Guyana Times Tuesday March 21, 2020

P11

Guyana Times public service advisory on COVID-19 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4242

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 29 See stories on pages 3 &9

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Thief stabbed while attempting to rob man of fake P11 jewellery

Diver drowns while working on 'river dredge' in Region 7 P8

Full Court halts elections recount case

…to rule today on Justice Holder’s jurisdiction to hear case …as Judge pushes ahead with case filed to set aside RO’s declaration COVID-19

…rearrested hours later after DPP directs PI be reopened One year later

“Every day baby asks for her mama” – grieving mother

2 persons in ICU, cases recorded in Regions 3, 4, 6 …as Guyana projects 1400 cases

Marcus Bisram P14 freed after State fails to prove murder case

…recalls pain of losing her daughter

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Page 7

Regional iconic public servant denounces No lockdown, curfew for APNU/AFC’s “cynical” Georgetown election rigging attempt – Mayor Page 15

Page 11

FITUG demands large-scale P10 testing to contain spread of COVID-19 …calls for tax waivers to help workers cope with woes

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

Tuesday, March 31 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Wednesday, April 01 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, March 31 – 07:55h – 09:25h and Wednesday, March 01 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail during the day. There will be partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:41h and 21:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.36 metres and 2.19 metres.

Low Tide: 14:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

03 16 20 22 25 27 11

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 DAILY MILLIONS

07 13 22 24 25 LUCKY 3

6

2

0

2

Afternoon Draw

2

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 02

06 09 10 14 17

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

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06 07 09 15 16

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

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$

Change %

$22.76/barrel $253.89 /ton $350.70/ton

Live Spot Gold

-9.53 +0.12 0.00

Full Court halts elections recount case

…to rule today on Justice Holder’s jurisdiction to hear case

T

he Full Court on Monday granted a stay of the hearing in a matter brought against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) aimed at preventing a recount of the March 2, General and Regional Elections, pending a ruling into an appeal filed into whether the matter can even be heard by the High Court.

The appeal was filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and arguments were heard by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan.

Jagdeo's attorney Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes – in his application to the court contended that the case brought against the Commission by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidate, Ulita Grace Moore, could only be heard by way of an elections petition.

The application was filed by Jagdeo after Justice Franklyn Holder on Friday last ruled that the court did, in fact, have jurisdiction to hear the case promulgated by the APNU/AFC candidate.

When the matter was first called, Mendes enquired firstly whether the Full Court would be hearing arguments for the appeal or a stay of the hearing.

The attorneys had filed both actions on Friday last.

According to the acting Chief Justice, arguments could be made for both in the interest of time since the substantive matter was slated for hearing later in the day.

Jagdeo's attorney in petitioning the court to grant the appeal noted that if this was not done then his client's right to redress in that regard would have been neutered.

He was adamant that Moore is requesting the Commission to set aside a decision by the Commission, something that could only be entertained through an elections petition.

One of Moore's lawyers, Attorney-at-Law Keith Scotland sought to contend, however, that Jagdeo's par-

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Bid/Ask $1618.20 Low/High $1601.10 Change -5.20

$1619.20 $1632.30 -0.32%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Full Court Judges: Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

ticipation in the matter caused him to waive any questioning of jurisdiction.

Scotland pointed out that Jagdeo had not only applied to be joined as a party in the case but also filed an application for discovery.

He contended that by virtue of participation in the hearing, the jurisdiction would have been invoked.

Mendes in his rebuttal contended, however, that this could not give the court jurisdiction it did not have.

He said it is a basic concept in trite law.

Moore was represented by a battery of lawyers.

Jagdeo was represented by Mendes and Anil Nandlall, while Neil Boston appeared on behalf of the Chief Elections Officer.

Attorney-at Law Kim Kyte-Thomas entered an appearance for GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh while lawyer Timothy Jonas made representation on behalf of the joined parties to the

case, namely Liberty and Justice Party, A New and United Guyana and The New Movement.

Speaking with the media following the (ag) Chief Justice’s decision, Nandlall expressed confidence in the case and said that “based upon the submissions made the court had made a preliminary conclusion that our appeal has merit and is worthy of a stay granted at this stage.”

He said the Opposition Leader in his appeal is looking to have the matter taken away from being heard by Justice Holder “because the High Court has no jurisdiction to enter into an inquiry into the GECOM’s decision.”

He reminded that Moore’s case against GECOM rests on the fact that a decision made for a recount was invalidly made and violated the Constitution through an agreement brokered by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chairperson, Barbadian Prime Minister,

Mia Motley.

That agreement had found favour between the Opposition Leader and caretaker President David Granger.

Moore in her affidavit contends that Caricom cannot usurp GECOM’s authority.

Speaking to the planned defence going forward, he reminded that Section 140 of the Representation of the People Act—a section that has never been considered before by the Judiciary in Guyana—prohibits the High Court from “inquiring into any decision or omission or acts of GECOM other than by way of an elections petition.

The former Attorney General has since argued that the provision was put in the statute “because Parliament wants GECOM to complete the electoral process and that is why Parliament has conferred upon GECOM a panoply [wide array] of powers.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 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

Supporting commercial banks’ initiatives amid COVID-19

C

OVID-19 has unleashed a global contraction in income and employment and laid the stage for a deep recession. Many are hoping for a short recession despite how deep it may be.

Guyana is witnessing a perfect storm emanating from economic losses due to COVID-19, the election uncertainty that started since the No-Confidence Motion, and the collapse of oil prices.

While we address the health impact of COVID-19, with testing, social distancing, and the works, we must be ready, like the rest of the world, to counterbalance the significant loss of income and jobs, as the economy takes a nose-dive from the resulting layoffs, reduction of work time, and significant loss of income to individuals and businesses alike. In the US, fiscal policy in the form of a US$2 trillion stimulus package has been passed, and monetary policy has seen Fed Funds rate at close to zero and 10-year T-Bill rates at less than one per cent.

For Guyana, until a legitimate Government is formed, fiscal stimulus is not available. Monetary policy and the role of the banks and other financial institutions will be all that is available to be deployed to assist the economy. A one-arm policy approach for now until a new legitimate Government is sworn in.

The Central Bank should be commended for calling on the banks to provide easing and accommodation for those unable to honour their financial commitments. Republic Bank, GBTI, Scotiabank, Citizens Bank, and Demerara Bank should also be commended for taking the initiative in response to the Bank of Guyana’s call.

To rebuild the loss in economic activity, global interest rates will likely remain low. Central banks will engage in a loose monetary policy supporting low rates and liquidity. Deficit spending will also push more spending from Government and all forms of incentives will be used to provide temporary tax breaks to encourage a reduction of the sudden surge in unemployment.

For Guyana, the moratorium from banks for up to six months is welcome. However, with households reeling from a loss of income and jobs, simply getting a deferral of loan obligations is not likely to be enough to offset the loss of income. Our banking sector needs to be bold and take an additional step. We know that deposit rate is less than one per cent. Perhaps during this period of recovery from COVID-19, our commercial banks could waive any interest charges plus provide additional loans/liquidity. So, apart from the moratorium and providing liquidity via expanded bank lending to customers, this action can allow banks to stop the clock for the borrowers. Allow a short period of zero interest rates for all borrowers and then move rates up to a globallycompetitive rate—and not back to the levels pre-recession of 10 per cent and more. This action will allow households and businesses to avoid increasing their debt due to the compounding of interest during the moratorium period, provide liquidity to cushion their loss of income and jobs, and then provide a sustainable path to repay their borrowings, at a lower long-term interest rate and longer repayment term.

Guyana’s banking system has suffered from some structural imbalances. First, banks have only about 30 per cent of their assets loaned out to the Private Sector. This block of their portfolio generally has earned above 10 per cent. The remaining blocks of assets have only earned between one per cent and two per cent. So, loans have provided the bulk of banks’ income (apart from the fees they charge).

At the same time, deposit rates are less than one per cent, causing bank spreads (deposit rates vs loan rates) to be quite wide – 10 times in many cases. This position in Guyana contrasts with interest rates in the US where the mortgage and loan rates have been about three to six per cent before the COVID-19 economic crash; these rates may drop given the Fed Reserve’s loose monetary policy. But in any event, Guyanese should be able to look to mortgage rates of four to five per cent in the medium term. The low rates can be fixed in 20 to 30-year tenures. This will certainly spur home ownership, business expansion, and investment.

So, let’s applaud the banks for the first move. At the same time, let’s challenge the banks to be bold. A bank that reduces interest rates from 9 per cent to 4.5 per cent (a 50 per cent reduction) and doubles its portfolio of loans from 30 per cent to 60 per cent of its assets, will make the same profit, all else remaining the same. So, this could be a win-win for the banks and borrowers. Banks expand their portfolio of lending and significantly reduce interest rates on loans, without forgoing profits. Borrowers expand their borrowing at the substantially lower interest rates but feel an earlier rise in equity from the lower interest rate and negative effect of compounding high interest rates. Both are better off.

Assuming a legitimate Government, despite the current drop in oil prices, prospects for Guyana in the medium term, from a low-interest rate environment (both local and foreign) will spur all forms of investment, including infrastructure. With the expected legitimate Government, we can look forward to a reduction in taxes, targeted expenditure that will support households and Private Sector growth, and huge Public and Private Sector investments, including housing and infrastructure. Under this scenario, all boats will rise in the medium to long term. It would be nice for our banks to lead by being ahead of the curve.

The USNS Comfort, a massive hospital ship which was stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, sailed into New York Harbour to provide much-needed medical help to a city overwhelmed with rising numbers of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases (CNBC photo)

COVID-19, the unseen mental burden and impact of this pandemic!

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine MD, MMed Family Medicine, CCFP

D

uring a pandemic as COVID-19, there are always increased levels of anxiety and worry among the population. It is also well-recognised that there are increased rates of diagnosable mental illnesses. This is due to the fear of personal or family infection or illness, as well as the wider consequences on the community, for example, the restriction of activities and movements on the street and public places, or closure of schools and workplaces, or concerns about accessing basic needs such as food or water.

At the population level, at its most extreme, panic can lead to negative behaviours that can themselves impede public health efforts to contain the spread of infection or establish effective interventions for treatment for those in need.

For example, people not complying properly with isolation or quarantine measures. Of course, anxiety, fear, and even distress are appropriate reactions to extreme circumstances, uncertainty, or threat.

The experience of past outbreaks has shown that the great majority of people are very resilient and able to cope very well in such circumstances, and in fact show great resourcefulness, supporting others in their communities and recovering well after the crisis is over.

With respect to COVID-19, there is no evidence of the brain being directly affected by this condition.

Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that any infection can affect thinking and behaviour if sufficiently severe.

Mental burden on families and communities with COVID-19?

There are a number of effects that living in a community at risk from the spread of COVID-19 can have on the emotional well-being, mental health, and behaviour of individuals. This can worsen, as a sense of the infection being close-by gets worse. All people are likely to have increased anxiety around contracting the condition, and by extension, concern for their families and community members.

This is likely made worse by uncertainty about risk from infection itself, and the impact on the lives of families and communities. At the collective level, these understandable concerns can lead to a more damaging sense of fear if not managed well, which limit outbreak control measures. Mass media like TV, radio, newspapers or social media, and other forms of communication and information exchanged can amplify fear if not managed well.

Quarantine, does it affect mental health?

The effects on people’s lives of infection control measures such as extended quarantine can be really distressing. The separation from loved ones and

opportunity to carry out normal social activities, travel, or work responsibilities can slowly take a toll on the mind. With extensive quarantine in place, as in some sites with the coronavirus response, it can be difficult for people to access basic needs. Some factors that tend to make outcomes worse include longer quarantine duration, uncertainty and fear of infection, frustration or boredom, inadequate information, and difficulty in accessing supplies. And in the longer term, financial loss and stigma all contributing to worse outcomes.

This is particularly the case for those who are relatively isolated or made vulnerable due to illness, disability, or difficulties in self-care.

What can we do to address the mental health impacts of outbreaks of COVID-19 in Guyana?

Mental health and psychosocial support should form a part of emergency planning and response measures. As early as possible, a rapid assessment of the context of mental health and psychosocial support needs and resources should be carried out, and a strategy put in place.

Some practical solutions to reduce the mental burden include:

* Promote easy communication between families and people who can offer support in communities by providing access to telephones, Internet and media. * Facilitate access to basic needs like food and water, heat and electricity, as consistently and reliably as possible. * Identify people at high risk. Make sure their particular needs are met. Which includes young people, older persons, disabled persons, persons with language barriers and psychiatric conditions, and pregnant moms. * Provide hotlines to help persons with COVID-19 and their families to access psychological support especially, since anxiety is made worse by a sense of loss of control. * As people are given basic advice on public health responses like handwashing and where to seek help, these might be routes where reassurance, counselling, and advice on techniques such as relaxation can be offered. * Persons who would have lost loved ones or survived COVID-19 would require more tailored mental health support from a welltrained team. * People who are perceived as to blame for causing infection may be stigmatised. And in the recovery phase, it is necessary to ensure that the public has an understanding of clear facts about the pandemic, which also provides an opportunity to improve preparation and planning for any possible future crises.

It should be noted that COVID-19 does not discriminate, we are all facing these unprecedented circumstances together, but together we can rise to these new challenges and help each other.

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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

Jagdeo praised for leadership reminiscent of Black American leaders on vote count Dear Editor, The PPP General Secretary (leader) has been praised for outstanding leadership in handling boldfaced attempts at electoral fraud in the vote count post March 2 elections. Bharrat Jagdeo is popular at home and abroad among Guyanese and among Caribbean leaders and other West Indian people who know him. The PPP leader has won acclaim for his handling of the attempted election rigging.

