Guyana Times_Wednesday 8, 2020

P10

Scotiabank to close Bartica branch Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 4340

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

US Congressman writes Granger on transition of Govt

guyanatimesgy.com

…urges smooth handover of power …throws support behind State Department’s work

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ramesh Dookhoo P15 hands in resignation as Caricom trustee …PSC condemns APNU/ AFC attempts to prejudice today’s ruling

Page 3

CCJ rules today on jurisdiction, appeal of COA decision See story on page 7

…143 active cases

Police destroy over 11,000 P13 ganja plants in Berbice River

GECOM Chair PPP/C condemns has wide powers attack on, to surpass intimidation of CCJ Lowenfield – Ramkarran Judges by APNU/AFC …if CEO tries to resubmit fraudulent report Page 9

Page 16

Page 9

7 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Mabaruma P10

Sophia man P8 shot dead while feeding horse – suspect’s house allegedly set on fire

Man killed after mining pit collapses

P14

Page 11

COVID-19 death

P16

Family disputes COVID diagnosis, accuses GPHC of cover-up

Moruca residents protest lack of Govt relief amid lockdown

2 PAID AD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 8 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Thursday, July 9 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, July 8 – 06:15h – 07:45h and Thursday, July 9 – 07:00h – 08:30h.

US Congressman writes Granger on transition of Govt …urges smooth handover of power …throws support behind State Department’s work

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect thundery showers and light rain showers during the morning hours. There will be light cloud and sunny intervals after noon. Partly cloudy skies will prevail at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 06:21h and 18:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 12:33h reaching a minimum height of 0.66 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$43.08/barrel

-0.05

Rough Rice

$220.32 /ton

-0.41

London Sugar

$348.30/ton

-0.77

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1794.00

$1795.00

Low/High

$1772.50

$1799.60

Change

-0.90

-0.05%

Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

U

nited States (US) politicians continue to take a strong stance on the ongoing electoral process in Guyana, with US Congressman Bill Posey writing to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Guyana’s caretaker President David Granger urging a smooth transition of Government.

In a letter seen by this publication, Posey wrote to Secretary of State Pompeo to pledge his support for any measures taken to ensure a smooth process in Guyana.

Posey also referenced two letters he wrote to President Granger, urging him to obey the will of the people.

“In your July 1, 2020 press conference, you said it has now been four months since Guyana’s election and that it is long past due for a peaceful transition of power. You have instructed the State Department to ensure that those who undermine Guyana’s democracy are held accountable,” Posey wrote. He noted that he fully supports the actions to ensure the peaceful transition to the new and duly elected Government in Guyana.

“I have twice written to President Granger to urge him to obey the will of his people as expressed in free and fair elections,” he also wrote.

In the letter to Pompeo, Posey urged the State Department to do whatever is in its power to facilitate the transition of Government in Guyana. He also informed the Department of his readiness to assist if needed.

Meanwhile, Posey’s letter to Granger dated July 6 had reminded the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) leader that the elections belong to the people and that the transition to a duly elected Government must begin.

According to Posey in his letter, it is important for Guyana’s democracy to be sustained to ensure a strong economy. Posey made it clear that frustrating the outcome of the elections erodes the reality of democracy.

“My letter of June 5, 2020, made clear that in democracies, elections belong to the people… Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ob-

US Congressman Bill Posey

servers have now confirmed the results of your nation’s March 2nd election. The will of your people is now made evident, and the transition to the duly elected government must now begin,” Posey wrote in his letter.

“I urge you to declare the results of the election and begin the process of bringing the newly elected government to office. In honoring fair and democratic elections, Guyana can sustain its place in the community of American states. More importantly, you can assure the benefits of democracy and liberty to your people.”

According to Posey, democracy and freedom combined with a free enterprise economy is what Guyana needs now to grow its economy and promote the well-being of Guyanese. He, therefore, urged Granger to facilitate an orderly transition to a new and duly elected Government.

Concede

It has been over four

months since Guyanese went to the polls and there has been no lawful result.

Issues surrounding the election results are currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which will render a judgement today.

The international community has overwhelmingly declared that the results from the recount, which show a PPP victory, should be used. Calls urging Granger to concede have come from several other US politicians, including the powerful Marco Rubio, Chairman of the United States’ Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues.

Many, such as the Organisation of American States (OAS), have called on the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to begin the process of transition, which will allow the legitimately-elected Government to take its place.

This call came just after the Caribbean Community (Caricom) high-level observation team that oversaw the recount said in its report on the elections recount that the process was conducted in “a professional, transparent and impartial fashion”, which allowed GECOM, political parties and other stakeholders to accurately determine the results for each Polling Station. As such, the OAS reiterated that there is no reason not to support the results of the re-

Caretaker President David Granger

count process.

