facing these daylight thieves, having committed to the High Court. More than a month has passed since the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections without a formal announcement of a winner, based on the recognised fraudulent declaration by Mr Mingo to account for every citizen’s vote in Region Four. The law is not an ass and GECOM Chairwoman demonstratively recognises this position. As such, she has finally moved to protect every citizen’s constitutional rights.

The recent decision of the GECOM Commission to recount all of the votes for each

region was indeed driven by the decision of Chairwoman Justice retired Claudette Singh. It comes at the ire of many on the Government side, particularly those with personal agendas. GECOM will likely be overseeing these counts given the organisation’s legal mandate to effect these procedures.

Notwithstanding, the certain lack of credibility through obvious fraudulent and non-transparent practices by senior GECOM administrative staff, has significantly diminished the confidence and trust that participating political parties outside of the Government, had in the organisation.

As such, this column supports the calls for the strongest presence of local and international observers, along with the publicly recorded and televised viewing of the counting process. The winner of these elections must be recognised publicly and internationally. It is of note that by the ABCE countries, OAS, Caricom, the Commonwealth, the European Union has already threatened exclusions and/or sanctions, if the non-credible Mingo approach utilised in Region Four, is used for swearing-in any President.

There is an emerged real threat in Guyana from the global COVID 19 pandemic, which necessitates an all hands on deck approach in addressing this matter in Guyana. The numbers of reported infected are increasing daily (23 at the time of writing), and there seems to be absolutely no comprehensive programme put forward

by Mr Granger to address an effective national response.

Instead, he has treated it as a Cabinet responsibility and delegated control to Moses Nagamootoo and Volda Lawrence, to whom he refers as members of his Cabinet and Ministers of the

Government. Mr Granger simply does not get it and wants the nation to accept a situation that is business as usual. For the records, there is currently no Cabinet nor Ministers, while the programme articulated by this cabal has been already met with massive public outcry.

The Granger Ministers being non-medical personnel are determining who should be tested instead of the doctors.

In essence, the inherently clear power-grabbing attempt through a sickening undemocratic approach, the situation has exacerbated the level of self-created volatility which when coupled with possible sanctions, will ascertain Guyana’s swifter regression individually and collectively. It must be brought to an end now. There is no need to wait for any decision from the Court of Appeal, as the law is clear that GECOM has the power of procedure in the interest of fairness and transparency.

While it has been observed that GECOM officials are not serious about recounting the votes, and are antagonising, stressing and holding Guyanese to ransom, the ABC and EU countries, the OAS and other international organisations should start putting sanctions on these officials and other parties who are frustrating the process now. This will send a stern and clear message even as there is the certainty that Mr Granger recognises that he would only be a paper President for a diminishing APNU, continuously reacting to extremely volatile reactions at home and abroad if falsely sworn in.

Madam Claudette Singh, let us get on with it and close this matter over the upcoming week, as Guyana is deserving of better.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Why are COVID-19 test results going to Minister first, and not to doctors?

Dear Editor, I saw a very disturbing article today (Saturday 4th April) in a section of the media, which stated that “COVID-19 test results go from lab to minister”. This shocked me to the core.

According to the article: “Doctors have expressed frustration with this procedure since, for them, it is imperative that the doctors get the results first, so they can know how to treat the patient. The Minister confirmed that she receives the results first during a virtual press conference. The doctors, speaking on condition of anonymity, say it sometimes takes 12-18 hours after the results of the tests are known before they get it.”

This is totally unacceptable, and I should say criminal. Why are test results

going to a woman whose ministerial legality is currently questionable in wake of the political maelstrom engulfing this country, and who is not a medical professional, not even in the remotest sense?

This virus is wildly and rapidly killing its victims, making rapid knowledge of the results a life-and-death matter. This is utterly unacceptable, and raises many questions.

I am calling on the Ministry of Public Health to explain to the public why the “Minister” must be the first one to get the results of COVID-19 tests, and not the doctors.

Further, where are the Medical Board of Guyana and other top medical professionals? And why are they not addressing this disturbing matter, as I learnt this

issue was known for a few days now?

I saw PAHO’s Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, sharing public forum with Ms Lawrence on the issue of COVID-19. I am sure he is aware of this, being so intimately involved with the Public Health Ministry on COVID-19. Why has Dr Adu-Krow not corrected Ms Lawrence that this is immoral, unacceptable and plain wrong? He represents a global entity like PAHO, that is doing everything it can to save as many lives as possible. He knows time is of the essence. Why has he not addressed this matter with Ms Lawrence, given how deadly this virus is? Is he in agreement with the test results going from lab to the Minister?

Can he explain the reason for this?

Other important ques-

tions are: Is the Ministry using COVID-19 as a political weapon against this nation? To what means and ends? The Minister and her Ministry have been a dismal failure in disseminating timely and proper information to the public on the virus. Every day we are seeing this virus claiming the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Researchers are rushing to develop kits to give people the results within hours, so that lives can be saved and doctors and nurses can begin to help victims immediately.

So why are COVID-19 test results sent to a a Minister, and not the doctors, as quickly as those results are known?

Yours faithfully, Name and address supplied

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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

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

Guyana: First country to announce COVID shutdown before any cohesive economic relief measures implemented

Dear Editor, With our country’s democratic electoral system being bludgeoned on a daily basis, we now have an illegitimate Government imposing a onemonth countrywide lockdown to combat the spread of the Coronavirus, without any planned economic relief measures in place.

While the negative consequences of the COVID-19 have been tragic and ought not to be underestimated, it is worth noting that loss of life caused by COVID-19 has not occurred in over 50 countries, including Barbados, French Guiana, Grenada, Haiti, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Somalia and Dominica to name a few. Those who oppose dictatorship in Guyana must continue to expose and resist draconian measures that are less about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and more about propping up a dictatorship.

As of March 31, 2020 –

over 45 countries have announced economic relief measures that were summarised and published by the Tax Foundation of the United States. The following economic relief measures were identified for consideration by stakeholders in Guyana to alleviate the major economic downturn that Guyana is already experiencing, as a result of the coronavirus that has caused much loss of life and disrupted the global economy.

Economic Relief Proposal

• Delay of Tax Filings: 1. Six-month deferral for employee tax, personal tax, corporate tax and property tax.

2. Value Added Tax returns deferred for periods thru to 12/31/2020.

3. Defer National Insurance Scheme contributions for six months, without loss of benefits.

• Employee Taxes: 1. Remove PAYE on wages up to $300,000, thru to 12/31/2020 2. No interest or penalties for late payments of any tax made in 2020.

• Business Taxes: 1. No interest or penalties for late payments of any tax made in 2020.

2. Suspend all tax audits.

3. No Advance Income Tax for Year of Assessment 2020.

4. Introduce a twoyear loss carry back.

5. Increase loss carry forward to 100 per cent.

6. Waive business and corporate taxes for the first half of 2020 to afford businesses the liquidity to operate on reduced revenue.

• Consumption Taxes: 1. No interest or penalties for late payments of any tax made in 2020.

2. Reduce VAT from 14 per cent to 7 per cent.

3. Accelerate payment of VAT refunds.

4. Removal of all import taxes on products related to addressing the outbreak.

• Other 1. Aid package for individuals and businesses of $30 billion, including loans and direct subsidies.

2. 80 per cent wage subsidy for affected workers, sourced from the aid package.

3. Guaranteed bank loans.

4. Cut bank reserve requirements by 50 per cent.

5. Automatic minimum increase of 50 per cent on overdraft limit.

6. Defer loan repayments for six months 7. Allow interest rates of 5 per cent for all borrowers for six months, then move rates up to a maximum

Good people speaking out on PNC’s attempt to steal power, traumatisation of the nation Dear Editor, I note recent statements by some decent, prominent people such as Professor Sankat, (Granger’s colleague and Belize University President), the PM of Trinidad Mr Keith Rowley who thinks the Guyana situation may end badly, Malcolm Parris (former PNC Minister and Burnhamite) supporting a recount and power-sharing, and a letter to the editor by Mr Harold Beharry, a prominent businessman. There was also Mr Craig Sylvester holding up a sign that says, “Why the PNC doesn’t tell their supporters that they lost the elections?” and a letter by Mr Nigel Hinds saying it’s wrong for the PNC to steal PPP votes.

The greater tragedy of Guyana is not just the ongoing evil of the PNC illegally clinging on to power; it is when the good men are silent or are complicit. One blogger said now is the time for decent Afro-Guyanese to speak out on the PNC’s current bullying behaviour and destabilisation of the nation.

While unexpected, I am delighted at the letter by Mr Harold Beharry whom I have known since the 1970s through the Inter-Varsity and Inter-School Christian Fellowship and when he was an active member of the Central Assembly of God Church. Harold is one of the most decent people you can find anywhere in the world and has never been political.

He must have spoken out, citing scriptures, because he can’t take it anymore how the PNC is destroying the country and the Christian church is largely silent.

I am a founder member

of the Lancaster Assembly of God Church and my wife is a founding member of the now Unity Full Gospel Fellowship. Our biggest disappointment is the continued silence of these two denominations (whose top leaders received appointments and national honours from Mr Granger) and others such as the New Testament Church of God, the Lifespring Ministries, the Elim Church and others within the Georgetown Ministers Fellowship (GMF) and the Guyana Evangelical Fellowship (GEF). History will record that at such a time as this, our so-called prophets, bishops, and apostles were not only silent, they are giving tacit support to the PNC riggers.

At this traumatic time in the nation, the Full Gospel leadership held a prayer breakfast for Mr Granger, attended by some GMF/GEF members. The Office of the Presidency showed pictures of Pastor Smith’s 75th birthday, with Mr Granger as the chief guest of honour, during the initial election count.

Surely these leaders must understand the symbolism of their actions.

What is more distressing and disappointing, if not tragic, is the number of people on the blogs, who say the PNC is a Christian party and praying for the PNC to succeed in its rigging while mouthing off statements such as “no weapon formed against the PNC shall prosper,” and similar Christian sloganeering.

Such behaviour does irreparable harm to the Christian cause as they seek to convert the “heathens” or win others to the Christian side. One can-

not claim to be a Christian and support the stealing of an opponent’s votes, or be silent when it happens in full view of everyone. The church has to be a unifier and healer, and you cannot do that by siding with the wrongdoers.

You have to tell the truth.

I call on Christians all over Guyana and abroad, to call on your pastors or whatever other lofty, fancy titles your leaders have given themselves, to speak out for justice and fair play. The Statements of Poll (SoPs)

in possession of all the parties show that the PPP won 53 per cent. The PPP knows that and the PNC knows that, and the foreign embassies have copies of the SoPs. So it is not the PPP trying to cheat; it’s the PNC. So, to my Christian brethren, don’t act stupidly and think “God” will perform miracles and convert PPP votes to PNC votes. Get some sense. What would Jesus do?

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

of 10 per cent thereafter on a risk-assessed basis.

8. Immediate removal of all taxes on fuel; then mandate fuel companies to reflect the global reduction in fuel prices and the fuel tax reduction in their pricing.

9. Cut electricity rates by 50 per cent for six months, with gradual increases thereafter.

10. No disconnections of data plans, electricity services or water services for three months.

11.

Remove all taxes from electricity services, data plans and water services.

12. Direct delivery of

old-age pensions.

13. Seek economic relief funding from international organisations and similar bilateral and multilateral support.

14. Cash and in-kind subsidy to the poor and vulnerable.

Implementing a planned economic relief programme for Guyana is the whole purpose of providing this draft economic relief proposal for our local and national representatives to expand or amend.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Leading from the front Dear Editor, It is in times of crisis where we see the true nature of our leaders. The crisis caused by the coronavirus has given us the opportunity to see the type of leader Dr Irfaan Ali will be.

All across the world leaders of countries have been regularly briefing their respective nations as to the current situation in the country and steps are being taken to combat the virus.

The exception, however, is Guyana. David Granger has been mostly absent as this crisis continues to deepen.

President-elect Irfaan Ali, in contrast, has been readily accessible to the nation.

He is constantly on television and Facebook reassuring a traumatised nation.

He is leading a multi-stakeholder task force that is not

only providing strategies to deal with the crisis, but also planning and strategising for the post-coronavirus era, which is critical to bringing the nation back to normalcy.

Just Saturday, April 4, 2020, Dr Ali and a team were out distributing masks to the public as they attempted to fill the void left by the coalition.

It is through this crisis that we are granted a window to view what a Dr Ali Government will be. We already can see that it will be proactive and that it will put the interest of the citizens first. We are anxious for this Administration to be in place. The sooner it is the better it will be for us all.

With regards, Sherwyn Greaves

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 17

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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 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 Science Paper 2, 2012

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

SCIENCE II

PAPER 2

Reading Time: 10 minutes Writing Time: 45 minutes

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY 1.

WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE

NUMBER CLEARLY ON EACH PAGE. 2. This paper contains SIX questions. You are required to answer QUESTIONS ONE and THREE others. EACH question is worth 5 marks.

Be sure to answer FULLY the FOUR questions.

Study the various types of materials below, then answer question 3.

3. Write your answer in the space provided in the booklet.

4. Drawings and handwriting MUST be clear at ALL TIMES. 5. Each step of your work MUST be CLEARLY shown in the booklet.

6. If you have to erase, do so

Study the diagram of one of the body systems shown below, then answer question 4.

cleanly.

7. Look over your work when you have finished.

8. DO NOT take away ANY part of this question paper.

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

Study the pictures of animals below, then answer question.

Wood

Glass

Food

5. How many classes of vertebrates are shown above?

• (1 mark)

Juice can

a) Name the object that is transparent.

(1 mark) (b) (i) Identify the object that is the best conductor of electricity.

(1 mark) (ii) Give one reason for your answer in (b) (i).

(1 mark) c) Identify one biodegradable object.

(1 mark) (d) Name the best material above which can be used to make the handle of a kettle.

(1 mark)

4. a) Name the human body system shown above.

(1 mark)

(b) Identify one animal above that produces its young from eggs.

(1 mark)

(b) State the main function of the main artery.

(1 mark)

To which group of feeders does the animal at C belong?

(1 mark)

c) State two ways in which the heart assists this system in carrying out its function.

(1 mark)

(d) What type of covering does the animal at A have?

(1 mark)

(d) How does the lungs assist the system in carrying out its function?

(1 mark)

e) Name the organ that the young of the animal at E uses to breathe in water.

(1 mark) The graph shows the breathing rate of students before and after exercising. Study it, then answer question 6.

6. What was the breathing rate of the students after exercising?

(1 mark) (b) What was their normal breathing rate before exercising?

(1 mark) c) Name the body system that is responsible for controlling this breathing rate.

(1 mark) (d) Calculate the difference in breathing rates per minute.

(Show all workings.)

(2 marks) End of test

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Very disappointed over political crisis in Guyana – T&T PM …situation threatens viability of Caricom Secretariat

T

rinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley visited Guyana last month with other Caribbean leaders, including Chair of Caricom, Mia Mottley, in a bid to resolve the political stalemate following the declaration of discredited results in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) in the March 2 polls. Now, more than a month after elections were held, with no credible results declared, he has described the current situation as very disappointing and worrying.

