Guyana Times Sunday May 31, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs' comparison with released SoPs on pages 20 to 22 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4302 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Credible recount an opportunity to avoid sanctions – EU Ambassador

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Another Palms resident succumbs to COVID-19 P16 …cases rise to 152

Page 10

…reminds that undemocratic Govt will not be recognised

Fact check destroys APNU/ AFC claims of electoral fraud

Father of 2 P15 drowns in Essequibo River

Page 15

P9 Berbice labourer stabbed to death by brother

Another 4000 COVID-19 test kits donated P8

by PAHO

…coalition trying to trick GECOM into new delaying tactic – PPP

Region 8 recount completed; Region 7 tabulation certified

Page 3

…700 more ballot boxes to be counted

Has GECOM Secretariat gone rogue?

– Jonas questions Page 7

…probing claims of voter fraud beyond GECOM’s remit – ANUG

…GECOM Chair silent on claims ofinvestigation

Linden municipality unable to pay staff – Mayor

…looks to caretaker Govt for support

P18

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

Sunday, May 31 – 12:00h – 13:30h and Monday, June 1 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 31 – 11:10h – 12:40h and Monday, June 1 – 12:45h – 14:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Region 8 recount completed; Region 7 tabulation certified …700 more ballot boxes to be recounted

T

he recount of ballots cast for Electoral District Eight (Potaro– Siparuni) in the March

day that was initially scheduled to be the last day for the recount, GECOM was able to recount 84 ballot boxes,

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunny intervals and thundery showers during the day. Light rain will prevail at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:55h reaching a maximum height of 2.35 metres.

Essequibo), and 15 for Region 10 (Upper Demerara– Berbice).

Following completion of the re-tabulation of ballots for Electoral District Seven, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) party agents continued to refuse to sign the re-tabulation certificates.

The numbers for the re-tabulation are almost the same as those that had been declared by that District’s Returning Officer Glendon Fredericks on March 04, 2020.

Fredericks, in his declaration, revealed that the APNU/AFC won District 7 with a total of 4,817 votes in the General Elections and secured 4,836 in the Regional Elections. The recount of the

Low Tide: 17:57h reaching a minimum height of 0.81 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

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Live Spot Gold

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Bid/Ask $1728.70 Low/High $1715.40 Change 0.00

$1729.70 $1739.60 0.00%

02 General and Regional Elections, as well as the retabulation for District Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) were completed on Saturday.

A total of 402 ballot boxes has been recounted for Region Four (Demerara– Mahaica), leaving some 477 more to be recounted. With the Region Eight recount concluded, an additional counting station has been added to Region Four, bringing to five the total number of counting stations for that Region.

At the end of day 25, the

bringing the total number of recounted boxes to 1,639 of the 2,339 boxes in total. This means that 700 boxes are left to be counted.

On Saturday, 25 boxes were recounted for Region Four; 27 for Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne); 6 for Region 8; 11 for Region 9 (Upper Takutu –Upper

ballots showed that APNU/ AFC secured 4,813 and 4,839 votes in the General and Regional Elections respectively.

Despite winning the Region, the Coalition’s agents remain adamant that they would not sign the recount tabulation certificates.

This move comes as the Party continues to allege that the March 2 elections were plagued by numerous instances of voter fraud.

In the original declarations, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic had secured 3,692 and 3,720 votes in the Regional and General Elections respectively.

Meanwhile, the recount figures awarded the PPP/C were 3,703 and 3,728 votes in the Regional and General Elections respectively.

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

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Granger’s domino effect in the Caribbean

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he PNC-as-APNU/AFC Government, under David Granger’s leadership since 2015, has not only resuscitated the anti-democratic style of governance practised by the PNC of Burnham between 1968 and 1985, but has now actually defied the international order that frowns upon denial of democratic norms which developed since then. During the Cold War, Burnham was able to play off the two superpowers against each other and escape censure; but in the present dispensation, with the US, UK, EU, the Commonwealth, the OAS and CariCom being uniform in their condemnation of the electoral sleight-ofhand foisted on the Guyanese people by the RO of Reg 4, Clairmont Mingo, it is impossible for them not to apply sanctions on any Government seized by Granger out of that fraud.

Granger’s efforts to give lip service to “observing the constitution” and “allowing institutions such as GECOM to function independently” have not fooled anyone. He has remained mute while others under his direction and authority have continuously subverted the constitution as well as the supposedly independent institutions.

The latest ploy was to appoint his de facto second in command, Lt Col (rtd) Joseph Harmon, to head the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), which gives him draconian powers through the Emergency Regulations enacted to deal with the pandemic. The NCTF, for instance, has obdurately rejected requests by GECOM to minimally increase the number of recount stations at the ACCC, even though the latter had consulted professionals to ensure it would comply with all scientifically based requirements.

But there has been a very ominous development in the region, emanating from Granger’s manoeuvres to stay in power by subverting democratic elections: the imitation of the said manoeuvres by other regional leaders, thus creating a “domino effect”. Over in next door Suriname, incumbent President Desi Bouterse has now followed Granger’s ploy to demand a recount in key constitutions once it became clear his party was losing the elections. Like Granger, Bouterse has a military background, which he used before to seize power. He also has defied international pressure, in his case, to step down after being convicted of drug trafficking and, most recently, for murdering 15 political opponents in 1982.

Before the dust had settled on Bouterse’s imitation of the Granger recount feint, there came news that Prime Minister Timothy Harris of St Kitts and Nevis had suddenly and arbitrarily withdrawn the November 2019 invitation to the OAS to observe the impending June 5th elections. He cited “COVID-19 quarantine protocols” as the reason for the withdrawal, and refused to relent, even though OAS Secretary General Almagro noted, “OAS/GS regrets that a practical solution was not put in place, like was the case in Suriname, to allow our observers to deploy; but is respectful of the sovereign decision.”

This is eerily reminiscent of Granger’s refusal to allow the Carter Center to return to observe the recount; which is the consummation of the March 2 elections, and for which they had been granted observer status. He used the same COVID-19 excuse, even though the Center was willing to observe the protocols used to allow other entries into Guyana during the lockdown.

Opposition Leader and head of the St. Kitts & Nevis Labour Party, Dr Denzil Douglas, stated that he is concerned that something sinister is being planned. “The electorate, citizens and residents, civil society, Caricom and friendly countries of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis must be informed of this latest development in the saga of the outgoing Harris administration’s attempts to hold on to power in the face of a sure defeat at the polls on June 5.”

The Caricom Observer Mission is in Guyana, and its members are performing a yeoman task, not only for Guyana, but for the entire region, in the cause of the preservation of democratic values which all emanate from free and fair elections that give life to the meaning of “government by the people”. But the Caricom Heads of Government should not wait for a fait accompli before denouncing the fruit of the poisoned Mingo tree.

Improbability and its converse are fundamental to determination of litigated issues

Dear Editor, As matters now stand, 90 days after the March 2020 elections, the wish of the Granger-led APNU/AFC is hopeful that Claudette Singh will deliver to it a victory denied by the electorate. That party has reason to be optimistic. Claudette Singh voted against eight and one-half of the ten motions brought by the PPP/C-appointed GECOM Commissioners; was present on both occasions when Mingo made his transparently fraudulent Region Four declaration; compounded that failure by keeping that declaration alive; insisted on a Recount Order (# 60 of 2020) in violation of the aide-memoire of the agreement signed

by Granger, Jagdeo and Caricom Chair; and allowed herself to be transformed into a figure of national derision by Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers and the COVID Task Force.

There is fear that the allocation of stations in the Recount Order and Addendum of May 29 as they become available seems designed to ensure that the recount will be a replay of the Mingo’s Region Four fiasco with the difference being that this time, the main actors will be Lowenfield and Myers. The same Myers, who was installed through the instrumentality of Granger’s illegally appointed James Patterson.

Having shared with Singh the date of appointment as Senior Counsel by Granger, Basil Williams is playing to Singh by praising her eminent qualification and wealth of experience as a Judge.

He now seeks to encourage Claudette Singh to function as Judge and jury, executor and arbitrator, public authority and tribunal. Again, Singh is so predictably unpredictable that she may very well admit that she and her Commissioners have failed in their duty to supervise elections in accordance with their constitutional mandate!

Ignoring the basic princi-

ple that he who asserts must prove, Williams is now saying that it is GECOM’s responsibility to investigate APNU’s outlandish claims of discrepancies involving between 90,000 votes according to Aubrey Norton, and as much as 175,000 by Joseph Harmon. The claim being peddled by Harmon and Norton, in particular, is simple in its inanity: take any box and raise a single question about one vote, and hey, the entirety of the votes in that box becomes discredited.

What Harmon, Norton and Williams lack in intellect, commonsense and consistency, is over-compensated by bullyism, deceit and force.

With no evidence produced, Norton reduces his argument to absurdity by claiming that there were only 1261 foreign voters or 65 per cent of the coalition’s 1937 claims of irregularities, reminding me of my days doing Economics in school and being taught that spurious accuracy earns credibility. Unfortunately, Norton did not provide particulars of the irregularities involving the other 676 dead voters who arose from eternal sleep in the blissful Le Repentir, found their way to various polling stations, passed the Police, Presiding Officer and party agents, voted and then returned to their peaceful abode.

Basil Williams has cited expansively the several recitals in the Recount Order but very conveniently ignores part of the recital that speaks of “statistical anomalies” which Harmon and Norton seem not to acknowledge or to understand. Let us try to help them.

1. Each Polling Station has three GECOM officials – a Presiding Officer, a poll clerk and a counting agent. GECOM, therefore, had 7017 officials in 2339 Polling Stations. Add to that the 2339 APNU/AFC polling agents and for the smaller parties 233 agents, being one out of every ten Polling Station. That gives a grand

total of 9589 non-PPP persons. What is the statistical probability of not one of these 9589 persons detecting a single one of the many thousands who according to Harmon, Norton and Williams committed impersonation on March 2, 2020?

2.

The indelible ink used to mark a voter’s index finger takes days and weeks to disappear or wash out.

What is the statistical probability of even 1 per cent of Norton’s 80,000 cleaning off their ink and finding someone looking like them, with a marching ID card turning up at these Polling Stations again and getting past 9589 persons? Not to mention the 2339 Police Officers standing at the entrance of the Polling Stations to deter various forms of voting offences.

3.

What is the statistical probability of all these cases of double voting for and on behalf of double and multiple voting timing their entry to the hundreds of Polling Stations so as to avoid the visits by the scores of foreign and local observers including those from the pro-Government GPSU? 4.

What is the statistical probability of the APNU/ AFC-infested GECOM Secretariat led by Lowenfield and Myers employing not one, not one hundred, not one thousand, but 7017 individuals who could possibly be so inept not to detect a single anomaly on voting day?

5.

What is the statistical probability of all 2339 APNU/AFC polling agents being so collectively incompetent, blind, dumb and asleep that they are unable to detect or report a single case of the type of anomaly of which the APNU/AFC recounting agents are now claiming took place on a scale so massive that the elections are no longer credible?

6.

The PPP/C gained 202,000 votes in 2015 and 232,000 votes in 2020. If we take away Harmon’s 86,000 votes from the PPP/ C’s 2020 votes, they are left with 146,000 votes. What is

the statistical probability of a party that had trashed the APNU and the AFC in November 2018 municipal elections by a margin of 1.8:1 losing 37 per cent of its voter support between 2015 and 2020?

7.

If Harmon’s 86,000 figure is correct, it means that 20 per cent of the votes cast in 2020 are invalid.

What is the statistical probability of one out of every five votes cast being unlawful in a thoroughly paper-based elections?

Like Williams, I am relying on the skewed Order 60 that was rigged away from a recount to a farcical audit.

The foolishness being pedalled by Harmon, Norton and Williams and their Recount agents cannot pass the commonsense test. GECOM ought not to have been accepted and encouraged and accepted such nonsense in the first place. When all these statistical probabilities are added together, they have moved to the realm of impossibility. Note that I am using a matrix clearly consistent with Order 60.

I will not presume to tell Claudette Singh what she should do with the recurring theme of unsubstantiated anomalies in the Observation Reports. It is clear that they have no merit. But so too was the fraudulent tabulation of Mingo, Volda Lawrence and Lowenfield which Claudette Singh has preserved rather than investigated. Instead, quite outside of her and GECOM’s jurisdiction, she is pursuing baseless allegations in violation of her own principle in the Esther Perreira case that he who asserts must prove.

Finally, I draw attention to the opinion of Chief Justice Roberts of the US Supreme Court in a decision handed two days ago in a COVID-19related case: improbability and its converse are fundamental to the determination of litigated issues.

Dear Editor, The dispatch of a lawyer’s letter to the Registrar General at the GRO, Louis Crawford, in light of questions about unauthorised access to records, emphasises the lines of responsibility and the fact that it is public servants who are being asked, first, to account for certain actions.

This makes it clear that public servants must resist any unlawful instruction from the de facto APNU/ AFC coalition Government.

There are legal ramifications for public servants – be it the GRO Registrar or any other office holder in

the public service – and this is something that must be recognised. Why? Because there has been silence from the de facto APNU/AFC coalition on the issue of unauthorised access to records; it is the Registrar who is being asked to answer. The fervour of the coalition’s agents in touting the death certificate it accessed, under questionable means, is absent in the face of questions about unauthorised access. Public servants are left alone to answer the questions.

Secondly, the de facto APNU/AFC coalition has been a caretak-

er Government since July 2019 and its actions have been restricted to routine functions. The ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on July 12, 2019, said: “By convention, the Government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority.” Also, since the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the APNU/AFC coalition has moved to being a de facto Government. Considering the status of the coalition in office, if public servants carry out unlawful instructions, it is not difficult to

reason which way a court of law may lean if those unlawful instructions are challenged.

I would like to urge all public servants to resist unlawful instructions or document these unlawful instructions to safeguard themselves.

The future of our country is at stake. At no cost can the democratic transition of Government be derailed and there is a role of our public servants in ensuring that this does not happen.

Sincerely, Christopher Ram

Public servants should resist unlawful instructions

Sincerely, Nalinie Singh

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

Tension is high: two viruses are too much!

Dear Editor, Editor, with each passing day, the crisis in Guyana continues to heighten. Our people face a situation of significantly depleted financial resources, without the authority of Parliament approvals, given that the National Assembly did not reach for approximately eighteen months. Parliament remains effectively dissolved since December 30, 2019, even as the global COVID pandemic presents health challenges with the uncertainty of a cure, and as GECOM continues the non-stop ‘hopscotch.’

As patently deadly as COVID-19 has proved to be, an equally deadly strain of our nation’s sustained pains has been the compromised performance of the Region

Four Returning Officer, Mr Mingo; and the likes of Myers, Lowenfield, and the fragrant Vincent Alexander whose role he has allowed a continuous abusive misrepresentation in advancing Mr Granger’s agenda. Their cancer ensures a sustained spew of malignant materials and we have had the new scars being created in the same area before the old scar could heal.

