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14 NEWS THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Despite pre-retirement leave, Top Cop, Deputy Commissioner remaining on job was “administrative” decision – Granger

Caretaker President David Granger has defended a decision to have several members in the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force remain on the job, despite their having significant amounts of accumulative leave which would lead them into retirement.

This comes on the heels of outgoing GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West being sent on pre-retirement leave effective Wednesday, July 1, 2020 until his March 2021 retirement.

However, this has sparked controversy, since Police Commissioner Leslie James and Deputy Commissioner Maxine Graham are still on the job even though they are approaching the age to proceed on pre-retirement leave.

Police Commissioner James is said to have some 307 days accumulative leave. He will reach 55, the retirement age for Public Servants, in April 2021, which means he should have gone off on pre-retirement leave on June 28, and this would have taken him straight into retirement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Maxine Graham will turn 55 in November. She also has accumulated approximately 172 days’ leave and should

Police Commissioner Leslie James

have been sent on pre-retirement leave since June 11.

Questioned about the reason behind having the top-ranking Police officials still on the job, President Granger explained that it was an administrative decision.

While acknowledging that an instrument was passed stipulating that leave should not be accumulated and that officers within the Disciplined Services should enjoy their leave in the calendar year when it is due, the Head of State defended the move to keep on the Top Cop, saying it was because of the “special operation” that was launched for the March 2 elections, and it had to be extended because of the prolonged post-elec

tion period.

“We are in very abnormal period in Guyanese history, and the Commission of Police was required to supervise a special operation to ensure there was no disturbance of the peace, no disorder during the elections period, and that is the reason why he is still at his post… It is an administrative decision, not a decision about any other legal or operational [basis], to allow him to supervise the conduct of that operation,” he noted.

Nevertheless, the Caretaker President as(COVID-19), bringing the country’s death toll up to 13. This latest fatality was announced on Wednesday, but the man died on Monday. While no other details of the now-deceased man were given, the media was told that he died on Monday at the Georgetown Public Hospital. It has been reported that the 42-yearold man was admitted to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit afsured that these officials would enjoy their “entitlements” after this period is over.

On the other hand, the Commander in Chief pointed out that the processes to appoint a Chief of Staff of the GDF and a Commissioner of Police are completely different.

Whereas the appointment of the Chief of Staff is decided at the level of the Defence Board, the selection of a substantive Top Cop requires consultation with the Opposition Leader.

Likewise, with the apter complaining of shortness of breath.

Guyana’s last COVID-19 death was recorded over a month ago on May 30 when 78-year-old John Damon, a former resident of the Palms Geriatric Home, died at the dedicated COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) located at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He was the second resident of The Palms to die from COVID-19.

It has been almost four months since Guyana recorded its first coronavirus case following the death of 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall, who is referred to as ‘patient zero’.

While the country has maintained a low death rate, over the past week, there has been a significant raise in the number of cases. In fact, there were 46 new cases recorded last week alone.

On Wednesday, the Public Health Ministry reported another three new cases from 56 tests conducted within the previous 24 hours. This now brings the total of COVID-19 cases in Guyana to 248.

According to Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Karen GordonBoyle, who delivered Wednesday’s update, a total of 2634 persons have been tested to date for the novel coronavirus of which 2386 were negative.

Guyana currently has 122 active cases – two in the COVID-19 ICU and the remaining 120 in institutional isolation. There are also 16 persons in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, the number of persons to date to recover from the deadly virus is 116.

As local authorities continue to grapple with flattening the curve of the local coronavirus outbreak, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) remains the epicentre of the outbreak in Guyana.

However, there have been a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – a situation which the DCMO says is being tackled in a collaborative manner.

“I wish to inform the residents, particularly in Regions One and Seven that the Ministry is working collaboratively with the various agencies within the region[s] to address and help arrest the situation that is threatening to spiral out of control. We are calling on all the residents to cooperate with the health officials

Deputy Police Commissioner Maxine Graham

pointments of Deputy Commissioners, the President would require the advice of the Police Service Commission, which he noted he has not gotten as yet.

James joined the Police Force in 1987, and was appointed Top Cop in May 2018 following the retirement of former Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Also with 33 years of Service under her belt now, Graham was the lone female among four new Deputy Commissioners appointed by President Granger back

Guyana records 13th COVID-19 death

…cases climb to 248

A42-year-old man has succumbed to coronavirus disease

in August 2018. as we work to contain the spread of the disease in your communities,” she stated.

Moreover, Dr GordonBoyle further pleaded with Guyanese to do their part and respect the curfew and other measures in place to prevent the spread of the deadly virus especially since health workers are risk

ing their lives on the frontlines to continue to screen the population, provide testing for suspected cases, and treat the positive cases.

“Guyanese, I want you to know that COVID-19 is real, stop mamaguying. Please note also that the full effect of COVID-19 on the human body is not fully known; you can recover from the coronavirus disease, but may develop other conditions that you previously did not have, which can result in possible death. So, my fellow Guyanese, let’s follow the guidelines,” she implored.

NEWS 15 THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Thousands write NGSA despite COVID-19 fears

By LaWanda McA ister, U ta Be and Andre Car ichae

Some 14,730 students across the country have been registered to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations yesterday and today; and despite fears of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands turned up to write the exams.

On Wednesday, Guyana Times visited several schools and found primary school pupils and their parents excited at the prospect of writing these exams, but some were nervous about writing these exams during this public health crisis.

Speaking with this publication, Green Acres Primary School student Naomi Griffith said she was initially nervous about the exams, but eventually her nerves were settled.

“I was thinking, ‘What would I do in this exam?’. However, when I saw the paper, I was a bit calm, because I knew what I was going to do. My challenge (in) studying at home during this time was being distracted by my brother, because he would always come and ask for my help, but it was okay. I also couldn’t be around my friends, and I couldn’t go to my lessons weekly. But it was okay for me,” Griffith said.

Meanwhile, another student, Carly Hunt, also pointed out that his challenge

Pupils of the St Pius Primary School having a brief assembly before the start of their examination while observing social distancing guidelines

was being away from the classroom for months, which caused him much distraction. “For me, the subjects were pretty simple, and I think I did really good, because we had a lot of extra time to study, in particular two months. My challenge (in) being at home during this pandemic was a lot of distractions. To name a few, the television would be playing while I would have to study, so most times I would have to lock myself up in my room. Also, I wasn’t able to go to my normal Saturday lessons. I definitely believe the time that was given was sufficient”.

In addition, Sarah Heywood, another NGSA student, said: “I am excited and nervous at the same time, but the examination was good. While I was at home, one of my challenges was with the internet, also a little disturbance with family members, but other than that, it was okay”.

Ronald Kissoon, parent of a student who is sitting the NGSA, said he must commend the Ministry of Education (MoE) for its efforts at protecting the students during this time.

“I think it is going well so far, because I believe the Ministry of Education is capable of implementing a plan to bring about this exam; because we know this exam was postponed and the children were hyped up and were studying enough. So, in my opinion, they did a good job”.