Jagdeo worked tirelessly for the vote count. Faced with this electoral fraud crisis unprecedented in Guyana’s modern history, Jagdeo has risen to the challenge with decisive action in uniting the Opposition.

The public notes that he has

brought undoubted ability, dynamism, credibility, and leadership in this post-election crisis. Some commented that his kind of leadership was hardly experienced during the many election crises in the country going back to the 1960s. Jagdeo has assumed much responsibility in fighting electoral fraud as the great Black civil rights leaders in America did and has done so successfully. He has brought to the Opposition the skill, commitment, perseverance, and determination shown during his twelve years in the presidency in championing this cause.

The public salutes the qualities and calibre of Jagdeo’s leadership that Guyanese American intel-

lects say is reminiscent of the fight of Black American civil rights leaders to combat voter fraud. The Guyanese public, at home and in America, says his several appearances were executed with great distinction and his statements were on point and pellucid on his demand for every vote to be counted. He spoke with certitude about the attempted voter fraud.

He demonstrated courage to stand up to fraud and said what needs to be said during the ongoing struggle – let every vote count. This is reminiscent of the struggle in America where Black politicians fought for the vote of Blacks to be counted during the period of Jim Crow rule. Whites used to disenfranchise Blacks and

the Black political leadership fought hard to get the votes of Blacks to be counted. In the latest election in Guyana, there are brazen attempts to disenfranchise voters, and Jagdeo is leading the public struggle to get every ballot counted correctly while charismatic star lawyer Anil Nandlall leads a battery of lawyers in court to force GECOM to count the votes accurately. Other political figures from the minor parties, not the least being Timothy Jonas, Ralph Ramkarran, Asha Kissoon, Rhonda Ann-Lam, Vishnu Bandhu, Lenox Shuman, Robert Badal, among others are also applauded for their role in the battle for a fair electoral count.

The public is enamoured

David Granger must do the right thing Dear Editor, The APNU/PNC/AFC Government is cruel. This Government has always ignored the welfare of Guyanese. This is why this government has lost the elections. Indeed, the SOPs show that David Granger has lost the elections. The world knows this. But he is bullying his way to remain in power by traumatizing this country in a long drawn - out court battle to benefit from the infamous electoral fraud that took place at GECOM. David Granger has to be blamed

for Guyana’s unpreparedness for the COVID -19 pandemic. This is the cruelty Guyanese face under David Granger.

No decent human being will ever want to benefit from electoral fraud and much less at a time when the world is facing a deadly pandemic. But David Granger is cruelly and barefacedly doing so. Fraud has become fashion in this country because of the dysfunctional values modelled by David Ganger.

Of course, this government has had knowledge

about the deadly COVID-19 virus for months now but David Granger chooses to remain in power illegally by using our scarce tax dollars to defend a string of frauds in our courts instead of freeing up resources to fight the deadly COVID-19 outbreak which has reached our shores. Lives are going to be lost senselessly because of the cruelty by David Granger. Obviously, David Granger does not care a hoot about our lives.

David Granger prefers to cruelly watch Guyanese die while he spins propa-

by Jagdeo’s leadership skills. And the majority of the nation is behind Jagdeo and the leaders of the small parties. They note that he and spokespersons of small parties told the public not what it wanted to hear but facts about the electoral outcome and their party’s position. The people feel that the struggle for a fair vote outcome will succeed or fail on the basis of Jagdeo’s leadership and his skill in keeping the Opposition together on the vote count.

It is noted that Jagdeo has served as Opposition Leader at the right time. He has brought his considerable political skills and experience to save the day for the Opposition. No one was better suited for this battle of fighting against voter fraud

than Jagdeo. He has withstood enormous pressure put up by the other side. He faced the challenges with bluster and force. It is noted that anyone else would have crumbled under such intense pressure. People say his vote count speeches came across as articulate, sharp, witty, and intellectual, and that he spoke with resilience and confidence.

The Guyanese public appeals to the authorities to allow a proper vote count in Guyana as the White politicians did in America when Blacks were robbed of their votes. Electoral banditry of Black votes ended in America. Inaccurate vote count must end in Guyana!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

ganda to deceive the world that someone else is responsible for the problems which he creates for Guyana.

David Granger is 100% responsible for our problems.

David Arthur Granger is not only cruel but he is downright disrespectful.

David Granger must do the right thing by immediately conceding the elections and allowing the rightful government to fight the deadly COVID-19 virus.

Sincerely, Dr Annie Baliram

news@guyanatimesgy.com

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. This is the second part of English Paper 1 and the answers for Sunday’s edition (Questions 1-23)

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

MATHEMATICS

PAPER 1

TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. 1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT. 2. This test contains 40 questions. • You

are required to answer ALL questions. Four responses are given for each question.

The responses are A, B, C and D. Only ONE response is correct.

3 If you are not sure of the answer to a question, then choose the one which you think is BEST. On your answer sheet, draw a heavy black line through the letter you have chosen.

4. BE SURE THAT THE QUESTION NUMBER IN THE BOOKLET IS THE SAME

7. The unit for measuring mass is the (A) kg.

(B) m.

(C) °C. (D) hour.

1. Which is a prime number?

(A) 0 (C) 3 (B) I (D) 9 2. Which is not a proper fraction?

(A) 4/3 (B) 3/3 (C) 1/3 (D) 2/3 3. 984 x 10 000 (A) 9840 (B) 98 400

AS THE ONE YOU HAVE USED ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET. Here is an example done for you.

1. The sum of 4 and 5 is (A) 1 ANSWER SHEET (B) 9 A B C D (C) 20 (D) 45 A heavy black line has been drawn through the letter B on the answer sheet because 9, the correct answer, is next to B.

10. The shaded area represents (A) X (B) Y (C) X∩Y (D) X Y

Figure 2 shows the dimensions of a rectangle. Use the information to answer question 8.

Figure 2 8. Which formula can be used to find the perimeter of the rectangle?

(A) A = xy

(B) A = 2(x + y) x+y (C) A = 2 (D) A = 4xy

(B)

9 Which is the symbol for ‘is a subset of?

(A) (B) ∩ (C) (D)

Use Figure 1 to answer question 6

Figure 3 below is a Venn diagram. Study it, then answer question 10.

Figure 1 The line AB is called the (A) radius.

(C) semicircle.

(B) diameter.

(D) chord.

(B) : (D) ↔

(A)

4. The operation that undoes multiplication is (A) addition.

(C) division.

(B) subtraction.

(D) multiplication

(C) (D)

11. The symbol for ratio is (A) % (C) → 12. Which is a pie chart?

(C) 984 000 (D) 9840 000

5. Which is not a square shape?

(A) (B)

5. If you make a mistake, erase the line cleanly, then draw a heavy black line through the letter next to the answer you have now chosen.

6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown by a heavy black line on your Answer Sheet.

7 Remember only ONE answer must be provided for each question.

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

(C)

(D)

Figure 3

13. Which is equal to 48 x 49?

(A) 48(50 — 1) (B) 48 x 50 + 48 x I (C) 48x50-1 (D) 48 x 50 + 1 14. 4.04 + 3.143 (A) 7.143 (C) 7.83

(B) 7.183 (D) 7.843

15. if 96 x = I, then = (A) 96 (C) 1

(B) 1/96 (D) 0

16. What is the value of 50 x 0 x 2 (A) 50 (C) 1000

(B) 100 (D) 0

17.

1 + – 1 = 1 – of –

2 2 2 (A) 1 (C) ⅛

(B) ¼ (D) ¾

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 1 ANSWER KEY 1. B 2. C 3. D 4. C 5. C 6. B 7. A 8. A

9. D 10. C 11. A 12. D 13. B 14. A 15. C 16. D

17. A 18. D 19. C 20. A 21. D 22. B 23. C

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19

2 persons in ICU, cases recorded in Regions 3, 4, 6 …as Guyana projects 1400 cases

G

uyana is projected to confirm a whopping 1400 cases of the novel coronavirus, of which a majority will be moderate.

During a press conference on Monday, caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said this conclusion was drawn after using a model from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

“We have used the PAHO model to determine the number of projected cases for Guyana, which stands at 1,400. Of that number, we will be preparing for 100 persons requiring ICU, 300

Corentyne). Of these cases, five were locally transmitted.

Of the seven persons in isolation, two were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while one case proved inconclusive.

Another 36 persons are currently in institutional quarantine.

Testing

As of March 30, Guyana recorded eight positive cases of the coronavirus, including one death. And while there have been over 800 calls to the Public Health Ministry’s hotline number, only 46 per-

CORONAVIRUS isolation beds across the country and capacity for 730 beds for institutional quarantine,” Lawrence revealed at the Police Training Centre, Eve Leary.

She went on to say that approximately 81 per cent of the cases are expected to be moderate, 14 per cent severe and five per cent critical.

At present, there have been one confirmed case in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); six in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and one in Region Six (East Berbice-

sons have been tested.

Director of the Disease Control Unit, Dr Nadia Liu stated that only persons who present symptoms were being tested, since timing can influence the accuracy of the results.

“There are three scenarios or parameters that we use to identify or to classify someone as a suspected case…We are almost testing anybody who has had a travel history, community transmission, signs and symptoms suggestive of COVID-19,” Dr Liu outlined.

She added, “It’s not a case of ‘if I know you or you know me’ that you can get a test. No. You have to fit the criteria. Once you fit one of the three criteria, we will rule you in or rule you out using the test. If they’re not manifesting signs and symptoms, you cannot be tested. You have to wait.”

While it takes eight hours for the test results to be processed, quality control set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO) causes an extension to about one day. Nevertheless, the Director stated that the results were wholly credible.

“There’s a quality control measure that we have to follow, so usually the turnaround time from the time we take the sample to the time we receive it at the lab is approximately 24 hours…When we say you’re COVID-19 positive, we sure beyond the shadow of a doubt you’re positive,” Dr Liu asserted.

All testing for COVID-19 is done at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an assessment ranked Guyana among the few countries in the Region least prepared to deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly the negative effects it would have on the economy and tourism.

Surveillance

Additionally, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

Karen Boyle has noted the work of surveillance officers to track the movements of persons who have tested positive. This includes retracing their steps and critically, the persons they would have interacted with.

At the airports, infrared thermometers are being used to detect the temperature of persons after disembarking.

Nevertheless, she stated that all suspected cases were quarantined until they were cleared of the disease.

The recently-discovered cases were detected using surveillance and the hotline mechanism.

Pets

Meanwhile, PAHO representative, Dr William Adu-Krow debunked claims

that animals were carriers of the virus. In fact, he said animals were more likely to contract the virus from an infected individual.

“To date, there is no evidence of a pet giving COVID-19 to their owner. This is the time that we have to practise social distancing. We need to bond with our pets. Having said that, sick COVID-19 humans have transmitted COVID-19 to their dogs, two of them,” he clarified.

Around the world, many animals have been left neglected by their owners in light of the pandemic. He said persons can still continue to care for their animals after sanitising properly.

“We need to use hygienic practices. You can play with your pet, but use your hand

sanitiser. I would say that if you’re positive, please stay away from your pets,” Dr Adu-Krow highlighted.

At the time, he urged Guyanese to practice physical distancing in efforts to contain any possible spread.

Across the country, densely populated areas have introduced a curfew while businesses have sought to implement mechanisms in an aim to flatten the infection curve.

Globally, there have been an alarming 634,835 cases of the coronavirus, with 29,975 deaths. With no cure expected in the near future, the infection and death toll have been climbing rapidly every day. The United States of America tops the list for the highest confirmed number of cases.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diver drowns while working on ‘river dredge’ in Region 7

Dead: Hugh Van-Lewin

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olice have launched an investigation into the death of a 61-yearold diver of Camp Kayuka

Ideal Road, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, who died on Sunday while working on a river dredge in the Mipuri Backdam, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is Hugh VanLewin.

Police reports stated that about 11:15h on Sunday, the now dead man was underwater operating from a ‘river dredge’ along with other employees, when they realised that he was not receiving oxygen or responding.

This prompted one of Van-Lewin’s co-workers to dive underwater and investigate. It was then that the deceased was found with his head stuck in the mud.

According to Police, the

What to do…

R co-workers immediately removed Van-Lewin’s body from the water in an unconscious state and rushed him to the Imbaimadai Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The dead man’s ex-wife, Mabel Van-Lewin, told Guyana Times that the diver only returned to the interior in February, after recovering from an illness.

“Whenever he goes to work he would keep me updated when he leaving to go in the interior…he called me back in February and told me he went in the bush and he got sick and would be returning any time soon so that’s when he left and gone,” she said.

The woman described her ex-husband as a “kind and helpful person”, who supported her even though they have been separated for some time.

The dead man’s body was flown from the Imbaimadai Health Centre’s mortuary and remains at another in the city awaiting a post-mortem examination.

The dredge on which Van-Lewin was working is said to be owned by a miner of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

…with the oil? esponding to a fellow Caricom member’s concerns about high oil prices, Eric Williams once quipped, “oil don’t spoil”. One wonders what he would’ve said about the present situation when oil is headed to US$10/ bl and lower – when it was at $68/bl at the beginning of the year. In a vicious slugfest over market share since last year, the two behemoths Russia and Saudi Arabia ramped up production, putting severe pressure on oil prices – only to be hit with the coronavirus pandemic. Talk about a onetwo combination!!