Guyana has had an unleashing of the PNC/APNU/ AFC’s cheating vengeance perpetrated by this cabal, who now seek to use their fraudulent executions in discrediting the elections after realising that the will of the people have been forcibly expressed through their votes.

Instead of investigating the

obvious and evidence-based compromise of Mr Mingo’s glaring fraud, new unsolicited and baseless claims outside of GECOM’s scope are being illegally treated in an attempt to vitiate the elections. This is although the ongoing recount shows otherwise and validates that the PPP/C won.

It is recalled that in her affidavit filed in the High Court, Retired Justice Claudette Singh reaffirmed her commitment as Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission to oversee a fair and transparent electoral process. Justice Singh, who was listed as a respondent in the case filed by APNU/AFC candidate Ulita Moore to block a recount, also stated that “once there

Dear Editor, With all that took place over the last week, the 2020 General and Regional Elections will be hardfought and divisive. The COVID-19 pandemic has already caused major disruptions to our elections system, with the risk that other real elements will further disrupt the elections significantly, but there is also a significant risk that the APNU/ AFC caretaker Government will manufacture crises to undermine election results they don’t like. These fake crises can undercut trust in the accuracy of election outcomes, inflame partisan tensions, and destabilise our democracy. The lies, misconceptions, and false arguments that are being peddled by the APNU/AFC that our voters have to contend with during these elections are unacceptable efforts to manipulate our military forces by allegedly claiming that their votes were compromised. This is irresponsible and spurious and has no merit. The Disciplined Services turned out in their numbers on February 21, 2020, to cast their ballots as a part of their constitutional right. From all reports, 82 per cent turned out, which amounted to a total of 8369 votes from a list totalling 10,226 eligible voters.

It was considered by all as problem-free voting by the Disciplined Services. It was public knowledge that the Disciplined Services’ ballots were going to be stamped on election Day, March 2, 2020. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in a media release stated that the ballot papers issued to members of the Disciplined Services would not be stamped with the official six-digit stamp when they are given to ranks for them to vote, instead, stamping of those ballots would be done on Election Day, March 2, 2020 – when they are sent to be intermixed and counted at Polling Stations where it will be Gazetted, as is re-

quired by law.

GECOM in a statement said “GECOM takes this opportunity to guarantee that the votes cast by all members of the Disciplined Services will be counted on Election Day, March 2, 2020. The entire process ie voting, sorting and intermixing relative to voting by members of the Disciplined Forces are being observed by agents of the political parties and local and international observers”.

It is clear to all that GECOM is the governing body at all the Polling Stations across the length and breadth of Guyana. It is the responsibility of the (PO) Presiding Officers at the Polling Stations to ensure that those ballots were stamped with the official six-digit stamp, using the numbers that was created through the participation of all the political parties present that the Polling Station on March 2, 2020.

The APNU/AFC agents at the stations continue to make ridiculous objections, allegedly selecting random serial numbers to object to.

APNU/AFC leadership is not to be trusted, they are on a “stories” path and are throwing allegations after allegations which has now been established to be true. I can assure you, Dear Editor, that the media have looked into several of the these allegations and have proven them to be all to be lies (false). The clear intent here by the APNU/AFC is to frustrate the recount process, delay the recount and create opportunities to have their two stronghold areas, District Four and District 10, counted simultaneously to cause confusion, mischief and corruption during the final days of the recount, energising APNU/ AFC’s two bases with mudslinging, registering more allegations, dirty tricks and falsehood in an effort to undermine the final efforts of the recount. “Something is fishy,” the recount is taking too long, with the exclusion

of The Carter Center from the National Recount of the ballots “one must wonder what is the real motive for rejecting The Carter Center and when will the true answer surface itself?”

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh must act responsibly and establish command over GECOM’s looseness. It’s the GECOM Chair’s own words that said: “he who asserts must prove”. In another twist of events, allegations are surfacing that GECOM is writing the Chief Immigration Officer to verify whether migrants who are alleged to have voted, were out of Guyana on Election Day. This is a shocking turn in the narrative being played out, why would GECOM attempt to undertake such a task when it is the APNU/ AFC that has that burden of proof to do so? It seems that GECOM thinks its sole obligation is to the APNU/AFC Administration.

Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, the People’s Progressive Party Executive, Mr Anil Nandlall made clear that even the NGSA student can understand that any challenge to the validity of the elections, whether through fraud or administrative incompetence, should be the subject of an elections petition in the court.

These false claims also undermine trust in the integrity of our elections process, and they are particularly inflammatory because of their intersection with race and immigration.

It is my belief that the Guyana Elections Commission and the David Granger-led APNU/AFC caretaker Government must be concerned about Mingo’s barefaced methods of rigging Guyana’s General and Regional Elections of March 2020 in front of Guyanese and the international community.

“Something is fishy”, the recount is taking too long

Sincerely, David Adams

is evidence that the electoral process was compromised, then to ensure impartiality, fairness, and compliance with the Constitution, the Commission is constitutionally mandated to intervene to ensure public confidence in the electoral process.”

Mingo’s recognised glaring actions that compromised the Region Four results were indeed the basis in this case for Justice Singh’s commitment to the High Court. To address the situation, she publicly committed to using the recount process in exercising her statutory duties to engender transparency and accountability and thereby to ensure impartiality and fairness.” It was subsequently made public that the full Commission, including the Chair, had agreed to the recount. There can be no other basis now for the final determination of the winner other than the recount results.

Without any doubt, Guyanese will register 2019 in history as a year when our Parliament did not function, and a de facto APNU/ AFC cabal went on an unsolicited spending spree. They emptied the Treasury and then tried desperately to woo the Opposition PPP/C to return to Parliament, to

get the National Assembly to ‘rubber stamp’ the billions in over-spending. The vibrant PPP/C Opposition had repeatedly warned against the bullish incredulous behaviour and rejected the sinister trap. As such, with no approved supplemental, the cabal fears that they will be held accountable.

Further, there was no parliamentary-approved budget for the fiscal year 2020. It is also public knowledge that the APNU/AFC cabal again spent massively in an attempt to keep themselves in office. The activity at the Ocean View Hotel started with the Government announcing that they were spending a mere one million dollars to do some preparation work for a COVID-19 holding centre. The APNU/ AFC went on a spending spree; lavishly spending billions of dollars on that outfit which floods and will remain an improper place for any COVID-19 activity.

While it is known that the COVID-19 situation is caused by the existence of an indeed serious pandemic, coronavirus, this wicked caretaker Government is using the virus to blatantly discriminate against our people. The breaking up of the GAWU peaceful protest

at Uitvlught is a serious infringement on workers’ rights. The denial of the reputable Carter Center and the IRI observers from coming to Guyana is an unpardonable sin by this Government.

The hauling of senior citizens who were picketing peacefully, in full compliance with the COVID-19 regulations, wearing their face masks while standing ten feet apart before the court to answer charges, is outright brutish harassment and will have to come to an end.

Further, as the Granger cabal continues to use the COVID-19 Task Force to deny the additional counting stations, the ‘recount’ process is being slowed. However, the recount is confirming that the PPP’s Statements of Poll that they received from GECOM on the night of the Election on March 2 are true and correct.

Enough is enough! So let it be known that tens of thousands of Guyanese citizens are prepared to protest and reject any unfathomable position assumed at the end of this recount. COVID or not, two viruses are too much!

Dear Editor, It is a beautiful, compassionate and caring suggestion by the Private Sector Commission to consider allowing returning Guyanese "who are tested negative before and upon arrival for coronavirus" to be home quarantined. Unlike other countries, Guyana is not equipped with adequate facilities to accommodate the return of the 300 stranded Guyanese who are pleading to return to their homes. It would prove very costly to obtain a standard fit for quarantining suspected coronavirus patients up to the standard of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as indicated in this article: Considerations for quarantine of individuals in the context of containment for coronavirus disease, "Those who are in quarantine must be placed in adequately ventilated, spacious single rooms with en suite facilities (that is, hand hygiene and toilet facilities). If single rooms are not available, beds should be placed at least 1 metre apart."

Quoting from the article by WHO word for word, "Possible settings for quarantine include hotels, dormitories, other facilities catering to groups, or the contact's home. Regardless of the setting, an assessment must ensure that the appropriate conditions for safe and effective quarantine are being met. When home quarantine

is chosen, the person should occupy a well-ventilated single room, or if a single room is not available, maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from other household members, minimise the use of shared spaces and cutlery, and ensure that shared spaces (such as the kitchen and bathroom) are well ventilated.”

Amongst the 300 Guyanese who may be allowed entry, there would be families of a couple, with 3, 4 or even more, there are high chances that most, if not all, of these families are returning to their own homes that have been locked up since their departure. There is no reason why a typical family of 4 that is on vacation together should suddenly be separated into separate single rooms after returning home.

If the major issue at hand is the lack of social distancing amongst Guyanese, then forcing a meagre 300 Guyanese to be quarantined outside of their homes would not solve this problem. As you have mentioned, isn't it the citizens of Guyana’s right now who are in Guyana who lack the practice of social distancing? It would be more appropriate for the Government of Guyana to quarantine every single Guyanese from each other or to, better yet, target the source of the problem; the market, stores and super-

markets that do not enforce the minimum 3 ft distancing, and the limitation of non-essential businesses.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Yes to home quarantine for returning Guyanese If I must spell it out for those who do not understand, majority of the 300 Guyanese who are pleading to return home are coming from countries with little or no coronavirus cases: Trinidad (0), Aruba (0), St Martin (2), St Vincent and the Grenadines (12), Barbados (9); with the exception of USA and Cuba, but the number of cases has reduced to less than 0.0013 per cent of the population.

Penultimately, your fellow citizens are pleading to return home because they are financially unable to stay in another country when all their assets are in Guyana.

Plainly put, it would be more detrimental to leave your own citizens to suffer away from home and, more costly to even consider sending aid.

Lastly, our hardworking administrators have produced an article outlining the conditions required to be granted acceptance to return home. One of the conditions is: They must be tested negative at least 2 days prior to arrival. Anyone who is tested positive will not be allowed entry. Therefore, they are not coming home as infected people, so why should they be denied quarantine in the comfort of their own homes?

Sincerely, Al-Ahmad Omar

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 19

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Has GECOM Secretariat gone rogue? – Jonas questions …probing claims of voter fraud beyond GECOM’s remit – ANUG …GECOM Chair silent on claims of investigation

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hairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Timothy Jonas is questioning whether the Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have control over the actions of their Secretariat following the revelation that it has undertaken the task of investigating unsubstantiated claims of voter irregularities.

GECOM pro-coalition Commissioner, Vincent Alexander on Friday related that the Secretariat had written to the Chief Immigration Officer requesting the corroboration of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) allegations of migrated persons voting on Elections Day. The Keith Lowenfield headed Secretariat is, according to Alexander, seeking immigration records of persons APNU/AFC identified as being out of the jurisdiction and having cast a ballot. This claim has been thrown around by the coalition leaders and its agents but they are yet to provide substantial evidence of this ever occurring.

As a matter of fact, several persons who the coalition objected to as being out of the country on March 2, have publicly come out to refute those claims.

Rogue Secretariat?

“I find it worrying that one member of a 7-man Commission can take it on himself to come here [before the press] and make that statement when in the same breath GECOM is saying they don’t know anything about it and didn’t give any such instruction.

So, the question I have to ask if Alexander’s statement is true - that the Secretariat is doing this [investigation].

Have the Secretariat gone rogue? Are they acting on their own, without instructions from GECOM?” Jonas questioned.

He went on to express no confidence in Lowenfield, his Deputy Roxane Meyers and his Personal Assistant Duarte Hetsberger.

“I don’t know these people personally but I’ve seen their actions. I’ve seen their conduct,” he expressed.

The attorney went on to question what or who empowers the Secretariat to act of its own accord when the Commission is yet to make a collective decision on the way forward. Jonas spared Alexander no mercy when it came to the claims of investigation seeking answers as to why Alexander seems bent on going against the very Commission of which he is a part.

The ANUG Chair said the developments are worrying since Alexander seems to know more than meets the eye. In this regard, he called on GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh to

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Chairman, Timothy Jonas

step up and lead.

“It is time for the Chairman of GECOM, now that Mr Alexander has come to make that statement, to inform Guyana what GECOM’s position is on it.

Whether GECOM has given these instructions,” he said.

Jonas further added that the time is now for Justice Singh to pellucidly say whether GECOM is collecting evidence on the allegations and how it is doing so.

Compromised

The General and Regional Elections of 2020 has been plagued by legal challenges and one thing that the courts established was that GECOM is autonomous and independent and that it must do its job properly.

According to Jonas, he fully supports that principle but in the same breath noted that himself and the entire of Guyana know that GECOM has been compromised following the actions of Returning Officer for District Four (DemeraraMahaica), Clairmont Mingo and a selected few.

He noted that if GECOM is to do its job properly then it will have to use its record of who voted once the proper procedure was followed.

He urged persons, as well as the Commission, to compare and contrast the discredited figures by Mingo with that coming out of the ongoing recount.

Jonas contended that “GECOM is not qualified to do that [investigate allegations], that is for the court.

So, it would be wrong in my view for GECOM to try to do that and if they did that, I would say they are acting wrongly,” he added.

Beyond GECOM’s remit

In a letter to the GECOM Chair, ANUG reiterated Jonas’s contention that investigating the APNU/ AFC’s allegations would be outside of the remit of the Elections Commission.

AUNG Executive Kian Jabour expressed concern over reports that GECOM Secretariat has reached out to Government agencies to corroborate claims made by the APNU/AFC about dead and migrant voters.

In the first place, he noted

that GECOM Commissioner Alexander seems to be the only Commissioner who knows that the Secretariat has taken these steps.

According to Jabour, it is alarming to think that the Secretariat would act without the authorisation of the Commission, a case of the tail wagging the dog.

The party also noted that even if the Secretariat was acting on the Commission’s instructions, it would be unlawful for the Secretariat to conduct “a trial to receive evidence from external sources” and investigate APNU/ AFC’s claims of electoral fraud. Such matters are for an election petition.

Alexander alleges

In what can clearly be described as a clear attempt to kerfuffle, Alexander on Saturday told the press that the letter to the Chief Immigration Officer was sent by the GECOM

Chair. He now claims that the Chair informed the Commissioners in a meeting just over a week ago.

However, Justice Singh remains silent on whether she was the one who dispatched the letter.

Alexander had claimed that the electoral body’s Secretariat—headed by Chief Elections Officer, Lowenfield—had written to the Chief Immigration Officer in order to ascertain whether persons identified as voted by APNU/AFC agents were in fact out of the jurisdiction on Elections Day. The disclosure has since been observed as exposing an informal alliance between Lowenfield’s Secretariat, since this information had not been ordered by the Commission nor shared outside of the Secretariat to any of the other Commissioners.

Responding to the “startling disclosure that the

GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has been silent on where the instructions for the Secretariat to investigate claims of dead voters came from

Secretariat has written, or is about to write certain public authorities requesting certain information relative to the allegations which APNU/AFC have been making” People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) tabulation agent, Anil Nandlall reminded that the Secretariat is subordinate to the Commission.

