Guyana Times Sunday May 24, 2020

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4295 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, May 24, 2020

PRICE

Accept loss gracefully – Jagdeo tells APNU/AFC

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

No 65 Village squatters can finally access potable water

…after Guyana Times highlighted their plight See story on Magazine page 14

…constant false claims a turn-off from power-sharing …says PPP will not be bullied

Teen confesses to killing P15 Zeeburg handyman

See story on page 7

GECOM has no power to investigate APNU/AFC allegations – Nandlall

P15 Aranka labelled as Region Seven’s COVID-19 hotspot

Page 3

…can only be addressed via elections petition

Opposition Leader warns of 85 ballot boxes criminal charges against “false counted, 1290 accusation”, death certificates more to go released without permission Recount Day 18

…Bartica records first case – Mayor

Page 9

Page 8

…PPP/C calls for increased …says GECOM should not entertain working hours, workstations wild, unproven APNU/AFC claims

East Canje mothers struggling in COVID-19 pandemic

P16 Lethem businessman slapped with murder charge

Page 18

See Region 4 SoRs' comparisons with released SoPs on pages 2, 11 & 14

All SoRs are available on our website

No new COVID-19 cases recorded in 2 days P13

2

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

NEWS

3

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

Sunday, May 24 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Monday, May 25 – 05:00 – 06:30.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 24 – 04:55 – 06:25h and Monday, May 25 – 05:25h – 06:55h.

GECOM has no power to investigate APNU/AFC allegations – Nandlall …can only be addressed via elections petition

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail during the day. There will be partly cloudy conditions at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 11:15h and 23:27h reaching minimum heights of 0.49 metre and 0.69 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

03

06

09

19

20

21

FREE TICKET

7 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01

14

16 24 25

LUCKY 3

7

0

0

2

Afternoon Draw

1

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

12

13

14

15

16

PAY DAY

21 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

01 04 08 12 14

08 12 15 19 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$

Change %

$35.13/barrel $288.99 /ton $366.90/ton

Live Spot Gold

-2.65 +0.09 0

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask $1732.70 Low/High $1725.90 Change 0.00

$1733.70 $1743.50 0.00%

C

PPP/C Executive, Anil Nandlall

hair of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh would be in serious violation of the Constitution if she decided to forge ahead with a decision to ask the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to provide proof of electoral fraud to the Commission.

This is according to former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall, on Saturday, told reporters that the Constitution gives exclusive power to the Judiciary to address the concerns of electoral fraud.

General Secretary of the APNU, Joseph Harmon, according to the State-owned newspaper, wrote to Justice Singh parroting the allegations of dead and migrated persons voting in the March 2 General and Regional Elections. Ironically, the APNU/AFC has been claiming victory from the inception using the doctored figures presented by Electoral District Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

However, since the National Recount of the votes commenced, the party started throwing allegations of dead and migrated persons voting without even providing evidence.

Some of the people alleged to have migrated have come forward to clear the air.

In response to Harmon’s letter, according to reports, Justice Singh invited him to provide evidence of such allegations. However, this is not sitting well with the PPP/C since they are of the view that the recount process does not cater to that.

Fundamental difficulty

“We in the PPP have a fundamental difficulty with this development because what we are engaged in here is a recounting of the ballots as is stated in the order (gazetted

by GECOM). It says on the 03rd of April a decision was taken by GECOM to recount the ballots cast at the March 2 elections and the rest of the order contains

a procedure of how that recount should take place,” Nandlall stated.

He added that a recount is done in accordance with certain legal rules and those rules are set out in the provisions of the Representation of the People Act. “Nowhere in the order is there any provision for anyone to make allegations of the type that are being made and worst yet for there to be some proving and disproving of those allegations. It is not that we are opposed or we have anything to hide but this exercise is simply not one that caters for that and anytime GECOM goes outside of the scope of that recount, GECOM would be exceeding its jurisdiction. GECOM would be acting without jurisdiction. GECOM would be acting ultra vires and GECOM would be violating the very order that GECOM published and undertook to be governed by,” Nandlall argued.

He reiterated that there are no provisions in the recount order for addressing or raising the allegations.

Nandlall told reporters that initially, the PPP/C raised objections to the allegations by the incumbent but was assured that those allegations are just recorded.

“We initially objected and we subsided our objections because we were informed that they are allegations only and they would be recorded in an observation report for the record… and perhaps at another forum and in another process, those allegations can be addressed,” he noted.

Jurisdiction

However, Nandlall said with the current actions of

GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

the GECOM Chair, it puts those assurances in limbo, noting, “by inviting evidence is not only lending credence to those allegations but the Chairperson is now expanding the scope of this recounting exercise far outside its parameters and that is wrong. It is unlawful.”

He reminded that GECOM’s jurisdiction under the Constitution is to conduct and manage elections as well as conducting a recount if the need arises.

He added that Article 163 of the Constitution address the issue of jurisdiction to determine allegations.

Article 163 (1) states: “Subject to the provisions of this Article, the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question - (a) regarding the qualification of any person to be elected as a member of the National Assembly; (b) whether – (i) either generally or in any particular place, an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been, or may have been, affected by any unlawful act or omission; (ii) the seats in the Assembly have been lawfully allocated; (iii) a seat in

the Assembly has become vacant; or (iv) any member of the assembly is required under the provisions of Article 156 (2) and (3) to cease to exercise any of his functions as a member thereof; (c) regarding the filling of a vacant seat in the Assembly; or (d) whether any person has been validly elected as Speaker of the Assembly from among persons who are not members thereof or, having been so elected, has vacated the office of Speaker.”

Nandlall said those powers by the High Court must be exercised in conjunction with the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act Chapter 1:04.

He also sought to remind that the supreme law of the land does not invest, in GECOM, the power to investigate allegation or to prove/disprove allegations.

“Those are issues that the Constitution vested or vests in the Judiciary, exclusively. It must be ventilated in accordance with the provisions of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act and the procedural vehicle to be used is an elections petition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

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

PNC’s corrupted independence

T

he PNC is proving truth of the old maxim that you cannot separate means from ends, because ends are nothing more than consummated means. In 1964, PNC leader Forbes Burnham was willing to go along with the machinations of the colonial forces to stage a coup against the PPP government that had been promised they would lead Guyana to independence if they won the 1961 elections.

Which they did. And a coup it was, because the imposition of Proportional Representation (PR) which favoured the PNC – and which it had been clamouring for – from First Past the Post (FPTP) was due to the military power of the colonial power to arbitrarily change the law. Not much different from sending in troops as did in 1953.

Guyana’s independence was birthed out of that foul betrayal by the PNC of the principles which they had entered the political arena against the PPP. And the present betrayal of those principles by the present leader of the PNC following the March 2 elections must be analysed against that history.

While the PPP at that time were agonising on what type of constitution Guyana should assume at Independence – and had actually crafted one by 1962 – Forbes Burnham insisted it did not matter. Constitution were simply pieces of paper, which could be altered to authorise whatever he wanted to do as head of the government.

While Burnham had been trained in law in England, he fulfilled VS Naipaul’s assessment of Caribbean leaders as “Mimic Men”, who merely aped the forms of British institutions and never inculcated their substance. Every leader of the PNC who succeeded Burnham has inherited this attitude to a lesser or greater extent. Desmond Hoyte, who was already formed before he fell into Burnham’s orbit might have strained at the bit but he has been mocked by every PNC leader who succeeded him.

David Granger was chosen by Burnham as a callow youth out of high school when he, along with others, were sent to Mons to be trained to form the nucleus of his new army. This would be “moulded” in his image after he disbanded the ethnically balanced Special services Unit (SSU) that was already formed by the departing Governor.

From the beginning of his career, then, David Granger was taught to disjuncture means from ends and that the ends – in Burnham’s case, absolute power – always justified the means.

Even though Granger was present as that philosophy led Guyana down the road to ruination and destruction after independence, he has never wavered from the Burnhamite Machiavellian position of power. He admitted publicly that he had always “been PNC” and that he was personally committing to fulfilling the legacy of Burnham. He even vacated him home to facilitate the work of the “Burnham Foundation” under Vincent Alexander, which promulgates the cynical philosophy of Burnham.

It is no wonder then, that when David Granger assumed leadership of the PNC in elections, his colleague Aubrey Norton accused him of rigging the internal party elections against Carl Greenidge, amidst gunfire. It was a vintage Burnham performance. It is also no wonder that as we approach our 54th Independence Anniversary, our country is mired in one of the longest elections the world has ever seen, in which Granger is desperately holding on to power via a blatant and massive rigging. Granger is truly fulfilling Burnham’s legacy which was marked by his rigging of elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985.

Granger has imitated his idol’s penchant for retaining legal fig leaves to cover their shenanigans to remain in power. In the end, it is more than likely that he will refuse to go along with any results that show the PNC losing at the polls. As in the past, if Guyana is to be spared from violence, the international community must intervene by utilising techniques that are now accepted international norms to ensure that the Guyanese people’s right to choose their government is not trampled once again by the PNC. Personalised sanctions must be imposed.

Coalition creating fake narrative to discredit 2020 election Dear Editor, Histories are narratives that people construct in order to decipher the meaning of past events. The extent to which those narratives closely approximate the past can be problematic because narratives can be entirely fabricated, partially authentic or can withstand scrutiny when documented by historical evidence. That the PNC has historically rigged national elections to remain in office illegally from 1968 to 1992 is a historical fact that is irrefutable. Ironically, the current accusations, now with PNC Executive Aubrey Norton claiming his incumbent party has observed “anomalies to clear fraud and rigging”, is yet another desperate attempt by leaders of the PNC, AFC and the WPA, to change the historical narrative by concocting a fake one to deceive their supporters. The coalition has embarked on this path for primarily two main reasons. One, it is part of a clumsy attempt to recapture American support in a post-Cold War era, thereby, hoping to stave off impending US-imposed personal, political and economic sanctions. Two, this false narrative is just another transparent, albeit, more elaborate attempt to nullify the March 2 elections in which both major parties had a fair chance of winning. To date, David Granger, the leader of the APNU/AFC coalition, has not condemned the most glaring actions taken by RO Clairmont Mingo to defraud the Guyanese people by nullifying their votes. The July 16, 1973 shooting of Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand by members of the Guyana Defence Force is not based on a fictional narrative, it was a real attempt by citizens to protect their sacred voting rights.

The table below of electoral results from 1961 to 2020 (extracted from a forthcoming book by Dr Ramesh Gampat) exposes a deep-rooted Guyana tragedy consistent with the false coalition narrative.

First, observers, both local and international, were present at General Elections in Guyana and all National Elections “won” by the PNC were declared fraudulently rigged. An excerpt from The New York Times (Sep 3, 1990) summarised it this way: “Electoral frauds and

the scale of fraudulent elections in Guyana have been documented by the annual United States country reports on human rights practices (1980, 1987); the Lord Avebury report (1980); the joint report of the British Parliamentary Human Rights Group; Americas Watch (1985); numerous newspaper articles, and two Granada TV documenta-

“floating voters” opted to support the opposition in 2020.

Third, all PPP terms in office were either shorter than or confirmed to the stipulated 5 years duration according to the Constitution, while some PNC terms were longer than the stipulated duration. The massively rigged elections, with a well-oiled PNC machinery in control of the State and its coercive

opposition forces. The opposition forces were calling for electoral reforms, including a non-involvement of the paramilitary forces in the electoral process, and counting of the votes at the place of poll. Interestingly, while the figure for the referendum was given by the PNC Government at 609,522, Government figure for the total population in 1975 was

ries, “Trail of the Vanishing Voters’’ and ‘’The Making of a Prime Minister (1969).”

This is the case with the attempted rigging of the 2020 elections. Only once did the PNC win an election fairly. That was in 2015 when it joined forces with the AFC and several smaller political parties in a coalition of convenience to form the APNU/ AFC. Had the APNU not thrown the AFC under the bus and had the AFC genuinely championed the cause of the 11 per cent Indians they brought into the coalition, the APNU/AFC could have likely won the 2020 elections with what Rory Fraser and Timothy Laing referred to as “floating voters” (the socalled third force) (SN, May 16 2020). Both scholars have argued that the 2015 and 2020 elections demonstrated a swing from APNU/AFC to PPP/C in “mixed Polling Stations”.

Secondly, the PPP won all its fair and free National Elections with a continuously declining ethnic Indian support base. It is likely that the

arms, occurred most glaringly when the PNC allocated itself a “win” of over 70 per cent in the elections of 1973, 1980 and 1985.

Not shown in the table is the fact that elections which the PNC lost often saw violence perpetuated against perceived PPP supporters and destruction of private property. Additionally, these figures do not include the 1978 referendum which was designed “to end all referendums” and strengthen the PNC’s paramountcy over State institutions and the Government. However, regarding the 1978 referendum, held despite a total boycott by all opposition forces, even though 14 per cent of the electorate turned out, the PNC declared that 71.45 per cent of the electorate voted, claiming a 97.7 per cent support for the PNC referendum. During that same year, the Minister of Home Affairs, Vibert Mingo, acting upon instructions from Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, refused to meet with representatives of the

780,000.

This historical evidence lends credence to the Guyanese cliché that “Rigging elections is in the PNC’s DNA”. If Justice Claudette Singh and the PNC-appointed GECOM Commissioners sanction a coalition “win” of the 2020 election based on fabricated anomalies (which, incidentally, can be tested at an election petition after the results are declared), the coalition would have successfully moved closer towards co-opting the Churchillian truism that “history is written by the victors”. Our hope at preserving our fragile democracy and arresting the slide towards ethnic domination lies with a consistent effort at exposing the fraud, pursuing political sanctions against ruling coalition leaders and encouraging the former “colonisers” to intervene to foster a brokered solution – one consistent with the election results.

Sincerely, Dr Baytoram Ramharack

Lost voices clamouring in the wilderness Dear Editor, From the vociferous exultation of winning to now calling and labelling the process as one that “teems with irregularities” and is a “clear case of electoral fraud”, (“Coalition starts campaign

against elections credibility”), as published in a section of the media on May 24), compromised GECOM officials among others. The calls by all and sundry from the side that once claimed it won but now crying foul are

now obstreperous and obtrusive and can be equated to lost voices clamouring in the wilderness.

The greatest and most profound acts of fraud and irregularities committed on the nation are evident daily

as the recount progresses.

To borrow a line, “he who asserts must prove”. Either put up or shut up and concede.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

5

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

Legally, Claudette Singh has to make a declaration based on recount Dear Editor, With atypical speed, GECOM Chair Claudette Singh distanced herself from the unfortunate statement by (GECOM) Commissioner Sase Gunraj that purported to convey the Chairman’s views on the recurrent, outlandish claims by the APNU/ AFC and its spokespersons such as Aubrey Norton and James Bond. By contrast, the Chairman appears unperturbed by the almost daily pronouncements by Gunraj’s counterpart Vincent Alexander and by members of the public concerned about the descent of GECOM into what seems to be a criminally minded enterprise involving fraud among senior Government functionaries, the APNU, the PNCR, the AFC powerfully enabled recently by the COVID-19 Task Force.

If Singh was as concerned about the constitutional duty and the reputation of GECOM, instead of “holding it in abeyance”, she would have called for an internal investigation into Mingo’s out-of-reality declaration on the District Four results. I have never seen a Judge or Retired Judge who treated a transparent, barefaced fraud with such deference. Surely, Singh cannot be ignorant of the evidence of Mingo’s fraud and its elevation by the complicit Lowenfield. Yet she remains mysteriously silent on what is effectively a fraud on GECOM itself.

Claudette Singh was a Puisne Judge from about the mid-eighties, and up to her appointment as GECOM Chair, she was still in pub-

lic service – well over four decades. She was appointed Chair in July 2019 – less than one year ago. Yet, she has managed to draw more attention to herself in the latter period than in all the decades serving the country in a legal capacity. Sadly for her, most of the attention has been negative. Worse, it has been largely self-inflicted. It is not that Claudette Singh was wholly on one side or the other: it is that some of her positions serve to confuse while others defy common sense, logic and basic principles.

Take for an example the recurrent and sometimes fictitious claims at the recount made by APNU/AFC agents like Coretta McDonald and Ganesh Mahipaul. To Mahipaul’s credit, if that is allowed, he admitted that his claims of dead and absent voters were based on hearsay information. Yet, Claudette Singh’s GECOM is prepared to entertain those and similar allegations. On the other hand, McDonald, whose conduct at this recount does the premier trade unions umbrella organisation no credit, has been more shameless, calling out fictitious box numbers at her Recount Station. Again, much time was unnecessarily consumed in recording her fiction. A self-respecting Chairman, on seeing such a pattern by whoever, should have convened a meeting of the Commissioners to set guidelines on how complaints are to be addressed and to prevent hindrances to the early completion of the recount. Instead, Singh has

committed to affording those mischievous and made-up claims “considerable deliberations and decisions at the Commission”.

