Guyana Times_Tuesday, July 07, 2020

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What Caricom means to me #IamCaricom Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 4339

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

Legal community condemns APNU/AFC attacks on CCJ Judges guyanatimesgy.com

See story on page 3

Govt appropriates money budgeted to service debts for mysterious purposes Page 7

CCJ Act being misconstrued, Region 2 security misinterpreted, thrown out of guard twisted – lawyer hut, left in rain

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P9 Guyana records 16th COVID-19 death …5 more persons test positive …active cases now 152

Sea defence breach

Very little P10 interest paid to current situation – Regional Chairman

Page 7

Page 9

Angry mob attacks Berbice man

7 homeless as Linden home P11 goes up in flames

Housekeeper, husband robbed at knifepoint P10

3 nabbed while smuggling 9 Brazilians into P8 Guyana

…houses stoned; vehicles damaged

Page 2

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Angry mob attacks Berbice man …houses stoned; vehicles damaged

The damage which occurred on Monday morning when an angry mob attacked two houses at Canefield, Berbice

R

esidents of two homes in East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), experienced life-threatening experiences on Monday morning when an angry mob attacked two houses at Canefield, damaging windows, vehicles and killing birds.

They were reportedly armed with cutlasses, sticks, iron bars, stones, bottles and pieces of chain.

They first attacked the home of 51-year-old Mayleen Ramsammy of Lot 1190 East Canefield, East Canje.

After they left, they went to the home of her 25-year-old son, Arrvin Doodnauth, at Lot 23 New Area Canefield, where missiles were also used to break windows.

Three motorcycles were damaged and two caged birds killed.

Ramsammy said at about 07:30h a noisy group of persons marched into her yard and asked for her son. At the time, six persons were at home including two children.

“The people dem come by my gate and start cuss and say they looking for my son.”

She said she tried to find out what was the matter and pleaded with the angry mob to find an amicable way to resolve the situation.

However, this did not work.

“We gon murder all you all today… then they open the gate and come in.

About twenty-one of them,” Ramsammy recounted.

At the time, her husband, who was sitting under the house having breakfast, ran into the house and locked the door while Ramsammy ran to the back and hid behind a water tank.

She said they began to break her windows and one person attempted to go through but had difficulty getting past the wooden bars. Ramsammy explained that she watched in fear, knowing that her two grandchildren were in the house.

A television set which is valued at $200,000 was also damaged in the process.

“The TV was right by the window and it fall down and break.”

Shortly after that, the group left and headed out of the street.

M e a n w h i l e , Ramsammy’s son, a taxi driver, said when they came to his home they broke the door in an attempt to gain access to the building which also had two children.

“We were frightened; me

and my other brother we try bracing the door and my next brother was upstairs, but we keep bracing the door because we think that the people coming in the house,” he explained.

Doodnauth said that there were both males and females destroying the building. He said there were more than twenty persons.

He believes that the incident stemmed from his involvement in an incident the previous night.

He explained that on Sunday evening he was dropping off a passenger and was turning into a street that was blocked by a bicycle. He asked the owner to remove the bicycle and he refused. However, the passenger removed the bicycle so that the car could pass.

“When the man move the bicycle and I pass, the man get up and snatch me on my hand and start slapping me.

And I ask him what wrong with him, but another boy tell me not to worry with him because it looks like he tripping [going insane].”

Doodnauth further added they he met the man with the bicycle again after his shift had ended.

“I see him back on the same culvert and I go and I slap he back and then I see a whole set of them coming…”

However, it was not until the following morning that the houses were attacked.

Doodnauth said when the mob went to his house, the females were instructing the men. “‘Kill them, kill them,’ that is what the ladies saying.”

Several windows and a door were damaged.

Doodnauth said there were damages to a barber’s chair, an electric hair cutting machine, two birdcages and the birds were also killed while the electricity meter and a sound system were also damaged along with three motorbikes.

“The motorbikes is about $800,000, the one with the trade plate is not two weeks yet since we buy it.”

According to Doodnauth, his cellular phone which was under the house was stolen by someone.

He said losses are estimated at more than $1 million while his mother has put her losses in the vicinity of $300,000.

Police have reportedly arrested several persons after the matter was reported.

Police are said to be investigating.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 7 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Wednesday, July 8 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 7 – 05:35h – 07:05h and Wednesday, July 8 – 06:15h – 07:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to Easterly to East NorthEasterly to North-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 0.89 metre and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 18:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.46 metres.

Low Tide: 11:43h and 23:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.76 metre.

Legal community condemns APNU/AFC attacks on CCJ Judges G

uyana’s legal community has come out in condemnation of public utterances domestically, regionally and internationally by various APNU/AFC stakeholders that are targeted against the Caribbean Court of Justice, stemming from legal proceedings with regards the country’s still to be concluded General and Regional Elections.

The public repudiation by the Guyana Bar Association was as a result of “the continuous, pervasive and escalated actions observed in both Guyana and most recently by way of a full-page advertisement in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian of the 4th July, 2020.”

Calling “on all to hold their voices, respect the processes of the administration of justice and thereby cease and desist your injurious conduct,” the association noted that “parties outside of the litigation have resorted to multiple forms of media to provide comments and information to advance their respective cases.”

The Bar Association in a public statement on Monday—Caricom Day— noted that “this conduct is unreservedly condemned. Of even greater offence is the use of social media by members of the society to launch unnecessary, malicious and contemptuous attacks on sitting members of our Apex Court.”

The statement from the legal fraternity noted that “the course of justice and the administration of justice in legal proceedings are critical pillars on which the rule of law rests; The pillars of justice are intended to stand robustly after many of us are no longer of this earth, let not our conduct today cause harm to the administration of justice that it will take generations to remedy.”

According to the lawyers’ Association, it “denounces and censures all conduct

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223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

President of the Guyana Bar Association, Teni Housty

and actions regarding pending proceedings which: are calculated to interfere with the administration of justice; are intended to prejudice the administration of justice; are made with the deliberate intention of interfering with the course of justice; are made carelessly or negligently without due regard for the integrity and processes associated with the pending proceedings; create a serious risk that the course of justice may be interfered with; prejudge the matters in issue before the Court; and undermine public confidence in the Court and or administration of justice.”

The advert sponsored by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) called for the CCJ’s proceedings in the matter brought by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to be rejected and that Guyana’s Constitution must be preserved.

The sentiments were

again replicated on Monday—Caricom Day— when APNU/AFC supporters in strongholds such as Buxton, Agricola and Linden protested the CCJ’s hearing of the case.

Calling for the APNU/AFC Presidential Candidate— sitting caretaker President David Granger—to be sworn in, the placard-bearing demonstrators stated that the CCJ has no jurisdiction to pronounce on a case recently brought before it in relation to the country’s still to be declared General and Regional Elections.

A live broadcast on social media by the APNU/

AFC during the course of the morning depicted supporters demonstrating along the roadway as ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) keep a watchful eye.

Protesters could be heard hurling at times vitriolic remarks directed at the current and former Caricom Chairpersons over their remarks into Guyana’s electoral impasse.

The Justice Adrian Saunders-led Court which serves as the country’s apex Jurisprudence for challenges to legal determinations will make its deliberation into whether it has jurisdiction to hear the case on July 8.

The country’s Court of Appeal had ruled 2-1 in a case brought by APNU/AFC supporter, Eslyn David, that it had jurisdiction to inquire into the matter of a constitutional provision dealing with the qualification of a President and had found the words “more votes cast” to mean, “more valid votes”.

The matter was subsequently appealed, placing a hold on the declaration of the country’s March 2, General and Regional Elections results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

Engendering confidence in nation’s workforce

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here is no doubt whatsoever that one of the biggest failures of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is in the area of job creation. Jobs and training opportunities matter a great deal to citizens, and political parties that seek to govern must have a proper plan in place that is practical and achievable, aimed at allowing citizens to live meaningful lives.

In fact, if one were to conduct a survey among youths in Guyana to find out what are their main concerns, it is almost certain that among those on top of the list would be acquiring a stable, well-paid job. This is perhaps the same for many other countries, as more and more persons are demanding better job opportunities that would enable them to take care of themselves and their families and achieve financial security. In spite of boasting about creating “a better life” for young people, the coalition failed miserably in this area; and many believe that this played a major part in its defeat at the March 2 polls.

Many political analysts have criticised the coalition as it did not seem to have any clear plan as it relates to job creation. Rather than adding jobs to the economy, the coalition Administration took away jobs and placed thousands of persons into poverty. In fact, some analysts have estimated that over 30,000 jobs were lost since the coalition took office in May 2015, with the closure of the sugar estates accounting for the majority.

This newspaper had carried several heart-breaking stories of the suffering of communities, which, for decades, were largely dependent on the sugar sector to survive. The impact has been devastating, both economically and socially, and certainly will take many years for these communities to fully recover. It will call for strategic thinking and a huge amount of resources to bring back these communities to where they were prior to the closures.

It should be mentioned too that currently many other sectors, including mining, construction, services, etc, are doing very poorly, resulting in a number of workers being laid off mainly due to ineffective policies by the APNU/AFC. Some may argue that Governments do not necessarily create jobs, except in the public service. But it is true that they are responsible for designing and implementing effective policies that would allow for citizens to earn a decent living. Responsible Governments implement policies that encourage Private Sector growth and attract foreign investors, who in turn create good quality jobs. Governments are also expected to form partnerships with other stakeholders that would see the right set of skills being developed to drive the economy based on national needs and interests.

During the elections campaign, some political parties placed job creation as a priority in their manifestos. On his part, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Irfaan Ali provided a detailed plan which will see more than 50,000 jobs being created.

In previous engagements with the media, Ali had explained that his focus would be on Information and Communication Technologies with the establishment of call centres and provision of critical services in sectors such as education, health, finance and security. He had also noted that eco-tourism, agriculture, mining, environmental services, forestry, and housing are key sectors that can churn out many employment opportunities if the right investments are made.

Ali had explained that the PPP/C’s job creation plan also places a major focus on Guyana’s oil and gas sector, especially in the areas of training, shore-based facilities, gas and energy development, enlightened local content and machine and engineering.

Many stakeholders had endorsed Ali’s job creation plan as they believed it was well thought-out and realistic. The general consensus was that such a vision is badly needed to engender confidence in the nation’s workforce again and more importantly, to get people back to work.

Citizens, especially those graduating from tertiary institutions have always maintained that much more needs to be done by both the Government and Private Sector to create more jobs and training opportunities for citizens. They want to see more concrete, realistic plans in place that would encourage more investors to come here and do business, they wish to see more support for small and medium-scale businesses that would allow them to grow and become more competitive and in general, they want to see opportunities for wealth generation.

Once the current political impasse is settled and the dulyelected government – the PPP – is sworn in, we expect that the new administration will immediately begin to implement its plans in relation to job creation. The opportunities must be afforded for the nation’s workforce to get back into being creative so that everyone could play their part in helping to build a strong economy.

Artists perform Sidakarya mask dancing during mass prayers, expressing gratitude for the handling of the new coronavirus and seeking blessings for the start of a “new normal”, at Besakih temple in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia (Reuters)

Shifting blame to CCJ for APNU/ AFC’s political coup attempt Dear Editor, Pan-Africanist Dr David Hinds has launched a blistering but unfounded and misguided attack on the integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It’s like he has a premonition, not legal intuition, that the CCJ will rule that they do not have jurisdiction in the Jagdeo-Ali appeal case that challenges the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal (CoA) regarding the insertion of “valid” in the Constitution and the qualifications of a President.

Dr Hinds has gone into a territory where others who are better endowed would not even dare to go. Like a minister of religion, he pontificated: “any claim of jurisdiction by the CCJ would be a political act with clear political intentions.” He continued to rave that such a decision will “trigger domestic instability.” If this is not a veiled threat to violence, what else could this mean?

On what moral basis does Dr Hinds stand to critique the CCJ? On the question of morality, could Dr Hinds, tell us from where a poor woman Ms David, got the massive sums of money to hire lawyers from the Caribbean region to fight the David vs Jagdeo-Ali case?

Dr Hinds has deliberately ignored the fact that the 2020 elections were won by the PPP/C, and that he and others knew this result as early as March 3, 2020. The Statements of Poll (SoPs) clearly established that. He is painting a position as if he is a man with great prin-

ciples and who has suddenly become an expert on constitutional law, but who refuses to condemn the blatant fraud perpetrated first by Clairmont Mingo and later by Keith Lowenfield. The world knows about the massive electoral fraud perpetrated by these two individuals, and Dr Hinds pretends that he is not aware of this travesty.

I have always argued that for many people, reason has become their enemy and deception their ally.

The Caricom recount established once more that the PPP/C won the elections by a margin of 15,416 votes.

This was the same team which David Granger asserted was the most “legitimate interlocutor.” The report of this Caricom team was accepted as credible by all the political parties, except APNU/AFC, and by all the observer missions, including the diplomatic community, as well as by the overwhelming majority of Guyanese.

As a member of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, subscribing members have the right to insist on free, fair and credible elections. This is not foreign interference; rather, this is good democratic practice and diplomacy. And talking about foreign intervention, why did Dr Hinds‘ President David Granger invite the Caricom high-level team to oversee the recount? Didn’t Dr Hinds say that Guyanese are capable of solving their problems? Really!

How could Dr Hinds

question the jurisdiction of the CCJ in the Jagdeo-Ali Appeal case, and not worry similarly about the jurisdiction of the CoA? Guyanese have the more reason not to trust the CoA mainly because they said that 33 is not a majority of 65 and also that the unilateral appointment of James Patterson

by David Granger was constitutional. If the CCJ was not there to dispense justice, imagine we would have had to live with a new mathematical formula, an illegal Government and an imposter GECOM Chair.

Dr Hinds must understand that the CCJ has never tried and will never usurp the power of the CoA, but as the apex court comprising distinguished jurists, they will always rule against illegality, fraud and unconstitutional acts. Dr Hinds’ incendiary approach continues: “he warns of dark days ahead if the constitutional power of the Guyana Court of Appeal is usurped......”

Additionally, he insists that a significant segment of the Guyanese population would reject the CCJ’s claim to jurisdiction in the Jagdeo-Ali Appeal. What does he mean by significant? Nevertheless, to utilise caustic rhetoric in such a volatile environment is likened to a subtle call to social unrest. ?Dr Hinds has cleverly attempted to shift the electoral coup d’etat that was perpetrated by his party and GECOM and replace that with his contrived “political coup” by the CCJ. Such a position is unthinkable, but

then we are dealing with people whose minds have been polluted with power.

Dr Hinds, regrettably, has likened the CCJ jurists to political radicals. Never before has the CCJ been so bitterly attacked, and more so, even before they render their verdict(s). This, in my view, is a frontal assault on the CCJ and is designed to drive fear into the CCJ. We are aware that the PNCR is good at bullyism, terror and mayhem. The eminent jurists will never cave to such crass and dastardly acts.