Sase Gunraj, a PPP/ C-nominated GECOM Commissioner, had earlier told reporters the Commission has made no

such decision and further, no such diktat has been passed down to the Secretariat for implementation.

According to the PPP/C Commissioner, “GECOM has taken no decision, the Commission has taken absolutely no decision in so far as it relates to treating with any of the issues that have arisen or may arise during this recount process, in so far as they are recorded, either in individual observation reports or compiled observation reports.”

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Another 4000 COVID-19 test kits donated by PAHO T

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) continues to make significant contributions during the COVID-19 crisis, as 4000 more testing kits were donated to the Public Health Ministry.

Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow told the media on Friday that over 10,000 kits were given to Guyana since the pandemic started. Each kit is complete, comprising a swab, transport medium, a special enzyme, probes, and primer.

He explained that these supplies were to be stored at a specific temperature before and after a sample is collected, which caused one batch to be damaged during transport. Nevertheless, it was replaced.

After a test is conducted, health officials are required to transport the sample to the National Public Health

PAHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow

Reference Laboratory in Georgetown within 24 hours.

“It comes with a bottle that you put the swab in that you transport it in.

It has to be transported in 24 hours and when it gets

to the lab, we have primers, probes that they use…

If you have a small sample, it can be magnified so that you can actually see the virus particles. Then we have the enzymes that react to the particles,” Dr Adu-Krow outlined.

There are many factors to be considered before a person is listed as a suspected case. These include anyone with a fever and cough or difficulty breathing within the last 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms; a person with recent travel history to a COVID-19 infected country; if there is community transmission during that time, or contact with a confirmed case; or exposure to a health facility where there are cases of the virus.

If a person omits or conceals any aspect of this information, it is likely that they might not be tested

while they are possibly carrying the virus. From the time the sample reaches the lab, it takes eight hours for the results to be available.

Recently, Director of Disease Control, Dr Nadia Liu reassured the populace that the standard for testing ensured that there were no anomalies in the results.

“The country has adopted the World Health Organisation’s Recommendations on testing…The test that we use at the Reference Lab has more than 95 per cent sensitivity and specificity. What that basically means is that the first two genomic fragments are specific for all SARSCOVID virus and the third fragment is only detectable for COVID-19 virus.

That’s why this test is not a screening test, it’s a confirmation test,” Dr Liu has been quoted as saying.

Making…

I

…their own laws n their ongoing campaign to ensure the Guyanese public gets a thorough grounding into the intricacies and minutiae of constitutional, procedural and civil law, the PNC has now decided to challenge Chairwoman Claudette’s dictum that “He who asserts must prove”.

This is part of the law of evidence, and deals with who has the “burden of proof” in any matter brought before the courts. Meaning that, say, you haul me to the courts alleging that I stole your fowlcock, then the law demands that you offer proof that I did in fact purloin the said avian creature. Innocent until PROVEN guilty, and all that.

But, yesterday, a funny thing happened on the way to the ACCC, where representatives of the parties and GECOM Commissioners amble over to give their take on the day’s proceedings, or throw in a bombshell or two.

PNC Commissioner Vincent Alexander decided to indulge in the latter diversion.

He announced that his party had submitted some 600 objections to GECOM on folks who’d allegedly (they, of course, insisted it was a fact!!) voted even though they were out of the country!! But hadn’t it been made clear, over the years since 1992, that such allegations had to be brought before a court in an elections petition for investigation? Hadn’t the PNC brought such a petition after the 1997 elections; which the now GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, then sitting on the Bench, had thrown out??

Now, don’t get confused…the PNC had raised another technicality about ID cards being required to vote, even though they’d agreed to it in Parliament, and Claudette had ruled for them on that ground.

So how could GECOM now arrogate to itself a power the Constitution gave to the Courts in Article 163?? Not to worry, this is the PNC we’re dealing with!! Alexander referred to Regulation 40 of the National Registration Act (NRA) as the authority by which GECOM could ask the Commissioner of Registration (COR) to ask the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) for the immigration records.

Problem is, the NRA has only 27 sections!! We know that, back in the day, the PNC had flown its flag over the Appellate Court, so maybe they’re now flying it over Parliament Buildings so they can unilaterally create whatever laws they desire??

Even though PPP Commissioner Gunraj denied that the Elections Commission had made any such decision, your Eyewitness has no doubt that either the Chair or the CEO had in fact done so. As he’d predicted, the PNC will have its way, and to hell with the law of the land. …common cause Your Eyewitness continues to be amazed at the circling of the wagons in the African-Guyanese intelligentsia to protect David Granger and his PNC’s rigging. The extreme Marxist Clive Thomas had long made his loyalties known.

He didn’t even utter a squeak when David Granger shuttered the 4 sugar estates, even though the COI he had chaired proposed otherwise. On the other end of the spectrum, there was the arch-capitalist Eric Philips, who was even co-opted into Thomas’s SARA to garnish the wealth that the PPP had been accused of pilfering.

In the left of centre are the Black Nationalists such as David Hinds, Lincoln Lewis and Ogunseye; and over in the middle are the professorial types such as George Danns and Havelock Brewster. Ivelaw Griffith was always there as an ole YSM type. Even “moderates” like Mark Kirton are now joined at the hip to extremists like Mark Benschop and Rickford Burke.

Imagine, all these “educated” men can actually look at people and say that Mingo didn’t commit fraud at Ashmin’s!!

There’s none so blind… …Burnham spin In his classic speech, “People’s power, no dictator”, Walter Rodney compared PNC riggers to the “Three Card” hustlers who boasted, “The more you watch, the less you see!”

Under Granger, they couldn’t even execute a sleight of hand!!

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

NEWS

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Berbice labourer stabbed to death by brother

The suspect being arrested after he fatally stabbed his brother and fled the scene

A

Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) labourer is now dead after he was stabbed to the chest by his younger brother during a row over land.

Dead is 45-year-old Sarananand Bisnath called “Sardanan” and “Long Hair” of Back Street, Shieldstown.

His 44-year-old brother has since been arrested.

Reports are that the two brothers were imbibing when a verbal disagreement erupted over land.

At the time, the now

who was still sitting in the hammock.

Sarananand tried to bar the vicious attacks and as a result, sustained a cut on the right arm. The knife, however, ended up stabbing him to the chest in the vicinity of his heart.

The injured man reportedly got out of the hammock and the two were engaged in a scuffle until Sarananand finally freed himself. He took a few steps before collapsing.

The suspect then fled the scene. However, the police were alerted and he was subsequently arrested in the

The Back Street, Shieldstown residence where the incident occurred

dead man was sitting in a hammock under the house eating food he had earlier purchased from a nearby Chinese restaurant.

The land the brothers were arguing over is owned by their father who lives in the same house with Sarananand. The suspect lives a short distance away.

The father was out on his farm when the incident occurred.

Guyana Times understands that during the argument, the younger brother armed himself with a knife and attacked Sarananand,

village.

Meanwhile, the lifeless body of the 45-year-old labourer was picked up and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA). It is awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME) which is expected to be done on Monday.

Villagers told this newspaper that the two brothers were frequently involved in heated arguments.

Nevertheless, the suspect remains in custody assisting Police with their investigation.

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Credible recount an opportunity to avoid sanctions – EU Ambassador …reminds that undemocratic Govt will not be recognised

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nce the national elections recount is credibly completed and the results generated accepted, Guyana will avoid being hit with sanctions from the European Union (EU) – which has once again warned that cooperation will be suspended if democracy fails.

This is according to the Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto, who, during an exclusive interview with <<<Guyana Times>>>, expressed that “the best thing I would like to do about sanctions is to prevent them.”

Concerns are being raised about the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition gearing up to reject the results emanating from the recount exercise. They have

already been refusing to sign off on the Certificates of Recount for district tabulation for several regions.

But Ambassador Ponz Canto reminded that the current recount is a “window of opportunity” to avoid sanctions.

“I want to be positive… there is a window of opportunity … it’s really no good that three months have passed since the elections and you still don’t have a fully established democratic Government.”

“But there is still an opportunity that everything ends well and by that, I mean that the party that won the popular vote on March 2 is recognised as the winner of the elections and forms a Government,” the EU diplomat said.

Referring to the Cotonou

Agreement – of which Guyana is a signatory – Ambassador Ponz Canto asserted that cooperation will be suspended if democracy fails.

The Cotonou Agreement is the framework of cooperation under which the EU works with the 79 countries of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group, including Guyana.

On March 13, the EU – along with the ABC countries – warned political players against leading Guyana into “isolation” by swearing in a President on the basis of results that are not credible.

The warning was made on the heels of remarks by agents of the APNU/ AFC who were determined to have their Presidential Candidate, David Granger,

Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto

sworn in on the basis of flawed results.

During the interview, the EU Ambassador reit-

erated that the “tabulation process for Region Four was not credible, [it] was not reflecting the will of the people, it was following a process that was not the right process.”

He went further to remind that the EU will not be recognising any undemocratic Government.

“If anybody thinks that we are going to change our position on that, because of time or because of other considerations, let me tell you that there are zero chances of that,” he asserted, clarifying that “change our position on the fact that if a non-democratic Government was to be installed, we will not deal with that as a democratic partner.”

But asked what would be the EU’s position should the results from the recount be rejected by one of the political parties, Ambassador Ponz Canto was optimistic that this would not happen.

Pointing out that the recount exercise was agreed upon by the top leaders from both sides of the political divide, he stated that “I trust that they would do everything in their hands to make sure that the recount results are respected. When I say results, let me be very clear, I mean the counting of the votes, the quantitative counting of the votes, which

in my humble understanding is the objective of any recount exercise.”

The EU Ambassador further highlighted that the purpose of a recount is to “count” and there are other avenues to address any other issues that may arise from the process.

The EU Ambassador reasoned that, so far, the recount process has proven to be “excellent”, and if at the end the recount is still excellent, “then the quantitative results are also accurate, and then they have to be recognised.”

Just last week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that only credible recount results can stave off sanctions.

Earlier this month, US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Ann Lynch also warned that sanctions are still on the table for Guyana over electoral fraud.

Like the EU Diplomat, she too noted that there is still an opportunity for Guyana to avoid sanctions from the US. “We are hopeful though, that we don’t have to go down that road.

Even if they’re at the ready, those tools, we don’t want to go down that road. And we’re in this recount process right now. My observation is that it’s going well,” she had stated.

Teacher, driver fined for breaching curfew

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driver along with a teacher, who were seen in a widely circulated video arguing with ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) after being caught breaching the national curfew, were hauled before the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

They were charged for breaching the curfew and disorderly behaviour.

The driver, 26-year-old Keron Daniels of Lot 136 Continental Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and 32-year-old Latoya Stanford, a teacher, of Lot 19 Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam and pleaded guilty to the charges.

The charge stated that on May 20 they both breached the curfew restrictions and were fined a total of $26,250 each. Further, Daniels was also charged with disorderly behaviour and pleaded not guilty and was released on $15,000 bail for that offence.

The prosecution’s case stated that on May 20, the two encountered Police ranks in front of the

Charged: Keron Daniels

Leonora Police Station at about 20:40h. According to the prosecution’s case, the driver was abusive to Police ranks after which Daniels drove away. Police gave chase and intercepted the vehicle at the Demerara Harbour Bridge at 21:30h.

During the Leonora incident, someone recorded and posted the video on Facebook. The driver can be seen in the video being abusive to ranks and in one instance, took out a hockey stick and attempted to hit a rank. The case will continue on August 27, 2020.

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Rodney, culture and unity revisited

T

he 40th anniversary of the death of Dr Walter Rodney is two weeks away. The CoI that examined the circumstances of his death had submitted its Report, but the APNU/AFC Government refused to make it public. But Rodney had made too much of an impact during his short life for his legacy to be reduced only to his death. At this time of heightened ethnic tensions, occasioned by the blatant rigging of the PNC, it is important to relook at his wider legacy, and maybe apply some of his insights on Black-Indian relations.

Rodney was deeply influenced by the three ideological currents that swept the Caribbean after WWII – Marxism, anticolonialism and Black Power/Pan-Africanism.

A Ravi Dev member of a study group that had coalesced around CLR James in London, he obviously agreed with the assessment of the great Marxist: “The race question is subsidiary to the class question in politics, and to think of imperialism in terms of race is disastrous. But to neglect the racial factor as merely incidental is an error only less grave than to make it fundamental.”

Rodney did not return to Guyana because of the complexities the racial hostilities had engendered among the Indian and African segments between 1962 and 1964. In Tanzania, where he taught at the University between 1966 and 1968, he criticised the transfer of power by the British to local African leaders as a “briefcase revolution” from a Marxist perspective. Refused a teaching appointment at UG in 1968, he went on to the Mona Campus of UWI, his alma mater, where he dismissed the Jamaican leader Hugh Shearer as another “briefcase leader” who refused to address the contradictions in WI society.

His slim 1969 book, “Grounding with my brothers”, summarised the lessons he took outside the classroom and into the “gullies” of Kingston. He opened their eyes to Black Power: “Black power is a doctrine about black people, for black people, preached by black people…. The colour of our skin is the most fundamental thing about us…. In doing so, I am not saying that is the way things ought to be. I am simply recognising the real world – that is the way things are.”

He pointed out the power of oppression to sustain identities: “So long as there are people who deny our humanity as blacks, for so long must we proclaim and assert our humanity as blacks.”

The furore generated by the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis reminds us of the universal streak of anti-African racism bequeathed to the world by “western civilisation”, but Rodney had a message for us in the Caribbean.

Speaking in Jamaica, with its 1% Indian population, and away from the challenges of his native Guyana, Rodney yet noted its racial divisions and pleaded for working class unity. He pointed out that, to “whites”, there was no difference between Africans and Indians: “Today some Indians (like some Africans) have joined the white power structure in terms of economic activity and culture; but the underlying reality is that poverty resides among Africans and Indians in the West Indies and that power is denied them. Black power in the West Indies, therefore, refers primarily to people who are recognisably African or Indian.”

Describing Black Power as “The hope of the black man (remember, Rodney uses this term to include both Black and Indian) that he should have power over his own destinies”, Rodney made a point that is very apropos to Guyana today: “This is not incompatible with a multiracial society where each individual counts equally. Because the moment that power is equitably distributed among the several ethnic groups then the very relevance of making the distinction between groups will be lost.”

But after he returned to Guyana in 1974, he acknowledged the continued salience of culture over class. While pointing out the homogenising impact of creolisation, Rodney conceded that Indians and Africans had not overcome their cultural differences to develop working class consciousness. In his last book, published posthumously in 1981, he concluded: “…the existing aspects of cultural convergence were insufficiently developed to contribute decisively to solidarity among the working people of the two major race groups. The obverse of this race-class conjuncture is that the development of class forces and class consciousness was inadequate to sustain unity of the working people across the barriers created by legal distinctions, racial exclusiveness, and the separate trajectories of important aspects of culture.”

Overcoming these “barriers” remains our challenge.