However, Esther Smith, a parent of a student of the St Margaret Primary School, said: “I think the Ministry’s strategy was good, but I believe that they (students) needed more time, given the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Region Six

In Region Six (EastBerbice Corentyne), the views on the examination were very mixed on the issue of studying from home. Some expressed that they needed more time to study, since they were away from their formal classroom settings, while others welcomed the extra months to study.

Meanwhile, several parents gathered outside several schools as they waited on their children, and offered moral support. Like the children, they, too, were mixed in their views on the time

Parent: Ronald Kissoon

away from the classroom.

Detective Police Corporal Curtis Cort, who took his son to the All Saints Primary School, expressed some concerns, pointing out, “Mentally, I think he is prepared, but, as a parent, I am still somewhat concerned, since he asked questions about his safety, wondering whether the environment will be safe for him. I was however able to give him that assurance.”

Another parent, who took her child to St Teresa’s Primary in New Amsterdam, said she is of the belief that most of the students were going into the examination room with a disadvantage.

“When the Ministry postponed the exam, they told parents that students would have been given ample time to prepare. However, we were only given three weeks’ notice, and the children were only in school for two weeks, three days a week. I do not think it is enough,” she noted.

However, Nicola Luther expressed the view that students were prepared for the examination, noting that the Education Ministry had been sending information via the internet and giving children questions from past NGSA papers.

Region 10

Meanwhile, students in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) also turned out to write the National Grade Six Assessment exams in their numbers on Wednesday, under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

A total of 814 candidates are currently registered to write the exams within that Region; however, a few opted not to do so in light of the pandemic. Students from Linden arrived on time, and were observed heading into school compounds with their face masks on and accompanied by their parents.

Regional Education Officer Rabindra Singh, who visited schools in the community, noted that there

A pupil having his temperature tested at the North Georgetown

Primary School (Education Ministry photo)

Naomi Griffith

Pupils of the St Pius Primary School seated six feet apart in their classroom as they await the start of their examination

was an excellent turnout overall.

“The children were well equipped. Our schools are well cleaned, the students had on their masks…They have their sanitisation package with them…We have nurses at our schools to check their body temperature and so on. So, everybody was prepared. I visited most of the schools… We had an incident-free day. None of the schools reported that they had any sickness, and the children, I can say that they would have practised good protocols…I spoke with some of them, and I can tell that they understand what the world is going through right now”, Singh explained.

According to information from the Regional Education Department over at the

Parents gathered outside the All Saints Primary in Berbice as they waited on their children

Coomacka Primary School,

Carly Hunt, student of Green Acres Primary School

Primary School. 77 out of 78 students were at the Regma Primary, and 105 out of 106 at Amelia’s Ward Primary.

Meanwhile, all 6 wrote the exams at Bamia Primary, and all 9 at Muritaro Primary, while 102 out of 104 students wrote the exams at the Wismar Hill Primary, and 51 out of 55 at the St Aidan’s Primary. Christianburg Primary saw a full turnout of all 19 students, while 37 out of 40 students wrote the exams at the Mackenzie Primary.

Additionally, the lone student who was registered to write the exams at Mabura was present to write the exams.

According to Singh, two parents at a particular school in the region were

Parent Esther Smith

in disagreement with their children writing the exams. He noted that some students had migrated to other regions and were slated to write the exams there.

Region 10 has recorded a greater than 95 percent turnout for classes in the two weeks leading up to these exams of Wednesday and today.

For those who chose not to write the exams, Singh noted, while there are alternative measures in place, those students would not be placed at a list ‘A’ school.

English Language and Science were written on Wednesday, while Social Studies and Mathematics will be done today.

NGSA was initially scheduled for April, but had to be postponed until July as a result of COVID-19.

16 NEWS THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF celebrates 181st anniversary

67 more Guyanese return from US

File photo: Members of the Guyana Police Force

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday observed its 181st anniversary, but due to COVID-19, the Force was unable to conduct its usual celebratory activities.

The GPF’s motto is: ‘Serve and protect’. Its Mission Statement is: “The mission of the Guyana Police Force and its Auxiliaries is to serve all citizens and communities of Guyana in a professional, pro-active and accountable manner. To achieve this, we will work in partnership with communities, public agencies and private bodies to enhance and support an environment where all people are preventing crime and building a safer and secure Guyana.”

The Police Force was established on July 1, 1839.

The Force is headed by a Commissioner of Police, and is divided into ten (10) regional policing divisions, with Regional Police Division 4 divided into A, B and C, and there are a number of branches spanning Guyana.

The branches include the Public Relations Office, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Mounted Branch, the Central Immigration and Passport Office, the Police Band, General Office, Finance Office, Traffic, Special Branch and the Canine Unit, among others. Each division and branch are commanded by a divisional or branch commander, who reports to the Commissioner of Police.

The objectives of the Force are outlined in Section 3(2) of the Police Act, Chapter 16:01.

The Police Force is currently undergoing a modernisation and reform process, in keeping with its strategic plan 2018-2021 under the Citizen Security Programme. W ednesday’s Eastern Airlines repatriation flight from Miami saw the return of 67 Guyanese due to an approval granted by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF).

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that Bibi Khan and her husband were among the group that landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Bibi said her experience abroad was troubling, since she was unable to attend the funeral of her brother’s mother-in-law in New Jersey. Now that she’s back home with her husband, who had heart surgery in 2015, Bibi listed some of the steps the couple will take to stay safe.

“We were definitely not going out for about two weeks, and furthermore, we are indoors people, we don’t go out a lot. We will only go to the market at the Stelling and come home. We not visiting relatives or friends,” she told DPI.

After learning of his 94-year-old mother’s passing, Michael Choy was eager to return home to be with his family. He said he would comply with the COVID-19 guidelines as he took steps in the USA to be coronavirus-free.

“The job I’m doing is as a merchant marine,” Michael noted. “We more or less isolate ourselves, do our own [COVID-19] tests, and I stay out of the bars.”

Another citizen who came home was Rashida Mohamed-Hinds. Reflecting on life among her family, Rashida reiterated critical advice she says Guyanese should follow.

“My father has a health condition, so I was concerned about going outside. I think if you are around people who have health conditions, you need to be extra careful.”

Concerning asymptomatic transmission, Rashida emphasized that citizens must exercise more caution.

For Joshua John, it is vitally important that returning Guyanese be honest with the information they provide to the staff of the Ministry of Public Health.

Recently, there were reports from the Ministry’s Health officials that Guyanese on a previous repatriation flight had given misleading information, while others had breached their mandatory quarantine period.

John appealed to his fellow countrymen and women to abide by the requirements upon which their re-entry was granted, noting that the provision of false information “is hurting the rest of Guyanese that want to return home.”

The NCTF has approved another flight of Guyanese from the USA for today (July 2). This flight is expected to depart the JFK International Airport in New York.

