Guyana Times -- Tuesday May 27, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs comparison with released SoPs on pages 15 to 18 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4298

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

PRICE

US repeats calls for free, fair, transparent and credible recount

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Corporal P13 under close arrest for selling seized outboard engine

...Guyana expected to behave democratically, respect rule of law – British envoy

Ogle youth killed in Saffon St accident

P13

See story on page 7

‘‘Death Certificate” exhumes APNU/AFC’s abuse of State power See story on page 3

...proves claim of “dead voting” a complete fabrication – Nandlall

Granger says he “resents allegations of rigging”

See story on page 11

...ignores recount has proven Mingo rigged Reg 4 votes

Air Link launches expansion in Guyana with 90 days free TV for GTT Blaze customers See story on page 12

LJP fingers Myers in plot to delay GECOM recount Page 9

…laments democracy under threat on Independence anniversary

P2 2 new cases bring Guyana’s COVID-19 count to 139

Former GRA boss Khurshid Sattaur P2 passes on

Ex-convict nabbed after throwing prohibited items into NA P13 Prison

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 new cases bring Guyana’s COVID-19 count to 139 boats operating in the sub-district were suspended and authorities in Santa Rosa have imposed travel restrictions in the area after it was revealed that Torres had travelled between his village and Georgetown for various transactions.

This week, health authorities are focusing on hinterland regions, since three out of the four are affected by the novel strand of coronavirus. The caretaker Minister pointed out that the mining communities make them even more vulnerable since

persons are travelling to and from the coastland. While expressing concern over these threats, there have been no announcements to remove mining as an essential service on the official COVID-19 gazette document.

While Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is considered the epicentre, it is closely followed by Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“Three of the four hinterland regions are affected.

I wish to draw your attention particularly to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where seven positive cases have been identified, most of these cases coming from the mining community. We are concerned particularly because other mining communities can be affected since our miners can transport this disease from the coastland into the interior,” she had stated.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called on miners to under-

take greater protective and control measures as they continue to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, organisations like the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) have called for mining to be ceased, owing to imminent threats which communities face through the movement of people.

Globally, there are 5,304,772 cases with 342,029 deaths. In the region of the Americas, the statistics are 2,395,295 reported cases with 141,472 deaths.

Former GRA boss Khurshid Sattaur passes on

T

he Public Health Ministry on Tuesday announced two more positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which raise Guyana’s total number to 139.

On their daily dashboard, it showed that there are still 11 deaths, with 62 recovered cases.

To date, some 1499 samples were tested of which 1360 proved to be negative. Nevertheless, the designated facilities are occupied with two persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and two in quarantine.

Another 66 patients are in isolation.

On Monday, reports were released of a Moruca, Region

One (Barima-Waini) man losing his life to the disease.

He was the 11th recorded death.

Vincent Torres, a former teacher, was admitted to the Kumaka District Hospital, Santa Rosa, last Friday after experiencing breathing complications and other symptoms. A COVID-19 test was conducted on the man, which revealed that he was positive.

However, the elderly man succumbed on Sunday and medical personnel who tended to him were placed in isolation. His death was confirmed by caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

At present, transport

F

ormer Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur died on Tuesday after a long battle to cancer.

The death of the 57-yearold Chartered Accountant and auditor was confirmed by a relative on Tuesday.

Sattaur is the recipient of the country’s third-highest national award and the second-highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana, the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH).

Sattaur served as Commissioner General of GRA for 12 years up until 2016 when his service was terminated by the then newly installed APNU/AFC coalition Government.

Prior to his termination in March 2016, Sattaur was

Former Head of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur

sent on 200 days administrative leave in December 2015 to facilitate an audit

into operations of the GRA. In a subsequent statement, Sattaur expressed

concerns that after a “long and dedicated service” to Guyana for which he even received a national award for his outstanding performance, he was being “discarded and attempts are being made to have me ridiculed and publicly embarrassed by the very agency that I gave long and dedicated service.”

Nevertheless, he said he was looking forward to a peaceful retirement and to engage in less strenuous activities that would allow him to enjoy the benefits of his long and dedicated service to the country.

“I am very proud and feel most honoured to have served my country with dedication, commitment and distinction,” Sattaur detailed in his last public statement.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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‘‘Death Certificate” exhumes APNU/AFC’s abuse of State power

...proves claim of “dead voting” a complete fabrication – Nandlall

A

ccessing hundreds, if not thousands of death records for citizens across the country, is an abuse of State power and members of the coalition Administration could soon find themselves in legal hot water, over the party’s access to death records held by the General Registrar’s Office (GRO).

Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall gave the damning conclusion on Tuesday, on the outskirts of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) where the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently engaged in a recount exercise of the votes cast on March 2.

During the course of the now three weeks long activity, agents for the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC), have repeatedly raised objections to votes cast on the grounds that persons would have either been dead or migrated.

Defending the coalition’s access to the death records, Caretaker Minister Cathy Hughes had told media operatives that the persons were identified by the party through its fieldwork and that the certificates were later applied for and the $300 fee paid.

An article was subsequently published in the State media on May 20, which identified a dead Essequibian as having voted despite being deceased.

The coalition’s claims not only ended when information came to light that the individual had not, in fact, been ticked off as having been issued a ballot but according to Nandlall, the family never gave permission to anyone to uplift the record.

According to the former Attorney General, he has since been in contact with the family which supplied him with a copy of the original death certificate.

That document juxtaposed against the one published by the Guyana Chronicle and held up as proof by the party, would reveal that the published document was issued on January 31 of this year.

Notably, it does not bear the identification number for the dead woman while the first certificate supplied by the family does bear the name.

The former Minister of Legal Affairs was quick to point out that himself and a cadre of party lawyers have since made themselves available to the family to prosecute the possible legal infractions.

He told media operatives it appears that APNU/AFC was securing the records by using Government apparatus to extract people’s personal documents without

An original death certificate issued by GPOC

their permission “and use it, worse yet for political purposes…we don’t know how many thousands of these have been generated for the purpose of this.”

According to the attorney-at-law, he will be advising the family of the deceased woman on how to proceed with prosecuting the matter, should they wish to pursue the infractions.

He posited that there could likely be hundreds if not thousands of such documents that have been generated by APNU/AFC. Nandlall was adamant that the records in question could only be accessed by family members and that this authorisation had not been provided.

According to Nandlall, the APNU/AFC, in addition to possibly breaching the Access to Information laws, could very well be guilty of a

The document obtained by APNU/AFC

range of other electoral-related legal infractions.

Speaking with members of the media, Nandlall was adamant the family had never applied for the document that was published in the State media.

“The family said they never applied for this document and an objection was taken here during the Region Two recount to say that this lady voted and when the name was checked on the list; when you check the List of Electors, her name was not marked off as an elector that voted.”

According to Nandlall, the production of the death certificate in consort with the agent’s objections were clearly unfounded and baseless.

In highlighting the affair, Nandlall said the “important thing is, how did they get this document?”

According to Nandlall, the “family did not authorise it, the family got their own document but someone in APNU/AFC got this document...this is an abuse of State power.”

He suggested, “we don’t know how many thousands of these [death certificates] have been generated for the purpose of this exercise; this is an offence and I will advise the family—wearing a different cap—on how to proceed with this because this is a serious matter.”

According to the PPP Executive Member “I have no doubt that there are hundreds or thousands of these, similar skullduggery that has been perpetrated by agents of APNU/AFC using the Government facilities and generating these documents to substantiate their baseless political objections that they’re raising here.”

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 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

Has the coalition lost all rationality?

T

he overtures by the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to continue to insult the intelligence of not only Guyanese but our bilateral development partners, who they have no qualms begging for aid, speak tangibly to the core values, or lack thereof, that characterise the body politic of the coalition.

The baby boomers who had first-hand experience of this culture of the PNC which has now transmuted itself into APNU/ AFC already knew what to expect. With the millennials now experiencing the same thing for themselves, the move by the party to try to invalidate the 2020 elections will only embarrass and isolate it further.

Many watched, in disgust, the virtual presentation by Joseph Harmon on the eve of Independence, as he continued to push the false narrative that the March 2 polls were rigged in favour of the PPP. This continual stream of allegations of electoral fraud is contrary to the position taken by President David Granger, who told the world on March 3, 2020 that the elections were “free, fair. and orderly”.

It should also be mentioned that the credible and transparent conduct of the elections was reinforced by GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, all the accredited observer groups (OAS, Commonwealth, EU, Caricom, Carter Center, PSC) as well as the diplomatic community.

Not long after the polls closed and the tabulation process was completed, the APNU/AFC knew that they had lost the elections. Not having any other option, the PNC/APNU was forced to do a somersault on the votes tabulation process in Region Four in order to hand a ‘victory’ to the APNU/AFC. As one letter writer stated, hardcore elements within the PNC are so immersed in holding onto power that they have become consumed in it, and, in the process, have lost rationality, fairness, compassion, and morality. The fraud perpetrated by Clairmont Mingo was not only clumsy in content, but it was also daring in modus operandi, having been committed in the full view of the world.