The recount process shows the PPP/C won the March 2 General Election with 233,336 votes cast in its favour. The APNU/AFC secured 217,920 votes. For the new parties, the numbers are as follows: A New and United Guyana – 2313; Change Guyana –1953; Liberty and Justice Party – 2657; People’s Republic Party – 889; The Citizenship Initiative – 680; The New Movement – 244; and the United Republican Party – 360.

In the Regional Elections, the PPP/C also won with 233,661 votes, while APNU/ AFC secured 217,055 votes.

Change Guyana – 2607; Fed-Up Party – 153, Liberty and Justice Party – 2935; Organisation for the Victory of the People – 448; People’s Republic Party – 927; and the United Republican Party – 1369. According to the numbers, the PPP/C is to ascend to the seat of power, while the APNU/AFC is now Guyana’s main Opposition.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 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

Political maturity needed

T

he entire nation anxiously awaits the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) today and it is hoped that the draggedout electoral process will come closer to finality.

However, the decision by the CCJ should not be seen as a win for any group since at the end of the day, as citizens we are all expected to work together with one common aim, that is, to help build our country into a modern, democratic state. On this basis, our hope is that all political leaders and their supporters will recommit themselves to work towards peace and racial harmony, irrespective of whichever way the decision goes.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has already directed the Chief Elections Officer to prepare and submit a Report “using the results of the recount, for consideration by the Commission”, pursuant to Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act. Contrary to what the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition is peddling, the entire nation knows what the certified recount results are and which party has emerged as the winner. The Chief Elections Officer cannot function independently of the direction of the Commission. The Chief Elections Officer is at all material times subservient to the Commission and can only act in accordance with the direction, and remains under the control, of the Commission.

It is our hope that the APNU/AFC coalition will be honest with their supporters by letting them know the true results of the elections. It makes no sense to push a false narrative of ‘victory’ when everyone knows that the coalition has lost power. It is a dangerous game the coalition is playing with their supporters and the country as a whole and it must desist from doing so.

Several stakeholders have called on the coalition to concede defeat and begin the process that would allow for a smooth transition of Government, but it has refused to do so and this certainly is contributing to the heightening of tension in the society.

Further, the current street protests launched by the APNU/ AFC across the country serve no good and could only exacerbate an already tension-filled environment as it can spark counterprotests and clashes by other political groups.

Our political leaders must rein in their supporters and insist that they behave responsibly as the nation’s future is at stake.

This is the kind of political leadership that is needed at this time.

We join the many calls for all political leaders and citizens to desist from making racially-motivated remarks which can incite others and contribute even more to the high level of tension in the society.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) had noted that the public utterances, including the building of expectations by some officials and their political subjects, have and continue to contribute to the heightening of tensions and a further widening of unwanted divisions among Guyanese.

As stated by the ERC, the desire for peace and good relations will take genuine and collective efforts by all stakeholder groups and individuals. These efforts would also include acceptance of the elections results when they are declared by GECOM. The current elections climate has once again reminded us of how polarised our country is; and perhaps now more than ever, there is need for all stakeholders, including the incoming administration, political parties, civil society groups, and religious leaders to prove to the nation that they have matured politically and are willing to put country first, ahead of any partisan interests.

Citizens are looking to see the kind of political leadership that would be provided to bring the country back in line to a functioning democracy. Guyana will certainly be tested in the coming days.

Even as we await the official declaration from GECOM, our hope is that every Guyanese would exercise tolerance and respect for each other. Now that Guyana is about to benefit fully from the revenues from its oil resources, the possibilities for development are endless, but this would be difficult to achieve in a society where peace and harmony are absent.

What constitutes democracy and why it’s important for Guyana’s to remain intact Dear Editor, With everything that is happening right now regarding the election’s impasse and threat to our democracy, I find it fitting to share with the readers my little understanding of what constitutes democracy and why it’s important for Guyana’s democracy to remain intact.

According to the MerriamWebster Dictionary, democracy is a form of Government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free and fair elections.

The elected Government is tasked with managing the affairs of the State, this would include foreign diplomacy, military defence, maintenance of domestic order, administration of justice, provision of public goods and services, promotion of economic growth and development, and the operation of social insurance and social welfare programmes among other things. It is also worthy to note that the administration of the State should be done so that the majority of citizens can benefit, not just a select few. In Guyana’s case, our elections

are held every 5 years and it’s during this period that the citizens get to determine if they are satisfied with the performance of the current Government or if they need to elect a new Government who they perceive will act in their best interest.

Elections, in my opinion, serve as a form of checks and balance on the executive, which minimises the Executive’s ability to abuse the trust that citizens placed in them.

Now if we go back to the definition of the term democracy we would see that the power to elect the Government is in the hands of the citizens. On March 2, 2020, the citizens of Guyana exercised that right and voted to elect a Government of their choice, whether specific individuals or parties agree with the outcome, it’s not for them to decide, it’s for the majority of Guyanese to decide and based on the legitimate Caricom observed recount, it clearly shows that in excess of 15,000 Guyanese want the PPP/C to govern the affairs of the State instead of the current caretaker APNU/AFC Government.