While Guyana’s main airports will remain closed to international flights, limited repatriation flights will continue, provided the NCTF issues its approval.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

SYMPTOMS People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Or at least two of these symptoms:

People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

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

Fever

Chills

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

Mystery as hundreds of elephants die in Botswana

More than 350 elephants have mysteriously died in the Okavango Delta since May. But the true figure is feared to be higher as carcasses can be hard to see. The first deaths were reported in early May in the Okavango Delta.

Dr Niall McCann, director of conservation at UKbased charity National Park Rescue, told the Guardian: “This is a mass die-off on a level that hasn’t been seen in a very, very long time.

“Outside of drought, I don’t know of a die-off that has been this significant.”

Poisoning or an unknown pathogen are thought to be the most likely causes. The tusks of the elephants have not been removed by poachers.

Seventy percent of the deaths were around waterholes, according to local sources.

Some of the animals were spotted walking in circles, a sign of neurological impairment.

Dr McCann said: “If you look at the carcasses, some of them have fallen straight on their face, indicating they died very quickly. “Others are obviously dying more slowly, like the ones that are wandering around.

“So it’s very difficult to say what this toxin is.”

Male and female elephants of all ages have been dying. And a number of other elephants appear to be

Britain said it was extending Hong Kong residents a broader path to citizenship in response to China's sweeping new security law for the former UK territory.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement represents the most direct international response to Beijing's legislation that has been roundly condemned by Western allies. "We stand for rules and obligations," Johnson told parliament just hours after China made its first arrest in Hong Kong under the new law. "And we think that is the scientific basis for our international relations and the enactment and deposition of this national security law constitutes a clear and

More than 350 elephants have mysteriously died in the Okavango Delta since May

weak sparking concern they could also die.

Dr McCann criticised the Botswana government over the testing of samples.

He said: “When we’ve got a mass die-off of elephants near human habitation at a time when wildlife disease is very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it seems extraordinary that the government has not sent the samples to a reputable lab.

“There is no precedent for this being a natural phenomenon but without proper testing, it will never be known.” The Okavango Delta is home to around 15,000 elephants, 10 percent of Botswana’s total.

Dr McCann said: “You see elephants as assets of the country. They are the diamonds wandering around the Okavango Delta.

“It’s a conservation di

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

serious breach of the SinoBritish Joint Declaration."

About 300,000 Hong Kong citizens have British National Overseas (BNO) passports and another 2.6 million are eligible to apply. Foreign Secretary Dominic saster – it speaks of a country that is failing to protect its most valuable resource.”

Dr Cyril Taolo, acting director for Botswana’s department of wildlife and national parks, told the Guardian: “We are aware of the elephants that are dying. “Out of the 350 animals, we have confirmed 280 of those animals. We are still in the process of confirming the rest.

“We have sent [samples] off for testing and we are expecting the results over the next couple of weeks or so.

“The COVID-19 restrictions have not helped in the transportation of samples in the region and around the world.

“We’re now beginning to emerge from that and that is why we are now in a position to send the samples to other laboratories.”

Reporter, cameraman shot dead in Honduras

Five persons have German Vallecillo Jr and German Vallecillo, was been detained in his cameraman/producer, killed on his birthday. He Honduras after a Jorge Pozas were gunned had expressed interest in reporter and a cameraon a street in La Ceiba by running for a legislative man were fatally shot two gunmen, who opened seat from the area, his famWednesday. fire from a vehicle. ily said.

The Associated Press Vallecillo, the son of The case is under invesreported that TV reporter well-known Journalist tigation.

PM Johnson makes UK citizenship offer to Hong Kong residents

(Express UK) Raab said Britain's offer also extended to dependents of those with BNO status, but refused to be drawn in about how many would apply.

Eligible individuals from Hong Kong currently visit the UK for six months without a visa. Under the new policy, they will have the right to live and work in the country for five years. After that, they will be allowed to apply for settled status and then again for citizenship.

Hong Kongers who were born after the end of British rule in 1997 are not eligible, meaning in effect, many of the city's young student activists who are most at risk of arrest under the new law cannot take advantage of the British offer. (Al Jazeera) US sees record 52,000 new virus cases in 24 hours – Johns Hopkins

The US notched more The Baltimore-based fatalities, bringing the total than 52,000 new university's tracker showed death toll to 128,028. COVID-19 cases in 24 52,898 more cases as of 8:30 New daily case numbers hours Wednesday, a tally by pm, bringing the total numhave hovered around 40,000 Johns Hopkins University ber of cases since the panin recent days, with Johns showed, a new one-day redemic reached the US to Hopkins recording 42,528 cord as infections surge 2,682,270. The university new infections one day eararound the country. also recorded a further 706 lier. (AFP)

Brazil military hands out masks to protect isolated Amazon tribes

Soldiers handed out masks to barefooted Yanomami indigenous people including body-painted warriors carrying spears and bows and arrows on Wednesday on the second day of a military operation to protect isolated tribes from COVID-19. The Yanomami are the last major isolated people in the Amazon rainforest where dozens of indigenous communities have been infected with the latest disease to come from the outside to threaten their existence.

“It’s all under control. We detected no cases here,” Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo, a retired army general, told reporters at a frontier post called Surucucu on the border with Venezuela.

Azevedo said the death of two Yanomami purportedly shot by illegal gold miners on the vast reservation was an isolated case that is being investigated by the federal police.

A gold rush that has brought an estimated 20,000 gold prospectors to invade the Brazil largest reservation has poisoned rivers and destroyed forest, and the Yanomami say the miners have brought the novel coronavirus.

Indigenous leaders appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to order the federal government to pro

A member of Brazilian Armed Forces medical team examines a man from the Indigenous Yanomami ethnic group, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

tect isolated tribes by barring outsiders from reservation lands and expelling illegal poachers, loggers and wildcat miners said to bring fatal diseases.

The indigenous umbrella organization APIB asked that invaders be removed, with the deployment of military forces if necessary, from the reservations of the Yanomami, Karipuna, Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau, Kayapó, Arariboia and Munduruku peoples.

APIB said 405 indigenous people had died of COVID-19 by June 27, with 9,983 infected among 112 different tribes.

In Surucucu, Yanomami families with mothers car

rying their bundled infants were frightened at first by the arrival of the medical personnel and supplies of protective equipment and medicine in roaring military helicopters.

The men fumbled the mask as they covered their faces painted with red body paint from tress barks.

“The indigenous health service (Sesai) is good for us, they help us so we came to ask for help to see if we are well,” said a Yanomami elder through a large white face mask. “We walked four hours to arrive here,” he said through an interpreter.

Nurses took temperatures and rapid COVID-19 tests. (Reuters)

Regional

Anguilla’s Opposition wins election

The main Opposition Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) won Monday’s General Election in the British Overseas Territory, winning seven of the 11 seats, according to the preliminary results.

Among the casualties is Premier Victor Banks, whose Anguilla United Front (AUF), won four seats.