It is clear that the APNU/AFC’s current posturing is further exacerbated by the fact that their only intent for assuming the reins of power is for their own self-interest. While there are multiple examples that can be used to demonstrate their selfinterest, one only has to look at the US$40,000 per month that they are willing to spend on a lobbying firm to make their actions seem just and intelligible in the eyes of those who yield power in the US. The contract that they signed with this company is for one year. This translates roughly to in excess of 98 million Guyana dollars per year or $8 million per month. This spending has to be contextualised against the backdrop of the economic and pandemic constraints that are afflicting Guyanese.

There are countless persons who have been laid off and who have no means of fending for themselves and their families. A party that has its country at heart, or even its own constituents, would see it fit to utilise that $98 million to help them during this recessionary period. Eight million dollars per month can go a long way in helping the multitudes who cannot currently help themselves.

With it being clear at this juncture that the APNU/AFC have lost the 2020 elections, having failed in their attempts to rig and remain in power, the platitudes by the President that he intends to abide by the current recount declaration are fooling no one.

He says one thing, his senior Ministers and party functionaries say another. The case brought by Ulita Moore – an APNU candidate – should be a classic reference point of the President openly agreeing to a construct, while also supporting his party’s position to derail the same construct he openly committed to.

As the Caricom-supervised recount process continues to unearth the fraudulent moves to transgress the will of the people and based on the moves by the APNU/AFC to continue to derail the process, it is only logical for one to conclude that this party will try everything within their power to discredit the process to either have themselves sworn in with the fraudulent declarations of Mingo or have fresh elections as some of President Granger’s minions are alluding to.

Such reprehensible actions and conduct by any political party could inevitably lead to their demise as Guyana’s political culture slowly moves from blindly supporting parties based on race to supporting parties based on their morals, adherence to the Rule of Law, and proposed developmental policies.

Volunteers from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) National COVID-19 Multi-stakeholders' Response Forum distributing hampers in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

APNU/AFC torments Guyana with a daily dose of twisted mentality Dear Editor, The whole of Guyana continues to be very tense and precariously placed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but if you ask most Guyanese they will certainly express greater worry about the ongoing GECOM National Recount of votes cast at the General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020, hoping that the final outcome will end with a legitimate President being sworn in. However, it is quite reasonable to conclude that the recount is revealing more and more irrefutable evidence that exposes the magnitude of the fraud committed by the District Four RO, Mr Mingo, with his two malicious declarations. The declaration he made on March 13, 2020, is the genesis of the APNU/AFC early claims of victory but also the subject of the present recount. The revelations of the present recount process are enormously disputing their winning claims and for that, they have sunken to a new low. That new low has given rise to desperate and dangerous plots springing from the PNC/APNU/AFC operatives.

From the positive claims of winning the 2020 elections, they have somersaulted into crying foul. They have degenerated into relentless discrediting of the fairness and the credibility of the conduct of the said elections. To promote their hogwash, they have set up camp close to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre manned by the likes of Christopher Jones, Sherod Avery Duncan and others spilling out their unsubstantiated claims of bloated voters’ list, electoral fraud and narratives replete with lies and distortions to every media platform with impunity.

They focus their rhetoric in the PPP dominated areas but were all proven to be shots in the dark when they were embarrassingly caught zeroing in on one of their own strongholds. The number of anomalies they pointed out there were much more than the votes cast for the PPP. With the PPP/C well in the lead and the GECOM SoPs they have uploaded onto the internet, a victory in their favour is inevitable. So, given the public posturing of the APNU/AFC operatives, definitely, it does not give one the comfort that the final declaration of the recount will end peacefully.

To bolster their cravings and to prove wrongdoings at the elections they have come up with a bizarre action plan.

That is to use every platform available to relentlessly peddle their claims of anomalies, numbers of dead and migrated persons voting at the elections. That it was a preplanned collaborative doing by the GECOM staff and the PPP. The objective is to twist public opinion, to cause people to believe that the votes count does not matter, the process was contaminated and that is paramount. They have convinced themselves that once they stick to the script of continuously bombarding the public with the lies and fictitious claims people outside of their base will start believing them. Recent posturing seems to suggest that they have fallen back on one of the PNC seasoned and experienced players to lead that charge. Aubrey Norton’s recent showings at the media centre outside the ACCC has been doing just that. He has been rigorously imploring the media to carry his conversations and the PNC/APNU/

AFC messages of irregularities at the elections. He bluntly dismisses the votes count in the boxes and points an accusing finger at the PPP for elections rigging. He addresses the media, plucking numbers out of thin air of dead and migrated persons that voted without providing a shred of evidence. To sustain their ridiculousness, Mr Norton and other PNC/APNU/AFC operatives consistently attempt to impose their will on the media, insisting that they must believe their false claims and go tell the world. They must step out of the realm of their professionalism, think outside of the box and be party to their degrading mentality. His most recent statement to the media in which stated that it cannot be considered as anomalies anymore but a clear case of electoral fraud and rigging is definitely a move for ratcheting up their narrative. The media personnel on a daily basis are subjected to a barrage of bullying tactics; when asked to provide their source of evidence, Mr Norton and other PNC/APNU/AFC operatives would only say that the evidence will be provided at the right time and that it now GECOM to do the investigation.

The entire GECOM apparatus takes a daily battering from the PNC/APNU/AFC presenters while the GECOM Chairman, Retired Judge Claudette Singh seems unperturbed in a deafening silence, allowing them a free reign. The GECOM PRO in her daily updates stays clear of the APNU/AFC statements. This inaction on the part GECOM appears to suggest acceptance and lends a level of encouragement.

The GECOM Chairperson

was quick to reprimand Commissioner Sase Gunraj for speaking to what she said but is giving a free pass to the Mingo’s fraud and the PNC/APNU/AFC presenters of daily accusations of malpractice committed by the GECOM staffers on polling day. That stance gives rise to the suspicion of the Madam Chairperson displaying favouritism. The APNU/AFC leaders take pleasure in demeaning the efforts of their own field staff and agents in the polling place on E-Day, March 2, 2020. Having gone to that length to destroy their very own, it is chilling to imagine what they can do to others. The groundwork is being laid, the conditions are set forth for the danger that lies ahead.

While the APNU/AFC torments Guyana with a daily dose of twisted mentality, the GECOM demonstrates no intention of bringing a speedy end to this present morass they have brought onto the people. This nation is haemorrhaging badly in all directions and sectors and that needs to stop. The GECOM National Recount process must be sped up. The Chairman, Retired Claudette Singh, must assert the authority that the Guyana Constitution has vested in her and act now. Much more than two more workstations are needed along with extended daily working hours.

Even if it means going back to Commissioner Sase Gunraj’s proposal of twenty workstations, let it be to ensure the process concludes not much beyond the scheduled twenty-five workdays.

Respectfully, Parasram Persaud

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 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

can Burnham’s Voting from the grave How precious PNC members have Dear Editor, There have been more than 84 days since Guyanese voted in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and there is yet to be a free, fair and transparent outcome, as the evidence mounts of the systemic manipulation of votes by the Region Four Returning Officer, Claimont Mingo.

With the recount unravelling Mingo’s blatant fraud, the APNU/AFC caretaker counting agent has resorted to a turtle pace counting and allegations of irregularities in the recount process made by the APNU/AFC Government has resulted in lengthy delays in the daily proceedings.

For example, on multiple occasions, political party representatives have alleged that persons who had died prior to the March 2 election had been found to have cast a ballot.

The APNU/AFC raised spectre of voter fraud involving the identities of dead voters on March 2, 2020, is based on more fantasy than fact, Polling Stations across this country were presided over by GECOM officials and agents who came from the two prevailing political parties, there were all kinds of safeguards built into the checks and balances making this kind of scenario a virtual impossibility. In many communities of this country,

there are cases of persons with the same name, and the same birth dates which has led to inaccurate reports that “dead” people are voting, apparently it is the APNU/ AFC caretaker Government and cabals that believe that voting from the grave was the one element that rigged the elections and recounts.

APNU/AFC agents need to know that the allegations are all ridiculous because fraud by individual voters is a singularly foolish and ineffective way to attempt to win an election, however, GECOM’s new directive is only the serial numbers that are ticked off on the Official List of Electors (OLE) are to be recorded in the observation log, this must send a message to the APNU/ AFC agents.

Currently, the recount is being executed at the workstations from 08:00 to 19:00h, but Guyana’s Elections Commission (GECOM) officials have expressed that ballot boxes should not be opened after 05:30 pm, saying the ballots would not be counted before 07:00 pm. It had been proposed that the entire process would be completed within 25 days but so far there has been an average of less than 80 ballot boxes recounted each day. At that rate, the Commission would need to activate the suggestion or proposal of the

Opposition with the establishment of new stations, extending the cut off time to 06:00 pm for the ballot boxes to be extracted from the container, with only five days left from the proposed 25-day proposed timeline.