Dr Hinds is part of the PNCR apparatus which believes that they have a divine, and even a radical right to attack any group or individual who stands up in defence of democracy, including free and fair elections. He must ask himself this question: “why is his party standing alone?”

Dr Hinds and cohorts know that the PNCR can never win a free and fair election. They did it once in 2015 only because the AFC was able to bring them 10 per cent of the traditional PPP/C voters to their cause.

But because of their disastrous handling of the economy, and firing of thousands of workers, that 10 per cent of voters returned to the PPP/C in the 2020 elections.

This alone explains their defeat. No matter what sideshow they put up, the number of valid votes counted cannot be changed. And that’s the reality.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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Shaming Guyanese and trying to make the entire world a “fool’s paradise”

Dear Editor, Norman Kingsley Mailer was an American novelist, essayist, playwright, actor, and socialist activist, his best-known work is widely considered to be “The Executioner’s Song,” the 1979 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and, “Armies of the Night” for non-fiction. When we think about a mole, the word connotes various concoctions from a variety of contorts, concurring as a consequence of content, condition, collaboration and collusion and, we can correlate this communication in correspondence to the capital states and the corporate world where communism and capitalism convene and converge to converse. Chemistry defines a mole (spelt mol, 1 mol = 6.02214076 x 10^23 particles), as a standard unit that measures large quantities of tiny entities such as atoms, molecules, or other specified particles. In Physiology, we learn that a mole is a common type of skin growth and it appears as a small, dark brown spot, caused by clusters of pigmented cells.

This small protuberance on the human body can be cancerous.

Astrology also associates a mole with fortune-telling of one’s destiny and luck. A mole on a female dictates one thing and on a male signifies something else, while its location bears another meaning. The dictionary describes a mole as a small burrowing insectivorous mammal

with dark velvety fur, a long muzzle and very small eyes.

Sports accommodate a mole as an arcade game in which, a player uses a small mallet to hit robotic toy moles that pop up randomly in holes laid out across the surface of the machine. Kids love this game, it sounds somewhat demeaning and violent but perhaps played for the activity of testing and challenging one’s skill at reaction and speed.

A parent’s judgement craves for indulgence.

On the flip side of the coin, in the world of security, espionage, confidentiality and secret intelligence, a mole is a spy, agent, operator, plant, infiltrator or spook who achieves over a long period an important position within the security defences of a country, company, organisation, party or society.

Danger, fear, excitement, suspense, thrills, risks, chances and adventures immediately challenge the world of imagination to conjure 007 at work in “The Spy Who Loves Me.” But even the defiant James failed to make his appearance in his latest opening and was kept at bay because of the dangerous and very powerful and influential COVID-19 who continues to spread its tentacles in every nook and cranny, in every corner in the world, high society or not. 007 is often seen conducting operation as a coverage to concerts with various consorts in order to weed and seek infor-

mation leading to the wheeling and dealing of moles being protected by a hierarchy, planted and concealed in disguise and working as a double agent. “The Mole,” was once an American game show that was aired on TV. Recently, Guyana, being under siege and commanded by a caretaker confidante, cooperating with a cabal of callous and cruel inhuman creatures, has found itself being subjective to a number of illegal and illegitimate decisions, actions, projects, agreements, contracts and yes, placements. Since the successful passing of the No-Confidence Motion in 2018, the de facto APNU/AFC Government and President should have restricted its modus operandi within the confines of a caretaker status only and desist from capital expenditures, new projects not budgeted, creation of new entities, signing of contracts, disposal of State properties, promotion and/or biased demotion, hiring and/or prejudiced firing of executives etc. But, of course, we have experienced the exact opposite with the blessings of Mr “G” and he has confronted with contradictions the norms of standard procedure, rules and regulations with his unscrupulous behaviour in words, deeds and actions.

The Auditor General, the Tax Commissioner, the Customs and Excise Chief and why not, the ethics and ERC Boards will

Caricom’s action regarding Guyana election reveals a bright future

Dear Editor, The New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) in a public statement praised Prime Minister of Barbados and former Chair of Caricom, Hon Mia Mottley, and PM Ralph Gonsalves for the principled stance taken in support of democracy and free and fair elections in Guyana, and condemned attacks on them and the Caricom recount team.

NYGDP is led by Dr Tara Singh, former senior lecturer of UG. The organisation expressed gratitude to and thanked PM Mottley for her unwavering support of the democratic process in Guyana and called on the Government of Guyana to accept the will of the electorate as displayed in the Statements of Poll and Statements of Recount as monitored by a high-level Caricom team approved by President Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. “The entire Caricom body for the first time in its history took a united, decisive stand against electoral fraud in Guyana, and for this, we commend the body and condemn fraud”.

NYGDP commended the professionalism of the three-member high-level Caricom monitoring team, stating that it did a fantastic job in scrutinising the official recount which showed that the PPP won the election by a margin of 15,416 votes. The release notes that the Caricom team stated, “It is our unshakeable position that the recount is an accurate reflection of the intention of voters, and that it constitutes the basis for an official declaration of the outcome of

the election”.

As to assertions that there were dead or impersonation of voters who migrated, the NYGDP release pointed out that the Caricom team said such “allegations were a fishing expedition and that the catch would have been extremely small”, to impact the results.

NYGDP praised the high-level team for its professionalism in the execution of a very difficult task. “Because the recount shows that the PPP won the election, as indeed the original SoPs showed, the team, as well as PM Mottley and new Caricom Chair, Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent, have come in for unwarranted attacks for their integrity and professionalism”, the release stated.

The NYGDP criticised the coalition for unjustified and unwarranted attacks on PMs Mottley, Gonsalves, and the Caricom team. “Attacks have been the modus operandi of elements of the coalition.

Elements of the regime are bent on rigging if they feel their party can’t win through the expressed will of voters”.

The Guyana Democratic Project said it fully supports the professionalism and integrity of the Caricom team, stateswomanship of Mia Mottley, and the strong statements of Dr Gonsalves against electoral fraud. “The appalling abuse of the election count was soundly and appropriately condemned by Caricom”, said NYGDP. The NYGDP also apologised to Caricom and the two PMs for the unwarranted attacks they suffered for supporting democracy. Its release says

that those who unduly criticise Caricom and the PMs are a small minority who were involved in rigging. “They don’t represent the voice of decent, overwhelming majority of people of Guyana”.

The release notes that the team and the Prime Ministers were not influenced by racial appeals in the recount process and were at all times guided by professionalism. NYGDP reposed confidence in the new Caricom Chair, Dr Gonsalves, saying, “He will carry out his duties in the tradition of Mia Mottley and will be a stout defender of democracy including free and fair elections”.

The release also points out that there is one rogue state in the neighbourhood in the form of Venezuela. “The West will not tolerate another rogue state. In this context, we urge President Granger to concede defeat and allow the swearing-in of President-elect, Dr Irfaan Ali to avoid the hardship that will follow if the caretaker regime continues to defy the international community with a fraudulent declaration. There is no end game other than to concede defeat”.

The NYGDP said it eagerly awaits the ruling of the CCJ on some constitutional matters that would in no way alter the results of the recount.

The release concludes: “Once again, thank you Honourable Mottley, Caricom high-level team, and new Caricom Chair. Caricom’s action regarding the Guyana election reveals that it has a bright future”.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

also have their work cut out and their hands filled with the overwhelming aggravation of dishonesty and corruption. For the moment, one will be tempted to override the Commish and the Chief of Staff for other, not, obvious reasons.

The plot thickens and the condition is ripe (fit and prapa) for Bond (no, not counsel) to make his grand appearance and detect and identify any moles before there is a uniform mixture, or unobtrusive, or harmonious, or disappearance of such deceptive, mischievous, colluding and dangerous particles.

Norman Kingsley Mailer wrote, “The smoke blended easily into the odour of the other fumes.”

Now, why do we immediately flip our minds in aspersions and raise eyebrows over the appointments of 44 members to State Boards after elections and what the distinguished and honourable attorney posited that these appointments were “wholly illegal?” Is this the work of our dirty minds? Maybe, “It’s tradition” ask Dave, if not, then, speculation! As Guyanese, we have to be quick not only with our feet (run Low) and hands (2

per cent contract) but also with our heads (math, boy math).

“Naughty, naughty” Mr “G,” so pensive with a slick smile and forked tongue! It’s the flow for info, from confo to retro that will bestow them to glow when they crow and strike a low blow with their show so we cannot grow.

Hello, don’t be slow, didn’t you get the memo? “Slow fiya, mo fiya” a mantra, so, “We ain’t goin anyway!” A stack of cards, packed like sardines, head over heels with infiltration and no, “Yu crazy or what?” this ain’t no discrimination. You’re sure right, it’s incrimination for reprimandation!

Since 2015, we have seen the force of a second battalion, created outside the compound of the barracks, payback time for being loyal and sincere to “the cause.” Watchful, ready and cautious to protect, praise and proclaim the premonition that will prevent any “new protégé,” this powerful party of “ex-factor force,” is always on the alert to distort the comfort of any support that profiles any incite to retort. It is time to increase reinforcement and spread the wings so that control of power is

manifested directly or indirectly and anything whispered behind the door will become an open secret. Daily, more and more new information is providing the inside story of devious transactions. Surfacing slowly but surely is the real and untold story that unfolds a plot so sinister that premeditated a careful and meticulous plan of sheer devious ingenuity that even Alistair McLean may be challenged for fictional creativity! From the oil contracts to the sugar estates, from the mining industry to the rice industry, from the forestry industry to the hotel industry, from the airport to the new “state-of-the-art hospital,” from the sale of water lands to the back lands and from the GECOM selection to the rigging election, all spin a web that emasculates the indignity of shaming the people of Guyana and trying to make the entire world a “fool’s paradise.” But fear, not Guyana, someone is watching our backs as we go to sleep with one eye open. Watch out not only for COVID-19.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

As of now, “APNU/AFC is just a name” Dear Editor, It has been alleged that fractions of the PNC/PNCR have hijacked airtime on NCN, the State-owned TV broadcast station, demanding four spots daily, spreading propaganda and falsehood across Guyana.

These are die-hard members who are bent on A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) remaining in power regardless of the price Guyana pays or how this is done. The current elections impasse has evolved to a war of attrition between PNCR and the rest of the world. These PNCR leaders are blatantly incapable of treating their own people (supporters) properly, so they can hardly be expected to treat the Caricom leaders and the rest of the world leaders well. How can a political party like the PNCR that doggedly refuses to acknowledge that they have lost the 2020 General Elections while refusing to become a modern political civilisation really expect to be part of a meaningful opposition in the future?

The group that is described as the Burnhamite faction is real, they exist and they have taken over control of the PNCR, aided and abetted by a compliant protege of the founder leader. Former Prime Minister and President Forbes Burnham stayed in power from 1968 to 1985 through elections that many local and foreign observers described as fraudulent.

However during this electoral period twice before, this small but influential cabal within the PNCR was thwarted in their efforts to seize control of the election results and tailored it to the benefit of the APNU/ AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger… this faction will fight to the bitter end since their good life is threatened.

The PNCR simply do not care about the threat of sanctions; they believe they can ride it out, the importance of Guyanese being able to elect a Government of their choice, through free and fair elections is like preaching to the choir. That means

nothing to the PNCR cabals, they are not concerned if the supporters of all political parties suffer, providing that the PNCR masterminds will continue to enjoy the good life. We do not have a crystal ball to predict how it will all end on July 8, 2020, but one can see the APNU/AFC leadership’s struggle in the PNCR control environment being played out on NCN daily and nightly on TV programmes. The mindset of the PNC/PNCR is to wage a war of attrition. Observers have left, locals will get fed up and weary.

Mr Granger said that he has great respect for the people of Guyana, his Caribbean colleagues and the international community, “but if he does, how come every day and night he allows his party comrades to denigrate our great Caribbean leaders? And their (Caribbean leaders) only fault is that they continue to speak the truth that the recount results must be used to declare the victor – which has already been decided by the GECOM Commission, itself. So, they’re (Caribbean leaders) only reiterating what the Commission would have decided already.

The region will hypocritically posit themselves as peace brokers and events like COVID-19 will shift focus to survival. This is not about Guyana but about a handful of greedy PNCR individuals who caricature Dr Jagdeo as the enemy. However when these elections are all over Dr Jagdeo will come out as the champion of democracy and the Guyanese people, with David Granger being referred to in Caribbean history books as the “Sanctimonious Gangster”. We should not be under any illusion – The APNU/ AFC Government will continue as is for as long as they can get away with it, without the will of the people. They have implemented a strategy to repeat what the PNC did between 1968 and 1992 – rig elections in order to remain in power It is intended to be a silent coup, but the stink it has already created

is a nightmare for the Granger caretaker Government. The rotten stench is in every home and every corner in our country. It has reached the international communities, wherever you freedom-loving Guyanese are, especially those who fought and sacrificed to gain freedom in our country, you are no longer under any illusion – Granger has used the AFC, like Burnham used the UF, to seize power and deny the Guyanese people their right to elect a Government. Just as Granger is trying to do in 2020. These moves by David Granger in his full support of the report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer, Lowenfield, in which 115,844 votes were discarded due to “anomalies and irregularities” which he knew were all lies and false. It is not shocking. The DNA of Granger is solidly the DNA of Burnham and the PNC. He has done exactly what the People’s Progressive Party/Civic warned Guyanese about prior to the 2015 elections. Granger has used the AFC to gain power, much like Burnham and the PNC used the UF to gain power. However, Granger has not waited as long as Burnham did to discard the AFC. During the electoral process, Granger, Harmon, Mingo Lowenfield and Norton unequivocally declared that the APNU/AFC coalition has served its purpose and it is time for the PNC to expose itself. It never disappeared, it disguised itself and now it is ready to assume its place. As of now, “APNU/AFC is just a name”.

The caretaker Government of Guyana is the PNC/PNCR. It is clear that PNC is hoping that everyone will be scared of them and stay easy but sadly this time around will not be so easy, the PNC and PNCR are in for a rude awakening, the will of the Guyanese people will prevail in 2020. Let me remind you all, the Burnhamite days are over, it is dead and cannot be resurrected.

Sincerely, David Adams

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TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish CXC English and Mathematics questions with specimen answers.

CXC QUESTIONS

MATHS

ENGLISH

B Test Match Sabina Park

By Stewart Brown

Proudly wearing the rosette of my skin I strut into Sabina England boycotting excitement bravely.

Something badly amiss.

Cricket. Not the game they play at Lords, The crowd – whoever saw a crowd at a cricket match? – are caged Vociferous partisans, quick to take offence.

England sixty eight for none at lunch.

‘What sort o battin dat man?

Dem kaan play cricket again, Praps dem should-a-borrow Lawrence Rowe!’