Prime Minister Rowley made these remarks during an interview with CCN TV’s Elizabeth Williams, which aired on Saturday.

According to Rowley, he had been hopeful during his trip to Guyana that their presence could have helped resolve the issue.

Instead, the elections have now been dragged before the court and a month later, the country remains in limbo when it comes to the election results. He explained that he is in regular contact with Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairperson, Mia Mottley, on the issue.

“Speaking as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and as a Caribbean person, I am very disap-

bring comfort to the people of Guyana that the figure that comes out of here [is credible], having been scrutinised by the Caricom team.

The next thing we know, that presence of Caricom, by invitation, became accusations against us and a legal process. So, we had to get out of there.”

Caricom

Caricom Headquarters at Liliendaal

pointed and also very concerned about the situation in Guyana. When I went on that trip with the Caricom team, I was kind of hopeful that our presence would have brought to bear on our brothers and sisters in Guyana. And out of it would have come some position that could have led to a result.”

“I’m worried that an election held a month ago is a courthouse matter. I’m getting a feeling that this is not going to end well. I hope I’m wrong, but that feeling with the elections and the court after a month, I’m not having a good feeling about it,” Rowley said during the interview.

Rowley expressed concern over the botched Caricom agreement, which would have seen Caricom supervising a recount by GECOM. But despite care-

taker President David Granger seeking the agreement, one of his own party candidates – Ulita Moore went to court and stopped it.

In light of the fact that Caricom sent a team, including the Trinidadian election chief to supervise the recount, and that team was eventually rebuffed, Rowley was at a loss to say what more Caricom could do.

“What is even more troubling to me is that on the second [visit] we thought we had some sort [of] agreement from the leadership in Guyana that they put a marker down, let’s count the ballots and we will abide by that count. The ending of an election is counting the ballots. We sent a team of scrutineers… Trinidad sent our Chief Elections Officer to be a scrutineer.”

“Not to interfere with the process, but to look at it and

According to Rowley, it is uncertain where this leaves Caricom in the process, since the organisation and its role in the process were dragged into the court drama. However, he expressed hope that good sense would prevail in Guyana and those in the relevant positions listen to advice, since “too much is at stake.”

“Having gone in there, on that second pass, and having ended up basically as a defendant in the court, I don’t know where that leaves Caricom. That’s why I have this unsettling feeling that with every passing day, I am hopeful that something happens that puts an end to this. This cannot go on, because it’s not going to end well. And no one is going to benefit from this in Guyana.”

“We spoke to all the political leaders. Eleven political parties. And we gave them the benefit of our experience

and the comfort of our presence. I don’t know what else we can do. So, I’m worried.

I’m concerned.”

Rowley shied away from commenting on the repercussions of caretaker President David Granger being sworn in without a recount.

However, Rowley made it clear that he remains worried about Guyana serving as host of Caricom’s headquarters, in the current circumstances.

“You must remember that the headquarters of Caricom is situated in Georgetown so all of this is cause for concern so we can’t accept a situation wherein the headquarters country what is being threatened comes to pass.”

“We cannot countenance that and that is why I am hoping that we come to a speedy conclusion to this and that a decision is made which the Guyanese people can be comfortable with going forward,” Rowley also said.

All the political parties that contested against A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and the local and foreign observers have expressed the view that what is being threatened is an illegitimate Government and President sworn in on unverified results.

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

After two declarations lacking credibility from Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, the agreement for a Caricom supervised recount was reached. Despite GECOM itself agreeing to do the recount, however, APNU/AFC candidate Ulita Moore went to court and secured an injunction granted by Justice Franklyn Holder against the recount that was subsequently discharged by the Full Court.

She then returned to court to appeal her discharged injunction. At present, the Appeals Court is set to rule today on an application to stop GECOM from conducting a recount. The Commission has, nevertheless, already agreed to doing a recount of all 10 regions in chronological order.

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Ocean View Hotel now being prepared for COVID-19 patients

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he caretaker coalition Administration has now started to examine facilities to keep persons who test positive for the coronavirus.

Caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who heads the National COVID-19 Task Force, communicated via a virtual press conference on Saturday, that the caretaker Government has initiated efforts to prepare the Ocean View Hotel, located at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, into a hospital facility.

“The technical team of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is involved at this time. I think they have made an assessment as to the needs of the building itself. They might have given the number of persons expected to house there. It is not mainly as a quarantine…as a kind of ancillary

on the fact that there will be no need for beds until then.

“We can follow up on that to see what actually is the timeframe within which this would be completed…I hope it remains at 23 and…that there are no more immediate need for beds and accommodation,” he asserted.

Sports Hall and Gymnasium

The Ocean View International Hotel

hospital coronavirus confirmed cases,” he said.

The Public Health Ministry had chosen to cordon off a section of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to serve as a quarantine site despite much criticism. However, as the cases continued to surge, other regional hospitals were identified to house patients.

The four medical facilities prepared thus far are major hospitals, with high

traffic of patients every day.

Adding to that, these centralised locations present a higher possibility of contraction.

Now that the country has reached some 24 positive cases and an alarming four deaths, the National COVID-19 Task Force is now hurrying to have provisions put in place. With uncertainty as to when the renovation works will be completed, Nagamootoo stated that they are leaning

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and National Gymnasium were cited as other possible alternatives.

Authorities are seeking to have 1000 beds available to accommodate persons in need of isolation, even though the Pan American Health Organisation predicts that the cases will climb to some 20,000.

This announcement came after many persons in mandatory quarantine complained about the appalling condition of the facilities.

Khalid Gobin, a Guyanese student, who has been quarantined at a facility along the SoesdykeLinden Highway, had approached the High Court seeking an order for him to be released from the facility, arguing that not only is he being wrongfully detained, he is also being held in deplorable conditions.

The university student said that he was forced to share bathrooms and beds with other persons and does not have access to sanitation facilities, except for the one bar of soap that was provided.

Gobin was among several passengers who arrived in Guyana from Barbados via a Trans Guyana flight last month and was immediately taken into quarantine although being told that he would be tested for COVID-19 at the Eugene F Correira Airport and allowed to go home to self-quarantine.

On Thursday, Justice Brassington Reynolds struck out an application by Gobin. He ruled on the fact that he is satisfied that the measures invoked under the Public Health Ordinance were not arbitrary, and the facility in which the young man is being kept meets international standards.

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin contended, however, that he is not challenging the Public Health Ordinance but the condition in which his client is being held. He added that the condition is a threat to his client’s health and that of others, as should anyone test positive, everyone else will contract the deadly disease.

The latest statistics provided indicate that 23 persons tested positive for the virus, with 34 persons in institutional quarantine, 12 in institutional isolation and 149 in home quarantine.

On democracy…

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…and ethnic demands s your Eyewitness has observed before, the calls for changing the system of governance by activists and partisans of the PNC are coming fast and furious now that it looks like a recount might be on the cards. The latest is from Tacuma Ogunseye of WPA, ACDA and APNU; not necessarily in that order. Or the order itself might be irrelevant, since they’ve all evidently shed their coy posturings to become defenders of the PNC’s right to rule.

Ogunseye’s position is quite clear – no beating around no bushes here; and so offers a good opportunity to engage in a discussion of the merits or demerits of their position. He engages the recent statement of the US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, wherein she extolled the democratic values her nation has trumpeted since its “Declaration of Independence” in 1776. Ogunseye, however, insists to her and all of us in Guyana that such values “have to be seen in the context of a country’s history and stage of development. And in this regard, elections and democracy, if it means, or will lead to the political exclusion of Africans from governance in Guyana, and our economic marginalization – we reject those notions.”

What he’s saying – and this is the bottom line for all the adherents of the ‘new governance model” line – is that elections and democracy MUST include “Africans” in government, or else they’ll be “economically marginalised”. The representation of “Africans” in government will be by the PNC, since this is the entity Ogunseye and others are insisting is the political vehicle for “African” aspirations.

Now, right off the bat, your Eyewitness has a problem with this formulation.

After all, wasn’t the same PNC in power for 28 years using the very same argument to rig elections every which way in 1968, 1973, 1980, 1985 - and with a rigging of a referendum in 1978 thrown in for good measure??

So why did Ogunseye join with the WPA to fight off the PNC during those years?? Was that PNC not representing “Africans” then?? Didn’t all the managers appointed to run the “commanding heights of the economy” create an “African” middle class?? And the Co-op Movement didn’t “make the small man into the real man”??

So what exactly will the “new PNC” do differently this go around, after it left “Africans” at 43% poverty rate in 1992 - which the PPP reduced to 34% by 1999?? And oh… another thing. Didn’t the same rejected “democracy and elections” allow the PNC to take power in 2015?? What’s now different?? Is it that elections must only have the PNC winning, or else the winner must share with them??

What if “Indians” had made the analogous argument in 2015?? …and dealing with crises Now, nobody says democracy is easy; in fact, it can be quite messy. As Churchill once observed, “Democracy is the worst form of Government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time”!!

And that’s the truth, ain’t it?

First, we had monarchies coming out of the mightis-right beginnings of society. It didn’t work. After democracy became ascendant in the 19th century, we had the communist experiment of the Soviet Union, then the fascist diversions of Hitler and Mussolini. Neither proved to be any improvement on democracy.

Well, some are looking at the rise of China in the last four decades, and especially in the way it has not only lifted so many of its citizens out of poverty, but also how it has handled the present COVID-19 crisis. But the dilemma that’s posed for countries like ours, that experienced the trampling of our fundamental human rights, is its violation of our human spirit.

Are we willing to pay this price? Your Eyewitness think not. …and the elite choices One of the reasons for the struggle to keep power at any price is that the winners were able to escape ordinary Guyanese travails – like shitty medical care.

But where will they now jet off to if ill?

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

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Denying their eyes

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month has now gone by without Guyanese being given a definitive answer on the results of the General Elections of March 2. After more than a year of struggling to get that election scheduled, the reaction of the populace to the delay has become just another marker of our fractured politics: each side pointing fingers at the other.

This is rather remarkable since, supposedly learning from the past, steps had been scrupulously taken to ensure the counting of the less than half-a-million votes would be done promptly, transparently, and accurately.

One would assume, therefore, that since these steps were all designed to ensure transparency in the count, there would be no need for the political divide to be reflected in evaluating very simple counting tasks performed in front of a host of persons. The theory was that “seeing is believing”.

But Guyana has just conclusively disproved that Ravi Dev theory: seeing, we now see, is what the PNC wants you to see. Transparency is in the eyes of the PNC. At the base of what was a pyramidical cross-checking structure were the 2300 polling stations where, after the close of poll, the individual ballots placed in a box by the voters were counted and allocated to the contesting parties in front of agents of the said political parties. These totals were summarised in a “Statement of Poll” (SOP), a copy of which was then placed in the “ballot box” and others distributed as specified by law. Amazingly, there were no disputes at this step, which had been resisted for decades by the PNC, because, as one of their leaders insisted, “it would pose logistical nightmares”. One copy of the SOP from each box was posted in front of the Polling Place, for all and sundry to view how their community had voted.

Going up the pyramid, all the ballot boxes from each region – accompanied by the SOPs - were taken to ten Counting Stations, where a Returning Officer (RO) was supposed to tabulate the votes as summarised on the SOPs. In the past, there had even been bloodshed in the transportation of the ballot boxes to these counting locations when party agents had attempted to accompany them to ensure that no ballot boxes “fell off the truck”.

This time, there were absolutely no hitches in the transportation exercise; no complaints from any “side”; no shootings, and no ruckus.

The next step of tabulating the SOPs, to obtain the distribution of the votes among the contesting parties regionally, went quite smoothly in nine of the regions where the Returning Officers made their declarations. The process was simple in theory and practice: the RO would hold up his copy of the individual SOP – or project it on a screen – and each party representative would compare the numbers with his/her copy, and any discrepancy would be dealt with there and then. There were recounts requested in three Regions the next day, and these were dealt with without any great fuss. No protests, fights or ruckus, much less shootings.

The great exception, however, occurred in Region 4, which is our largest region by far and includes Georgetown, stronghold of the PNC. And this is where all hell broke loose to such an extent that we are still dealing with the explosion.

What happened in Reg 4? It is no secret because it took place in front of dozens of International Observers, Diplomats, party officials and others. The RO, one Clairmont Mingo, after tabulating more than half of the 879 SOPs to everyone’s satisfaction in the approved manner, suddenly launched a number of subterfuges clearly designed to delay the completion of the tabulation.

But to cut a long story short, after resumption of the exercise, Mingo absolutely refused to transparently display the remaining SOPs in his possession so they could be compared to those in possession by other parties’ counting agents.

And this is where we arrive at the phenomenon that is still baffling me: that supporters of the APNU/AFC could still try to deny what their eyes saw so very clearly. The foreign observers and the diplomats have unanimously declared that Mingo’s SOPs were never subsequently displayed clearly, yet this has not moved the PNC supporters and leaders. And we have leaders of the coalition declaring with straight faces to the nation and to the Courts that what everyone but they saw was an illusion.

How would we ever be able to take such leaders seriously to move forward?

epublic Bank has pledged a whopping $31.5 million towards Guyana, for the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.

In a published statement, Trinidadian-based Republic Financial Holdings stated that some US$2 million was allocated towards each of the countries which it operates in.

Created under the entity’s “Power to Make a Difference” initiative, the contribution will also be made to Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, Ghana, Suriname, the Cayman Islands, St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; St Kitts and Nevis, St Maarten, Anguilla and Dominica.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Baptiste indicated that the funds are to be used for the procurement of medical supplies, such as ventilators and testing kits which are needed in the health sector.

“The full extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding before our eyes is epochal. While the Group is committed to helping our customers survive the economic impact, there is so much more that is needed to be done at the society level. No country is im-

mune from this virus and, given our preference for open economies, we all must be interested in what happens elsewhere. Management of this virus require global collective responsibility”, Baptiste expressed.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Amral Khan acknowledged that the pandemic has proved very challeng-

ing to Guyanese and the country at large.

“Given that much needs to be done, we are optimistic that our contribution will have a positive impact, thereby minimising the number of cases in Guyana and inspiring others in the corporate community to make similar generous contributions to support this fight for life,” Khan said.

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CDC to provide support for persons affected by COVID-19

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s Guyana continues to battle with the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) through the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has announced that it will be embarking on a national mobilisation of resources which will support vulnerable persons and communities during this period.

Last Saturday the CDC offered to deliver items which were sent by persons to their relatives in quarantine at no cost.

Persons who were desirous of sending items to their relatives in institutional quarantine or isolation were asked to do so through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Headquarters located at Thomas Lands, Thomas Road, Georgetown.

This is due to the high risk of exposure to families and friends of persons in institutional quarantine or isolation.

Nevertheless, NEOC, which was activated on

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

March 31, 2020, said that they aim to ensure the highest level of collaboration among all stakeholders to further prevent the spread of the disease, enhance preparation and strengthen the local response to this global pandemic.