With every country in the world practising lockdown of one sort or another, industries – all of which use oil in one form or other to keep their production lines moving – have been closing faster than “touch-me-not” leaves!! The result has been a surplus of oil such as the world has never seen. If the Ancient Mariner were around, he would’ve been moaning, “oil, oil everywhere, and not a drop to be sold”!! Right now, the world has run out of underground caves to store oil, much less tanks. Super tankers are now being rented not to ship oil – nobody’s buying! – but merely to store it until the pincer movement on oil stops.

And since no one knows when that blessed moment will arrive – we can expect that within a month, most oil companies will be capping their wells, faster than the aforementioned “touch-me-nots”!! They’ve already pulled back US$100 billion in exploration and drilling investments – even as the once safe US shale oil, which catapulted the US to being a net oil exporter –\ can’t attract a dime!!

Now you may be scratching your head, Dear Reader, wondering why your Eyewitness is worrying about the world oil market when our dear land of Guyana is still roiling from its own pincer movement of election fraud by the PNC and the coronavirus from China. Well, his attention was caught by a small article reporting that the Environmentalist-as-Energy-Czar Bynoe has had to extend for the second time, the bidding by international oil traders for Guyana’s share of the oil being pumped from the Stabroek block.

Well, he hopes that Bynoe isn’t holding his breath!!

Fact of the matter is – in case he doesn’t realise it since environmentalists mightn’t understand how markets work – oil prices are plummeting faster than the acceleration of gravity because there are no markets!! And as such, why would oil traders buy oil that they can’t sell??

And this brings us to the PNC, which have rigged an election in full view of the world – all because they wanted to get their grubby (big) paws on the “oil bonanza”!!

There is a god!! …with the PNC and rigging elections Some folks from the PNC benches are getting bolder with their anti-democratic arguments to justify their blatant rigging that’s still unfolding. We’re now being told that because the “PNC’s constituency” is a “minority”, the only way they can get into Government is to rig. But this isn’t new, is it?? This is the same excuse Burnham and the PNC used for rigging elections between 1968 and 1985!!

Your Eyewitness has a question for these PNCites: “Are they repeating the exercise because they approve of the consequences of Burnham’s rigging?”

Your Eyewitness knows it’s been a while but does the “PNC constituency” remember that by 1989, the riggers had plunged Guyana in every socio-economic ranking to have it hover precariously just above the basket case Haiti? Do they remember that our national poverty rate was almost 50 per cent?? But for the “PNC constituency” it was even higher??

Do they remember that the PNC destroyed the middle class of its constituency that had been painfully (very painfully) created in the 150 years since the abolition of slavery??

Why? …about “foreign meddling” There’s the Chronic’s headline: “Inquiry needed into int’l interference in Guyana’s electoral process – PM Nagamootoo”.

So will Russia investigate the US, UK, EU, Canada, OAS, Commonwealth, Caricom, etc, after their hackers were deported??

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High Court Judge pushes ahead with Reaz Holladar was committed to cause – Nandlall case filed to set aside RO’s declaration E …overrides objections despite stay in joined recount case

Judge Franklyn Holder

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espite the protestations of lawyers for People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, High Court Judge Franklyn Holder on Monday decided to press ahead with his ruling on the preliminary case in Bharrat Jagdeo vs Clairmont Mingo, which seeks to establish the court’s jurisdiction to set aside the Returning Officer’s controversial second declaration.

The matter began with Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who represents Jagdeo, urging the court to delay ruling on the matter. He cited the Full Court’s ruling earlier in the day, in which it stayed another matter brought

by APNU candidate Ulita Moore, until a ruling could be made on an appeal into Holder’s decisions on

Friday.

However, both Justice Holder and Neil Boston, the lawyer for Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, opposed this position. On his part, Boston argued that they are separate cases that do not overlap, despite the fact that they were joined.

Meanwhile, Justice Holder admitted that while certain facts in the case do overlap, Mendes and his team are ultimately seeking different orders. He also cited the urgency of concluding the matter since the nation is anxious.

In fact, it has been four weeks since elections were held, yet a winner has not been declared. In addition, Holder pointed out the need to establish his jurisdiction to hear the case, as early as possible.

As such, he set today at 14:30h to rule on the preliminary case. Afterwards, Boston reiterated that Moore and Jagdeo’s cases are mutually exclusive.

However, attorney for Jagdeo, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall explained in an interview with this publication that Justice Holder did not think that the stay of execution granted in the Ulita Moore matter applied in the Holladar/Jagdeo matter, although he had ordered the two matters to be heard together.

“We reasoned that if

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes

they are to be heard together, then the stay of one will result in the stay of another. Together means exactly that, they must be heard together. The Judge did not hold that view,” Nandlall stated.

While Jagdeo and the now deceased Reaz Holladar were the applicants, Mingo was the firstnamed respondent; Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was the second and GECOM, the third.

Jagdeo is seeking to have Mingo’s March 13 discredited declaration set aside on the grounds that the RO’s actions in tabulating the votes breached the Representation of the People Act. Jagdeo is also seeking an order to direct Mingo to recognise Charles

Ramson as the PPP’s counting agent for Region Four.

He is also seeking an order directing GECOM to do the recount.

Mingo’s second declaration on March 13 had come after a standoff with party agents who complained that the RO was not complying with previous court orders.

There had been complaints that the second tabulation lacked transparency.

In addition, the numbers differed from the previous, invalidated declaration, raising more suspicions.

In Mingo’s second declaration, he claimed that A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) secured 136,057 votes to the PPP’s 77,231 in Region Four.

But the same Mingo in his first (also discredited) declaration had claimed that APNU/AFC won 136,335 votes to the PPP’s 77,258. In addition, both of these declarations fail to match the Statements of Poll (SoPs) in the possessions of the other parties. However, Justice Holder had defeated efforts by the PPP to have GECOM produce the SoPs in its possession, to verify once and for all where Mingo was getting his numbers from.

xecutive member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Anil Nandlall has dismissed the notion that his former employee’s suicide was related in any way to the court hearing that has gripped the nation over the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Reaz Holladar took his life at about 04:30h on Saturday at his Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home shortly after returning home, in the presence of his wife and a security guard, following a domestic dispute.

He had successfully secured an injunction barring the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from declaring an overall winner in the March 2 polls.

The move came following the declaration of unverified results from Region Four’s Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo.

That matter is still engaging the courts.

Nandlall dismissed the assertions on Monday, saying that he has seen the aspersions being cast on social media.

He said that Holladar’s death is, in fact, an unfortunate incident from which his family is still grieving.

According to the former Attorney General, under the last PPP Administration, Holladar was “committed to

Reaz Holladar

the cause”.

He was adamant the PPP “won the elections and he [Holladar] was prepared to play his part.”

Nandlall indicated that the young man was happy to undertake the task at hand when “he was given an opportunity to play a part.”

He described the incident as “such a shock,” saying, “… this boy had life, vivacity, such ambition…it was quite a shock.”

Nandlall had first announced the news in a social media post saying “It is with profound sadness that I confirmed that Reaz Holladar, my driver for several years, died this morning [Saturday] at or about 4:00 am. From all indications, he committed suicide. He was a loyal and dedicated employee. He has left to mourn a wife and two sons. With his family, I mourn his loss”.

10 NEWS FITUG demands large-scale testing to contain spread of COVID-19 TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…calls for tax waivers to help workers cope with woes

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUG) on Monday heavily criticised Government’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, specifically its lack of a proactive stance and woefully inadequate testing.

This is in addition to a list of demands aimed at bringing relief to the already struggling domestic workforce including guaranteed income and a waiver of income tax and value-added tax for at least six months.

The workers’ representative body in a strongly word-

ed statement on Monday said it appears there is a lack of leadership when it comes to addressing the crisis and that the President’s seeming hand off approach on the matter of national importance “is concerning and is at variance with his counterparts in the region and further afield. “ According to FITUG, “it is our considered view that those who have responsibility ought to be embracing more proactive and credible steps to meaningfully address the pandemic which has many people fearful at this time.”

It was noted by that body that at the time of preparing this statement, there were eight confirmed cases locally and, “we saw from media reports, that less than a hundred persons have actually being tested though we learnt several hundred test kits are available.”

As such, “we believe this approach is unhelpful if we are serious about staunching the spread of the harmful virus. While attempts have been made to minimise imported cases, there is still an urgent need to grapple with those who have been affected especially given the rapid and the almost unnoticeable spread of the virus.”

FITUG observed that many experts have opined that large scale testing is important “if we are to identify the infected and thus minimise the spread.

Additionally, it was recognised that the crisis already has forced many businesses to curtail their operations and, in other instances, to shut their doors completely with many workers being affected gravely.

“In New Amsterdam, certain businesses have been ordered to shut their doors and in their wake scores of workers have been affected.

In other parts of the country, curfews and stay-athome advisories have been imposed.”

FITUG said that given the dire situation that has faced and is facing many workers who live from payday to pay-day, the sudden and unexpected loss of income has only made their bad situations even worse.

It was noted that “while some reprieve has come in the form of delayed bill pay-

ments and obligations to the financial institutions, these do not fully answer nor do they address holistically the new-found plight of many workers and their families.”

According to FITUG, the State needs to take an involved approach to alleviate the situation of families finding themselves in such a predicament and thus avoid the pitfalls it will bring about.

To this end, FITUG has since issued a list of demands aimed at bringing relief to the already struggling domestic workforce.

Among the demands being made by the workers’ organisation is that no worker suffers any loss in pay during any period they may not be required at work arising from the curtailing or outright closure of workplaces.

According to FITUG, “the State, as the country’s major employer, ensures that all of its employees, whether employed in the public service, semi-autonomous and para-statal agencies, receive their full salaries during the period.”

FITUG has since also proposed that Government works along with Private Sector employers to provide the necessary assistance, whether through fiscal or other measures, to ensure that businesses are able to meet their obligations to

their employees.

This is in addition to direct transfers being activated for self-employed and other affected Guyanese who have been rendered out of work arising from the prevailing situation.

Additionally, the union representative body is calling on Government to approve a waiver of income and value-added taxes for at least six months to allow Guyanese to be better able to cope with the increased cost-of-living brought about by the pandemic.

Additionally, FITUG also raised concerns over the level of protection being offered to those who are required to be on the frontlines in addressing the pandemic.

“Just days ago, we saw nurses and others of the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) lamenting the absence of suitable protective wear to prevent them from contracting COVID-19…We also have heard of similar situation unfolding at other health facilities as well.”

On this score, FITUG said, “we hasten to remind the authorities that the Occupational Safety and Health Act require that employers provide their workers with appropriate and suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mitigate occupational hazards.”

CORONAVIRUS HOW TO HANDWASH? (COVID-19) WASH HANDS OR USE HAND SANITISERS

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

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)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Times public No lockdown, curfew for service advisory Georgetown – Mayor on COVID-19 W – wear masks against spreading COVID-19

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n the battle against the COVID 19 pandemic, until a vaccine is created, initiatives have focused on preventing the transmission of the virus from infected persons to others.

Testing, social distancing, isolation, quarantining, lockdowns (partial or total), hand washing etc. are some of the measures in addition to using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) especially by health care workers.

The latter include masks, gloves, goggles and glasses, gowns, head covers, and shoe covers protect against the transmission of the virus through contact and droplet routes.

Since testing is not being done on a mass scale that can identify the infected and it is now proven that some persons who are infected exhibit none of the symptoms (asymptomatic), but can yet

transmit the virus, it is advisable that masks are worn by all in public spaces in addition to taking the other steps.

This has been the practice in China, South Korea and other eastern countries used to great effect in helping to bring down the rate of infection to a point where they now have it under control.

While it is known that both surgical and N95 masks are very difficult to source, we would advise that even homemade masks using handkerchiefs and other fabrics would help to prevent transmission when speaking to others in close proximity or leaving the droplets or aerosols in the air.

If you must be out, wear a mask!

cash from a relative. On his way back home, he boarded a Route 42 minibus, which stopped at the Diamond hospital to pick up the suspect.

Upon arrival at the Grove bus park, the suspect exited the bus followed by the VC, whose gold-coloured chains he then grabbed.

In retaliation, the victim immediately pulled out a knife from his pants waist

and repeatedly stabbed at the suspect, injuring him.

The VC reported the matter to the Brickdam Police Station, and the suspect was later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited persons.

He remains a patient under guard there.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Thief stabbed while attempting to rob man of fake jewellery

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22-year-old vendor of King Edwards Street, Albouystown, Georgetown is now hospitalised under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was stabbed while attempting to rob a 20-yearold construction worker of three fake gold chains.

Guyana Police Force (GPF) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jairam Ramlakhan told Guyana Times on Monday that the incident occurred about 13:46h on Sunday after the Virtual Complainant (VC) exited a minibus at the Grove minibus park.

According to the PRO, the victim, who hails from Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), travelled to Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) to collect

hile some municipalities in Guyana have initiated a curfew or lockdown measures to guard against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine said he will not be following suit.

Defending his decision not to implement curfews or other lockdown initiatives, he stated that the city cannot be operated as if its light switch is suddenly turned off.

Despite the fact that there has been one confirmed case in Region One (BarinaWaini), six in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the Mayor stated that he will work along with stakeholders on the way forward.

“The city is not a lightbulb, where you can flick a switch and lock it down like that. We will not lock down the city, we will work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders including the Private Sector Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial Banks and all other organisation,” he asserted during a press conference at City Hall on Monday.