And on it goes, the wicket slow As the batting and the crowd restless.

‘Eh white bwoy, how you brudders dem Does sen we sleep so? Me a pay monies Fe watch dis foolishness? Cho!’ So I try to explain in my Hampshire drawl about conditions in Kent About sticky wickets and muggy days And the monsoon season in Manchester but fail to even convince myself.

The crowd’s loud busin drives me out Skulking behind a tarnished rosette somewhat frayed now but unable, quite, to conceal a blushing nationality.

Questions

Summarise the poem

What is the subject of the poem?

Who is the persona?

List and discuss the literary devices used in the poem Describe the mood of the poem and discuss how it is created List and discuss the themes of the poem Describe the form of the poem and discuss its effectiveness How do you feel about this poem? Discuss your reaction Suggest an alternative name for the poem, citing evidence found within the text

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7

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt appropriates money budgeted to service debts for mysterious purposes

Caretaker President David Granger

G

overnment has used money which was set aside in 2019 for paying off Non-Paris Club bilateral creditors for mysterious purposes, a situation which contributed to its debt servicing payments falling short of the projected amount.

This is contained in the Ministry of Finance End of Year report, which was recently released. According to the report, the US$78.1 million spent on debt servic-

The Bank of Guyana

ing for 2019 was actually 2.6 per cent less than what had been projected. One of the reasons was because money budgeted to pay Non-Paris Club bilateral creditors was appropriated elsewhere.

“This variance is largely attributed to a small difference between the actual and projected exchange rates used for debt service payments, and the partial utilisation of funds budget-

ed to pay Non-Paris Club bilateral creditors in arrears.

Notably, excepting Kuwait, no other bilateral debt settlement agreement was finalised, in 2019. External debt service payments amounted to 6.8 per cent of total Government revenues,” the report states.

The Paris Club is a group which came together to find solutions to the debts faced by debtor nations, often

Region 2 security thrown out of guard hut, left in rain

The security guard sitting under the tree

A

51-year-old female security guard, who is stationed at the site of the drainage pump at the La Union foreshore along the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was thrown out of her guard hut and left in the rain.

The woman, who is attached to the Radar Security Service, and was guarding the La Union Koker and Pump Station, told this publication that she was instructed by a senior regional

official to exit the guard hut on the evening of July 1.

Guyana Times was told that when the regional official visited the location that evening, he was angry when he saw the woman in the security hut.

As such, he instructed her to leave the shelter.

After receiving reports of the incident, this newspaper visited the site where it was observed that the female security officer was seeking shelter under a tree during heavy downpours.

The female security guard is the lone officer stationed at that location, working the 23:00h to 07:00h shift.

Vice Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Nandranie Coonjah, has since met with the security guard, who hails from Queenstown.

Coonjah, who is also a member of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, condemned the actions of the regional official.

those who are in developing status. The permanent members of the club are the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Russian Federation, Norway, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Israel, Ireland, Germany, France, Finland, Denmark, Canada, Brazil, Belgium, Austria and Australia.

Meanwhile, the report also notes that as of the end of 2019, external public debt amounted to US$1.3 million. This, according to the Ministry, is 4.7 per cent lower than the projected amount of US$1.370 million.

According to the Ministry, Guyana was able to negotiate a debt settlement with Kuwait.

“This difference was mainly due to a US$50.7 million debt reduction granted by Kuwait, after the finalisation and signing of a bilateral debt settlement agreement, in March 2019.

This agreement culminated extensive bilateral debt negotiations between the two parties,” “The debt relief received from Kuwait reduced Guyana’s outstanding debt to Non-Paris Club Creditors in arrears, significantly, by approximately 34 per cent.

Efforts are currently in progress to negotiate and finalise mutually acceptable debt settlement agreements with the remaining Non-Paris Club bilateral creditors in arrears.”

According to the report, external debt accounted for 77.3 per cent of the total public debt as at December 31, 2019. Domestic public debt, on the other hand, was US$383.6 million, falling short of the US$412.8 million that had been projected.

“This variance was primarily attributable to principal repayments on some fiscal T-bills, which matured but were not reissued.

The share of domestic public debt was 22.7 per cent of the total public debt stock, as at the end of 2019, 0.4 percentage points below the Budget 2019 projection,” the report states.

With A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/ AFC’s) time in office waning after the General and Regional Elections showed the main opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) winning by 15,416 votes, Guyana is in uncharted financial waters. Not only has the country’s General Reserves been depleted to $0, but the account is also now running an overdraft to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars.

This situation was il-

Caretaker Finance Minister Winston Jordan

lustrated in the Bank of Guyana’s statement of Assets and Liabilities, published in the May 23 Official Gazette, revealing that the General Reserve is -$290,667,332. Additionally, Public Deposits have also depleted to below $0, also recording a negative balance of -$88,629,401,855.

Guyana’s Contingency Reserve account also reflects an alarmingly low amount of $2.3 billion. When APNU/ AFC took office in May 2015, Guyana’s General Reserve had in its coffers just about $6 billion while the Contingency Reserve held $4 billion.

While oil revenues are expected to drastically boost Guyana’s revenue, the onset of COVID-19 has led to a drop in demand for oil and consequentially, a drop in prices. ExxonMobil, which is producing oil offshore Guyana, was also forced to announce cutbacks to its global work plans back in April.

8 NEWS TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 nabbed while smuggling 9 Brazilians into Guyana T hree Guyanese were arrested on Sunday for attempting to smuggle nine Brazilians into Guyana via Sand Pit – an illegal crossing at the Takutu River near the Guyana-Brazil border, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Reports are that about 18:30h, Police, acting on information received, swooped down on the area where they discovered a minibus bearing registration number BRR 4856, driven by a resident of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi.

As they approached the vehicle, cops observed the driver and a female from Lethem packing the minibus with the Brazilians. Upon checking, nine Brazilians were seen in the bus by lawmen.

Guyana Times understands that the driver of the minibus was questioned and he admitted that it was the female Guyanese who hired him to pick up the Brazilians and was hoping

F

The minibus which was being used to smuggle Brazilians into Guyana parked in the Lethem Police Station compound

to transport them to Georgetown.

The nine Brazilians were escorted back to Bonfim, Brazil, and handed over to the Brazilian Federal Police while the minibus was impounded at

the Lethem Police Station. The woman, her husband, and the driver were taken into custody. They have since been released on station bail as investigations into the matter continue.

Man drowns in Plaisance trench

P

olice are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a 35-year-old man, who allegedly drowned in a trench at Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday.

Dead is Hillary Shepeard, an unemployed man, who is also a seizure patient of Lot 87 Prince Williams Street.

Based on information received, Shepeard worked in the interior where he had an accident, after which he became a seizure patient.

An investigation re-

The man’s body after it was retrieved from the trench

vealed that about 09:30h, neighbours reported seeing a body floating face down in a trench along the west-

ern side of Prince William Street.

Public-spirited persons then retrieved the man’s

body, along with a bicycle and a haversack, which were said to have belonged to him.

Police were summoned to the scene, where mud and water were found in the now-deceased man’s mouth and there was a cut on his chin from which blood had dripped. The body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where doctors confirmed Shepeard’s death, by pronouncing him dead on arrival.

The body was then transferred to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

Veteran Guyanese female lawyer dies

Sheila Chapman

T

he legal fraternity on Sunday was plunged into a state of mourning by the passing of veteran Guyanese female lawyer, Sheila Chapman, 82, who is also the founding member and past President of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL).

GAWL, in a press statement, stated that Chapman was a stalwart of the Association. She was instrumental in mentoring young lawyers, especially female lawyers.

PNC wants…

“She joined the profession at a time when there were few women lawyers and sought to ensure that all women who joined the profession were warmly welcomed. She unselfishly shared her time and knowledge with new lawyers; and with the wider community when she represented the Association in its outreach projects,” the statement stated.

Further, she represented GAWL for a number of years on the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Advisory Committee. In addition, she also participated in several projects undertaken by the Association, including constitutional education projects, and willingly gave of her time to make presentations to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).

“She championed women’s and children’s rights - was on many committees and participated in many consultations that led to the enactment of progressive legislation that ensured that women’s rights are human rights.”

In this regard, she at-

tended the UN International Women’s Conference in Beijing, China, in 1995.

She provided valuable advice for the content of the children’s legislation that came on stream in 2009.

GAWL further added that “Chapman has left us with many cherished memories. Her court stories were legendary. She was indeed, wonderful to be around. The President,

Executive, and members of the Guyana Association of Women,” the statement concluded. The Association extended its deepest sympathies to her grieving family, especially her children Anande Trotman-Joseph, past President of GAWL; Raphael Trotman, caretaker National Resources Minister, and Vanya Trotman.

…Caricom out? at Boy (as Rodney dubbed Burnham – as well as “King Kong” and “King Midas”) must be rolling in his Mausoleum at Seven Ponds!! Look what his intellectual descendants are doing to his legacy – which they vowed to uphold!! How can they throw Caricom and its CCJ offspring into the gutter just to keep on rigging??

Are they telling us rigging is a more important legacy of Burnham than Caricom??

Don’t they remember that Caricom and Rigging were all part of the same vision (nightmare?) of Burnham??

Knowing that the demographics couldn’t guarantee him sinecure in the Prime Ministership or Presidential sweepstakes, rigging and regionalism were both part of his plans to let him hold on to power come what may!! Have folks forgotten after he helped to get Caricom’s precursor – Carifta – going, he tried to inveigle St Vincent to become an “Associate State” of Guyana rather than Britain. Just so to balance up the “numbers”!!

Shouldn’t the PNC – and its fellow travellers like the WPA geriatrics – ask why Caricom is now firmly in the democratic corner – unlike when Fat Boy was around?

It’s not just that the Cold War’s over – that’s been the case for over three decades, Rather, the motivation for international action is now to stand for something – democracy – and not to merely oppose that other thing – communism.

And the simple answer is that in Guyana, the PPP stand for democracy, while the PNC have demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt that their dictatorial compulsions are as raw as ever!! Looks like they just can’t help themselves!!

The PPP brought back democracy to Guyana in 1992 and nurtured it for 23 years even though at every step they were violently opposed by the PNC in the streets, in the jungle, and in the villages.

The PPP lost their majority in 2011…but didn’t lose their democratic cool. Even though they realised that their long incumbency had generated some negativity, they demitted office to the PNC when together with the AFC they won the 2015 elections under arguable conditions.

They knew that Guyana’s fragile democracy needed some breathing space and haven’t even made much noise when their elections petition still hasn’t been heard!

But look at the ghetto behaviour of the PNC!! To prevent the votes of the people from being counted when they realised they’d lost the elections, they had Mingo rig the Reg 4 SoP tabulation IN FRONT OF THE WORLD – INCLUDING CARICOM!!

Even if Caricom wanted to help the PNC out, how could they? But more importantly, why should they??

Didn’t Granger treat them like dirt when he reneged on his word to accept the recount??

Payback’s a bitch!! …Privy Council back?

Let’s look a bit closer at the PNC’s cussing out of the CCJ. They harp on the fact that Guyana’s only one of 4 Caricom members that opted for the CCJ to be their final appellate court. Their implication, of course, is that the CCJ’s somehow not “good enough”! But look at the other side of their claim – they’re saying that the British Privy Council is more suitable to review our cases than the best and most distinguished Caribbean Judges that we have appointed!! What self-hate!! Is the European always better??

So why don’t we go the whole hog then?? Why the heck did we fight for independence? If British Judges some 10,000 miles away physically – and light years away from us culturally, sociologically and politically – are better qualified to adjudicate our disputes, maybe Boris Johnson can do a better job in ruling us, no??

Maybe should return with his whips?? Ridiculous!!

What really hurts the PNC most of all is that Caricom and the CCJ won’t fall for the race card!! …the ouster clause The PNC’s hoping the CCJ won’t take jurisdiction because of Art 177’s “ouster clause”. Fat chance!! The modern, enlightened approach is to reject ouster clauses if their application will violate the rule of law.

As it will certainly will, here.

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCJ Act being misconstrued, misinterpreted, twisted – lawyer

A

ttorney-at-Law Kashir Khan has asserted that Article 4 (3) of the Caribbean Court of Justice Act does not prohibit the court from having jurisdiction in the case and its presence in the law has, in fact, been misconstrued, misinterpreted and twisted.

Khan made this pronouncement last week, when the CCJ held its hearing into the appeal of Mohammed Ifraan Ali et al v Eslyn David et al ruling.

During the hearing, Khan read Section 4 (3) of the Act, which has been used by coalition lawyers to argue that the CCJ has no jurisdiction to reopen the case.

“I will recite it because I believe it requires some distillation. It says, nothing in this act shall confer jurisdiction on the court, meaning CCJ, to hear matters in relation to any decision of the

Attorney-at-Law Kashir Khan

Court of Appeal, which at the time of entry into force of this act, was declared to be final by any law.”

Khan pointed to the use of the word “was” in the Act, which refers to the past tense prior to 2005.

According to him, it cannot, therefore, refer to present

day and the Court of Appeal ruling which was made last month.

According to Khan, who represents Shazaam Ally and Abedin Ali, who are joint parties to the proceedings, this provision refers to the period of 1971 to 2005, when Guyana cut ties with the Privy Council. It was necessary to ensure that cases decided on during this period, were preserved from the CCJ’s jurisdiction as Guyana’s apex court.

“I’m suggesting to the court that you have to look at 4 (3) as merely preserving the jurisprudence that accrued between 1971 and 2005. Section 4 (3) has no ambulatory effect. It cannot oust this court from having a review of the decision that took place in 2020,” he said.

“Any decision of the Court of Appeal that came after 2005, is open to re-

view. There is no finality.

The word was is past tense.

It was intended to preserve the jurisprudence of 1971 to 2005, nothing more.”

Khan also supported arguments that the Eslyn David case preempted the natural course of events and thus, could not be applicable to Article 177 (4) of the Constitution of Guyana. According to him, the Representation of the People Act sets out a clear pathway before a President can be deemed to be elected.

He said that instead, David approached the court seeking an interpretation of the law and a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) order when the relevant situation being contested, the election of the President, has not even happened yet. And in such an event, the correct format for such challenges is through

an elections petition.

“There has been no declaration, no extraction, the entire construct of the Representation of the People’s Act is such that that process is a necessary step towards getting to the point where somebody gets elected,” Khan declared.

The CCJ is expected to render its judgement in

the case, which was filed

by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali and General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday.

Ahead of the decision, however, there have been advertisements, articles and even protests which seek to reinforce the view that the CCJ does not have jurisdiction.

toll increased to 15 following the death of a 25-yearold teacher. Donna Ambrose Greaves, a mother of one, died in the COVID-19 ICU located at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Saturday night.