In a release, Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said the Commission through the NEOC will be working with all its partners, including the Private Sector, to ensure that adequate re-

lief items including masks, hygiene products, and food supplies are mobilised to assist those in need.

“We are working to ensure that these supplies are available to the citizens who are directly impacted by the measures implemented to help the fight against the COVID-19. The Commission, before this, had already stockpiled supplies and we continued to work with our partners of the NEOC including the Ministry of Communities, Food for the Poor, the Private Sector Commission, United Nations, the National Commission on Disabilities Guyana, the National Bureau of Statistics and the Guyana Defence Force. We intend to ensure that every individual who has been affected by these measures, receives the support they need,” he said.

Craig further alluded that the Commission will welcome assistance and donations from any company or individual who is willing

to join the cause. The donations, he said, can be made in three categories: food supplies, personal care, and sanitation supplies and financing.

CDC said “companies or persons who wish to donate could do so at the CDC’s headquarters, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, or make cash or cheque deposits into its Republic Bank account number 962356519938. Food and hygiene supplies can be dropped off at the Thomas Lands location daily between 09:00h and 15:00h”.

Additionally, the Commission stated that systems will be put in place to facilitate the dropping off of supplies in the other administrative regions.

Contact can be made with the Commission on telephone numbers (592) 226-1114, 226-8815 and 226-1027.

Craig noted that the packing of the care packages has begun and the distribution points and dates would be released as soon as they are finalised.

World Health Day 2020

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here are several health- related observances that occur during the month of April, and they are all meant to bring awareness and action to the specific issues highlighted during that time: * Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month is observed throughout the month; * 07 - World Health Day; and * 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

World Health Day is observed every year on April 07, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as other related organizations. Over the past 50 years, this observance has brought to light important health issues such as mental health, maternal and child care, and climate change. The celebration is marked by activities which extend beyond the day itself, and the day serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on these important aspects of global health.

In 2020, World Health Day is being celebrated under the theme “Support Nurses and Midwives”. This theme focuses on the critical role played by nurses and midwives in providing health care around the world, and calls for strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Did you know?

Nurses and midwives account for nearly 50% of the professional health workforce.

A critical time for health care

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global health care system has been placed under tremendous pressure as the numbers of infected persons and deaths continue to escalate. Therefore, during this World Health Day, we pause to salute not only nurses and midwives in Guyana, but all healthcare providers. They play a vital part not only in providing and managing personal care and treatment, but even more critical in the fight against disease and infection. Our healthcare workers are currently at the forefront battling this dreaded virus.

The healthcare workers need our help

In this new decade, the healthcare systems globally are being stretched beyond their capacities. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, we are reminded that our role in curbing the spread and brining the pandemic to an end is vital.

The nurses and healthcare professionals can’t do it alone, let us follow the recommendations made by the experts to: o Practice social distancing; o Wash our hands properly and frequently; o Use hand sanitizers; o Cover our coughs and sneezes; and o Call the authorities if you are not feeling well, and let them advise you.

Your environment matters

The value of a clean and healthy environment cannot be overstated. While you are at home: o Clean and sanitize your house; o Clean your yards and drains; o Choose reusable over disposal items; o Start working on that kitchen garden; and o Plant some flowers to beautify your yard.

Remember, a healthy environment is good for your physical as well as your mental health. It can save you and your family a visit to the doctor. A clean and healthy environment goes beyond COVID-19; it can protect us from contracting or spreading even some common illnesses.

Occupational Safety and Health Month

Owing to the current global pandemic caused by COVID-19, OSH Month observance in Guyana has been changed to reflect the seriousness of the situation. The Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour, which has the mandate for organizing activities, has urged all workers to be aware, prepare, and take action.

The EPA has been following the guidelines for sanitization and social distancing, as recommended by the WHO and the Ministry of Public Health.

Remember to protect yourselves and others!

Sources

https://nurseslabs.com/2020-year-of-the-nurse-and-themidwife/#Why-focus-on-nurses-and-midwives https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/ world-health-day-2020/ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nursing-andmidwifery https://work.chron.com/midwife-duties-responsibilities-21928. html http://worldnursingcongress.blogspot.com/2019/12/is-nursing21st-century-nursing-is-glue.html https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/ events-training/events-meetings/world-day-safety-health-at-work/ WCMS_733542/lang--en/index.htm

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: The Environmental Protection Agency, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

NEWS

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COVID-19

Population is at risk – Opposition Leader

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Guyana’s political uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions in the region

n a recent article carried in Guyana Times dated April 2, 2020, it was reported that the Donald Trump Administration was deploying more U.S Navy ships to the Caribbean to prevent drug cartels and “corrupt actors” like Venezuela President Nicholas Maduro. Important to note is that the Maduro regime in Venezuela is regarded as an illegitimate regime and is considered dictatorial in nature.

These geopolitical developments, though scary in nature, are not surprising, especially against the backdrop of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, massive oil resources in both countries, and U.S heightened interest in Guyana. In fact, this author had written and cautioned about these heightened risks over a year ago, since the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion (NCM) against the ruling Administration in December 2018.

Therefore, in today’s article, the author wishes to represent excerpts from those articles in order of chronology – given that these warnings are now bearing rapid fruition, rather worryingly – and the implicit implications for Guyana are not desirable.

December 30, 2018: two days after the NCM, this columnist wrote, “…in the context of the recent outcome of the NCM, wherein the Government has virtually fallen; this columnist is cautious to forewarn that a situation of real political instability is hovering in Guyana should the Government not respect the outcome therein. Such a situation would not be healthy for Guyana’ economic and political climate at this time – especially with the ongoing matter surrounding the Guyana/ Venezuela border and as the country is gearing up to become an oil producing nation.” https://guyanatimesgy.com/the-no-confidencemotion-and-political-instability/.

January 6, 2019: “…it is obvious the Government is not going to give up power without a fight amid the notion that the country is poised to be earning oil wealth within a year or so.”

In the same article, it was also highlighted that the Foreign Affairs Minister at the time had reported that the Venezuelans had attempted to land a helicopter on ExxonMobil’s ship. To this end, this author contended that these developments can have far-reaching detrimental consequences for Guyana. With the Russians supporting Venezuela with military backing, there can be an imminent American/Russian war in the region. Further, it was argued that these events, if materialized, would inevitably weaken Guyana within these dimensions. The attempt to land a helicopter on Exxon’s ship was a strategic move

by Venezuela, and if Guyana’s political climate further weakens, the outcome could become devastating.” https://guyanatimesgy.com/ the-likely-political-implications-of-the-judicial-challenge-to-the-noconfidence-motion-is-unhealthy-for-guyana-at-this-time/.

January 20, 2019: “It is of paramount importance that a situation of political crisis be averted at all cost. These situations dampen investors’ confidence and private investments become slumped” https://guyanatimesgy.com/how-does-political-instability-affecteconomic-growth/.

March 3, 2019: “The manifestation of these events would only hurt the Guyanese people, especially the working class, at the expense of politicians fighting for power and clinging to power without any regard for a strong and prudently governed economy in the interest of all Guyana’s peoples. The economy is at risk of becoming standstill overall. Very little or no investment would occur during this period; unemployment would be on the rise, crime would be on the rise; and social and economic hardships would be imposed upon the working class especially.” https://guyanatimesgy.com/too-much-at-stake-forguyana-to-be-heading-into-a-sea-of-political-uncertainty/.

June 30, 2019: “…this author wishes to take this opportunity to urge the politicians on both sides to demonstrate some level of political maturity and that this is the time to compromise in order to pull Guyana out from being viewed as a weak and fragile state and growing political uncertainty. These are not good signs for Guyana at this point, especially against the backdrop of the emerging oil and gas industry…” https://guyanatimesgy.com/the-ccj-ruling-no-confidencemotion-and-the-dire-need-for-political-maturity/.

Conclusion

As indicated earlier, today’s article featured excerpts from previous articles done over a year ago. In them the current political impasse was largely predicted, and the risks therein were articulated. These risks regarding the geopolitical tensions particularly, are seemingly being accelerated by the U.S. It is also the view of this analyst that the move by the U.S Navy to increase its presence in the region is a subtle signal to the political actors in Guyana – implying the urgent and serious need to avert any likelihood of becoming a collapsed state, inter alia, the consequences of a Government that may be regarded as illegitimate by the international community.

This notion was reinforced recently in a strong statement from the U.S Ambassador, in which Her Excellency responded to criticisms from certain sections of the political arena and made it pellucidly clear what is the U.S’ position in maintaining and preserving the auspices of democratic regimes.

Having said that, this author wishes to urge the political leaders to honour the commitment to a recount which was made between the Opposition Leader and the President, and let’s get on with it, so that stability could be restored and a properly constituted Government installed to handle the crisis of COVID-19, which if worsened would see Guyana requiring about $500 billion stimulus to rescue the economy when all this is over. We have an economy to rescue and build; people’s lives, and livelihoods are at stake. This is not time for this nonsense!

(The author is an experienced macro-finance and research analyst, Lecturer and Business & Finance Consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com).

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has accentuated on the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, while noting that sections of the public sector are at greater risk amid non-existent measures for their safety.

In Guyana, 24 persons have already tested positive for the deadly virus, with four reported deaths.

During a press conference on Friday, Jagdeo indicated that efforts should be strengthened to prevent the situation from worsening. Thus far, the People’s Progressive Party has set up a Multi Stakeholders Forum to alleviate the situation through volunteerism.

“This pandemic is a serious one and our country is at risk. Many of our people are at risk and we have to do all that it takes to ensure that we come out of this with the minimal number

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

of infections, people being healthy and strong, and being able to return to a productive life,” he stressed.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo added that they will continue to support the national effort but called out the incumbent coalition for their approach to the pandemic.

“We want to be helpful of

the national effort but you have a total lack of leadership by those who purport to call themselves Ministers and by the Government generally, from the President especially on this matter,” Jagdeo said.

He commented on the ‘differential treatment’ meted out to sections of the public sector, which could prove dangerous to their health.

He added that workers along the sugar belt have been venturing out of their homes and entering the transport trucks, where they are subjected to sitting in close proximity to each other.

“We have seen a differential treatment in the public sector where there are strong measures taken in some areas to send people home and in other areas of public sector, people are still working, cramped together,” the Opposition Leader shared.

He added, “I was told

that in the sugar belt, that many of the sugar workers are going to work in the same trucks in close proximity with each other, no masks, no public education, nothing of the sort which could put them at risk.

Serious risk for contracting the virus.”

There is also a lack of protective supplies for law enforcement agents while persons from the medical fraternity have been faced with discrimination while travelling in public transportation. By now, he noted, transport mechanisms should have been employed for these essential employees.

“Our country is practically at a standstill, largely because of two issues – the COVID-19 issue and the unresolved matters surrounding elections. Both matters require very, very urgent attention because they put at risk our way of life as Guyanese.”

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COVID-19 fight

Irfaan Ali distributes 1000 face masks in Region 3 …rolls out National Mask Distribution drive

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r e s i d e n t i a l Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday distributed over a thousand face masks in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) as he stressed the need for Guyanese to protect themselves and others against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).

Saturday’s face mask distribution saw not only

members of the public benefiting but essential workers as well.

According to Dr Ali, it is more important now than ever that all Guyanese, regardless of their race, religion or political affiliation, to come together and fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think we can help each other and save each other by at least wearing these masks, observing the social distancing, ensuring

that we wash our hands regularly and sanitise. Let us do [this] together, we have to protect each other,” he posited.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate noted that the public needs to do their part to assist the frontline workers.

“Our doctors are out here, trying their best. Our healthcare workers, they’re trying their best too. So we have to help them and the

only way we can help them is if we do our part,” he contended.

The 1000 masks distributed on Saturday were all locally produced, and carried instructions on how to care them. Ali is now calling on all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities to ensure that they follow suit to protect people.

“We want every person to be wearing a mask…

COVID-19 lockdown

Canada, US evacuating citizens stranded in Guyana

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n keeping with the current threat posed by the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) and the border lockdown in effect, the Canadian High Commission on Saturday facilitated the repatriation of 28 Canadian citizens back to their home on chartered flights.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

When this publication visited the Eugene F Correia airport early Saturday morning, Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee and Commission Counsellor, Ray Fankhauser were at the airport terminal to see the passengers off.

According to Fankhauser, the passengers are being transported on two planes through Trans Guyana Airways to Barbados. Afterwards, they will be transported to Canada via Air Canada.

Fankhauser also spoke of some of the challenges, such as making contact with Canadian citizens in Guyana, who are off the grid.

“Certainly, the issue is always one of coordination.

First of all, you have to contact and identify Canadians wherever they may be. And that is more difficult than it may sound, because if we

don’t have Canadians registering with us, and advising us of their situation, there is no way for us to go and find them.”

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali

All the NDCs and Town Councils, we’re asking you to join in this ‘everyone must wear a mask campaign’. You can do a thousand masks for your communities and share it out to the elderly and vulnerable in your communities so that we protect all of Guyana,” he stated.

Furthermore, the PPP/C Presidential Candidate

a daily basis. In this period when we have to deal with the public, you find you cannot deal with them how you want to. In some cases, you find persons getting away [from the law],” the officer noted.

Ali also promised to donate a case of hand sanitiser and liquid soap to the Regional Police Division.

Make contact

According to Fankhauser, the High Commission has been calling Canadian families and trying to reach them through social media in order to update them on their options. But he emphasised the importance of Canadians who wish to return home, reaching out to the High Commission. It was a point reiterated by High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee.

“We’ve had to be creative. We don’t have any direct flights to Canada.

We knew there was an Air Canada flight. And there was only two days’ notice about the Air Canada flight to Barbados. So, we contacted Trans Guyana, which has been a wonderful partner,” Chatterjee explained to this publication.

“So, we want Canadians to read the news and know that they’re not trapped.

There are opportunities.

But we have very short notice when these flights are available. So, if they contact us, we can let them know when is the next availability.”

Chatterjee also expressed appreciation for the National COVID-19 Task Force, which granted special permission for them to fly.

Asked about how many Canadians are in line waiting to be repatriated, Fankhauser explained that this number is constantly updating.

“That is a moving number. Over the past 72 hours, we’ve had over 100 Canadians register with us.

So obviously our outreach is bearing some kind of fruit.

The more we find out about

Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and Commission Counsellor Ray Fankhauser at the Eugene F Correia Airport terminal on Saturday

that, the better we can assess the assistance we have to provide. So, we encourage Canadian citizens to contact the Commission. So, we can know better what’s happening on the ground and we can advocate for ways for ways to leave the country.”

Only a few days ago, the High Commission had also assisted 51 Canadians who departed on an Eastern flight. According to Chatterjee in a social media post, they rendered assistance to Canadians throughout last month and will continue to do so.

US Embassy

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy has been doing a similar service for its citizens. In a statement on Saturday from the Embassy in Georgetown, it was announced that they have arranged four relief flights. They warned, however, that they could not offer this service indefinitely and urged those who want to leave to grab the opportunity.