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NEWS

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Flaring only temporary, non-routine – ExxonMobil

…says gas compressors not fully commissioned

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n the wake of concerns expressed by an international group of environmentalists regarding the flaring of gas offshore Guyana by Exxon subsidiary Esso Exploration & Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the company has sought to assure that its flaring is only temporary and that ways are being found to use the gas, in the absence of any gas to shore facilities.

In an invited comment, Exxon Public Affairs Adviser Janelle Persaud explained that by design, EEPGL’s operations do not utilise routine flaring. According to her, they use the gas both to power the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and to reinject.

“Startup for Liza Phase 1 involves temporary, non-routine flaring to fully commission the gas compression and injection systems for safe operations as outlined in the approved environmental impact assessment and permit,” Persaud said.

“The Liza Phase 1 project design eliminates routine flaring by using produced gas to power the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel and by reinjecting gas into the res-

ervoir to conserve the gas and to improve oil recovery, thereby reducing emissions compared with traditional methods.”

According to her, they have since begun gas injection into the reservoir. Gas reinjection is a common process used by oil and gas operators to maintain pressure and enhance oil production by reinjecting gas back into the reservoir.

“We have successfully started up the gas handling system and begun gas injection into the reservoir.

We continue to safely complete final commissioning of the system. This process is operationally necessary, standard in the industry and consistent with related Guyanese laws,” Persaud said.

However, queries about how much gas was flared went unanswered.

It was only a few days ago that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director, Dr Adams said in an interview with this

publication that the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel being used by ExxonMobil had started reinjecting gas.

He had acknowledged that in normal circumstances, ExxonMobil is not allowed to routinely flare gas during production.

However, he noted that the flaring done by ExxonMobil is still catered for in their permit.

“The permit says they’re not allowed to flare routinely during production, except in cases of emergency and startup. They are in the startup mode here now. And what had happened is that the equipment was assembled onshore. It was tested on a different type of gas.

So when they brought it offshore, they had to test it with the gas that is going to be produced,” he explained.

Adams had also explained that ExxonMobil had to flare the gas anyway because, at the startup, all

the gas and accompanying pressure could not be reinjected.

According to Adams, going forward, flaring would not have been allowed once the project gets past this startup phase. However, he was confident that ExxonMobil now has the right design for its equipment.

But on Friday, the

Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) released a statement in which it called on the company to stop flaring gas offshore Guyana. CIEL claimed that the flaring exceeded the levels approved by the Government, a level that now puts Guyana among the top ten gas flaring countries in the world.

“The carbon dioxide

emissions from that flaring are approximately equivalent to the amount generated by Guyana’s entire population over three months,” CIEL said in its statement.

“And the problem risks getting worse over time as Exxon moves forward to extract the estimated 8 billion barrels of recoverable oil it has discovered off Guyana’s coast.”

SASOD offering free counselling, legal services for vulnerable groups

T

he Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination Guyana (SASOD) has announced free counselling and legal services for vulnerable persons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SASOD explained that the pandemic continues to present significant challenges for vulnerable communities, including women, girls, youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other queers (LGBTQ+), persons with disabilities, persons living with HIV, migrants, the elderly and those in extreme poverty.

“A key element to these challenges is the pandemic of gender-based violence,

SASOD President Joel Simpson

which disproportionately affects one in three women globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The sad reality is

that many women and girls who are trying to reduce the contraction of COVID-19 by observing quarantine and lockdown measures are confined to their homes with abusers. In many countries, there has been a significant increase in the number cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, as data from UNFPA,” SASOD said in a recent statement.

To this end, the human rights advocacy group underscored its concerns about the increase in incidents of cyber-bullying against LGBTQ+ persons in Guyana.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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MYO donates 400 more hampers to vulnerable groups

T

he Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) of Guyana has embarked on the distribution of another 400 food hampers to the poor, needy and vulnerable in Guyana.

MYO said that people are becoming more and more in need of assistance to cope with the struggles of their daily lives amid COVID-19, hence its distributions.

“Under these circum-

Some of the hampers that were distributed by the MYO

SASOD offering free counselling...

“Many of these cases are unreported and perpetrators are not held accountable,” it explained.

In addition, SASOD said that they are cognisant of the devastating and traumatic effects that these acts of violence have on the mental health of persons.

“Against this background, SASOD Guyana with support from the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition

(CVC), is offering free counselling sessions utilising Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms, as we continue to practice physical distancing. For survivors of gender-based violence, free legal services are also offered by our pool of CARIBONO lawyers through our Community Paralegal Services Programme,” the statement from SASOD detailed.

Meanwhile, persons who are interested in these services are asked to call, SMS or WhatsApp SASOD Guyana on mobile number +592 623 5155.

“These support services are life-saving and essential, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised among us”, the organisation added.

SASOD has been providing informal legal services to members of the

stances and as Muslims, we are commanded by Allah [God Almighty] to render assistance to those in need,” the organisation said on Saturday.

Recently, MYO distributed 500 food hampers to various communities throughout Guyana.

It said that it continues to work tirelessly to bring much-needed aid to families across Guyana.

FROM PAGE 13

LGBTQ+ community over the past years two years.

In 2018, the organisation established a more structured paralegal service initiative so that it can secure funding for such initiatives for vulnerable groups particularly the LGBTQ+ community.

Its services include a network of experienced attorneys that provide their services on a pro bono basis to the clients.

What you should know about Biodiversity

“I

’m very concerned for the future of the earth and its amazing creatures. We’ve got to be careful and make sure we don’t foul our own nest.” – John Lithgow Guyana joined many other countries around the world in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2020. With that, you would have probably read a lot about species’ and ecosystems’ diversity, and how some of the world’s biodiversity have had to be protected because of irresponsible human actions.

But what do these terms really mean, and what should you know about them?

Species: A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring of both genders, and separated from other such groups with which interbreeding does not (normally) happen.

Ecosystem diversity: The variety of ecosystems in a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their surroundings, e.g., forests, ponds, savannahs, marshes, etc.

Species diversity: This variety is the basis for distinguishing organisms into different groups, e.g., humans, insects, cats, dogs, fishes, palms, mangroves, etc. Species diversity plays a pivotal role in making life on earth expansive, captivating, and unique.

Although biologists are not really sure how many species live on earth, they have agreed that it is an astronomical number, since the estimates range from about 2 million to about 100 million.

Genetic diversity: Within each species there is a genetic variability, causing each organism from the same group to be different. One example of diversity within species is dogs; dogs are a single species, but there are many different “breeds” of dogs. The same applies to members of a family; for example, you may have inherited similar genes, but everyone has their unique features.

Factors affecting biodiversity Extinction According to scientists, since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, when man began to use a lot of machinery to make work easier, a large number of species have become extinct.

And according to research, human actions have accelerated the rate of extinction to between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than natural extinction.

Habitat loss, degradation & fragmentation A rapidly increasing human population and the quest for wealth have been causing significant degradation on the world’s ecosystems. Since the habitat and food are specific to the species, such disruption has affected species’ productivity due to factors such as food shortage, increase in predators, etc.

Invasive alien species This is a very important cause of extinction which is usually overlooked.

However, invasive alien species can invade an ecosystem and out-compete the native species, thereby forcing them out. It’s basically about a foreign species coming into an environment and adapting so well that they force the native species out.

Pollution This is another factor which poses serious threats to species. Since many species are habitat- and food- specific, contaminants can alter the habitat and food supply of species, thereby affecting their productivity and survival. Plastic pollution, especially that of single-use plastics, has been very detrimental to our biodiversity, hence the call to eliminate single-use plastics from our environment.

Climate Change

This is a single indispensable factor which threatens species and ecosystems. The distribution of many species is largely determined by climate. In addition, many species of birds and marine turtles are migratory. The change in climate would shift this distribution and affect the productivity of species, since climate can become relatively unpredictable and difficult to forecast. Further, changes in climate would cause changes in ecosystems and ultimately habitats, hence many species would be unable to adapt to these changes in conditions, thereby accelerating the rate of their extinction.

As a result of the issues of habitat loss and degradation of the environment due to pollution, deforestation, and more direct threats such as overhunting and trapping, many species are becoming endangered.

Endangered species such as the Harpy Eagle, Giant Anteater and Jaguar, which are all found here in Guyana, are at an overall low in population size in the world today. As a result, if existing populations are not monitored through conservation efforts, they may soon be added to the list of extinct species.

As such, the work done in Guyana over the past years has been especially vital in conserving our wild flora and fauna. Some of the actions that have been implemented include: 1. Development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan; 2. Development of a National Biosafety Bill and Regulations; 3. Establishment of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) as the National Biosafety Lab; 4. Development of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act; 5. The crafting of regulations on access to genetic resources and benefit sharing; 6. Establishment of protected areas; and 7. Hosting of training workshops, community projects and awareness programmes on addressing biodiversity issues.

As we continue to celebrate our achievements in biodiversity conservation, we call for the continued support of relevant agencies and you, the general public, to ensure our natural wealth is preserved; since we all benefit from the goods and services biodiversity provides.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our World Environment Day activities, to learn more about biodiversity and what you can do to help.

Participate in our video challenge, which ends on June 05, 2020, to showcase your backyard biodiversity and win fabulous prizes. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more details.

Sources • https://www.trvst.world/foa/biodiversity/biodiversity-quotes/ • https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/what-is-biodiversity • https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/biodiversity/ •https://www.cropscience.bayer.com/people-planet/biodiversity? msclkid=6d0ab59de37e18f8f024eb563eb5949a&gclid=CP3Rl4ukzkCFYp3gQodCy0M8w&gclsrc=ds You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: The Environmental Protection Agency, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

NEWS

15

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fact check destroys APNU/AFC's claims of electoral fraud …coalition trying to trick GECOM into new delaying tactic – PPP

Is the COVID-19 pandemic a blessing in disguise for Guyana’s macroeconomic recovery?

– presents golden opportunity for economic restructuring and cleaning of fiscal mess

A

ccording to the United Nations Special Report on Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the economic impacts of COVID-19, the region is facing the pandemic from a weaker position, compared to the rest of the world. Prior to the pandemic, it was projected that the region would grow by a maximum of 1.3% in 2020. This forecast has now been revised in view of the effects of the crisis, and GDP is now expected to fall by 1.8%.

That notwithstanding, the report acknowledged that the final economic impact would depend on the actions taken at the national, regional and global levels. The report highlighted that the region has been affected through five external transmission channels: (i) The decline in economic activity of the region’s main trading partners, and the effects of that decline: The region is heavily dependent on exports, the volume and value of which would be reduced by the global recession. The full extent of this reduction depends on the sectoral structure of each country. (ii) The drop in commodity prices: The sharp decline in those prices, and deterioration in the terms of trade, will have a strong negative impact on the income levels of Latin American economies that depend on those exports, although with significant differences among them. Contraction in global demand would play a major role in decrease in commodity prices. Further, the geopolitical crisis in the oil market led to a 24% reduction in prices in less than a week, in early March. (iii) The interruption of global value chains: The disruption of supply chains, starting with Chinese suppliers and followed by producers in Europe and the United States, would mainly affect Mexico and Brazil, whose manufacturing sectors are the largest in the region. (iv) Lower demand for tourism services: Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) in particular may be severely affected. (v) Greater risk aversion and worsening global financial conditions: This situation leads to higher demand for safe assets (for example, rates of return on United States Securities have reached historically low levels); lower demand for the region’s financial assets; and significant depreciation of countries’ currencies, as is currently the case.

Is COVID-19 a blessing in disguise for Guyana’s fiscal stability?

Over the last two years, and of recent, this column has dealt extensively with the state of the country’s finances; that is: Government expenditure and revenue, the national stock of debt, and the Government’s deposit accounts at the Central Bank. In particular, it was contended that Guyana could be on the verge of bankruptcy should certain trends of Government borrowing (from the Central Bank) and spending on consumption goods continue at the rate they were going before the onset of COVID-19; especially since those trends were coupled with a significant widening of the balance-of-payment deficit driven largely by imports of capital goods for the oil and gas-related activities, and dwindling international reserves from the equivalent of 4 or 5 months’ worth of import cover to less than two months’ worth of import cover.

These trends would certainly have induced a sharp depreciation in the exchange rate; depletion of the reserves; a mountain of domestic debt, that ought to be repaid from tax revenues; and inability to service the external debt if the international reserves are depleted to record low levels.

Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated closure of the borders and a halt, more or less, to global trade, except for essential items such as medical and food supplies. This, together with low oil prices, would effectively have allowed for savings in fuel imports, which are usually in excess of US$500 million. Further, a decline in the importation of other consumer goods and an upsurge in the price of gold are helping to stabilise the economy, inter alia, maintaining a stable exchange rate.

The National Recount exercise will come to an end soon, and it is expected that a legitimate Government would be installed.

The road to recovery would therefore be one of the greatest priorities of any responsible Government, given the absence of resources in the current state of the political economy, and the lack of appropriate support packages thereof. The policymakers henceforth ought to recognise the opportunities present to rebuild the economy, starting with food security. It is uncertain when the pandemic would be over, but in such times of difficulty, the growing demand for food in the region presents opportunities to scale up the country’s productive capacity, and channel the appropriate investments in this sector.

On the fiscal side, the opportunity for a legitimate Government to negotiate debt forgiveness and restructuring in order to create the much-needed fiscal space to facilitate the rebuilding of the economy ought to be recognised as of paramount importance.

By: JC. Bhagwandin, MSc., Exec Cert.

(The author is a macro-finance and research analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com).

O

n Saturday and under immense pressure to prove their allegations of electoral fraud, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) spokesman Joseph Harmon made a video broadcast in which he alleged widespread electoral fraud and accused the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of not doing enough to address their allegations.

In fact, Harmon gave some specific examples of this alleged fraud. He claimed that 352 ballots were issued for ballot box 7079 (Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Phillipai Primary School), but 377 ballots were discovered in the ballot boxes.

This, however, is not true, as a fact check of the Statement of Recount (SoR) for ballot box 7079 shows that 227 votes were actually cast, of which 223 were valid votes. The SoR was completed and certified by all the parties, including an APNU/AFC counting agent, on May 28 - two days before Harmon’s comment.

According to the SoR, the four rejected ballots contained one that was unmarked or voided for uncertainty, one that was marked in a way that the elector could be identified and two

Seven, Regina’s Shop).

Harmon’s claim falls apart when one checks the observation report for that ballot box, which states that box 7002 was mixed up with box 7003 at the time of the recount and that “no other error was found with this box.” Again, this report was signed off by political parties that included APNU/AFC.

Spinning lies

In a stinging response soon after Harmon’s comments, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) slammed the coalition for continuing to spin lies in an attempt to discredit the electoral process and delay the final declaration of results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

The party said that it merits repeating that the APNU/AFC coalition claimed victory on the basis of the results declared prior to the start of the National Recount, embracing the fraudulent Region Four declaration. “With the recount progressing and the fraud perpetrated in Region Four being exposed, the coalition has changed its tune, now claiming electoral fraud by the PPP/C. This ludicrous position underscores the desperation of the coalition, in the face of an electoral de-

The observation report for ballot box 7003

New delaying tactics

During his video broadcast, Harmon had railed against GECOM for not “positively” responding to their allegations. According to Harmon, they have written almost a dozen letters to GECOM urging that an investigation be launched before the votes in the other regions are announced.