Mayors of New Amsterdam, Linden and Bartica have already instituted a curfew on businesses under Subsection 31 D of

the Municipal and District Councils Act which subject to the provisions of the Public Health Ordinance (d) to establish, erect, maintain, let, control and manage markets and market buildings, shops, stalls and stands to control the occupation thereof.

However, Narine was baffled by the powers he has to institute a curfew on businesses and was adamant that the Act does not provide him the authority to implement a curfew.

“There is nowhere [in] in Section 28:01 [that] give us the authority to put a curfew or restrict businesses to operate, that is a national issue and we will be guided by the Government on the next move.”

He further stated that the Council’s revenue collection will be affected tremendously while noting that it has already drastically de-

creased.

“Our revenue collection has dropped tremendously because of the state we are in where we are seeing that the revenue base of the Council drop tremendously.”

The Mayor made a special call for citizens to follow the guidelines set out by the Public Health Ministry along with the Pan American Health Organisation.

Narine also encouraged restaurants, bars and fast food places to offer more delivery services.

Already, the city has begun sanitising several public places such as Bourda and Stabroek Markets and has established a fixed schedule to sanitise all of its buildings on a regular basis.

Today, the Kitty and East Ruimveldt markets will be closed to the public to facilitate sanitisation of the markets by the Council’s Public Health Department.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No shortage of fuel – Guyoil Labourer remanded for killing drinking buddy

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mid reports circulating about a possible shortage of fuel, the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) Limited has debunked these claims, noting that there are sufficient quantities to meet domestic demand.

In a statement, the State-owned oil company urged persons not to be fearful, since fuel tankers are still allowed to enter the country despite a closure of its international borders.

“The general public need not have any fear of fuel shortage, as Guyoil will continue to ensure fuel distribution across the country continues uninterrupted.

Further, while international borders are closed, this does not include fuel tankers,” the company said.

It went on to say that presently there are no challenges in loading or discharging fuel at the ports amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are currently no challenges at the port of loading nor the discharging

terminals at our country’s ports. Guyoil recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant global challenge and understandably, there is a great sense of unease everywhere,” the company added.

Guyoil sought to warn stakeholders to desist from sharing information, which can unleash panic among the population.

“We would like to assure the general public that the necessary precautions are in place to ensure the safety of our employees and customers for business continuity.

We, therefore, encourage the media and the general public to disregard any projections being put out in the public domain as merely speculative. Moreover, we call on everyone to exercise responsibility during this very sensitive time and to desist from sharing information that will contribute to unnecessary panic.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic surges, the need for a complete lockdown has also been considered. So, there

has been speculation about the country facing grave shortages owing to minimal activity.

In light of the pandemic, many have sought to take precautions to protect themselves, in the form of social distancing or increased hygienic practices. With many persons at home, the act of hoarding has climbed, especially of daily necessities.

labourer, who is accused of killing his drinking buddy, was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Fabian Abraham, 20, appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson, who read the indictable charge of murder.

It is alleged that on March 25 at Kanuku Drive, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), he killed 49-year-old Leron Ault, also known as “Junior”.

According to reports, the incident occurred at about 16:00h on March 25 when the now dead man went to Kanuku Drive, Lethem, to uplift money owed to him by a woman.

Charged: Fabian Abraham

However, the woman reportedly told Ault that she was unable to make the payment.

As such, he then left and went to the backyard where he met Abraham and three other men imbibing.

Based on the Police report, Ault joined the other men and during the drinking spree, an argument ensued. The argument escalated and it was at that point that Abraham armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt Ault several blows to his head and stomach.

The injured man fell to the ground and was picked up and taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was admitted, but later succumbed to his injuries.

He was remanded to prison and the case will continue on April 23, 2020.

Man remanded for attempting to kill stepfather

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26-year-old construction worker of Lot 8 Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was on Monday remanded to prison for attempting to murder his stepfather.

Darren Simpson appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the indictable charge was read to him. It is alleged that on March 24 at Plum

Park, Sophia, Simpson caused grievous bodily harm to Morris Hinds - his stepfather - with intent to murder him.

According to the prosecution’s case, at about 08:00h on March 24, Simpson threatened to kill Hinds as he was preparing to leave home for work. However, he later armed himself with a

piece of wood and dealt the virtual complainant lashes about the body while he was exiting his motor vehicle around 21:15h.

An injured Hinds was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted in a critical condition.

A police report was later made and the young offender was apprehended and brought before the law court.

Objections to bail were made based on the seriousness of the charge and the fact that the VC remains a patient at the GPHC, with his condition still listed as critical.

A relative of the accused stood up in court on Monday and told the Chief Magistrate that whenever Simpson uses drugs, he is aggressive.

Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded him to prison and the case will continue on April 7. She also ordered that he undergoes a psychiatric evaluation, which will be presented to the court on the scheduled date.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Healthcare workers face “Every day baby asks for her immense discrimination mama” – grieving mother 1 year later

…coronavirus does not discriminate – nursing supervisor …recalls pain of losing her daughter as soon as I got into the bus, I ealthcare workers

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across the country, particularly in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), are now facing unprecedented levels of discrimination from members of the public after the first coronavirus patient died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) along with five confirmed cases and multiple others in mandatory quarantine.

Championing the cause for healthcare workers, who are also our front-line workers, is the Manager/Head of Strategic Planning and Communication at GPHC, Chelauna Providence, who stated that these workers are concerned over the level of exposure of contracting the deadly virus on a daily basis whilst executing their jobs.

“We have been receiving reports from nurses and doctors that taxi services have refused to pick them up and bring them to work, supermarkets have asked them to leave when they are in uniform or have their badges on, we basically want to let the public know that nurses especially are frontline workers when it comes to responding to COVID-19.”

Further, she added, “these concerns are legitimate concerns and we understand that every day we come into the hospital and we are concern over the level of exposure. We want people to extend the same courtesies that they give to everyone else to nurses and doctors not only from GPHC but generally when they see them.”

Providence stated that the stigma that is being displayed is due to lack of knowledge and as such, persons should educate themselves of the necessary pre-

GPHC Manager/Head of Strategic Planning and Communication, Chelauna Providence

cautionary measures set out by the Health Ministry and the Pan American Health Organisation.

“With the COVID-19, the threat is basically to anyone, it’s not just doctors and nurses that people need to be concerned about and so we also want to reinforce that people should take the necessary precautions as they are advised by the health authorities, practice their handwashing, social distancing, respiratory etiquette,” she posited.

‘Why you pick up this nurse’

During an engagement with the media, Nurse Babb, who is attached to the GPHC, detailed her struggles, from having a hard time using public transportation to being prevented from entering businesses right after the news broke of Guyana’s first COVID-19 case.

“My first experience that I had was about a day or two after the news broke about the patient that died, I was going home from work and I got into a bus on the 44 bus park and as soon as I went into the bus, they had people inside of the bus that had on the face mask and everything like that and

was sitting at the front it was this middle-age lady ask ‘why you pick up this nurse’ and I was like why the driver can’t pick me up.”

Babb further explained that nurses and doctors cannot adjust to the current shift/ rotation system set out by the Public Service Ministry which makes the job a bit more frustrating for them.

“You know how they’re doing the whole shift system now, you work you stay home you work, I’ve been working overtime, like I’m tired but I still have to come to work because I can’t leave the patients undone because they’re still sick patients coming,” she explained.

Another one of her colleagues, Anthony, who is also a nurse, stated that the discrimination has resulted in him walking with clothes to change before leaving work to avoid stigmatisation.

“My first experience with the COVID-19 breakout, well, two days after the [news] I was at Camp Street and Carifesta Avenue waiting on a bus and when the bus stop, the people in the bus said driver why you stop to pick up the nurse and he just came from work.”

Nurse Anthony also shared another incident which occurred at the CID Headquarters. “I went to the CID to visit my sister and the police at the gate said that nurses can’t come into the compound because the coronavirus is by the hospital,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Supervisor of Nursing, Dr Shonette Goodridge made a special call for national unity during this time since the coronavirus does not discriminate.

(Shemar Alleyne)

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Omawattie Wazi

onday made one year since 20-yearold Omawattie Wazi called “Agile” of Lot 33 D Williamsburg, Rose Hall Town, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was hacked to death by her husband.

However, Wazi’s mother, Tejwatee Jhinkoo stated that “it is so hard and it gets harder because every day, baby asks for mama and her mama is not here,” as she reflects on the year without her daughter.

Wazi was hacked to death on March 30, 2019, by her husband, Gavin Gill, after she had moved to her mother’s Williamsburg, Rose Hall Town home after her husband became abusive.

She walked away and moved out with her seven-month-old baby at the time from their matrimonial home and started working. On March 30, 2019, on her way to work, her husband struck her down with his car. The man then exited the car with a knife and stabbed her several times

before chopping her with a cutlass.

However, the grieving mother stated that Gill’s family continues to create mischief.

“What he does now is his mother a claim that [we] does tell them things when we go to court which is not true. Last week he asked if he can see baby and he asked my other daughter and she told them that when you can bring my sister back then you are going to see baby and the mother start off on me and my daughter as well,” the mother stated.

During an emotional interview with this newspaper, Jhinkoo expressed her frustration with the justice system but stated that she would like to see her daughter’s perpetrator pay for the gruesome death of her daughter.

“I don’t like the way the investigation is going. I love for them to give he life in prison and let me stop going and face he at court because it ain’t easy to go and see he every week [in] court. Since the year start, every Tuesday, and every Tuesday that we went there it call off next week, next week.”

The heartbroken mother stated that she feels like her entire world is falling apart as she misses her daughter now more than ever. However, she described her daughter to be a remarkable person.

“My God this is so heartbreaking every day because she was a remarkable per-

Founder of Women against Domestic Violence, Ruth Johnson

son. Words cannot explain how she was such a good person to everybody.”

Just a few days ago, 37-year-old Natoya Speede, a teacher, was axed to death by her husband, who later attempted suicide at the airstrip located at Five Miles, Bartica.

It was stated that the couple had been having domestic issues for some time now.

Speaking on the issue, Founder of Women against Domestic Violence, Ruth Johnson stated that staying in an abusive relationship for the stake of children does more harm than good and as such, made a special call for victims to reach out to someone they trust and get help.

Studies indicate that between 20 and 60 per cent of the globe experience violence in a relationship. But data has shown that abuse against women by their male partner is among the most common form of gender-based violence.

(Shemar Alleyne)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Marcus Bisram freed after State fails to prove murder case …rearrested hours later after DPP directs PI be reopened

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack

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arcus Bisram, who is accused of ordering the 2016 murder of a carpenter, was on Monday set free after the State failed to make out a prima facie case against him.

However, mere hours later, he was rearrested at his home village, Number 70, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), after Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack directed Magistrate Renita Singh to reopen the Preliminary Inquiry.

In handing down her decision at the Whim Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Singh said that of the more than 30 witnesses which the prosecution presented, only one gave any evidence which was relevant.

That witness, Chaman Chunilall, was the only witness who actually took the witness stand during the preliminary inquiry.

She noted that in his evidence from the dock, the witness said that he did not provide that evidence to the police.

In his evidence, Chuilall said that he did not give the police the statement. In fact, they wrote something and asked him to put his thumbprint on the paper, he had informed the court.

The prosecution’s case, which was presented by Attorney-at-Law Stacy Goodings was that Chullall heard Bisram ordering five men to kill Fayaz Narinedatt.

Narinedatt’s lifeless body was picked up on the Number 70 Village Public

Dead: Fayaz Narinedatt

Road on the morning of November 30, 2016.

The prosecution was alleging that after the act was carried out, Narinedatt was taken to the road and a staged hit-and-run scene was created.

Bisram was initially charged in absentia along with five others - Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob have all been committed to stand trial for the murder. He was subsequently

extradited from the US to Guyana on November 20, 2019, to face the murder charge in Guyana.

During the PI, the defence was led by Attorneysat-Law Sanjeev Datadin, Glenn Hanoman, Dexter Todd and Benard DeSilva, who had argued that there was no case against Bisram.

After the prosecution closed its case, defence attorney Hanoman argued that after three and a half years, the prosecution based its case on “something” Chaman Chunilall, a witness, may have heard.

According to Hanoman, Chunilall in a statement claimed that he was unaware of anything that was reported by the prosecution. The defence attorney in his closing submissions argued that the prosecution was tasked with the responsibility of proving whether the caution statement from Chunilall was voluntary.

In addition, Hanoman stated that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove that his client was involved in the heinous crime.

The prosecution, he stated, has presented a theory that Narinedatt was beaten by five persons after he was left to die on a roadway to appear that he was killed in a hit-and-run.

Nevertheless, he explained that the post-mortem certificate stated that Narinedatt died at the Skeldon Hospital, while

Marcus Bisram

noting that the wounds on the deceased were consistent with a vehicular accident.

After the court ruling on Monday, Datadin told reporters that they were forced to get the court to change the Magistrate on more than one occasion and it took three years to vindicate Bisram.

Bisram, speaking to reporters after being freed, said justice was served. He then pledged $200 million annually to humanitarian causes in Guyana.

However, Bisram’s freedom was short-lived as mere hours later he was rearrested by Police. In a statement, the DPP chambers insisted that there was enough evidence for Bisram to have been com-

mitted to stand trial in the High Court. The DPP then directed Magistrate Singh to re-open the Preliminary Inquiry.