Singh and the Commissioners must surely be aware that the so-called representations and challenges by the APNU/AFC are further frustrating the achievement of the statutory limitation for the declaration of the election results – fifteen days from the date of the elections – and its own timeframe of twenty-five days for the duration of the count.

GECOM ought to have reiterated the statutory parameters of a recount, the principle regarding complaints of a general nature such as allegations of personation the respective roles and functions of GECOM and those of the High Court in matters dealing with the results of elections and the timeframe of the order regarding the recount which is not part of the country’s subsidiary legislations. Claudette Singh has to realise that even circuses come to an end and that at some point, she as an individual with her reputation in danger, will have to explain her silence and inaction to a court of law, a Commission of Inquiry or to history.

In chiding Gunraj, Claudette Singh also referred to the legal principle known as the onus of proof as “her view”. While the recount drags on, Singh should go back to her decision in the Esther Perreira case in which she addressed the question and placed it squarely within the context of the Constitution and the

GECOM staff who worked on E-Day are being embarrassed by APNU/AFC

Dear Editor, An order was made for General and Regional Election votes recount.

What I observe happening is a detailed audit is being carried out and every single item in the ballot box is checked, contrary to the order that states a “recount of the votes”. In my opinion, the system is deliberately dragged out conveniently by GECOM because they have introduced a section of the tabulation which caters for observation. The APNU/ AFC coalition has and is making false claims, for example, they are stating that dead people, people who are out of the country etc were allowed to vote. These claims were objected to by the PPP/C and the other political parties.

I wish to let it be known that the Guyana Elections Commission was and is totally responsible for the conduct of these elections and was given millions of dollars, including the training of staff for Election Day. Forty-nine days were given for Claims and Objections.

All systems were put in place to ensure only persons who are entitled to vote and presented themselves at the Polling Station could vote.

If a person does not have an ID card and their particulars are shown on the folder, they will be identified using the photograph shown on the folder. This voter will be allowed to vote after all political parties and GECOM staff verifies the details of the voter. He will then be allowed to take an Oath of Identity and vote. The process in voting is very fair and free and witnessed by parties, local and international observers. At the end of the Election Day, reports from all sources revealed that the election was free, fair and transparent. Even President David Granger said that the election was free and fair.

Today the APNU/AFC is making false claims and the Guyana Elections Commission Secretariat controlled by Lowenfield is in support of these false claims because he never objected to Mr Vincent Alexander’s

claims. By making these false claims, they are tarnishing the reputation of GECOM Election Day staff at all Polling Stations.

It is clear that they made objections for three persons in Kuru Kururu as being dead and migrated. I have gone to these people’s home and they explained that they had voted and are healthy. These false statements suggested should be taken seriously and need to be stopped. Should false observation continue, legal proceedings should be taken against these people after the process is concluded.

In the first place, the Guyana Elections Commission should have never entertained the observation section of the recount process. This is damaging the reputation of the Commission and the Chairwoman is targeted.

She should never have allowed the illegal observation of the recount process.

Best regards Tasleem Drepaul

National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Cap 1:04.

While I believe that she misapplied the use of the word “may” in the relevant provision of the Constitution, she accepted and so ruled, that he who asserts must prove, ie the onus of proof rests on the person claiming any irregularity. Years later and at a critical juncture, she is now referring to a well-established ruling applied by her in the Esther Perreira case as “a view”. Such carelessness and indecisiveness only serve to embolden the outlandish claims and encourage the adventurism of persons like Leonard Craig and Desmond Trotman who consider themselves competent to pronounce on legal matters with the certainty of seasoned Senior Counsel.

Maybe out of fear, the effects of operating in a cauldron, or of age, Claudette has shown only moments of independence and courage. She foolishly allowed herself to be standing at Granger’s side last Sunday as he spoke as a Presidential Candidate. All she had to do was to think whether she

would have so acted if Irfaan Ali or Bharrat Jagdeo visited the Conference Centre or addressed the media. Granger has now put her in the invidious position where who becomes President is determined almost exclusively by her. With Granger’s usual duplicity, he is committed not to accepting the results of the recount, but Claudette Singh’s declaration.

If she were (sic) to deny the PPP/C as having won, it can be on one ground only – the flaws fictitiously claimed by the APNU/AFC. If she does that then for the same reason, she cannot declare Granger the winner either.

Would she then declare a draw and let Granger remain in office? That is what the APNU/AFC wants and then have years in litigation and further manipulations

by GECOM to give Granger an illegitimate five years counting from fifteen days after March 2, 2020.

Granger’s end of visit speech at the counting centre last week showed him at his duplicitous best. He did not say he would accept the results of the recount which he

agreed to with the Caricom Chair. He said only that he would accept any declaration made by GECOM. Mindful of the power relationship between him and Singh, her record of indecisiveness, and the pressures she has had to endure from him, Amna Ally, Joseph Harmon, Volda Lawrence and a string of everything-to-lose second level PNCR persons, Granger clearly thinks that Claudette Singh will give him the victory he so badly needs to restore his damaged image. He has, therefore, placed on her that burden.

Legally, Claudette Singh has no choice but to make a declaration based on the recount. She needs to show that she is the Iron Lady she boasts to be and to stop being the compromised weakling many think she is. And she must, if she cares about the country and her reputation, think about the implications and the consequences of delivering to Granger what the voters denied him.

Dear Editor, May 26, 1966 – the birth of freedom from the English monarchy. British Guiana became an independent nation fifty-four years ago, joining their other sister islands in the rest of the Caribbean.

The name changed to Guyana, with a Coat Of Arms of its own, A National Motto, a National Anthem and A National Pledge. The Golden Arrowhead, the Flag of Guyana, proudly replaced Great Britain’s flag, The Union Jack, at midnight of May 25, 1966. As the National Anthem clearly spells out, a heritage inherited from heroes both bondsmen and free, their eyes did not live to see this glory.

This land, fertile from their broken bones, torn fleshes, blood, sweat, tears and their ravaged bodies, prospered to nourish all with its sugar, rice, agriculture crops, rum, bauxite, timber, gold, diamond and now oil.

Nature’s gifts of the forests, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and rare species appeal to attract an array of international visitors. A country that became world renown for cricket, hospitality, friendliness and beauty rose from an overlooked state to global demand. Once, its natural resources and people were plundered to extract the richness to be shipped to England and the rest of the world.

The pangs and pains from the sacrifices of our ancestors who arrived from the other side of the world did provide a remedy to relinquish sovereignty from the United

Kingdom and, to free and unite the souls of a nation comprising of six peoples.

But the original owners of this land, the fathers, mothers and children of the royal Indigenous people, whose name and fame are rarely proclaimed, are not given the honourable acclaim that they deserve. Bombarded by the early conquistadores, the Dutch, Spanish, French and English, their lives, lifestyle and culture were threatened for their survival. Their rights were not only trampled on but also, their freedom was snatched from them, they contracted the invaders’ diseases, perished and died and had to go in hiding or leave their habitat. To date, many are still denied their land titles. No wonder the exodus of so many frustrated and oppressed Guyanese to seek greener pastures!

The question now arises, are all of us still, really free?

In this diversified society, are there still not task-masters trying to implement enslavement once again? Aren’t we the pawns of many culpable dictates? Wasn’t the Golden Arrowhead subservient to the promiscuous paramountcy of a fraudulent collative force?

Are we not under-protected due to the law forces’ pledges to honour, respect and obey a hierarchy? Isn’t the legal system corrupted with unilateral politics? Isn’t the entire Government employment controlled with biased ethnicity? Isn’t the electorate big wigs the tools of political mischief? Aren’t the majority of elections the abuse of fraud

and deceits of one perpetual party entity? Hasn’t one political party snatched rulership viciously and illegally to promote their personal, assumed superiority, much to the demise of the other parties and the detriment of the country’s economy?

Is there loyalty to this country and its Constitution anymore? Who is there to guarantee justice, liberty and equality when those in charge daily erode the rights of the people and perpetuate use and abuse of power? How many lies, false promises and insincerity have surfaced in practice to replace the inconvenience of truth and honesty? Haven’t the villainous makers of illicit agreements from secret meetings personally benefited and raped the treasury of this nation and robbed the people of their much-needed earnings and benefits? Who remains untouched and above the law while conducting illegal affairs, blatantly glaring to the public’s view and protected by a syndicate of rogues?

Indeed, the theme of One People from One Nation with One Destiny is the motto for only one secular group of people and the others have seen their freedom eroded from underneath their feet, in front their eyes and from their hands with their voices stifled. A once fragrant flower, blooming, has withered from neglect from its gardener! Happy independence to whom and for what?

Sincerely, Christopher Ram

Freedom from freedom

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 23

6

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

Page

Foundation

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Accept defeat gracefully – Jagdeo tells APNU/AFC …constant false claims a turn-off from power-sharing …says PPP will not be bullied

P

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has urged the coalition to accept the defeat it knows it was dealt, gracefully, so that there can be genuine talks of power-sharing and the country can move forward.

Jagdeo made these pronouncements on Saturday, during a virtual broadcast press conference. He noted that A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) many unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud are not only slowing down the ongoing recount but also alienating his party from joining with them to talk about power-sharing.

Jagdeo highlighted cases where APNU/AFC raised many unproven objections to the point where they objected to their own votes at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice (WCB), to show the lengths the party is going to discredit the elections they previously blessed as free and fair.

He also recalled the many faux pas committed

by APNU/AFC agents, including one agent admitting that they were making objections based on hearsay rather than evidence and instances where the media disproved the claims made by the coalition.

“They talk about joint Government. You think anyone would want to sit in the same Government with some of these guys who are making such patently false allegations and throwing the country in turmoil. There’s no grace-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

fulness about this group in defeat. No acceptance that they’ve lost the elections,” the Opposition Leader said.

He added that “they just want to start trouble, to secure a place in a future Government. They must be misreading the PPP by now.

We can’t be bullied. We can be reasoned into issues but we can’t be bullied into anything. We won’t stand for that. Your history would testify to that.”

History

This ‘history’ is believed to be a reference to the days President David Granger refers to as the troubles after the 2001 elections. Political analysts have long opined that these troubles were politically instigated in nature, designed to pressure the then PPP Government into power-sharing. The coalition’s own failure to get to the bottom of ‘the troubles’ during their time in office has only raised more questions.

According to Jagdeo, “So

if they believe this approach is endearing them to the leadership of the PPP when they talk about joint governance, then they’re very very wrong. Bunch of lies… and the only place they find favourable media in is the [State media].”

“All the other independent newspapers have been pointing out that… there is evidence of fraud, not on the part of anyone else but [Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont] Mingo,” Jagdeo also said.

He also went on to urge senior figures in APNU/ AFC to exercise leadership in the current circumstances of COVID-19. According to him, the coalition, by virtue of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) in their possession, must have seen what the election results are.

“We don’t have leadership, we have to fix this quickly. We have these de facto Ministers. But they must have seen by now they lost the elections… the longer we take to settle this matter, it’s even worse for all our people,” he said.

“I say all people because even those who voted for APNU are feeling the squeeze from an inept Government and the undemocratic path they took us down for the last several months. And their refusal to be graceful in defeat.”

Fictitious

Since the recount began, APNU/AFC agents have made a slew of objections against some of the electors, claiming that they were either dead or out of the country. Despite constant re-

quests for proof, the party has failed to provide proof of dead/migrated voters for whom ballots were issued.

In the case of Belladrum, an APNU/AFC agent objected on the grounds that the persons, whom he identified by the corresponding GECOM serial number, were, in fact, out of the country.

It was eventually discovered that the ballot box in question contained 250 votes for APNU/AFC while the PPP had only gotten three votes from that constituency while two other parties contesting the District secured a combined total of three. It would mean that the APNU/AFC agent could only be objecting to at least 19 votes cast for the APNU/AFC. There were separate reports of a similar nature, including one where an APNU/AFC agent objected to a vote that was cast by an individual who turned out to be an open supporter of the coalition, as evidenced by photographs of the person gyrating on stage at an APNU/AFC rally.

The APNU/AFC agent at the counting station had earlier in the exercise made an objection, claiming that the person had, in fact, migrated. The Region One resident was later found to have never left the country.

Additionally, APNU/ AFC reports that a couple from Berbice, who was listed as voted on Elections Day but were not in the country, turned out to be fictitious when media reports surfaced that the couple was, in fact, in the country and

Caretaker President David Granger

Caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

spent the day at home after voting.

Meanwhile, the PPP has been pointing out the fact that the recount has so far closely matched their SoPs which they had released to

the public. Those SoPs show the PPP with a sizeable victory margin. APNU/AFC has for some time refused to release their own SoPs, despite claiming victory in their own right.

GECOM has no...

In any event, practically and pragmatically GECOM does not have the resources, personnel and otherwise to hear and determine those complaints. You have to be trained. Those complaints have to be dealt with in accordance with the rules of evidence in a court of law and a particular standard of proof have to be established. GECOM is moving in a very dangerous direction by going along this path,” Nandlall argued.

Nandlall said that his Party is not afraid of any form of scrutiny nor do they have anything to hide but noted that they would not sit by idly and allow an illegality to be executed.

The PPP/C intends to dispatch a letter to Justice

FROM PAGE 3

Chair reminding her of the provisions and limitations of GECOM’s powers.

“The constitution itself has invested that power that includes power of hearing and determining allegations to an institution called the Judiciary, exclusively too. The same exclusivity that GECOM enjoys in relation to the management of elections, the same exclusivity the constitution invests in the High Court to determine allegations of irregularities and illegalities relevant to an election. The separation of powers doctrine will prohibit GECOM from trespassing on the functional domain and the functional province of the judiciary,” Nandlall noted.

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Recount Day 18

85 ballot boxes counted, 1290 more to go …PPP/C calls for increased working hours, workstations

T

he pace at which the recount of ballots cast in the March 2 General and Regional Elections seems to be fluctuating, with some 85 ballot boxes going through the final count on day 18 of the 25-day exercise.

This means that a sum of 1049 boxes have been counted thus far with 1290 remaining.

According to the figures from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), 16 boxes were counted for Electoral District Three (Essequibo Islands-West

Demerara), 23 for District Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 15 for District Five (MahaicaBerbice), 20 for District Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and 11 for District Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

So far, Districts One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have been fully counted.

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to advocate for the process to be sped up and the number of workstations to be increased.

Speaking to the media following the conclusion of the day’s activities, PPP/C Executive Anil Nandlall said they remain disappointed that although the Commission gave a commitment to increasing the num-

ber of workstations, that has not been done. He noted that the 25-day deadline would never be met if the pace remains the same.

“We are disappointed that we have seen no move-

ment towards the establishment of additional stations as were promised by GECOM. Of course, the establishment of those stations are fundamental to the speed of the process increasing and I believe that GECOM itself has recognised that we need to increase the speed if we are to come close to the deadline fixed by GECOM, that is, the 25-day deadline,” he told reporters.

“As you know, we were promised to have additional stations established. I thought it would’ve been

done today because I thought that the matter was considered to be one of great urgency. But unfortunate, today has come [to] an end and we have seen no movement in that direction,” Nandlall

It’s a…

E

Former Attorney General and PPP Executive, Anil Nandlall

added.

The former Attorney General said that they are hoping that the recounting exercise is completed within the stipulated time but are open to a possible extension if it is warranted. He added that they continue to press GECOM for the establishment of the additional workstations so as to maximise the working time and output.

“Today [Saturday], again the containers were closed at 05:30 [pm] and boxes were not released for counting at 05:30 [17:30h]. That we believe can easily be adjusted and extended to 6 o’clock as we had proposed and that will bring greater speed to the system. If the 25day deadline is not met, of course, we are not opposed to an extension. We hope that it will not be a long extension because, like I said, we would like this process to be completed with every convenience dispatch and speed,” he related.

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali said previously that the party has indicated to GECOM that it will only support an extension of seven days.

GECOM has so far only added two additional workstations but has since started pursuing another two stations.

On Wednesday, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward confirmed the request of the National COVID-19 Task Force by the Commission and said the establishment of more working stations was among the discussions being mulled by the Commission in order to ensure that the exercise is accelerated.

Asked to clarify whether the request was for permission or guidance, taking into account the fact that the Chairperson had initially decided to go ahead and set up two additional workstations before receiving the imprimatur of the Task Force, she said it was twofold.

According to Ward, “We seek permission as well as for an assessment to be done to determine the risk involved in the establishment of such.”

She conceded that the Commission had identified at least two additional proposed locations to the Task Force last week, but those have been turned down.

…long and winding elections lections in Guyana have never been easy, but this one is taking it into new territory. To paraphrase what the Beatles crooned in their “It’s a long and winding road”, it always leads back to the door of the PNC and their indecent lust for power at any cost. For one brief and shining moment in the inaugural 1953 elections, all was well as Jagan brought Burnham and other nationalists on one platform against the Brits.