She was a teacher attached to Arapaima Nursery School in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) As local health authorities continue to grapple with flattening the curve of the coronavirus pandemic, Region Four remains the epicentre of the outbreak in Guyana.

However, there has been a significant rise in COVID-19 cases in the hinterland regions of Barima-

Waini and Cuyuni-Mazaruni – the latter recording its first death from the virus just days ago. The victim was 34-year-old Abdool Khan of Bartica, who succumbed in the designated ICU located at the GPHC. According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Saturday, the mandatory lockdown which has been imposed at Aranka in Region Seven and Moruca in Region One allowed the health teams to conduct mass screening and testing of individuals living and working in these areas.

Agencies collaborating with the Public Health Ministry to ensure this pro-

cess is conducted effectively include the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Regional Democratic Councils and Health Emergency Committees of Regions One and Seven among others.

Statistics from the World Health Organisation show that 11,125,245 persons have tested positive globally while 528,204 deaths were reported. In the Americas, there are 5,692,954 cases with 262,538 deaths.

Guyana records 16th COVID-19 death …5 more persons test positive …active cases now 152

G

uyana has recorded it 16th COVID-19 death.

Dead is 76-year-old May Portsmouth, who was one of the persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She died on Sunday.

On Monday, five new COVID-19 cases were reported brining, the total number of active cases is now 142.

A dashboard released by the Public Health Ministry showed the number of deaths at 16 while 10 persons are still seeking treatment in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

There are 19 persons in institutional quarantine while some 121 persons have recovered. This means that since March, Guyana has recorded 278 COVID-19 cases.

To date, 2889 samples

were tested to which 2611 returned negative. This newspaper was told that

the new cases were detected in Regions One (BarimaWaini); Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (DemeraraMahaica).

On Sunday, one new case was reported while 16 was recorded on Saturday.

Compared to Saturday’s figures, there was an increase of seven new coronavirus patients in the ICU on Sunday – which remained constant.

According to Sunday’s dashboard, the country’s COVID-19 death

10 NEWS TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sea defence breach

Very little interest paid to current situation – Regional Chairman

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

A

s the second breach to the sea defence has occurred at Dantzig, Mahaica, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), putting thousands of acres on rice land under threat, over the past week both cultivated lands and land used for pastures have been flooded with water from the ocean.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal told this publication that some efforts are being made to address the situation.

“I see that a contractor has been mobilised to carry out on the dam and to prevent the inflow of water. However, that is not enough. The entire project needs to be approached in a holistic way to bring a final solution to the erosion problem that exists within the Mahaica-Mahaicony block of the Region,” Ramphal emphasised.

The breach at Dantzig, Mahaica

Over the past eight months, many farmers would have lost business as a result of being unable to cultivate their lands due to it being flooded with saltwater from the ocean.

“And on to today they have not received any assistance from the Government to put them back on their feet. And so, it is of my belief that because of the current political situation our farmers continue to suffer and this project continues to be placed on the back burner.”

The Chairman said at this time there is a need for the legitimate Government to be in place which is capable and has the capacity to deal with such a big project of repairing the sea defence.

“A Government that has the knowledge and the interest of the people at heart so as to bring relief to them and for them to continue with

their livelihood,” Ramphal said, further noting that erosion of the sea defence started several months ago.

However, the most recent breach occurred about two weeks ago and that has caused flooding to the western half of Dantzig.

“I understand also that there are two other breaches along this stretch going to the Mahaica River.

Let me make it very clear that previously under the People’s Progressive Party Government, there was proper supervision of this entire coastal area, but what we have seen is that very little interest was paid [to the] current situation and there was no proper monitoring,” he added.

The main breach in the Dantzig area has not been sealed as yet. In fact, according to Ramphal, it has gotten worse and the works

that were done by the contractors have not made much of a difference to stop the ocean water from entering the farmlands.

In fact, for some time now, there has been overtopping of the mud dam which was created, allowing for further intrusion of salt-

water. “The erosion started quite a while ago but because of the lackadaisical approach by the coalition Government, we have seen the devastation in this entire District.” The Chairman said a sustainable project which would see proper attention given to farmers is needed. If this is not

done, they will once again suffer losses. According to Ramphal, details of the project which is being executed by the Public Infrastructure Ministry have not been made available to the Regional Administration.

Hence, he could not say how much money has since been spent.

Housekeeper, husband robbed at knifepoint

One of the suspects grabbing the woman’s bag

A

housekeeper and her husband were robbed of their belongings on Monday at Campbellville, Georgetown, by two

knife-wielding bandits.

Based on information received, the incident occurred at about 15:30h at Section K Campbellville, Georgetown.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras from a nearby building captured the couple in front of someone’s yard when they were approached by a man on a bicycle. The suspect jumped off the bike and charged towards the woman while brandishing a long knife.

As he managed to take her handbag, his accomplice, who was clad in an orange shirt, also rode up and collected an unidentified item from the husband’s pocket, as he was standing near his motorcycle.

The suspects then picked up their bicycles and made good their escape. It is unclear how many items were stolen or the total losses suffered.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7 homeless as Linden home goes up in flames

The Second Alley Hillfoot, Wismar, Linden home on fire

S

even persons are now homeless after a fire completely gutted their house in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), on Sunday evening.

The two-storey concrete home of 39-year-old Jennel Campbell, situated at Second Alley Hillfoot, Wismar, Linden, went up in flames at about 22:00h.

Her 22-year-old mentally chal-

lenged son has since been taken into Police custody where he is said to be assisting with the investigation.

The woman’s shop, which is situated at the front of the home, was undamaged, however, the family was unable to save any household or personal items. This newspaper was told that the 22-year-old and family members had a disa-

greement earlier in the day, which caused Campbell to sleep in her shop. The woman told Police that she heard a loud explosion and observed the lights of the house flickering. Shortly after she heard the cries of “fire” and upon checking, she observed that her house was on fire. She managed to escape from the shop. The woman’s son was reportedly seen exiting through a window by neighbours.

According to residents in the area, firefighters responded to the scene some one and a half hours later. By then, they noted, the house was already devoured by the fire.

Speaking with this publication, Campbell estimated her losses at close to $25 million.

“It’s a upstairs, downstairs house that had everything inside...

We ain’t get to save nothing... everything I lost. We ain’t get to save nothing, nothing... I was inside the shop...”, the woman related in between tears.

She said she took her mentally unstable son to the hospital earlier in the day where he received his medication. This, she explained, she thought would have assisted him in remaining calm, however, she noted that with the advice of his father, she decided to restrain him. Campbell noted that her nephew, who also resided at the home, went out, leaving only the females inside the house. She related that her son became agitated, causing the women, who be-

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

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The damaged house

came fearful at this time, to lock up in their rooms and she retired to the shop. She said she has been trying to receive necessary assistance from the authorities in taking care of her son to no avail.

“My son is mentally ill...You calling the police, nobody ain’t helping, you call he father he ain’t coming, he said he send the police. The police ain’t come, the police come after the fire,” Campbell said.

She related that her son left the house after an argument with family members, adding that when he returned, she heard him calling for her but she did not answer.

Campbell said the house, which is situated on highland may have also posed some difficulty in relation to accessibility.

“It ain’t easy, and especially at this time too. I feeling it with the losses and still, I have to feel it with my son. You would call for help, you would reach at the hospital and you know you can’t handle the situation and they ain’t got nowhere to put he... People’s life in fear...”, Campbell stressed.

Persons who are desirous of helping the family can contact them on telephone number (592) 638-1722.

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:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever 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)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

12

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

What

Caricom

means to me #IamCaricom

(caricom.org)

Samantha Sheoprashad

Caricom Youth Ambassador – Guyana “When you ask what Caricom means to me, I would tell you it’s a family. It’s people coming together to form a community that accepts a great level of diversity among us and I would say that this diversity has afforded us to light up the entire region with love, peace and unity.”

Dwayne Hendrickson

Caricom Youth Ambassador – St Kitts and Nevis “When I think of Caricom, I think about shared love, shared spirit, shared resources, shared knowledge, shared unity. I think of that one wholesome vibe that we all share as one united people.”

Kris Miller

Caricom Youth Ambassador – Belize “Caricom means the movement of people and culture in our Caribbean region.”

Chet Greene

Minister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Trade – Antigua and Barbuda “I am Caricom; 18 million strong. A people understanding our shared interest with a shared vision moving forward for development and enhancement. One Caribbean.”

David Commissong

Ambassador to Caricom - Barbados “Caricom is a process of Caribbean integration and development that belongs to all of us, the people of the Caribbean.

Because of Caricom, I can travel to any Caricom country and get an automatic six-month stay. I can access the Caricom Skills National Programme and get the right to reside and work indefinitely in any Caricom State.”

Sarah Flood-Beaubrun

Minister within the Ministry of External Affairs – St Lucia “The unfortunate emergence of the novel virus, COVID-19 demands the highest level of togetherness and dependence on each other if we are to combat the myriad challenges…We have taken strides in fulfilling the mandate of Caricom to promote economic integration and cooperation amongst members.”

Dr Clarence Henry

Ambassador to Caricom – Antigua and Barbuda “I am Caricom, the people moving forward with one vision, one goal and one destiny. All moving as one. I am Caricom.”

Georgette Grootfaam

Caricom Youth Ambassador – Suriname “For me as a young person to Caricom, it offers both regional and international opportunities and benefits.”

Felix Gregoire

Ambassador to Caricom – Dominica “Caricom to me is progress, unity, one people working together for the common good. Caricom is for all of us – those at the top, those at the bottom working together for the benefit of each other.”

Donique Billingy

Caricom Youth Ambassador – St Vincent and the Grenadines “Caricom to me means bringing people together.

My favourite aspect of Caricom would be the free movement which would allow me as a Caricom national to move from one Caricom State to another.”

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPHC doctor tests positive for COVID-19 Refurbished flood-prone …Region 9 hospital staff all tested negative – RHO

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Naail Uthman

By Shemar Alleyne

A

s health authorities continue to point fingers as to where 25-year-old Donna Ambrose Greaves – a teacher of Arapaima Nursery School in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), may have contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, a doctor who administered treatment to the woman has now tested positive for the virus.

The female doctor, who is stationed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), has been placed in quarantine along with other persons at the hospital who had contact with the now-deceased woman.

A well-placed source within the Public Health Ministry has since confirmed that sev-

eral patients and staff with whom the doctor has had contact, along with patients in the female ward in which the Lethem mother of one was placed after being transferred from the Lethem Regional Hospital, have been tested.

Initially, Greaves was battling with a C-Section-related injury after giving birth to her son and for the past month, the young teacher had been experiencing severe pain.

However, earlier in June, she was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where it was revealed that she is suffering from high blood pressure. She was treated and sent home.

On June 25, her health began to deteriorate, and she was rushed to the Lethem Regional Hospital. There, she was informed that her blood pressure was high, which was also compounded with a low blood count. A COVID-19 test was done after her sister, who went to her aid, travelled from Georgetown to Lethem.

In the meantime, she was treated for high blood pressure, but doctors at the institution could not get the blood count under control. A rapid COVID-19 test was also done, which came back negative.

After spending two days at the regional hospital, she was airdashed on June 27, to the city for further medical care.

“My wife and a regular maternity case that had complications, so the two of them flew out together, and they

COVID-19 treatment facility to be ready next week

The Ocean View hospice in its final stages

A

Donna Ambrose Greaves and her husband in happier times

had some technical difficulties in the air. She was on oxygen and flew her out consciously, and while in the air, they ran out of oxygen, and they had to do some an emergency landing in Timehri, and she was transported to the public hospital by an ambulance on oxygen,” Franklin Greaves explained.

The grieving husband explained that after six hours, doctors managed to stabilise her.

Doctors told relatives that she was suffering from an anaemic disorder. However, she had a serious reaction while treatment was being administered.

The distraught husband stated that his wife called him on June 29 and said that she had an itchy throat, and needed mints and vapour rub, and that a family member should visit as she was placed in the

female ward.

She was taken back to the ICU in an unconscious state.

She never regained consciousness and died on July 5. Her husband said he is now left with numerous questions and he is demanding a full probe into the circumstances that led to his wife’s demise.

He added, “I am not fighting for her because she is already gone, but I am fighting for the system in which the public can have trust in,” he noted.

Meanwhile, this publication reached out to Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Nine, Dr Naail Uthman, who confirmed that all of the hospital staff that were in contact with Greaves were tested for COVID-19 and those results returned negative. They were all, nonetheless, placed in quarantine.

fter months of renovation on the flood-prone Ocean View Hotel to transform it into a specialised COVID-19 treatment facility, it is set to be ready on July 13.

This was according to Logistics Officer attached to the National COVID-19 Task Force, Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussein, who noted during a recent engagement that the $1 billion project is about 95 per cent completed. While the media has not been granted a tour of the facility, the official said that the entire project is divided into eight lots, which focuses mainly on retrofitting the different wings along with the installation of necessary facilities and equipment for when the building becomes operational. The budget of each wing is pegged at a different price with Lot One costing $381,825,605; Lot Two costing $388,402,665; Lot Three at $49,201,944; Lot Four at $54,761,525, Lot Five costing $64,728,615; Lot Six appraised at $4,100,000; Lot

Seven at $22,074,712 and Lot Eight, 86,232,939.

The caretaker coalition would have expended about $1 billion to transform the facility into a specialised sanitorium for those suffering from the novel virus. Presently, patients are seeking accommodations at various makeshift units as cases continue to rise.

Last month, Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud indicated that the facility is designed to house three categories of persons. There is also space for the operating room, kitchen, laundry, waste management, holding area for gases and other pharmaceuticals.

“The plan is to handle at least three categories of persons - those who are infected and are suffering from the signs and symptoms of the disease; those who are infected but remain asymptomatic and those who are in quarantine and waiting for their results.”

TURN TO PAGE 14

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Marketing executive robbed UK sanctions Saudis, Russians by knife-wielding bandits for Khashoggi's brutal murder

A

marketing executive was on Monday afternoon robbed by two knife-wielding bandits at Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to information received, Jennifer Cipriani had just returned from the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) and stopped by her parents, who live in Agricola.

As she was in front of the yard, two males – one armed with a knife – walked up and demanded her purse. She refused but the perpetrators showed no mercy and quickly sliced her bag from her shoulder before making good their escape on foot. The bandits carted off with a Samsung J7 pro, her ID card, her bank card, driver’s license, and $20,000.

An investigation has since been launched.

T

Victim: Jennifer Cipriani

Hospitalisations jump 50% in California as coronavirus infections soar

N

ew coronavirus cases soared in California over the July Fourth weekend, stressing some hospital systems and leading to the temporary closure of the state capitol building in Sacramento for deep cleaning, officials said on Monday.

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has increased by 50% over the past two weeks to about 5,800, Governor Gavin Newsom said at a briefing.

About a third of those hospitalized were in Los Angeles County, state and local records showed, with about 630 confirmed and suspected coronavirus patients requiring intensive care.