Banks, 72, was defeated by 27-year-old Dianne Kentish Rogers, the 2018 Miss Universe Great Britain.

In a statement posted on its website, the APM said “a new story in Anguilla’s history has been written. “The story of change has begun …It’s your time now. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for your support, your faith, and your

An estimated 11,950 voters were eligible to cast ballots Monday and 32 candidates representing the two main political parties and 10 independents had contested the poll

hope. Thank you for embracing our vision, and marching right beside us in this journey. We ask for your continued support and faith, as our work has just begun.”

An estimated 11,950 voters were eligible to cast ballots Monday and the Central Electoral Office (CEO) said 32 candidates representing the two main political parties and 10 independents had contested the poll.

Under the electoral system there, voters elect seven members in single-member constituencies by first-pastthe-post voting and four atlarge members elected from the entire island by plurality at-large voting. Voters may vote for up to four candidates in the at-large seats, which replaced four appointees.

The victory for the APM, led by Dr Ellis Webster, is a reversal of the 2015 General Election, when Banks led his AUF to victory by winning seven seats and the APM, which was recently formed, failed to win a seat.

British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew A Fahie was among the first regional leaders to extend congratulations to Webster. (Excerpt from CMC)

Barbados becomes 1st member state to fly official Caricom flag’

Barbados’ Ambassador Day, July 4. to the Caribbean But doing it Wednesday Community (Caricom) served as a tribute to Prime David Comissiong on Minister Mia Mottley who comWednesday announced that pleted her stint as Chairman the official flag of the regionof the regional grouping al body will be flown at all Wednesday. Embassies, High Commissions St Vincent and the and diplomatic offices of memGrenadines Prime Minister, ber states as of Wednesday. Dr Ralph Gonsalves has re

According to Comissiong, placed Mottley. According to this is being doing as a gesAmbassador Comissiong, use ture intended to embody the of the flag projects the Region’s Region’s pursuit of collective unified presence and image at and coordinated foreign policy 208 diplomatic missions across across the world. 55 countries.

Moments after hoisting the “There are massive things Caricom flag over Government that need to be done and we recheadquarters, Comissiong reognise that no single Caricom vealed that the move was proState can accomplish those posed by Barbadian officials major things on its own. But at a meeting of the Caricom we also recognise that when Council for Foreign and we bring together our collecCommunity Relations and was tive strength, we are a force to intended to be officially implebe reckoned,” Comissiong demented starting on Caricom clared. (CMC) Trinidad Health Ministry launches community testing for COVID-19

Eight health facilities St Patrick County; Sangre have been designated Grande Enhanced Health to do COVID-19 comCentre in St Andrew/St munity testing in Trinidad. David; and Pleasantville in Chief Medical Officer Victoria County. (CMO), Dr Roshan Parasram Parasram said the clinmade the announcement at ical criteria to be used for Wednesday’s virtual media testing people who go to the conference. facilities between 08:00h

The facilities are St and 16:00h will include feJames Health Centre (St ver, cough, runny nose, James District Health headaches, redness of the Facility) within the St eyes, loss of taste and loss George West district; El of smell. He said swabbing Socorro Health Centre in St would not be considered at George Central; St Joseph these centres for asymptoEnhanced Health Centre in matic person who have come St George East; Chaguanas for pre-delivery screenA&E in County Caroni; ing, pre-surgical screening Mayaro District Health and screening prior to reFacility in Nariva/Mayaro; patriation. (Excerpt from Siparia Health Centre in Newsday)

Coronavirus: Colombian Mayor takes son to Police for breaking lockdown

The mayor of a town these measures. I will not alin Colombia has low them to put the lives of been praised after he our villagers at risk just beturned his own son in to the cause they wanted to have Police for breaking a curfew some drinks.” imposed to curb the spread of “I have other younger the coronavirus. sons and he could bring the

Carlos Higgins virus home if he caught it,” Villanueva said he had to set he said about why he felt his an example. eldest had to learn his les

“My family are the first son. “I wanted to set an exwho have to respect the ample so that the rest of rules,” he tweeted. the community respects the

There have been more rules,” he added. than 95,000 confirmed cases The rule-breakers have of the virus in Colombia and been ordered to do communimore than 3300 people have Mayor Carlos Higgins Villanueva (in red) said he felt he had to set ty service. died. an example The municipal authorities Atlántico, the northern state where Higgins is Mayor of the small town of Juan de Acosta, has the second highest number of infections. Mayor Higgins posted pictures of himself driving his son, his nephew, and a man he described as “a great friend” to the Police Station, where he asked officers “to deal with the rule-breakers as they see fit”. The three had been caught on video celebrating Father’s Day. The party they attended was not only held during the hours of a strict curfew but there was also alcohol on sale, in contravention of a temporary statewide ban imposed for that weekend. Mayor Higgins wrote on Twitter: “My relatives are the first who have to respect have adopted the Mayor’s approach and launched a campaign with the motto: “If I see you at a party, drinking, outside your home, visiting or receiving visits or playing football, I will grass on you and you will go to the police.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Coronavirus slump threatens Mexican President’s crusade on poverty

When President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador won office with the biggest popular mandate since Mexico’s transition to democracy, he pledged to transform the country from the bottom up, putting the poor first.

Two years on, recession, rows with business, and the coronavirus pandemic have jeopardised that ambition. Millions of people have lost their jobs and his response to the crisis has drawn criticism.

Lopez Obrador was elected in July 2018 with 53 per cent of the vote, a far bigger share than the three other men to have run Mexico since one-party rule ended in 2000. He registered approval ratings of 80 per cent after he took office that December.

But that optimism has faded in the face of political polarisation, dismay over surging crime, and frustraters and the novel coronavition with the leftist’s tendency to pick fights with business.

Now, with fears growing about the economic impact of the pandemic, both critics and some well-wishers warn that without a more pragmatic approach, the 66-year-old Lopez Obrador will struggle to revive investment and tackle chronic poverty.

“And the President, with the best intentions of helping the poor, will end up impoverishing more people,” said Fernando Turner, a businessman and supporter who was Lopez Obrador’s pick for Economy Minister in the 2012 presidential campaign.

Once coronavirus was factored in, said Turner, it looked increasingly likely Mexico’s economy would be smaller when Lopez Obrador’s term ends in late 2024 than when it started.