But the canker of ambition and power ate away at the heart of Burnham, and he succumbed to the blandishments of the outsiders and shattered the nationalist movement that’s never been able to come together again. The first rig was in 1964 when the Brits gamed the system from FPTP to PR, knowing full well they’d already persuaded Burnham and D’Aguiar to coalesce and shut out the PPP. Never mind the virtual civil war that tore the society apart before and after the change in the electoral rules.

Guyana had the first elections observed by the Commonwealth because of the stakes involved. There was no principle that brought them together, except cold calculation on the part of Burnham and hatred from D’Aguiar. And, of course, they fell asunder before their term was out!

Guyana The winding road led to the PNC rigging the elections of 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1985, with detours and doubling-back to rig a referendum to ensure Burnham’s new constitution giving him absolute power was passed, although not by the people. Each had its own twist: from English horses voting in 1968, to the GDF counting ballots in 1973, and rushing polling stations in 1985. Those long years of experience with rigging elections has obviously left such deep institutional memory of the tactic that it is almost impossible for the PNC to accept that the voice of the people should be given expression to choose their leaders.

After the first free and fair elections in 1992 – made possible by the Americans via the Carter Center – the PNC would violently contest the 1997 elections, which virtually mirrors their strategy in these elections after it was clear that they lost.

After insisting they had won based on Mingo’s fiddled numbers, the PNC’s now on a campaign to convince godknows-who that the elections are “not credible”. So we have claims of dead and migrated people voting; fake IDs used, and now the latest: that 8000 Disciplined Forces votes were “spoiled” and “stolen” through not being properly stamped when opened by dastardly Presiding Officers!! Yes…they were all for the PPP! So where will this particular twist in the road lead? Of course, back to the PNC’s door! The question is: who’ll evict them from the house?!! …wonder Mingo’s free The PNC’s insisting that GECOM’s Reg 4 RO, Clairmont Mingo, is being unfairly targeted for “rigging”, when there’s no proof of any such charge. Imagine that!! This after the High Court ruled that his first attempt to hoodwink dozens of observers and ambassadors with his three-card-monte routine on the last set of 378 SOPs had violated the law!! And he was told to correct the deficiency by showing everyone the SOPs he was using for his totals; yet, he repeated his sleight-of-hand, this time using a soiled bedsheet!! Ewww!

There’s an outstanding contempt of court petition against him to be heard, but the question your Eyewitness has is: Now that there’s a daily parade of Mingoed ballot boxes exposed in the recount, isn’t this enough evidence to charge him with grand theft of an election for the PNC? Well, we know he didn’t do the dirty with those flash drives, but that only makes the culprits on the GECOM staff – who’ve been identified – accessories to the crime!!

Justice must be done. Book Mingo!! …crock Stanley Ming’s repeating Granger’s insistence that, statistically, the voters list’s “bloated”, and this led to “fraud”.

The court has ruled you can’t remove folks from the list, save for death or imbecility! So, migrants are still on.

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition Leader warns of criminal charges against “false accusation”, death certificates released without permission …says GECOM should not entertain wild, unproven APNU/AFC claims

A

s the national election recount continues, every day sees new, unsubstantiated allegations being made by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), allegations that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has urged the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to stop entertaining.

Jagdeo made this pronouncement on Saturday during a televised press conference. According to him, many of these allegations relate to questions that GECOM has long since settled, yet they are resurfacing.

“Issues that were settled two weeks ago, APNU keeps reopening these issues. All day long, they want to misapplied the instructions that have been given right at the beginning of the exercise and developed during the re-

“The same way they are turning a blind eye, that is what we find duplicitous about GECOM. They’re turning a blind eye to an illegality that could easily be proven by documents they have in their possession, which are the SoPs and Mingo’s declarations.”

“They’re refusing to make that public, yet they’re giving minor credence to all these wild, unverified allegations from APNU,” Jagdeo said.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

count, they just want these changed.”

GECOM, he added, must not pander to APNU. “We see them doing a great deal of bending over backwards to accommodate APNU even when the issues have been clarified,” Jagdeo urged.

Others, he said, are allegations of voter fraud that come without a shred of ev-

idence. Jagdeo noted that in the same vein that GECOM gives credence to APNU/AFC allegations of dead and migrated people having voted, GECOM should also be interested in disproving Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo’s fraudulent declaration. Instead, his controversial declaration remains in abeyance.

Criminal charges

Jagdeo, meanwhile, warned the agents making the allegations that it is a crime to make false claims of voter fraud. He said that knowingly making false accusions and the release of death certificates release without permission are criminal offences.

He also revealed that there are independent lawyers who are planning to

GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh

pursue charges against such persons and noted that it will not be the political masterminds who face the charges, but the agents.

“They’re sending their agents to the counting places and it is those agents, when the Government changes, who’re going to get into trouble. Because a group of independent lawyers contacted

me.”

“And they said they’re forming a team to file against all those people [who make false allegations]. And it is the ones whose names are in the counting station making false allegations who will be charged. Because there are criminal offences for what they’re doing.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brothers from afar join hands to fight COVID-19 – Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

A

s the globe continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, Guyana and the nine Caribbean countries that have diplomatic relations with China held a Visual Special Vice-Ministerial Meeting on COVID-19 on Monday last.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun reaffirmed his country’s support to the Caribbean countries to help fight the novel coronavirus.

“At the time when mankind faces the unprecedented global public health crisis, this special meeting has sent a strong message that we should strengthen international cooperation and work together to fight the pandemic,” Ambassador Jianchun asserted.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), after seeking the opinions of many scientists, determined that the novel coronavirus came from nature.

Reflecting on H1N1,

Ebola, yellow fever, and Zika, in which the origin is yet unknown – it shows mankind is ignorant to nature.

“The process of scientific exploration from diagnosis, treatment, research and development of vaccine to the eradication of COVID-19 is long and complicated. As of May 20, more than 4.9 million people have been infected in more than 210 countries and regions, and more than 320,000 people have died. This shows that no country, big or small, rich or poor, can manage alone or stand aloof from the pandemic,” he explained.

The Ambassador noted that China upholds the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and to fight the pandemic together with the international community without reservation.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, China has donated US$50 million to WHO, set up a 2 billion yuan spe-

cial fund for anti-pandemic cooperation, sent 24 medical expert groups overseas, and provided a lot of material assistance to WHO and many countries.

“China received much support from the Caribbean when it was in the most dif-

ficult time of fighting the pandemic. Leaders of the Caribbean countries sent letters to the Chinese leaders to express their sympathy and solidarity,” Jianchun stated.

The 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of

Caricom issued a communiqué supporting China.

According to the Chinese Ambassador, at this critical moment, mankind needs confidence rather than panic, unity rather than division, and cooperation rather than blame. “Only by over-

Stop entertaining wild...

The recount of ballots cast during the March 2 General and Regional Elections has been punctuated daily with allegations of votes being cast in the name of dead persons, or persons said to have migrated.

There have been numerous reported instances of ballots being unstamped or unclear, or even a party questioning the legitimacy of its own votes; but a decision by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in regard to how to treat with those allegations has, in fact, not been made, though the matter has been discussed at that

level.

GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, in a public statement on Thursday, reaffirmed emphatically: “While I continue to monitor the trends based on the allegations in the Observation Reports, I am of the view that ‘he who asserts must prove’.”

Essentially, this was a call for those party agents making objections at the counting stations to “prove” that their claims are, in fact, valid.

No evidence, hearsay

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj has, mean-

coming arrogance and prejudice, focusing on the pandemic itself, strengthening confidence, and working together, can all countries get out of the predicament and the lives of the people can return to normal as early as possible.”

FROM PAGE 9

while, advocated during the course of the recount that it is not within the remit of GECOM to investigate the allegations being made during the recount exercise, but rather those should be addressed separately.

The public discourse over the observations comes in the wake of a confession

by APNU/AFC tabulation agent Ganesh Mahipaul that the party did not, in fact, have any evidence to support its claims that persons allegedly out of the country voted on Election Day. Mahipaul told reporters recently that the objections were being made based on

“hearsay” provided by his party agents who are conducting fieldwork.

Additionally, the APNU/ AFC agent, in claiming to have evidence to support the claim that a dead person had been reflected as voted, supplied the State media with a death certificate which was reproduced in the Guyana Chronicle.

Neither Mahipaul nor anyone from APNU/AFC has provided evidence that a ballot was supplied to anyone for the identified name and serial number, in light of the Chairperson’s position that “he who asserts must prove.”

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

11

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No new COVID-19 cases recorded in 2 days

O

ver the past two days, Guyana has not recorded any new cases of the novel coronavirus, (COVID-19) as the statistics remain at 127.

The Public Health Ministry posted a dashboard, which showed that there were no new deaths. Some 1401 samples were tested, in which 1274 returned negative.

There are 59 persons in isolation and five in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, one new person was admitted to the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), bringing the number up to four. From the positive cases, 58 have recovered completely.

Since the beginning of May, the central focus of health authorities was centred on educating the male population, since they are leading the charts for both cases and deaths.

During the first week,

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud had stressed that 80 per cent of the 10 recorded deaths were males. To date, that figure remains the same.

Dr Persaud has shared concerns over the fact that many men are disregarding guidelines and health practices to protect themselves from the coronavirus. He reiterated this message, amid the increased deaths in the male population.

“The message I wish to reinforce is to remind you that as breadwinners of the family you put yourself at unnecessary risk and jeopardise the life and livelihood of your families by not complying with the recommended measures,” he was quoted as saying.

This week, Men’s Health Coordinator, Dr Dennis Bassier sought to lament the poor health-seeking behaviour being demonstrated by men in Guyana, as they

continue to lead the charts.

“This clearly indicates that persons are not taking

note of and putting into practice, the strict guidelines for the prevention of transmis-

sion of COVID-19. It is the general understanding that men have poor health-seek-

ing behaviour. This is further emphasised by the current situation…Lots of males that have been positively diagnosed are not single. As a result of this, their partners and their children have to be tested, due to them being exposed. There is no shame in wearing a face mask, in practicing social distancing or even constantly sanitising your hands,” he had highlighted.

This was repeated the following day by Senior Gender Affairs Officer at the Social Protection Ministry, Diego Alfonso, who indicated that these persons should look at the statistics and reconsider their practices, since 73 males have since contracted the virus.

The World Health Organisation’s data shows that there are 4,993,470 cases globally with 327,738 deaths.

In the region of the Americas, there are 2,290,267 cases with 131,605 deaths.

14 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

NEWS

15

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Aranka labelled as Region Seven’s COVID-19 hotspot

Teen confesses to killing Zeeburg handyman

…Bartica records first case – Mayor

A

s health authorities heighten concerns about the increased COVID-19 cases in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Aranka has been labelled the ‘hotspot’ in the region.

On Saturday, Mayor Gifford Marshall told Guyana Times that Bartica also reported its first case of the virus. The person, who would have travelled from Aranka through Buckhall and Parika, tested positive.

Upon realising where the person was coming from, a test was requested and it returned as a confirmed case.

“The person is on assignment to the region and they travelled from Aranka to report to their office in Bartica.

Because of what’s happening in Aranka, they were tested and they showed up positive,” the Mayor shared.

It was explained that the rainfall season will allow

more boats entering Aranka – a situation which will see more persons entering the region.

“The person travelled as a passenger. Hardly, persons would have their own transportation.

Aranka right now is a hotspot for us in Region Seven and we have to ensure that all miners adhere to the advisories. Now that we’re having heavy rainfall, we will see more boats going into Aranka but the Buckhall route is a safer because you don’t have to go through the waterfall.”

Aranka is at the centre of a mining hub that is currently traversed by persons working in the sector.

There are also linkages between the community and Bartica. While the municipality has raised concerns, miners were asked to exercise caution.

Mayor Gifford Marshall

“We continue to encourage persons, especially miners to be extremely careful because all of them have families. Aranka is very close and we have many Barticians who would frequent that area, the interior in general. So we’re asking persons to exercise the necessary precautionary measures to protect themselves and protect their families,” Marshall iterated.

On Friday, Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertinesa Hamilton disclosed that they are especially worried about Region Seven, since there is higher traffic between the mining communities and the coastland.

“The Ministry remains concerned about the increased cases seen, especially in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) taking into consideration that the mining communities have a lot of traffic. With this movement, we can have a wider spread of this disease so we urge residents to follow the guidelines provided,” Dr Hamilton voiced.

One week ago, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) called on miners to undertake greater protective and control measures as they continue to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its revised list through an official gazette document in April, the Public Health Ministry had included “mining and petroleum” as an essential service. Raising serious concerns, several Indigenous communities and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) have since stated that the rationale being putting mining on the list is a “mystery”, since it contributes to illegal mining and acts as an avenue to spread the virus.

There have since been calls for mining to be removed from the list of essential services.

The lifeless body of Andrew McCurchin lying on the foreshore

A

17-year-old boy has been detained by Police after he reportedly confessed to the murder of a handyman, whose lifeless body was discovered at the Zeeburg seawall, West Coast Demerara (WCD), last Monday.

The suspect, who resides in Tuschen, confessed to the killing according to Police sources.

On the day in question, the body of 25-yearold Andrew McCurchin of Zeeburg was found in a pool of blood along the foreshore.

He reportedly worked at the docking area for fishing boats as they came in from the sea.

According to reports, the man was last seen by his girlfriend around 19:00h on

Sunday evening heading in the direction of the Zeeburg seawall, but he never made his way back home.

However, at around 06:30h on Monday, his motionless body was discovered lying in a pool of blood by a passerby. Police were summoned to the scene and it was discovered that there were lacerations to the man’s head. The body was escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

Guyana Times understands that two pieces of wood with bloodstains were found in close proximity of the man’s body. At that time, several persons were in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

16 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lethem businessman slapped with murder charge

A

Lethem businessman was hauled before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for the murder of a 17-year-old miner.

Junior France of Lot 210 Tabatinga, Lethem, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert via Skype.

The charge stated that on May 17, 2020, at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, he murdered Dane Jerrick of Lot 1 A, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

During the court proceedings, the 42-year-old man claimed that his son informed him of an imposter

on his property. He stated that he went to investigate and saw Jerrick. At this point, he discharged several

rounds.

However, the prosecution is contending that ranks who carried out the investigation were told by an eyewitness that Jerrick was not on the defendant’s property.

During an interview with the media following the teen’s death, his uncle, George Jerrick, said that his family was told by eyewitnesses that his nephew and a truck driver had an argument, which led to a fight.

He claimed that Jerrick was running to escape the blows when someone began shouting “thief, thief”. It was then that the man allegedly whipped out his gun and shot the teen.

Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh and denied both charges.

Details of the charges stated that on May 17, he

robbed a tractor operator of Port Mourant of his belongings. The court also heard that he was wanted for a simple larceny committed on Lachmanind Ramdat, a fisherman of Train Line,

Charged: Junior France

Can our politics become like Trinidad’s?

I

Dead: Dane Jerrick

France was remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 19, 2020.

Teen charged for robbery, simple larceny

A

19-year-old was taken before the Whim Magistrate’s Court on robbery under arms and simple larceny charges.

Roopchand Thomas, called “Lil Shawn”, of Rose

Berbice.

The teen was released on $60,000 for the robbery under arms charge and $40,000 for the simple larceny. He is expected to return to court on July 9.

nvariably, when the internecine warfare that characterises our politics in the modern era is bemoaned, it is pointed out that our ethnically divided electorate is replicated in neighbouring T&T, yet their politics has been much more even-keeled than ours. Since we are once again locked in fratricidal combat over the elections, it might be useful to consider some of the factors that might’ve led to T&T’s comparative political equanimity.

Since democratic politics can be a “numbers game”, the sizes of the ethnic blocks and leadership strategies matter. When independence loomed after WWII, Afro-Trinidadians outnumbered IndoTrinidadians. So, when the Afro-Trinidadian leader Eric Williams returned -- fresh from the 1945 Manchester Pan African Congress (PAC) that mapped strategies and ideologies for African and Caribbean leaders - he was mobilising the aspirations and expectations of the largest Ravi Dev block (Afro-Trinidadians). The Indo- Trinidadians, who fell outside that line after the PNM’s 1956 victory, did not have the power resources to encourage their leaders to resist, and were considered and dismissed as a “recalcitrant minority”.

Opposition Leader Badase Maraj and his DLP Indian-based party, and his successors, could only chafe against Williams’s Creole-dominated PNM, which ruled T&T from 1956 to 1988 and played “regular” politics.

In Guyana, when Forbes Burnham returned from London a bit later, in 1949, he had not attended the Manchester PAC, but had been a member of the League of Coloured Peoples (LCP), which was given responsibility for disseminating the PAC’s papers. He was, however, fully au fait with the vision of AfroCaribbean leaders assuming inheritance of the British mantle in the Caribbean.