And 25% of the hospitalizations in the county in July were among patients aged 18 to 40, health officials said, as new cases increasingly hit a younger population that may have been lax about safety precautions in recent weeks.

Farther north, nearly 1,400 inmates at San Quentin State Prison have been sickened by the virus, putting pressure on hospitals in Marin County, where the facility is located, Newsom said.

All told, 271,684 Californians have tested positive for the virus, including 11,529 in the past 24 hours, state records show.

About 6,300 have died.

Determined to slow the spread of the disease over the holiday weekend, state alcohol regulators visited nearly 6,000 bars and restaurants to make sure they were complying with new rules banning indoor dining and closing bars that do not serve food, Newsom said.

Nearly half a million businesses were contacted by the state over the weekend and warned that failing to enforce social distancing guidelines, including a statewide mandate to wear face coverings, could lead to

a citation, he said.

The virus also reached into the halls of government.

On Monday, Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, a Democrat from Los Angeles County, posted on Twitter that she and her daughter had tested positive for the virus after what state human resources representatives called a “maskto-mask” transmission.

Lawmakers have been meeting in person at the state Capitol building in Sacramento since mid-May. Burke did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but a spokeswoman for state Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon said the building had been closed for a deep cleaning out of concern for “the health and safety of the Capitol community.”

Five people who worked at the capitol had been infected with the virus, spokeswoman Katie Talbot said. (Reuters)

he United Kingdom imposed economic sanctions on dozens of individuals and organisations from Russia, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, and North Korea under new British powers to punish human-rights offenders.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Monday the sanctions targeted those behind "some of the notorious human rights violations in recent years", and were aimed at stopping the laundering of "blood money".

The UK's first sanctions will target 25 Russian nationals it said were involved in the mistreatment and death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, and 20 Saudi nationals held responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the foreign ministry said.

"Today this government ... sends a very clear message on behalf of the British people that those with blood on their hands the thugs and despots, the henchmen and dictators - will not be free to waltz into this country to buy up property on the King's Road, to do their Christmas shopping in Knightsbridge, or frankly to siphon dirty money through British banks or other financial institutions," said Raab.

"The designations will also include those responsible for the brutal murder of the writer and journalist Jamal Khashoggi."

After leaving the European Union in January, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to forge a new independent role for Britain in foreign and trade affairs, and this was the first time London could impose asset freezes and visa bans independently.

Among the list of Saudi names are Saud al-Qahtani, a former Saudi royal adviser, and Ahmed

Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

al-Asiri, a former deputy intelligence chief. Both had charges against them dropped by a Saudi court after 11 suspects were put on trial last December over the Khashoggi killing. Five were sentenced to death.

Khashoggi, a 59-yearold Washington Post columnist, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Turkish officials said his body was dismembered by the killers and his remains have yet to be found.

Turkish prosecutors indicted 20 Saudi nationals over Khashoggi's killing, including several with ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the kingdom's de facto ruler.

Some Western governments, as well as the CIA, said they believed MBS ordered the killing - an accusation Saudi officials have denied. The biggest Russian name on the UK list is Alexander Bastrykin, whose Investigative Committee reports directly to President Vladimir Putin.

Bastrykin has also been blacklisted by the United States and Canada over

the death of Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer arrested in 2008 after alleging Russian officials were involved in large-scale tax fraud. Magnitsky died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after complaining of abuse.

"It is particularly outrageous that the senior representatives of the General Prosecution and the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation as well as judges were included in the sanctions list," RIA news agency cited a Russian embassy spokesman in London as saying.

Also on the list of 49 individuals and organisations is Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar armed forces, and Myanmar army commander Soe Win. They are accused of orchestrating systematic violence against Myanmar's Rohingya minority.

North Korean organisations - the Ministry of State Security Bureau and the Ministry of People's Security Correctional Bureau - were sanctioned for running prison camps in the authoritarian communist state. (Al Jazeera)

Refurbished flood-prone...

Being the prime building for coronavirus-related cases, he indicated that they were working to comply with all standards to protect both patients and medical personnel on duty.

As such, a few modifications were initially requested in keeping with this mindset.

The CMO had pointed out that after Guyana is free from the disease, they will use the centre to treat other respiratory viruses such as tuberculosis and influenza among others.

“COVID-19 is a respiratory disease at this point in time and along with COVID-19, there are several respiratory infections.

We call them severe acute

respiratory illnesses. Those come seasonally like with flu and other kinds of challenges. So, I guess there will always be a role for a facility like this, even if we were to get out of this pandemic shortly.”

Shortly after works began on the facility — devoid of a formal announcement by Government, the then Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, had told reporters that financial arrangements were still being worked out, and that the contractors had begun working without a formally signed contract.

The orders by Government, taking over

FROM PAGE 13

the facility and turning it into a hospice, did not indicate any further details on the financial arrangements or a sale price. The Ocean View International Hotel was owned by coalition financier Jacob Rambarran, while works ongoing on the site are being undertaken by another known People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) supporter.

The order made by Minister of State Dawn Hastings for the State to take ownership of the property was also inked on the same day as the one done by caretaker Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence to turn the acquired property into a sanitorium.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A Green Economy Committee Feature

GCCI holds position that sugar sector still, always had prospects of viability ...can regain former glory of being major foreign exchange earner

S

Brief Background

ugar has been a traditional crop of Guyana since the days of colonization for all of our ethnic makeup save our indigenous brothers and sisters. One of the primary reasons for the British creating a colony in Guiana was to farm sugar cane for export to the UK and Europe. It is viewed as one of the six sisters of Guyana joining, rice, bauxite, gold, diamonds and timber which cumulatively reflect the resource rich nature of our country.

Guysuco itself became a state owned entity in 1976 after nationalization. At that time it was the largest employer after Government and the main foreign exchange earner. Thus until recent years, Sugar has been a large part of the Guyanese economy including and post-British occupation. The Sugar sector was only overtaken in the last decade or so by rice and gold as government began to invest more in these other sectors and inland infrastructure; coupled with new markets and world market prices supporting their growth.

The Sugar sector used to account for about 20% of the Government’s revenue and accounted for roughly 38% of the agriculture sector which contributed as much as 32% to our GDP over many years save since 2018 when less than fully informed decisions were taken to close several estates. This is against the backdrop of the level of employment the sector contributed both directly and indirectly to the economy, its substantial foreign exchange earnings, its socio-economic impact on families and livelihoods and its contributions to the financial sector and banks operating within the vicinity of its estates particularly the Wales Estate and the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

Table 1 (extract from Bank of Guyana’s Annual Reports)

SUGAR AGRI AS REAL SUGAR AS A % % OF YEAR GDP OUTPUT OF AGRI TOTAL % (TONNES) SECTOR GDP 2001

1.9

284,777

44%

2005

-2

246,208

43%

2010

3.6

220,819

36%

2015

3

231,145

24%

2018

4.1

104,642

13%

2019

4.7

92,232

12%

REMARKS

27% Devastating floods of January and 31.5% February Unfavourable weather. Employed 23% approximately 16,000 employees Favourable weather. Improved efficiency through mechanical harvesting.

Employed approximately 13,000 em29% ployees Unfavourable weather less supply of canes.

Employed 7067 staff. Loss of man days due to industrial action. Over 4,500 -12% workers laid off.

Mechanical failure. Industrial unrest.

20% Employed 6339 staff

Table 2 - (Guysuco’s Production Figures for the years 2010 – 2019) The Company’s production figures for the last ten (10) years are as follows:-

YEAR 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

BUDGETED (Tonnes Sugar) 264,000 282,000 237,000 203,169 216,000 227,443 189,411 (revised) 174,451 (revised) 102,496 (July LE) 109,374

ACTUAL

VARIANCE

(Tonnes Sugar) 233,000 237,000 215,000 186,754 216,147 231,145 183,615 137,297 104,642 92,256

(Tonnes Sugar) (31,000) (45,000) (22,000) (16,415) 147 3702 (5,796) (37,154) 2,146 17,118

*Information received from Guysuco’s Office

VARIANCE % 12 16 9 8 .06 1.63 3.06 21 0.02 15.6

Estates are located across the country:

Sugar Estates

Factories

 Skeldon

 Skeldon

 East Berbice

 Rose Hall

 Uitvlugt

 Blairmont

 Albion

 Wales (closed)

 East Demerara

 Blairmont

 West Demerara

 Enmore/LBI (merged)

The above two tables indicate that between 2001 to 2015 the sugar sector performed well even when there were dips in the country’s Real GDP (2018-2019 excluded as these were years when decisions on closure of some estates were taken.).

The Sugar sector for those more familiar with its intricacies, in addition to its own contribution, also contributes to the agriculture sector from the standpoint of fertilizers and other soil nutrients along with pests and diseases control chemicals; and to the services sector in a huge way in terms of safety gear, consumer and household items, real estate market, and transportation. Hence, the decision to close the operations of Guysuco ought to have been thoroughly examined before taking a rash decision. If the sugar sector had not been neglected in the past few years, it would have buoyed the economy when the rice sector was experiencing difficulties after loss the preferential Venezuelan market which took time to replace with other markets. Hence, the reiteration that we cannot take decisions on our major sectors in abstract.

The Skeldon Sugar Factory Feasibility In 2000, Booker Tate a longstanding partner of Guysuco assisted it with the development of the industry with the objectives of increasing sugar production, reducing operating costs and consequently increasing profitability. The siting of the Skeldon factory was due to our eastern corridor being deemed better suited as agricultural conditions were researched and found to be more superior than the west. Hence, siting had a scientific basis.

The scope of the project entailed the construction of an 8,400 tonne cane/day sugar factory to be supported by the development of approximately 5000 ha of surrounding highly shrubbed land to be converted to supply high quality cane.

Booker Tate supervised the construction of the factory which was made to have a capacity to crush 1.5million tonnes of cane and produce around 150,000 of VHP sugar with a cogeneration plant capable of generating10MW of electricity to feed the national grid; to ensure quality workmanship.

Challenges faced by the Skeldon As with any new venture undertaken of this magnitude, the Skeldon Sugar Factory as well -known encountered challenges which include as mentioned below but overall resulted primarily from general lack of ongoing maintenance works and lack of spares and tools on site causing the factory to deteriorate in various areas. * Corrosion of parts of the factory and power plant which is understandable given proximity to the Altantic Ocean salt air (a common feature along the Corriverton/Corentyne coast). * Missing insulation for the plant’s diffuser thus resulting in major heat losses and causing the plant’s boiler fuel feeders to be flagged for possible safety issues. * Lack of spare parts to effectively maintain aspects as the feeder motors * Exhaust gas leakages in the boilers occurred due to wrong furnace pressure. * Demolished oil burners for the boilers which were considered to be a fire hazard. * Late implementation of private cane farmers to ensure sufficiency of supply of canes * Notable rain days * Soil type that does not easily dry (for example in half day) unlike in some of our Caricom sister countries * Farm beds that were not always conducive to mechanical harvesting which is preferable to allow for quick harvesting and to escape rainy weather conditions. * Lack of sufficient enforcement of terms in Private Cane Farming contracts as it relates to manufacturing of canes.

Prospects for the Sector However, the issues at Skeldon Sugar Factory are not unsolvable. With stringent management and strong oversight the sector is capable of viability. It is also important to recognize and appreciate the interconnectivity of this sector to others, to employment and GDP. A short to medium term strategic plan which must address operational inefficiencies including methodology of pickup of canes; reducing cost of production, increased mechanization, ensuring markets are available and obtaining competitive prices; is to be developed. Such a plan has to incorporate other incoming generating prospects as co-generation, molasses, methanol and bio-ethanol which can reduce energy cost and also promote use of energy or mixed fuel vehicles; jaggery cubes which are known for their health benefits; and cultural heritage tourism.

Only recently we learnt from the GMSA that the closure of estates has significantly affected the operational cost of Demerara Distillers Limited (another large scale employer) via absence of sufficient molasses for the production of Eldorado Rums which is famous worldwide.

A new strategic plan should also encapsulate equity investment not only by investors, but by employees through issue of ordinary shares so that they too have an onus to ensure the company’s profitability in order to earn a dividend.

We are aware of the regret of our neighbouring Trinidad that its agriculture sector was neglected when its oil and natural gas sector tumbled. We should not repeat their mistakes.

At the regional level, equally critical as reiterated by the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) last March 2019, is that unless the CARICOM Secretariat, and by extension Caribbean trade ministers, do not take ‘definitive and immediate action through the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)’ the Sugar Industry’s future will be at risk. SAC’s concern is that the industry can only survive if the existing 40% Common External Tariff (CET) on all sugar imports is rigorously applied. SAC noted that market intelligence gathered across the region found that ‘more than two-thirds of CARICOM’s sugar demand is currently being supplied by extra regional sugar even though the industry in CARICOM annually produces more sugar than the Anglophone part of the region requires.

All businesses go through peaks and troughs but importantly, is how we navigate the troughs so that more peaks can surface.

It is recommended that some of the proceeds of our emerging oil and gas sector be channeled towards the recapitisation of Guysuco to make it self-sufficient and restore it to its former glory.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

Guyana: moving forward post-elections Dear Editor, Much has been written by many on the current elections impasse with de facto President David Granger and his party leaders refusing to accept the reality of defeat with the notable exception of Dominic Gaskin and latterly by Mr CN Sharma, leader of the Justice for All Party, who some observers feel may be trying to avoid any possible sanctions by the USA. Can I ask through your medium whether Mr Gaskin has resigned as an executive member of the AFC since he is at odds as a matter of principle with other leaders of his party who have either remained silent or buried their heads in the sand vis a vis the truth?

At some time in the near future, this imbroglio must end, but in the meanwhile, all right-thinking Guyanese must remember Gandhi’s famous edict that non-co-operation with evil is our sacred duty and we must all do our part in ensuring that our fledgeling democracy which was hardwon is protected so that it

can flourish and take stronger roots in the future.

Editor, I continue to be perplexed at the collective lack of moral courage on the part of our African Guyanese brothers and sisters (notable exception Brother Josh Emanuel), who have largely failed to condemn or disassociate themselves from the PNC rigging cabal which has brought great shame and embarrassment onto Guyana and its people and will cause us to be the subject of ridicule as we deal with people of other countries in the world as a matter of necessity in our day to day lives. Many of this cabal are regular churchgoers and have in the past criticised PPP leaders for being atheistic, but I must say I would prefer to deal with a truthful atheist over a lying/ deceitful believer and note here I do not by any means imply that the PPP leaders don’t lie. I hereby call on supporters of APNU to demand that the President behave in an honourable manner and concede without further delay knowing full well that they were

fairly and squarely defeated mainly because of their own ineptitude over the last five years and moreover for crooked methods used to stay in Office since the NoConfidence Motion in 2018.