It will be a grave mistake for the David Granger caretaker Government to not allow, at minimum, TCC officials and The Carter Center mission to re-enter the country. In the eyes of the international community, Carter Center and TCC, as organisations of the United States, providing legitimacy to the electoral process in Guyana since 1992, this legitimacy is needed for the future of Guyana’s foreign relations once the recount ends and the COVID-19 pandemic subdues. For these reasons, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will continue to request the return of the TCC and Carter Center to observe the recount process while supporting Caricom as the leader of the international observer missions. Not only is the Caricom team Guyana’s most legitimate international observer but it is also its most invested.

Caricom understands that democracy must prevail based on the will of the Guyanese people, and to a larger extent, for the sake of the communities. Even amid

the COVID-19 pandemic and Guyana’s political situation, there is still optimism about the country’s potential.

However, to ensure there is a democratic and transparent National Recount, Guyana’s best possible outcome require the United States’ and the international community’s continuous pressure on the David Granger-led APNU/ AFC caretaker Government to increase the speed of the recount process.

Caricom, as a regional body, binds any elected Guyanese Government and its citizens to its Caribbean neighbours based on shared histories, values, and culture. While other international observers will have to leave Guyana once a decision is reached, Caricom Heads of Governments will remain observant as they are directly impacted by the actions of Guyana’s future President and Administration. GECOM must declare these results based on the recount. The United States and the international community have warned that Guyana could be isolated and even sanctioned if a President is sworn in on the flawed results, resulting in an uneasy standoff between the international community and the APNU/AFC. Sincerely, David Adams

We can only hope that the fat The PNC/APNU party regrettably been lady makes the right decision has making mistake

Dear Editor, Allow me to tell you a parable from Matthew 13:59, “And he spoke another parable before them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto a woman who, after buying much from the market place, cannot enter through the door of her house’” (NIV).

In my exegesis of this parable, I have observed quite a few things.

Firstly, our parabolic friend faces a crisis in her life. She comes home after buying the week’s groceries at the local market and is unable to open the door to enter her house to put her bundles down. For if she reaches for the door handle, she will drop and ruin some of her packages, but if she continues to cling to them, she will never enter into her house. Her predicament is a positive case of Catch-22, that no matter what choice she makes, she will lose something. The question is, what is she willing to lose?

In my second observation, I noticed that the New International Version mistranslated the Greek text of the New Testament in this instance. The Greek word pióngun? is a compound one, literally meaning “fat (pión) woman (gun?)”. Our parabolic friend, then, is obese. Perhaps she is obese from her gluttony, her over-indulgence and over-consumption of other people’s food, wealth, and political influences.

So, there she stands sweating, frustrated, and thinking from time to time of a constructive approach to her predicament but of little action, lest it cause her tremendous pain to act. She finds herself facing two alternatives: (1) either relieve herself of her baggage or (2) keep holding on to them and remain locked outside.

Editor, like many parables in Matthew 13, this one needs an in-

terpretation. So here is my interpretation of the parable of the fat lady in Matthew 13:59. The fat lady represents the church and Christianity in Guyana. She has grown “rich, and [has] become wealthy, and [has] need of nothing” (Rev 3:17). The door may be likened unto the way into the kingdom of heaven, with the door handle being the mission of the gospel.

The parable’s intended meaning is quite self-evident. The woman seeks to enter the kingdom of heaven through the door. But while she stands on the brink of the ultimate fulfilment of her mission, she finds herself trapped outside by baggage. What are they? They are her political biases. She wants to accomplish her Christ-centred mission in Guyana while at the same time bow to political masters.

Unfortunately, this does not tempt the woman to lay down her baggage, because as time passes, she gains her self-identity through participation in the arena of Guyana’s politics. Is it any wonder, then, that major denominations in Guyana are yet to issue public statements on the present political situation? Is it any wonder that denominational leaders and administrators of these churches are afraid to voice their disapproval of their members’ allegiance to a political party? Or of their wrongdoing during the tabulation process?

Or of their attempt to rig a free and fair election? The silence is deafening! If silence doesn’t speak of approval, then what does?

Editor, we can only hope that the fat lady makes the right decision, drops her baggage, and focuses on her true calling and mission.

Sincerely, Jonathan Edwards

after mistake!

Dear Editor, The PNC/APNU party has regrettably been making mistake after mistake with serious negative consequences on the citizenry of Guyana. One of the most serious recent blunders is the refusal to allow The Carter Center to continue their observation of the elections.

Consequences: (i) The Carter Center has been assisting Guyana over the last 30 years to build democracy. To ban the Center from continuing to observe the elections would show Guyana to be an ungrateful and dangerous country to which the developed world would give no aid or lend international support eg Venezuelan controversy. (ii) The Carter Center is a legally accredited observer of the elections and has the right to continue observing them.

To ban the Center from doing their work is illegal and a piece of lawlessness which is seen and known both locally and internationally. (iii) The US Ambassador has personally appealed to President Granger on behalf of the highest levels of the American Government to allow The Carter Center to return and continue to do the

work for which they are accredited. To provoke the most powerful country on Earth is neither safe nor sensible as the Arab countries, China and India have learnt after chastisement. (iv) If the final stages of the elections which The Carter Center should have observed turn out to be not credible or transparent, personal and national sanctions would be imposed as the US Government has long been warning. (v) All the political and popular forces in Guyana except the small group in the PNC who are determined the seize the elections by hook or crook and who seem to have made President Granger their prisoner want the return of The Carter Center. President Granger has one last chance of freeing and redeeming himself by immediately lifting his ban on The Carter Center.

We would ask all the political and NGO forces in Guyana, in particular the PPP/C, to be relentless in calling upon President Granger to do the right thing, both in his own and in the national interest.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

the country in such turmoil?

Dear Editor, On Tuesday, we should have celebrated this beautiful nation’s 54th year as an independent nation and it puts one to wonder about what it means to be an independent nation.

When you think of what makes a nation independent one must examine the contents of the Montevideo Convention.

In this Convention, the first Article highlights the four main criteria that are required for a nation to be considered a nation-state: first a permanent population, secondly a defined territory, third a governing body, and fourth the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Guyana safely has met the first two criteria. The third and fourth is currently very questionable. Our Government is an interim one as we await election results. The fourth is dependent on the third as threats of sanctions and talks of pariah state loom, based on the credibility of the elections.

As we observe this day, one can reflect on how we acquired our independence.

Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham from the period of 1960 lobbied to become independent. A constitutional conference which was

held in London on May 26, 1966, was set as the nation’s Independence Day. At this time, Burnham was the leader of the colony and became the first Prime Minister.

Burnham, at the constitutional conference, is quoted as saying: “Constitution I suppose are implemented or run by politicians but in the final analysis, Constitutions are not for politicians and political leaders and political parties, Constitutions are for people, that is why we insisted that any Constitution that was to come out of the conference should be such that would be acceptable to the majority of the people.

Compromises we were prepared to make, compromises we did make, but certain principles could not be compromised on. Such a principle is that of proportional representation.”

Reflecting on all of this today makes one wonder how can members of Burnham’s precious PNC have the country is such turmoil, claiming they won the elections and it was credible and now at the recounting process finding make-believe faults. Burnham must be rolling in his grave.

Sincerely, Nalinie

6

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers.

Below is the second part of Social Studies Paper 2, 2013 and English Language Paper 2, 2017

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

1. This paper consists of two sections: Section A and Section B. Section A consists of four letter topics.

Section B consists of four composition

topics.

2. You must answer one question from either Section A or Section B.

3. Write your letter or composition on the pages provided in this booklet.

4. Write your candidate number on each page that you use.

CONTINUED

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

OR

Study the map below, then answer question 5.

2. Your school has a new library, which is in need of resources including books, computers, charts and maps. Write a letter to your uncle in which you provide three reasons to convince him to make a donation to the new library.

OR

6. (a) Which two months have nearly the same amount of rainfall?

2 marks (b) Which main crop could be planted during the months of May, June and July?

1 mark

5. (a) Mark X on a non-English speaking CARICOM country. (b) What is the capital of the country lettered C? 1 mark 1 mark

(c) Which two outdoor activities can pupils in your school participate in during the months of September and October?

2 marks Total 5 marks

END OF TEST

(c) The 2012 Olympic medalist Usain Bolt is a citizen of the country lettered 1 mark

SECTION A

(d) Describe two ways in which Caribbean citizens could help foster greater integration.

2 marks

Answer ONE question in this section OR ONE question in Section B. In about 120-150 words, write a letter based on the information below.

Total 5 marks Study the following graph then answer question 6.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PAPER 2, 2017

1. It is the end of your primary school life and your class thinks that you should have one last opportunity to get together.