The PPP made it clear

Fact: 223 votes were cast for ballot box 7079 and not 377 or even 352, as claimed by Joseph Harmon

whereby the elector voted for more than one party.

Meanwhile, another example Harmon gave on Saturday of alleged ‘fraud’, which upon checking turned out to be untrue, was that the wrong list was found in ballot box 7003 (Region

feat. The PPP will continue to expose the lies being peddled by the APNU/AFC coalition and will continue its efforts to ensure that the ongoing National Recount is not derailed, but completed to allow for a democratic transition of Government.”

that from all indications, APNU/AFC is trying to trick GECOM into following it down a path to delay the declaration of the final results, by having it investigate these allegations.

“The APNU/AFC coalition seems intent on bait-

ing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with its fallacious claims, into illegally following it down a path that will, again, delay the declaration of election results by another few months.”

“Further, what [is] troubling is that Mr Harmon stated that the Police Commissioner, who is the Chief Immigration Officer, has confirmed that people who migrated voted at the March 2020 elections. This is so, especially in light of the fact that the PPP has found scores of people currently in Guyana, who were named by the coalition as having migrated,” the PPP also said.

On Friday, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall had urged that when the recount is completed, the results must be used to declare a winner. He had called it a “tragedy of gigantic proportions” if, after all the time and effort spent on the recount, the results were not used.

As it is, the declarations held in abeyance contain the fraudulent declarations from Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, which the recount has already exposed as not credible. Persons in APNU/AFC have nevertheless advocated for GECOM to use these discredited results.

Father of 2 drowns in Essequibo River

A

38-year-old sailor, a father of two, is now dead after he reportedly fell overboard at the Toolsie Persaud Quarry’s St Mary Wharf, Essequibo River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and drowned in the wee hours of Saturday.

Dead is Damion McAlmont of Lot 4/20 Wapping Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice. He was employed by Toolsie Persaud Quarry and worked as a sailor on a tug and barge.

Dead: Damion McAlmont

According to Police reports, McAlmont was on the barge when it pulled up to the St Mary Wharf at around 02:00h on Saturday.

Another sailor, who was also on the vessel, told investigators that he was on the right side of the barge pulling the bow rope when he saw McAlmont running to the right side of the barge and falling into the river.

He said he plunged overboard in an effort to rescue McAlmont but was unsuccessful.

A search was subse-

quently launched and Police said at about 06:00h, his body was found next to the barge.

The body was retrieved and examined but no marks of violence were seen, Police said. It was then taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times reached out to the family of the deceased, they refused to comment. Investigations are ongoing.

16 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Another Palms resident succumbs to COVID-19 …cases rise to 152

G

uyana recorded yet another death as a result of the novel coro-

navirus disease (COVID-19) – making it the 12th fatality.

Dead is 87-year-old Daymon John, a resident of

Palms Geriatric Home. He died on Saturday morning at the Georgetown Public

Hospital.

Caretaker Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence confirmed the death hours

later, stating that he died as a result of COVID-19 complications.

For Saturday, the Ministry’s dashboard showed that there were two new cases of the virus, which amounted to a total of 152 positives.

Some 1604 persons were tested to which there were 1452 negatives. There were 67 recoveries, 73 active cases in institutional isolation, two patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 24 persons in institutional quarantine.

The elderly man is the second death to be reported at the facility; and the second one in less than one week.

On May 1, Bhaneshwar Ramdial was the first resident of the Palms Geriatric Home to die from the disease. The elderly man was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was suspected of having the virus. It was reported that he presented with all of the symptoms and because of his age and other factors, those symptoms became severe. He

Two deaths were reported from the Palms Geriatric Home

died just a few hours after he was admitted a patient at the hospital.

A test conducted posthumously revealed that the elderly Ramdial was positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the Public Health Ministry did not make the death public until May 5 – four days after.

The man’s death had raised many questions, given that the Home caters for a number of senior residents, all of whom have some form of pre-existing conditions namely, diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension.

Soon after, officials decided to conduct testing on sus-

pected cases, of which several turned up positive. This has caused the administrators of the Palms Geriatric Home to place a number of staff and residents under quarantine.

The Home also improved its sanitisation protocols.

200 Palms residents tested

Saturday, it was reported that at least 200 residents at the Palms Geriatric Home have been tested for the coronavirus disease. That figure is about 50 per cent of the occupants at the home.

Director of Social Services, Wentworth Tanner stated that efforts were being made to have all of the resi-

dents tested in phases.

Over the past weeks, six new patients, all female, have tested positive, taking the total cases at the Palms to over 10.

Guyana’s other deaths are 59-year-old Ratna Baboolall, 38-year-old Jermaine Ifill, 78-year-old Osa Collins, 59-year-old Shadrach Stoll, 38-year-old Deryck Jaisingh, 45-year-old Lennox Williams, 49-yearold visually-impaired Sydney Trellis, 77-year-old Colonel John Percy Leon Lewis and Vincent Torres.

Torres died last Sunday after being admitted to the Kumaka District Hospital, Santa Rosa, with breathing complications and other symptoms. A COVID-19 test was conducted on the man, which revealed that he was positive.

From the World Health Organisation’s data, there are 5,701,337 reported cases with 357,688 deaths. In the Americas, there are 2,613,092 cases with 151,212 fatalities.

17 No complete lockdown – COVID-19 Task Force NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as CEO calls on Guyanese to cease panic-buying

C

hief Executive Officer of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Joseph Harmon on Saturday clarified that there will be no complete lockdown, as he urged Guyanese to halt their panic-buying spree.

Since mid-March, curfew and partial lockdown measures were announced to curtail the spread of COVID-19 among the population.

With new cases detected almost every day, followed by 12 deaths, there were talks of a national shutdown. But Harmon explained that the Task Force is only considering an extension of the current measures, which will expire on June 3.

“There is a rumour out there that there is going to be a complete lockdown in Guyana from next week…I want to make this very clear that the National Coronavirus Task Force has

NCTF CEO, Joseph Harmon

not considered a national lockdown. What we have before us is a consideration for the extension of the current measures beyond 3rd June.”

According to him, the ‘rumours’ are causing Guyanese to flock the marketplaces for goods and other products, disregarding social distancing guidelines.

“This rumour is forcing people to do panic-buying and is creating unnecessary crowd in our marketplaces and in place where people have to shop. I, therefore, call on all Guyanese to observe the guidelines of social distancing, washing of hands, wearing of masks in the public and particularly to what is gazetted in the orders as essential services.

I trust that we pay attention to these and once we do that, I am confident that we will see this through,” the CEO highlighted.

Currently, an 18:00h to 06:00h curfew is in place among other emergency measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in Guyana.

On Friday, Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr William Adu-Krow advised that the curfew and partial lockdown should be continued at least for another two weeks, before reconsidering any opening.

“We have measures, if enforced, could take us a long way. If not enforced, then we are likely to have problems. If I had my own way, I’d probably extend the measures for about two weeks and then enforce them; and then begin a phased approach. That would be my recommenda-

Chair of COVID-19 Task Force, Moses Nagamootoo

tion. It is up to Government to decide.”

The NCTF was set up by caretaker President David Granger back in March to coordinate Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is currently headed

by Moses Nagamootoo as its Chairman and Joseph Harmon as its Chief Executive Officer.

Harmon was appointed to the post only last month, after being removed as Director General at the

Ministry of the Presidency.

He was handed most of the duties that previously fell under Nagamootoo’s portfolio.

Of recent, allegations have been mounting that the caretaker APNU/AFC coalition, through the Task Force, is using COVID-19 as a political tool to hang on to power, especially when it comes to issues regarding the ongoing National Recount of the votes cast on March 2.

18 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden municipality unable Port Mourant NDC sends Overseer on to pay staff – Mayor

administrative leave

…looks to caretaker Govt for support

L

inden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) is unable to pay its staff, blaming its revenue shortfall on novel coronavirus measures.

As a result of social distancing measures, the municipality, which has had to reduce its hours of work and have a majority of its staff remain at home, is now faced with issues such as reduced revenues and is presently finding it difficult to pay its monthly staff. Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell explained that there has been an overall reduction in revenue collection as many people across the region are now at home.

“What has happened is that there’s a reduction in revenue collection...COVID has played a role and we’ve had a reduction in revenue at our toll booth, at the market; because as you know, (at) the market only essential workers are working. And then there’s the 6 o’clock curfew, so even the parks have reduced revenue collection,” Arrindell explained to Guyana Times on Saturday.

She added that while the Council has had to “become creative in an effort to garner revenue, the reality is that it has been unable to pay its monthly staff so far this month”.

“So, we’ve had a great dip. Last month, we were able to pay. We had to do some reshuffling of activities and such to pay. This month, however, we have not been able to pay monthly salaries. We’re trying to maintain the weekly (workers’ salary), but we haven’t been able to pay monthly,” the Mayor reiterated.

Arrindell disclosed that all of the municipality’s staff, except for its Heads of Department, are presently at home. These staff work three days a week; while the weekly paid staff have been receiving payments, the monthly paid workers in each department have not been so lucky.

The Mayor added that it was the hope of the municipality to pay all staff, whether they are at home or not, since the decision to have the staff remain at home is due to Government’s request for

staff interaction to decrease in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, she said some staff have since been working from home.

“It’s not that we don’t want to pay, persons would still receive their salaries, but it’s just that at this point we are unable to do so, because we don’t have the revenue. Even the bridge tolls seemingly have reduced.

This month, it’s over 50 per cent short from what we usually see from them,” she added.

Arrindell stated that at this point, the municipality did not want to put any additional strain on the public as a means of garnering revenue, hence, at this juncture, it would depend on Government to lend support.

According to Arrindell, it costs some $10 million per month to maintain the functions of the municipality, which includes providing services and paying of staff. She noted, however, that there have been calls for representation by the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) of

...financial irregularities unearthed

O

Mayor Waneka Arrindell

which she currently serves as president.

“From GAM level, they have responded and said they would look into it… so again the Council, we’re calling on the Ministry of Communities to represent us at the level of finance -to see if they can assist us at least with the basic salary and maintenance of the functioning of the municipality,” she noted.

The Mayor added that the Council was presently being faced with newer challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Utamu Belle)

“Pooh Bear” charged for killing brother

A

mentally-ill man who allegedly stabbed his brother to death last week was arraigned before the Diamond/Grove Magistrate on a charge of murder.

Wensley Williams, also known as “Pooh Bear”, of Lot 411 Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared virtually before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

It is alleged that between May 21 and 22, the 41-yearold man murdered his brother, Cleveland Hodge, at Old Road, Craig (EBD). The charge detailed that on the

Dead: Cleveland Hodge

day in question, at around

15:10h, Hodge observed that Williams had a knife in his possession. He then approached the mentally challenged Williams with the intention of taking the weapon away from him to prevent him from harming himself.

However, as he went closer, the suspect reportedly slashed him once to his right elbow, then to his left elbow as he used his hands as a bar to protect himself.

The suspect further slashed him to his left shoulder and under his right arm.

Public-spirited citizens came to Hodge’s assistance, and he was taken to the

Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was admitted, treated for his injuries, and sent away from the institution at around 19:00h.

However, while at home, Hodge complained of feeling unwell due to the injuries. He was again rushed to the Diamond Hospital, where he was re-admitted and then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). He subsequently died around 13:39h on May 22.

Williams has been remanded to prison, and will make his next court appearance on June 24.

Political parties in Suriname should respect Global coronavirus democratic process – Dutch diplomats cases surpass 6 million

D

utch diplomats have been joined by their EU and British counterparts in calling on political parties in Suriname to respect the democratic process after the country’s parliamentary elections were held on Monday.

In a joint statement with its allies, Dutch representatives in the country’s capital of Paramaribo expressed hope that the results would be released swiftly and peacefully after four days of tabulating votes.

The election represents a potential milestone for the embattled South American democracy, with its autocratic president Desi Bouterse seeking a third term in office against the possibility of going to prison if he loses the race.

According to the preliminary results, the opposition party led

by Chan Santokhi appears positioned to seize an historic victory.

According to the Dutch embassy, all stages of the election process have been closely moni-

G

President Desi Bouterse

tored, with representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) expressing concern that the situation may take a turn for the worse.

President Bouterse, embroiled in allegations of murder and wielding brute force to hold on to power, stated on Friday that he will order a recount of ballots if he loses the election.

By the week’s end, the president appeared to be trailing the opposition by a considerable margin, according to reports by several media outlets in Suriname, the Caribbean, public broadcaster NOS and Deutsche Welle. (NL Times)

lobal coronavirus cases surpassed 6 million on Saturday, according to a Reuters tally, as Latin America reported a grim milestone of 50,000 deaths from the disease.

Countries such as Brazil, Chile and Mexico are struggling to stem the spread of the virus, which initially peaked in China in February before large-scale outbreaks followed in Europe and the United States.

The COVID-19 respiratory illness has claimed more than 367,000 lives worldwide, though the true number is thought to be higher as testing is still limited and many countries do not include fatalities outside of hospitals.

The first 41 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 10 and it took the world until April 1 to reach its first million cases. Since then, about 1 million new cases are reported every two weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

The pandemic has claimed more than 367,000 lives worldwide, though the true number is believed to be higher because testing is still limited and many countries do not include fatalities outside of hospitals.

Despite the continued increase in cases, many countries are opening schools and workplaces following weeks of unprecedented lockdowns that have stemmed the spread of the disease - but also hammered economies and thrown millions out of work.

(Reuters)

verseer of the JohnsPort Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Budwattie Ramnarine has been sent on administrative leave following the alleged discovery of financial irregularities.

This was disclosed by NDC Chairman Mahase Tarrick Doolara during an interview with Guyana Times.

“She (the overseer) is under investigation. We found out that the books have been tampered and she paid herself for working on Sundays, but when we checked the books, there are no record of revenue collected for Sundays,” Doolara said.

He explained that the Overseer has been paying herself $1000 for working at the Port Mourant Market as a Revenue Collector on Sundays, but investigations proved that no such collection has been done on Sundays. Following the discovery, a special meeting of the NDC was held on April 28, and a motion was moved to have her sent on administrative leave.

At the meeting, the Market Clerk related that the Overseer had instructed her and the Revenue Collector not to work on Sundays. This prompted the NDC Chair to ask for the revenue collection

NDC Chairman Mahase Tarrick Doolara

the Overseer was asked to produce the arrears revenue book, but she could not.

The Council later reported that three revenue books had gone missing. With this in mind, the Council at last Tuesday’s special meeting penned a letter to the Local Government Commission advising that Ramnarine be sent on administrative leave.

The Overseer, who was once dismissed from the NDC and rehired under the current Administration, had been suspended since her reappointment, but the Communities Ministry overturned the suspension.