“There was sufficient evidence for the Magistrate, Ms Renita Singh to have committed Bisram. The DPP, in compliance with the law, requested the court documents from the Magistrate and having been satisfied that there was sufficient evidence contained therein for him to have been committed, has directed the Magistrate to re-open the Preliminary Inquiry,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Datadin told this publication that the defence team will be approaching the High Court to secure Bisram’s release.

NEWS

Regional iconic public servant denounces APNU/AFC’s “cynical” election rigging attempt From 1987 to 1988, Reginald Dumas was Ambassador to the United States of America and Permanent Representative of Trinidad and Tobago to the Organization of American States. From 1985 to 1987, he served as High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Prior to his appointment as High Commissioner to Canada, from 1980 to1984, he served as his country’s High Commissioner to India, with concurrent accreditation to Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan. He was Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Head of the Public Service from 1988 to 1990, and chaired the Public Service Reform Task Force. In 1998, he became co-founder of Trinidad and Tobago’s Transparency Institute, the National Chapter of Transparency International.

COVID-19 measures for veterinarian clinics and farmsteads

Confusion now hath made his masterpiece (Pt 1)

Reginald Dumas

T

he line comes from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, but I think it accurately describes the bizarre goings-on in Guyana. I would be hard pressed to find anyone in TT who doesn’t believe that a determinedly cynical and focused attempt is being made by the David Granger administration and its votaries to stay in office.

Elections in Guyana have generally lacked transparency and fairness – I recall being asked in two foreign capitals to cast a vote for the then incumbent People’s National Congress – and what is happening today merely confirms the norm.

As usual, the driving element is office – retaining or obtaining it – because office means power, and power is the aphrodisiac of politicians. Forget sex (well, perhaps not, because power facilitates access to it). Forget money (well, perhaps not, because power opens the way to enrichment, illicit or otherwise).

Power predominates, and in Guyana the bitter racial divide impels the frantic rush for it. Now, to intensify that rush, there is the drool-making prospect of an oil bonanza. The stakes have never been higher. Given the behaviour of the government and its minions, I find it impossible not to conclude that they feel – or know – they lost the March 2 election.

They have brushed aside with ill-mannered contempt the concerns expressed by invited observers. The Foreign Minister was impertinent enough to berate the Commonwealth team, headed by a former Barbados PM, Owen Arthur, and threaten to withdraw its accreditation because it expressed reservations about the vote count in the crucial Region 4.

For voicing the same reservations, the leader of the Organization of American States (OAS) team, former Jamaican PM Bruce Golding, was savaged by Granger’s party as a friend of the Guyana Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and therefore partial to him. (Does impartiality mean agreeing with government agents only?) And the well-intentioned CARICOM prime ministerial group seems to have been led up the garden path.

If you are confident of victory, why all this? Why a sudden stoppage of the

vote count for Region 4 followed by the disappearance of the Returning Officer and the appearance of a spreadsheet purporting to prove that the ruling coalition has won? Why dismiss the statements by all the foreign observers, not only the Commonwealth and the OAS, of unhappiness with the counting process?

Why would Attorney General Basil Williams say that the Elections Commission, GECOM, had “authority to move away from legislation” and “bend the rules”? To ensure, he added, just in case we didn’t understand, that the election was free and fair.

You ignore the relevant legislation and tamper with the relevant rules in order to achieve fairness? How remarkable. Why the unexpected transfer of ballot boxes from the counting centre to the GECOM building for “safekeeping”? Weren’t they safe at the centre? Who now is ensuring that they are kept “safe” and not tampered with?

Who guards the guards?

Why would Granger have invited Caricom to “supervise” the recounting of Region 4 ballots (and other regional ballots as well, I understand) if – so we now hear – it is “unconstitutional” for Caricom so to do? Did Granger know that at the time of his invitation?

Why would PM Mia Mottley have later mused that “there are forces that do not want to see the votes recounted, for whatever reason”?

Prominent Guyanese – Clement Sankat, the Working People’s Alliance, Claude Denbow, Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, and my old friend Rudy Insanally among them – have expressed public anguish at events in their country. Some have called for a government of national unity.

But how, in the absence of a vote tally accepted by everyone, especially the two warring sides, is such a government to be formed? Who, for instance, would be the president? In the winner-take-all environment created by the late caudillo, Forbes Burnham, is compromise possible? Could the rotating prime ministership formula used in Israel after that country’s 1984 elections be considered as a guide?

For Caricom, it cannot be business as usual. My position is that if Granger is indeed confirmed as president, by a process widely viewed as fraudulent, no delegation from his “government”, whether or not it includes him, should be allowed to sit at any official Caricom meetings.

If Caricom were to permit that, it would be legitimising a process it knows, or has good reason to believe, is corrupt, and such permission would not bode at all well for the organisation and the region. This is 2020, not the era of Burnham. Caricom should however stand ready to assist the Guyanese people, but only on terms that are unambiguously clear. Another Guyana court will have ruled on election matters by the time this article appears.

We shall see. (T&T Newsday)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he following are measures for implementation by registered and practising veterinarians to reduce the possibility of the COVID-19 spread from client to client and client to veterinarian/staff at clinics and farmsteads. * Curbside treatment.

Medications/instructions on dosage rates may be given at the parking space outside the clinic/farmstead – in an attempt to comply with the “social distancing” recommendation. * The vets must insist that clients call ahead of their arrival at the clinic or the vet’s field office. By so doing, we could explain our current protocols regarding the treatment of pets/farm animals. * Postpone scheduled but non-essential routine appointments where and when necessary.

This includes vaccinations and even minor surgeries. * Vets should not schedule new and not immediately necessary surgeries, like spays and neutering. Only dire emergency services are to be performed – if at all. * See how best diagnoses and treatment of simple ailments can be done without meeting clients. * Use photographs. Let the owner send to the vet, via email or WhatsApp, a picture of the condition, as best he/she can. * Vet clinic activities/visits to farmsteads must be kept to a minimum. * Advise companion animal caregivers/farmers why such steps are being taken. * Emphasise that vets think/ hope that these measures may only be temporary. * Vets may have to ration certain medical supplies if they are tending to become unavailable. * Vets and clients must use functional face masks. * An option is to drastically reduce the clinic hours/days. * The possibility of estab-

lishing one veterinary treatment centre, and involve practising vets – according to a well thought out and practical schedule. * The most drastic of all measures is to totally close our practices.

For those small animal prac-

titioners who intend to persist in carrying on business as usual, they must nevertheless understand that they have the responsibility to join in the effort to reduce the COVID-19 infection spread from client to client and from client to clinic staff, by implementing the following specific measures in their respective clinics: 1. The vet or authorised clinic staff must ask every client whether he/she has knowingly been in contact directly or indirectly with persons who have tested positive for COVID-19.

2. The question must also be asked of the client whether he/ she has been recently exhibiting symptoms associated with COVID-19 – namely: * Fever

* Coughing * Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing * Tiredness/listlessness * Aches * Runny nose * Sore throat Of course, if the answer is in the positive, those clients must immediately be advised to see a physician. Until then, such persons must place themselves in voluntary self-isolation. Clearly, such clients would not be allowed to enter the vet’s clinic.

3. As much as possible, the vet (who decides to keep his/her clinic open to the public) may wish to carry out curbside diagnoses and routine prophylactic and/or therapeutic interventions. In any case, the client should be requested to remain outside the clinic, until his/her turn to see the vet.

4. Clients should be informed that they could also seek advice by telephone. The pet clinic can provide needed medication.

5. If you allow clients in the

clinic’s waiting area, they must practice social distancing (6 feet apart). The pet clinic must arrange the chairs in the waiting area accordingly.

6. The vet/technical assistants must advise clients not only to keep their distance from each other, but they should not engage in petting of other clients’ companion animals, which will, in all likelihood, break the 6-feet social distancing barrier.

7. The clinic must provide hand sanitisers, placed at a strategic location, before the client enters and leaves the waiting area.

8. As much as possible, only the companion animal’s caregiver should enter the clinic, and only with one pet at a time.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New York Governor begs for help as coronavirus death toll climbs

N

ew York’s governor put out an urgent plea for medical volunteers, and a Navy hospital ship pulled into port Monday as coronavirus deaths in the city mounted and hospitals buckled in what authorities say could be a preview of what other communities across the United States could soon face.

“Please come help us in New York now. We need relief,” Governor Andrew Cuomo pleaded as the number of dead in New York State climbed past 1,200, with most of those victims dying in New York City.

“Whether it’s Detroit, it’s New Orleans, it will work its way across the country,” Cuomo added.

Elsewhere around the world, hard-hit Italy and Spain saw their death tolls climb by more than 800 each even as the World Health Organization’s emergency chief said cases in

the two countries are “potentially stabilising.” At the same time, he warned this is no time to let up on tough containment measures.

A US Navy hospital ship with 1,000 beds arrived in port in New York to help relieve the crisis gripping the city. The USNS Comfort also sent to New York City after 9/11 - will be used to treat non-coronavirus patients while packed hospitals deal with those with COVID-19.

Nurses and other medical professionals who have also volunteered to help have begun arriving.

“Anyone who says this situation is a New York Cityonly situation is in a state of denial. You see this virus move across the state, you see this virus move across the nation. There is no American who is immune to this virus,” Cuomo said.

As he announced the lat-

The USNS Comfort passes lower Manhattan in the New York Harbour during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City [Mike Segar/Reuters]

est death toll, he said, “That’s a lot of loss, that’s a lot of pain, that’s a lot of tears, that’s a lot of grief that people all across this state are feeling.”

Criticising President Donald Trump’s politicising of the crisis, Cuomo told MSNBC earlier on Monday: “The science people, the government professionals have

Coronavirus: Trump says US in good shape to meet ‘peak’

D

onald Trump has said the US will be in “a very good shape” in terms of the number of ventilators available by the time the coronavirus outbreak peaks.

The president said at least 10 US companies were now making the medical devices, and some might be exported.

The virus can cause severe respiratory issues as it attacks the lungs.

Ventilators help keep patients breathing.

The US has more than 16,000 confirmed virus cases and nearly 3,000 deaths.

New York City is the worst-hit place in America, with nearly 800 confirmed fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The US last week became the country with the most reported cases, ahead of Italy and China.

Speaking at Monday’s Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House, Mr Trump said: “We have now 10 companies at least making the ventilators, and we say go ahead because, honestly, other countries they’ll never be able to do it.”

Asked whether there would be enough ventilators for all patients in the US who needed them during a predicted peak in infections in two weeks’ time, Mr Trump responded: “I think we gonna be in a very good shape.”

He said more than a million Americans had been tested for the virus, “more than any other country by

far. Not even close”.

He accused a reporter who pointed out that South Korea had tested proportionally more people when measured by population size of negativity.

And he added that he should be congratulated on his administration’s progress in fighting the virus.

Trump also repeated his allegations that some US state governors were “hoarding” critical medical equipment, and that items including face masks were being stolen from hospitals. He gave no evidence for either claim.

Trump said “challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days”, but that social distancing could save more than a million American lives. (BBC)

to stand up and look the president in the eye and say this is not a political exercise. This is not press relations. It’s not optics. The tsunami is coming.”

Three-quarters of a million people around the world have become infected and more than 35,000 have died, according to a running count kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The US reported over 140,000 infections and more than 2,500 deaths, with New York City the nation’s worst hot spot. Dr Anthony Fauci, the US government’s top infectious-disease expert,

warned that smaller cities are about to see cases “take off” the way they have in New York City.

“What we’ve learned from painful experience with this outbreak is that it goes along almost on a straight line, then a little acceleration, acceleration, then it goes way up,” he said on ABC’s Good Morning America programme.

New hotspots of the disease have started to surface in Florida, Michigan and Louisiana, as state officials seek more help in fighting the outbreak.

Fauci told CNN on Sunday

that the pandemic could ultimately kill between 100,000 and 200,000 people in the US should mitigation be unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday that the number of COVID-19 hospitalisations in the state had doubled over the past four days, and the number of ICU patients tripled during that time.

He did not immediately give figures for those totals.

Last week, the US Congress passed a $2.2 trillion emergency relief bill, promising billions to US states. Trump said on Sunday that he would extend the guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus to April 30, from his original target of Easter on April 12.

Americans are now being called on to prepare for another 30 days of severe economic and social disruption, as schools and businesses are closed, and public life is upended. One in three Americans remains under state or local government orders to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus. (Al Jazeera)

Ecuador struggles to collect the dead as coronavirus spreads

E

cuadorean authorities said on Monday they would improve the collection of corpses, as delays related to the rapid spread of the new coronavirus has left families keeping their loved ones’ bodies in their homes for days in some cases.

Residents of Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, have complained they have no way to dispose of relatives’ remains due to strict quarantine and curfew measures designed to prevent spread of the disease. Last week, authorities said they had removed 100 corpses from homes in Guayaquil.

But delays in collecting bodies in the Andean country, which has reported 1,966 cases of the virus and 62 deaths, were evident midday on Monday in downtown Guayaquil, where a man’s dead body lay on a sidewalk under a blue plastic sheet, according to a Reuters witness.

Police said the man had

collapsed while waiting in line to enter a store. Reuters could not identify the man or the cause of his death.

Hours later on Monday, the body had been removed.

“The government’s intention is that everyone who passes away these days in Guayaquil, not just those who have died from COVID-19, can have a dignified burial,” Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner told reporters on Monday, Authorities also announced they would create a task force for collecting and burying the dead.

Emergency humanitarian flights were suspended for Ecuadoreans who had been stranded abroad due to travel restrictions and were seeking to return to the country.

More than 70% of the country’s coronavirus cases, which is among the highest tallies in Latin America, are in the southern province of Guayas, where Guayaquil is

located.