Write a letter to the head teacher of your school in which you provide three reasons to convince him or her that your class should have a farewell party.

3. The people in your community throw plastic bottles, old tyres and metal in the trenches and waterways. This has resulted in the breeding of pests such as mosquitoes and rats. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in which you give three reasons to convince the people of your community to adopt better waste disposal practices.

OR 4. Your cousin who was born overseas is trying to find a place to spend his/her August holidays. Write a letter to this cousin in which you give three reasons to convince him/her that Guyana is the most suitable place to spend the holidays.

OR SECTION B Answer ONE question in this section if you have not answered a question in Section A. In about 120-150 words, write a composition based on the information given below.

5. After watching a movie, you went to bed and had the scariest of nightmares. You awoke suddenly with beads of sweat streaming down your body. Write a composition describing what happened in the nightmare. Give your composition a suitable title.

OR 6. Write a story beginning with this sentence.

"The day began with all the children gathered excitedly in the school yard."

OR 7. Write a story ending with the words, "After that encounter, I now truly appreciate dogs."

OR 8. Write a story based on the picture below. Give your story a title.

(20 marks)

END OF TEST

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US repeats calls for free, fair, transparent and credible recount

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nternational pressure is mounting for the National Recount exercise being conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission to ascertain the votes cast on March 2 last, to be respected and conducted in a free and transparent manner.

This, as the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) continues to

US Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak

argue against the credibility of the March 2 poll, as the ongoing recount continues to unearth significant inflation of votes in its favour—the new count diminishing their fraudulently obtained votes.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday—in his Independence Day message to Guyana—called on the incumbent APNU/AFC Government to respect the

wishes of the voters.

Pompeo, using a social media platform, stated, “We urge the Government to respect the wishes of the voters, as peacefully expressed in the March 2 election.”

According to the US diplomat, “any recount should be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.”

Acting Assistant Secretary for the US

Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak has since also taken to social media to repeat the sentiments saying, “I echo the wishes of @ SecPompeo (sic) to the people of #Guyana for a Happy Independence Day.” According to Kozak, “I second his call for a free, fair, transparent and credible vote recount process,

leading to an outcome that reflects the will of the Guyanese people.”

Guyana’s 2020 electoral cycle and what has since been deemed a transparent attempt at electoral fraud, in addition to the ongoing recount have captured international attention and is even being used as a measuring stick of what some countries want to avoid in their electoral process.

As member of Commonwealth

Guyana expected to behave democratically, respect rule of law – British envoy

O

n the occasion of Guyana's 54th Independence anniversary, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn has reminded his host country of how important it is to adhere to democratic principles as a member of the Commonwealth.

In expressing best wishes to Guyana on Tuesday in a video broadcast, Quinn acknowledged the changes to the country since independence in 1966. In fact, he noted that there have been changes since he arrived in 2015.

"But the fundamental principles it is guided by, good governance, democracy and the rule of law, remains the same. As you would expect from a member of the Commonwealth, a membership we share," Quinn said.

Quinn went on to urge

whoever is declared the winner of the elections held almost three months ago, to govern in the interest of the people and implement, among other things, much-needed reforms.

"Whomever takes charge will have to rule for the benefit of every Guyanese citizen. Undertaking whatever constitutional reforms are necessary to ensure that happens."

"I look forward to seeing Guyana continue down its path of development.

Development which should [include] each and every citizen, as it should," he added.

Guyana, a member of the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), has seen its international standing shaken in the past few months.

This is because of

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn

the Guyana Elections Commission's (GECOM) handling of the vote tabulation, after the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

It has been so controversial that at one point, Quinn, and his European Union (EU), United States and Canadian counterparts were forced to walk out of the tabulation at the Region Four Returning Office.

At the heart of these controversies is Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, with several stakeholders making it clear prior to the recount underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre that he must play no further role in the process.

After the General and Regional Elections were held on March 2, 2020, the tabulation process went relatively smoothly for all the regions. That is until the process started in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the most populated region in the country.

Strange things began

happening as the tabulation got underway at the Returning Office at Ashmins building, High Street, Georgetown, with RO Mingo complaining of feeling unwell and being rushed to the hospital, his deputy staff refusing to continue the tabulation for various reasons, a GECOM staff being whisked away by Police after surreptitiously going into a room with a flash drive and computer and eventually, the count being suspended.

Mingo then returned, with a piece of paper and declared results over the objections of all the party agents present. That declaration was subsequently declared unlawful by the High Court, but Mingo would return to make another controversial declaration, this time at GECOM’s office in Kingston.

Prior to his second declaration, agents at the GECOM

office complained of being impeded from observing the counting process. Mingo’s refusal to show agents the original Statements of Poll (SoPs) is reported to have hampered the transparency of the process.

He then made his declaration and was whisked away under Police protection. Both of these declarations differed in number and were reportedly not tabulated from the official SoPs and have been rejected by everyone except A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

A unified international community has already warned Guyana that it could be isolated and even sanctioned if a President is sworn in on the flawed results, resulting in an uneasy standoff between the international community and the Government.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soesdyke man slapped with bigamy charge

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35-year-old man was on Friday charged for bigamy when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennon at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Michael Taylor of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, a ramp attendant attached to a private entity at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was accused of marrying for a second time although he is still married to his first wife.

Taylor, a father of two, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that he committed bigamy and was

Bigamy accused: Michael Taylor

released on $50,000 bail. He will make his next court appearance on July 9, 2020.

Based on reports received, the man’s first wife, Shena Somerset, 32, made a call to the police after discovering that her husband had gotten married to another woman in February without legally filing for a divorce.

This publication understands that Taylor and his first wife tied the knot in August 2015 but their relationship has been quite a rocky one.

The couple separated in November 2019, which saw Taylor moving out of the

Essequibo labourer sentenced to 1 year for illegal shotguns, ammo

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58-year-old man was slapped with a oneyear sentence and fined $100,000 for the possession of illegal shotguns and ammunition when he appeared at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Chandra Shankar, also known as “Rooplall” or “Zappa” of Hoff-Van-Aurich Backdam, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam and pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

The charges detailed that on May 24, 2020, at his

The two illegal shotguns found at the man’s home

home, he had two improvised shotguns along with seven live rounds of ammunition when he was not a holder of a firearm licence.

The court heard that on the day in question, at around 14:00h, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

swooped down on Shankar’s home and carried out a search during which two improvised shotguns and the ammunition were unearthed.

One empty cartridge and two dismantled weapons were also found.

marital home and going to live with another woman.

The man’s first wife claimed that she had no contact with Taylor since then.

Nevertheless, Somerset, after receiving news that her husband was remarried, went to the Registrar’s Office at the Guyana Post Office Corporation and sought advice. There she was told that he had committed a crime and the police were contacted.

Taylor and Somerset are currently engaged in a court case over his failure to support his children financially.

Somerset said she was forced to summon her husband to pay child support since he stopped maintaining his children. The man is currently in three months default on payments, totalling some $97,000.

Labourer gets 3 years for ganja cultivation

Charged: Trelon Frank

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21-year-old labourer was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for cultivating a prohibited plant after he appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Trelon Frank, of Lot 41 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

He was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, contrary to Section 8 (1ai) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act, Chapter 10/10.

The court heard that on May 21, 2020, Police travelled to Gaettroy and De Veldt, communities along the Berbice River, where they found approximately three acres of cannabis plants. There were reportedly 13,000 plants ranging from six inches to two feet in height.

In addition, a nursery with about 3000 seedlings, 15 pounds of dried ganja, and five camps were also found and destroyed.

The suspect was reportedly found in the fields and as such, he was arrested and charged.

In the beginning…

T

…was the rig his is being written on Independence Day. It’s supposed to be a Public Holiday, but over at the ACCC, it’s no rest for the wicked. The wicked PNC agents, that is, who’re diligently coming up with wackier and wackier daily “objections” as to why the voting process was subverted by the PPP. The latest came from Granger’s aide de camp.

The ex-Lt Colonel’s objection involved hundreds of random Presiding Officers at Polling Stations not properly stamping Disciplined Forces ballots before intermixing them with civilian ballots!! These PNC types must really have a thing against GECOM Presiding Officers for painting them all with the brush of corruption – never mind that most of them probably support the PNC. For the same reason that the Lt Colonel insisted the spoiled Disciplined Forces votes were for the PNC!!

But no one should be surprised that the PNC minions would act in this lowdown manner that confirms their unsuitability for getting independence! Wasn’t it their “founder leader” Forbes Burnham who rigged the 1968 elections – just two years after Guyana was made independent? He used to prance about in the uniform of a two-star General, even though he’d never ever even been a boy scout much less a soldier!! But the present army types lot at the top of the government probably figure that Burnham was signalling them that rigging was part and parcel of their operational manoeuvres as they moved up the chain of command.