Besides the aforementioned, I hereby make a plea for President-elect Dr Irfaan Ali to do as follows upon assumption of office.

1) Ensure that all constitutional commissions are properly funded and staffed by nonpolitical persons as far as possible and have Parliament approved legislation for the Integrity Commission to be able to sanction errant PUBLIC officials who do not comply with submitting their annual submission of assets.

It was observed over the last number of years that this Commission and others seemed to be worse than toothless poodles.

2) The policy for the employment of Permanent Secretaries must be depoliticised with immediate effect and must be a process where we look to attract the best talent in the country to ensure our Ministries are staffed with only the best

and brightest and not political hacks. Even though this may be a difficult task because of party pressures, I believe President-elect Ali must do this at the outset for his Government to be seen as progressive and fair.

3) Ministers must be held accountable to the people and taxpayers of this country, hence from the outset, they must prepare formidable work plans taking priorities into account which must be properly reviewed by relevant Cabinet sub-committees and then must be monitored closely by the President on a six-monthly basis to see if the aims and objectives of the various Ministries are being achieved. In cases where Ministers are deemed not to be performing after one year, they should be either reshuffled or replaced.

The Guyanese taxpayer has been burdened for too long by various layers of parasitic bureaucracies in the Governmental system producing dysfunctional outcomes and we must receive more “bang for our buck.”

4) Regarding the use

Putting forward arguments outside of courtroom after case has been fully argued in court Dear Editor, I was shocked to see on page 10 of the Guardian newspaper on Saturday, July 4, 2020, a full-page publication plainly attempting to influence the extant matter before the CCJ concerning the Guyana elections.

Although this publication was not described as an advertisement, I am fairly sure that this publication was not an expression of the views of the Guardian newspaper. I am confident of this because I have never known the Guardian, or indeed any

newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago, to seek to attempt to influence the outcome of a pending matter before any court. Even so, the Guardian must have been aware of the impact that such an advertisement would have in the context of the pending proceedings before the CCJ. Any member of the public reading this advertisement would realise that it reflects the submissions of the Government parties before the CCJ. The publication in a newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago was plainly designed to influence the Judges in the CCJ, or to delegitimise any ruling which they hand down which might be unfavourable to the Government of Guyana.

It is a long-established and well-respected rule of law in all English-speaking countries that when any matter is active before any court, the parties and indeed the public will refrain from commenting on the merits of the case, meaning simply, that while the matter is under judicial consideration and as yet undetermined; the litigants or their lawyers are permitted to have their say in court. This is called the sub-judice rule.

It would be unthinkable for the Trinidad and Tobago Government to publish an advertisement in a London newspaper seeking to influ-

ence a matter pending before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Why then would a local newspaper think it appropriate to issue this publication?

Any comment which prejudices the merits of the proceedings may constitute a contempt of court as being a publication tending to influence a court against a party. The CCJ as a regional apex court deserves the highest respect and persons and Governments before the court must behave in a dignified and respectful manner.

This publication by the Guardian is unprecedented in this jurisdiction and, if left unchecked, will only serve to damage the credibility and standing of the CCJ in the region. If this is permissible in respect of the CCJ then surely any other courts are also fair game.

It should not be necessary to consider whether this behaviour constitutes contempt. One would hope that the persons responsible for this publication would immediately retract it and apologise to the Court. If they do not do so, surely the Guardian newspaper should itself issue an unconditional apology to the CCJ and ensure that such a travesty does not again occur.

Yours truly, Seenath Jairam, SC

of technocrats, I suggest strongly that Presidentelect Ali set up a high-powered economic/finance advisory committee which should assist to inform his Government’s policies. This Committee should include at least one leading business personality preferably from the retired ranks in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The recommendations of this committee should be made public on a periodic basis so that the public can see for themselves what kind of independent advice the Government is getting and what actions it takes or does not take.

5) Ministers must be accessible by the public and any queries or problems raised by members of the public should be documented on the websites of each Ministry with actions taken in response by the relevant Ministry also recorded therein so that Guyanese can verify for themselves whether the Government is working efficiently for the people.

6) President-elect Ali should also consider awarding Chairmanships of some Boards to qualified, upstanding and suitably experienced members of the public in order to show some magnanimity and even to reach out to competent persons perceived to be opposition supporters.

7) Regarding the Oil/ Petroleum Ministry, it would be wise for an oversight committee reporting directly to the President be set up including one qualified technocrat like Dr Jan Mangal along with one from the governing party and one other representing opposition parties again with a view of inclusivity and better accountability to op-

timise the use of oil resources.

8) In connection with constitutional reform, I suggest a referendum on this matter so that the people can be consulted directly on the various clauses requiring 2/3 and particularly to amend the Constitution to reduce the Powers of the President and to impose more accountability on the President to make sure he/ she cannot escape culpability in the case of criminal misconduct while in office.

9) Given what has transpired in this election and with 20/20 vision, can our legal eagles advise whether it is possible for future elections that we have a pre-signed document by leaders of various party lists contesting that they will unconditionally accept the outcome of the elections and demit office once a declaration in compliance with the law is made by the Chairperson with the election pursuant to completion of all formalities extant under current law?

Editor the above constitute some recommendations, variants of which have already been adumbrated by learned observers and commentators but I believe an implementation of these and similar will go a long way to appeasing opposition supporters who may feel left out given our “winner takes all” political system.

I close with one of Mahatma Gandhi’s “Seven Sins”- politics without principle, and ask our incumbent leader and indeed all politicians to post this slogan in their offices and to always keep it in their minds.

Yours sincerely, Christopher Persaud

No room for dictatorship Dear Editor, The ugly truth is that the Sanctimonious Gangster’s supporters protested Caricom because the truth hurts. There are forces out there that want to break our relationship that started since the first Heads of Government Meeting in 1963.

Small pockets of protesters protested around the country on Caricom Day with some placards that carried the slogan “CCJ must respect Guyana’s Constitution” and “No Foreign Interference; we need to breathe”. Does the leader of the APNU/ AFC respect Guyana’s Constitution? He broke all the rules since the NoConfidence Motion was passed on March 21, 2018.

Every action done by APNU/

AFC to persist in their illegal fraudulent claim to victory is sinking them lower in esteem in the eyes of the people and is a bad image for Guyana.

Caricom stood for the truth and is only hated by a handful of APNU/AFC supporters who want to stifle Guyana’s growth and development. The Sanctimonious Gangster continues to mislead his supporters daily.

We need our international relationships to be closely netted for further development. Guyana is not an island that stands alone.

There is no room for dictatorship. We the people of Guyana continue to fight for our democracy.

Sincerely, Georgieana George

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

17

Regional

Colombia fuel tanker inferno Dominican Opposition declares victory in coronavirus-hit election kills 7 and injures dozens

O

A

There are fears that the death toll will rise further

t least seven people have burnt to death after an overturned petrol tanker exploded in northern Colombia, local Police say.

More than 40 people were injured in the incident on the road near the

town of Pueblo Viejo on the Caribbean coast, the Police said.

Crowds had gathered around the tanker to try to siphon off fuel when the vehicle burst into flames.

The injured were taken to several hospitals in the

area.

Some of them have severe burns, and there are fears that the death toll will rise further.

Local officials said that some people ignored Police warnings of the dangers.

(BBC News)

pposition candidate Luis Abinader has claimed victory in the Dominican Republic’s presidential race after voters braved a worsening coronavirus outbreak to cast their ballots for a new leader and legislature.

In preliminary results on Sunday accounting for 60 per cent of ballots cast, Abinader, 52, of the Opposition Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) won 53 per cent of the vote, which if sustained would be enough to avoid a runoff election.

Gonzalo Castillo, 59, of the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), whose candidacy was endorsed by President Danilo Medina, was in the second place – in a six-man race – at 37 percent of the vote.

Both parties are centrist.

Medina, 68, who served two consecutive four-year terms, was ineligible to seek re-election after failing to win sufficient backing for a constitutional change to run again.

“Today we vanquished fear with hope and doubt with determination,” Abinader told dozens of his supporters at his campaign headquarters in the capital, Santo Domingo.

His main rivals conceded defeat shortly after, although no official result has been announced.

The election, which was pushed back from May 17, was held despite the virus’s explosive spread in the Latin American nation, with the number of new COVID-19 cases hitting a record high

on Sunday for a third consecutive day. The country has so far reported 37,425 cases and 794 deaths.

Abinader had to suspend his campaign after testing positive for the coronavirus, but recovered sufficiently to lead a rally on Wednesday.

Voters had tasked him, he said, with tackling “the most difficult challenges of our history”, namely the country’s coronavirus outbreak, one of the worst in Latin America, and its economic effects.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of American States (OAS) on Sunday said one of the nine members of its electoral observation mission tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Gravediggers wearing protective suits prepare to bury the casket of a 63-year-old woman who died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Vila Formosa cemetery, in São Paulo, Brazil, June 26, 2020

confirmed coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 1.5 million, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has watered down a law requiring the wearing of face masks in public places.

Bolsonaro on Friday used his veto power to dilute a law aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

The law mandates masks in public spaces, but the President removed provisions that mandate face coverings in shops and churches. (Reuters and Al Jazeera)

candidates were announced previously.

Last Friday after Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley announced the August 10 election date, Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar said all candidates would have been presented Sunday.

The selections were announced following Saturday’s meeting of the leadership – and to which 13 incumbents who had filed nominations were summoned and told if they were chosen or not.

In recent weeks, five other Opposition MPs had indicated they weren’t contesting: Tabaquite’s Dr Suruj Rambachan (who retired from politics); Tim

Gopeesingh and Fuad Khan (who stepped down); Congress of the People’s Prakash Ramadhar (who didn’t file UNC nomination) and Ganga Singh (who’d disagreed with PersadBissessar’s failure to unite Opposition parties).

In addition to those five, at last Saturday’s meeting, UNC’s screening team told five MPs they were out.

Dropped from the team were Caroni Central MP Bhoe Tewarie, Chaguanas East’s Fazal Karim, Cumuto/Manzanilla’s Christine Newallo-Hosein, Couva North’s Ramona Ramdial and Oropouche West’s Vidya GuyadeenGopeesingh. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Additional funding Brazil reports 620 coronavirus deaths recommended for B C’bean destinations post COVID-19

A

study on the impact of the coronavirus on the member countries of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has recommended that additional sources of funding must be established to help the regional tourism sector withstand future crises.

The study by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW IITS) and the Barbados-based CTO, examined the effects of COVID-19 on national destination management and marketing organisations in CTO member countries and their early responses to the global pandemic.

The survey found that COVID-19 affected the financial health of the tourism organisations, with nearly of all of those polled either having, or expecting, to cut their operating budgets.

“This is an ominous sig-

nal,” the report noted, calling for advocacy on behalf of the destination organisations for financial support in order to remain strong and help to lead tourism’s recovery and rebuilding efforts.

It also said these entities would have to find creative ways to do more with less, especially with regards to marketing.

“Moving forward, destination organisations will need to consider how to diversify their funding sources, which are mainly based on lodging and cruise taxes, to ensure that they can withstand future COVID-19 waves and future shocks to the tourism industry,” GW IITS recommended.

At the same time it said the tourism bodies needed to remain vigilant and advocate for continued support to tourism businesses if these businesses are to survive.

(Excerpt from CMC)

razil registered 20,229 additional cases of the novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours and 620 new deaths, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

The nation has now registered 1,623,284 total coronavirus cases and 65,487 deaths attributable to the virus.

The Latin American country has the world’s second-largest outbreak after the United States.

Even as the number of

Trinidad: Roodal, Barry in as Kamla replaces 10 incumbents

U St Lucians stranded after LIAT folds

L

IAT’s demise has left at least 10 St Lucians, who are stranded in Barbados, fearful that they may not get home anytime soon.

That’s because they had been banking that the cashstrapped regional carrier would pull through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

However, it was confirmed LIAT’S days were

numbered and they would have to pay out millions in severance to hundreds of employees.

Catherine Sealys said she came to Barbados earlier this year to buy items after her home was destroyed by fire.

She said she booked a two-way ticket on LIAT and was scheduled to leave in May. (Nation News)

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

nited National Congress (UNC) Oropouche East Member of Parliament (MP) Roodal Moonilal and Princes Town MP Barry Padarath are among eight incumbents who’ve been selected to con-

test general elections again – but 10 of 18 incumbents have been replaced.

This was confirmed via a press release Sunday. It listed candidates for 39 areas in T&T as the UNC isn’t contesting all 41 seats. Some 17

TT students at risk of being deported from US

T

he US Government says foreign students currently on student visas who are taking full-time online classes could face removal from the country.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a news release on its website announcing changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) for non-immigrant students taking classes that are moved

online owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting the fall 2020 semester, the release said non-immigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools “operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the SEVP”.

Non-immigrant F-1 students do academic coursework and M-1 students do vocational coursework while studying in the US.

A second rule says the US will not issue visas to students who enrolled in schools which are fully online for the fall semester and will not allow any such students to enter the country.

Further, students who are already in the country and enrolled in fully online programmes are advised to leave the US, transfer to an institution that offers in-person classes, or face “immigration consequences.” (Newsday)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

Around the World

China “pulling back troops” after deadly border clash – India

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hina has begun pulling back troops from along its contested border with India, Indian Government sources have said, following the worst clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in nearly 50 years, which left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

The Chinese military was seen dismantling tents and structures on Monday at a location in the Galwan Valley near the site of the latest clash, Indian Government sources, who declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media, told Reuters news agency.

Vehicles were seen withdrawing from the area, as well as at Hot Springs and Gogra - two other contested border zones, the sources said.

In response to a question on whether China had moved equipment back to the Galwan Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said both sides were “taking effective measures to disengage and ease the situation on the border”.

This comes after weeks of

PM Narendra Modi addresses Indian troops during his visit to the forward post at Nimu in Ladakh, Friday, July 3, 2020

tensions between the Asian nations following their worst border skirmish in more than five decades.

In a significant development amid the rising tensions on the border with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Leh, on Friday, along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to take stock of the situation in Eastern Ladakh.

PM Modi’s surprise visit to Leh, which came as an unprecedented development, assumes

massive significance. In his address to soldiers, Modi said India’s enemies have seen her “fire and fury” in a nod to the Leh-based 14 Corps, also known as the Fire and Fury Corps. The Prime Minister was seen wearing a cap with the 14 Corps insignia embossed on it.

He issued a stern warning to China without naming it, saying the “age of expansionism is over”.

Affirming that India is committed to peace and friendship, but this commitment to peace should not be seen as

India’s weakness, the PM said that India today was becoming stronger, be it in naval might, airpower, space power, or the army.

Emphasising on the modernisation of weapons and upgrading of infrastructure, the PM said that these measures have enhanced the country’s defence capabilities manifold.