Luiggi Ponce, a 22-yearold who lives in a working class area of the city, believes his uncle, who died four days ago, was infected.

The body is still in his home, where five children and seven adults live.

“He had pneumonia, he had a fever, he could not breathe, he had all the symptoms,” Ponce said via telephone. “The body is wrapped up in plastic. The whole house smells bad.”

Local media have broadcast images of long lines outside cemeteries in Guayaquil of people seeking burial for deceased relatives.

Sebastian Barahona, coordinator of the National Federation of Funeral Homes, said Guayaquil was seeing around five times more deaths in March than a normal month.

“The response capacity is not prepared for what this emergency requires,” Barahona said. (Reuters)

Florida: Pastor arrested for holding services amid coronavirus lockdown

F

lorida officials have arrested the pastor of a megachurch after detectives say he held two Sunday services with hundreds of people and violated a safer-at-home order in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

According to jail records, Pastor Rodney HowardBrowne turned himself in to authorities Monday afternoon in Hernando County, where he lives. He was charged with unlawful assembly and violation of a public health emergency or-

der. Bail was set at $500, according to the jail’s website.

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news conference Monday that he negotiated with the lawyer of Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne to turn himself in to authorities in Hernando County. His church is located in Tampa.

Chronister said his command staff met with The River at Tampa Bay Church leaders about the danger they are putting themselves - and their congregation -

in by not maintaining appropriate social distancing, but Howard-Browne held the services. The Sheriff’s Office also placed a digital sign on the road near the church driveway that said “practice social distancing”.

“Shame on this pastor, their legal staff and the leaders of this staff for forcing us to do our job. That’s not what we wanted to do during a declared state of emergency,” Chronister said. “We are hopeful that this will be a wakeup call.”

(Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

17

Regional

COVID-19 cases in Trinidad No scandal here: Mexico’s President defends moving towards 100 mark meeting mother of drug lord “El Chapo”

M

T

he number of positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases jumped to 82 in Trinidad, on Monday as health authorities warned that the next two weeks could prove pivotal in the fight to prevent the spread of the virus that has killed more than 20,000 people worldwide.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, speaking at the daily news conference of the Health Ministry, said that the four new additional cases from Sunday came as a result of various factors.

He said one of the cases had close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, while two of the cases were in close contact with a person with a recent travel history. The fourth case is pending epidemiological investigation.

Deyalsingh said that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has so far tested 539 samples including the 40 of the 68 people who had recently gone on a cruise.

So far Trinidad and

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh

Tobago has had three deaths as a result of the virus.

“The next two weeks in this country will determine the fate of Trinidad and Tobago moving forward. The next two weeks and our collective behaviour is part of a wider war strategy to stop the enemy, that is an invisible enemy from breaching our defences.”

“The only way we could do this is to stay home,

stay safe and by doing that you keep others safe,” Deyalsingh told reporters.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roshan Parasram said two of the latest victims appear to be the first cases of ‘local spread’ and that more such cases could be expected in the coming days.

He urged the population to follow the guidelines as given by health authorities.

(Excerpt from CMC)

7 Barbadians tested positive over 2 days

I

n an updated press release, the Barbados G o v e r n m e n t Information Service said seven Barbadians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)– four on Friday, March 27 and three on Saturday, March 28.

Those receiving positive results for the viral illness on Friday were a 78-yearold woman and a 52-year-old man, who recently travelled abroad, and two females aged 30 and 50, who had both been in contact with people who had COVID-19.

The positive cases on

Saturday were three males, aged 81, 52 and 49, who all experienced symptoms after returning from abroad.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Anton Best announced Sunday there were now 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barbados.

(Excerpt from nationnews)

exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday defended his weekend handshake with the mother of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, calling her a “respectable old lady” and seeking to cast his critics as the principal menace to the country.

In a 30-second video posted on Twitter on Sunday, Lopez Obrador could be seen approaching Maria Consuelo Loera’s car, parked on a dirt road on the outskirts of Badiraguato, a mountainous municipality in the north-western state of

A

by part of the entourage that regularly accompanies the President on weekends, was meant to send.

Questioned about the meeting at his regular morning news conference, Lopez Obrador was unrepentant and quickly blamed “adversaries” for trying to make a “scandal” out of it.

“Sometimes, because it’s my job, I have to shake hands with white-collar criminals who haven’t even lost their respectability, how am I not going to greet an old lady who leaves her hand outstretched?” he told reporters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombia’s ELN rebels call ceasefire over coronavirus

T

he left-wing National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group in Colombia has declared a unilateral ceasefire for a month starting on April 1.

The rebels said the ceasefire was a “humanitarian gesture” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 700 people have tested positive for the virus in the Andean country and 10 have died.

The rebel group said it was also open to reviving suspended peace negotiations with the Government.

“We declare an active unilateral ceasefire for a month, from 1 to 30 April in a humanitarian gesture of the ELN with the

Guatemalan deported from US tests positive for COVID-19 – official Ana Lucia Gudiel, the spokeswoman for the Guatemalan Health Ministry, told Al Jazeera that the other migrants who were on board the same flight are currently in quarantine in their homes across the country.

It is unclear if they will be tested for the novel coronavirus.

Government officials, wearing protective masks, stand next to a plane The Guatemalan carrying migrants deported from the US at La Aurora International Airport, Government on in Guatemala City, Guatemala [Luis Echeverria/Reuters] March 17 temporarily suspended deGuatemalan man cy. The flight, with at least who was deport- 40 others on board, origi- portation flights from the US ed from the United nated in Mesa, Arizona, ac- of Guatemalans and Central States last week has test- cording to the Guatemalan Americans to stop the spread of COVID-19. Deportations ed positive for the novel Migration Institute. coronavirus (COVID-19), The man began showing of Guatemalans were rethe Guatemalan Health symptoms of COVID-19 over sumed two days later, after Ministry said late on the weekend while in quar- US officials agreed to put in Sunday. antine in his family’s home, place measures to guarantee A spokeswoman for officials said. He was trans- the health of deportees.

At least 642 Guatemalans the Guatemalan Health ferred to a hospital where Ministry told Al Jazeera coronavirus cases are be- have been deported since dethe 29-year-old man ing treated in Villa Nueva, portation flights were refrom Momostenango, near Guatemala City, on newed on March 19, according to an Al Jazeera tally Totonicapan, was deport- Saturday. ed last Thursday on a He is the 36th con- based on daily government flight chartered by the US firmed case of COVID-19 figures.

US immigration officials Immigration and Customs in Guatemala, according to were not immediately availEnforcement (ICE) agen- Government officials.

Sinaloa.

Surrounded by onlookers, Lopez Obrador told Loera she need not get out of the car, they shook hands and after a brief exchange he told her he had “received her letter.”

Guzman was for years boss of the Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful criminal organisation blamed for the deaths of thousands of people in Mexico ranging from rival gang members, ordinary citizens, Police and members of the armed forces.

Critics on social media asked what kind of message the encounter, videotaped

able for comment.

Nearly 55,000 Guatemalans were deported from the US last year, the highest number since at least 2007, according to Guatemalan Government data. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The ELN rebels released a statement announcing the one-month unilateral ceasefire

Colombian people, who’re suffering from devastation because of the coronavirus,” the statement reads.

The ELN also said that it wanted to meet representatives of the Government of President Iván Duque to discuss an extension to the ceasefire.

The rebels said they had been inspired to make the move by UN Secretary General António Guterres’ appeal on March 23 for “an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world”.

The foreign Ministry of Norway, a country which has acted as a facilitator in peace talks in Colombia in the past, welcomed the tem-

porary ceasefire and called it an “important step in support of [the] vulnerable population & everyone who struggles for peace”.

The ELN has been fighting the Colombian State for more than 50 years and previous attempts at reaching a peace deal have faltered.

Its strongholds are in rural areas in the north and on the border with Venezuela.

It is much smaller than Colombia’s more wellknown left-wing rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which signed a peace agreement with the Government in 2016. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Deny and defy: Bolsonaro’s approach to the coronavirus in Brazil

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wo tweets removed for “violating rules”, bombastic television appearances and a presidential social media campaign, dubbed “Brazil can’t stop” - -quickly banned – illustrate far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s plan to fight the novel coronavirus: Defy international guidelines, encourage Brazilians to get back to work and continue to downplay the threat of the virus.

Like ally and US President Donald Trump, Bolsonaro has repeatedly sought to minimise the pandemic, first dismissing it as “fantasy” and then just “a little flu”.

“A Brazilian dives in

the sewer and he doesn’t catch anything,” Bolsonaro told viewers of his weekly Facebook Live programme last Thursday.

Earlier last week, he stunned viewers with a five-minute television tirade in which he attacked political rivals, blasted press “hysteria” and even mocked a beloved celebrity doctor.

“A few state and municipal authorities must abandon this scorched earth concept: the transport ban, the closing of businesses, mass confinement,” he seethed and contradicted specialists, including his own Health Minister, by insisting the virus “will soon pass”.

This Sunday, he toured

the capital Brasilia, defying social distancing recommendations, visiting markets and shaking hands with supporters while encouraging them to continue working to keep the economy going.

“I advocate that you work, everyone works. Of course, anyone who is old stays at home,” he told a street vendor of barbequed meat.

His comments came despite recent statistics showing that the majority of Brazil’s elderly population live with family members or someone else who is not their partner. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Around the World

OILNEWS

Oil drops more than 6% to 18year low as global demand evaporates

U

S oil dropped to an 18-year low on Monday as demand continues to evaporate, and as Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ nations prepare to ramp up production.

With much of the world in lockdown as the coronavirus pandemic rages on, demand for oil has fallen off a cliff.

People aren’t travelling and business has slowed, reducing the need for jet fuel and gasoline.

US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 6.6 per cent, or US$1.42, to settle at US$20.09, its lowest level since February 2002. Earlier in the session, the contract shed more than 9 per cent to trade at a session low of US$19.27.

The contract had briefly traded below the key US$20 per barrel mark on March 20, although it was in thin trading on a contract that was set to expire.

International benchmark Brent crude fell 8.7 per cent to settle at US$22.76 per barrel, a price last seen in 2002.

The drop-off in demand comes just as the OPEC+ production cuts expire. Beginning April 1 the 14-member cartel and its allies will be able to pump as much oil as they please, and Saudi Arabia is among the nations that has vowed to ramp up its production.

Given the hit to both supply and demand, analysts are projecting that despite WTI’s 55 per cent slide this month — its worst on record — there could still be more downside ahead.

“With the effects of COVID-19 continuing to weigh on global demand, it’s likely global crude storage capacity maxes out in 2Q20, creating a nightmarish scenario and the possibility that crude could test the $10/bbl threshold,” Raymond James analyst John Freeman said in a note to clients Monday.

As the outlook becomes bleaker, Bank of America again downgraded its oil price forecasts on Monday, and expects to see both contracts “temporarily trading in the teens in the coming weeks.”

“On a quarterly basis, we expect to see the steepest decline in global oil consumption ever recorded,” the firm’s analysts led by Francisco Blanch added.

Oil’s swift and steep decline has caused energy companies to slash capital spending plans. US-based exploration and production companies have been among those hardest hit.

As these companies struggle to breakeven with depressed oil prices, some analysts are saying a wave of consolidation and bankruptcies could be ahead.

“The oil market supply chains are broken due to the unbelievably large losses in oil demand, forcing all available alternatives of supply chain adjustments to take place during April and May: Onshore product storage surge, refinery run rate cuts globally, massive increase in floating storage deals and upstream supply shut-ins,” said Rystad Energy’s Head of Oil Markets Bjornar Tonhaugen.

The firm expects demand to fall by more than 16 million barrels per day in April.

As demand waned, OPEC earlier this month proposed additional cuts of 1.5 million barrels per day. But OPEC ally Russia rejected the cuts, which kicked off a price war between the nation and OPEC’s de facto leader Saudi Arabia. The kingdom slashed its official oil prices, and has said it will ramp up production to 12.3 million barrels per day in April. In February, the nation produced roughly 9.7 million bpd.

Amid the ongoing price decline, the US has tried to intervene.

On Monday President Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, where the two agreed to hold talks on the oil market at the ministerial level, according to a report from Reuters.

Sen Ted Cruz told CNBC on Monday he and eight other GOP senators recently ripped into the Saudi Ambassador in a conference call over the ongoing price war. Cruz said the senators warned that they would take action against Saudi Arabia if the “economic warfare” continued, though he did not mention any specific retaliatory measure.

Last week the US State Department confirmed that Secretary Mike Pompeo had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting followed earlier comments from President Trump that the US has “a lot of power over the situation” and would get involved “at the appropriate time.” (Excerpt from CNBC)

Africa’s megacity Lagos braces for 2-week coronavirus lockdown

N

igerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s announcement imposing a 14-day lockdown on sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest city triggered a last-minute rush on Monday as people hurried to stock up on food and other supplies.

Traffic snarled the streets and touts made quick money taking cash to let people leave cars in no-parking zones.

Both Lagos and Abuja, the capital, will ban movement for two weeks from Monday night.

Lagos, the epicentre of Nigeria’s coronavirus outbreak which has so far spawned 111 confirmed cases, is home to at least 20 million people. Many of them dwell in slums and eke out a living at the best of times. Social safety nets do not exist.

It is not the coronavirus that has sparked people’s worries about survival, but having enough food and water to get by.

Buhari’s edict has left people from various backgrounds confused. While he ordered movement to cease, he allowed food retailers, medical facilities and some other businesses to remain open.