They did get directly involved when they rigged the 1973 elections for Burnham – and killing a couple of civvies for good measure. Burnham, however, would’ve been very disappointed with their heavy-handedness as exemplified by their Mingo Manoeuvre. He must be ruing the day he selected David Granger to be his man in the army after sending him away to Mons. But what did he expect from a man whose most noteworthy quality was tattling on his senior officers? Tattling made Burnham move aside several layers above Granger from the army hierarchy to place him at the head, when Rodney was making inroads in that institution.

Is it too late to hope after fifty years of betrayal, the PNC might do the right thing?

Nah…rigging’s in their blood. …things looked rosy One of the most shameful things about our independence, fifty-four years down the road, is the bitter aftertaste of “what might have been”. What might have been if a less unprincipled cad and bounder than Burnham had acceded to power. Lee Kwan Yu wrote in his book “From Third World to First”, how at the time of independence, he envied the British colonies in the West Indies.

We had everything, he said. Resources, location in the west, an educated ruling class etc, etc. But as the years went by, he noted that while the latter were “educated”, they loved to talk more than to do. They were “men of words” and not “men of action”. He marvelled how he’d meet them at Heads of Commonwealth Meetings and they’d spout all sorts of theories of “underdevelopment” and “colonialism”, etc…but just wouldn’t do a single realistic thing to actually free their countries.

And we still have that quality in the present lot of PNC leaders.

Talkers not doers. And bullies. …but not the end But your Eyewitness is hopeful that this too shall end.

He’s hopeful because he saw in this election enough folks from the traditional PNC camp have decided that enough is enough.

And have sent a message in the ballot boxes.

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

LJP fingers Myers in plot to delay GECOM recount …laments democracy under threat on Independence anniversary

D

eputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Roxanne Myers is once again under scrutiny, this time from Presidential Candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman, who has accused her of deliberately trying to delay the National Recount exercise underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Decked in traditional Indigenous garb to mark the country’s Independence Anniversary, Shuman on Tuesday expressed concern over the slothfulness of the recount and the fact that close to three months after the March 2 polls, Guyana is yet to get credible results.

According to Shuman, the state of affairs with regards to the continued de-

Presidential Candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Lenox Shuman

lay tactics being executed during the recount were being perpetrated by a number of individuals, naming Myers as one that is in-

volved.

“What we see inside is a continued delaying process to undermine the legitimate elected Government that should emanate out of this process,” he stated.

Shuman told media operatives encamped in the makeshift media centre outside of the ACCC venue that “yesterday [Monday], for example, I was informed that one of the Commissioners was supposed to go and walk around the stations with Ms Myers, the DCEO, at 05:00 pm yesterday eve-

ning. Yet, at quarter to five, Ms Myers departed the facility and did not return until close to 06:00 pm in the evening when a majority of the stations would have been wrapping up.”

Myers’ departure had also been confirmed by GECOM People’s Progressive Party/Civic Commissioner Sase Gunraj, who was also supposed to have accompanied Myers on that activity.

He too had reported that Myers, at the scheduled time, was absent, but later turned up.

Guyana Times understands the activity by the Secretariat and Commissioners had been planned as part of measures aimed at accelerating the recount process.

As such, Shuman in his discourse with media operatives concluded that “there is a deliberate attempt to stall this democratic process.”

This is not the first time that Myers’ intentions and actions have been under question since it was the DCEO who was seen giving Foreign Affairs Minister, Karen Cummings, a phone to receive a call moments after the Minister had threat-

ened electoral observers to revoke their accreditation.

The international observers had at the time questioned the credibility of the Region Four count that was being declared

by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

It was also Myers who demanded that a GECOM Commissioner leave the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) when he attempted to keep watch of the ballot containers when they were first taken to the Centre for a recount.

Shuman on Tuesday took the opportunity to observe that May 26 is Independence Day but refrained from sending out ‘Happy Independence Day’ greetings to Guyanese in light of the prevailing circumstances “Here we are 54 years later that the very tenets, the very underpinnings of what constitutes an independent, democratic [nation] are under threat in this Arthur Chung Convention Centre,” he lamented.

Shuman used the opportunity to also point out that Guyana’s neighbour, Suriname, had its polling day on Monday and that the results are expected to

Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Roxanne Myers

emerge a few days later.

According to Shuman, “it is unfortunate that 54 years after we would have gained independence, and we would have been recognised as an Independent State, that we are at this juncture – only to be outdone by our neighbours who nine years after us, gained independence and can produce electoral results with integrity two days after they have run elections,” the Presidential Candidate posited.

He concluded, “here we are being schooled by a younger State in how we could execute a democratic process!”

10 NEWS relaxes tuition fees Stranded Guyanese overseas UG amid COVID-19 pandemic to be repatriated in phases WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…will be quarantined upon return

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport

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few days after the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) granted approval for a number of stranded Guyanese to be repatriated, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has indicated that they will phase out the process.

Over 300 persons have indicated their wish to return after being unable to do so when international borders closed. The Ministry stated that to control the spread of the virus, there are a few steps which will be undertaken before and after entering these shores.

“You are required to plan your return in coordination with and on approval from the Government of Guyana. This will enable control of the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and protect the health and safety of all citizens dwelling there, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Further, in the interest of public health and safety, approvals for re-entry will be phased in a manner deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Public Health, as the designated quarantine authority, and other key Government en-

tities,” the Ministry informed.

To be accepted onto one of the incoming flights, Guyanese nationals must complete the application for entry form. This form can be found on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website as well as on those of Guyana’s overseas missions — embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates.

Subsequently, an e-mail confirming receipt of application would be issued followed by confirmation of the intended date of travel.

The Ministry cautioned that these persons should expect the precautionary procedures which will greet them in Guyana.

It stated, “Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana. This is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry. It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed.”

After mounting calls and accu-

sations of leaving its people stranded, the Task Force decided to allow 19 Guyanese students from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and 70 Guyanese cruise ship workers attached to Royal Caribbean to return home.

In addition, the Task Force approved applications from four TMC Chair, Professor Paloma Mohammed Guyanese in St Vincent to return home via SVG Air. Applications he University of Guyana (UG) from 10 Guyanese in St Maarten has clarified that it will not be to return were also approved. demanding tuition fees from stuHowever, the Task Force took dents, amid signals that the institution pains to warn that any person has been requesting payments as per who tests positive for COVID-19 normal. will not be permitted entry into The Transitional Management Guyana and that all arriving pas- Committee (TMC), which oversees opersengers must undergo the PCR ations until a new Vice Chancellor is aptesting. pointed, noted that these fees will be re“The approvals are subject to laxed during the COVID-19 pandemic. the satisfaction of all requirements “The TMC wishes to reiterate to stuof the Ministry of Public Health dents that there is currently no enforced and other relevant Ministries and deadline for payment of fees and the agencies, and the cost of return university has not and is not demandbeing covered by the applicants. ing fees at this time and in these circumAll approvals are subject to: All stances. It is hoped that this clarification requirements of the Ministry of brings relief to any student for whom Public Health and other relevant the situation was not clear. Students Ministries and agencies being ful- are asked to refer to the university’s filled. Results of COVID-19 tests HRMIS, SRMS and official website for being provided 48 hours in ad- further updates and all official notificavance of arrival.” tions,” the University stated in a release They warned that if a pre-test to the media on Monday. is not available, prior written conLast week, a blanket note was sent sent is required from each arriv- by the Registry Division via UG’s ining passenger for quarantine if ternal Students Records Management deemed necessary by the Public Systems (SRMS) in response to queries Health Ministry. They also em- made and also provided an explanation phasised that the applicants or on what new online procedures are now their employers have to bear all in place to facilitate payments during costs for their return. this period.

T

It went on to say that those who have the means to pay can do so while others experiencing difficulties can make use of the relaxed deadlines. In explaining a possible ‘mix-up’, the university stated that deadlines should not be read as a demand for payment of fees.

Other concerns, which were not addressed in the release, circled the need to pay supplementary fees for campus utilities as they are not using these amenities. On social media and other platforms, it was highlighted that library fees are still compulsory as UG’s gates remain closed.

This is the second time the university has clarified information leaving its communication channel. Prior to this, there was some confusion in its intended date to reopen the Turkeyen and Tain campuses.

Last Friday, the institution indicated that the TMC said that no definite date for the return to face-to-face classes has been announced. It went on to say that a ‘full-scale return’ to campus before the end of June was not envisaged at present. However, stakeholders can look forward to an update next week.

Initially, the University had considered dates in May and June for the full reopening of campus. The last announced date was June 1. In that earlier statement, the administration noted that students continued to face challenges in accessing lectures online.

Initially, the institution had proposed a reopening date of May 6, but owing to the progression of the COVID-19 curve, this date was changed.

Some 30 measures were taken to enhance hygienic practices on campus for when physical sessions commence.