PM Modi’s visit comes as a massive statement following the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a clash with Chinese troops on June 15. He paid rich tribute to the soldiers who died while defending the Galwan Valley.

India and China have traded blame for triggering the high-altitude brawl in the Galwan Valley on June 15, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed and at least 76 were injured.

China has yet to confirm whether it suffered casualties, but the number of Indian deaths is the highest along the border in more than five decades a dramatic escalation that led to weeks of talks between senior military officials on how to ease tensions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Coronavirus: Fear over rise in animal-to-human diseases

Z

oonotic diseases - which jump from animals to humans - are increasing and will continue to do so without action to protect wildlife and preserve the environment, UN experts have warned.

They blame the rise in diseases such as COVID-19 on high demand for animal protein, unsustainable agricultural practices and climate change.

Neglected zoonotic diseases kill two million people a year, they say.

COVID-19 is set to cost the global economy US$9 trillion (£7.2 trillion) over two years.

Ebola, West Nile virus and Sars are also all zoonotic diseases: they started in animals, and made the jump to humans.

But that jump is not automatic. It is driven, according to the report by the

Bats were probably the source of the current coronavirus pandemic, epidemiologists say

United Nations Environment Programme and the International Livestock Research Institute, by the degradation of our natural environment - for example through land degradation, wildlife exploitation, resource extraction and climate change. This alters the way animals and humans interact.

“In the last century we have seen at least six major outbreaks of novel coronaviruses,” said Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

The report offers governments strategies on how to prevent future outbreaks, such as incentivising sustaina-

WHO reviewing report urging new guidance over airborne spread of coronavirus

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) is reviewing a report urging it to update guidance on the novel coronavirus after more than 200 scientists, in a letter to the health agency, outlined evidence the virus can spread in tiny airborne particles.

The WHO says SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground.

But in an open letter to the Geneva-based agency, published on Monday in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined evidence that they say shows floating virus particles can infect people who breathe them in.

Because those smaller particles can linger in the air, the scientists are urging WHO to update its guidance.

How frequently the coronavirus can spread by the airborne or aerosol route - as opposed to by larger droplets in coughs and sneezes - is not clear.

Although the WHO has said it is considering aerosols as a possible route of transmission, it has yet to be convinced that the evidence warrants a change in guidance.

WHO guidance to health workers, dated June 29, says SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets and on surfaces.

But airborne transmission is possible in some circumstances, such as when performing intubation and aerosol-generating procedures, the WHO says. They advise med-

ical workers performing such procedures to wear heavy-duty N95 respiratory masks and other protective equipment in an adequately ventilated room. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ble land management, improving biodiversity and investing in scientific research.

“The science is clear that if we keep exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems, then we can expect to see a steady stream of these diseases jumping from animals to humans in the years ahead,” Ms Andersen said.

“To prevent future outbreaks, we must become much more deliberate about protecting our natural environment.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

OILNEWS Saudis hike oil prices to key markets on rising energy demand

S

audi Arabia raised pricing for August oil shipments to Asia, the US and northern Europe amid signs that energy demand is continuing to recover from its coronavirustriggered collapse.

The move comes as the world’s biggest crude exporter pushes other major producers to join it in cutting supply to rebalance the market.

State producer Saudi Aramco lifted the official selling price for flagship Arab Light crude to customers in Asia, its biggest market, for a third straight month, though by less than traders expected. The grade will sell in Asia at US$1.20 a barrel above the Middle East benchmark, compared with a US$0.20 premium for July, the company said in a statement. Traders and refiners, who are struggling to deal with low margins, expected the premium to climb to US$1.45, according to a Bloomberg survey.

Aramco increased all its grades to Asia by US$1 a barrel for August. It raised US pricing by between US$0.20 and US$0.40, with the Light grade hiked by US$0.30 to a premium of US$1.65. Prices for most grades sold to northwestern European customers -- the main hub for which is Rotterdam -- were also increased. The only region to see cuts was the Mediterranean, where Aramco reduced prices by as much as US$1 a barrel.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have led the OPEC+ cartel’s push since last April to reduce crude production and drain stockpiles. The group agreed in June to extend cuts totalling nearly 10 million barrels a day -- roughly 10 per cent of world supply before the pandemic hit -- for a third month until the end of July. They plan to scale them back after that.

OPEC+ is “on the right track” but still has “a long way to go” before re-balancing oil markets, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in mid-June. The Saudis slashed their crude shipments in June to a multi-year low, according to Bloomberg tanker tracking.

Brent crude has more than doubled since OPEC+’s April agreement to around US$43 a barrel. The global benchmark is still down 34 per cent this year. (Excerpt from World Oil)

Brain-eating amoeba: Warning issued in Florida after rare infection case

A

case of a rare brain-eating amoeba has been confirmed in Florida, according to health officials in the US state.

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) said one person in Hillsborough County had contracted Naegleria fowleri.

The microscopic, single-celled amoeba can cause an infection of the brain, and is usually fatal.

Commonly found in warm freshwater, the amoeba enters the body through the nose.

The DOH did not outline where the infection was con-

tracted, or the patient’s condition. The amoeba cannot be passed from person to person.

Infections are typically seen in southern US states.

They are rare in Florida, where only 37 cases have been reported since 1962.

But given the potentially deadly consequences of infection, the DOH issued a warning to residents of Hillsborough County on July 3. Health officials urged locals to avoid nasal contact with water from taps and other sources.

This includes bodies of

open water such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals, where infections are more likely in the warmer summer months of July, August and September.

Those infected with Naegleria fowleri have symptoms including fever, nausea and vomiting, as well as a stiff neck and headaches. Most die within a week.

The DOH has urged people who experience those symptoms to “seek medical attention right away, as the disease progresses rapidly”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UN expert deems US drone strike on Iran’s Soleimani an ‘unlawful’ killing

T

he January US drone strike in Iraq that killed top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and nine other people represented a violation of international law, a UN human rights investigator said on Monday.

The United States has failed to provide sufficient evidence of an ongoing or imminent attack against its interests to justify the strike on Soleimani’s convoy as it left Baghdad airport, said Agnes Callamard, UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

The attack violated the UN Charter, Callamard wrote in a report calling for accountability for targeted killings by armed drones and for greater regulation of the weapons.

Callamard is due on Thursday to present her findings to the Human Rights Council, giving member states a chance to debate what action to pursue. The United States is not a member of the forum, having quit two years ago.

Washington had accused Soleimani of masterminding attacks by Iranian-

aligned militias on US forces in the region.

The Jan 3 drone strike was the first known incident in which a nation invoked self-defence as a justification for an attack against a state actor in the territory of a third country, Callamard added.

Iran retaliated with a rocket attack on an Iraqi airbase where US forces were stationed. Hours later, Iranian forces on high alert mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger airliner taking off from Tehran. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

19

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Consider your motives before you decide to make a change. Trying to buy someone’s attention, time or love will not turn out the way you expect. Use intelligence and common sense.

Take time to focus on your health and emotional well-being. What you discover will help you redirect your energy into the things that truly matter.

Say only what’s necessary. If you start an indepth discussion, you will feel agitated by what you hear. Personal goals will boost your confidence. A debate will deflate your ego.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Separate your emotions from how you handle your money. Making snap decisions or purchases on a whim will leave you in a precarious position. Put greater emphasis on personal growth and enlightenment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Life isn’t all about work.

Take a breather and discover some of the joys you’ve been missing. Spend more time with loved ones or expanding your mind. Start a new hobby.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Share your feelings. Clear up an emotional issue you have with someone before it escalates. Remain calm and willing to compromise to keep the peace. Nurture a meaningful relationship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take precautions when dealing with work or domestic issues. Listen carefully and take your time deciding what’s best for you.

Personal improvements will help build confidence.

Romance is encouraged.

Take action based on facts, not on your emotions.

If you act on an assumption, it will lead to regret and cost you an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Don’t be fooled by someSAGITTARIUS one offering a colorful pic(Nov. 23ture of what’s happening. Be Dec. 21) resourceful and avoid damaging your or someone else’s reputation. A home improvement project is favored.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Put pent-up energy into something constructive.

Arguing won’t solve problems, but compromise will.

A change you make to your home or to a meaningful relationship will come with benefits.

AQUARIUS

Take an energetic and innovative approach to how you earn your living. Be creative, and you’ll find a unique way to use your talents to bring in more cash.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Look for a way to help someone in need. A kind gesture will give someone hope and offer insight into how you can make a difference in your community.

20

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

Ghaiyyath beats Enable in Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown C harlie Appleby's 9-4 shot Ghaiyyath, ridden by William Buick, overshadowed favourite Enable to win the Group One Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

The five-year-old made the running and held on to win from even money favourite and defending champion Enable, ridden by Frankie Dettori.

It was Enable's first outing since being beaten in pursuit of a third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October.

She challenged late on, but Ghaiyyath won by two and a-quarter lengths.

Japan [6-1], trained by Aidan O'Brien, who won both the Derby and Oaks at Epsom on Saturday, was a head further back in third.

Serpentine's shock wins seal Derby record for O'Brien ble

It

was another notawin for Ghaiyyath,

who claimed the first British Group One race of the season with victory in the Coronation Cup at Newmarket last month.

And it was a welcome 45th birthday present for Appleby, who won the race with Buick on Hawkbill in 2016.

Buick's bold approach on good ground in the Surrey sunshine was fully justified as he took to the outside rail and recorded his third victory in the showpiece race over a mile and two furlongs.

"He's got a huge cruising speed and he knows how to use it," the jockey said.

"We were obviously concerned about Enable, but it was her first run of the season and I'm sure she'll improve.

"He's a joy to ride and a very, very good horse. As a five-year-old he's mature, physically and mentally – he's becoming the finished article.

"I think a mile and a quarter will be his optimum trip – he's very fast.

Sometimes when you ride him over a mile and a half, you're always worried the last furlong is going to be a long one, but he keeps going."

Earlier, Newmarket trainer John Gosden captured the French Derby for the first time as 15-2 shot Mishriff triumphed at Chantilly.

Spanish jockey Ioritz Mendizabal manoeuvred the colt through a congested centre of the field to win by one and three-quarter lengths.

On good to soft ground, 21-1 chance The Summit was second, a neck ahead of Godolphin's 2-1 favourite Victor Ludorum.

O'Brien was seventh and 15th respectively with Order of Australia and Fort Myers.

O'Brien's son Donnacha, 21, claimed his first Classic as a trainer as Fancy Blue took the French Oaks. (BBC Sport)

Matic signs new 3-year Man Utd contract

N

emanja Matic has put pen to paper on a new contract with Manchester United that runs until 2023.

Serbia international Matic had one year remaining on his previous deal.

But the club announced on Monday he has been signed to fresh terms following some impressive displays under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 31-year-old joined United from Chelsea in 2017 and has made 114 appearances.

"I am very happy that I will continue to be part of this great club," midfielder Matic said in a statement.

"As a player, I still have a lot more to give and

achieve in my career and to do that with Manchester United will be a huge honour.

"This is a really exciting team to be part of; we have a good balance of youth and experience within the squad and there is great camaraderie amongst the group.

"This is a key part of the season and we are playing well.

We will continue to fight to finish the season on a high and make our amazing supporters proud."

Solskjaer added: "I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism, and leadership will be invalu-

Nemanja Matic

able to this young talented group.

"We have great strength in midfield and Nemanja's

attributes are a key part of that. Nemanja has been here for three seasons now and really understands the values of playing for Manchester United.

"He remains hugely ambitious and determined, which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years."

Matic has started each of United's past three Premier League games, helping them extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 16 matches.

Solskjaer's side has moved up to fifth in the top flight, three points behind third-place Leicester City in the race for Champions League qualification. (Sportsmax)

Rumour

Has It: PSG agree to let Neymar return to Barcelona, Sancho price set

Neymar

P

aris Saint-Germain have reportedly agreed to let Neymar return to Barcelona, while Borussia Dortmund have set their asking price for Jadon Sancho.

Neymar, 28, has regularly been linked with a return to Camp Nou, and that could be getting a step closer.

But can the La Liga giants make it happen?

Neymar has reached an agreement with PSG to return to Barcelona ahead of next season, according to AS. However, the report says Barcelona must still find the means to make it happen.

Neymar starred across four seasons at the La Liga club before joining PSG in a world-record €222million move in 2017.

RFU proposes to cut 139 jobs to combat projected losses of £107M

T

he Rugby Football Union (RFU) plans to cut its workforce by nearly a quarter, with 139 jobs at risk owing to projected losses of up to £107 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill Sweeney, the RFU’s chief executive, said it would take up to five years for the governing body to recover from the impact of the pandemic as it announced a consultation over the proposed cutbacks before a final decision to be taken at the end of August.

“As you will be aware, the longterm financial challenges are significant for the whole economy,” Sweeney said. “We, like many rugby clubs, rely on revenue from matches and events

at Twickenham Stadium and we re-invest this revenue back into the game.

“Our detailed-scenario modelling shows there may be a short-term impact of £107 million in lost revenues, and we also know there will be a much longer-term effect. We are projecting a four to five-year recovery with cumula-

tive revenue reductions of around 20 per cent.

“We are having to make difficult decisions. To ensure we have a sustainable RFU, we have announced to colleagues that it is proposed that the total number of roles across the organisation will reduce by 139.”

Sweeney added that while the RFU had furloughed 60 per cent of staff and reduced pay temporarily in a range of cost-cutting measures, that was still insufficient. “We need to maintain our organisation for the long-term. This is not a short-term cost reduction exercise, the RFU will still stand, but the impact of COVID-19 will continue to affect us for many years to come.” (The Guardian)

be able to sign to take over at Camp Nou before his deal ends. At Barcelona, the club have agreed to lower Ivan Rakitic's price, according to Sport, with the midfielder linked with a Sevilla return.

– Nemanja Matic has found form at Manchester United.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the 31-year-old midfielder – whose contract was expiring next year – has signed a new deal with the Premier League club until 2023.

– While Hector Bellerin has a deal at Arsenal until 2023, his future is somewhat uncertain. The Daily Express reports Paris SaintGermain are keeping tabs on the Spaniard.

– As they near promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be

Jadon Sancho

Round-up – If Manchester United want Sancho, it seems they know what they need to pay.

Ruhr Nachrichten reports Dortmund want £108.3 million for the star attacker and the deal must be completed before August 10.

– Amid links to Barcelona, Xavi signed a new contract with Al-Sadd until 2021. However, Mundo Deportivo says the club's former midfielder has a release clause in his new contract to

ready to strengthen. The Sun reports Leeds are prepared to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard – who has been linked to Manchester United and Arsenal – if they return to the top flight.