“The US Embassy continues to monitor the current situation in Guyana.

We are aware of the hardship border closures have created for US citizens who

need to return to the United States. We have been exploring all options to address the current travel disruptions since Guyana closed its airspace to commercial flights on March 18 and have already arranged four relief flights to transport Americans and their family members home,” the US Embassy said in the statement.

“However, we will not be able to offer this service indefinitely. If you are a US citizen still interested in departing Guyana to travel to the United States - we strongly encourage you to complete [our] online form.

The Embassy will continue to post updated health, security and travel information through this travel alert system and on the US Embassy Facebook page, as soon as we have further updates,” they added, also urging persons to email any enquiries.

The email addresses include acsgeorge@state.gov (to request assistance with emergency passports) or guyanaevac@state.gov (for addressing concerns over financial cost of repatriation).

Their phone numbers are +(592) 225-4900 or +(592) 623-1992 (after hours).

The locally-made mask with care instructions that were distributed on Saturday

also made donations to essential services workers on Saturday including the Region Three Police Division.

“Once everybody wear it, we can protect each other… We’re here to help,” he stressed while handing over the mask.

The senior regional officer who received the protective gear explained that they are much needed since ranks are now cautious when dealing with offenders and this could prevent them from effectively doing their jobs.

“We are very grateful for this kind gesture.

We all the police and the medical staff are the main frontline workers and have to deal with the public on

National Mask Distribution initiative

Meanwhile, Saturday’s drive was part of a National Mask Distribution initiative and according to Ali, they are trying to complete 10,000 local masks by Monday.

As such, he is urging seamstresses and tailors to come on board and assist with this initiative.

In an effort to play its part in the fight against the novel coronavirus, the Opposition PPP/C has established a National COVID-19 Multistakeholders’ Response Forum.

The ‘everyone wears a mask’ campaign is one of the measures the Forum is pushing.

NEWS

17

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Test results going to Minister before doctors “Do not exploit commuters” – UMU President to endangering lives – Dr Frank Anthony minibus operators

…another person tests positive for COVID-19 …Guyana figure now stands at 24

T

he number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Guyana, with the figure now at 24.

This was confirmed by caretaker Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, on Saturday evening.

While the number of confirmed cases jumped one place up from Friday’s update, Guyana’s COVID-19 deaths remain the same.

Since its first coronavirus death on March 11, the country has recorded three more deaths – all within the past week.

With Guyana’s COVID-19 cases doubling last week, concerns have been raised over some of the procedures and bureaucracies in place when it comes to testing for the deadly virus.

On Saturday, it was revealed that when the COVID-19 tests are conducted, the results are first sent to caretaker Minister Lawrence and agency heads before being handed over to the doctors. This was confirmed by Lawrence when contacted on Saturday evening.

But according to Dr Frank Anthony, a former shadow Health Minister, this situation is not only endangering the lives of patients but also putting medical staff at risk.

During the time when the results go to the Minister, he noted, sometimes hours and even days passed before it is passed on to the doctors, who are unable to properly treat the patients in that period.

“It is important that the doctor treating these pa-

tients get these results at the earliest time possible because if someone is COVIDpositive then you have to take a lot of precautions when you’re around that patient. It means you have to wear on your personal protection equipment – things like masks, gloves and so on.

But if they don’t enough then many of these doctors and nurses are probably taking to these patients and handling them without any protective gears,” he explained.

According to Dr Anthony, it makes a big difference when the medical staff knows about the status of the patients they are dealing with. This, he noted, will not only allow them to take extra precautions in terms of infection control but also give them an idea as to how to administer treatment to those patients.

“In some cases, these patients cannot be treated like those with an ordinary cold or cough. But they will need particular treatment and not knowing [the status of patients] would delay the treatment of the patients and endanger their lives. So the Minister must not interject herself in this process,” he asserted.

Dr Anthony pointed out that the Minister is not a doctor and as such, she should not insert herself into that process that endangers people’s lives and delays critical treatment.

“The way it is being done now compromises the relationship between doctors and patients and they should stop that immediately…”

A

Bureaucracy

However even before these tests are conducted, Dr Anthony noted another issue that the doctors are complaining about is the fact that when samples are taken to the laboratory to get tested, a request first has to be made to the Minister’s office on whether or not to conduct the test. He said it is only when or if that permission is granted then the test is done.

“My sources are telling me that when permission is granted, the lab would do the test and they cannot send it to the doctors who requested it. They now have to send the results back to the Minister’s office and then she will decide at which point or at what time the results will be released to the doctors,” he stated.

Moreover, Dr Anthony – who is one of the key stakeholders in the National COVID-19 Response Forum that was established by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to tackle the spread of the deadly virus – further contended that the process dealing with who gets the test, that is, the criteria for testing, is flawed.

“They are waiting until people are very symptomatic and then conducting the tests,” he posited, while adding “There are many more people who need the test and cannot get access. So we have to ensure that more people get access.”

Guyana’s testing kits were increased to 1800 after the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) donated some 1100 testing

Dr Frank Anthony

kits along with some other equipment to aid in the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus.

However, Dr Anthony pointed out that these COVID-19 tests are not widely available for those who may be in need such as those hospitals in rural areas and the hinterland.

He noted that it is still unclear what systems are in place for hospitals in the hinterland regions, for example, if they have a case or suspected case, to conduct the test.

“They said they’re sending out kits to these places for them to take samples but many of these hospitals apparently have not received these kits… We’re not sure what is happening and the general public is not sure.

This disease is no longer confined to Region Four, we’ve had a patient from Region Six and another one from Region Three. So it seems that the disease is in different parts of our country but unfortunately, there don’t seems to be a capacity to be able to test or the Ministry has not put the necessary mechanisms in place to allow people to get tested at the various regions,” he stated.

Only recently, PAHO/ WHO estimated that Guyana is likely to record some 20,000 cases of COVID-19.

s commuters continue to raise concerns over exploitation by minibus operators, who arbitrarily decided to hike fares, President of the United Minibus Union (UMU) is warning drivers of the serious implications of such actions.

The UMU President, Eon Andrews on Saturday told Guyana Times that while most of the drivers are not a part of the Union, they enjoy the benefits of the United Union initiatives such as official fare increases. Meanwhile, he urged drivers to utilise their moral compasses and conform to the fare structure in place noting that persons utilising the transportation services are not opulent.

He further called on minibus operators not to exploit commuters during this challenging time.

“I think these people’s behaviour is inhumane because we are in a crisis, we need to be our brother’s keeper, we need to be able to help each other. There will be a lull in your earnings but we have to stick with the programme”, he said.

Meanwhile, Andrews said that the UMU will be closely monitoring to ensure that such instances are not occurring.

“There is no need for anybody to raise anything.

The Government can appease those people and it’s either so many buses work per day on the park through the Revenue Authority or even demand a two in a seat because of the coronavirus. Also, when you want to exploit persons, actions have consequences”, he ex-

plained.

He encouraged commuters that find themselves in such instances not to be bullied or intimidated but to record the route and license plate of the vehicle and make a report to the nearest police station.

Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that he has received reports of persons increasing fares because they have been asked to incorporate social distancing into their operations.

Nagamootoo reminded that the sudden drop in gas price can allow operators to better enforce these measures and play their part in stopping the transmission of the virus.

Essential services, according to the Health Ministry, includes “hospitals, healthcare and medical services including pharmacies, drug stores, and private veterinary services; nursing homes, orphanages, shelters, and other related care centres; immigration; the Revenue Authority; electricity services; water supply services; the Disciplined Forces; prison services; solid waste management, sewerage, and janitorial services; air traffic control; Demerara Harbour Bridge and Berbice River Bridge; hotels and accommodation; factories, manufacturers or distributors of food supplies and essential goods including medical supplies where the Minister of Public Health has determined that the continuation of these operations do not pose a risk to public health”.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

OILNEWS

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

Inspiring citizens to fight against COVID-19: Irfaan Ali, BJ leading from the front OPEC+ meeting delayed Dear Editor, Before this COVID-19 crisis ends, Guyana would be recognised for a best practice.

The Guyana Mask-Up – I Protect You, You Protect Me Campaign is on a mission to ensure every Guyanese has possession of locally-made masks for use whenever citizens are out or for use at home or other places where risks might exist. A handful of other countries have embarked on a mask-up campaign. South Korea, Iceland, Singapore, India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan have done so, mainly using factory-made surgical masks. America has now joined the handful of countries. In America, the supply of factory-made surgical masks is limited and, thus, citizens have started the home-made masks and distributing to hospitals and health workers. Guyana’s Mask-Up Campaign is using 100 per cent locally made masks. Citizens are using their sewing machines, they are donating fabric or money to buy fabrics. Citizens are uniting to fight COVID-19.

The Guyana Mask-Up Campaign is a national effort, with the goal of ensuring every citizen has a mask to use, an initiative driven by the National COVID-19 Forum established by Drs Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo. This is what leadership looks like. Even in the midst of the fight to preserve our democracy, even with Guyana facing various non-COVID-19 crises, these leaders have stepped up to the plate.

COVID-19 is a global health crisis. Guyana is confronted by the COVID-19 health crisis.

Indeed, COVID-19 is now an existential crisis for Guyana

and for the world. Already, of the miserly 80 people tested, 23 have tested positive.

Unfortunately, four of our citizens have died. Without being critical of the national response, there is a need for a more cohesive and aggressive confrontation of COVID-19 in Guyana. Dr Irfaan Ali has not said anything critical about the national response. Instead, he has organised his party’s colleagues and persons outside of his party into a National COVID-19 Forum for the purpose of supporting the national response.

The General Secretary of the PPP has thrown the considerable human resources and other resources of the PPP behind the COVID-19 National Forum.

On a daily basis, these leaders are assuring the Guyanese people they are by their sides, helping to ensure that COVID-19 does not overwhelm the nation.

They are leading from the front, visible.

The National COVID-19 Forum is working diligently at the moment promoting a number of initiatives to support the national response to stop COVID-19.

One of these initiatives is the Guyana Mask-Up Campaign. The campaign is already mobilising people around the country, inspiring them to become part of the fight to stop COVID-19.

The campaign is encouraging every citizen to maskup every time they leave home and even in homes or other buildings where circumstances necessitate the use of masks. Recognising the shortage in the health sector for masks, the National COVID-19 Forum is designed not to pressure the national supply for factory-made, imported N95 masks and surgical

masks. The Forum decided that the meagre supply for these items should be available 100 per cent for the health sector. Instead, the National COVID-19 Forum embarked on the local production of masks, using the local supply of fabrics in the stores and using the seamstresses and garment factories.

By Monday, April 6, more than 10,000 locally made masks would already have been distributed.

The Forum is distributing masks to Police officers, to health care providers who have limited supply, to market vendors and to citizens in general. Bharrat Jagdeo is, daily, encouraging people to use masks.

Irfaan Ali has gone out into the communities personally distributing masks. Every citizen is inspired in doing his or her part. Some are sewing, some are donating, some are out helping with distribution. It is good to see the out-front leadership being shown. Lives will be saved, the health sector will benefit from fewer people coming to them because of a simple campaign.

In addition, the Forum is engaged in several other initiatives. One of these initiatives is education and awareness. There is an aggressive education and awareness campaign presently being pushed by the Forum which is supporting the overall national response. The awareness and education programme is promoting social distancing, encouraging people to keep distance, to stay home, how to use good hygiene, how to safely use public transportation etc.

One critical element of the national response has to be socio-economic support for people. People are

hurting, some people already have a major problem with providing food for their families. The Forum will not be able to solve this problem. Only Governments can do so.

Thus far, the Government has been silent on this matter. In the short-term, with limited resources, the Forum has been helping a small number of families. Right now food banks around the country, providing groceries for people has become a big part of the fight. The Forum is appealing to the Government to intervene now.

The establishment of an online medical consultation team already has received thousands of calls from citizens. This team has been mobilised through the Forum and is able to answer people’s queries. This is a critical component of the national response. The national hotlines established by the Government are important, but, thus far, people have expressed grave concerns about the help they get from the national hotlines. These concerns must be addressed. In the meanwhile, the National COVID-19 Forum’s medical online team is filling a vacuum.

In the midst of continued gloom in Guyana, the leadership shown by Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali in the fight against COVID-19 offers a glimmer of hope.

With initiatives like the Mask-Up Campaign, not only has Guyana emerged with a best-practice in the fight against COVID-19, but we have inspired our people, no matter what their race or religion or who they voted for.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Time to abandon the autocrats and embrace democracy Dear Editor, It was brought to my attention that one of the public commentators/parttime politicians have done a Facebook piece labelled “How are we going to share the corn in 2020?” To my mind, this Facebook piece has served to inject confusion into the timelines of Guyana’s political evolution.

No one is against a dialogue around how this corn will be shared, but this attempt by Mr Nigel Hughes to inoculate into this dialogue a school of thought that proposes that we all sit down today and talk, rather than resolve the tabulation of the results for the 2020 elections, is dangerous. Why is he not em-

bracing the spirit of our Constitution that spells out in the preamble “We, The Guyanese People, forge a system of governance ….. based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law”? Why is he not allowing the principle of one man: one vote to manifest itself first before calling for talks?

For the record, in these 2020 elections, this nation went to the polls with an ethnic mix of 39 per cent Indo-Guyanese, 29 per cent Afro-Guyanese, 21 per cent Mixed Guyanese and 11 per cent Amerindians. If we are to follow the proposition of Mr Hughes it clearly spells out that there is an “African minority”. But

what Mr Hughes is not telling this nation is that there is also an Indian minority of 39 per cent and if he seems to be struggling with basic arithmetic, might I share with him that 39 per cent of Guyana, who constitute the Indo-Guyanese voting population can never be 51 per cent or for that matter 53 per cent, as seems to be the final tally for the PPP/C in these 2020 elections.

Even if all of the IndoGuyanese voted for the PPP/C on March 2, 2020 (and that was certainly not the case), the PPP/C could never have won 53 per cent of the votes. But if we want to feed Mr Hughes’s fantasy and assume that all of the 39 per cent of the Indo-

Guyanese cast their ballots for the PPP/C, there was still a shortfall of 14 per cent in order to achieve the final outcome of 53 per cent for the PPP/C. So where did this 14 per cent come from?

So in the final analysis, what is today’s reality?

Today’s reality is that not only Indo-Guyanese voted for the PPP/C in these 2020 elections. I would suggest to Mr Hughes that he take some time and investigate where this 14 per cent for the PPP/C came from. It is time to abandon the autocrats and embrace democracy.

With regards, Sasenarine Singh

on new Saudi-Russia rift

O

PEC+ delayed a meeting aimed at ending the oil price war, as Riyadh and Moscow trade barbs about who’s to blame for the collapse in oil prices.

The alliance is tentatively aiming to hold the virtual gathering on April 9 instead of Monday as it previously intended, a delegate familiar with the matter said. Producers need more time for negotiations, said another. Beyond the alliance, Saudi Arabia and Russia have indicated they want other oil countries to join in any output cuts, complicating efforts to call a meeting, the delegate said, asking not to be named discussing diplomatic matters.