The Overseer has been accused of assaulting staff members, collecting revenue and not issuing receipts, and asking vendors to lie about the issue. She was also charged with assault of a re-

The Overseer opening the door to the office after being sent on administrative leave

books, which revealed that between November 2019 and April 2020, there was no record of revenue collected on Sundays.

The Overseer reportedly admitted to the Council that she had been working on Sundays. However, she could not give a satisfactory explanation as to why there had been no revenue recorded in the books for almost half a year.

It was then suggested that she be sent on administrative leave.

The Overseer has in the past been accused of several irregularities at the Council.

During 2019, she was accused of not recording payments made by market vendors who had owed large sums in revenue. When the matter was brought to the fore last year and some vendors were contacted about monies they owed, they all stated that they had cleared their debts.

When the Council met and that issue was raised,

porter.

Back in April 2018, the Council suspended her, but she broke the locks to the building and went in and carried out the duties of the Overseer.

In November 2018, she and the then Market Clerk were allegedly involved in a physical altercation.

Recommendations were again made for her removal, but the Council was unsuccessful in carrying it out.

Back then, the then Chairman Ishwarsammy Narinesammy had told this publication that it was not the first time allegations of this nature have been levelled against the Overseer.

However, the following working day after the letter was issued for her to proceed on administrative leave, Ramnarine was seen entering the building and opening the office.

Meanwhile, the LGC has sent a letter to the Overseer dated April 9, informing her of the allegations levelled against her.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

19

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

Dangerous, desperate APNU/AFC rulers Dear Editor, I called the State-owned Guyana Chronicle the APNU/ AFC coalition “rag sheet” in an earlier letter. However, l am forced to reconsider my description after seeing the May 30 front page of the Guyana Chronicle with a screaming headline “600 not in Georgetown but voted” placed above a photograph of the protesters and a burning building in the riots in Minneapolis.

The subliminal messaging to the supporters of the defeated Granger-led Government is unmistakable.

The fact that the Guyana Chronicle would try to link the just cause of the protesters of all races in response to police killings of Afro-Americans that has gone on unabated for decades and blatant racial discrimination against people of colour in many US cities with Aubrey Norton and the APNU/AFC downright lies of voter irregularities in the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana reeks of duplicitous and reckless journalism.

The article that triggers the headline “600 not in Georgetown but voted” is fraught with allegations and downright lies orchestrated

by Aubrey Norton on behalf of the APNU/AFC coalition. The

allegation is a dog whistle to incite supporters.

In fact, this allegation of migrants voting by APNU/ AFC leaders dismisses the Chief Justice’s ruling in August 2019 that residence is not a constitutional requirement; once a person is registered and on the voters’ list, they can travel to the Polling Station where their name is on the OLE to vote whether they live in Linden, Lethem, or any other part of Guyana, or overseas. It is their constitutional right.

In every election, Guyanese registered voters crisscross Guyana to go to vote in their respective electoral divisions; Guyanese living abroad whether along the borders or further afield like the USA and Canada return home to vote. Suddenly, now that the APNU/AFC has lost the 2020 elections, this is no longer acceptable.

Surely the PNC/APNU/ AFC rulers can remember their appeal at the many fund-raising rallies it held in the diaspora for people to come home to vote for Granger in 2015. Surely they can remember the huge numbers of Guyanese it financed to come home to vote in those same elections?

The lead up to the March 2, 2020 elections was no different. The APNU/AFC coalition made the same appeals at its fund-raising events in the USA and in other countries for people in the diaspora to return home and vote. The PPP/C and other parties contesting the elections did the same appeal to registered voters living overseas.

May l remind the APNU/ AFC of statements they made in 2020 to the diaspora as reported in the media.

The January 20, 2020 issue of Demerara Waves reported “ The incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is now eyeing overseas-based Guyanese to return home to vote on March 2, 2020, after at one stage insisting that the names of migrants must be removed from the voters' list. APNU candidate, Ronald Bulkan declared this position at a public meeting held at the Kitty Market Square, Georgetown.

“The next area I would like to speak to help any undecided that we might have among us here tonight and those who are listening in other parts of Guyana, those who might be abroad but planning to come back to participate in these

Dear Editor, The Giftland Mall has viewed the recent statement by the Mayor of Georgetown with alarm and considers his comments disingenuous. It is important to note that within the last three months, both the Giftland Mall and its Chairman have moved from “entrepreneurs extraordinaire” and the largest single Private Sector social development project in Guyana, providing significant economic development and employing thousands gainfully, with a strong social conscience, champion of the poor and community ties, to “a delinquent puppet of the Opposition, a greedy and corrupt entity and a bankrupt and tax-delinquent company”.

This begs the question – how in three months have we turned from Guyana’s showpiece to this morally reprehensible entity? How did this transformation take place?

This is what the public needs to be aware of and decide on – where this is originating and why this ongoing attack by elements within the coalition, led by a prominent figure, who has already attacked us in public along with his cronies. Why is it important to tarnish and discredit the sterling reputation of the Giftland Mall and its Chairman, Roy Beepat, who, until three months ago, was considered a friend and ally of the coalition?

What has happened in the last three months is that we have taken a stand, along with the OAS, APC, ABC&E, Commonwealth, Caricom, plus other international and local organisations and individuals, in calling for a transparent and free elections and proper counting of the votes,

that my friends is the only thing that has changed!!

The facts are that Giftland has made every effort to be compliant with its taxes and has been actively pursuing City Hall for the last five years, in an effort to have this amicably settled, several letters have been sent with no response on the discussions held, we have been led down the garden path by Royston King, who had negotiated a settlement but in 3 years, despite our many attempts to have this drawn into a binding written contract, this was never done by the city side, the Mayor has conveniently neglected to point this out. We sat with the Mayor this year in our offices and made agreements to have this resolved, after weeks of prompting, to our surprise, we eventually received a written correspondence, not in line with our discussions. Against the agreement made to keep this year current taxes paid were applied against the illegally imposed interest figures.

The Mayor was intent on receiving interest at 21 per cent, which is unlawful, and a penalty in the figure of approximately $43 million, despite being told that the Mall had paid close to $500 million on public works, which included the public access road to the Mall and Demerara estate, street lighting, bus shed and public transportation, walkways and irrigation. This Mayor was also told that up to the time of writing, the Mall had not received the benefit of one day of service from the City services. We have installed our own sewerage treatment plant, we clean the roads and public areas, we have laid in our own piping for water supplies, and many

other duties which taxes are paid for, but which has been borne by us. I repeat, the city has not provided not one day of service whatsoever and has no consideration for the hundreds of millions which has been spent on their behalf, they have refused to provide even basic garbage collection for taxes which they are demanding. Additionally, they want to charge interest at 21 per cent for bills which were sent retrospectively before any agreement was in place, and for the years that we were trying to achieve a settlement and figure to pay, they want to apply interest, although the delay was due to their lack of commitment to negotiate a settlement.

In concluding, the Mayor has taken a position of attack that is not in keeping with the groundworks which has been set and for which payments have already started to be made in good faith to keep negotiations going, and unless there is reasonableness, then this will be settled in our law courts. We the people should speak out against this victimisation of myself and the Giftland Mall which provides income to thousands and their families, a safe haven for visitors and residents alike.

We need to point out the obvious, the Mayor is supposed to be a principled, religious, decent, and honest person – he is a Pandit. I am kindly requesting that he remembers these principles and behaves within these moral responsibilities for which he is bound.

Georgetown Mayor’s comments disingenuous

With regards, Roy Beepat Chairman, Giftland Group

historic elections, the mother of all elections because… the countdown has started,” he said.

In January 2020, Caribbean Life reported Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo at an APNU/AFC fundraising rally at the Grace Christian Church in Brooklyn, as saying, “In five [campaign] events, you can see the coalition energising…

So, we have to mobilise. Those of you who register [to vote], go back [to vote]…You have an opportunity now; and, do not let it slip from you”.

Rickford Burke, the organiser of the event is reported in the same article as saying “we cannot afford to have the PPP in power. We have to make sure every one of us in the diaspora go out and vote.”

At another fundraising event, Demerara Waves, on

January 27, 2020, reported that Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, Director General, Office of the President, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, Egbert Field, Trevor Benn Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, were in attendance at Woodbine Ballroom in Brooklyn.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the PNCR’s New York Group, Errol Lewis said “Some of us, who are registered, are encouraged to go and vote. You would have to pay your own money but you need to be there because we are not going back,” he said.

So, Mr Norton, maybe the “600 not in Georgetown but voted” are your party’s sup-

porters from the diaspora?

This article once again illustrates how dangerous and desperate the APNU/AFC rulers are to deny the will of the Guyanese people to have their votes counted and a declaration made of the PPP/C victory. The fact that we are now in the Guinness Book of Records for the country with the longest undeclared elections results is disgraceful and the APNU/AFC coalition is the only one to blame for bringing this shame on our nation.

I now retract my previous description of the Guyana Chronicle as the APNU/AFC “rag sheet” as too decent a phrase, the Chronicle has hit new levels of depravity and the phrase “gutter journalism” is more appropriate.

Sincerely, Gail Teixeira

GAWU’s approach to resolving workers’ issues could threaten livelihood of 8000 Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) is appalled that even during a global crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when the survival of many businesses and the livelihoods of millions of employees around the world are threatened, that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), would condone its sugar workers to engage in unnecessary industrial action without following the established industrial procedure. The factory employees at the Uitvlugt Estate have left their jobs, to take strike action, without adhering to the terms of the ‘Collective Labour Agreement’ between the GAWU and GuySuCo. As of to date, the Corporation has made 34,624 tonnes of sugar from its estimated 46,476 tonnes.

Uitvlugt Estate has completed grinding and is into the critical maintenance period process that GuySuCo’s management has the responsibility to organise efficiently.

The management and staff at Albion and Blairmont Estates are still in operation, to harvest as much of the crop as is possible, based on the weather conditions.

Production at these estates was interrupted by three weeks of industrial action during the peak harvesting period when the weather was much more conducive.

Management has made a business decision to continue grinding at the abovementioned two factories, beyond the previously set date for the end of the first crop, for as long as the weather permits, in an attempt to satisfy customers’ demands and to reduce the still extensive areas of cane that have unfortunately remained unharvested on these estates, at a cost of much-needed revenue to the industry.

It is absolutely necessary, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic that GuySuCo operates its business with much prudence and

that stability is maintained.

The management of GuySuCo is cognisant of the fact that it has 7000 to 8000 employees and their families, 6000 pensioners, over 200 businesses, and Unions with their own employees; all of whom are dependent either directly or indirectly on the viability of its business.

Additionally, the Corporation maintains the drainage and irrigation system between Skeldon in Berbice to the Boerasirie Canal on the West Bank of Demerara. Farmers and residents in communities are dependent on the efficient functioning of GuySuCo, in order to prevent agricultural crops and communities in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six from flooding.

Having established the above, the Corporation is concerned that the current action of GAWU to condone the employees at Uitvlugt Estate to maintain unwarranted strike action, could threaten its ability to fulfil all of the responsibilities above and jeopardise the readiness of the factory for resuming operations in the 2020 second crop.

Specifically, with reference to the claims by GAWU relative to employees in the factory at the Uitvlugt Estate; the point that employees are not being provided with transportation after the 18:00h curfew time is inaccurate, since the factory employees are currently working on a shift from 07:00h – 16:00h which ends before the 18:00h curfew.

However, one of the reasons for the strike action is that the employees are demanding to work for two five-hour shifts, from 07:00h to 12:00h and 12:00h to 17:00h, and still be paid for eight hours. It is disturbing that the Union would condone this unreasonable and unproductive position.

This, the management cannot agree to, on two points: One the employees cannot work five hours and be paid for eight hours; and two, during this out of crop

period, the Uitvlugt Estate has an enormous amount of maintenance to complete.

During the first crop, the factory encountered 356 stoppages which resulted in a loss of 415.68 hours of downtime, during the 10.13 weeks of grinding. The Corporation finds it disturbing that the Union as a partner, does not place the same level of importance that its management has placed on conducting thorough maintenance on the factory so that the second crop will be more productive.

Relative to preventative measures on COVID-19 in the factory at Uitvlugt Estate, as well the other two estates, Albion and Blairmont, GuySuCo has developed a ‘COVID-19 Policy’, which addresses training, quarantine and working from home. A COVID-19 Task Force was established to design, implement and monitor the policy.

The Corporation has also ordered 14,000 face masks for its employees. Temperature Guns are being used at the main entrances and other areas on all locations. Several washbasins were constructed on all locations and soap, handwashing liquid, as well as hand sanitisers are provided. Daily education and awareness sessions are also held, with various categories of staff.

On the point of proper social distancing in the Uitvlugt Estate factory, employees in the factory are rarely required to work less than 5 feet apart under the current circumstances.

GuySuCo is considered an essential service, under manufacturing, hence the Corporation has communicated to the Guyana Police Force that several categories of its employees are required to work beyond the 18:00h curfew period, and relevant employees have been issued with forms of identification, to this effect.

Sincerely, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

20 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT SUNDAY, MAY 31, 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

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

21

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 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

22 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT SUNDAY, MAY 31, 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

SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

CWI announces temporary reduction in salaries, funding from July ...to protect jobs and future of the organisation

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday CWI President Ricky Skerritt to announced a temporary 50 percent make recommendations on how reduction in salaries and funding of CWI could best manage its recricket across the entire regional system. sources in order to continue its This decision, which becomes effective core business over the next few from the start of July, has been made necesmonths, in view of the changing sary in the face of debilitating economic chaland uncertain economic environlenges which have resulted from the impact ment created by the global pandemof the COVID-19 pandemic. ic of COVID-19.

With no international cricket currentThe measures recommended followed ly being played anywhere in the world, and close consultation with all stakeholders. with great uncertainty in regard to when CWI President Ricky Skerritt has said: regular cricket activity would resume, CWI “Cricket is the beating heart of our region for – like many other international sporting or- CEO of CWI, Johnny Grave many individuals, communities and econoganisations worldwide – is facing a signifimies. This pandemic is hurting every West cant loss of income whilst also being uncertain of the long-term Indian, and this decision to cut staff and player incomes has impact of the crisis on its operations. been a very difficult one to make; one that will impact so many It is in that context that the CWI Board of Directors has members of the cricketing family around the Caribbean. agreed, with deep regret, to a plan that expectedly would safe“This business continuity plan unfortunately requires all guard CWI’s future while delivering at least a minimum lev- stakeholders to make a huge sacrifice, but I am confident that el of job protection for all of the people employed or contracted it won’t be long before CWI will be in a position to ensure that throughout the region’s cricket community. the sport we love can restart and be enjoyed once again by the In a teleconference on Thursday, the CWI Board of Directors thousands of cricket fans across the region and diaspora. received recommendations from the Financial Strategy “CWI has kept staff, players, umpires and coaches on full Advisory Committee (FSAC) which was formed in April by pay since the outbreak of COVID-19, and has tried (its) best to

avoid any cuts for as long as possible. CWI hopes that these temporary measures will only be in place for not more than three to six months.