Satellite technology “can help” Region during hurricane season

Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland

The London-based rus (COVID-19) pandemic. C o m m o n w e a l t h Experts predict up to 10 Secretariat Tuesday hurricanes in the Atlantic said that powerful satelby the end of the year. lite technology can help “Responding effectively Caribbean countries better to these complex challenges manage natural disasters of disease and disaster will and boost climate resilience, rely more than ever on data as the Region braces for a that is accurate, reliable and busy hurricane season. timely, as well as country

It said a virtual event cooperation to share knowlco-organised by the United edge, experience and experNations Institute for tise,” said Commonwealth Training and Research Secretary General Dame (UNITAR) showed how rePatricia Scotland. mote sensing satellite tech“Our partnership with nology was recently used to UNITAR and other key support Asian and Pacific networks through the countries in responding to Commonsensing Project will super cyclones Amphan and help generate the data counHarold. tries need to inform criti

These cutting-edge tools, cal decision-making during provided by the UNITAR times of crisis. It will also Operational Satellite lead to more effective cliApplications programme mate projects in the long(UNOSAT), are even more term and more robust applivital as the Caribbean grapcations for climate finance,” ples with multiple threats she added. (Excerpt from linked to both climate disasCMC) (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS

Oil futures end higher as US supply marks biggest weekly decline of the year

Oil futures ended higher Wednesday after a US Government report showed the largest weekly decline in domestic crude inventories so far this year.

“Refining activity above 14 million barrels per day for the first time since late March, [and] combined with a drop in imports and exports holding above three million barrels per day, has led to the largest crude inventory draw of the year so far,” Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData, told MarketWatch.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported Wednesday that US crude inventories fell by 7.2 million barrels for the week ended June 26. That followed three consecutive weeks of increases.

Analysts polled by S&P Global Platts had forecast an average crude supply decline of 2.7 million barrels, while the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported a fall of 8.2 million barrels. The EIA data also showed crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub edged down by about 200,000 barrels for the week.

The decrease in US supplies has injected some optimism in crude markets, which have been whipsawed by anxieties around the growing spread of COVID-19 and the impact of the contagion on crude demand.

On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for August rose 55 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$39.82 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Meanwhile, global benchmark Brent oil for September picked up 76 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to US$42.03 on ICE Futures Europe. (Excerpt from Market Watch)

Military deployed in Ethiopian capital after more than 80 killed in protests

The protests were sparked by the assassination of popular musician Haacaaluu Hundeessaa

The military was pression and what the deployed in the Oromo, Ethiopia’s biggest Ethiopian capital ethnic group, describe as on Wednesday, as armed their historic exclusion from gangs roamed neighbourpolitical power. hoods in a second day of un“I am angry. It’s eating rest that has claimed more me inside,” protester Ishetu than 80 lives and deepened Alemu told Reuters as tires political divisions in Prime smouldered in the street beMinister Abiy Ahmed’s pohind him. litical heartland. Gunshots echoed through

The protests were many neighbourhoods and sparked by the assassinagangs armed with machettion of popular musician es and sticks roamed the Haacaaluu Hundeessaa on streets. Six witnesses deMonday night and spread scribed a situation pitfrom Addis Ababa to the ting youths of Oromo orsurrounding Oromiya reigin against some of the gion. city’s other ethnic groups,

The killing tapped into and where both sides skirgrievances fuelled by demished with Police. (Excerpt cades of Government refrom Reuters)

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2020 19 Around the World

Hong Kong Police arrest more than 300 protesting China's 'birthday gift' of security law

Hong Kong police fired water cannon and tear gas and arrested more than 300 people on Wednesday as protesters took to the streets in defiance of sweeping security legislation introduced by China to snuff out dissent.

Beijing unveiled the details of the much-anticipated law late on Tuesday after weeks of uncertainty, pushing China’s freest city and one of the world’s most glittering financial hubs on to a more authoritarian path.

As thousands of protesters gathered for an annual rally marking the anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to China in 1997, Riot Police used pepper spray and fired pellets as they made arrests after crowds spilled into the

People testing negative for coronavirus antibodies may still have some immunity, a study has suggested.

For every person testing positive for antibodies, two were found to have specific T-cells which identify and destroy infected cells.

This was seen even in people who had mild or symptomless cases of COVID-19.

Russians have strongly supported constitutional reforms that could keep President Vladimir Putin in power until 2036, partial results indicate.

With about 87 per cent of ballots counted, more than 77 per cent of voters backed the measures, the electoral commission said.

The reforms would reset Putin's term limits to zero in 2024, allowing him to serve two more six-year terms.

Opposition members have said he is trying to become "president for life", a claim Putin denies.

Top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny dismissed the an

Police said they had made more than 300 arrests for illegal assembly and other offences, with nine involving violations of the new law

streets chanting “resist till the end” and “Hong Kong independence”.

“I’m scared of going to jail,

But it's not yet clear whether this just protects that individual, or if it might also stop them from passing on the infection to others.

Researchers at the Karolinksa Institute in Sweden tested 200 people for both antibodies and T-cells.

Some were blood donors while others were tracked down from the group of nounced results as a "big lie" which did not reflect real public opinion in the country.

There is no independent scrutiny of the seven-day vote, and copies of the new but for justice I have to come out today, I have to stand up,” said one 35-year-old man who gave his name as people first infected in Sweden, mainly returning from earlier affected areas like northern Italy.

This could mean a wider group have some level of immunity TO COVID-19 than antibody testing figures, like those published as part of the UK Office for National Statistics Infection Survey, suggest.

It's likely those people did mount an antibody reconstitution appeared in bookshops during the week.

The last polling stations to close in the vast country spanning 11 time zones shut their doors at 18:00 GMT in the western enclave Seth.

Police said they had made more than 300 arrests for illegal assembly and other offences, with nine involving violations of the new law.

The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, will see mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time and allows extradition to the mainland for trial.

China’s Parliament adopted the law in response to protests last year triggered by fears that Beijing was stifling the city’s freedoms, guaranteed by a “one country, two systems” formula agreed when it returned to Chinese rule. Beijing denies the accusation. (Excerpt

Coronavirus: Immunity may be more widespread than tests suggest

from Reuters) sponse, but either it had faded or was not detectable by the current tests.

And these people should be protected if they are exposed to the virus for a second time.

This doesn't necessarily get us any closer to herd immunity, though, according to assistant professor Marcus Buggert, one of the study's authors. (Excerpt

Russia reforms: Putin strongly backed by voters – partial results

Voting has been taking place since last Thursday

from BBC News) of Kaliningrad on Russia's Baltic coast.

Even before the vote had ended, the Internal Affairs Ministry said there had been no violations that could affect the result, Interfax reported.

Several hundred opponents of the constitutional changes staged protests in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Voting began across Russia last week, and the electoral commission put turnout at more than 64 per cent.

The Russian President and his supporters say the reforms – in total, more than 200 changes – are needed to ensure national stability. (Excerpt from BBC News)

On target date, Israel signals delay in West Bank annexation moves

Israeli annexation in the West Bank for a fuIsraeli leaders decided in with Washington yet on the the occupied West ture state. In a show of May that Cabinet and parmodalities of the move unBank might be weeks Palestinian unity, some liamentary deliberations on der a peace proposal anaway, a government minis3000 people in the Gaza extending Israeli sovereignnounced by US President ter said as a start date on Strip, including members ty to Jewish settlements Donald Trump in January, Wednesday for Cabinet disof the mainstream Fatah and the Jordan Valley in and talks with the White cussions of the move slipped party and the rival Hamas the West Bank, in coordiHouse still under way, by in the absence of a green group that runs the ennation with Washington, no Cabinet session was light from Washington. clave, protested against ancould begin as of July 1. scheduled for Wednesday.