Cheddi Jagan, having returned in 1943 and launching massbased politics, however, mobilised Indo-Guyanese who even then formed a plurality in Guyana. They won the 1953 elections as the PPP, but the Coloured sections and the Indian elite were left outside their mass-based, multi-ethnic base.

After the 1955 split, Burnham mobilised the minority AfricanGuyanese section and merged with the Coloured party. Britishinspired intrigues to remove the radical PPP from office introduced the genie of ethnic violence into Guyana between the two major sections; a development which never occurred in T&T. The Britishimposed change from FPTP to PR facilitated Burnham’s PNC coalescing with the UF and mobilising the Portuguese, wealthy Indians and Indigenous Peoples to attain office in 1964.

Burnham thereafter rigged elections, justifying this to his minority African-Guyanese base by claiming that IndianGuyanese could always outvote them, since the latter were an absolute majority by 1980.

This situation, we pointed out, created an “African Security Dilemma” through the premises of majoritarian politics. After free and fair elections returned in 1992, the Indian-Guyanesedominated PPP won elections then and in 1997, 2001 and 2006, but the first three were punctuated by PNC-inspired violence.

This was the “Indian Security Dilemma” acting out, based on African-Guyanese presumption of greater legitimacy to rule, plus overwhelming dominance of all the state institutions -- especially the armed forces -- and the option of disrupting governmental operations in Georgetown with their urban supporters.

So, while the Indian minority accepted their minority status in T&T, and could not threaten the Williams African-dominated state; in Guyana, the situation was different for the AfricanGuyanese minority. Even as the Indian-Trinidadian population increased to a point where they equalled the African population by 1990, they were both minorities (around 40%) which could not win on their own; they had to moderate their platforms to appeal to both the growing Mixed population and disaffected ethnic voters.

The Indian-dominated UNC took office in 1995, and T&T have settled into alternating governments based on their performance.

Over in Guyana, through higher rates of emigration, the Indian-Guyanese population had inexorably shrunk to a point where, by the 2012 elections, they were just 39%, compared with 29% African-Guyanese; 10% Indigenous, and 19% Mixed.

Guyana had arrived at the happy position of what Trinidad was by 1990 – a nation of minorities, wherein each part had to “reach across the divide”.

As such, if the PNC and PPP were to accept -- as the PNC did in 2015 -- that they could win elections by obtaining votes from Mixed, Indigenous and some Indian-Guyanese either through crossover votes or coalition, then it is quite possible that our politics could be transmuted to the Trinidadian politics of “in and out”; rather than ours, which is seen by the party out of power as “over and under”.

NEWS

17

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Miner suffers 2nd-degree burns during freak accident R

odwell Allen, also called “Ba-Bai”, a 57-year-old gold miner of Lot 112 Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, is currently nursing second degree burns to 55 per cent of his body, sustained during an incident with an engine on Thursday.

The incident occurred at about 15:30h at Partang Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Police, ranks visited the Imbaimadai Health Centre, where enquiries disclosed that the man, a “Marrack man” on

a six-inch land dredge, had gone with four other persons to the river’s bank to cut off the water engine.

While holding the throttle on the engine, the radiator hose slipped out and set him on fire. He plunged into river, and was retrieved and rushed to the Imbaimadai

Health Centre.

Less than a week ago, a 65-year-old Brazilian miner died after his right leg was severed while he was working in a mining pit in Region Seven.

The dead Brazilian has been named as Taburcio Valeriano De Andrade, also

called “Netto”, of Boa Vista, Brazil and of Oku Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

Reports are that De Andrade was at his mining pit in the Oku Backdam area when he allegedly attempted to jump over one of his jet’s four-cylinder en-

gines which was in operation at the time. His right leg came into contact with the engine’s fan and was severed from his body.

According to reports, the man was unable to seek medical attention in time to save his life.

Doctors’ complaints over confusion among Miner chopped during money row GPHC staff lead to uniform change

P

atient Care Assistants, who are employed with the Public Health Ministry, will now be recognised by their light blue uniform with white epaulettes and not the all-white uniform like the nurses. This comes after doctors would have complained of not being able to differentiate between the assistants and the nurses.

A circular seen by this publication from the Director of Human Resources, Roshmena Chung, attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), stated that the new dress code will take effect from July 1, 2020, with a $30,000 uniform voucher yearly.

“Please be advised that effective July 01, 2020, all Patient Care Assistants are

required to be clad in light blue uniform with white up lets (same as new batch of PCA) and not white uniform with blue up lets,” the circular explained.

Further, the circular noted that the pattern will remain the same. As for the male Assistants, they will continue wearing the blue up lets and black pants.

“Uniform allowance is payable in May month; thus, Patient Care Assistants are required to present their uniform kit to their immediate supervisor on July 01, 2020, for inspection,” the circular concluded.

These PCAs are to perform the basic nursing skills under the supervision of qualified nursing personnel in order to meet the needs of the residents in the health care setting.

A

64-year-old miner is now nursing a chop wound to his hand after he was attacked by a cutlass-wielding man following an argument over money.

Injured is Jose Sousa Fielbo, a miner of Para Taitieba, Brazil and also of Kumung Kumung Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to reports, the incident occurred on Friday at about 11:00h at the Surinambo Landing, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven. Reports are that Fielbo was confronted about money allegedly owed the suspect’s father.

An argument ensued, and the suspect armed himself with a cutlass and dealt Fielbo a chop to lower left hand.

The miner was trans-

ported to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he has been admitted. The suspect, meanwhile, was later located and arrested. He is currently in custody as investigations into the matter continue.

Only a few weeks ago, thirty-seven-year-old Wilneivis Del Valle Bisram Vadel, a Venezuelan national, was burnt in the face, beaten, and chopped by her lover.

While at Aranka Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), the suspect, identified as “Smokey”, was imbibing when an argument ensued between him and the woman. He reportedly burnt the woman with a cigarette and chopped her several times about her body and to her head.

18 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

East Canje mothers struggling in COVID-19 pandemic

By Andrew Carmichael

Rishma Bess

W

ith most businesses closed, reduced activity in the marketplace and less travel, COVID-19 has stopped more than 60 per cent of daily wage workers from earning.

They are now on the breadline.

How are they coping?

The

problem

is

com-

pounded when it is a single parent like Cheryl Humphrey of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The mother of eight sells food at a roadside stand and said she is contented with what little she usually makes. She explained, however, that things have now become extremely difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said it is difficult to take care of eight children but she is still thankful to God for the little that he had been providing.

“I am contented with it and he is stretching it,” she added.

But while Cheryl seems to be coping, the situation is not the same for other mothers in the area.

Thirty-nine-year-old Sophia France of Betsy Ground Settlement, East Canje, also has eight children and told Guyana Times that sometimes life is very hard. Her husband makes a living by weeding.

“We are trying all the time.”

However, now during the pandemic, the situation has become even more difficult.

Four of the couple’s children attend school. According to Sophia, she is making all efforts to ensure that she can pay her internet bills so that her

Cheryl Humphrey

children can keep abreast with school work.

With schools closed due to the global health crisis, the Education Ministry has uploaded learning materials online for students to use while at home.

Meanwhile, another mother with more than a handful of children, Rishma Bess, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, is also struggling to

make ends meet in these times.

The mother of six makes a living by working with roadside vendors outside of the New Amsterdam Market. Some of those vendors have not been doing business because of the reduced hours of the market,

In order to put food on the table for their family, the couple would go fishing in canals nearby.

“What lil two dollars he get, is that we does buy rice and oil wid,” the woman explained.

These helpless women were among 200 persons in the East Canje area who received food hampers from the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association on Saturday.

According to Vice President of the Chamber, Ryan Alexander, the organisation was trying to reach out to single parents, especially those who have no means of earning and those who have also lost their jobs because of COVID-19.

He said after a survey was done, persons with certain and specific needs were identified and with its limited resources, it tried to fulfil

Sophia France with her young daughter

while others do not require help as a result of the downscaling of business in the region.

“Work ain’t stirring because of the corona. I struggling… Is six children [I have]. By God’s grace we surviving though,” she said.

According to Bess, her husband, who does odd jobs, has not been able to find work for some time now.

“Nobody calling him to do any work.”

those needs.

“We have been distributing face masks to persons over the past few weeks and one of our auxiliary corporate members have heeded the call from the Chamber and provided food items for 2000 food hampers.”

Some 1400 of those hampers have already been distributed to villages on the East Bank of Berbice, sections of New Amsterdam and sections of East Canje.

19

NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Palms staff undergo training Police yet to find suspect in after COVID-19 cases, 1 death Bartica woman’s murder

A

fter several persons had tested positive for COVID-19, with one recorded death at the Palms Geriatric Home, healthcare workers attached to that institution have commenced training to avert any future contractions.

This was communicated by Clinical and Regional Programme Officer Caroline Hicks during a discussion sponsored by the Public Health Ministry. Hicks noted that two sessions have been completed in the past weeks, and the third is scheduled for Tuesday.

Hicks said the training entails basic practices on how to wear their personal protective equipment properly. The next engagement will feature infection prevention and control practices.

“I’ve done a second training.

We’re trying with our healthcare workers there to ensure that they understand how they should care for our residents…We are going to conduct training on how the healthcare workers should put on their PPEs, and how they should take them out so they’re not infected; the way they should care for these residents; how they should use masks, and how they should allow the elderly to wear masks,”

Clinical and Regional Programme Officer, Caroline Hicks

the officer claimed.

Guyana’s latest coronavirus death, Bhaneshwar Ramdial, had been a resident of that geriatric home before succumbing to the virus. The elderly man had been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital on May 1 after he had been suspected of having contracted the virus. It was reported that he had presented all of the symptoms associated with the virus, and because of his age and other factors, those symptoms had been exacerbated. The elderly man died just a few hours after being admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A test conducted posthumously

revealed that the elderly Ramdial was positive for coronavirus disease. However, the Public Health Ministry did not make the death public until May 5 – four days after.

Ramdial’s death had raised many questions, given that the Palms caters for a number of senior residents, all of whom have some form of pre-existing condition; namely, diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension, among others.

There are currently 194 persons resident in the Palms. There were suspicions that other residents and staff members may have contracted the disease, causing the administration of the Palms Geriatric Home to place a number of them under quarantine.

Apart from Ramdial, four others later tested positive.

In fact, one of them was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after his respiratory system collapsed on May 16.

In light of the unfolding discoveries, Guyana Times understands that a few domestic workers have stopped cleaning some of the wards at the Palms because they fear contracting the virus.

For now, visits by family members have been banned.

R

e g i o n a l Commander, S e n i o r Superintendent Linden Lord on Saturday confirmed to Guyana Times that the police are still on the hunt for a man identified only as “Blackboy” of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), who is wanted in connection with the death of 28-yearold Rosella Smith of Bamford Point, Bartica.

The now dead woman was found face down by a 23-year-old miner at about 12:30h in an abandoned mining pit at Three Miles Karrau Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on May 15.

Commander Lord related that checks were made at several locations including the man’s home to no avail.

He nevertheless stated that ranks will continue to pursue the suspect.

Dead: Rosella Smith

“We are still trying to get him. Contacts were made with his relatives and his mom but he is not at home. The house was searched by ranks from my Headquarter here on the East Coast, but so far, we were unable to contact or arrested him. The only person that can help us figure out what happened is him and the deceased because he was the last person that was seen in

her company,” he said.

Investigations revealed that when Smith’s camp was visited, it was found to be ransacked and persons related that they saw the man leaving the Backdam with a bag and bucket at about 11:00h on May 15.

She was last seen at about 20:00h on May 14 at her camp in the company of “Blackboy” and according to Police, she was seen laughing and talking with the man.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination has revealed that the woman died as a result of strangulation.

At the time when she was found, there were no marks of violence on her body but blood was seen around her nostrils.

Police said at the time of her death, she was selling groceries from a makeshift camp.

Investigations are ongoing.

20 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Integrated plan, equal application of rules needed to fight COVID-19 – GHRA

T

he Guyana Human Rights Association on Saturday accused the National COVID-19 Taskforce of ignoring Guyanese history saying that epidemics in Guyana malaria, TB and HIV - multiplied undetected, only to surge dramatically when numbers were out of control.

In a statement the GHRA stated that two major rea-

sons explain this phenomenon, “all Governmental administrative services in the interior are inadequate because of distance and terrain and, secondly, because Amerindians are highly vulnerable to imported diseases to which they have limited immunity.”

According to the GHRA, the COVID- 19 Task Force can take credit for having

promoted all these WHOrecommended public health practices. “Success in the public health arena is vital to off-set limitations on the local medical front – inadequate testing, protective equipment and treatment.

To the extent that medical resources (to date) are not overwhelmed, the Task Force and Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) deserve our appreciation,” it added.

The human right grouping reference to the malaria epidemic of the mid-80s as a good example. “In addition to the endemic scourge of TB, 3,686 reported cases of malaria were recorded in August 1985. By the end of that year the annual figure had risen to 7,600.

Entire communities, in the Rupununi and the Upper Mazaruni in particular, were affected by this epidemic. By June of 1986, malaria had affected over 16,000 persons (PAHO estimates). The total number

of cases reported between January and August 1987 was approximately 17,000 of which over 60% were falciparum cases.”

It added that a coastal coalition of 12 religious, civic, professional and business organisations, including the Guyana Medical Association and the Gold and Diamond Miners Association took action in conjunction with health workers in the communities some three-quarter million anti-malaria tablets were distributed from early 1986 to early 1989.

According to the collaborative actions of this nature are nowadays much

easier to manage given the strengthened capacity for self-governance of indigenous communities and the regional and national coordination of Toshaos through the National Toshaos Council.

However, despite this multiplicity of representative indigenous bodies at community, regional and national level, indigenous influence and participation in the Covid-19 Task Force appears non-existent, the GHRA said.

At bottom the National Covid-19 Task Force needs to recognize that cooperation from the communities

is more vital for the success of its ultimate aims than from the miners. It pointed out that the time for preparing this community-based foundation is slipping away.

“The bottom line is that strong leadership is required to keep coastal interests from side-lining essential actions if the Covid-19 negative impact on Guyana is to be contained at its present level,” the GHRA said.

Such leadership, it added, should focus on a unified and integrated plan in which the rules apply equally to all - on the cost, in riverain areas and in the interior.

“This implies that measures such as restrictions on mining and lock-down on all vehicles travelling inland from either Linden or Lethem.” In this regard the, the GHRA adds its voice to the calls for mining, which is neither essential nor a service, to be removed from the list of Essential Services.

NEWS

21

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Iran warns of retaliation over any US China reports 3 new coronavirus 'trouble' for Venezuela-bound ships cases after 1st day with none

I

ranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Saturday of retaliatory measures against the United States if Washington caused problems for tankers carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela.

A flotilla of five tankers carrying Iranian fuel for gas-

"If our tankers in the Caribbean or anywhere in the world face trouble caused by the Americans, they [the US] will also be in trouble," Rouhani said in a telephone conversation with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani , the semi-official news agency

Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani

oline-starved Venezuela is approaching the Caribbean, with the first expected to reach the country's waters on Sunday, according to Refinitiv Eikon tracking data.

Mehr reported.

"Iran will never initiate a conflict," Rouhani said. "We have always the legitimate right to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity and to serve our nation-

al interests, and we hope that the Americans will not commit an error." Iran is supplying about 1.53 million barrels of gasoline and alkylate to Venezuela, according to both governments, sources and calculations made by TankerTrackers. com based on the vessels' draft levels.

The shipments have caused a diplomatic standoff between Iran and Venezuela and the US as both nations are under US sanctions.

Washington is considering measures in response, according to a senior US official, who did not elaborate on any options being weighed.

The US recently beefed up its naval presence in the Caribbean for what it said was an expanded anti-drug operation. But a Pentagon spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said on Thursday he was not aware of any operations related to the Iranian cargoes. (Al Jazeera)

Volunteers in protective gear measure the body temperature of a man at the entrance of a residential compound following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Chuanying district of Jilin, Jilin province, China

C

hina recorded three new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland for May 23, following the first day with no new cases since the outbreak began, the National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement on Sunday.

Of the new cases, two were imported while one was a local transmission, the NHC said.

Friday was the first time China had seen no daily rise in the number of cases since the pandemic began in the central city of Wuhan late last year.

The number of new asymptomatic cases of the coronavirus increased to 36 from 28 a day earlier, the NHC said.

The number of confirmed cases in the mainland stands at 82,974 and the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. (Reuters)

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY & SPIRITUALITY

Having Problems with Marriage/Love Relationships, Health, Job, Money, Removal of Obstacles of any kind.

Meet me once and change your life.

Call 688-2135 Are you suffering from Health, Money, Job, Marriage, Relationship problems? Removal of Blockage/Evil Spirits, Clear Negative Energy, Permanent Protection. Call: 696-1857 for appointment.