But he did not say whether people

A general view of a food market after Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari called for a lockdown starting Monday to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Lagos, Nigeria, March 30, 2020

could leave their homes to go to such places.

In Lagos, drinking water vendors were not sure if they could operate.

Farmers who deliver food to apartments and homes said they were not registered as companies so might not be exempt.

A week earlier, Lagos State’s gov-

ernor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged the difficulty of a total lockdown.

“We know what our poverty line is, and I’m a very realistic leader,” he said. “We need to be considerate of that, that while we are fighting corona, we are not also fighting hunger.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Italy to extend coronavirus lockdown until Easter as new cases fall

I

taly’s Government on Monday said it would extend its nationwide lockdown measures against a coronavirus outbreak, due to end on Friday, at least until the Easter season in April, as the number of new infections declines.

The Health Ministry did not give a date for the new end of the lockdown, but said it would be in a law the Government would propose.

Easter Sunday is April 12 this year. Italy is predominantly Roman Catholic and contains the Vatican, the heart of the church.

Italians have been under lockdown for three weeks, with most shops, bars and restaurants shut and people forbidden from leaving their homes for all but non-essen-

A bicycle is seen on one of the steps leading up to the Quirinale Presidential Palace as it is lit up with the colours of the Italian flag as Italy continues to battle the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rome, Italy, March 30, 2020

tial needs.

The death toll has risen by 812 in the last 24 hours, the Civil Protection Agency said, reversing two days of

declines, although the number of new cases rose by just 4050, the lowest increase since March 17, reaching a total of 101,739.

However, the decline in

the rise of new infections may be partly explained by a reduction in the number of tests, which were the fewest for six days.

Underscoring the dangers of the disease, the national doctors’ association announced the deaths of 11 more doctors on Monday, bringing the total to 61.

Not all of them had been tested for coronavirus before they died, it said, but it linked their deaths to the pandemic.

The head of the national health institute, Silvio Brusaferro, who is advising the Government on how to handle the crisis, also said that for restrictions to be eased “the number of new cases has to fall significantly.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Coronavirus: Syria reports 1st death amid warning of spread

S

yria’s Health Ministry has said a woman has died from the coronavirus disease - the war-torn country’s first officially reported fatality.

The woman died on Sunday after being taken to hospital, state media reported, without giving a location.

Nine other people tested positive for the COVID-19 respiratory illness but medics suspect there are many more.

There are fears the virus will spread rapidly through vulnerable populations, overwhelming the healthcare system.

Only 64 per cent of public hospitals are fully functioning and there is a consid-

erable shortage of trained staff, according to the World Health Organisation.

There are also six million internally displaced people in Syria, many of whom are living in overcrowded conditions in camps with insufficient water and sanitation infrastructure.

President Bashar al-Assad’s Government, which controls the country’s biggest cities, has imposed a range of preventative measures.

No cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the north-western province of Idlib, which is the opposition’s last stronghold, but humanitarian organisations are particularly concerned about the situation there.

The virus could be spreading fast in Syria, medics warn

A million people have fled their homes since December to escape a Government offensive, and the limited number of functioning hospitals are already struggling to treat casualties from the fighting and respond to other medical needs.

Local health authorities are preparing for an outbreak, but Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned on Monday that the spread of COVID-19 could quickly become critical if additional support and measures were not in place. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

19

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Try to get along with your peers. Build friendships, but don’t get intimately involved with a co-worker. Use your skills masterfully and your intelligence to gain respect and support.

Get out and mingle. Don’t be surprised if someone from your past has his or her eye on you. Be careful: He or she probably hasn’t changed much.

If you make waves, expect to deal with the consequences. Accept the inevitable and get on with your life.

Say what’s on your mind and don’t mince words or be gullible.

Consider what makes you tick, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You are in a creative cycle and should follow your heart and dreams. Romance is encouraged.

Don’t annoy someone close to you. Being sensitive to the needs of others will help you avoid an emotional impasse. Extravagance and indulgence will lead to financial problems.

Share your thoughts and feelings to get what you want. If you expand a plan and improve your skills and knowledge, you’ll achieve the lifestyle you desire.

You’ll tend to take on too much. Your empathetic nature will make it difficult to say no. Consider the emotional cost involved before you agree to something compromising.

Your intellectual charm will win favors from people who can help you get ahead.

Use your talent strategically to not only voice your opinion, but to bring about positive change.

Verify any informaSAGITTARIUS tion offered to you before you make a decision. Stick (Nov. 23close to home and to peoDec. 21) ple you know you can trust.

Emotional manipulation will leave you in a vulnerable position.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Separate business from pleasure. Look for a unique way to promote an old idea.

Be careful not to exhaust yourself mentally, physically or emotionally. Aim to ease stress, not to compound it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Work diligently to reach your objective. Avoid situations that could tie up your time with unnecessary chatter. Put your needs first, and walk away from stressful or unpredictable situations.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Financial self-deception will cause problems. Think before you make an expenditure you can’t justify. Help yourself before giving your time, money or services to others.

20

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

U

Khabib-Ferguson match set to be cancelled for 5th time

nbeaten UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is expecting a fifth postponement of his long-awaited fight against American Tony Ferguson.

The pair were set to meet on 18 April in New York but the venue was ruled out because of the coronavirus pandemic.

UFC president Dana White said UFC 249 would "99.9%" take place elsewhere but Nurmagomedov went back home to Russia.

"I hear they are looking to organise it with or without me. OK, go ahead," Nurmagomedov said on Instagram Live.

UFC 249: Three events postponed but Dana White says event will go ahead After being told UFC 249 would not take place at the Barclays Center, Nurmagomedov left the US. The 31-year-old was preparing to face Ferguson behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates while the 36-yearold American remains in his homeland.

"The UFC told me that this fight 100% isn't happening in the USA, and even if it's not happening in the Emirates it will happen on this side of Atlantic," Nurmagomedov added.

"Now I don't really know what's going on. It's really hard to train and cut your weight when the whole world is locked down and you don't know what you are preparing for."

Is Nurmagomedov-Ferguson cursed?

Although Ferguson could still fight at

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson were held apart by Dana White (Getty Images)

UFC 249 - if it takes place - it would be a big disappointment for UFC fans because it is the fight they have wanted to see for years.

White has arranged it four times previously, but each time it has been cancelled because of health or fitness issues.

Nurmagomedov withdrew with a rib injury in 2015, Ferguson had a lung issue in 2016, and while trying to make the weight for their next bout in March 2017, Ferguson developed a kidney problem.

The pair were then set to fight for the lightweight championship in April 2018 but Ferguson suffered a freak accident six

days before, tearing his knee ligament after tripping over a cable at a media event.

No wonder UFC commentator Joe Rogan has said the fight is "cursed".

Conor McGregor pleads for 'full lockdown' amid global coronavirus crisis Many believe Ferguson is the only man capable of beating Nurmagomedov and the prospect of finally seeing them fight would guarantee a huge television audience. April's bout was expected to attract more than two million pay-per-view buys.

After staging Fight Night 170 on 14 March, White had to postpone his next three events, including Fight Night 171 in London, but said that UFC 249 would still go ahead behind closed doors.

It would not just be the only sports show in town, it'd be virtually the only sports show on the planet, so even without Nurmagomedov it would likely attract a big television audience.

But White has been criticised for pressing ahead with plans to stage the event during a global pandemic so must now decide whether it is worth it. (BBC Sport)

Fair to award Liverpool Premier League title if season not completed – Gundogan

I

Liverpool are two wins away from making this sign a reality (PA Media)

t would only be "fair" to award Liverpool the Premier League title if the season is not completed because of coronavirus, says Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

With football in England suspended until at least 30 April, Liverpool have a 25-point lead over defending champions City and are two wins from a first top-flight title in 30 years.

Asked if the Reds should be given the trophy if the season is cut short, Gudogan told German broadcaster ZDF: "For me, that would be OK, yes."

"You have to be fair as a sportsperson," the 29-yearold Germany international added.

Premier League clubs are due to meet on 3 April,

when it is almost certain the current postponement until the end of April will be extended again. That will take it past the official end of the English Football League season and towards the last round of Premier League fixtures, which was supposed to be on 17 May. Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football's governing body Uefa, said on Saturday the 201920 campaign could be lost if it cannot be restarted by the end of June.

End of June limit for season – Tottenham striker Kane

Gundogan acknowledged football authorities faced a difficult decision because of the impact that cancellation of the season would have

at both ends of the Premier League table.

"There are different opinions. For clubs who have had a very good season, it obviously wouldn't be nice if it was cancelled now," he said.

"On the other hand, for clubs who aren't doing as well and are maybe in the relegation places, an abandonment would obviously suit them."

Gundogan added that he would be prepared to take a pay cut if English clubs went down the route of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in asking players to accept reduced wages so that other staff can be paid.

"Of course I think it's OK, that goes without saying - [but] there's been no discussion in England yet," he said. (BBC Sport)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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21

Red Bull's Helmut Marko told team's drivers to become infected

R

ed Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko said he advised his drivers to become infected with coronavirus while the season is in hiatus.

The 76-year-old said he had the idea to bring his Formula 1 drivers and juniors together in a camp, which "would be the ideal time for the infection to come".

"They are all strong young men in good health. That way they would be prepared whenever the action starts," he said.

The rest of Red Bull management were against the idea, which was abandoned.

"Let's put it this way: it has not been well received," Marko said.

The Austrian was speaking in an interview with his country’s television channel ORF, in which he added: "We have four Formula 1 drivers and eight or 10 juniors, and the idea was that we would organise a camp to mentally and physically bridge the dead time.”

The camp, he said, would have been organised to ensure the drivers were in the best possible physical shape once the season starts again.

The start of the F1 season has been thrown into disarray by the coronavirus, with the first eight races called off and the next events in Canada, France, Austria and Britain in June and July all under threat.

F1 boss Chase Carey has said he is aiming to reconfigure the season

Helmut Marko is part of the Red Bull management set-up which won four F1 titles between 2010 and 2013 (Getty Images)

starting in the summer and trying to fit in as many as 15 to 18 races out of the original 22. The season could run into January next year to fit in as many events as possible.

Marko said: "If there is a racing season with 15 to 18 races, it will be very, very tough. There is no possibility to improve your fitness during the season. So it's actually ideal to use this time now."

Red Bull are the organisers of the Austrian Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held on 5 July, but Marko said it was impossible to say at this stage whether the race could be held on that date.

"At the current time, you would have to be clairvoyant to make a correct forecast," he said. "I cannot judge whether 50,000 or 100,000 spectators would make a difference.

"What is critical, however, is that all European borders have to be reopened, because viewers from all over the world come to such an international event. And it is difficult to assess to what extent the virus can be brought under control in the individual countries."

Marko said he suspected he had already had the coronavirus in February, but that because of limited testing availability in Austria he could not be sure.

"I had what I thought was a severe cold and the symptoms would match corona," he said. "It was also something that I had never had in this intensity.

"I don't know if it was because the test options are currently very limited. But as soon as there is a chance, I would like to be tested af-

terwards."

And he said that Red Bull was contributing to the wider effort among UK-based F1 teams to produce ventilators to increase capacity in the NHS. "Production has already started here, we are producing ventilators," he said. "This is the big plus of Formula 1, that you can react to the greatest technological challenges in the shortest possible time and also have the necessary speed in production.

"We have been on the so-called early summer break since last Friday, but the production of those parts that are made for the British government continues during the break."

Marko said that if current plans for the season go ahead, for Red Bull, the loss of revenue from fewer races was not that big a blow as they would save more money by running the cars less.

"Reduced costs due to fewer races are significantly lower than our losses in revenue," he said. "Our material orders - these are all special spare parts - have already been made every year, as have many hotel bookings. "[F1 owner] Liberty expects a loss of $200-300m (£161-242m) in revenue, and this is also transferred to the teams in a quota. That is why we decided to take these austerity measures to make up for this loss of revenue." (BBC Sport)

Japan, IOC set July 23 next year for start of delayed Olympics

T

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he postponed Olympic Games will now begin on July 23 next year and run until Aug. 8, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee said on Monday, as the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to plan and prepare for them properly this year.

The Games were postponed last week - the first such delay in the 124-year history of the modern Olympics. The move was a huge blow for Japan, which invested $13 billion in the run-up to the event and raised $3 billion from domestic sponsors.

Yoshiro Mori, the head of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, confirmed the new dates after he made the decision with the International Olympic Committee.

Mori said the Paralympic Games would run from August 24 to September 5.

“The Tokyo Olympics Games and the successful delivery of these Games will be how we overcome all the problems that the world is facing and that the Olympics could be a symbol for this,” Mori said. “These Games are going to have great historical significance.”

Earlier on Monday, the Games’ chief executive, Toshiro Muto, said the committee was moving “in the direction” of honoring tickets bought for the 2020 Games at the resched-

Only 479 days to go: Tokyo resets the clock on Olympics

uled event, or providing refunds in case of scheduling changes.

“We want to honor the hopes of all those who purchased the tickets amid high demand,” Muto told a news conference.

It was too early to say what the additional costs of the delay would be, Muto said.

The IOC and Japanese government succumbed to intense pressure from athletes and sporting bodies around the world last Tuesday by agreeing to push back the Games

because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic had already led to many sporting events around the world being delayed or canceled. After weeks of insisting the Olympics would go ahead, organizers bowed to what many said was the inevitable and delayed what is the world’s premier sporting gathering.