Palestinians seek nexation. But with no agreement (Excerpt from Reuters)

ARCHIE

DILBERT

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

ARIES (March 21- April 19)

TAURUS (April 20- May 20)

GEMINI (May 21- June 20)

CANCER (June 21- July 22)

LEO (July 23- Aug. 22)

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Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-

Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-

Nov. 22) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-

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High energy, disci- pline and the desire to be your best will encourage a positive transformation. Personal growth and gain are heading your way.

Work quietly behind the scenes. If you are too vocal regarding your plans, some- one is likely to interfere. Don't share your ideas until you are prepared to market and promote them.

Be realistic and plan your strategy with care. Aim to succeed by doing what you can without hav- ing to depend on others. Personal gains will be the most rewarding.

You’ll have plenty of ideas regarding how to get ahead during dire times. Explore the possibilities and find out what it will take to reach your goal. Trust in your ability to excel.

Your positive attitude will be contagious. If you fo- cus on what you do best, you will come up with an effec- tive plan. Invite friends to an online social gathering.

Consider what you want to do and research the best way to get your ideas up and running. Abide by the rules, regardless of what

others do.

Head down the infor- mation highway. A virtual tour can provide great en- tertainment and keep you out of harm's way. Sign up for an online conference or

master class.

A professional matter isn't likely to go according to plan. Let your intuition guide you, and you'll make the best choice. Invest in yourself, not in someone else.

Fix up your environ- ment to suit current lifestyle trends. Protect yourself from anyone trying to take advantage of you. Make per- sonal growth and progress priorities. Romance will

CAPRICORN

ease stress. It's best not to share per- sonal information. Honesty and integrity will help you handle an emotional- ly draining situation. An adjustment you make will pay off. A positive change is heading your way.

Use your resources to get what you want. You have what it takes to advance, so don't pro- crastinate when you should be seizing the moment and em-

bracing opportunity.

Listen to someone, but don't agree to something you don't want to do. Rid yourself of people who aren't a good influence and avoid tempting situations. Put your health and emotional well-being first.

Th e world’s b e s t players are not prone to taking umbrage with the media. The gulf between levels of criticism – professional and personal – bestowed on a Ryder Cup golfer versus a Premier League footballer is extreme.

Golfers lead a relatively charmed life, so it becomes notable when they step on to a news agenda front foot.

They did so virtually in unison during last week’s Travelers Championship, the third stop of the PGA Tour’s closely-scrutinised resumption. Scepticism over the Tour’s approach to COVID-19, with positive tests still in single digits but rising, jarred with competitors.

“I’ve seen a lot of media coverage that is quite negative, and I don’t like it,” said Shane Lowry, the Open champion. “I think the PGA Tour, Jay [Monahan, the commissioner], everybody involved has done a great job. As a professional golfer, I am very happy to be back to work, and to be providing some entertainment for some people at home.”

Rory McIlroy branded as “silly” suggestions the Tour should call a halt to its return. The world No 1 added: “I think, as a whole, it’s been going really well.”

Sergio Garcia soon joined in. “Whoever thought that we were going to come out here and it was going to be zero positive tests was living in la-la land,” the Spaniard said. “That doesn’t happen.”

The theme was not so much recurring as constant: All hail t h e Tour, and all those not signing from the same hymn sheet be damned etc, etc.

the Travelers Championship, RBC Heritage, or Charles Schwab Challenge makes such a fundamental difference to the lives of leading players that they would blithely ignore wider concerns.

manager, Michael O’Neill, had contracted coronavirus.

Nick Watney, Cameron Champ, Harris English, Dylan Frittelli, Denny McCarthy, Chad Campbell and two caddies have all tested positive for a game of high stakes. He is doing this apparently with the full support of his membership, sponsors and local government officials. That seems to resonate more in the US than some crass attitude distinct to golf.

Dustin Johnson of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the Travelers Championship on Sunday in Cromwell, Connecticut

To sceptics, this represents the sentiment of out-of-touch multimillionaires, who care little for real struggles as they race to meet sponsors’ commitments.

But for all Lowry, McIlroy and Garcia are not immune from the occasionally daft theory, theirs is a trio perfectly cognisant of the big bad world. McIlroy was among those who raised millions for coronavirus relief through an exhibition match. It is also a considerable stretch to say that featuring in

More interesting than the level of play within the PGA Tour’s restart has been the marked contrast in attitudes towards it; and since the Players tournament, those attitudes have shifted. As something of a metaphor for the United States itself, the Tour seems willing to live with COVID-19.

Even though approaches in the UK might feel markedly different, Stoke City FC did not abandon their restart in the Championship because their coronavirus, yet the show goes on.

Assessing broader risk should be key for a sport which moves from state to state. Yet Monahan is not inconsiderate, rash, or lacking in sound judgment. He closed down the Players Championship in March, at high cost, after just one round, as coronavirus closed in.

As the leader of the PGA Tour, a body essentially leading US mainstream sport back to the frontline, Monahan is playing

That players owe a debt of gratitude to the PGA Tour is obvious. They can build up pension pots equivalent to the GDP of a medium-sized country. There is also a danger of those within golf overplaying its wider value as a mid-pandemic resource. To sports gamblers, competition is handy.

Seasoned fans have enjoyed watching the world’s best players, to a point. The absence of galleries has unquestionably diminished the spectacle. The

hitherto little-known Will Gordon has now earned temporary Tour membership after his performance at the Travelers, to provide endearing insight into how tournaments can positively alter lives.

Golfers are fiercely protective of their health. They run a mile from even the perception of off-course risk. That much is likely to become clear later in 2020, when the field is set for a World Golf Championship in China. Nick Watney, Cameron Champ, Harris English, Dylan Frittelli, Denny McCarthy, Chad Campbell and two caddies have tested positive for coronavirus, yet this show ploughs on undeterred. It is a fascinating case study.

There were glaring holes in the PGA Tour’s initial protocols. On the course, there was plenty of socialising and very little distance. That Watney or anyone else could go near a tournament venue when ill or seeking a COVID-19 test was nonsensical. Champ has returned a series of negative tests; so, too, has Ricky Elliott, Brooks Koepka’s caddie, which seems to undermine the robustness of that process.

A golf tour, though, is susceptible to uncontrollable variables, changing fields and players missing cuts among them. This week’s field in Detroit is the weakest of the rebooted season.

Inevitably, positive tests will again be heralded as a success of PGA Tour policies rather than justification to shut down. Lala Land or a new reality? The truth may sit somewhere in the middle. (The Guardian)

Nicolas Roche of Ireland has been confirmed as part of Team Sunweb's line-up for the 2020 Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia races.

The Tour de France starts on 29 August, having been pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Giro d'Italia, postponed from May, will take place from October 3 to October 25.