Additionally, UG has sought to expand the range of communication mediums to offer better online engagements.

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger says he “resents allegations of rigging” ...ignores recount has proven Mingo rigged Reg 4 votes

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aretaker President David Granger has sought to assure that he cannot swear himself in and moreover, he has every intention of complying with whatever declaration the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) makes in accordance with the Constitution.

Granger was at the time making an appearance on Lite Radio on Tuesday, where he appealed for patience as GECOM follows due process.

He acknowledged that while the process is slow, it is a lawful one.

“I only ask that we allow the present process, which may be slow but it is lawful.

Allow that process to come to an end. I’ve undertaken publicly, privately, in word and in deed, I’ve given every assurance that under the law and the Constitution, I will abide by the declaration of the Election Commission.”

“I can do no other. I cannot swear myself in as President.

I cannot defy the courts. I cannot defy the Elections Commission,” Granger also maintained during the radio programme.

Granger called Tuesday a special day, since he was sworn in on May 26, 2015, as Guyana’s President.

According to him, it is important that Guyanese be patient and await the declaration of the results.

“I’d urge the entire population of Guyana, to be patient and await the declaration of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

Persons in A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) have been on record saying that the President should be sworn in based on the report currently in GECOM’s possession.

This report contains the declaration of the Returning Officer. The problem, however, is that the Region Four declaration, which would have given APNU/AFC enough votes to win the election, is tainted by widespread allegations of fraud.

Tainted

The recount has shown that the declaration of Region Four Returning officer Clairmont Mingo, was inflated to favour the coalition. In addressing the claims that he has tried to rig the election, Granger expressed resentment over those charges.

“I have not done anything wrong. The Government has not done anything wrong.

Caretaker President David Granger

And I really resent the allegations of rigging and hypocrisy and unlawful behaviour, which have been levelled against me personally and against my Government.”

“As far as I know, the process from March 2nd, even prior, remains uninterruptedly, within the authority of the Election Commission,” he said.

In fact, the main opposition, PPP, contends that a recount of the ballots cast in just 87 of the more than 400 ballot boxes that Mingo declared has confirmed that there was an inflation of figures for APNU/AFC, equivalent to the 2015 margin of victory declared.

This was according to opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic Executive, Anil

Nandlall, who during a media engagement on Friday, told reporters “our latest analysis of Mingo’s fraud shows that in 87 boxes so far, Mingo fraudulently allocated to APNU/AFC a total of 4495 votes and reduced the PPP votes by 758.”

In the case of Providence, an examination of merely 23 boxes showed that Mingo added 1068 votes to APNU/AFC, and subtracted 341 votes from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – representing a total variance of 1409 votes from the corresponding Statements of Poll (SoPs) for those 23 boxes.

As though to counter this, APNU/AFC agents have made a slew of objections against electors since the re-

count began, claiming that they were either dead or out of the country. Despite constant requests for proof, the party has failed to provide proof of dead/migrated voters for whom ballots were issued.

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

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

The APNU/AFC agent at

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

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

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Air Link launches expansion in Guyana with 90 days free TV for GTT Blaze customers

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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT) Blaze customers are set to benefit from 90 days of free Television (TV), complements of Air Link.

Air Link, a digital entertainment company that has a proven track record of delivering premium quality IPTV services in HD quality to regional markets, has announced an expansion of its services in Guyana.

CEO of Air Link Guyana, Riyad Mohammed underscored that the expansion drive would be launched with a new offer of 90 days free TV, available exclusively to customers of GTT’s

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

Blaze internet service.

“This offer is valid to all new Air Link customers who sign up for the service before June 15, 2020, and will thereafter enjoy 90 free days of free entertainment”, he revealed.

Commenting on the announcement, GTT CEO Justin Nedd said the decision by Air Link to choose GTT was a resounding vote of confidence in GTT’s Blaze internet product, which provides fast and reliable fibre-optic service for enhanced streaming, video capabilities and a better overall customer viewing experience.

“GTT’s commitment to delivering a world-class consumer experience to all of our Blaze customers includes knowing what customers want and adding value in unexpected ways. This is why we are pleased that Air Link has selected GTT

to benefit from their premium digital TV services,” Nedd said.

T h e new Air Link service will offer free unlim it ed access to more than 140 channels inclusive of all the popular categories of sport, entertainment and news from major international providers, in addition to local content.

Air Link underscored that all GTT Blaze custom-

ers would benefit from the offer which would provide viewers in Guyana with a superior quality TV experience, and the lowest rates available in the country.

Blaze customers signing up for the new service will access benefits including no hidden fees and no commitments, with cancellation available at any

time. The Air Link TV app is available for Amazon Fire Stick users as well as any Android phone and tablet user through Google Play and the Amazon App Stores.

Air Link customers can register up to five (5) devices per account. Air Link TV also works on GTT’s Mobile Network so that customers can enjoy on-the-go TV access.

Meanwhile, Nedd said another advantage was the ease with which customers could set up their Air Link service, adding that to continue watching after the 90-day trial, customers can simply pay for their TV subscription using MMG.

Rupununi Chamber of Commerce urges urgent closure of border

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he Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has called on the National COVID-19 Task Force to close Guyana’s border with Brazil for the next three months, as the neighbouring country is now considered South America’s epicentre for the virus.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Chamber indicated that Guyana does not have the capacity to handle a stark increase in cases and locally, health authorities have already been confronted with new cases.

As such, the recommendation has been made for the border to be opened only when it is deemed safe, since Brazilians will come into the country for various reasons if the opportunity is provided. Furthermore, most of the past visitors came from villages which have been highly impacted

by COVID-19.

“Presently, Guyana does not have the capacity to handle any drastic increase of the infection of our population. The number of positive COVID-19 cases have been slowly climb-

sons would not normally be required to undergo any major checks upon entering the Port Complex at Lethem and most times a visual check is conducted by Guyanese authorities of the persons entering and leaving.

The Task Force was cautioned, “Some of these persons come from Manaus, The Takutu Bridge, which links Guyana to Brazil, has remained closed

ing and in order to ensure that this does not get out of control, we need to ensure the Guyana-Brazil border remains closed to people traffic until the situation in Brazil is under control,” RCCI said.

Two months ago, the Guyana-Brazil international border at the Takutu River Bridge was officially closed, in effort to prevent a spread of the deadly coronavirus, especially in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and throughout the Rupununi. Since then, only priority goods are allowed to enter Guyana on Thursdays, after a sanitisation process by the Public Health Ministry and the Guyana Livestock

Development Authority (GLDA).

“So far, it seems that the decision to close the border is justified and has helped in a significant way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Guyana into Lethem and the wider Rupununi Region. Brazil is now the second most infected country in the world and in the State of Roraima the infection rate is increasing by almost 100 persons every day,” the Chamber recognised.

It shared that on any normal day, hundreds of Brazilians from the Northern States of Brazil would visit Lethem to shop for merchandise and return to Brazil. These per-

which is almost 1000 km away from Lethem.

Manaus presently has over 29,000 persons infected and Boa Vista almost 2500.

Presently, hospitals in both cities are overwhelmed with patients. The recovery rate is slow and the death rate continues to climb.”

Additionally, gold prices would attract Brazilians

to travel to Georgetown and throughout the interior locations for emplopyment, carrying a mighty risk of COVID-19 with them.

At present, there has been no indication as to when the curfew and partial lockdown will be relaxed, even as Government proposed a June 3 timeline.

COVID-19 assistance must be efficient in order to be effective – FITUG

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he assistance by the Social Protection Ministry given to vulnerable groups within the population has come under the watchful eyes of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

The Federation stated that it recognises that the de facto Granger Government has decided to provide some form of assistance to those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federation is reiterating its call for the State to provide assistance to the thousands of affected Guyanese during this trying time.

“In as much as we are heartened by this development, we must share that we were disturbed to learn that even at this late stage, the touted relief is not immediate. Dishearteningly rather, we see affected and now distraught Guyanese are being asked to submit a request to determine their eligibility,” FITUG explained.

The Union body also pointed out the absence of information regarding the period before a request would be considered.

Further, the Federation questioned the financing of the touted initiative, given that the Government is in caretaker mode.

“This, we believe, is a critical element and the si-

lence, of course, causes us to become anxious. Certainly, we hope this matter could be quickly cleared up and all the ambiguities addressed.

The already too long delay in commencing the initiative means that the process ought to be efficient if it is to be effective and thus mitigate against hardships being faced by many,” the missive stated.

The Union is also calling for the initiative to be broadbased, given that the assistance only applies to persons benefiting from the public assistance programme and those who have applied for assistance but are awaiting a response along with individuals who lost their income after the coronavirus outbreak.

“We have been saying, the initiative must be broadbased and take account of the many obligations of families which have been affected by the prevailing sit-

uation. To seek to address a few while ignoring others can have its own effects and, therefore, we have high expectations that a comprehensive package would be provided.”