Do you have Retail Rental Space? We are looking for business space – preferably ground floor, main road front space, approx. 800 square ft. or more in the following areas: •Grove (East Bank Demerara) •Parika (East Bank Essequibo) •Vreed en Hoop (West Demerara Region) •Anna Regina (Essequibo Coast) •Mahaica (East Coast Demerara) Submit the following details to retailspacegy@gmail.com:•FULLNAME,•Contact details, •Pictures of Space •Price for rental. For further details, contact 592 645 4001.

FOR SALE Mixed-Breed Puppies for Sale.

Contact: Tel- 253-3114/692-0126.

SERVICE Washing Machine Repairs.

Mahaicony/Berbice/Corentyne area.

232-0616/638-1829

TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI, 24 HOURS. PHONE: 225-7878, 219-5000, 227-2100

TO RENT Bottom Flat to Rent, Fully Furnished, window/door mesh, grill, Business / Domestic, 25 North Rd. Oronoque St. Bourda. 226-7012

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Dave Cameron threatens CWI with lawsuit over ‘classified’ audit

F

ormer president of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Dave Cameron, has threatened legal action against the regional governing body, unless it hands over a copy of an audit report that is critical of his period in office.

The audit, requested by Cameron’s successor and conducted by external and independent auditors Pannell Kerr Foster (PKF), has raised concerns about an inadequate accounting system that enabled abuses to go unreported and pose a threat to “the board’s long-term sustainability.”

The audit report singled out Cameron for criticism several times. A Jamaican, Cameron was president of CWI (previously WICB) from March 2013 until March 2019, when he was defeated during a re-election attempt by current CWI president Ricky Skerritt.

Cameron has said he first became aware of the report when contacted for comment by ESPNcricinfo in April. The businessman is demanding that he be provided with a copy of the audit report from CWI within 48 hours, in order to “respond fully” to the “allegations made by PKF.” A letter from Cameron’s attorneys stated, “Our client maintains that he has serious concerns about the credibility of this report, which involved the Chairman

of the Audit and Risk Committee selected and/or appointed by the President or Board.

“In the circumstances, and having regard to the basic principles of fairness and the right of our client to protect his reputation, our client demands, without prejudice to any rights he may now have, a full copy of this report within 48 hours, and the right to respond fully to all of the questions, comments or allegations made by PKF, and statements made by Mr Holding and the President within 21 days.

“Should CWI, whether by way of the Board or management or otherwise, seek in the meantime to publish the report, or refuse to meet our client’s demands for a copy of the report and time to respond, our client will have no alternative but to seek the appropriate orders and remedies from the High Court.”

It has been reported that the letter from Cameron’s attorneys was received on Monday. Extracts from the audit report appeared in publications across the region.

West Indies’ fast-bowling legend and cricket commentator Michael Holding alluded to a couple of sections, though he has not mentioned Cameron.

Ricky Skerritt, the current CWI president, acknowledged in a media state-

ment that the report “uncovered some illustrations of questionable executive standards and practices.”

Cameron’s attorneys further stated that, “The President’s statement, and especially the use of the word “uncovered”, carries the imputation that PKF uncovered previously hidden and unknown material which justified or warranted the making of serious questions, comments or allegations directed at or against our client as the President of CWI. “There is no question that Mr Holding believed that the contents of one part of this PKF report raised the real prospect that the offence of money-laundering either occurred or may have occurred, and/ or exposed CWI to the risk of involvement in money-laundering at all material times our client was the President of CWI. These allegations have now gone viral throughout the region and elsewhere.

“As indicated above, our client has not seen the report, nor has he been given any opportunity to respond to it either by PKF or CWI. In fact, at no time did PKF seek to ascertain any fact or comment from him. However, the report or parts thereof were made known to ESPNCricinfo and Mr Holding.”

(Sportsmax)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

23

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

An open letter to my PNC (APNU/AFC) brethren My dear brethren, Like you, I voted for our PNC coalition in 2015 since they promised they would be the change but everybody says they became the exchange.

I hated the PNC very much but wanted to give Granger a chance. All the goodwill they received from us and the crossover votes quickly evaporated because as soon as they got in they gave themselves quick raises although they had hardly done anything to merit those raises. They continued with the D’Urban Park scandal, drug bond scandal, numerous procurement violations, and single sourcing of contracts to help all those who had funded our election campaign etc. The worst sin was they sold out our oil in the worst way. Now they are saying the oil company has burnt out billions of cubic feet of gas in their operations. We the people will end up getting big larwah (bigger than the one PM Moses got) with this oil deal they have. No good life for us poor people!

Understand what happened. In two years after we got in, at the 2016 LGE, the PPP beat us by 25,000 votes; in the 2018 LGE, they beat us by 45,000 votes and then they defeated us at the December 2018 No-Confidence Vote. The AFC got us in and the AFC got us out. We forgot our 100-day manifesto and all the promises we made, and except for the fat cats in our party getting coalition soup, sugar workers

and others were getting poop, not soup. So, you see my comrades, we should not be surprised that the PPP walloped us at the March 2 elections.

We squandered our opportunity to rule better.

We governed badly, and exuded in our triumphalism although we barely won by a seat. We excluded the PPP from many Committees and Boards, giving them token representation, rejected their ideas, and made no moves towards constitutional reform and shared governance. The lowest point of our rule was when Party Chairman Volda said she has only PNC friends and will give jobs only to PNC people. (That really hurt us as it chased away crossover voters who have been traumatised

by Burnham’s “paramountcy of the party”). We formed a Ministry of Social Cohesion but instead, we have divided our country in the worst way, starting from our refusal to hold elections in 90 days and making a mockery of ourselves by claiming that 33 is not the majority in a 65-member Parliament, although that’s how we got into power. Now we are doing the same, making outrageous claims that the PPP rigged the elections, although our own people control GECOM and the elections machinery, and we were willing to swear in brother Granger for another term. Now that we lost, we will be in deep doodoo. But we deserved it.

My brothers and sisters, I ask you to please stop dragging our Lord Jesus Christ into our mess. I see how you are doing that on the blogs, hoping and praying that somehow God would do a miracle and convert PPP votes into PNC votes. Jesus did turn water into wine, but you are asking for him to turn 15,000 PPP votes into PNC votes. Aren’t you asking for too much? You know that would be fraud, right? Jesus doesn’t help the wicked to be successful at doing more wickedness. Ask Apostle Smith and Archbishop Williams. Did you all go to the church of Rabbi Washington, or Apostle Mingo’s church? So knock it off about Jesus is going to cause honest counting not to prosper. Our PNC has already fallen. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away when we sin. And we have sinned much.

I know our top leaders told you at first that we won. We had to do that because you would have been devastated.

Now we have to let you down gently and admit and let you know that we lost badly. The PPP beat us by 3-4 seats based on all the Statements of Poll that GECOM released to everyone on election night. What happened dear brethren was that in Region Four, Apostle Mingo played some high number bingo and made up some large numbers for us, creating miracles in about 400 boxes for us to “win.” We thought

Brother Lolo would have succeeded with his phoney declaration based on Bro Mingo’s miracles but the Commission and Chief Justice did not let it fly. And Bro Granger, who took much effort to cultivate that “churchman” image did not want to face sanctions as all the foreign and local observers were united in saying that our Apostle Mingo rigged the count and it was not credible. Why do you think our Bro Granger told his son-in-law to dissociate himself from the Region Four results?

So, you see my PNC brothers and sisters, we are caught between a rock and a hard place. Many of our leaders are so confused, they are running their mouths when they should have shut up, and now we are a laughing stock to the world, because it is sheer stupidness that we are saying about dead people voting and people voting although they are abroad.

My brothers and sisters, as you know, we have used all the tricks to delay and stop the recount and our people in GECOM have helped as much as they can help but the recount is showing Bro Mingo was really a miracle worker. The fraud is exposed and we are looking really bad right now. The whole world is watching us and laughing. So, you must understand that we must cut our losses, and any time soon, concede that we lost. Understand

Dear Editor, The David Granger coalition APNU/AFC continues to claim victory of the March polls, and has stood in support of Mingo’s controversial declarations. But in spite of repeated calls from various stakeholders to release its SoPs on which it is claiming to have won the elections, it has not budged.

David Granger and his APNU/ AFU cabals are playing a dangerous game, their stalling has eroded faith in our political institutions, our electoral process and it has tested the popular goodwill towards the people of Guyana. Having attempted to engineer the blatant unsuccessful rigging of our General and Regional Elections, they have now resorted to a new approach to slow down the District Four recount on their own terms, by having their agents regroup and continue to make ridiculous allegations of voter fraud in the recount. What kind of precedent is David Granger setting for our young people that will follow in the next generation? For these will all be in their history books.

The greatest task that an elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has in the future will be to rebuild public trust in the electoral system by promoting and achieving a more transparent and inclusive form of politics and reforms.

What has transpired in Guyana since after the March 2, 2020 election has basically been a circus, with the APNU/ AFC continuing to make allegations of dead people and migrated persons voting from within the PPP/C stronghold areas. This must imply

that the polling agents from both the PPP/C, the APNU/ AFC, the small parties and the GECOM E-Day staff came up with this great conspiracy scheme to commit voters fraud. The APNU/AFC is a confused bunch of politicians who are trying their best to cause confusion during these elections recount process. APNU/ AFC caretaker Government, you have lost these elections, just “throw in the towel”. You have already taken this country down a treacherous path of political divide, you have undermined the rule of law. Who in their right mind will want to believe you and your APNU/ AFC caretaker cabals?

The people of Guyana, the internal community and observers are all disappointed that the David Granger-led caretaker Government chose not to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency by ensuring that all duly accredited organisations, including The Carter Center, are allowed to conduct their work until the recount is completed. If David Granger is truthful to transparency and democracy, then he should have The Carter Center observers return and observe the crucial remainder of votes during District No Four’s recount process.

As the head of the APNU/ AFC coalition, David Granger must be aware of the results from the SoPs and must know that his party has lost the elections by a resoundingly large margin between 15,000 to 17,000 votes. Just in 87 ballots boxes alone Clairmont Mingo fraudulently stole more than 4495 votes for the APNU/

AFC which is more than their 4000 margin in 2015, as he reduced some 758 votes from the PPP/C. We must ensure that Caricom’s observer team remains in Guyana to the end of the recount. At the rate this recount is going, all the other Districts will complete their recounts long before District Four is completed. Guyanese and the competing parties share the same sentiments that GECOM and its staff will not be impartial in ensuring the District Four recount is completed in a free, fair, and transparent manner and most importantly GECOM as a body is being compromised and is significantly influenced by the current PNCR representatives. It is now obvious that there was a deliberate attempt to keep The Carter Center away from this recount since the caretaker Administration realised that The Carter Center is the one organisation that will stand up for transparency, credibility and democracy. We have seen the attack on the OAS observer who stood against electoral fraud.

A credible and transparent recount of all the votes, over which representatives of Caricom are scrutineers, and the peaceful acceptance of the result by all parties, are crucial to Guyana’s future. If the recount is upended under any pretext, and the Caricom scrutineers cannot pronounce it as transparent and credible, the swearing-in of any Government will be regarded as illegal, with grave consequences particularly for the people involved.

Our Guyana, itself, instead of proceeding on a path

of progress, will be mired in international odium, halting the economic growth and social improvement to which our people have been looking forward.

The international community has given Caricom an opportunity to help Guyana out of this morass. According to a joint statement at the OAS meeting, Caricom stated it has “no interest in which political party wins the elections; Caricom’s interest is that, at the end of the recounting process, democracy must be the winner”.

The international community has taken Caricom at its word and expressed that, “If democracy fails in any Caricom country, it fails in the larger community. As an institution, Caricom cannot allow this to happen in any member state.

The only fraudulent acts or anomalies that have so far been uncovered from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections occurred in District Four in the figures presented by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and the litany of objections being raised by the coalition caretaker Government daily “with no proof”.

Guyana must be thankful to the local and international observers who were here for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections on E-Day. If not for these observer teams, we might have a result declared already, which would not have favoured the will of the people of Guyana.

Throw in the towel

Sincerely, David Adams

that we would have to throw Bro Mingo under the bus, and when the new PPP Government investigates the fraud, other top GECOM people will fall too. The good thing though is that our hero, Bro Granger would keep his good churchman image that he refused to be sworn in on the basis of a count that was

not credible. So please understand that’s what we have to do, and who vex, vex. If Bond, Craig, Harmon, Norton, Ganesh, Patterson, Volda, Cathy and others want to be the strongmen on the Titanic, our good luck to them.

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

Carter Center must be allowed to observe elections recount

Dear Editor, President Granger needs to come clean with all of Guyana, given his blockbuster emergence in 2015, and obvious transition to a rapidly degenerated reject over the past five years. The fact is that he has been unshielded, and not even the unscarred and exploratory minds of our youths will accept Granger’s pretence of non-interference in the activities of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as the PNC/APNU/AFC cabal desperately tries to hold on to power.

No doubt, the obvious questions speak to the reasons for Granger’s increased unpopularity and the extent of loss of control, if any, considering the period from the unilateral appointment of James Patterson to the recent denial of The Carter Center’s return to Guyana as a GECOM accredited observer of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

In the case of the latter, it is clear that there is involvement directly from the hands of the President, which when associated with the cauldron of PNC/APNU/AFC and GECOM activities, emphasises his role as an approver and defender.

It sends a clear message that while the cabal has largely run out of options, they are still trying to stay and thief from the ‘treasury’ as long as possible.

Editor, Mr Granger's total unveiling in this context, has been delayed and hidden based on the extant party’s use of the Presidency to protect against the obvious query and ultimate exposure. It is factual that he held less than five meaningful press conferences during the period, while State and other protective media held the various publics in abeyance. During the official election campaign period, attempts to shield him under a cloak of integrity and decency were the hallmark message of his party.

Along the way, however, he largely stood silently as his henchmen and women were unleashed to stretch indecently, almost every aspect of the GECOM relationship with clandestine and sinister irrationality in attempting to influence the emerging processes at the Commission. His common mantra being “GECOM is a constitutional body and I would not interfere with the decisions at GECOM.” All Guyanese and the world know better and we have since come to terms with adding a spoon of salt to every statement emanating from Mr Granger or his cabal members. Categorically, the use of the COVID-19 pandemic as an

excuse to exclude the accredited Carter Center from completing the observer mission of these elections is outright lawless, augments a lack of transparency, does not reflect the will of the Guyanese people, and highlights a sinister hidden agenda.

The Carter Center’s overall assessment of Guyana’s electoral process cannot be completed until the votes cast on March 2 have been counted, tabulated, announced, and the subsequent dispute-resolution process is completed. Accurate and honest counting of votes is essential to ensuring that the elections reflect the will of the people. It is hopeful that the teams conducting the current recount and tabulation processes do so with full transparency so that it yields a result recognised as credible and reflecting the will of the people as expressed on March 2, 2020.

The Guyanese people must resist these deliberate efforts to derail the elections. Our people must demand and support the call for the return of The Carter Center and the IRI. This cabal clinging on to power is also desperate to find a way to hide all their sins including the massive thieving. No amount of cover-up should inform the considerations of pardoning these thieves. In the interim, there must be no letting up and the involved representatives must give even keener scrutiny to every aspect of the recount process.

We must not stand by the wayside and allow these PNC/APNU thieves to use the COVID-19 issue to discriminate and punish citizens. The signs are clear that these disgraceful PNC thugs are prepared to instruct the police to harass and prosecute innocent citizens or possibly militarise the State. Our people must, therefore, resist all forms of police and PNC harassment.

Our responsible persons in important senior public and other administrative positions must be objective rather than being vindictive to our citizens, given the uncaring tendency of the PNC cabal who are now clutching at straws.

People in high office must be objective and when called upon to make a decision, they must be fair and open-minded. The Guyanese people must unite since we are fortunate to have the world supporting us.

We shall soon see the true outcome of Mr Granger’s recent statements or his considered review. Let us resist all forms of bullying; we must stand together as victory is inevitable.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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

SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

– GCF pledges full support

B

lazers Cycling Club was formed last Thursday at Benjamin’s Sports Store of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice to ventilate a passion to involve women in cycling, and to assist other persons who are desirous of participating in the sport.

Former national cyclist Shenika Teixeira and her overseas-based counterpart Randolph Toussaint are the brains behind the club’s formation. Teixeira had commenced her cycling career as a junior in the Flying Ace Cycle Club before moving to PSC Trojans, where she had won junior and juvenile titles in the women’s category in competing at the National Schools Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Championships.

She was denied opportunity to participate in the last Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships hosted last year at Bartica in Guyana, and so decided to start her own club to involve women in the sport of cycling.

Her mentor is the former national cycling champion Randolph Toussaint, who is now a veteran but still participates in cycling activities overseas. Shenika had reached out to him during her early career, and he has since been her guide. He readily agreed to help Shenika achieve her dream.