The Sunweb Team, including 32-year-old Roche, will undertake socially distanced altitude training in Austria prior to heading to France.

As part of this training, they will stay at a hotel in Kuhtai in the Austrian Alps, which is open exclusively for Sunweb riders. To minimise risk of infection, the team would operate in multiple bubbles for rider and staff, with these bubbles being kept separate during travel. All riders must return a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to camp.

This will be Roche's 10th appearance at the

T o u r de France; he has had a best finish of 12th in 2012. This will also be his fifth time racing the Giro d'Italia.

The France-born rider, who signed a two-year contract extension with Sunweb in 2019, is joined on the team by Soren Kragh Andersen, Nikias Arndt, Tiesj Benoot, Cees Bol, Marc Hirschi, Joris Nieuwenhuis, and Roche and Jasha Sutterlin. (BBCsport)

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President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Ricky Skerritt, will have the final say on whether he wants to support the former president of the board, Dave Cameron, in his bid to become Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the game's ruling

Dr Shallow has said he has no knowledge of that correspondence, as the president has not spoken to him about it. "If that is the case, and they have written to him, he probably hasn't had the time to deal with it just yet," he said. one director from the 12 full members, as well as three associates, one independent and the outgoing chairman will have a vote.

Cameron, who was elected the 18th president of the then called West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in March 2013, is opportunity in the Americas, which has huge economies that are untapped, and we need to look at the cricket world from a different set of eyes," said Cameron. "We are still trying to fit Test cricket, T20, ODIs and world events into the same 12 months with more teams, and

Ricky Skerritt, President of Cricket West Indies

body, which is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Asked by Guardian Media Sports on Tuesday if CWI would be willing to nominate Cameron for the post, CWI vice president Dr Kishore Shallow said that decision is up to Skerritt. "The president is our director on the ICC, and he is the one to decide if (he wants) to support Cameron. He may ventilate it with the CWI board, but, in the end, he has to make the ultimate decision," Dr Shallow said.

Current ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar will step down when his term ends this year. This will be done at an ICC board meeting towards the end of this month (July).

Cameron, 49, has been supported by the USA Cricket Hall of Fame (CHOF), which has been contacting the various boards in a bid to garner support for Cameron. CHOF executive Michael Chambers has indicated that he has written to Skerritt, but is yet to get a reply.

Guardian Media Sports understand that the favourite for the post in England Cricket Board (ECB) Chairman Colin Grave. No other nominee for the post has been made public.

Shallow gave his personal feelings on the matter, saying: "When Ricky and I challenged Dave at the last elections (2019), we did so because we thought that he was not doing a sterling job. We were directors, and we thought that because of shortcomings we should fight him at the elections, and we did so and won. "However, having said that, between then and now, Dave has done nothing to say he has improved as a leader, and this doesn't merit him being supported. That is my personal position. I will not support him based on merit, and nothing else."

Shallow, President of the St Vincent Cricket Association, added: "I am not even sure if he is serious. What is important to know is that the decision is up to Skerrit."

At the elections for the ICC Chairman,

Dave Cameron, aspiring Chairman of the International Cricket Council

of the view that the ICC needs to find a sustainable financial model wherein teams can earn on the basis of merit. The former CWI president has an interesting take on the sharing of revenues. "I believe we need to find a sustainable financial model (wherein) teams can earn through merit," Cameron, who served as CWI president from 2013 to 2019, was quoted as saying by the Jamaica Gleaner. "The big three: India, Australia and England, have all the events, the audience and the biggest economy, but the smaller nations have to always be coming back to the ICC for financial support. So, what we want to happen is not equal share of revenues, but equitable share."

Cameron, who served as a WICB (CWI) director between 2002 and 2019, wants to take cricket to the USA if he becomes the ICC Chairman. "The overall cricket structure needs change and needs to be looked at from different lenses. There is tremendous I think there is a way to look at that, to create more money with fewer events and to allow more players to participate in the global game," he said.

A WICB director between 2002 and 2019, Cameron served as vicepresident during Julian Hunte's tenure as president, 2007-13. In the 2013 election, Cameron beat the incumbent Hunte 7-5. His running mate, Emmanuel Nanthan of Dominica, became the new vice-president, beating Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president Joel Garner.

Prior to getting into administration at the board level, Cameron served as the vice president of the St Ann Parish Association, and was the team manager and president of the Kensington Cricket Club. He also served as treasurer of the Jamaican Cricket Association.

Cameron attended Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston, Jamaica, and has a first class honours BSC in Hotel Management from the University of the West Indies. (TT Guardian)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55) NOW! − after leaving lockdown to attend father-in-law’s funeral

Conde Riley, President of the Barbados Cricket Association, has called for the "immediate removal" of Phil Simmons as head coach of the West Indies Cricket Team.

A member of the Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Riley has described Simmons's decision to attend a family funeral as "inconsiderate and reckless," and claims it has "endangered the lives" of the rest of the touring party.

Simmons, who is based in the UK, was allowed to leave the West Indies training base to attend the funeral of his father-in-law at the end of last week. As a consequence, he was obliged to go into quarantine in the team hotel upon his return.

In an email to board members, Riley wrote: "I just heard on the radio that our head coach Mr Phil Simmons attended a funeral recently, and is now being quarantined as a result. If this is true, I am calling for his immediate removal as head coach. "I am being bombarded by concerned parents and members of the BCA. This behaviour is inconsiderate and reckless. It endangers the lives of those 25 young men in the UK and, in fact, the entire management team, and cannot be tolerated. The English press will have a feast on his judgement, and I suggest we act swiftly."

Nine members of the West Indies' 14-man Test squad are from Barbados, as well as four of the squad's 11 reserve players. Three further players - Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Darren Bravo - opted out of selection prior to the series because of their concerns about the pandemic.

A statement from CWI at the time confirmed that Simmons had obtained permission to attend the funeral ahead of the tour. "The entire process of his exit and re-entry to the bio-secure location was approved and managed by the medical teams of the CWI and the ECB, and strictly followed protocols set up prior to the tour which addressed such scenarios," the statement said. "Following his return, Simmons has been in self-isolation away from other members of the squad, exactly as had always been planned. He has so far undergone two COVID-19 tests since Friday, both of which came back negative. He will have another test on Wednesday before he will rejoin the squad as they prepare for the three-match #RaiseTheBat Series against England."

Simmons's movements have been barely noted in the UK press as of now. Joe Root, the England captain, has been given similar dispensation to leave the training bubble to attend the birth of his second child. He will miss the first Test as a consequence.

Riley's email comes a week before West Indies begin the three-Test series in England, with the first match scheduled from July 8 in Southampton. West Indies hold the Wisden Trophy after their 2-1 win at home last year, but have not won a Test series in England since 1988.

There is wider context behind this. In 2019,

Ricky Skerritt ended Dave Cameron's six-year reign as CWI president, winning the elections by an 8-4 margin, with voting conducted through a secret ballot. However, the BCA was one of the boards to nominate Cameron. Cameron now also wants to contest for the ICC Chairman's position, which is up for grabs after incumbent Shashank Manohar recently said he would not be standing for another term.