Moreover, the Federation stated that it is hopeful that those needy families can be quickly identified and assistance is fast-tracked to them in this time of need while noting that the installation of a legitimate Government premised on the will of the Guyanese people has been a severe setback.

“Many persons have shared publicly their stories of anguish which have collectively tugged at the heartstrings of the nation.

It is indeed saddening that they have had to suffer for such a considerable period but the absence of proactive leadership by the authorities in this pandemic period, we contend, is to blame,” the missive concluded.

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 months after Mahaica floods, residents say not ready for another disaster

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ome eight months after a flood devastated Mahaica, the Hydrometeorological Office has issued a flood warning alert to residents of the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), including those of that very village, which was under water for weeks.

In an advisory, the Agriculture Ministry noted that rainfall accumulation was expected to range from 15.0 millimetres (mm) to 60.0mm over the next few days along coastal regions.

Residents in Mahaica, who were affected by last year’s flood, say the communities are not prepared for such high intensity rainfall.

In fact, the breach which occurred last year causing

Anika Bissoon’s yard was flooded back in September

several weeks of flooding has not been remedied as yet.

On September 28, the sea defence at Dantzig gave

What used to be rice fields is now barren land

away causing massive destruction to both farmland and residential communities. Carlton Hall, Harmony Hall, Glaziers Lust, Prospect, Highdam, Rebeccas Lust, Brooms Hall, Bath, Quakers Hall, Dekenren, Zealand and Planters Hall were all under water.

The residents claimed that they have not fully recovered from that devastation, but the Hydromet Office has now predicted that all regions will experience above-normal rainfall until July. Above-normal high tide is expected be-

tween June 1 and June 8.

At Highdam, one of the areas worst hit by last year’s flood, residents said that even though efforts have been made to seal the breach, the community has still been experiencing severe flooding when it rains.

Janette Bhandu, who had several inches of water in her backyard, told Guyana Times that the current rainfall has left smelly water in her yard.

She, nevertheless, stated that she was happy for the work done so far to seal the breach.

“But I don’t know when the high tides come again.

We are scared,” she added, noting that the breach has not been sealed, thus still allowing salt water to enter their community.

Back in September, Anika Bissoon had at least three feet of water in her house and as such, lost everything she had in her garden.

“I lost everything, so I am trying to do whatever I could do, because I am not working and not getting any assistance from anywhere,” the single parent said as she tilled the soil around her to-

Deo Lalchand is constructing a boat in preparation for another flood

mato plants.

Even as she is making those strides, Bissoon says they are not prepared for the May-June rains.

“They have not done much. There is so much to be done…. Whatever they did at the breach there, the water is still washing in. Many times, when the tide comes in, it washes away the stuff that they put there,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Deo Lalchand is in the process of constructing a boat as he

tries to make preparations for the worst.

Meanwhile, authorities have not been providing public updates as to progress made with sealing the Dantzig breach and other breaches which have since occurred.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is urging residents in communities that are prone to flooding to take all the necessary precautions.

Ogle youth killed in Saffon St accident

Ex-convict nabbed after throwing A prohibited items into NA Prison

Several packs of cigarettes were discovered

Cellphones recovered at NA Prison on Tuesday

n ex-convict was on Tuesday morning nabbed after he threw a bag containing a number of prohibited items into the compound of the New Amsterdam Prison, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The incident occurred sometime around 05:00h.

The suspect is a resident of Caracas, Mount Sinai, West Canje, Berbice, and has previ-

pursued and apprehended a short distance away. He was later identified as a former " guest of the State at the said institution”.

The bag that was thrown into the prison compound was retrieved by ranks.

The prohibited items in the bag included: 11 transparent bulky parcels containing 1638 grams of suspected cannabis; 140 packs of

Pall Mall cigarettes; 10 packs of ‘bambu’ wrappers; three packets of ziplock bags containing a quantity of tobacco leaves; three cellular phones with SIM cards; two phone chargers; an ear-piece and two energy drink bottles containing suspected alcohol.

The suspect was handed over to the Police, and was currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

a top official of the Guyana Police Force, who noted

that an investigation is currently underway but the three ranks are under close arrest.

The senior police officer explained that the corporal, along with the ranks, should have tendered the outboard engine for investigation but they did not do so.

The corporal is currently at the Technical Services Unit (TSU) as the investigation continues.

A

ously served time at the same penitentiary.

According to reports received, ranks of the New Amsterdam Prison Service Task Force were conducting regular routine checks around the perimeter of the Prison when they observed a male tossing a bulky bag over the penitentiary's wall before fleeing.

The suspect was quickly

Corporal under close arrest for selling seized outboard engine

A

corporal attached to the Number 51 Police Station on the Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has landed himself in hot water after he allegedly sold a seized outboard engine.

According to information received, the corporal, along with two other ranks, went to the home of a fisherman and seized the outboard engine and later sold

it to someone else.

This was confirmed by

23-year-old man is now dead after he was involved in an accident after the curfew began, on Monday at Saffon and Sussex Streets, Georgetown.

Dead is Terry Danraj, of Ogle Railway Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to information received, Danraj succumbed to his injuries around 13:30h on Tuesday while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Danraj was the lone passenger in motor car PSS 1314 when it collided with a trailer at approximately 21:00h on Monday at Saffon and Sussex Streets, Georgetown.

As a result of the collision, the East Coast Demerara resident suffered severe head injuries and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state. He reportedly took his last breath without

Dead: Terry Danraj

regaining consciousness.

Meanwhile, the driver of the car was also hospitalised, but his condition is listed as stable.

The car was reportedly proceeding north along Saffon Street at a fast pace when it crashed into the trailer and pinned Danraj in the process.

Investigations are ongoing.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GCCI calls on authorities Vote counting in Suriname to help mitigate suspended due to ‘tired staff’ bullyism in schools

GCCI representatives handing over the donation to Shashamani Williams

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is calling on relevant authorities to engage in measures to mitigate bullying in schools in Guyana.

However, to make the first move, GCCI donated to Shashamani Williams, the teen who was stabbed in her back in Linden, Region 10, earlier in the year.

The 14-year-old female teenager hails from Linden and attends the Linden Foundation Secondary School. On January 24, 2020, Williams was stabbed with a military calibre knife during a brawl with a schoolmate after leaving school.

This stabbing was linked to a scenario where she was the victim of sustained bullying in the school setting,

which can be traced to the causative factor of a materially poor single-parent family background.

As Shashamani battled for her life for many weeks at the Linden Hospital Complex, she was given much-needed support by Empower Guyana Consultancy in collaboration with the Rights of the Child Commission.

Importantly, having recovered from her injury she is endeavouring to take her education seriously. With her medical state and COVID-19, she recognised the need for a computer workstation. On the advocacy of Empower Guyana, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry readily agreed to provide a computer station for the 14-year-old.

According to the Chamber, they were overjoyed with the gratefulness and joy exuded by Williams as she received the gift in the presence of Secretary of the Chamber, Shaleeza Shaw, CEO of the Rights of the Child Commission and Founder of Empower Guyana Consultancy, Amar Panday, her mom and two siblings.

“We are calling on the relevant authorities to work on stamping out bullyism in our schools”, GCCI reiterated.

Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the main Opposition candidate vying for the presidency in Suriname, has predicted victory (file photo)

V

ote counting from Suriname's National Assembly elections was suspended Tuesday as the governing party trailed in announced returns, with authorities saying electoral personnel were exhausted a day after widespread problems in voting.

Opposition parties and good government groups already had raised claims of irregularities on Election Day, and the suspension brought new questions about the dangers of electoral fraud.

The vote count was halted with 73 per cent of the ballots counted, and President Desi Bouterse’s National Democratic Party appeared headed for defeat. If the trend held up, his party would drop from a majority 26 seats to 16 in the 51-seat Parliament. Chan Santokhi's Opposition United Reform

WHO says the Americas are new COVID-19 epicentre as deaths surge in Latin America

T

he Americas have emerged as the new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a Tuesday briefing, as a US study forecast deaths surging in Brazil and other Latin American countries through August.

“Now is not the time for countries to ease restrictions,” Dr Carissa Etienne, WHO Director for the Americas and head of the Pan American Health Organisation, said via videoconference.

The Americas have registered more than 2.4 million cases of the new coronavirus and more than 143,000 deaths from the resulting COVID-19 respiratory disease. Latin America has passed Europe and the United States in daily infections, she said.

“Our region has become the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Etienne said, as other PAHO Directors warned there were “very tough” weeks ahead for the Region and Brazil has a long way to go before it will see the pandemic end.

Party would rise to 20 seats from nine.

Electoral officials said they had no choice but to stop the vote count.

“We’ve been running for 36 hours. I understand everyone’s desire to hear the results, but we’re just people,” Mike Nerkust, Chairman of the chief polling station, told Apintie Television.