The first five racing bicycles, headgear and other cycling equipment that cyclists in the club would use have already been obtained.

Teixeira had earned a distinction in the Caribbean Examination Council’s General Proficiency in Physical Education examination, and she plans to use this platform as her first step in preparing the women who are affiliated to the club. They anticipate taking the club to the next level in cycling.

The Executive Committee that would run the day-to-day activities of the Blazers Cycling Club (BCC) has already been elected. They are: President, sports journalist Mark Bradford; Vice President, veteran cycling champion Randolph Toussaint; Secretary, former national female cyclist Shenika Teixeira;

Members of the Blazers Cycling Club

Treasurer, Debra Hurst; and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Gail Thomas.

President of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Linden Dowridge, and General Secretary Marc Sonoram have already met members of the Executive Committee and members of the newly formed club, whom they congratulated for the effort in expanding the sport in this area of Guyana.

Dowridge has cautioned that while it is a great move to form the club, members must not allow themselves to be “burnt out”. Speaking at length, he detailed his career as a cyclist and highlighted the success he achieved through much hard work and dedication to training.

Stressing that family support is pivotal to the career of a cyclist, he committed to assist in the development of all cyclists

and to provide technical assistance to the club.

Dowridge has said that a cyclist must be dedicated to cycling in order to develop a career of participation in the sport.

Each cyclist must have educational support, and the GCF would soon be implementing moves to help in this development.

GCF General Secretary Marc Sonoram, who spoke briefly on constitutional requirements, affiliation, licensing, and the discipline expected from cyclists, made it clear that the GCF is always open to assist in the club’s development in whatever way is possible.

Blazers Cycling Club is now the third cycling club in East Berbice (Region 6), and is expected to bring to the sport keen competition in the female category in 2021.

Combating COVID-19…

Hercules urges all cricketers to continue training

By Timothy Jaikarran

C

OVID-19 cases are skyrocketing all around the world. As at May 18, 2020, cases in Guyana have risen to 124. The rise in cases has caused all sporting disciplines to cease activities, especially the sport so loved by all Guyanese: cricket.

Ryan Hercules, coach of the Demerara franchise team and of the Guyana Police Force team, has given some tips on what cricketers can do during this isolation period. In a sit-down with <<Guyana Times Sport>>, Hercules discussed the importance of diet in cricket, what athletes must do, and his expectation after COVID-19 ends.

Asked what athletes can do to cope with the situation during this COVID-19 period, Hercules responded: “I think athletes should adhere to the guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health/WHO firstly. Keeping safe and healthy is key at this moment.

“They should make use of any space at home to do whatever exercise can be done, and they can also get advice from coaches or trainers on what workout they can do to help (tone) specific areas of the body.”

Asked what advice he would give athletes in regard to diet, his response was: “Their diet is important, and (they) should know (that) staying away from fatty food, junk food etc (is important). “(I recommend that they use) proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables, vitamins, and lots of water; at least 3 litres of water per day.”

Asked what are some of the things he was looking forward to seeing in cricketers after COVID-19 has ended, Hercules declared: “Well, after the virus goes away, I think it’s only fair we allow players to gradually get back into the game and (regain) field fitness.

“Being away from any sport for so long, I don’t think we should expect players to be 100 percent (fit). So, I ex-

pect players to get back at it (gradually); start off at a level where it’s comforting to the body, and gradually build up on intensity.”

Accomplishments

Some of the accomplishments of Ryan Hercules over the many years he has been a coach are:

* Winning the first ever 3-day franchise for Essequibo in 2016/17 * Coaching Essequibo to become runnersup of the One-Day franchise in 2017 * Coaching his team to a win of the One-Day franchise in 2018 * Coaching his team to a win of the Female Under-17 franchise in 2018 * Being declared the Guyana Cricket Board’s Coach of the Year in 2018. * Leading his team to become runners-up in the One-Day franchise in 2019 * Coaching the Demerara team to a win of the Under-17 Inter-County tournament in 2019.

Dave Cameron threatens CWI with lawsuit over "classified" audit Pg 22

CWI President Ricky Skerrit (left) and former CWI President Dave Cameron

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

May 24, 2020

FREE DISTRIBUTION

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Feature

Parliament of Guyana

Guyana’s First President Arthur Chung

Guyana’s First Executive President Forbes Burnham

By Jarryl Bryan

T

oday, there is a recognized need for constitutional reform but long before present-day events emphasized this fact, Guyana’s Constitution underwent much change since Independence. Understanding these changes may help understand what more needs to be done.

The Guyana Constitution of 1966 was adopted upon Independence. It provided among other things for the Governor-General as the Queen’s representative and the Prime Minister to hold executive power.

This Constitution stipulated that the Prime Minister would be appointed by the party holding the majority in the National Assembly, then a 53-member unicameral body.

Changes to the Constitution in 1970 provided for several things including the removal of the Governor-General as the ceremonial head of state and his replacement with the office of President, also largely ceremonial. But it also empowered the President to dissolve parliament and appoint persons to critical positions in the executive and judiciary.

The 1980 Constitution, assented to by then-President Arthur Chung who was then almost automatically replaced as executive President by his Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, has survived to this day albeit with several modifications. What was never substantially changed

Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte

Former President Cheddi Jagan

was the President’s power of appointments and to dissolve Parliament.

The Constitution also kept the clauses for removal of the President. In both the 1970 and 1980 Constitutions, the removal of the President is provided for on the grounds of incapacity, violation of the Constitution or gross misconduct. While laudable inclusions, there was more to them Former President than met the eye.

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo Article 179 (1) of both Constitutions stipulated that in the case of incapacity, a motion must be moved by a majority of all Members of Parliament for the physical or mental capacity of the President to be investigated.

When this is done, the Chancellor is then to be tasked with appointing a board of three medical doctors to investigate and then make a report. If the report confirms that the President is incapable of carrying out his functions, the Chancellor will certify this and the President ceases to hold office.

In terms of removal from office for misconduct and Constitutional violations, Article 180 (1) states “If notice in writing is given to the Speaker of the National Assembly, signed by not less than one-half of all the elected members of the Assembly, of a motion alleging that the President has committed any violation of the Constitution or any gross misconduct and specifying the particulars of the allegations and proposing that a tribunal be established under this article to investigate those allegations, the Speaker shall; (a) if Parliament is then sitting or has been summoned to meet within five days, cause the motion to be considered by the Assembly within seven days of the notice; or (b) if Parliament is not then sitting (and notwithstanding that it may be prorogued) summon the Assembly to meet within twenty-one days of the notice and cause the motion to be considered at that meeting.”

According to Article 180 (2), this type of motion will not be up for debate but rather, a vote has to be taken. A twothirds majority of all elected members is needed before the motion can be passed, after which the Chancellor has to appoint a tribunal of a Chairman and two members who must be current or former judges.

During their investigations, the President will have the right to appear before them. According to the article, this tribunal can either decide the allegations have no merit (in which case no further action based on the allegations can be taken against the President) or that the

Former President Janet Jagan

Former President Samuel A. Hinds

Former President Donald Ramotar

President David A. Granger

President is guilty (in which case the President ceases to hold office three days after a resolution to this effect is passed).

This clause has been criticized, especially as Article 180 further stipulated that the President can dissolve parliament and therefore remain in power before his removal from the office takes effect. In 2000, then President Bharrat Jagdeo assented to the Constitution Amendment (No. 4) Act of 2000, which among other things removed this stipulation.

Article 180 meant that holding the President answerable for any supposed crime done in his official capacity largely depended on the Members of Parliament. Article 182 (1) further went on to provide immunity for the President, stipulating that criminal or civil cases cannot be filed against the President for any breach of the law committed in his private capacity. Again, this provision was inherited from 1970 and the framers of the 1980 Constitution did not change it.

Constitutional reform

After 1980, with criticism of the Constitution and the powers and immunities it gave to the President continuing, steps began to be taken towards reforming it through consultations.

From 1995, a Parliamentary select committee began holding hearings and receiving submissions from persons and organisations about what changes ought to be made.

Momentarily suspended due to the 1997 election and it’s violent aftermath, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) helped broker the Herdmanston Accord between then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leader and President Janet Jagan and then People’s National Congress (PNC) leader and former President Desmond Hoyte, to among other things continue the reform process.

It established a Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) with a six-month lifespan. The CRC then travelled across Guyana to meet with individuals and groups in order to receive their submissions on what needed to be changed with the Constitution.

The CRC made 171 recommendations for amending the Constitution, but one of its most critical and especially relevant recommendations, was for the President and Cabinet to resign if a no-confidence motion was passed. Prior to the CRC, article 106 of the 1980 Constitution only spoke of a Cabinet. After the CRC, then President Jagdeo again assented in 2000 to provisions for a no-confidence motion to be added to the Constitution.

Additional CRC recommendations for curbing the power of the President were for a two-term Presidential limit, the Presidential power to dissolve Parliament to be removed and the clauses pertaining to the majority needed to remove the President to be removed.

Meanwhile, other CRC recommendations pertaining to human rights included the rights and freedom of individuals be amended to include protection from discrimination, protection for arrested persons, equality of status for children born out of wedlock and the entitlement of children to free primary health care.

While many of the CRC recommendations were implemented, to this day some like the President’s power of dissolving parliament, remain. Present attempts at continuing constitutional reform are currently embodied in the Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission, though these attempts have for some time been gridlocked.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine

3

Feature

The Duke of Kent presents the instruments of independence to Prime Minister LFS Burnham, May 26, 1966

T

The Guyana Story

Lowering the British flag left to hoist the Golden Arrowhead at the Independence Day ceremony May 26, 1966

– From earliest times to Independence

hroughout the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana’s independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the government designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje pheasant as the national bird.

The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called “The Golden Arrowhead”, had already been chosen during the period of the PPP government from entries submitted through an international competition. The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation – Guyana – was also chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly.

The flag of Guyana was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana’s Linden Forbes Burnham and Dr Cheddi Jagan fought for an journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, independent Guyana with narrow white and black strips along its sides, Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National was set on a green and red background with narrow white and Park). Dignitaries in the audience of thousands black strips along the sides of the arrowhead. The five colours included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, reprewere also seen as symbolic to the country various assets: green senting Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country’s foreign governments.

In welcoming independence, Dr Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security.

He also highlighted the view that his party was “the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office.” He added, “We are confident that despite these manipulations the People’s Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held.”

Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast.

Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political in- The Independence Arch at the head of Brickdam, Georgetown dependence.

With the raising of the new flag, fireworks Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then Duke of Kent as Guyana’s first Governor General at a ceremoaround mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of ny in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry. Significantly, for the Governor General.

During the period of the independence celebrations, many this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the public events were also held. These included carnival-style wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham.

The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, by Burnham and his ministers.

On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on member of the British Commonwealth. (Excerpted from “The behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Guyana Story – (From Earliest Times to Independence) by Dr Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an inde- Odeen Ishmael.)

1966 - Flag of Guyana being raised at UN Headquarters. First Prime Minister of the independent nation, Forbes Burnham, stands second from left.

pendent nation. Immediately after, there were speeches by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition Cheddi Jagan.

Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: “The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters.

For today Guyana is free.”

mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation-building; black border, depicting the people’s endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country.

A nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped to select the words of the new national anthem. The winning entry, “Green Land of Guyana”, was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician.

Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag.

On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural perfor- Part of a band at one of the carnival-style float parades mance took place at the Queen held May 29, 1966 (Photo courtesy L. Hernandez)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Feature

The Victoria Regia Lilly – Guyana National Flower

Canje Pheasant -Guyana National Bird

G

uyana gained its independence May 26, 1966 from Britain, and is now a sovereign state that has also attained republican status. It is now free to make its own decisions concerning its welfare and its citizens.

Throughout the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana’s independence celebrations were already being done excitedly. A special committee appointed by the government designed the new Coat-of-Arms and selected the Canje Pheasant as the national bird. The design and colours of the new flag had already been chosen during the period of the PPP government from entries submitted through an international competition.

Being an independent country, certain changes were brought about: the name British Guiana was changed to ‘Guyana’ (chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly); the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s flag was hoisted for the first time; Guyana had its first Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Burnham and its first Guyanese Governor General, Sir David Rose; Guyanese no longer sang the British national anthem, ‘God Save the Queen’ but proudly sang Guyana’s own national anthem, ‘Dear Land of Guyana’; our national symbols came into use for the first time; the British Guiana Volunteer Force became the Guyana Defence Force and at the last parade of the volunteer force held at Eve Leary on Independence Day, Sir Richard Luyt, the Governor General at that time, took the salute.

Guyana’s symbols of nationhood represent the fact that it is a nation which has attained independence. The symbols are: The National Flag (the Golden Arrowhead), the National Coatof-Arms, the National Pledge, the National Motto and the Arms of the President. Except for the last symbol, all the others came

Then Director of the Flag Centre in Florida, USA, Dr. Whitney Smith designed into use on Independence Day,the Golden Arrowhead

Robert Schomburgk who discovered our National Flower

May 26, 1966. Each symbol holds a special significance.

The Golden Arrowhead has five colours each having its own meaning. The green background symbolises Guyana’s vast agricultural and forested areas. The gold which forms a golden arrowhead symbolises the country’s mineral wealth and its forward thrust. The red triangle symbolises the zeal and dynamic task of nation building which lies before our nation. The white bordering the flag symbolises Guyana’s many rivers and water potential. The black bordering the red triangle symbolises the strength and endurance of the Guyanese people which will sustain the golden arrow’s forward thrust into the future.

Director of the Flag Centre in Florida, USA, Dr. Whitney Smith designed the Golden Arrowhead. The design was submitted to Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the Premier of British Guiana in 1960, six years before Guyana gained its independence. Dr. Smith said in a 2011 interview with Encyclopedia Britannica: “Among the flags

in my collection that I treasure are the national flag of Guyana, of which I am the designer…”

Each part of the National Coat-of-Arms also has its own significance. Sections of designs submitted by Alvin Bowman, L.R. Borrowes and Stanley Greaves were incorporated into the final design of the Coat-of-Arms. Bowman was given the commission for producing the final design according to the requirements set out by a committee.

The Coat-of-Arms was selected on the recommendation of the National History and Arts Council and approved by the College of Arms in England. The House of Assembly accepted it on February 25, 1966.

The Amerindian headdress on the Coat-of-Arms symbolises that the Amerindians are the indigenous people of the country that is the first ones to live here. The helmet, a monarchial emblem, tells that Guyana was once a monarchy country ruled by a king or queen. The two diamonds at the side of the Amerindian headdress represent the country’s mineral wealth. The jaguar holding the pick-axe represents labour. The other jaguar holding the stalk of rice and sugarcane symbolises our two main agricultural crops- sugar and rice. The shield signifies protection for the nation. The three blue wavy lines on the shield represent the country’s many rivers. The Victoria Regia Lily on the shield is our National Flower. Robert Schomburgk, a German botanist, discovered it in 1837. The Canje Pheasant or Hoatzin at the bottom of the shield is our National Bird. It is a rare bird which is found principally in this part of the world. It is seen often on the Abary, Mahaica and Mahaicony rivers and especially in the Canje river area and on the banks of the Berbice river. At the bottom of the Coat-of-Arms are the words of our National Motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

A nationwide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped to select the words of the new National Anthem. A generous sum of Gy$500, a significant amount in those days, was given to Reverend A.L. Luker, an Englishman living in Guyana and winner of the selected lyrics for the anthem. R.C.G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese musician and educator, set the poem to music and earned himself a cash prize of Gy$500. The Cyril Potter College of Education is named after him.

These symbols are imperative because they signify that we are an independent nation and show the solidarity we share as a unified country.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 5

Feature

IN WAKE OF COVID-19…

GCCI advocates for resuscitation of Guyana’s "Grow More Food" campaign

T

he Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has recognized that the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic has brought with it a number of stark realities, not only health risk, loss of employment and economic downturn; but also food security not peculiar to Guyana alone, but the world across.

This consciousness is not unique to the Chambers as recently the Caribbean Agricultural and Research Development Institute (CARDI) echoed similar sentiments that the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted agriculture value chains and threatens food security in the CARICOM Region.

It therefore begs the question, how do we in Guyana tackle this reality which has been brought to bear on us? An immediate solution that comes to mind is to promote a Grow More Campaign where every home and family is conscious of the need to have a little kitchen garden alongside our farmers and producers who must be incentivized to continue to cultivate their lands as well as increase production.

Fruits and Vegetable Producers

In Guyana, much focus has been paid over the past ten (10) years on the non-traditional agricultural sector such as fruits and vegetables. Markets have been developed in the USA, Canada and other CARICOM countries and export is mainly done by private individuals. Increased trade over the past decade resulted primarily from rising global food prices which had surpassed even the levels reached during the crisis of 2008.