The delay came hours after Saudi Arabia made a pointed diplomatic attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening a fresh rift between the world’s two largest oil exporters and jeopardising a deal to cut production.

In a statement early on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said comments by Putin laying blame on Riyadh for the end of the OPEC+ pact between the two countries in March were “fully devoid of truth.”

The direct criticism of Putin, echoed in a statement by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, threatens a new agreement to stabilise an oil market that’s been thrown into chaos by the global fight against coronavirus. President Donald Trump had devoted hours of telephone diplomacy last week to brokering a truce in the month-long price war between Moscow and Riyadh.

“We always remained sceptical about this wider deal as US producers cannot be mandated to cut,” said Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. “If so, Russia doesn’t come to the table. And if everyone doesn’t cut, Saudi Arabia’s long-held stance is that they will not cut either.”

The prospect of a new deal spurred a 50 per cent recovery in benchmark oil prices last week as traders saw some relief from the catastrophic oversupply caused by a lockdown of the world’s largest economies, in a bit to halt the coronavirus pandemic. With billions of people forced to stay at home, demand for gasoline, diesel and jet has collapsed by about as much 35 million barrels a day.

“Russia was the one that refused the agreement” in early March, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said. “The kingdom and 22 other countries were trying to persuade Russia to make further cuts and extend the agreement.”

Sponsored by Trump, who’s fretting about the future of America’s shale industry, momentum for a new agreement had built in recent days.

A delay is “not a good sign,” said Ayham Kamel, head of Middle East and North Africa at the Eurasia Group consultancy.

“This entirely plays negatively for the discussions.”

“Part of Putin’s comments are about saving face and also justifying why the oil price crashed and partly to deter criticism from the US. Putin doesn’t want to be blamed for any losses in the US energy industry. It seems to me that there’s both a defensive effort to shield from criticism abroad for both the Saudis and the Russians,” Kamel said.

Putin acknowledged the need for a deal on Friday, saying Russia was willing to contribute cuts. This could be 1 million barrels-a-day if the US joins, according to four people familiar with the sentiment in the industry.

But he also put responsibility for the downward spiral in prices on Saudi Arabia.

“It was the pullout by our partners from Saudi Arabia from the OPEC+ deal, their increase in production and their announcement that they were even ready to give discounts on oil” that contributed to the crash, along with the coronavirusdriven drop in demand, he said.

“This was apparently linked to efforts by our partners from Saudi Arabia to eliminate competitors who produce socalled shale oil,” Putin continued. “To do that, the price needs to be below $40 a barrel. And they succeeded in that. But we don’t need that, we never set such a goal.”

In fact, at the time the deal collapsed, Russian officials said privately they were seeking to do just that: use lower prices to force US shale producers from the market and reverse some of the losses in market share they’d seen in recent years.

Since the original OPEC+ deal fell apart at a March 5 meeting in Vienna, the Saudis have argued Russia decided to walk away and was first to say countries were free to pump as much as possible.

Prince Abdulaziz, the Energy Minister and half-brother of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, made the same point in his statement on Saturday.

“The Russian Minister of Energy was first to declare to the media that all the participating countries are absolved of their commitments,” he said. “This led to the decision by countries to raise their production in order to offset lower prices and compensate for their loss of returns.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

19

Around the World New York records more than 600 virus deaths in a day

P

resident Donald Trump told Americans to brace for a big spike in coronavirus fatalities in the coming days, as the country faces what he called the toughest two weeks of the pandemic.

“There’s going to be a lot of death,” Trump said at a briefing with reporters.

He pushed back on criticism that the federal government has not done enough to get ventilators that many critically ill coronavirus patients need to survive to the states, saying some governors are asking for more machines than they will need.

“Fears of shortages have led to inflated requests,” Trump said of submissions his administration has received to dole out equipment

from the strategic national stockpile.

The United States has the world’s highest number of known cases of COVID-19, the flu-like respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. More than 306,000 people have tested positive in the United States and over 8,300 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

White House medical experts have forecast that between 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could be killed in the pandemic, even if sweeping orders to stay home are followed.

“We are coming up to a time that is going to be very horrendous,” Trump said at

the White House. “We probably have never seen anything like these kind of numbers. Maybe during the war, during a World War One or Two or something.”

In the grimmest day yet for the U.S. state hit hardest by the pandemic, coronavirus-related illnesses killed 630 people in the last 24 hours in New York state, Governor Andrew Cuomo

said on Saturday.

The disease has now killed 3,565 people in New York and the situation is particularly worrying on Long Island, east of New York City, where the number of cases “is like a fire spreading,” Cuomo told a news conference.

Health experts calculate that New York, home both to bustling Manhattan and hilly farm country stretching to the Canadian border, might be around a week away from the worst point in the health crisis which has killed about 60,000 people worldwide.

“We’re not yet at the apex, we’re getting closer ... Our reading of the projections is we’re somewhere in the seven-day range,” Cuomo said.

“It’s only been 30 days since our first case,” he said.

“It feels like an entire lifetime.” New York City alone accounted for more than a quarter of the U.S. coronavirus deaths tallied by Johns Hopkins University.

Hospitals and morgues in the city are struggling to treat the desperately ill and bury the dead. (Reuters)

Trump fires intelligence chief involved in impeachment

U

S President Donald Trump has fired a senior official who first alerted Congress to a whistleblower complaint that led to his impeachment trial.

Trump said he no longer had confidence in Michael Atkinson, the inspector general of the intelligence community.

Democrats said the president was settling scores during a national emergency caused by the coronavirus.

They also accused him of trying to undermine the intelligence community.

Last year, Atkinson informed Congress of the complaint that President Trump had allegedly abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to open an investigation into Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son.

In letters to Congress, Atkinson described the complaint as "urgent" and "credible".

US President Donald Trump

The Democraticmajority House of Representatives voted to impeach the president, but a trial in the Republican-led Senate later acquitted him of all charges.

On Friday, Trump notified Congress that Atkinson would be removed from his post within 30 days.

Sources told the Associated Press the official had been

placed on administrative leave and would not serve out his 30 days.

"It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general," Mr Trump wrote. "This is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general."

He said he would name a successor "at a later date".

Officials quoted by Reuters said Thomas Monheim, a career intelligence professional, would serve as acting inspector general in the meantime.

Democrats reacted angrily to the move.

"In the midst of a national emergency, it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another intelligence official simply for doing his job," said Senator Mark Warner, the most senior Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. (BBC)

Mexican tequila makers, unlike brewers, plan to keep up production, exports

M

exican tequila makers have sought to dispel concerns that their exports to the United States will dry up, after two large brewers in the country suspended production to comply with Government rules put in place due to the new coronavirus.

This week, Heineken and Grupo Modelo both said they would halt production in Mexico after the Government declared a health emergency and ordered suspension of non-essential economic activity.

It caused a storm on social media and large lines in some local supermarkets as Mexicans sought to stock up on beer.

Mexican tequila makers, however, interpret the newly imposed rules differently.

Gonzalez said the sector was still expecting growth rates of between 4 per cent and 5 per cent for this year - even as the new coronavirus is denting sales to bars, restaurants and hotels world-

A farmer, also known as a jimador, harvests blue agave in a plantation in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, September 6, 2017

wide.

The United States and Canada are the largest export markets for the emblematic Mexican alcoholic beverage, with the chamber reporting about US$2 billion in sales revenues across 118 countries every year.

Gonzalez said the labour-intensive harvest of the prized agave plant would continue because agricultural production is considered an

essential economic activity, even if the production of alcoholic beverages is not.

Gonzalez said stopping crop production would have severe consequences for tequila makers.

“We have to finish planting all the agave for the 2020 cycle by next month,” Gonzalez added. “If we were to suspend our activities it would cause irreversible damage.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Grenada informs WHO about COVID-19 patient who fled the island

G

renada's acting Chief Medical officer, Dr Francis Martin, said the Government has formally written to the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to inform them about a man who was confirmed positive for COVID-19, who then fled the island.

Health Minister Nicholas Steele has described the action of the 58-year-old as “troubling and reckless”.

According to Steele, the Ministry of Health tried contacting the individual who

was told to quarantine himself but he was not located.

Steele said he will continue to be listed among Grenada COVID confirmations which currently count as 10.

“The results came back on Saturday, March 28. As per procedure, health officials tried to reach him minutes later to inform that he had tested positive for COVID-19. As Minister, I went ahead and announced the cases to the nation, as we have been doing. The individual was neither found on Saturday nor Sunday. On Sunday, health officials re-

ported the matter to the police. It was later confirmed that the individual and his family left the island aboard Air Canada before he got his results on Saturday,” Steele said in a recent update.

According to Grenada's quarantine legislation, any person who violates a quarantine request can be fined EC$10,000 while the Public Health Act provides for the police to provide assistance to ensure that any person with an infectious disease complies with legal regulations. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil's Bolsonaro turns to prayer in coronavirus crisis

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro, agreeing to a request from evangelical Christians, said on Friday that he was calling for a national day of fasting and prayer today to “free Brazil from this evil” coronavirus epidemic.

As the death toll mounts in the country, along with criticism of his handling of the public health crisis, Bolsonaro met with Pentecostal evangelical pastors outside his official residence. Evangelicals have been among the right-wing leader’s most faithful supporters.

On Friday, the country’s coronavirus deaths increased to 359 from 299, while confirmed cases jumped to 9056.

Brazilians overwhelmingly disapprove of Bolsonaro for minimising the epidemic and support

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro

governors and health officials that he has attacked for advocating social-distancing measures, two polls showed on Friday.

Bolsonaro has become increasingly isolated politically as he continues to rail

against state and municipal shutdowns, calling them economically disastrous responses to an over-hyped risk.

The idea of fasting and prayer gained momentum on Friday among Bolsonaro supporters and evangelical preachers on social media.

Pastor Silas Malafaia, a leader of Brazil’s largest Pentecostal church, the Assembly of God, proposed on social media that the fast begin at midnight on Saturday and last until midday today.

Bolsonaro’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since he took office last year. He was elected in a conservative swing

by Brazilian voters, with massive evangelical support for his family values platform opposing abortion and gay marriage. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

Archie

ARIES Have more faith in your(March 21- self and what you have to ofApril 19) fer. Physical fitness and personal improvement will boost your confidence and morale.

Romance is favored.

TAURUS Inconsistency will not help (April 20- you get things done. If you May 20) have doubts, ask for help. An event that brings you in contact with people from different backgrounds will be enlightening.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

Exercise will ease stress.

Start a project that encourages you to incorporate a healthier lifestyle. Avoid situations that allow someone to take advantage of you. Romance looks promising.

CANCER

Someone you encounter (June 21- will change the way you feel July 22) about life, love and happiness.

Make your home a place of comfort and open your doors to friends and family.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Peanuts

Check out the online job market or research new ways to improve your lifestyle. A meaningful relationship will take an unexpected turn.

Don’t promise something that you can’t deliver.

Don’t labor over what you can’t do, and instead focus on what you can. Changes that are within your means can improve the way you spend your time.

Update documents that need adjusting. Property investments, insurance, taxes or inheritance matters will come saddled with time-consuming responsibility.

Don’t take on too much or make expenditures you cannot afford.

Romance is encouraged.

SCORPIO Don’t feel the need to make (Oct. 24- a change before it’s needed.

Nov. 22) Time is on your side, and you have more options than you realise. Research will lead to a unique discovery.

Dealing with friends and SAGITTARIUS family will pose problems.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21) Stick to the script to avoid having your message twisted. Truth and words matter.

Make your position and opinions clear.

Calvin and Hobbes

Look at a property, update CAPRICORN your current living situation (Dec. 22or sign a personal contract Jan. 19) that will improve your life.

Stick to a budget, regardless of how tempted you are by an offer someone makes.

AQUARIUS Walk away from unpredict(Jan. 20- able situations. You can make Feb. 19) personal changes that will enhance your appearance or the way you live. A romantic gesture will improve your life.

PISCES You’ll see things different(Feb. 20- ly today if you keep an open Mar. 20) mind and listen to what others have to say. A contribution someone makes will give you hope for a better future.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

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Australia coach sees value in behind-closed-doors games A

ustralia coach Justin Langer supports the idea of playing cricket behind closed doors when safe to do so, as it will have “great value” to the public.

Langer’s side beat New Zealand at an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on 13 March before the coronavirus pandemic halted the series and cricket worldwide.

And he would be happy to play in an empty stadium again.

“When you started off playing underage cricket, there’s no crowds there,” Langer told BBC Radio 5

Live.

“Maybe your mum and dad came and watched, or your brother and sister were bored and playing on the swings somewhere else.

“You played it because you loved playing the game, you loved playing with your mates and you loved playing the game.

“The Australian cricket team are so fortunate to play in front of big crowds every time we play.

“But for the love of the game, and for still being able to entertain people through TV sets or radio, then there’s value in that.

New Zealand tour to West Indies in July “most unlikely”

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“Yes it’s different, but we’ll never, ever, ever take for granted how lucky we are, ever again. We are so lucky in what we do.”

The series against New Zealand was called off after the first one-day international in Sydney, and Langer acknowledged that it has been a new experience getting used to having time off with his family.

“I say this with absolute respect and compassion for everyone who’s suffering at the moment, but it’s bit like nirvana for me,” he said.

“I’m at home with the family. I get home-cooked dinners, I sleep in my own bed, I can go into my own garden, I see my kids every single day, and usually in my life, I’m away 10 months of the year.

“Frankly, I hope it makes a change to our whole society. We’ve got so busy, haven’t we? We’ve got so many incidents of mental health problems in Australia now. We’ve got drug misuse, we’ve got domestic violence, we’ve got

Australia Coach Justin Langer

all sorts of things that go on.

“Hopefully this is a time for everyone to stop and take a breath and find some balance - not just in the life of a sportsperson, but in every sector in the world.

“So hopefully we’ll all find a bit of balance, and there’ll be some silver linings that come out of this terrible crisis that’s affect-

ing everyone in the world at the moment.”

While all sport schedules are subject to change because of the pandemic, Australia’s next scheduled assignments are a two-Test series in Bangladesh in mid-June, followed by limited-overs internationals in Scotland and England between late June and mid-July. (BBC Sport)

NBA great Kobe Bryant inducted into Naismith Hall of Fame

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New Zealand were supposed to play three ODIs and three T20Is in the West Indies

N

ew Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White has confirmed that the women’s tour of Sri Lanka, that was slated for later this month, has been postponed.

White also said that it was “most unlikely” that the men’s team would be touring Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and West Indies in June and July as planned before.

New Zealand were supposed to play three ODIs and three T20Is in the West Indies, postponement or cancellation of which could come with massive financial repercussions for the host board. There are also “obvious question marks” over New Zealand’s tour of Bangladesh in August this year, White said, without categorically ruling the se-

ries out -- given there’s still time to go for that.