Sporting bodies including the World Athletics association, the International Triathlon Union, and

FINA, the international swimming federation, all followed up with statements of support for the delay.

The postponement “gives our athletes the time they need to get back into training and competition,” World Athletics said. The association is also working on new dates in 2022 for the World Athletics Championships, it said.

The Athletics and Swimming world championships were scheduled to take place next summer around the new Olympics dates, presenting organizers with potential clashes in timing.

And problems have already arisen in planning for venues for next year, although organizers have yet to be told that they cannot use any facilities, Muto said at the news conference announcing the new date.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics must acknowledge the coronavirus crisis which forced their postponement and incorporate it into next year’s opening ceremony, executive producer Marco Balich told Reuters from his home in Milan.

More than 720,000 people have been infected around the world with about 34,000 deaths and governments are taking ever tougher measures such as lockdowns to try to halt the outbreak and support overburdened medical infrastructure.

(Reuters)

22

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brathwaite celebrates Pride’s title success B

arbados Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite hailed his side’s resilience, after they were declared winners of the 2019-20 West Indies Championship on Tuesday.

This followed a decision of the board of directors of Cricket West Indies to cancel the last two rounds of matches in the Championship because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the season broke on March 15 after the eighth round of matches because of the virus outbreak, Pride were leading the standings on 134.8 points – a 40.2-point lead over their nearest rivals, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.

The CWI directors unanimously agreed to award

the Headley/Weekes Trophy (named in honour of West Indies batsmen George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes) to Brathwaite’s team.

This meant the Pride claimed the 23rd firstclass title for Barbados in the modern era of the Championship, which harks back to 1966, and broke the five-year stranglehold of the Guyana Jaguars on the trophy.

Pride won six of their eight matches, including a season sweep of the Jaguars, and unearthed potentially three players for the future.

It was not a personally rewarding season for Brathwaite, the West Indies opener, but he told CWI Media he was thrilled to

have led the Pride to their title success. . .

On how much the title means to the team:

It means a lot to the players. We had a number of goals at the start of the season, which included winning the title. The players really worked very hard to achieve this success and we are very happy to have won the title.

On the main reasons for success:

I think we did a fairly good job in all departments, but the bowlers, the pacers, really led the way for us. Generally, I think all departments were pretty good and we stuck to the game plan throughout the season.

BFA Treasurer Donovan expects FIFA suspension for TTFA

B

arbados Football Association (BFA) treasurer Adrian Donovan believes the Trinidad and Tobago FA are on their way to being suspended, considering recent retaliation against the implementation of a FIFA normalisation committee.

The football world governing body made the decision to disband the TTFA and implement a normalization committee, following what it claims was a fact-finding mission to the twin-island republic.

According to FIFA the TTFA had “extremely low overall financial management methods” and extreme debt. In doing so FIFA quoted article 8:2 of FIFA’s statutes, which states, "Executive bodies of member associations may under exceptional circumstances be removed from office by the council in consultation with the relevant confederation and replaced by a normalisation committee for a specific period of time."

The William Wallace-led association has, however, since threatened to take the matter to the Courts of Arbitration for Sport

(CAS) a move that Donovan considers a mistake.

“I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, that the TTFA will be suspended,” Donovan told the Barbados Advocate.

“In all of this FIFA is absolutely correct if they have to suspend this national federation because all those who signed off on the FIFA Statutes are expected to follow their rules and regulations,” he added.

“When you sign under FIFA rules and regulation and you have no legitimate evidence as to how you have spent their money, it is only a matter of time before the weight of FIFA would be felt.”

Since coming to office the William Wallace-led association pointed to mismanagement in the implementation of the Home of Football project, put in place by the previous administration. The new executive seemed set to put into place another ambitious project at the Arima Stadium.

(Sportsmax)

On the highlights of the season:

To see our two young pacers, Chemar H o l d e r and Keon Harding, getting more than 25 wickets

apiece this season. It was magnificent to see them rise to the challenge. We had a number of players stepping up on occasions throughout the season.

Another player would be Kyle Mayers. It was his first time playing for the Pride, if not in the Championship, and he did a fantastic job with the runs he scored and started back bowling towards the end of the season after being unable to bowl throughout the first half of the season because of an injury. But it was really our two young pacers, Holder and Harding, that really did a good job for us.

On the lowlights of the season:

We lost two matches – in the first round against the Volcanoes and later in the season against the Red Force. They were probably the lowest

ments, but we were resilient throughout the season.

On areas of deficiencies to fix for next season:

We can do much better in the batting, especially at the top of the order, including myself, the top five. In some games we were struggling with three wickets down for a low number of runs. That is an area we will have to review. I still think the team overall did a good job at the end of the day.

On the meaning of the title success for Barbados cricket:

Barbados Pride Captain Kraigg Brathwaite

It says the game is in a good place in Barbados.

The thing about this success is that we had a number of young, talented players that did not get a play.

They are all capable of doing a good job, so it says we are in a good place. We need to keep the systems we have in place and continue to build on them to guide the Pride players.

On the grade he would assign to his side:

points in the season for us.

But I still think there were positives in those games. We lost those two games in key mo-

I think it would be about eight out of 10. We know there are still some areas that we could improve – in this game, that’s always the case – but I think we can get better, but that would be my grade. (CWI)

Caribbean stars set for pay cut amid COVID-19 fallout

T

he novel coroplayers was inevitanavirus disease ble, especially as the (COVID-19) panCOVID-19 persisted demic is set to deal a across the globe. harsh blow to the earn“Our sport is not ings of Caribbean stars immune. Over the in the Australia Super past few days we have Netball League after endured some of our the players' association most difficult times here struck a deal with when faced with the organisers for a reducharsh reality of an tion in player salaries. uncertain future,” With the start of the Harby-Williams said. league suspended un“We fully undertil at least June 30 bestand we need to play cause of the COVID-19 our role to enable netoutbreak, all contractball to get through ed players have been these bleak times, forced to take two weeks hence we have agreed leave from their respecto take a pay cut. tive clubs starting from “Our game has Monday. worked really hard to They will then be continue to increase Jamaica goalkeeper Shamera Sterling placed on “active rest” for the minimum wage and in action (Photo: Collin Reid) seven hours each week allow players to be conAdelaide Plains Netball for the three weeks foltracted for 12-month lowing, and have their pay Association [ANPA] to de- periods, but the brutal truth termine any further chang- is that our minimum wage is reduced by 70 per cent.

“These are difficult and es to conditions that might $30,000 per annum and this unprecedented times, not need to be made.” pay reduction will be severeJamaican stars Shamera ly felt. only in netball, but right Kadie-Ann across the world,” said Sterling, “However, we know we Dehaney, Jodi-Ann Ward, are not alone and many othSuper Netball CEO Chris Jhaniele Fowler, Romelda ers throughout our commuSymington.

“In a less than ideal sit- Aiken, and Shimona Nelson, nity are suffering.” uation, our players have along with Trinidadian She added: “On a positive shown maturity and un- Samantha Wallace, all cur- note, the players feel well derstanding throughout rently campaign in the supported and are particuthese discussions and we're league. larly grateful that the sport Wallace, a 26-year-old has introduced a well-bepleased to have reached an outcome for the near future. goalshooter, was voted Most ing task force to help them “The league has put Valuable Player in last sea- through this extraordinary measures in place to en- son's grand final when New period. We look forward to sure that all players have South Wales Swifts defeated getting to the other side to well-being support during Sunshine Coast Lightning. do what we do best — and Players' association CEO that is play the game we this time, and, over the next Harby-Williams love.” (CMC) five weeks, we will have fur- Kathryn said the economic fallout for ther discussions with the

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

A

ITTF comes to decision concerning various table tennis tournaments

n outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea has caused the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) to postpone the 2020 staging of the World Teams Table Tennis Championships, which were scheduled to be held in Buscan, South Korea from March 22 to March 29.

The tournament was rescheduled for staging from June 21 to June 28.

As of Sunday, March 29, 2020, the ITTF met and made the following decisions concerning various tournaments that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ITTF Executive Committee reached the following decisions: Suspension of all currently planned ITTF events and

The Guyana women’s senior national table tennis team: Chelsea Edghill, JodyAnn Blake, Trenace Lowe and Natalie Cummings

Pakuri Warriors continue winning ways

activities that involve international travel until June 30, 2020.

Proposal of new dates for the Hana Bank 2020 World Team Table Tennis Championships, to be announced in the coming week.

Freezing of ITTF Ranking lists as of March 2020 and further evaluation of all implications related to the postponement of events, travel restrictions and other complications, with scope for further decisions on potentially necessary adjustments.

Adjustments to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games qualification pathways will be worked on after the dates of the Games have been decided.

The ITTF has also been working hard to manage the 2020 finances, with the Executive Committee agreeing to reduce their expens-

23

es and senior staff offering to take a salary reduction, as the ITTF looks into other areas to save overall costs.

The Guyana Women’s Senior National Table Tennis Team was invited by the ITTF to participate in the tournament, and the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) had already nominated the following key players to represent Guyana: Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe, Natalie Cummings, Pricilla Greaves and JodyAnn Blake, among others.

The tournament would have constituted a key learning experience for these Guyanese players, as it was to be their first experience at representing the nation on such a stage.

Another follow-up meeting will be held on April 15, 2020 to further evaluate the situation.

T

he action continued at the St then came from Odell Schuman (21); Avenesh Cuthbert’s Cricket Ground Poonsammy (15); Wendell Williams (10), as the St Cuthbert’s along with 34 extras, to take the score to 149Pakuri Warriors battled Timehri 8 in 20 overs. in a thrilling T20 affair.

In reply, C Dundas and Nicko (only name St Cuthbert’s won the toss and given) opened the batting for Timehri, but chose to bat. It was Ronnie Simon Ronnie struck with his fifth delivery to reand Chavez Schuman that took to move Dundas for 5. the crease for the home team, but Simon’s second over was no different as he they lost Captain Simon in the struck with his sixth delivery with the second over, bowled by Jaden score on 10. (only name given) for 1 with Julio Ferreira bowled a the score on 2. maiden in the fourth over, That made way for and then it was over to Stollone Simon, and he Ronnie; the Timehri and his batting partboys seemed not to ner took the score to 41, have a clue to his before Schuman was bowling length. He caught on 15 runs in then struck twice in the seventh over. his third over.

David Frances In the end, the came in at number four Timehri boys were and got off the mark with a bundled out for 41 boundary in his usual agin a disappointDenzil Schuman supported with 2-5 gressive style, but then ing show. Bowling for Simon fell for 20.

Warriors were Ronnie with 4-10 and Frances was next to go when he was caught on the Denzil Schuman, who supported with sweeper boundary after hitting two boundaries and 2-5, while Timothy Andrews and Julio Ronnie Simon bagged 4-10 two maximums in an entertaining 26. Contributions Ferreira bagged one wicket each.

Coronavirus: Mercedes F1 to make breathing aid A

breathing aid that can help keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care has been created in under a week.

University College London engineers worked with clinicians at UCLH and Mercedes Formula One to build the device, which delivers oxygen to the lungs without needing a ventilator.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are already used in hospitals but are in short supply.

China and Italy used them to help Covid-19 patients.

Forty of the new devices have been delivered to ULCH and to three other London hospitals. If trials go well, up to 1,000 of the CPAP machines can be pro-

The new continuous positive airway pressure breathing aid

duced per day by MercedesAMG-HPP, beginning in a week's time.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has already given its approval for their use.

Ventilator consortium

Meanwhile a consortium of UK industrial, technology and engineering businesses in the UK has come together to produce medical ventilators for the NHS.

T h e "VentilatorChallengeUK" consortium includes Airbus, BAE Systems, Ford, RollsRoyce and Siemens.

Companies in the consortium have received orders for more than 10,000 ventilators from the government, although MHRA approval is still pending.

Production is due to begin next week.

Dick Elsy, chief executive of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said: "This consortium brings together some of the most innovative companies in the world.

"They are working together with incredible determination and energy to scale up production of much-needed ventilators and combat a virus that is affecting people in many countries." (BBC Sport)

Windies should stamp T20 authority – Dwayne Bravo

W

est Indies veteran Dwayne Bravo believes the West Indies possess the tools to dominate T20 Internationals.

The 36-year-old all-rounder was recalled recently to the West Indies squad that defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 in their T20 internationals in early March.

He sees where the Caribbean side, twotime world champions, can rise to the top once more despite a fall-off in form that has seen them currently ranked 10th in the ICC T20 rankings. Those signs he said were evident during the Sri Lanka series.

"Prior to that [T20I series in Sri Lanka], we weren't really consistent as a team over the years in T20 cricket. We T20 guys had a chat among ourselves along with the management and made a pledge that we want to start back win-

ning series. We said we wanted to be back being the most dominant team in the T20 format,” said Bravo who over the past decade, established himself as one of the best T20 players in the world and one of the format’s best bowlers with almost 500 wickets.

He argued that the West Indies have too many world-class T20 players not to show it on the field of play.

"We have to stamp our authority,” he said.

"We have produced some of the best players in the world and when we are together in the same team, we have to stamp our authority, and to get the cricketing world to respect West Indies cricket again and especially West Indies' T20 team. We said, 'All hands on deck, let's start with this Sri Lanka series and make sure we send the message.” (Sportsmax)

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

See story on page 23

Japan, IOC set July 23 next year for start of delayed Olympics

ITTF comes to decision concerning various table tennis tournaments

Page 21

Windies should stamp T20 Coronavirus: Mercedes authority – Dwayne Bravo F1 to make breathing aid Page 23

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