He said there shouldn’t be any worries about the ballots. “There are Police; there are soldiers and there are people from the political parties and camera systems who keep an eye on the ballot boxes tonight,” he said.

Bouterse, a 74-yearold former coup leader and strongman who has been convicted of murder and drug smuggling, was hoping to ride the elections into another term despite Suriname's economic problems, which include a foreign debt that experts say cannot be repaid and high inflation. The new National Assembly will select the President in August.

An observer mission from the Organisation of American States (OAS) and local groups reported numerous irregularities during voting Monday, and some Surinamese voiced worries about the halt in vote count-

ing.

However, a mission from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) called the criticism “heavily exaggerated”. At a news conference, the regional organisation's team said, "Attention has been paid to almost all serious reports of possible electoral fraud. The mission has not been able to establish this anywhere.

Local organisations disagreed with that assessment.

The head of the independent Electoral Bureau, Jennifer van Dijk-Silos, called it “the most chaotic elections" she has ever experienced. Dew Sharman, an Opposition lawmaker, reported seeing already open ballot boxes being delivered to the counting centre at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall.

“I’m staying here tonight to make sure no one gets to the ballots,” Pakitow Biervliet of another opposition party, Justice and Development, said during a report via Facebook from the Sports Hall.

A victory for Santokhi's party would not assure him of the presidency. A two-thirds vote by the Parliament is required to win the presidency, so Bouterse's party could block him. (ABC News)

4, including 2 Venezuelans, shot dead in Trinidad

I

Gravediggers work during a mass burial of people who passed away owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Parque Taruma cemetery in Manaus, Brazil, May 26, 2020

Also of concern to WHO officials are accelerating outbreaks in Peru, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

As Brazil’s daily death rate became the world’s highest on Monday, a University of Washington study warned that the country’s total death toll could climb five-fold to 125,000 by early August.

The forecast from the university’s Institute

for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) came with a call for lockdowns that Brazil’s right-wing President, Jair Bolsonaro, has resisted.

The current data projects COVID-19 deaths in Peru totalling nearly 20,000 by August, IHME said, indicating demand is likely to outstrip of the supply of beds in intensive care units.

The latest IHME mod-

el projections see deaths rising to nearly 12,000 in Chile, 7000 in Mexico, 6000 in Ecuador, 5500 in Argentina and to 4500 in Colombia by August.

One country in the region doing relatively well against COVID-19 is Cuba, where the IHME forecasts a death toll of just 82 by August while testing continues to outpace the outbreak. (Reuters)

n a dark bushy field in New Grant during the wee hours of Monday, four people including two Venezuelans were lined up and shot dead by multiple gunmen.

Police have identified the victims as Aaron George, 35, Venezuelan national Guimar Jose Rausseo Marcano, aka Maria, and Darnel Mitchell, 35, of Sado Road, South Manzanilla Road, Manzanilla.

The fourth victim, also a Venezuelan, was identified as Jose Seranno. Police have no information on his occupation or address.

Police said George had three addresses, the first in Balmain Couva where he lived with his wife, another in Fyzabad and the

third at Hope Road, Princes Town which he shared with Marcano.

Initial investigations reveal that there was a drug link to the quadruple killings.

A source who requested anonymity said the four victims were brought to the dark area where they were killed execution-style.

George attempted to run and he fell face down on the right side of Daily Road, New Grant.

The other three bodies were found lying face down a short distance off the road.

The area does not have electricity or street lights and is usually cultivated by gardeners. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

16 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

18 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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20 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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S

ri Lanka Cricket on Tuesday suspended pacer Shehan Madushanka from all forms of cricket after he was found with alleged possession of illegal drugs.

The statement on the site read, “Sri Lanka Cricket decided to suspend Shehan Madushanka from all forms of cricket, with immediate effect.”

“The decision was taken following the player was arrested by the police and later sent on remand custody for alleged possession of illegal drugs,” the board’s official website, cricket.lk, further stated.

“The decision to suspend will remain intact until a full inquiry is conducted by the SLC into the matter,” it added.

Earlier, according to Ceylon Today newspaper, Madushanka was carrying over two grams of the drug when he was caught in the town on Pannala.

He was stopped by the police while he was driving his car with another person during a nationwide curfew due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The young pacer, who was arrested on Saturday, was produced before the Kuliyapitiya magistrate the following day.

The 25-year-old pacer rose to fame when he picked up a hat-trick on his ODI debut against Bangladesh in a tri-nation tournament final in January 2018. The three victims in his ODI hat-trick were Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Mahmudullah.

He played two other T20Is on the same tour but hasn’t represented the national side since.

Shehan Madushanka

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Sir Curtly Ambrose was named the Man of the Match with figures of 9-65

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egendary West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose was typically content to let the ball do the talking but recently recalled an occasion when he was tempted to let his fists answer a few questions of their own.

The infamous incident happened during the 1995 Australia tour of the Caribbean, in a tightly contested third Test in Port of Spain, Trinidad. As it happened, a visibly bristling Ambrose had to be pulled away from Aussie batsman Steve Waugh after an obviously heated exchange that looked set to boil over. It was a strange sight for most as the towering fast bowler was known for being reluctant to exchange pleasantries, let alone be involved a full-on verbal joust. Ambrose recently recalled the incident.

“Steve Waugh and I had our battles over the years. He was a tough competitor and I have a lot of respect for him but in that particular game he said something to me that I didn’t like,” Ambrose recounted in an interview with Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

“Initially I ignored it, as in the heat of the battle you can say things, but after a break something just snapped,” he went on.

“I asked him, ‘did you say so and so to me?’ He didn’t say yes, he didn’t say no. He just said ‘I can say anything I want to say’ which to me was a yes. I decided I deserved more respect so I had a few choice words for him.

“I said ‘my cricket career could be over right this minute, it doesn’t make a difference to me, but your career will be over, too, because I’ll knock you out and you won’t be able to play anymore’. There were a few expletives in between obviously!

Ambrose, who was named player of the match, went on to end the Test with overall figures of 9 for 65, including a 4 for 20 haul in the second innings. The West Indies went on to win the match by nine wickets but Australia claimed the Frank Worrell Trophy after winning the series 2-1. The West India has insisted that are no hard feelings between the two, but it has not been a subject that has been broached in any encounters since.

(Sportsmax)

T

HFF President Yves Jean-Bart

he president of the Haitian Football Federation, Yves JeanBart, has been suspended from his post for 90 days.

The governing body of world football, Fifa, took the step after allegations emerged that he coerced teenage female players into having sex with him.

He allegedly threatened the girls with losing their spot at the national training centre if they did not comply.

Mr Jean-Bart categorically denies the claims.

Police are investigating the allegations.

Fifa said the suspension would come into force immediately and apply to "all football-related activities at both national and international level".

Mr Jean-Bart, 73, has been in charge of Haiti's football federation for the past two decades.

The incidents under investigation are alleged to have taken place in the past five years.

They were first reported by The Guardian newspaper last month. Since then, several employees at the Haitian football federation have been summoned by a judge to answer questions.

It is not the first time a high-ranking Fifa official has ben embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal.

In June 2019, the former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation, Keramuudin Karim, was given a lifetime ban following allegations that he had sexually abused players in the women's team. (BBC Sport)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) on Monday was informed that the four boxers stranded in Cuba have been given approval to return to Guyana.

This information was given during an informal discussion with the Director of Sport (DoS), Christopher Jones.

However, to date, the GBA has received no official correspondence from the National COVID-19 Task Force, which was written to over two weeks ago by Association President Steve Ninvalle.

Nevertheless, the Association has commenced efforts to bring home the mentally-drained athletes.

According to a release from the GBA, all angles are being explored and no stone will be left unturned in what must now be viewed as a national effort, as their trip to Cuba was with intention of representing Guyana at the America’s Boxing Confederation Olympic Qualifier.

The GBA has now written to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), the two entities that assisted in getting the boxers to Cuba initially, to render assistance in returning the four boxers to Guyana.

These two organisations joined forces in order to send the team to Cuba back in January and it is hoped that this collaboration would create a way for their return. So far, Light welterweight Colin Lewis, light heavyweight Dennis Thomas, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam and bantamweight Keevin Allicock have been GBA President Steve Ninvalle stranded in Cuba for 68 days, not inclusive of their initial training period.

Three of the four are the breadwinners of their households in Guyana, so their unintentional and extended absence has had a negative economic impact on their respective families. As such, the GBA stated that it would remain committed to bringing home the quartet at the earliest possible time.

The quad of boxers had initially travelled to Cuba in January with the objective to train in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers which were supposed to be hosted in Argentina in March. However, with the spread of the novel coronavirus, the event was cancelled and before the boxers could return home, Guyana’s ports were closed.

The four boxers in Cuba

Pg 23

Pg 23

HFF President Yves Jean-Bart

Shehan Madushanka

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