“Clearly, this situation is extremely disappointing for everyone involved in sport but, given the bigger picture, and the terrible toll COVID-19 is taking worldwide, we need to look after not only our own people but the greater community good,” White said on Friday (April 3).

“Cricket in New Zealand has been fortunate in that we were very much at the end of our home summer programme when this crisis struck. However, with the lockdown now in full force, we’re mindful of the difficulties facing our cricket community. Our current focus is very much on ensuring the future sustainability of cricket in New Zealand.”

(Cricbuzz)

Kobe Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers between 1996 and 2016 (Getty Images)

K

obe Bryant will be posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

The five-time NBA champion died, aged 41, in a helicopter crash in January alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianni and seven others.

Los Angeles Lakers great Bryant retired in 2016; he was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008, was Finals MVP twice and earned 18 All-Star selections.

He was in the United States team that won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012.

A statement on the hall of fame’s Twitter account read: “He was one of the greatest

competitors who stepped on the court and made sure his impact was felt on both sides of the ball.

“He is ranked fourth on the NBA’s career points list (33,643). We congratulate posthumously five-time NBA Champion Kobe Bryant.”

Tim Duncan, a five-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, and Kevin Garnett, who helped the Boston Celtics win the championship in 2008, were also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame is named after Dr James Naismith, the Canadian physician who invented basketball. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COMOM

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

Combating COVID-19 through exercise

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm, wreaking havoc on healthcare systems as it precipitates death and serious sickness in several countries.

In Guyana, as at April 2, 2020, four deaths have occurred, and a total of 23 COVID-19 cases has been recorded. Many individuals are currently isolated, as they have been asked to remain at home and practise social distancing. They are also tasked with building up their immune systems; washing their hands every 20 minutes with soap and water, or treating those hands with anti-bacterial sanitizers; and desisting from touching their faces, so as not to become infected with the virus.

However, the question that can be asked is: What can I do to keep myself fit at home?

The gyms are closed, and one cannot take to the streets to enjoy a peaceful jog.

Physical activities include many forms of active recreation. According to the World Health Organization, for individuals to play their part in combating COVID-19, exercise is recommended for all ages, and this can be done in the comfort of their homes.

It is recommended that infants under one year old engage in physical activities several times a day. Children under 5 years

of age should spend at least 180 minutes a day in physical activities, with three or fouryear-old children being moderately or vigorously active for an hour a day.

Children and adolescents aged from 5 to 17 years old should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activities, including activities that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days per week.

Adults aged over 18 years should do a total of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activities throughout the week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activities throughout the week, including muscle-strengthening activities for 2 or more days per week. Older adults with poor mobility should engage in physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.

But the question still to be answered is: How can exercise benefit me during this time? Well, the answer is simple; it has many benefits, such as: it releases chemicals in your brain, like serotonin and endorphins, which are great for your mood; you have better sleep, which in turn gives you more energy; and it helps with the release of stress and anxiety. But if you are looking at the current situation, then regular exercise

is great for the immune system.

You may also be asking yourself, if you are not experienced along the lines of exercise, what type of exercises can I do? The answer is simple, a range of exercises can be done, such as boxing, farmers’ walk, situps, push-ups, pull-ups, weight lifting if you have your own weights at home; and if you have yard space, then jogging can be done among a plethora of other exercises.

A great way to boost your knowledge on

exercise is the use of social media platforms.

And one such platform is the Youtube, which has millions of videos with various exercises that can be watched, and can be done from the space of your living room, no matter its size.

Simply put, exercise can be done by everyone, and we can play our part in this isolation period. So, encourage a friend, family and neighbour as we play our part in combatting COVID-19 through exercise.

Tokyo Olympics: FIFA could move age Wales’ 16th limit for men’s football tournament to 24 Annual Village Day F planned for post COVID-19 time WDCA’s Rising Stars Cricket Club…

ifa could raise the age limit for the men’s football tournament at next summer’s rearranged Olympic Games in Tokyo to 24 from 23.

The sport’s governing body has recommended moving the limit to accommodate players eligible for this year’s Games, which were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Players born on or after 1 January 1997 will be allowed to play.

It is yet to be approved by the Fifa Bureau.

The Bureau is a reduced version of Fifa’s decision-making Council.

The tournament is due to start before the opening ceremony on 23 July, 2021.

Three allocated over-aged players will still be allowed to be selected for each nation.

The women’s competition at next

A

lthough on lockdown like the rest of the country through fear of contracting the dreaded COVID-19 disease, captain of the Rising Stars cricket team, Elroy Fernandes, has said team members are anticipating that when this pandemic has passed, the people of Wales, on the West Bank Demerara, can come out and enjoy a day of fun, as they are hoping to host that community’s 16th annual Village Day. Originally scheduled for hosting on July 4, 2020, this activity is in danger of not being staged because the pandemic has seen the number of cases increase from just 2 to over 20.

Among activities the Rising Stars have planned for this village day is a T10 tape ball competition to be hosted at the Wales Community Centre Ground. It would consist of 10 teams and some of the top athletes on the West Bank of Demerara battling for a top prize of $150,000.

A domino competition is also on the cards, and the winner thereof would cart off $150,000 while the runner-up would pocket $100,000.

Fernandes told this publication, “What we are trying to teach everyone is to ‘stay safe, wash your hands, and practise social distancing. I am really concerned about the cricketers and their families, hence (this activity) has been postponed until further notice.

Hosts Brazil won gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 (Getty Images)

year’s Games has no age limit.

Meanwhile, Fifa has also recommended calling off all men’s and wom-

en’s international games scheduled for June 2020 because of the ongoing crisis. (BBC Sport)

Premier League warns PFA of £762M penalty if season is voided Elroy Fernandes

“I’m trusting God that this breeze will blow and the COVID-19 will be over, so that we can unite and do what we love the most, and that is to play cricket. We are just trying to give ourselves two or three weeks’ (waiting time), and from there we will know where we stand.”

Meanwhile, Fernandes and the Rising Stars cricket team are urging all persons to be safe and protect themselves from contracting the dreaded COVID-19 disease.

The Wales annual Village Day activity is usually sponsored

by Banks DIH, Super Bet, and the Lochan Family, among other persons. (Timothy Jaikarran)

Liverpool lead the Premier League by 25 points from Manchester City

T

he Premier League faces a £762m financial penalty if the season does not resume, players have been told.

Such a penalty would apply if broadcasters demanded refunds on games they could not show, the league said during a conference call

on Saturday.

During the call with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the Premier League explained why it wants players to drop wages by 30%.

Clubs and players will discuss the plan with talks set to go into next week.

That is because the Premier League is not mandated to make such a decision and it has to be agreed by the players and coaches.

As well as the PFA, which is the players’ union, representatives from the League Managers’ Association - the managers’ union - were also involved in Saturday’s call, which was concluded in less than an hour with no agreement reached.

During the meeting, the league said the season will almost certainly be played behind closed doors if it resumes.

It also warned that, in addition to the penalties payable to broadcasters, hundreds of millions of pounds could be lost in sponsorship and matchday revenue because the season has been suspended.

The Premier League announced on Friday that it would ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs.

There are issues to be sorted out, though, as the PFA and leading agents think wage deferrals rather than cuts are preferable at this stage. (BBC Sport)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

23

Berbice cricketer Nigel Deodat ꟷ eyeing 2020 Under-19 call-up after experiencing 2019 snub

By Brandon Corlette

N

igel Deodat has been one of the consistent performers for Berbice at all inter-county tournaments.

His snub from the 2019 Regional U-19 tournament had raised many question marks, but the humble lad describes it as a blessing in disguise.

Engaging this publication in a chat recently, Deodat reflected on his career thus far, and signalled his intention to break into the U-19 set-up in his final year at junior cricket.

The Boxing Day birthday boy – he was born on December 26, 2001 -- who had the good fortune to represent Guyana at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, graduated as the leading wicket-taker for his country at both Regional tournaments.

Reflecting on those stellar efforts, Deodat had the following to say: "It's been a great feeling for me, I must thank God. This helped me a lot to be a cricketer, and I am motivated by this."

The top left-arm spinner has emerged from a humble background, having lost his father when at age five, he was raised by his mother in a singleparent setting. That did not limit Deodat, as he continued to reach for his dream. He represented Berbice at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and sharing his sentiments on his non-selection to the Guyana U-19 team, Deodat noted that he is still motivated to move forward.

Like many junior cricketers in their final year at junior cricket, Deodat is aiming to finish on a high, and transition into senior

cricket with a Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Academy contract.

Deodat had a taste of franchise cricket when he played for the West Berbice team and gained knowledge from senior lads Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair. Deodat had limited opportunity, but he is aiming to once more play for his West Berbice franchise. The right-handed classy batsman has a high-score of 134 against Bush Lot, and his best bowling figures are 8-30.

Blairmont Cricket Club VicePresident, Deodat’s mentor Shabeer Baksh, recalled Deodat's journey when he joined the club around age 13. "When Deodat came, he only knew soft-ball cricket. We spotted his talent, and he followed guidelines to become the good bowler that he is today. His control was ‘up

there’ with the ball, but he is also conquering all other components of the game," Baksh highlighted.

Baksh further declared that Deodat's fitness is ‘right up there’ and he always gives 100% for any team he plays. Baksh was also surprised at Deodat's nonselection in 2019, but he said that decision was up to the selectors.

"If Nigel has the opportunity, he will progress to represent better teams, because he has the ability. I am hoping everything goes in his favour," Baksh has said.

Deodat has shown great promise. Given that he continues his strong work ethic, he would certainly wear the Guyana colours at the U-19 level, once the selectors give him his welldeserved opportunity.

Berbice Cricket Board creating a cricket flag ꟷ public invited to submit drawings of flag, emblem

T

he cricket season in Berbice has officially been closed until further notice because of the ravages of the coronavirus, but the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is assiduously working behind the scenes to develop Berbice Cricket.

Having embarked on creating an official flag and emblem for Berbice Cricket, the Hilbert Foster-led BCB is now inviting all Berbicians to join in this noteworthy effort by submitting their drawn concepts of this flag and emblem for the Board’s consideration. The Board advises that the flag should comprise colours that represent the culture of Berbice and its rich

history.

The flag would be flown at all finals and Board events, while the emblem would be placed on BCB letterheads and on all BCB inter-county caps and souvenirs etc.

Members of the public have until April 30, 2020 to submit their drawn concepts. The BCB informs that the winner of either competition would be awarded an attractive financial prize, trophy and medal.

Interested persons are invited to send their drawings along with their names, addresses and telephone number to the BCB board office at Dr Cheddi Jagan Street in New Amsterdam.

Deodat, with his mom after the Berbice U-19 triumphed last year

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice cricketer Berbice Cricket Board Nigel Deodat creating a cricket flag Pg 23

ꟷ eyeing 2020 Under-19 call-up ꟷ public invited to submit after experiencing 2019 snub drawings of flag, emblem

Pg 23

New Zealand tour to West Indies in July "most unlikely" Page 21

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April 5, 2020

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Downtown Georgetown (Photo by Subhash Haimraj)

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Health

COVID-19:

An opportunity for Leaders to rise

by Shelly-Ann

“Y

Mohammed, Head of ACCA Caribbean

ou never want a serious crisis to go to waste.

And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things you think you could not do before.” Former White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel (2009-2010), President Barak Obama’s administration.

Do not waste this crisis As we enter March 2020, the COVID-19 virus has infected over 329,624 people worldwide and caused 14,433 deaths. In the Caribbean, there are approximately 378 cases. This is a crisis, the scale of Shelly Ann Mohammed, which can reorder society in dramatic ways, for better or head of ACCA Caribbean worse. However, with every crisis there are opportunities to become innovative, more sophisticated and flexible with our use of technology.

COVID-19 is disrupting business and consumer behaviour on a massive scale. Businesses are focused on protecting employees, understanding risks to their business and managing supply chain. The public and private sector are scrambling to flatten the curve and minimise spread. The full economic consequences of this black swan event are still unclear but the implementation of drastic measures to contain the virus is precipitating change across industries.

This will be a defining leadership moment for government leaders around the Caribbean and for private sector CEO’s. Above all, the safety of our people should be paramount. This article will focus on employers and recommend specific actions that can be taken during this difficult time.

Phase 1: Activate first level crisis management contingency procedures Protecting Employees: Employers should have already activated first level crisis management contingency procedures. Some measures can include: • implementing work from home where possible • identifying high risk employees and allowing them to work from home; • restricting non-essential travel; • identifying teams to manage communication, track/review/adjust emergency responses and report internal KPI’s; and • developing rotational systems for those employees that have to come into the office.

Scenario planning for 3-6 month recession: Employers should host scenario planning sessions with executives to brainstorm ideas, which can include: • cost cutting measures • deferment of strategic investments • moving operations online and optimising supply chain logistics • legal and financial ramifications of cutting salaries or reducing staff count • developing innovative measures to keep revenue flowing • collaborating with stakeholders and customers to understand their concerns and jointly develop responses and • collaborating with chambers of commerce who can lobby government to implement financial based initiatives to protect business Phase 2: Protect your financial position as much as possible.

Challenges will vary depending on the sector, for example, grocery stores will need to develop new measures to cope with a surge in foot traffic whereas other sectors such as retail will see a decline in traffic and revenue. This pandemic will be a relentless destroyer of brick-and-mortar businesses due to physical restrictions on movement, but it is simultaneously boosting almost anything that can be done online i.e. grocery/take-out meal deliveries, online learning etc. The world may see the shift from real to virtual go into overdrive. In the Caribbean, we have been slow to adapt to digital transformation but this provides a real opportunity for companies to develop online or direct to consumer services.

Employers may need to consider among other things: • blocking algorithms that are unsuited to current patterns of consumption for example, automatic replenishment • focusing on modelling cash-focused scenarios instead of P & L based budgeting • cash-to-cash conversion cycle • revisiting variable costs and investment plans • considering alternative or non-traditional revenue streams and • understanding business interruption insurance.

Keep lines of communication frequent and open with employees on the company’s cash position. Employees are more likely to support various cost cutting measures if they are aware of the company’s position.

Alternatives to layoffs: During a crisis, it is inevitable that employers will contemplate or implement cost-cutting measures, which may include layoffs.

Here are some alternatives* that could prevent mass layoffswhich can have a bigger impact on our small nation economies: *NB: review with lawyers to prevent potential legal action • all employees can commit to a voluntary pay cutdecelerating pay decreases for lower salary workers • temporary suspension of benefits such as car allowances or other non-essential benefits • brain-storming ideas with employees • offering unpaid leave or sabbaticals and • freezing bonuses or pay increases Phase 3: Recovery and beyond Employers need to plan for eventual recovery during the crisis. Competitive positions and customer relationships may have been significantly altered. For example, suppliers and customers may have been impacted financially and thus need looser payment terms. Assessment of the risk of deliveries being delayed or supply chain being significantly disrupted should be considered along with preparation in advance for a rebound in consumption once the epidemic has eased. Business partners may challenge or seek to renegotiate terms of contracts as they experience financial difficulty. This crisis will require focus, but employers must be mindful to protect the organisation from other threats like cyber-attacks (considering the increase in employees working from home) and fraud which often become more likely as criminals take advantage of an already bad situation.