“These measures will also include a 50 percent reduction in funding for Territorial Boards, Territorial Board Franchises and WIPA; (and there will) as well (be) a 50 percent cut in all retainers and allowances for Directors and Executive Management”.

CEO of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave, has said: “The effects of this pandemic have been distressing for everyone. (It is) the worst crisis of our lifetime, and at present, we cannot be certain when the situation will be rectified.

“We recognise that this will cause financial pain for all our staff, players, coaches and umpires across the Caribbean; but, having kept everyone on full pay since the outbreak in March, we have no choice but to take decisive action from next month onwards. CWI’s greatest asset is our people and players, and everyone sharing equally in the temporary reduction (is), we believe, the best way for us to ensure we get through this crisis and protect our organisation and all the jobs in the system.

“We will be reviewing the situation regularly, with the hope that we can return to normal operations at the earliest opportunity.” (CWI)

Lewandowski equals record as Bayern hits 5

P

oland’s forward Robert Lewandowski scored twice against Fortuna Dusseldorf to equal his most prolific season, as Bayern Munich moved 10 points clear at the top.

Bayern were 3-0 up by half-time, with Benjamin Pavard and Robert Lewandowski scoring after Mathias Jorgensen’s own goal opened the scoring.

Lewandowski’s 43rd goal in all competitions this campaign made it 4-0 in a crushing win.

Teenager Alphonso Davies added the fifth with a superb individual effort.

It will require an exceptional set of circumstances to deny Bayern an eighth successive Bundesliga title at the end of June.

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund will cut Bayern’s lead to seven points with five games remaining if they win at bottom club Paderborn on Sunday (17:00 BST), but Bayern look as ruthless as ever. This was their fourth straight victory since the Bundesliga season restarted earlier this month, and they have scored 13 goals and conceded just two since the resumption of the campaign.

There was a touch of fortune about their first goal.

Pavard’s attempt was going wide when ex-Huddersfield defender Jorgensen diverted it over the line while attempting to clear. Pavard doubled the lead with a header from a corner, while Lewandowski started the move which ended with him making it 3-0.

Fortuna Dusseldorf were unbeaten in their previous six games, yet Uwe Rosler’s side were blown away, Lewandowski tapping home the fourth before the goal of the game.

The 19-year-old Davies showed what an exciting talent he is as he won possession on the edge of Fortuna Dusseldorf’s penalty area before going past a couple of players to score. (BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com West Indies Test Team

CWI Board gives approval in principle for Test Tour of England CWI President, Ricky Skerritt

M

embers of the Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI) met in a lengthy meeting via teleconference on Thursday, May 28, and the majority of their deliberations focused on discussing the initial short-term recommendations from the Financial Strategy Advisory Committee (FSAC), a special- purpose committee that was put in place by CWI President Ricky Skerritt on April 2, 2020.

That committee, comprised of a joint membership of Directors and Executive Management, all with significant financial management expertise, is chaired by JCA President Wilford “Billy” Heaven.

The Board agreed to the committee’s business continuity plan of action for how CWI

would have to operate in order to survive its cash flow crisis. This in the context of the debilitating economic uncertainties of the global pandemic of COVID-19.

The Board also gave approval in principle for the proposed upcoming West Indies Test tour of England. The decision comes only after CWI medical and cricket-related representatives and advisors had been involved in detailed discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and their own medical and public health advisers. Those discussions involved the local and international logistics and protocols which are already being put in place to minimize the risk and optimise the health and safety of all concerned.

CWI has also received and reviewed de-

tailed plans for players and staff to be kept in a bio-secure environment for the duration of the tour, with all matches being played “behind closed doors”.

The CWI management is now in the process of putting all of the approvals and logistics in place within the Caribbean, including seeking permission from the various national governments to facilitate the movement of players and support staff; using private charter planes, and conducting medical screenings and individual COVID-19 testing for all members of the touring party.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt has said: “I would like to thank the CWI Management, the Medical Advisory Committee, and the FSAC for their detailed and timely presenta-

Lewandowski equals record as Bayern hits 5 Pg 23

tions given to the Board meeting. In addition to our approval in principle of the proposed Test Tour of England, we made some significant financial management decisions that will be announced and implemented in due course. The great detail to which the Board engaged in these matters is testimony to their urgency and importance, but it meant that we had to defer a few agenda items until next Wednesday (June 3), when we have scheduled to reconvene”.

CWI will continue to fine-tune the various arrangements with the ECB, whilst they await final UK Government approval of their plans for a bio-secure tour with all three Test matches being played behind closed doors.

(CWI)

CWI announces temporary reduction in salaries, funding from July Pg 23

...to protect jobs and future of the organisation

Defender Benjamin Pavard (centre) has scored two goals in four games since the Bundesliga season resumed earlier this month

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

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May 31, 2020

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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 5 JUNE, 2020

2 Sunday Times Magazine

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 31, 2020

Feature

World Environment Day

Celebrate

- June 5, 2020

Biodiversity W

orld Environment Day is one of the biggest days of recognition for encouraging people worldwide to save and protect our environment from different environmental challenges the world is facing today. The World Environment is also “People’s Day” which is a day to do something to take care of our environment. It is an important platform for promoting the dimensions of environmental Sustainable Development Goals.

World Environment Day is celebrated every 5th of June. It is one of the main prime action to protect our environment.

World Environment Day 2020 will focus on Biodiversity and will be hosted in Colombia in partnership with Germany.

This year the theme of World Environment Day 2020 is “Celebrate Biodiversity”.

“With 1 million species facing extinction, there has never been a more important time to focus on biodiversity.”

Colombia is one of the largest “Megadiverse” nations in the world to hold 10 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity. Since it is part of the Amazon rainforest, Colombia ranks first in bird and orchid species diversity and second in plants, butterflies, freshwater fish, and amphibians.

Ricardo Lozano, Colombia’s Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Jochen Flasbarth, Germany’s Secretary of State for the Climate, and Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, said that with one million species of plants and animals facing extinction, there has never been a more critical time to focus on the problem of biodiversity. The year 2020 is a critical year for nations’ commitments to preserving and restoring biodiversity.

Biodiversity is the variation of Earth’s terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species, as well as their habitats. Biodiversity is vital to the survival of all life on earth and is also the cornerstone for the goods and services of the environment that allow human societies to thrive. Biodiversity provides us with food, water and resources as well as services such as climate control, pollination, flood mitigation and cycling of nutrients.

Ecosystems are relying on all parts from the smallest bacteria to the largest vertebrate. It’s all interconnected. Some are pro-

ducing oxygen that others are breathing.

Some provide food for larger species, which in turn become prey to even larger species.

Every living organism has a role to play in the maintenance of balance.

You can ultimately lose much more than one species by removing one element. More than 98% of the species in nature are extinct.

Above all, World Environment Day offers a global platform for inspiring positive change. It recognizes that global change requires a global community. It pushes for individuals to think about the way they consume; for businesses to develop greener models; for farmers and manufacturers to produce more sustainably; for governments to safeguard wild spaces; for educators to inspire students to live in harmony with the Earth; and for youth to become fierce gatekeepers of a green future.

It requires all of us.

Since 1974, it has been celebrated every year on 5 June; engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue.

In 2020, the theme is biodiversity–a concern that is both urgent and existential.

Recent events, from bushfires in Brazil, the United States and Australia to locust infestations across East Africa–and now, a global disease pandemic–demonstrate the interdependence of humans and the webs of life in which they exist. Nature is sending us a message.

Since its beginning in 1974, World Environment Day has developed into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action on urgent issues from marine pollution and global warming to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. Millions of people have taken part over the years, helping drive change in our consumption habits as well as in national and international environ-

mental policy. Below are some of the landmarks of World Environment Day through

the years.

World Environment Day embraces smaller and less-developed nations while tackling even bigger topics: from sustainable consumption to the illegal trade in wildlife.

The 2019 theme was air pollution, a global emergency that causes around 7 million premature deaths every year. Hosted

by China, President Xi Jinping stressed China’s willingness to share its experience with other countries in a letter to the 2019 World Environment Day event. The country also launched its Air Quality Improvement Report (2013-2018) to showcase successful policies and reflect on lessons learned.

Together We Can Act #ForNature Biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth. It encompasses the 8 million species on the planet–from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria; the ecosystems that house them; and the genetic diversity among them.

Biodiversity may be seen as an intricate web, in which each part is interdependent. When one component is changed–or removed–the entire system is affected, and this can produce positive–or negative–consequences.

Nature responds to some of the most pressing challenges faced by humans today.

It provides us with oxygen, purifies the water we drink, ensures fertile soil, and produces the variety of foods we require to stay healthy and resist disease. It enables medical researchers to understand human physiology; and offers substance for developing medicines. It is the foundation of most industries and livelihoods. It even helps mitigate the impact of climate change by storing carbon and regulating local rainfall. Life on earth would not be possible without nature’s services. It is our greatest common good.

With our increasing demands, humans have pushed nature beyond its limit. In the last 50 years, the human population has doubled; the global economy has almost quadrupled and global trade has increased by about ten times. It would take 1.6 Earths to meet the demands that humans make of nature each year.

The emergence of COVID-19 has underscored the fact that, when we destroy biodiversity, we destroy the system that supports human life. By upsetting the delicate balance of nature, we have created ideal conditions for pathogens–including coronaviruses–to spread.

We are intimately interconnected with nature. If we don’t take care of nature, we can’t take care of ourselves.

Following the decisions taken by UN Member States in the Convention on Biological Biodiversity, UNEP and its partners are launching the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), a global initiative to restore the relationship between humans and nature. UNEP is also working with world leaders to develop a new and ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to realize a 2050 Vision of Living in Harmony with Nature.

Living in harmony with nature can only be achieved if we reverse negative impact of biodiversity loss and pursue full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. World Environment Day celebrations will help build momentum and unite the global community in actions for positive change.

guyanatimesgy.com

Sunday Times Magazine

Mangroves...

MAY 31, 2020

3

Feature

The wonder trees that

I

nurture Marine Biodiversity

t’s an often-quoted fact that forests are home to 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity, but did you know that one type of tree also supports marine biodiversity—the mangrove tree?

Awareness is growing among governments and coastal communities in tropical countries of the incredible value of mangroves to nature and humans.

Mangrove trees store more carbon in their rich soils than most other trees, which makes them valuable assets in the fight against global heating. They also buffer storm surges, provide breeding grounds for fish and a host of other marine animals, and serve as effective filtration systems that prevent the influx of saline water which renders soil unfit for agriculture.

Biodiversity is an important ecosystem benefit that mangrove forests provide. Community and biodiversity-based ecotourism in mangroves can help generate incentives for conservation and sustainable management. Tourists have a wide range of options to experience the wonderful biodiversity of mangrove forests, including through boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, bird watching and nighttime crab fishing.

In Madagascar, mangroves are home to lemurs which are among the most threatened group of mammals on Earth.

These “swamp lemurs” were documented for the first time just a few years ago.

“Mangrove forests are highly productive ecosystems and their conservation should be the first priority, but where mangroves have disappeared restoration has also proved possible,” says United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coastal and marine ecosystems expert Gabriel Grimsditch.

In 2019, the United Nations issued a massive global call to action to mobilize the political and financial support necessary to restore the world’s deforested and degraded ecosystems. The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will run from 2021 to 2030 and emphasize scaling-up of restoration work to address the severe degradation of landscapes and forests, including mangroves, our marine blue forests.

Blue forests restoration initiatives

“The restoration of mangrove forests is a nice thing to do but who’s going to pay for it?” says Steven Lutz, Blue Carbon Lead at GRID-Arendal and Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Blue Forests Project. “One option we are exploring is how payments for mangrove carbon could support healthy forests and coastal livelihoods.”

UNEP and partners have recently been involved in successful “mangrove carbon” finance projects in Kenya, and Madagascar under the Blue Forests Project.

These projects link mangrove forests to the global carbon market, with payments for mangrove carbon supporting the planting and conservation of mangrove trees and other benefits to the local communities. UNEP is currently supporting an exploration of how to similarly link seagrass ecosystems to the carbon market in Kenya.

As the world’s only examples of successful community-based mangrove carbon finance projects, the Kenya and Madagascar experiences were profiled in February at the Indian Ocean Blue Carbon Hub Inaugural Think Tank workshop in Mauritius.

Results of the workshop included recognition that biodiversity and other ecosystem benefits, including carbon sequestration, are vital for advancing a nature-based healthy blue economy.

In Ecuador, the Blue Forests Project has supported Conservation International’s engagement with the government and local communities in setting up mangrove conservation agreements. Under the “socio manglar” programme, indigenous communities are given economic incentives—based on the rich biodiversity that mangrove’s support—to commit to the

conservation and protection of mangrove forests. In this case, the communities gain exclusive use of the red mangrove crab and black cockle, both lucrative national fisheries.

“Restoration is not a quick win. Considerable financial resources and sustained buy-in from local communities over many years are needed for successful restoration projects,” says Isabelle Vanderbeck, a UNEP marine ecosystems expert working closely with the Global Environment Facility on mangrove restoration projects.

A Resolution adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly on 15 March 2019 “encourages Member States to improve research, education and public awareness, build capacity for the sustainable management and restoration of mangroves and related ecosystems, and, to that end, consider ways in which to mobilize the necessary resources for developing countries.”

In Guyana, mangroves cover about 290 km of its 430 km coast, and line many of our rivers. They are unique plant species as they can survive under harsh conditions, such as water poor in oxygen, salt water, and brackish water (a mixture of salt and fresh water).

Mangroves are fast growers and reach up to 25m.

Worldwide, mangroves cover approximately 172,000 km2 of the earth’s surface. However, about 35 per cent of this was lost during the last several decades. The quantity of mangrove forests in Guyana has also been declining. Many mangrove forests can be recognized by their dense tangle of prop roots that make the trees appear to be standing on stilts above the water.

This tangle of roots allows the trees to handle the daily rise and fall of tides, which means that most mangroves get flooded at least twice per day. Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. The intricate root system of mangroves also makes these

forests attractive to fish and other organisms seeking food and shelter from predators.

Mangroves have been declared a protected species in Guyana and there is a fine for illegal cutting of mangroves The Global Environment Facility International Waters focal area is enabling the Blue Forests Project to provide the first global-scale assessment of how the values of carbon sequestration and other coastal ecosystem services can be harnessed to achieve improved ecosystem management and sustainable communities while mitigating climate change. The project also improves knowledge for informed decision-making, raises awareness, fosters cooperation among all stakeholders, and provides experiences and tools for greater global application.

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021– 2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and partners such as the Africa Restoration 100 initiative, the Global Landscapes Forum and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, covers terrestrial as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. A global call to action, it will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Help us shape the Decade. (United Nations)

4

Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 31, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

Reducing Pollution with Electric Vehicles

By GCCI’s Green Economy Committee

T

he Green Economy Committee of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry as part of its mandate for 2020 intends to present features on businesses, developments, concepts and issues that are green related. This move is designed so that we can impact positively on reducing our carbon emissions while maintaining sustainable businesses and protecting Guyana’s natural capital.