Although the CWI is yet to take a formal s t a n c e on whether t o support Cameron's nomination, on Tuesday, Riley told the M a s o n and Guest Cricket Show, hosted on Starcom Network, a Barbados-based radio station, that he would "certainly" support the Jamaican.

The relationship between Cameron and Skerritt's administration has been tense, especially of late. Last month, Cameron threatened legal action against the board unless they handed over to him a copy of an audit which had been critical of Cameron's time in office.

Simmons was also sacked as head coach by the board during Cameron's time as president, and was reappointed to the same post by Skerritt. The coach subsequently won a legal case for unfair dismissal against CWI, and received a significant payout. (ESPN cricinfo)

"Still the best man to coach West Indies," says Ricky Skerritt

By Brandon Corlette

Storms have erupted and ‘hidden truths’ have been revealed. West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons is hurting, having recently lost his father-in-law. Simmons, who had been in the bio-secure location with the West Indies Test team in Manchester, attended his father-inlaw’s funeral, which was held in the UK. He was granted permission by Cricket West Indies (CWI), and upon his return, he remains in isolation.

President of the Barbados Cricket Association, Conde Riley, a member of the Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and one who has shown support for the previous Dave Cameron administration, in a letter, described Simmons’s decision to attend the funeral as “inconsiderate” and “reckless”, and has made claims that Simmons, by his action, had endangered the lives of the rest of the touring party.

This ‘Riley incident’ has resulted in noises being made about sacking Simmons as Head Coach.

Appearing in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, July 1, with journalists from across the globe, CWI President Ricky Skerrit has reiterated his firm conviction that Simmons is the best man to coach the West Indies. Skerritt also made it evident that CWI would contin - ue to back Simmons.

No matter what have been said, Simmons still has the full backing of the CWI. No matter what has been said, Phil's job has not been threatened by that said letter. Simmons went through a vigorous recruitment process, and was the best man we have found for the job; he is still the best man in this touring squad, Skerritt explained.

“I am confident that the Caribbean (have) already thrown their support behind him and captain Holder, who will give excellent account of themselves in the upcoming Test series," Skerritt predicted.

Based on feedback Skerritt has received from Simmons, the touring party is in England for the sole purpose of defending the Wisden Trophy. "All players are moving forward every day with some level of improvement, and this should be a competitive and entertaining series for all of us," Simmons has declared.

Skerrit noted that Simmons had sought permission to leave the team's base. He said the entire process of Simmons leaving the touring party was approved and managed by CWI medical teams and the England Cricket Board.

Skerritt also declared that, while on tour, players, coaches or other personnel are g i v e n permis - s i o n

for compassionate leave as and when needed. "This matter should not have been controversial in any way," Skerritt posited.

Skerritt noted that Riley’s correspondence was a shock missive. He also noted that his only response to that correspondence is that Riley should withdraw the letter, which has not yet been officially withdrawn.

Describing the Riley correspondence as “a burst of emotion which was unnecessary and somewhat hasty", Skerritt has said he has put the correspondence aside, and cricket is his sole focus.

Simmons responds

Following Skerritt's remarks, Simmons shared his sentiments on the situation, noting that this has not disrupted any plan for the West Indies team. "This has not been an easy time for me and my family, (but) this will make us a little bit stronger to go into this Test series," he has said. "For me and my family, there was no question of me not going to the funeral, because this is a very hard time for my family, and my son needed my support.

“Family is a huge thing for me, and that is what we are building here. It's a family, and everyone has supported each other, and that is noted among the staff." The Trinidadian Simmons is hurting. He noted that if

CWI President Ricky Skerritt

this situation was meant to be used against him or to break up the West Indies camp, the strategy has not worked. "We are still focused on the se

ries. As for now, I have put that behind me. This is an occasion where I had to do what is right for my family, and…I would do what is right for CWI," Simmons highlighted.

Trini - dad and T o b a g o ' s Joshua Da Silva became the first West Indian batsman on this England tour to reach triple figures when, on the penultimate day of the second and final practice match, the wicketkeeper-batsman wielded his bat to score 133 runs from 249 balls.

Listed among the 11 reserves, after his century, Da Silva spoke in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, expressing satisfaction with his strong batting performance. Evidently, the ball was moving around, and Da Silva backed himself by showing great application. "It was a great feeling,” he declared. “Every hundred is a milestone, so I am happy to play that anchor role.”

Asked if his century had given the selectors something to ponder ahead of the first Test, Da Silva humbly responded, "I am just here to play cricket. That is not in my control; scoring runs is only in my control."

Should Shane Dowrich be injured or ruled out of play, Da Silva posited, he is prepared to replace the Test keeper. Of recent, Dowrich has had a slight side strain. "Any opportunity I get, I will be willing to take that," Da Silva has said.

He has batted in the middle order for the most part of his career, but Da Silva has noted that he is comfortable batting in any position.

Having scored heavily in the Regional 4-Day and Regional Super50 tournaments, Da Silva has credited those strong performances for his career being where it is presently. He racked up 507 runs for the Red Force in the Regional 4-Day tournament at an average of 50.70.

Asked whether his fellow batsmen on tour are capable of successfully playing against England, Da Silva noted that the Test batsmen are ready. He said most of them had gotten starts in the first practice match, and they have been putting in the work behind-the-scenes.

Young Da Silva continues to learn and develop daily. He noted that he has been putting in the work with Floyd Reifer, and he has been playing the ball late in the testing UK conditions.

West Indies cricket is in the right hands with Da Silva’s batting talent and his wicket-keep - ing ability, and he continues to improve and impress with his level-headed b a t t i n g . (Brandon Corlette)

Da Silva bats during his century

− bringing the “Three Ws” chapter to a

close

The last of the “Three Ws”, Sir Everton Weekes, has passed away at his Christ Church home in Barbados at around noon yesterday, bringing the famous West Indies “Three Ws” chapter to a close. After some months of battling with an ailment, the West Indies batting legend succumbed; and both Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Barbados Cricket Association president Conde Riley have been among the first to express sadness at the news. “Sir Everton was one of our greats.

He has a massive contribution to

Barbados and West Indies cricket. This is a sad time for cricket. We have lost a legend,” said Riley.

In a Tweet, Cricket West Indies had this to say: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of an icon, a legend, our hero, Sir

Everton Weekes. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and many fans around the world. May he rest in peace.”

Sir Everton Weekes began his international career against England on January 21, 1948, and he went on to enjoy a career spanning 48 Tests in 20 years of service to the regional side. In that time, he averaged a remarkable 58.61, and scored 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries with a highest score of 207.

In combination with Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes was a major part of the West Indies transition from being a competitive team to being one of the most dominant units in all of sporting history.

The “Three Ws”, along with George Headley, made what used to be a talented but fickle batting line-up into a picture of consistency. (Excerpted from Sportsmax)

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