Leaders must be proactive and agile. They must rise to the challenge, put their people first, innovate and communicate. These are indeed challenging times. Please continue to exercise personal responsibility and be safe above all else.

Author: Shelly-Ann Mohammed is the head of ACCA Caribbean. She is a lawyer with over 10 years of global experience and holds an MBA and Masters in Global Business from Oxford University.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine

3

feature

BATTLING COVID-19…

“Do not take this lightly, it is scary” – Patient Zero’s son

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

uraj Baboolall is just 27 years old and is going through what could be considered one of the most, if not the most, terrifying experiences of his life. He tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after he lost his mother to the virus.

His mother, 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall, was considered Guyana’s Patient Zero after she posthumously tested positive for COVID-19. The New York-based Guyanese woman was making her annual Phagwah visit to Guyana when she took ill and subsequently passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Her COVID-19 confirmation cemented the fact that no country is immune to the disease and there need to be prepared and preventative measures to tackle the spread of the pandemic.

Following Ratna’s death, her immediate family was tested for the virus, and it was confirmed that her husband, two sons, and granddaughter were infected.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 that had not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Suraj recently, via telephone from a mandatory isolation facility, shared the story of his family’s ongoing battle with COVID-19 with the <<<Sunday Times Magazine>>>.

Starting from the beginning, Suraj said that he and his sister migrated to the United States about 15 years ago and would usually return home for Phagwah every year. It became their tradition and this year was no different.

They were all set to travel to Guyana from New York on March 7, but Suraj decided that he needed more time in Guyana and brought forward his flight to March 1.

Ratna, who is Guyana’s patient zero, had a history of chronic diabetes among other health issues. Days before she travelled to Guyana, she complained of body aches, but that was dismissed due to her diabetes. She visited a doctor in New York who told her that her headaches and body aches were due to diabetic pain.

She took her insulin and those pains went away.

After Suraj left New York for Guyana, his mother went about her routine and would later come to Guyana. When she arrived, she was in great spirits and good health. She would later fall ill complaining of a persistent headache, but took some painkillers and rested.

On March 10, a test of her blood glucose level revealed it was at 578. Later that day, another test showed that her blood sugar level had risen to 598. Sensing that something was wrong, Suraj drove his mother to a health facility at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where they were told that it was suspected that she had pneumonia. However, further testing had to be done to confirm.

The then worried Suraj asked if his mother could receive some saline and insulin to bring her blood sugar level back to normal, but was told that the facility was not licensed to administer such. He then decided to take his mother to a private medical facility in Georgetown.

While taking her medical and travel history, a doctor at the private hospital immediately referred them to the Georgetown Public Hospital, since they had travelled from NY. “The doctor said that the Ministry ordered that all patients who are sick and travelled from New York must go to the Public Hospital, because of the coronavirus and I said okay we will go. I went there and when we got there and I explained mom’s condition to the Patient Advocate there literally yelled at me telling me that we have to wait,” he related.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, he realised that his mother was having trouble breathing after which they realised she needed a doctor immediately. Her entire medical and travel history was once again related to the doctors who attended to her and at no point did they indicate COVID-19 was suspected.

They began treating her and after about five minutes Ratna had her first pulmonary embolism due to what was diagnosed as diabetic ketoacidosis. She lost consciousness and had to be resuscitated. After Ratna was resuscitated, doctors intubated her and informed Suraj that his mother would need to be hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

However, cognisant of the foreign items in her throat and

nose, Ratna began attempting to remove the tubes which resulted in her being tied to the bed.

“It was hurtful seeing her tied to the bed and with all the tubes, so I came out of the hospital. About 3 am (on Wednesday, March 11) I went in back and they said they have to take out the tube, but ICU got to do it. I went home and came back at 7 am and I spoke to a Dr Slowe and Dr Bux and they said they will take the tubes out. At that point, they did not run a test for coronavirus even if she Suraj Baboolall was showing the symptoms.

They even told me that she looks like she got diabetes ketoacidosis based on the embolism. They said she is responding good to the meds and so, and so they told me to go home and when I come back, she will be in the ICU,” Suraj remembered.

He heeded the advice and went back home. After just 30 minutes of being at home, he received a call asking him to return to the hospital. He immediately left for the Hospital and when he got there, he saw the doctors sanitising themselves and that was when he sensed something was wrong.

He was placed to sit and told that his mother died of suspected COVID-19.

“They told me that she crashed for 40 minutes and they were trying to bring her back but she died. I broke down and was yelling and so. Then, and they told us that it looks as though she died with corona and they took a sample and they sent it away. They allowed me to go home and made me promise not to meet with anyone and no one comes to our home. We did follow that order and they called me at 7 and said mom was positive for corona, but the news had already reached to the media before it got to us,” he related.

Suraj, already devastated by the death of his mother, was further devastated because he had to find out her cause of death via the media. He then petitioned the Medical Council to have the information of the family be kept confidential since they deserved their privacy.

Since COVID-19 is so contagious, Public Health Ministry officials visited the family on March 12 with a number of sanitising agents for their home and person. They were advised against having contact with anyone outside of the household.

The health officials returned on March 13 and administered the COVID-19 test to the family members, and it was later confirmed that Suraj, his father and brother were positive. His niece would later test positive.

Again, the family received no prior information of their diagnosis, rather they, along with the entire country, learnt they were positive for COVID-19 via a televised update from the Minister, Volda Lawrence on March 14.

Suraj and his family were told to remain isolated and according to him they complied, but on March 15, they were told that they would be moved to an East Bank Demerara (EBD) isolation facility. They were moved there and commenced their 14 days of isolation.

To date, the family members remain asymptomatic.

While in isolation they are taking every measure to protect themselves and the health workers tending to their medical needs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases exhibit little or no symptoms of the virus.

Suraj’s daily routine includes having his temperature taken, blood pressure and sugar level recorded, as well as having his vitals recorded.

He remains relatively healthy with almost no known complication.

“I have no symptoms. I am stressed out, and we have not had the chance to grieve our mother’s death as yet. There are no symptoms. There is no

diarrhoea, fever, coughing, nothing showing on none Ratna Baboolall of us here. It baffles us that people are dying but we are here showing no symptoms. But I am appealing to you all don’t take this thing lightly, it is scary,” he warned.

He said that the family members were together and they were helping each other get through the process of isolation.

They are looking to each other for support because if one of them breaks down, then everything goes haywire. Though the family is helping each other out, they are yet to receive any form of psychological treatment from the Ministry to deal with the associated trauma of such a virus.

Suraj shares the following advice for those who have tested positive or are in quarantine as suspected COVID-19 cases: “The main thing is to be calm. This is not a disease that will kill you if you don’t have underlying medical conditions.

You gotta practise social distancing. We need to listen to the authorities. Two weeks will not be long. Stay home, quarantine, practise good hygiene and it is of utmost importance to wash your hands.

“If someone positive and have to be isolated, don’t fight it. Don’t go to the media. I mean that I was one to do that, but then I learnt that this is for the betterment of yourself, the betterment for your family, your country as a whole. If you are quarantined, then there will be provisions in place to help you. Your concerns are addressed. Try not to fight and be here, take a rest and count it as a two-week vacation and it will go through fast. Help yourself to help your family. Do not discriminate; that is the main thing. Don’t discriminate because it would not help anyone, because that person is going through a whole lot already.”

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, they are asked to call the hotline on 227-4986 ext 215 or 6243067 and a team would be sent to their location.

4

Sunday Times Magazine

Feature

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Preserving our literary heritage by Petamber Persaud

(An extract of interview with Prof. Sandra Pouchet Paquet, Georgetown, Guyana, July 2007 who sat as Chairperson of a panel of judges for the Guyana Prize for Literature. She has authored several books including, ‘Caribbean Autobiography’)

P

P – You declared you are excited about Guyana; this came about through your attraction to its literature.

What are some of those characteristics of this literature bringing on this emotion?

SP – Well, something happened to me, well, I’ll just give you the tail-end of that incident. I was reading Guyanese literature for years, I’ve always had an interest in it, I’ve have been teaching it for years, I am professor of Caribbean Literature at the University of Miami in the English Department, so this is my business, I have to keep up with it.

PP – Mention the names of a few of those authors whose work you teach.

SP – I teach Fred D’Aguiar, Wilson Harris, Martin Carter, Mark McWatt and Pauline Melville. So I’ve been following Guyanese literature with interest and reward PP – Now please finish the story SP – Last year I was reading Naipaul’s ‘The Middle Passage’ – the section on Guyana and I was reading (Wilson) Harris in preparation for course material, ‘Palace of the Peacock’ PP – His remarkable first novel published in 1960 SP – Yes, and it put Guyana on the world map as a people who have produced extraordinary literature PP – You said that book put Guyana on the map SP – Yes, in terms of world recognition PP – What about Edgar Mittelholzer who ushered in the Guyanese novel tradition with his first novel, ‘Corentyne Thunder’ released way back in 1941? In your book, ‘Caribbean Autobiography’, you merely mentioned his name.

SP – If that book was longer, Mittelholzer would have been part of it because I find ‘A Swarthy Boy’, a rich book and if his books are to be reprinted, that would be the top of my list.

PP – Rich?

SP – ‘And painful book to read; it must have been a very hard book for him to write. But I think it was an honest book and it’s the kind of writing which brings us along wherever we are from.

PP – A. J. Seymour knew him well, and published a biography of him. You said you’ve followed the work of Seymour and I know the two writers were close, why is Mittelholzer not part of your focus.

SP - I’d be honest with you: only so much can be done in a classroom. Mittelholzer is not my first choice so I have not given him the attention I placed on others, yes, so much can be done in a classroom with a limit of two or three writers. I’m always juggling and I’m also pressed to do a PanCaribbean style course.

PP – You have a chance now to talk about Mittelholzer SP – Well, I have not studies him and will need time to collect my thoughts PP – He might be an ideal candidate for you PanCaribbean Course; he wrote about the Caribbean - Guyana, Trinidad, Barbados and other places where lived in the Caribbean SP – I planned going back to him because my interest in Guyanese literature took a new turn recently. I know I started with Naipaul’s ‘The Middle Passage’ and you may be wondering where I’m going PP – Literature takes us on strange journeys and creates all manner of connections SP – True.

From reading Harris and Carpentier, Guyanese literature is in good shape. I was reading ‘The Lost Step’ with my students and we started looking at some old narratives like Schomburgh because our library has Schomburgh originals and I have discovered there are certain patterns, certain images that keep repeating themselves PP – Patterns like?

SP - Certain set images like going up the river in a boat, and the figure usually of an Amerindian who is usually standing or sitting cross-legged right at the front. This pattern, in various ways, is often repeated – a certain position, a certain posture and the observer, the narrator is usually behind.

PP – Is this why Harris is of greater interest to you?

SP – There’s more to Harris than that but back to this figure image. My reading began with Naipaul and his fascination with Guyana. This figure is repeated: it’s there in Harris, it is there in Carpentier it is there in Schomburgh.

Next I started to read the people whom these writers would have read and it connected me to Jack Snow whom Harris read and you see the same image. This is how you can organise the movement of a literature by what is tabled in the literature, in terms of observations, positioning. You can use an image like this to talk about shifting values because it keeps recurring and what it tells you about the narrator and the relationship between generations.

So to me it’s an indicator of a very strong literary tradition. You have writers who are drawing on the resources that are available to them and created by those writers who went before them and that’s one way of reading a literature and determining its literary value.

PP A more pronounce trend now is for writers to ‘talk back’ to each other through their work like David Dabydeen, and Fred D’Aguiar talking back to Wilson Harris SS Harris is the most dominant writer in contemporary writing. And there is Martin Carter too. It’s a thrill to see people who have gone before inspiring our younger writers both with a vision and with what they have achieved in terms of style. Carter grappled with form and it worked for him.

So by studying Carter, there is a lot to learn.

Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com

Prof. Sandra Pouchet Paquet

At school, someone made a ‘joke’: “Uh, you have Corona!” Even though it was meant to be “fun” and just a “joke”, I found it to be racism. An elderly woman looked at me intensely in the Munich subway. Shortly thereafter, she pulled her scarf to protect her mouth and nose and quickly passed me.

I was having dinner with my brother and on the way home, towards the subway, two young people shouted at us: “Corona!” In two out of three cases, I made people aware that they had made racist comments and should stop doing so in the future. What remained in me after these three encounters was a bitter aftertaste. When I’m in public, I feel watched and uncomfortable. On the train, I have the feeling that nobody wants to sit with me because of my Asian descent.

A constant feeling of malaise, exclusion and anger accompanies me.

Even stronger is the desire to speak out against it publicly and my zest for action: in times like these, people should inform and educate themselves. Don’t believe everything in the mainstream media. Show yourself friendly and in solidarity.

Take care of yourself and stay at home for the benefit of society and above all the risk groups! My experiences are just a few of many. In discussions with Asian family members and friends, it became clear that racism against Asians is a common problem in times of Covid-19. We cannot allow that as a democratic society.”

By Claudia, 18, Germany

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Health

ystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.

Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.

Although cystic fibrosis is progressive and requires daily care, people with CF are usually able to attend school and work. They often have a better quality of life than people with CF had in previous decades. Improvements in screening and treatments mean that people with CF now may live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, and some are living into their 50s.

Symptoms

In the U.S., because of newborn screening, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed within the first month of life, before symptoms develop. But people born before newborn screening became available may not be diagnosed until the signs and symptoms of CF show up.

Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. Even in the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. Some people may not experience symptoms until their teenage years or adulthood.

People who are not diagnosed until adulthood usually have milder disease and are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as recurring bouts of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), infertility and recurring pneumonia.

People with cystic fibrosis have a higher than normal level of salt in their sweat. Parents often can taste the salt when they kiss their children. Most of the other signs and symptoms of CF affect the respiratory system and digestive system.

Respiratory signs and symptoms

The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. This can cause signs and symptoms such as: A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum) Wheezing Exercise intolerance Repeated lung infections Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose Recurrent sinusitis Digestive signs and symptoms The thick mucus can also block tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine. Without these digestive enzymes, your intestines aren’t able to completely absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. The result is often: Foul-smelling, greasy stools Poor weight gain and growth Intestinal blockage, particularly in newborns (meconium ileus)

Chronic or severe constipation, which may include frequent straining while trying to pass stool, eventually causing part of the rectum to protrude outside the anus (rectal prolapse)

Causes

In cystic fibrosis, a defect (mutation) in a gene — the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene — changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt in and out of cells. The result is thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as increased salt in sweat.

Many different defects can occur in the gene. The type of gene mutation is associated with the severity of the condition.

Children need to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. If children inherit only one copy, they won’t develop cystic fibrosis. However, they will be carriers and could pass the gene to their own children.