– Valencia are searching for a new head coach after the sacking of Albert Celades. L'Equipe reports former PSG boss Laurent Blanc is on the La Liga club's list of possible successors. (Sportsmax)

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21

Simmons confident ahead of 1st Test …impressed with reserve players

Windies Head Coach Phil Simmons

W

ith just one day remaining before the kick off of the first Test match between the West Indies and England, Windies Head Coach Phil Simmons is optimistic about

C

the team’s performance when they hit the field aiming to defend the Wisden Trophy.

In an interview, Simmons noted that for the first Test they are likely to consider their selection from the 15-man squad and not include reserve players.

This response was in direct line with the performance of Joshua Da Silva, who scored an unbeaten 133 and 56 in the final intra-squad warmup match.

He said, nonetheless, “The players in the reserve squad will have their work cut out for them; they will be in the nets, going through their gym sessions; there will be a lot of work for them.

There will be no sitting in the hotel as they have work

to do. It’s three back-to-back Tests. I have been impressed with the attitude of the reserve squad. It’s impressive to see what is on the pipeline and I am privileged enough to work with them, so at least when they do get selected, they will know what is expected of them.”

Simmons has further noted that while the coronavirus pandemic has caused everyone to be on edge, the West Indies team have gained confidence and would be looking forward to the series.

In terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simmons said, “This has brought about a lot of changes, I mean not being able to put saliva on the ball is going to be tough, as this is something we have grown

CWI names Phizz as Official Hydration Tablet Partner

ricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce Phizz as the Official Hydration Tablet Partner to CWI and the West Indies teams.

The partnership is set to launch on the pitch on Wednesday, July 8 in the team’s highly-anticipated first Test match of the Sandals West Indies Tour of England 2020 in the #RaiseTheBat Series at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The second and third Test matches will be at Emirates Old Trafford Bowl in Manchester on July 16-20 and July 24-28.

Phizz is scientifically formulated to create the most comprehensive formula of hydration, vitamins, and minerals. It was created as a hydration amplifier, ensuring players rapidly absorb two to three times more than drinking water alone, while also replenishing the main electrolytes lost in sweat.

“Player nutrition and hydration is key in supporting performance, recovery and immune systems under stress from training and travel,” said Dr Oba Gulston, CWI’s Sports Science and Medicine Manager.

“We are pleased to bring Phizz on board. We feel that Phizz provides the ideal blend of hydration, essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to support our athletes.”

CWI Commercial and Marketing Director Dominic Warne said: “We are excited to have Phizz on board to support our athletes on the pitch and on the road as one of our technical partners. This great addition to our family of technical partnerships brings genuine benefits for our teams’ preparation and performance development.”

Phizz Head of Sport, Yasmin Badiani said: "Phizz is proud to partner a legendary team such as the West Indies," "This is a big moment for our growing company, and we are looking forward to working closely with the team on this partnership.”

Phizz supplies more than 60 professional sports clubs as well as airlines, gyms, and five-star hotels around the world. (Windies Cricket)

up doing. But we must find other ways to do it, cause the first couple days in the tour the guys did it, but now we have found other ways to shine the ball.”

The last time the Windies were in England, they were forced to play catch-up, but with a new squad the Head

Coach was adamant that they would not have a repeat of 2017 when they lost the series.

He stated that the absence of a crowd would not affect them as it was an ideal situation for them, stating that in the Caribbean there

was not much of a crowd during the regional four-day tournaments. He went on to state that it was a mental game, and the players would have to build a tough mindset when they step out in the middle.

“Significantly improved” Joseph could rattle England, warns Roach

K

ey Windies strike bowler Kemar Roach believes young pace bowler Alzarri Joseph can have a decisive impact against England in the upcoming Test series.

Roach and Joseph are expected to form part of a fourpronged bowling attack that also includes the returning Shannon Gabriel and West Indies Captain Jason Holder.

The quartet did well on home soil last year when the team secured a 2-1 win over England and the Wisden trophy.

On that occasion, it was Roach who played a starring role with the ball, but Joseph provided plenty of support with a 10-wicket haul for the series and gave the England batsmen plenty to think about. Ahead of the upcom-

Alzarri Joseph

ing series, Roach believes his young teammate is even better this time around.

“Once he sticks to his game plan and has confidence in himself, I don’t see why he can’t do very well in this series,” Roach told members of the media.

“He’s a fantastic talent and we all know what he is

capable of,” he added.

“At a young age, he is enthusiastic, very good, and always willing to learn. He has improved significantly in my eyes and I think he has a great future for the West Indies.”

The 23-year-old Joseph made his debut for the West Indies as a 19-yearold against India in 2016.

He has since then, however, been plagued by injury issues, but heads into the England Test series in good shape.

“I’m looking forward to playing with him and in years to come, I’ll probably be at home and watching him lead the West Indies bowling attack. So, I think he has a great future and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can produce.” (Sportsmax)

Absence of England anchor Root double-edge sword for Windies – insists Roach

W

est Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach believes the absence of England captain Joe Root and changed batting line-up, ahead of the upcoming series, could serve as a double-edge sword for the Caribbean team.

Root will miss the first Test of the series to be at the birth of his second child, and the pacer could face only two of the top six in a batting line-up he dominated in the Caribbean last year.

Newcomers Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope are set to join the line-up in Southampton along with Joe Denly, who played the second and third Tests of England's Caribbean tour last year.

“It’s different conditions now, we are in England this time around. I see England

Kemar Roach

has also made some changes to their batting line-up, so it’s all about assessing each batsman and following-up their weaknesses and exploiting them,” Roach told members of the media via a Zoom press conference on Sunday.

“Of course, I would love to have the same batting line because it’s what we got used to for the last few series, but

there are a few changes, so it’s all about sticking to the game plan,” he added.

“A Test match without Root, the fantastic stats he has, is going to be a bit of an advantage for us. He's one that keeps the England batting together, he's done fantastically for them for the last couple of years,” he added.

"Without him, it is a bit of an advantage for us, but also a little bit of a disadvantage, because there are some new guys coming in that we obviously have to work out and see what their weaknesses are and try to exploit them. So, it goes 50-50, but once we get stuck in and hit our straps and put the balls in the right area, I think we stand a very good chance of going out there and performing well." (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

GAW adds Ross Taylor, Naveen-ul-Haq...

FROM PAGE 23

Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders

Guyana Amazon Warriors

Barbados Tridents Trinidad and Tobago have signed the only Indian national in the Hero CPL 2020 and the first ever to be featured in the tournament’s eight-year history, superstar spinner Pravin Tambe. Tambe has played 61 T20 matches with 67 wickets, with best bowling figures of 4-15. After retaining 11 players from their 2019 team, the Knight Riders went on to bolster their spin department with the signing of leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, who was part of their champion-

ship-winning 2018 team. New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, Anderson Phillip, and Zimbabwean all-rounder batsman Sikandar Raza have been drafted by the Knight Riders.

Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, Amir Jangoo, Tion Webster, and Akeal Hosein were kept on by the Knight Riders in the initial retention phase.

Jamaica Tallawahs

This year’s defending champions, the Barbados Tridents, have signed superstar Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan as their top pick in the draft. Khan, who is no stranger to the Biggest Party in Sport, has 256 wickets from 211 T20 games across the globe. The Tridents have also signed Australian talisman Marcus Stoinis and retained Englishmen Alex Hales and Harry Gurney. Their drafted crop includes inter-

nationals Afghani Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Shayan Jahangir. Joshua Bishop and Kyle Myers are the Caribbean players, who have been added to the team’s robust local players who led them to a championship last year.

Jason Holder, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Hayden Walsh Jr, Ashley Nurse, Jonathan Carter, Raymon Reifer, Nyeem Young and Justin Greaves were all retained upfront for the Barbados Tridents.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

Having only retained four players prior to the draft, the Jamaica Tallawahs almost had a fresh slate to write on for CPL 2020. In an attempt to revamp following a dismal season in 2019, the Tallawahs scooped up Nepal spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane. The former Barbados Tridents and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots players brings a mysterious spell to the Tallawahs outfit with 105 wickets from 77 matches and a best bowling figure of 4-10 in T20s. South African Trabaiz Shamsi will also boost the Jamaican spin

department. Pakistani all-rounder Asif Ali and the retained Glenn Phillips complete Jamaica’s International picks. The Tallawahs went on to draft West Indies veteran Fidel Edwards and Guyanese wicket-taker Veerasammy Permaul, along with Preston Mcsween, Andre McCarthy, Nicholas Kirton, Jeavor Royal, Nkrumah Bonner, and Ryan Persaud.

Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Oshane Thomas, and Chadwick Walton were the four to be initially retained by the Jamaica Tallawahs.

St Lucia Zouks T20 globetrotter Chris Lynn was picked up at the earliest possible time by the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and the Australian is expected to boost the Patriots’ top order with his renowned power hitting. Previously featuring in the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Lynn has played 184 T20s with 5096 runs and a high score of 113. Opening batsman Ben Dunk was also drafted early by the Patriots, while their signings included Ish Sodhi, Sohail Tanvir

and Rassie van der Dussen, who returns to the Patriots after a successful spell with the team in 2018. USA player Sunny Sohal joins local Caribbean talents Colin Archibald, Jon Russ Jagessar, Dennis Bulli, and Joshua Da Silva.

Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Denesh Ramdin, Rayad Emrit, Alzarri Joseph, and Dominic Drakes were the first batch of players to be retained by the Patriots.

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Having missed out on the best T20 batsman in the world, Chris Gayle, the St Lucia Zouks were keen to pick up South African top-order batsman Rilee Russouw. Russouw brings the experience of 199 T20s to the Zouks with 4934 runs and a high score of 100*. Fellow South African right-arm fast bowler Anrich Nortje, Afghan bowler Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and

Saad Bin Zafar are the international picks, alongside Colin Ingram, who has been retained. Chemar Holder, Mark Deyal, Leniko Boucher, and Javelle Glen are the Caribbean additions.

Daren Sammy, Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kimani Melius and Kavem Hodge were the first players to be retained for the Zouks.

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAW adds Ross Taylor, Naveen-ul-Haq to power packed CPL 2020 squad

23

Naveen-ul-Haq

Ross Taylor

Jasdeep Singh

…big names drawn for other franchises

By Jemima Holmes

W

ith quest i o n m a r k s lingering about the possibility of a Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 season being hosted in the midst of a global pandemic, the CPL has quelled all fears around the Caribbean Brandon King and in the wider world, hosting the highly-anticipated players’ draft on Monday. It was also confirmed that the tournament will be hosted from August 18 to September 10.

And at l o n g last, fans were able to get a glimpse of the Guyana Amazon Warriors ( G A W ) 2 0 2 0 squad, which is predominantly made up of G u y a n e s e nationals.

Similarly, to 2019, the Warriors’ management has picked eight Guyanese in their 17-man squad.

G A W have sought Chris to retain 13 Green players from their 11-win streak 2019 team while adding the brilliance of New Zealander Ross Taylor and fresh faces of Guyanese A s h m e a d Nedd, Naveen-ulH a q Murid and J a s d e e p Singh to what can be considered a youthful, powerhouse team.

As previously released to the media, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble, Odean Smith, emerging player Kevin Sinclair, Brandon

King and Nicholas Pooran were retained prior to the draft.

The inQais Ahmed

ternational retainees included Chris Green, Imran Tahir, and Quais Ahmad.

Tahir took the number 1 spot in the draft and rightfully so. Tahir is most famous for his legendary takeoff to the boundary whenever he picks up a wicket, but this flamboyant celebration is merited on Tahir’s 365 T20 wickets from just 290 games with best figures of 5-23.

During the draft, which was hosted live on social media platforms on Monday, July 6, the Warriors added Taylor to their lineup. Taylor, who has previously featured in the CPL for the St Lucia Zouks and t h e Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, brings decades of experience to the Guyanese camp with 273 T20 games under his belt. The middle-order batsman has 6140 T20 runs with a highest score of 111* Romario Shepherd

and was picked up in Round 5 of the draft.

Afghanistan national Naveenul-Haq is a rightarm medium-fast bowler, having

played 35 T20s, picking 36 wickets and a best bowling figure of 3-21. Jasdeep Singh comes to the Amazon Warriors from the United States of America being the team’s mandatory American player. Singh, who made his United States team debut back in 2015, is an all-rounder bowling right-arm medium pace. Singh has featured in 7 T20s with a high score of 31 and best bowling figures of 2-18.

Guyanese and West Indies Under-19 player Ashmead Nedd, who has never played international T20s before, bring his mysterious leftarm orthodox to the Warriors’ camp. Nedd has been a shining star, featuring in the victorious West Indies Emerging Players team in the 2019 Super50 Cup and is the highest wicket-taker (11 wickets from six games) in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. The likes of Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, and Shimron

on his stellar performance at the top of the order, he was kept on with the Warriors.

Shimron Hetmyer

Thousands of Guyanese fans watched in awe at the Providence Stadium w h e n K i n g b l a s t ed the Barbadian bowling for 132 runs off 72 balls, in what became the highest individual score in CPL history.

Hetmyer, who has an average of 24.08 from 55 T20s played, is a local hero, with his highest score being 100. The 23-yearold, who made his Imran Tahir

CPL debut in 2016, is known for his ability to execute class shots and his insatiable love for getting the ball over the boundary line.

Saxacalli’s Chandrapaul Hemraj Keemo Paul has proven time and time again to be a valuHetmyer need no inable T20 asset, with mastertroduction, having been a staples ful bowling, of the West Indies squad in especialrecent years. Pooran, who is Nicholas Pooran ly in the known for his pinch death overs. h i t With best bowling figures of ting, 5-15 and 51 wickets in T20s, joined Paul proved in the previt h e ous CPL season that he is a Warriors multifaceted player, contributlast seaing with the bat in numerson as their ous games. Being that imMarquee playpressive, both Paul er and did not disand Hetmyer appoint as he steered were picked up the local side to nuby the Delhi merous wins, such as Capitals his 54 off 35-ball blitz to for the pick up a 10th straight Indian win for the Warriors in Premier 2019.

League.

Jamaican nationA l o n g s i d e al Brandon King Hetmeyer, Sherfane fitted right into Rutherford is also the Warriors Keemo known for bringing team in Paul the heat with a T20 2019 and average of 25.43. His based

Sherfane Rutherford

best outing to date.

Having fit into the local squad so well, Chris Green is Guyanese by heart and the spin bowling pretty boy has best T20 figures of 4-14, which he picked up on home turf, at Providence. Also returning to the Guyanese squad is A f g h a n player Quais Ahmad. The 19-year-old has 59 wickets to his name with best figures of 5-18.

T h e Warriors also retained the likes of Romario S h e p h e r d ; Chandrapaul Hemraj, who has been King’s mighty companion up the order; Anthony Bramble and Odean Smith.

They have also signed all-round sensation Kevin Sinclair, who was part of the victorious West Indies Emerging Players squad in the 2019 Super50 cup.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GAW adds Ross Taylor, Naveen-ul-Haq to power packed CPL 2020 squad …big names drawn for other franchises

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