Natural capital encapsulates our country’s land, air, water, living organisms, flora, fauna and all aspects of the earth’s biosphere that are critical for our ecosystem and human wellbeing.

The aim of these features is to create greater awareness of issues, developments, methodologies, measures and new concepts which we can consider, discuss or adopt, and engage the relevant stakeholders so as to allow us to benefit economically without injuring our environment so that we leave a resilient, healthy and enduring legacy for our children and our children’s children.

We are therefore pleased to present the first installment titled “Reducing Pollution with Electric Vehicles,” which takes a candid look at Electric vehicles while encouraging the use of alternate forms of energy that reduce our carbon footprint.

This month’s feature on the Battery Charge or Electric Vehicle is viewed as important to meeting the global goals of climate change as they present an alternative to fossil

fuels and allow for cleaner air as there are no carbon emissions.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact five-door hatchback battery electric vehicle (BEV), introduced in Japan and the United States in December 2010, and now in its second generation. Its range on a full charge is 243 km (151 miles).

While battery charged vehicles are becoming fairly common in other sister CARICOM States particularly Barbados, its usage in Guyana is still novel.

Our team reached out to the owner of a BCV and here are the candid responses we got from Ms Vanessa Williams on some questions posed. It should be noted that while she encourages others to onboard with this vehicle, she has equally touched on some of the challenges one will encounter.

very functional. Additionally, its modern features such as heated seat controls, touchscreen navigation, surround sound speakers and Bluetooth system, reverse mirror and intricate sensor system to detect if there is an object too close to the vehicle while it is in motion helps to make driving safe and comfortable.

No more visits to Gas stations: the thought of never having to stop at the gas station was a definite pull factor.

Reduction in expenses: considering the massive re-

Vanessa Williams advocates the use of Electric Vehicles Principal/Owner

My name is Vanessa Williams and I am the proud owner of a Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle.

I purchased this vehicle in October 2019 from a car dealership in Japan, Fiju Automotives.

GCCI: What drove you to buy a green vehicle?

Several factors led to me to purchasing my green car- the Nissan Leaf.

Aesthetics: the vehicle, in my opinion, is a very sleek small car, but don’t be fooled by its size. Its spacious interior makes this car

duction in petroleum expenditure that I anticipated.

No pollution, Cleaner Air: as an environmentally conscious person the “Zero Emission” tagline made this car the one for me.

Being Different: also I like the idea of simply being different so hence my choice.

GCCI: Was getting it registered with Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) straight forward?

The registration process was very straight forward. The GRA followed the normal procedures – inspecting the engine and recording its chassis number as per requirements for issuing the vehicle certificate of registration.

There was nothing intrinsically special about the overall process.

GCCI: What do you like about the features?

Small but spacious making it easy to manoeuvre. Its modern design, is pleasing to the eyes but still has all the primary functionalities a vehicle needs to have acceleration pick -up time is another good feature, it allows the driver to go from 0-80 km in an instant GCCI: How does it contribute to reducing carbon emissions?

The Nissan Leaf contributes to reducing carbon emission because it does not have a combustion engine like normal conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. This means the car emits no greenhouse gases contributing to a reduction in atmospheric air pollution which is especially good in urban areas. Because of the nature of the engine, it is also very silent when in motion, hence there is also a reduction in noise pollution.

GCCI: State advantages, if any The vehicle has less moving parts which mean it requires little to no maintenance It saves you time, not having to visit the gas station It saves on gas expenditure Isn’t too expensive electricity wise GCCI: State challenges, if any Due to the range, the vehicle can do on a charge, it calls for advanced journey planning.

Ease of access to charging points, the vehicle charges optimally on a 220v Voltage dis-

tribution system, most houses in Guyana operate on a 110v voltage distribution system so having a vehicle like this causes for structural changes to be made to accommodate the car if you are renting this can be a challenge.

Finding the right adapter to connect the car charger to the domestic outlet is also a challenge since inferior chargers often can’t withstand the load.

The lack of trained electric vehicle technicians is also a constraint at this time.

Not aware if there are duty-free waivers for replacement parts or maintenance equipment used by Auto Technicians.

GCCI: Would you encourage others to follow you and if so why?

I would definitely encourage others to buy an electric vehicle. It reeks modernity and sophistication, is environmentally friendly and will save you tons of money in the long run.

The car charges an average of four (4) hours on a 220 voltage distribution and eight (8) hours on a 110 voltage distribution system, from observation on average this equates to $800 in electricity cost per day and depending upon your driving pattern one charge can last two to three days. So, you do the math as to how much you can save.

GCCI: Is Guyana ready for these types of vehicles?

Yes and No. The government has made importing these vehicles very accessible since they are 100% duty-free. The average consumer just needs to pen a letter to Guyana Revenue Authority asking for this concession to be granted under the green state development strategy and voila the duty-free concession is granted, so from a policy perspective, I would definitely say, yes.

On the other hand, infrastructure is lacking. There are no charging ports within the city environs that are accessible to electric vehicle owners.

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) had mentioned that they would be installing a charging port at their office in Quamina Street for government use (since the Government of Guyana also purchased a Nissan Leaf as part of its government fleet). I am not sure if this charging port has already been constructed or installed, and if it would be made accessible to the general public in the near future.

However, the lack of this critical infrastructure places a limit on how far one can go.

Additionally, while these vehicles require limited maintenance, the lack of trained electric vehicle technicians is also a constraint at this time.

The Green Economy Committee of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce, sincerely thanks Ms Williams for taking the time out to speak with us.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 31, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 5

6 Sunday Times Magazine

MAY 31, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

Feature

CARE FOR YOUR PET DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS

N

ow, having dealt extensively on Emergencies and Home Treatments over the last few weeks, we shall now engage our discussions on general “Pet Care” for your companion animal(s) which hopefully will be with you for many happy years.

You have chosen your pet and you are taking it home.

Of course, pulling a puppy on a leash behind you as you ride a bicycle is not an option. It is best to place the animal in a sturdy carton, box, traveling bag or the commercially available “pet taxi”.

Ventilation must be provided (holes in the box, zipper of bag slightly opened, etc.). Usually, the young animal is nervous, and so intimidated by the motion and surrounding commotion that it will remain fairly quiet in the transport container. The odd kitten might wish to tunnel its way out of a soft cardboard box and take a sudden leap into the traffic. Please guard against this.

If you are using a car, I would suggest taking someone along with you to hold the animal (if you prefer not to use a transport container) and to provide reassuring hugs and soothing petting and words. It is always advisable to have a towel, a roll of paper towel and some newspapers with you. Nervousness creates all sorts of consequences.

Let me tell you that cats do not like cars! Place the kitten in a strong enclosed container (with ventilation of course), if you do not wish to have it roaming and distracting you while driving, or, worse, escaping immediately when you open the door on arriving home.

And now the pet has arrived home. Great excitement greets this six-week old baby. All this generous welcome may be overwhelming and quite disturbing – as the general environment and the family members are strange to the animal. It is advisable to temper your overly demonstrative affections quickly.

Allow the pet to exit the transport container quietly and on its own terms, as it acquaints itself with its new surroundings. Feed it a light first meal. Keep the kids’ enthusiasm level and visits to a minimum. (Yes, its easy for me to say!). Boisterous and strenuous play on the first day is definitely not recommended, if ever. Your children must be repeatedly cautioned about overly zealous physical acts with the new member of the family and be particularly warned that the cute, little fur ball does not bounce and

must not be thrown in the air to see if it lands on its four feet. When you lift the pet, place one hand firmly under its chest and the other under its hind quarters. It this way the pet not only feels secure, but, is secure.

Of course, during the first few days, “Rover”, not having been house-trained will urinate and defecate at the most inopportune time and in the most undesirable places. Discipline and training must begin from day-one (we shall be dealing with the curbing of bad habits in the coming weeks).

As any pet owner will attest, the first night is agonising. The puppy/kitten is lonely. For the first time, neither Mummy or siblings are around to snuggle with and to bring comfort. Anything from whimpering to a full-fledged caterwauling could be expected.

Here are some suggestions that you may consider in preparing for the arrival of your new pet:

“Construct” a comfortable crate. A simple cardboard box lined with newspapers, a cushion or an old towel/rug will suffice. The front of the box should be open so that “Rover” can enter and exit easily. The Pet Shops supply very functional animal crates (see accompanying photo) that are light, collapsible, and easy to maintain, and offered in different sizes and colours. These are ideal for pets, especially if you intend to keep them indoors at night-time, and if you will be taking them with you on vacations out of town.

Pets, like humans, are creatures of routine and enjoy their personal space and will happily enter their crates when they need to sleep or relax.

The crate must be large enough for the pet to lie, stand and stretch.

Above all, the crate must be placed in a draft-free location, but not a windowless room that is hot and stuffy and with no air circulation. In the case of kittens/cats, windows must be escape free.

If you have determined to keep the dog (never the cat) outside, you will have to build/buy a kennel with dimensions which will allow the animal comfort and manoeuverability. It must be at least nine inches above the ground. Not too high, though, as entering and ex-

iting the kennel may become problematic as the dog gets older. Note, there are many excellent Guyanese carpenters/cabinet makers who can construct customised and beautiful kennels for the comfort of your pets.

There are some suggestions that dog and cat lovers have made over the years that have proven to be effective.

You may place a sealed glass jar (or hot water bottle) with warm water into the crate to recreate the warmth of the mother and litter mates which are no longer present. Do not use electric heating pads as pets may bite the wires and receive a nasty shock or die from the electrocution. A ticking clock has also been suggested as the ticking sound simulates the heartbeat of the mother. Well, I am not going to disagree with anything that works! My dear mother (rest her soul) believed in rubbing salted butter on the mouth and nose of kittens and puppies as a distraction to give them solace in their loneliness during the first few nights Please be informed that from next week, we will present the first of a series of Guest Columnists from the animal welfare organization, “Paws for a Cause - Guyana”.

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 31, 2020

Sunday Times Magazine 7

8 Sunday Times Magazine ACROSS 1 Danke, in Dijon 6 Liquefies 11 Hearts, essentially 16 “The Caine Mutiny” captain 21 Tearjerker?

22 Acid in proteins 23 -- Aimee of films 24 Shadow made by an eclipse 25 Ph.D. exams 26 Entertainer -- Marie 27 Abu - 28 Raises the lid 29 Compost 30 Making a bow 32 Toxic gas 34 Pair of 501’s 36 Let ‘er --!

37 Steel-mill refuse 39 Chinchilla habitat 41 Unfastened 43 Avers 45 Trellis coverers 47 Solve a case 49 Wind-borne silt 51 Town in oaters 54 Dense, as fog 55 Pitbull sound 56 “El Condor --” 60 Hoffman flop 61 18-wheeler 62 Stabs 64 Kind of story 65 Ancient colonnades 66 -- out of ideas 67 Presses a blouse 68 “Is it a bird? Is it a --?”

70 Oxford omega 71 Craggy abodes 73 First-rate, in slang 74 Dorm companion 75 Rat’s undoing 77 Snatches 78 Rent 79 Take back 80 Castle that danced 82 Taboos 83 “The Body” Ventura 84 Chauffeurs 87 Therefore 88 Heavy gold chain 89 In the vicinity 93 Overly ornate 94 Swell out 95 Kung fu cousin 97 -- Speedwagon

98 Prince Arn’s mother 99 Country cousins 100 Risky 101 Mrs. Gorbachev 103 Russell or Olin 104 Carpenters’ gadgets 106 Price tag 107 Be sure of (2 wds.)

108 Movie theater sign 110 Glimpse from afar 111 Choir member 112 Dozes 113 Came around 115 Has lots of status 116 Winter warmer 117 Pago Pago native 120 Gunslinger’s dare 122 Zeppo’s brother 124 Birds’ beaks 128 “I -- -- Rock” 129 Meadow murmur 131 “Peer Gynt” writer 133 Cliff dwellings, now 135 Very little 136 Vice - 138 Kind of tooth 140 Magna cum - 142 Turf grabber 144 Drama prizes 145 Gauguin’s prop 146 Certain wolf 147 Major artery 148 Texas spread 149 -- -craftsy 150 Saloon suds 151 En -- (all together)

DOWN 1 Drops anchor 2 Register for (var.)

3 Lasso 4 Rank above maj.

5 Prof.

6 Afternoon show 7 Revises 8 Feudal lord 9 Spike TV, once 10 Fly high 11 Corral 12 Detach 13 Ghostly noises 14 Dartboard locale 15 Read quickly 16 Game like horseshoes 17 Ballpark fig.

18 Siskel cohort, once

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- PRAGMATIC (PRAGMATIC: prag-MAT-ik: Concerned with facts or actual occurrences; practical.)

Average mark 40 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 55 or more words in PRAGMATIC? TODAY’S WORD -- PRAGMATIC pact pair part pica pita pram prig prim ramp rapt riata agar amir amtrac

apart aria armpit gait gimp girt gram grim grip grit maar magi magic marc

mart mica taiga tamp tapa tapir tarmac tarp tiara tragic tram tramp trap trig

trim trip impact impart camp carat carp cart cigar crag cram cramp crimp

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

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

guyanatimesgy.com

MAY 31, 2020

19 Tennessee -- Ford 69 The beautiful Sophia 20 Horrified inhalations 72 January in Jalisco 31 Mr. Arafat 73 Pennies from London 33 Partner of alas 74 Turn back the clock 35 Grenoble’s river 76 Swing around 38 Persona non - 78 Hankers after 40 Ski run 79 Return the favor 42 Bad weather culprit (2 wds.) 81 News summary 44 Cleopatra’s snake 82 Proofer’s marks 46 Bovine stomachs 83 Superman’s father (hyph.)

48 Wealthy 84 Mason’s private eye 50 Big galoots 85 Omega competitor 51 Composer Franz - 86 Boadicea’s people 52 Late bloomer 87 Wifey’s mate 53 Ms. Harper sitcom 88 Fast-moving snake 54 Coat racks 90 Slezak of soaps 55 Troll’s cousin 91 “Sour grapes” coiner 57 Japanese volcano 92 Reddish-brown horses 58 Part of SST 94 Kind of sticker 59 Red as -- - 95 Put the -- on 61 Large family 96 Muse of poetry 62 -- Kringle 99 Zwieback 63 Ladybug features 100 Hamlet or Ophelia 66 Drescher and Lebowitz 102 U.N.’s Kofi - 67 Steamed 105 Helmsley of hotels

106 Oblivion 107 Rasher of -109 Way of Lao-Tzu 111 By implication 112 Office machines 114 “-- Cannonball” 115 Peep shows 116 More uncouth 117 Enjoy the taste 118 One-celled swimmer (var.)

119 Sausalito’s county 121 Discharge 123 As -- -- (usually) 125 Big pitchers 126 Cops’ rounds 127 Bristles 130 Aboard ship 132 Dollop 134 Rip-off 137 NYSE watchdog 139 1914 headline 141 Historical period 143 Mauna -SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 6