Risk factors

Because cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, it runs in families, so family history is a risk factor. Although CF occurs in all races, it’s most common in white people of Northern European ancestry.

Complications

Complications of cystic fibrosis can affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as other organs.

Respiratory system complications Damaged airways (bronchiectasis). Cystic fibrosis is one of the leading causes of bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition with abnormal widening and scarring of the airways (bronchial tubes). This makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs and clear mucus from the bronchial tubes.

Chronic infections. Thick mucus in the lungs and sinuses provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

People with cystic fibrosis may often have sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. Infection with bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and difficult to treat is common.

Growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Because the lining inside the nose is inflamed and swollen, it can develop soft, fleshy growths (polyps).

Coughing up blood (hemoptysis). Bronchiectasis can occur next to blood vessels in the lungs. The combination of airway damage and infection can result in coughing up blood. Often this is only a small amount of blood, but it can also be lifethreatening.

Pneumothorax. In this condition, air leaks into the space that separates the lungs from the chest wall, and part or all of a lung collapses. This is more common in adults with cystic fibrosis. Pneumothorax can cause sudden chest pain and breathlessness. People often feel a bubbling sensation in the chest.

Respiratory failure. Over time, cystic fibrosis can damage lung tissue so badly that it no longer works. Lung function usually worsens gradually, and it eventually can become life-threatening. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death.

Acute exacerbations. People with cystic fibrosis may experience worsening of their respiratory symptoms, such as coughing with more mucus and shortness of breath. This is called an acute exacerbation and requires treatment with antibiotics.

Sometimes treatment can be provided at home, but hospitalization may be needed.

Decreased energy and weight loss also are common during exacerbations.

Digestive system complications

Nutritional deficiencies. Thick mucus can block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your intestines. Without

these enzymes, your body can›t absorb protein, fats or fatsoluble vitamins, so you can›t get enough nutrients. This can result in delayed growth, weight loss or inflammation of the pancreas.

Diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin, which your body needs to use sugar. Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of diabetes. About 20% of teenagers and 40% to 50% of adults with CF develop diabetes.

Liver disease. The tube that carries bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestine may become blocked and inflamed. This can lead to liver problems, such as jaundice, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis — and sometimes gallstones.

Intestinal obstruction. Intestinal blockage can happen to people with cystic fibrosis at all ages. Intussusception, a condition in which a segment of the intestine slides inside an adjacent section of the intestine like a collapsible telescope, also can occur.

Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). DIOS is partial or complete obstruction where the small intestine meets the large intestine. DIOS requires urgent treatment.

Reproductive system complications Infertility in men. Almost all men with cystic fibrosis are infertile because the tube that connects the testes and prostate gland (vas deferens) is either blocked with mucus or missing entirely. Certain fertility treatments and surgical procedures sometimes make it possible for men with CF to become biological fathers.

Reduced fertility in women. Although women with cystic fibrosis may be less fertile than other women, it›s possible for them to conceive and to have successful pregnancies. Still, pregnancy can worsen the signs and symptoms of CF, so be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor.

Other complications

Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). People with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing a dangerous thinning of bones. They may also experience joint pain, arthritis and muscle pain.

Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Because people with cystic fibrosis have saltier sweat, the balance of minerals in their blood may be upset. This makes them prone to dehydration, especially with exercise or in hot weather. Signs and symptoms include increased heart rate, fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure.

Mental health problems. Dealing with a chronic illness that has no cure may cause fear, depression and anxiety.

Treatment

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce complications and improve quality of life.

Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention are recommended to slow the progression of CF, which can lead to a longer life.

Managing cystic fibrosis is complex, so consider getting treatment at a center with a multispecialty team of doctors and medical professionals trained in CF to evaluate and treat your condition.

The goals of treatment include:

Preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs Treating and preventing intestinal blockage Providing adequate nutrition

6 Sunday Times Magazine

APRIL 5, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

S

o, my dear pet caregivers, we have already discussed the important preliminary steps before acquiring a companion animal which will, hopefully, for the next decade (at least) be an integral part of your family.

Our discussions even gave guidance on what you should do and don’t do when interacting with that other caregiver, namely your veterinary surgeon.

One of my colleagues gently upbraided me, because I did not mention in any of the previous texts that which should be obvious but is often overlooked – namely, vets deal with all species of all ages and genders, and all of whom are unable to relay with any great reliability any understandable message related to their ailments. But, not to worry, the well trained and experienced vet, together with your own explanations will bring the animal successfully over the sickness hurdle.

Now, what can you have in your domestic pet care arsenal, which could help in the initial treatment of your pet – even before you rush to your vet.

Of course, if the animal is haemorrhaging greatly and the blood is squirting out in consonance with the heartbeat, you must hurry quickly and immediately to your vet, even while using a pressure tampon on the area from where the blood is emanating. Clearly, common sense will dictate (guide you) as to what is seriously needing immediate attention and what can await the Vet’s Clinic Hours.

Let me share with you a story (and every vet has at least one) which illustrates the sentiment expressed in the preceding paragraph.

During my first year as a young practising vet in the Clinic and Polyclinic of the University of Leipzig, I was on night duty on Christmas Eve (they always seem to place the newest/youngest vets on the holiday rosters). A call came in from an obviously agitated person who explained that she was an elderly spinster who only had a “budgie” (budgerigar = parakeet = love bird) as her companion. The bird was constantly falling off its perch. Now, you must understand that, then as now, I have a special place in my heart for the elderly. So, considering this a serious emergency, I added a few items to an already packed kit, placed the snow-chains on the car wheels and sallied forth on the snow-filled roads to try to heal a 2-ounce parakeet. As I arrived, the anxiety emitting from the dear lady, was almost palpable. The bird would not even stand. Within seconds, the problem was clear: the claws (toenails) were so overgrown that they could not grasp the wood of the perch, on which it spent most of its life.

Of course, there was no toenail clipper in the kit. Not to be daunted, out came the Swiss Army knife, and within seconds the excess length of the “talons’, which had curved

on themselves into a complete circle, was removed. Placed on the perch, the love bird was happy, the Oma (grandma) was ecstatic and I felt that I had accomplished something quite extraordinary, a feeling that lives with me on such occasions more than five decades later. Anyway, the reason for me telling you this story is to emphasize that you, as the caring pet owner must know the difference between what is a life-threatening emergency (necessitating a midnight call to your vet) and a simple matter which can be solved on the morrow.

Before I go off on a tangent and relate more stories associated with a young vet’s practise, let’s document the materials and instruments of the trade which each pet nurturing household must-have, in care of a true emergency.

The list below is compiled in no order of importance: A sturdy plastic/wooden container (15” long x 15” wide x 8” deep) for the many things you may need if a “situation” arises. This container should have child-proof safeguards and be kept out of the reach of children.

A thermometer. I still cannot understand how a family with children/pets could not have a thermometer in the house. If it is a Mercury thermometer, please place it, via the anus, at least one inch into the rectum. Do not place the Mercury thermometer under the tongue or in the armpit. If you only have a digital thermometer, place it gently in an ear. Hold the head, pet the forehead, and wait for the final reading.

Document the temperature; repeat the procedure at least every 6 hours. Later you will share the data with your vet.

Roll of cotton wool. Keep some sterilized (by boiling) cotton balls in a smaller air-tight container. Ready-made sterile cotton balls are available in pharmacies.

Rolls of various sizes (3”; 6”) of gauze.

A roll of Duct Tape.

Tweezers (the same size as those one uses to pluck hairs from the eyebrow).

Syringes (3mls, 5mls 10mls) with 21-gauge needles.

Please note that I am not advising you to inject the animal. That’s your vet’s job. Of course, if the animal has swallowed a poisonous organophosphate, it may be necessary to inject the animal with the antidote, after you would have called your vet. Syringes are also useful to flush wounds or administer oral medication. In organophosphate poisonings, speed is of essence. I will be dealing with this topic when discussing “EMERGENCIES”.

Q-Tips. Really, I don’t want you delving into the dog’s (or cat’s) ear canal. But sometimes the outer ear flap (the Pinna)

is so dirty, you must clean it. Cotton balls soaked in ordinary sterilized water will do. We truly don’t want any strong liquid chemical rolling into the ear canal.

Hydrogen peroxide – which really is only water with an extra loosely linked Oxygen atom. It is this extra Oxygen atom that releases itself on contact with the skin, and which you see bubbling up, taking with it any dirt/dust from the surface of the wound. Do not use the Hydrogen peroxide on a raw and bleeding wound. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to induce vomiting, for example, if your animal has ingested rat bait.

Pepto-Bismol/Kaopectate/Gravol/Activated Charcoal/ Milk of Magnesia should be in your family’s Medicine Kit. These items can be used for your companion animal – BUT ONLY UNDER VETERINARY GUIDANCE. 1-cm wide rubber band or a rubber tube - these could be used as tourniquets. We will discuss the uses of tourniquets when dealing with bleeding emergencies.

One safety razor with a new (unused) razor blade.

You may wish to shave the hair away from an open wound – before (topically) applying any medication (ointments, creams, liquids).

Antibiotic and antifungal ointments/creams, To be used only under the advice and guidance of your veterinarian.

Vitamin K tablets. I have been informed by one of the biggest pharmacies in Guyana that this compound can be sold over-the-counter.

It is not a product which should be used willy-nilly.

Again, veterinary advice is imperative.

A muzzle or a one foot long, one-inch wide durable fabric which can be used to wrap around the animal’s jaws, should you need to carry out a manipulation which could elicit pain and aggressive behaviour.

Anti-allergy (antihistamines) tablets or liquid that are available over-the-counter in pharmacies. Piriton and Benadryl are the most commonly supplied antihistamines in Guyana.

Methylated Spirits/Dettol/Savlon for antiseptic and disinfectant purposes. Never use Dettol or Savlon on cats!

Eye Drops/Eye Droppers/Eye Wash – for use in removing a foreign body from the surface of the eye Let me emphasise that the items documented above are essentials for an animal emergency kit. They have been listed for use as a first step intervention, while you are simultaneously contacting your vet.

Allow me to wish all Guyanese and pet caregiver in particular, a very Happy Easter, while adhering to the Health Ministry’s advice and protocols relative to the COVID 19 pandemic.

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 7

8 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

APRIL 5, 2020

Puzzles

ACROSS 1 Be bratty (2 wds.)

6 Technical details 11 Creep forth 16 Poltergeist 21 Hotel offering 22 Lake rental 23 Plugged in 24 Cup fraction 25 Web-toed mammal 26 Oak, once 27 Rented, as a limo 28 Hydrox rivals 29 Ms. Peeples of TV 30 Mope 32 Pitcher’s hope (hyph.)

34 Like prime steak 36 Hole puncher 37 The real McCoy 39 Cancel a launch 40 Uno y dos 41 Jazzy Fitzgerald 42 Vane dir.

43 Rise above it all?

44 Tilt with a lance 46 Vertical 49 Spills the beans 50 Twinge 51 Grommet 55 Crew 56 Wets thoroughly 57 Female elephants 58 More festive 59 Ledger col.

60 Aquarium denizen 61 Urges 62 Key -- pie 63 Herr in Madras 64 Trailblazers 66 Pretoria coin 67 Inventor -- Geiger 68 Mo. expense 69 Dried off 70 Not all 71 Ant at a picnic 72 Photog -- Adams 73 Earn 74 Copper “rust” 76 Dog show org.

77 Knight’s gloves 80 Wind catcher 81 Square pillar 82 Read carefully 86 Black Sea arm 87 Staffer 88 Tilly and Ryan

89 Accelerator 90 British inc.

91 Tijuana tot 92 Lipstick shades 93 Leading lady Ina - 94 Yang complement 95 Mr. Nimoy 97 Seine tributary 98 Black tea 99 Draw, as a graph 100 They have 8 legs 101 Per person 102 Raw rubber 103 Fumes 104 Symphony bigwig 106 Fix the roads 107 -- Paulo, Brazil 108 Lows 111 Dry wines 112 Retina cells 113 File cabinet items 117 Prince Valiant’s son 118 Nile god 119 Avoid restaurants (2 wds.)

120 Gas tank status 121 Resin 122 Kid who rode Diablo 124 More than wants 126 Social mores 128 Lucky break 130 Weed killers 131 Fairy-tale hag 132 Closes in on 133 Nash of limericks 134 Free 135 Dryden work 136 Lingerie buy 137 Della or Pee Wee DOWN 1 “-- -- of sixpence...”

2 Dollface 3 Atlas or Prometheus 4 Sporty truck 5 Keep going 6 Clean a fish 7 Stuff the suitcase 8 U2 producer 9 Tobacco pipes 10 Mexicali matrons 11 Raj title 12 Gibe at 13 Hearing aid?

14 Floor decor (2 wds.)

15 Mantels 16 Encouraging word 17 Ben- --

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- RAPTORIAL (RAPTORIAL: rap-TOR-ee-ul: Predatory.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 57 or more words in RAPTORIAL? TODAY’S WORD -- RAPTORIAL rail rapt raptor ratio rialto riata riot roar roil airport alit altar alto aorta apart

aria atop pail pair parlor parol parrot part partial patio patrol pilot pita plait plat

plot polar port portal prior tail tailor tapa tapir taro tarp tiara tiro toil topi

trail trap trial trio trip opal oral iota lair lariat liar lira

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4.

Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

18 Cager Shaq - 19 Mean look 20 Physicist Nikola - 31 Half of deux 33 Lean-to 35 Admires 38 SOS receivers 39 Quench 40 Freight units 41 Kassel’s river 43 Motorist’s woes 44 Vise grips 45 Fictional governess 46 Sphinx locale 47 Math term 48 Provide capital 49 Piece of lumber 50 Frog’s hangout 52 Tallies 53 Spooky 54 Quavering sound 56 Trapshooting 57 Long, long insect 58 After-dinner candy 60 Capriati foe 61 Patio view

62 Laird’s daughter 65 Beersheba’s locale 66 Steakhouse order 67 Whodunit suspect 68 Full-length 70 Seeger of folk music 71 Veep’s superior 72 Rubber city 74 Life in the Yucatan 75 Rock-band bookings 76 Condor’s abode 77 Ernest or Julio 78 Montezuma’s empire 79 Beckett no-show 80 Thoughtful 82 Fragrant perennial 83 Pizzazz 84 “Silas Marner” writer 85 Small hollows 87 Most blithe 88 Engage, as gear teeth 89 Bet acceptor 91 AutoZone rival 92 Wealthy, to Pablo 93 Sweater letters 96 -- de plume

97 Boathouse items 98 Diesel, to the diesel 99 Cattle mover 101 Writers on glass 102 Indulgent 103 Get fooled (2 wds.)

105 Rap session?

106 Go bad 107 Our sun 108 Incan city -- Picchu 109 Winter constellation 110 First sign 112 -- Stengel 113 Too exacting 114 Shake off 115 Croupiers’ tools 116 Public tiff 118 False front 119 Best or Ferber 120 Model T maker 123 Dernier -125 Aurora, to Socrates 127 Possessed 129 Size above med.

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