Statistics for the undermentioned four (4) years export value were obtained:

US$ Millions 2016 2017 4.0 3.6

2018 5.9

2019 3.9

*as at June 2019-Bank of Guyana Half Year report.

Fruits and vegetables production are not constrained to our coastland but rather cultivation occurs across eight (8) of our (10) regions at the commercial level. Some of the crops that are grown predominantly in these regions include:

· Region 1 - Ginger, tumeric and yams · Region 2 - Coconuts, pineapples, citrus fruits and bananas · Region 3 - Pineapples, pumpkins, bananas and ground provisions · Region 4 - Bora, pepper, watermelon, eddoes, cassava and coconuts · Region 5 - Eschallot, coconuts, tomatoes and boulanger · Region 6 - Watermelon, citrus fruits, boulanger, bora, cucumber and coconuts · Region 9 - Cassava, peanuts and bananas · Region 10 - Bananas, pumpkin and eddoes.

In 2018, farmers increased their production of traditional and other non-traditional crops, which has resulted in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables expanding by 5.9 percent at the end of the third quarter, when compared with the same period, in 2017. Though growth in the other crops sector was expected to continue to rise in 2019, this did not occur due to market conditions; the persistence of volatility, which is the result of constant variations in price, which continue to create great uncertainty for farmers, instability of regional markets; in addition to the great risks already posed by climate change and recurrent pests and diseases. One only has to recall that 2019 had excessive rain days throughout the year.

Projections based on population growth and food consumption patterns indicate that agricultural production will need to increase by at least 70 percent to meet demands by 2050. However, a number of reviews also indicate that climate change is likely to reduce agricultural productivity, production stability, and incomes in some areas that already have high levels of food insecurity.

Developing Smart Agriculture

Climate change impacts four key dimensions of food security – availability, stability, access, and utilization.

Developing climate smart agriculture is therefore crucial in the discussion of achieving future food security and climate change goals. Green and shade houses, hydrophonics and aquaphonics are some of climate smart practices being adopt-

ed by farmers to remain resilient to changing weather patterns.

Kitchen gardens which are encouraged, can be easily constructed using PVC pipe fittings and drop boxes. Fertilizers such as tea bag and coffee grumbs, chipped fruits and vegetable peelings; and poultry waste all make the produce organic and healthier.

The above pictures depict a kitchen garden package which comes with bags of soil, dripping hose, plants and free installation that is currently being offered by the Ministry of Agriculture to the public for $12,000. The drop boxes and PVC pipe kitchen gardens are designed to avoid vulnerability to heavy rainfall so that plant growth is consistent.

At the commercial level, rural farmers, agro investors, processors, exporters and all those involved in the value chain must all be a part of the process in order to ensure this agricultural subsector remains a lucrative means of earning a livelihood from the production phase to the market phase.

And how do we do make a Grow More Campaign into a success - by involving the relevant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Agriculture, NAREI, the New Guyana Marketing Corporation, the School of Agriculture; Farmers Group and Government.

The role of these agencies will also involve provision of extension services, assistance and guidance based on research to aid:-

Increased Crop Yields Increased Root Growth Increased Chlorophyll Content Increased Nutrient Uptake Improved Plant Quality Enhanced Natural Defenses Improved Soil Structure Improved Water Retention Suitable Soil pH Good drainage and irrigation Market Intelligence

For the various communities of Guyana, agricultural production is both a source of food and a source of income.

Inherent in a source of income is the creation of jobs.

The government can contribute via several initiatives: By distributing fertilizers, seeds, planting materials and even livestock to farmers and farmers’ groups across the country.

Providing extension services whereby extension offi-

cers go out into the fields and render assistance and guidance to the farmers.

Setting up storage facilities and freezing chambers at strategic locations in the eight producing regions to avoid wastage and dumping.

Provide incentives to the financial sector to encourage access to finance as the agriculture sector has always been deemed high risk, for example, tax breaks on such lending.

Provide subsidies where appropriate.

Initiate crop insurance and subside same to allow farmers to tide over periods of loss of crop.

Most importantly, securing reliable markets for farmers produce.

Facilitate transportation or subsidize the cost thereof for movement from farm to market, particularly outside of Region 4.

- - -

- - - - -

Benefits of Grow More Campaign to ensure national food security increase accessibility allow for expansion and thus export to regional and international markets creation of employment reduce food imports revenue and foreign exchange earner cushion against rising food prices due to rising fuel prices national development Can we do it?

Guyana is at a crossroad where it must allow agriculture to undergo a significant transformation in order to meet the related challenges of achieving food security and responding not only to climate change but other challenges as the Covid-19 pandemic which is expected to become protracted into 2021.

While it is commendable to note that Guyana is the only country in the southern hemisphere that is a net export of food, and has achieved the United Nations first Millennium Development Goal of eradicating hunger; this should not allow us to sit on our laurels and become complacent.

Covid-19 despite its grave impact presents a golden opportunity for Guyana to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

Can we do it…Yes, we can!

6 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Feature

Stories of our Independence Old Samaan and Rima

I

ndependence has birthed many stories, some sad, some that will never see the light of day, some already written. Here are two such published pieces taken from the anthology, ‘The Lure of the Mermaid and other Children’s Stories’ edited by Janet Jagan, published by Dido Press, UK, 2002.

In this book, there are thirteen stories written by eleven Guyanese authors.

‘Samaan’ written by Doris Harper-Wills more than fifty years ago is structured to include our folkloric characters like Ole Higue and Baccoo, Ole Man Papee and Fowl Mamma and is set on D’Urban Park under the huge Samaan Tree from where we, as children, used to picnic and watch the horse races especially the endings as the raging animals storm down the homestretch (now Homestretch Avenue which may be renamed later).

The tree (yes, the tree was not an inanimate character) and folk characters were witnessing Guyana Day celebration as steal band trampers came all the way from Berbice moving through Demerara on its way to Essequibo where, El Dorado, Nugget King lived. El Dorado promised the people of Guyana a great fortune if they reach him

O

ur discussions thus far on emergencies and possible treatments you could begin at home, even while you prepare to take your stricken animal to your veterinarian, have centred on poisons ingested or unwittingly placed on the pet to remove parasites residing in and on the skin, as well as those stemming from confrontations with poisonous

as one people without quarrelling or fighting among themselves - ‘you see, these people had of late grown into the habit of bickering over little things and the big things were being left undone. El Dorado felt that this was very bad. It would be nice thought El Dorado if these people would drop their silly notions about their past and start planning for the future’.

The other story was written by Janet Jagan in the 90s and set around the National Cultural Centre, D’Urban Park, about the time of our thirtieth Independence.

That story ‘Rima – the Singing Bird’ – is a well crafted magical tale for children that is entertaining and educational. It is educational to both children – inheritors of the legacy we leave and adults – the custodians of our beautiful Green Land of Guyana. The message of the story is about care for the environment and its inhabitants – the birds and bees and the trees….

The story is about is bird who lived aback the Botanical Gardens in the vicinity of the National Cultural Centre and Homestretch Avenue and D’Urban Park. Her name was Rima, a bird who lived with thousand of her companions, going through the daily routine

of flying to the seashore to feed and flying back to the gardens to nest and rest. Rima was different from her companions in that she loved music – the music of the sea, the symphony of the sea, music of feeding birds – the clicking of their beaks, the beating of their wings, and the song of the wind. So, she was not always on schedule.

On many occasions, she would return to her nesting ground sooner than companions in order to listen to the music coming from the cultural centre. One day, she flew across and hid herself on stage, witnessing two children singing and dancing to the music from the piano. After a while, she was able to join in the practice sessions. And the children loved her attempts and encouraged her as her chirps were enlarged and started to harmonize with their voices and the piano music. Eventually, she became part of the act and people flocked the National Cultural Centre to hear her sing.

However, on the thirtieth anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, Rima remembered what happened the previous year – the fireworks exploded near the nesting place of the birds which were thrown into confusion, many dying from shock and from flying into

animals (frogs, toads, snakes, insects, etc.). The home treatment protocols were detailed in all these cases.

Further, emergencies, which resulted from electric shocks and radiation and chemical burns, were addressed – together with the short- and long-term therapy which you, as caregiver, must implement after these life-

threatening encounters.

However, there are other occurrences that take place in the home which may necessitate immediate intervention – without which the animal may die within minutes. In some cases, the animal might have slipped into a coma or into a condition which is just prior to death, or (in the worst-case scenario), the animal might appear to have taken its last breath. With such occurrences, you could attempt to save the animal’s life or resuscitate it from an unconscious, near death situation.

THE HEIMLICH MANOEUVRE (HM) – for blockages from ingested objects

This action may become necessary if there is a blockage in the voice box (larynx) or in the oesophagus (the tube leading from the back of the mouth to the entrance of the stomach) or even (seldomly) in the trachea (the tube leading to the lungs).

The condition would exhibit itself by the animal, during or after ingesting food, suddenly beginning to cough severely and continuously.

This is truly an emergency.

The HM intervention has the same function as when performed on a human with a similar blockage as described in the previous paragraph. However, the actual manoeuvre is a bit different in dogs.

Place the animal on its side, then put the flat of your hand just behind the last rib and squeeze the area. One would expect a forceful exhalation which should dislodge the object causing the blockage. If the object has not been dislodged after the first action, try again and again. That should do the trick. Check the oral cavity to see if the object has been pressured into the mouth and remove it immediately.

CESSATION OF BREATHING, COMAS, UNCONCIOUSNESS In cases where the animal has suddenly stopped breathing, is unconscious and/or is in need of immediate resuscitation, one may perform a Heart Massage (Chest Compression), and/or Mouth (yours) to Nose (the dog’s) Respiratory Assistance.

Heart Massage (Chest Compression)

each other. Three of t h e birds fell in front of the Commander and Chief of the Armed Forces who was on the balcony of the Centre. Rima did not want this to happen again so she made a plan. On the day for dress rehearsal, she flew unto the shoulder of the Commander and started to sing like she never sung before hoping the man would understand her plea and the man who ‘loved nature and all its creatures’, understood and forthwith ordered the fireworks be removed to another location, away from disturbing nature.

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

Place the dog on an even surface (right side down). I prefer to implement this exercise with the animal on the floor and not on the Clinic’s examination table. This way, there is greater dexterity in performing the needed technique.

Place the palm of one hand (if it is a small dog) or interlock the fingers of both hands over the heart area (if it is a large dog).

Press down quickly; release the pressure immediately and start again. Do this about five times at 5 second intervals, pause and start again.

Observe whether there is a reaction – namely hearing the air moving (slowly) in and out of the lungs and whether the heart begins to beat again. If not, continue the exercise for five minutes.

N.B. If it is a very small dog, instead of using the palm of your hand(s), use your thumb on one side and your other fingers on the other side of the chest bone (sternum). In a small dog or a pup, you can actually feel the heart beat easily.

Mouth to Nose Technique (MNT)

Place the tongue forward or sideways. Close the mouth without injuring the tongue.

Seal off the mouth with your hand Put your mouth over the dog’s nose and blow into the nostrils steadily and slowly for about 3-4 seconds. You will notice that the chest expands.

Remove your hands from covering the mouth to allow air to come back out.

Continue this exercise for about five minutes – after which time the dog should begin breathing on its own.

N.B. Please have water nearby to rinse out your own mouth after this exercise. I know that for many caregivers, this may seem to be an unaesthetic performance. Yet, it is one that can save your dog’s life, before you even organize the transport of the animal to the Vet Clinic.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 7

8 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 24, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 9

10Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 24, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Ingredients

One 4- to 5-pound beef chuck roast Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 2 yellow onions, thickly sliced lengthwise 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth 1/2 cup dry red wine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 3 sprigs fresh parsley 3 sprigs fresh thyme 2 dried bay leaves 2 stalks celery, sliced

Directions

Pat the beef dry with paper towels and sprinkle well on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (or if your slow cooker has a browning feature, preheat it). Sear the meat on all sides until browned, then transfer to a plate.

Add the garlic and onions to the pan or slow cooker and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the red wine and cook, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. If searing in a skillet, transfer the contents of the pan to a slow cooker set on low heat.

Nestle the beef into the onions and add the broth, wine, Worcestershire, carrots, parsley, thyme, bay leaves and celery, and stir well to combine. Cover and cook until the meat is forktender, about 8 hours.

Remove the roast from the slow cooker and cover to keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a large saucepan, and simmer over medium-low heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. (You can also puree some of the carrots and onions in a food processor and add it to the cooking liquid to thicken it.)

Slice the pot roast, ladle the gravy over it, and serve.

Fried Chicken with Black Pepper Gravy

Chicken: 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons baking powder 1 tablespoon yellow mustard powder 1 tablespoon paprika 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon cayenne Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper 2 cups low-fat buttermilk 1/4 cup hot sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 8) One 16-ounce container vegetable shortening 1 quart neutral frying oil Gravy: 2 cups whole milk 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper 4 dashes hot sauce

Directions

For the chicken: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, mustard powder, paprika, garlic and onion powders, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce and vinegar in a second bowl.

Place the chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine11

Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Working with one hand dedicated to the flour mixture and one hand dedicated to the buttermilk, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake each piece individually to make sure it is fully coated and any excess flour is released. Place in the buttermilk mixture and toss gently to coat. Place the chicken back into the flour mixture to dredge again. Remove from the flour mixture and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. (Reserve flour mixture.)

Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetable shortening to the skillet and heat until melted.

Once all the shortening has turned to liquid, add oil to the skillet until it comes up 1 inch from the rim. Attach a deepfrying thermometer to the skillet and preheat the oil to 350 degrees F. Carefully add half the chicken to the oil. This will cause the temperature to decrease, so adjust the heat to maintain 325 degrees F. Fry the chicken, flipping only once halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone, registers 170 degrees F, 14 to 18 minutes. Remove the chicken to the cooling rack. Sprinkle with kosher salt and set aside; fry the remaining chicken.

For the gravy: Transfer 1/4 cup of the frying oil to another cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the flour mixture used to dredge the chicken. Cook until a smooth paste is formed, 2 to 3 minutes. While whisking continuously, pour in the milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens and can easily coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour the gravy over the fried chicken.

Vidalia Onion and Potato au Gratin

Orange Couscous

Ingredients

1 cup orange juice 2 tbsp butter 1/4 tsp paparika 1/4 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 chicken bouillon black pepper to taste 1 cup couscous 1/2 cup chopped nuts and fruits* 1 scallion finely chopped Directions Heat orange juice, butter, paprika, cumin, onion powder, cinnamon, chicken bouillon and pepper. Bring to a boil and turn off. Add couscous to orange juice mixture, cover and let it sit for 5 mins. Add chopped nuts and fruits and fluff with a fork. Enjoy! (Jehan Can Cook)

Banana Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS

1 large Vidalia Onion, cut into slices about ¼ inch thick 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, thinly sliced 3 tbsp butter 3 tbsp flour 1 cup milk 3 sprigs thyme 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2tsp salt 1 cup grated sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

In a small pot over low heat melt butter. Add flour and whisk smooth and cook for about 2 minutes. Add milk and cook until sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in garlic powder and grated cheese. Remove from heat.

Brush an 8 x 8 baking dish with butter. Place half of the potatoes in one layer and then top with half of onion slices, thyme leaves, salt and black pepper. Top with half of cheese sauce.

Layer remaining half of potatoes and onion, thyme leaves, salt and black pepper then top with the rest of the cheese sauce.

Sprinkle grated cheese on the top.

Cover dish with foil and place into an oven preheated at 350 degrees and bake for 45 minutes covered.

Test the potatoes to see if tender, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown. (Jehan Can Cook)

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground ginger 2 eggs lightly beaten 1 ½ cups mashed bananas 1 cup sugar ½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup chopped walnuts Streusel Topping 3 tbsp packed brown sugar 2 tbsp all purpose flour 4 tsp butter ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

To make the Banana Nut Bread preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan and set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and ginger.

In a separate bowl combine eggs, banana, sugar and oil.

Pour into the flour mixture and using a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. There will be a few lumps, but it should only be lumps of banana. Fold in walnuts and pour into the loaf pan making sure to spread evenly. Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the batter.

Place into preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The top should form a dome which springs back when gently pressed.

Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Cool completely then wrap and store overnight before cutting.

To make the Streusel Topping: Add flour and brown sugar in a small bowl and stir to combine. Cut butter into flour until it resembles fine crumbs. I simply used my finger to quickly rub the butter into the flour, you can also use a pastry cutter or knife, but I’ve found this to be the quickest method. Next add nuts and stir to combine. (Jehan Can Cook)

12Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 24, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine13

14 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 24, 2020

Feature

…after Guyana Times highlighted their plight

guyanatimesgy.com

Our personal responsibility as stewards of the environment Do you practise environmental stewardship?

Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. There are three types of environmental stewards: * Doers - these are the ones who go out and help the cause by taking action. * Donors - these are persons who help the cause financially. * Practitioners - they work on a day-to-day basis to steer government agencies, scientists, stakeholder groups, etc. towards a stewardship outcome.

T

There are lots of children in the community

The water is treated

here were cheers and smiles on invest $3000 (US$14.00) in shrimp, the faces of children and adults hoping to make a $2000 profit but in of Number 65 Village Squatting recent times, sales have been next to Area on the Corentyne, as the water nothing. from the newly installed pipeline hit “I really feeling it hard because work the ground on Thursday. ain’t deh right now. When you come out For years now, living conditions fuh sell you bringing back all the load in the Corentyne squatting area have an’ it can’t keep…it spoil.” been very poor and a look at the vilShe said her 15 and 14-year-old sons lage would send one’s mind back to ruwould assist by collecting fish from the ral Guyana, decades ago, when citizens fishing boats, which come in at a nearwere living without basic amenities by wharf. These, she would also try to such as water and electricity. sell while saving some as food for the Up until two weeks ago, this was family. the life of residents in the Number 65 “Is not plenty but abee does still Village Squatting Area. try with it because we know ‘bout Last Sunday, May 17, Guyana poor life already,” she explained in her Times highlighted the plights of resiCorentyne dialect. dents there who were calling on authorKewley had noted that the comities to provide them with those basic munity is without any utilities and it amenities to lead healthy and comfortis very difficult raising her children able lives. as a mother should. The single mothThese persons live in shacks and er lamented the challenges confronting Velma Kewley and her new baby struggle to make ends meet on a daiher. ly basis.

Sadly, Kewley did not get to witness the first turning on of the tap which is situated next to her house. It was hours later that she returned home from the hospital with her seventh child – a new member to the smiling but struggling family – and the community at large.

Moreover, the woman had spoken of the difficulty her children were experiencing to get school work done without electricity and the access to online educational material. Schools have been closed for more than two months now because of COVID-19 and the Ministry of Education has uploaded lessons online and would broadcast same on the National Learning Channel.

That was an issue Harbhajan also addressed when he spoke at the commissioning of the communal pipe.

“We are working on the free Wi-Fi internet. Next week Regional Representative, Gobin Harbhajan

It was reported that the 52/74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) refused to give the residents the necessary documentation to take to the various utility companies in order to get water and electricity.

But now, one week later, their lives have turned around and at least one of those services has been installed. On Thursday, the community received potable water and free internet connection was promised to residents.

Guyana Water Inc (GWI) installed a communal pipeline in the squatting area in response to the article published in this newspaper last week.

The company went to the community two days after and carried out a survey, at the end of which they decided to place the pipe next to the canal at the back of the squatting area.

The relevant materials were acquired and the project was executed, ensuring that not only did the residents get potable water for the first time, but that the water they are receiving is treated.

More than 20 families live in the squatting area, which the NDC refers to as the ‘NDC Reserve’. Some of them have been living there for more than a decade.

Regional Representative, Gobin Harbhajan, who heard of the residents’ plight only earlier this month, had been at the forefront of ensuring sustainable development in the community.

He urged them not to waste the water and noted that a Canadian donor has reached out to him and promised to install a 450-gallon water tank next to the communal pipe.

Harbhajan said the donor has also committed to providing 45-gallon drums for each resident.

However, water access is not the only issue affecting those residents. In fact, it was not at the top of the list of some.

Velma Kewley, now a mother of seven, who recently separated from her husband, explained that she sometimes would

Residents wait their turn for water

Tuesday the local representative from the E-Governance Department will come to do a feasibility study.”

Since the Guyana Times article was published, several persons and organisations have visited the community to lend assistance to residents.

Turkey Govt assistance

They also received assistance from the Government of the Republic of Turkey, through the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

However, despite the smiles on the faces of residents, the community still looks the same. Residents say their houses still leak.

Kewley, whose children do not sleep at home many nights because of the lack of accommodation, now face a bigger challenge in dealing with that problem because of her newborn.

Meanwhile, even as these inroads are being made, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has not gotten involved as yet.

Why should you be a steward of the environment?

Human activities have impacted the environment since the first toolmakers learned to make fire. As our population grew, the impact on the environment increased. Climate change, declining of fish population, and the ever-decreasing range of wild ecosystems are the most obvious impacts. To combat these impacts and to take climate action, becoming a steward of the environment is the best choice for you.

How can you become an environmental steward?

Starting with these few tips will make you a good example as an environmental steward. Now let’s start!

1. Reduce the carbon footprint of your food The production of some foods takes twice as much energy as others; for example, frozen foods will use more energy to prepare for cooking as compared to using fresh foods. Many practices and processes used in the production of food are harmful to both people and the environment; thus, it is essential that we are informed about the sources of the food we eat, and the manner in which it is produced. ` 2. Reduce your meat consumption Regular consumption of meat is harmful to our health. A lot of environmental pollution is caused during improper agricultural practices, particularly from livestock rearing. Pesticides are sprayed on food that livestock are fed, and the water they drink is contaminated with chemicals from fertilizers washed into the waterways.

3. Compost your natural waste Our environment is full of waste that is both natural and artificial.

Refuse from vegetables and fruits can be added to the farm or kitchen garden, which will form compost that enriches the soil, thus providing nutrients to the crops. As environmental stewards, it is our duty to ensure that we have information on the various ways to make a compost pit using natural waste.

4. Change your mode of transportation In order to be a better environmental steward in 2020, other forms of transport should be deployed to offset the use of motor vehicles such as cars. For instance, the use of bicycles has proven to be effective, since it does not require the consumption of fossil fuel for energy, and thus does not emit carbon. The cost of purchasing a bicycle is way cheaper than the cost of purchasing a vehicle, and using a bicycle guarantees that one is physically fit.

There are also other ways of cutting back on the use of cars, such as car sharing and the use of big buses. Again, for short distances, walking is encouraged.

5. Cut down on the use of single-use plastics and microplastics Purchasing reusable water bottles, food containers and cotton bags as substitutes would aid the reduction of plastic in the environment. With tons of plastic in the earth, the purchase of plastic items should be avoided as much as possible, especially the single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic bags that form the bulk of the items in the landfill. Over the years, there have been tons of plastic converging in our waste bodies, both inland and oceans. This has not augured well within the marine environment, which has seen the death of fishes and other marine animals due to suffocation and/or ingestion of the microplastics in water. Remember, say no to single-use plastic.

6. Become an environmental volunteer The time to act is now. You can volunteer right in your neighbourhood or community with a designated volunteer group, or just with friends and family members. Assist in an educational session, create a green space, or help clean up some parapets. You are guaranteed to have a fulfilling experience as you become an agent of change. * Good stewardship of the environment is not just a personal responsibility; it is a public value. Our duty is to use the land well, and sometimes not to use it at all. This is our responsibility as citizens, but more than that, it is our calling as stewards of earth- George W. Bush You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine15

Eid-ul-Fitr Messages

Message of giving, sharing can no longer be ignored - PPP/C

Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to all Guyanese – T President David Granger

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-ul-

I

extend greetings to all Muslims and to all other Guyanese on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This sacred festival commemorates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence and engaged in ritual fasting and prayer.

Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of how divine worship is connected to social responsibility and personal sacrifice. It compels us to continue to demonstrate compassion and kindness to one another. These personal expressions of goodwill and concern for our fellow citizens reinforce social cohesion and mutual respect.

Eid-ul-Fitr emphasises the values of temperance, perseverance and self-denial during the holy month of Ramadan which

provided a time for devotees of Islam to engage in spiritual reflection and the reaffirmation of their faith.

Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to all Guyanese.

The festival’s exuberance has been tempered this year by the social and personal restrictions which have been adopted, out of necessity, in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The pandemic has witnessed sacrifices by our medical and essential workers in their efforts to administer lifesaving care and ensure the health and safety of others.

Eid-ul-Fitr, nevertheless, is a happy occasion for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Let us all celebrate our faith and fellowship.

Eid Mubarak!

Let us not forget our less fortunate – CIOG E id Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join with you in spiritual celebration.

The Holy Quran, which was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the blessed month of Ramadan, is the source of truth and wisdom: “And We sent down in the Quran such things that have healing and mercy for the believers” (Al-Isra, 17:82).

Ramadan was an exercise in patience, discipline, and cleansing. We restrained ourselves physically and mentally, and subdued our egos, in order to get closer to Allah (SWT).

We devoted ourselves to various forms of Ibadaat (worship) and prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and healing for the entire world.

Congratulations for having fulfilled the honourable obligation of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

Now comes the time of celebration, reflection and gratitude.

In our celebration, let us not forget our less fortunate brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardship, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Open your hearts, reach out, find ways to help, be a good example.

Let us comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is gracious and merciful.

Today does not herald the end of worship. On the contrary, it heralds a new beginning of heightened Taqwa (piety) for the believers who sacrificed a lot during Ramadan and are ready to transform their lives as a result. O servants of the Most Merciful, this is the reason for joy and celebration today. The

fast of Ramadan reminded us about the pangs of hunger and thirst and Eid-ulFitr reminds us of the value of selflessness, goodwill, and community.

Muslims have a moral responsibility to work towards uniting the peoples of our country by promoting peace and harmony. This noble act attracts tremendous blessings from the creator and is beneficial to the creation.

“And who is better in speech than the one who calls [his brethren] unto Allah, and does what is just and right, and says, ‘Verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves to Allah”’ (Al Quran, 41:33).

As we celebrate the Eid festival virtually, let us embrace our brothers and sisters in faith as well as our brothers and sisters in humanity. It is our duty to promote the core Islamic values of peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and service to others. Let us nurture harmonious relationships among our families, communities, and our nation. This will allow us to reap material benefits grounded in spiritual and ethical values. This is the foundation of Islam.

Protecting each other is a religious obligation. It would be remiss if I did not reflect on the current health crisis due to COVID-19, a pandemic which has gripped our world. While we observe the rules laid out by health officials, we should use this time of social and physical distancing to reflect on the fragility of life. What is it that is really important to us? As the earth goes into reset mode, displaying evidence of reduced pollution and less stress on the environment, so too must we reset our views on what is important in our lives. Family, friends, neighbours, associates, and employees all make up the fabric of our lives – the question is, are

we leaving a positive and lasting impression on others? Are we a medium of hope and mercy for people?

Are we fulfilling the roles we were placed on earth to perform with integrity, kindness, justice and compassion for all, even the animals?

These questions we answer for ourselves.

With the permission of Allah (SWT), this crisis will end, but we must never forget those who risked their lives on the frontlines to protect us and put themselves at the forefront of protecting us – the physicians, nurses, and other critical care workers – as well as those who ensured our food supply – the farmers, shippers, truckers, and store personnel. These are the courageous agents of mercy; so please pray for them.

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad President CIOG

Fitr.

This is indeed an auspicious time in the Muslim calendar as it celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from many natural human urges.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and it was during the month of Ramadan that the Holy Quran was revealed and charity is urged. As this significant occasion is being observed, it allows an opportune moment for re-

flection on its pertinent messages which have relevance for all mankind. It embodies the virtues of sacrifices, generosity, and charity and brings peace and unity.

In a world characterised by so much poverty and inequity, the message of giving and sharing can no longer be ignored.

The PPP wishes to draw from the rich lessons of this occasion to reiterate that sacrifices bring success and that hope is alive and must never be lost. Once again, the party extends greetings to all, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on this happy occasion.

Eid Mubarak!

16 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 24, 2020

Feature

T

wenty Sophia Primary School students are set to be beneficiaries of literacy tablets. These donations will be given through a pilot programme, that was launched by Kupanda Sisters Inc, in collaboration with Sun Books of the World Literacy Foundation.

The World Literacy Foundation is a leading international literacy organisation working in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Latin America, and Africa to deliver literacy resources and skills.

Through the Sun Books initiative, Kupanda Sisters will be utilising literacy tablets to make a transformative change in off-the-grid communities with limited or no access to electricity, the internet, or educational resources.

“The relevant, local literacy content will be preloaded to the solar-powered tablet devices that are aligned to an existing curriculum with the hope of increasing both teacher and student performance. The tablets are equipped with more than 400 e-books in English and 50 e-books in local languages and activities for primary education learners. Over the next few weeks, instructional tablets will be provided to academic personnel for the purpose of training and on-boarding”, they said.

On Saturday, the team said that the collaborative initiative is the brainchild of Kupanda Sisters’ Founder and CEO, Cindy Charles, who has been working to provide needed literacy programming to students at the Sophia Primary School since May 2019.

Governance for growth, stability and inclusive development

P

“The students were selected through various criteria and have been participating in weekly classes to provide them quality literacy resources and skills that would equip and empower them to transform their reality, unleash their full potential, and become meaningful contributors to their communities and our world”, the statement read.

Meanwhile, Charles, a Guyanese-born, Parika, East Bank Essequibo native said, “I am just delighted to launch this pilot programme at Sophia Primary School in Guyana. We have a responsibility to ensure that proper education is an intrinsic human right for every child in every village and we at Kupanda Sisters truly understand this responsibility.”

A planned presentation of the tablets to the Sophia Primary School is currently being planned with Principal of the school, Audrey Montrose-Sue, who assured that the initiative will bring about a massive change for the pupils.

resident David Granger is on record post March 2, 2020 proclaiming that the national and regional elections were free, fair and credible. This position of the activity carried out on polling day was sanctioned by all the international and local observers. It is public knowledge that the elections saga commenced at the Region 4 tabulation, where the count of the statements of poll was never completed and conducted following the prescribed legal procedure, as did the other nine regions.

The world has witnessed both major political parties declaring that they have won the elections, to the extent that one political party made publicly available evidence to support its claim, while the other has not been forthcoming to date. It would appear now that the National Recount is corroborating the evidence provided by the political party which sought to support its victory with evidence insofar as the Statements of Poll are matching the Statements of Recount.

The position of his Excellency has henceforth changed to hint at inclusive governance, from his party’s previous position that they have won the elections.

Today’s article, therefore, seeks to present, in theory and empirically, the bedrocks of inclusive governance for growth, stability and development.

Inclusive, accountable and open governance is fundamental to delivering sustainable development and combating global challenges. The global context for governance and development is changing rapidly. Widening inequalities, unemployment, and slow growth have placed inclusive governance at the centre of policy debate in any part of the world. Central to this debate is the ability of governments to put in place policies that deliver stronger economic growth, together with better sharing of the benefits of increased prosperity for all social groups (OECD, n.d).

Core governance principles and country examples Participation and inclusion include empowerment through representation in government and through other mechanisms (e.g. administrative and local) facilitating free, active, and meaningful participation in decision- making processes. In economic crises, the participation of civil society in formulation and adoption of crisis responses has been recognised as being particularly useful in providing alternative sources of information — and thus in framing policy debates (IDEA 2010) — as well as in increasing citizens’ ownership of results (RCPAR and UNDP 2011). Some argue that democratic mechanisms such as civic participation in political processes lead to political instability, but the evidence shows that the reverse is often true. Even though socio-political unrest and handovers of power do occur more often in democracies than in dictatorships, they do not disrupt the overall development process, as they do in dictatorships (UNDP 2000).

Further, participatory political regimes generally deliver better growth because they produce ‘superior institutions’ that are better suited to local conditions for a number of reasons: participatory political regimes yield more predictable long-term growth rates, and have more stability, since the wider range of decision-makers results in greater diversification and lower risk in an environment rife with imperfect information (Rodrik 2000). Participatory political regimes also deliver better distributional outcomes by producing greater equality (Rodrik 2000).

Better development outcomes, especially in times of crisis, can be explained through the core characteristics of representative government: inclusivity, openness, and adaptability. These elements foster a climate of innovation and entrepreneurship that is reflective of policy-making, and thus steady growth; openness promotes the exchange of information and ideas, and greater efficiency (e.g., in the allocation and use of resources); and adaptability (i.e., the flow of ideas among public, private and civic sectors) promotes greater versatility, timeliness, and flexibility in the adoption and implementation of policies; while the legitimate regular renewal of political leadership avoids conflict and allows for innovation (Halperin et al. 2010).

Meaningful and free participation of citizens and stakeholders in decision-making processes during times of crises contributes to the overall adaptability and stability of institutions, and promotes innovative policy dialogues. In the Asian financial crisis of the 1990s, mechanisms of participation, consultation, and bargaining in Thailand and the Republic of Korea enabled policy-makers to fashion the consensus needed to undertake the necessary policy adjustments decisively, and thus to handle the crisis significantly better than Indonesia (Rodrik 2000).

Generally, the hardest hit countries in an economic crisis tended to be those with few political liberties, such as Syrian Arab Republic, Algeria, Panama, and Gabon; while countries with open political regimes, such as Costa Rica, Botswana, Barbados, and India, fared much better (Rodrik 2000).

By: JC. Bhagwandin, MSc., Exec Ed. (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 or the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@ gmail.com).