This is the results which reflect the will of the people as provided for in a democra-

cy, hence the will of the people should be respected if we want Guyana to remain a democratic State.

I assume that the current APNU/AFC caretaker Government is of the view that they are better poised to govern Guyana, but unfortunately for them, they are not the ones to decide. And if they continue in their attempts to suppress the will of the people and take away the right from the citizens to elect a Government of their choice, Guyana will be moving away from democracy and heading towards a dictatorship.

Now some readers may ask what is a dictatorship, using the same MerriamWebster Dictionary, a dictatorship can be defined as a form of Government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique.

Using the current scenario and if Guyana is to slip into a dictatorship it means that the PNC, which is disguised as APNU/AFC, will have the absolute power to select who will rule the country, as they are currently attempting to do and there would be no electoral process. Thus, a President will be forced upon the citizens

whether they approve of the individual or not. The citizens wouldn’t have a choice in deciding who governs the country.

Many of you may recall the unilateral appointment of Retired Justice James Patterson in October 2017, which was done by Caretaker President Granger, luckily the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was there to intervene and rule that the appointment was unconstitutional. However, if Guyana is to slip into a dictatorship, the dictator/s would take away any jurisdiction which the CCJ currently has. And the APNU/AFC dictators will be the ones making the laws and enforcing same.

They will also be free to employ their family and friends in strategic positions and pay them large salaries.

So we must ask ourselves if this is the Guyana we want, where our leaders are not held accountable and are free to do as they please.

If it’s not then we must reject the brazen attempts at transforming Guyana into a dictatorship which the APNU/AFC is currently seeking to do.

With regards, Ronley Kendall

Attacks should not deter GECOM Chair from following the law

Dear Editor, GECOM Chair, Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh is expected to follow the law and use the recount to declare the results by the weekend. She has come under critiques and scandalous attacks (including social media) over her (what some describe as) management (and supervision) of the counting and recounting of ballots and her instruction to the CEO Lowenfield on a declaration of the final results. These attacks will not deter the Chair from being herself and following the law. She is a strong woman who would instruct the CEO to use the right numbers in the recount to bring closure to the election.

Claudette (naively) trusted certain staff and Commissioners who are not impartial and professional and apparently misled her. These scathing critiques, criticism, and attacks are unsubstantiated and should be ignored. The Chair deserves praise for her work. It is not easy managing a divided Commission of 3 Government and 3 Opposition Commissioners, each side competing for support of their position. She has been eminently fair at every stage of the process. At each stage of the electoral process, she looked at both sides of the equation and made the right

decision that allowed the election, count and recount to occur. At times, she went out of her way to be fair, unbiased, and objective. She has been courageous to straddle a middle road by following the law. And she seemingly takes a position that dots every i and crosses every t.

It is true the Chair could have ordered Mingo to end the fraud on March 4. But one is not certain of the duress under which the Chair found herself that day and the next week. But since then, the Chair has functioned impartially and professionally especially when complaints of the fraudulent count were brought to her attention and where she recognised the law was violated.

She has been consistent in upholding the law. Along this line, I am confident that the Chair would act expeditiously to bring the declaration of the results to an end right after the CCJ ruling regardless of how the apex court rules.

The recount order cannot be violated. Otherwise, it would lead to sanctions on GECOM staff, politicians, and the business community for aiding and abetting fraud.

It is human to make errors. Election trained lawyers I spoke with point out that minor errors were made in the management of the count and the instruction giv-

en to Lowenfield to prepare the statement of final declaration. The leniency and tolerance of the Chair allowed Lowenfield to execute his skullduggery to favour one side. The Chair was earlier taken advantage of by Mingo and a few Commissioners.

But they must not underestimate the resolve of the Chair to follow the law and the order of the recount.

The Chair now has an opportunity to correct previous errors as well as to take a neutral, lawful position in bringing the process to closure. She must act firmly and sternly in dealing with Lowenfield and the Commissioners – the recount is lawful and is complete. It is time for a declaration of the results. This would end media critiques of her actions resulting in the nation seeing her as a heroine protecting Guyana’s democracy and free and fair election.

The Chair gave a general, as opposed to a specific, directive to the CEO on the data to be used to prepare the final declaration. She must send him an addendum and which tables to use for the declaration. The CEO cannot produce an opinionated result.

As argued by observers and according to ROPA, it must be based on the Caricommonitored publicised recount (of valid votes) that was also

approved by the Chair and a majority of the Commission (4 of 7 members).

The Chair has an opportunity to correct past errors and retrieve the electoral situation. The country expects her to now do the right thing and declare the right winner as per the recount. So far, she has followed the letter and spirit of the law. The Chair must continue to follow the law after the CCJ ruling and not be influenced by critiques, attacks, threats, and emotions. That is why she is called the Iron Lady and is seen by many as the mother of democracy. She will build her reputation by acting decisively and courageously.

The whole world is now looking at what the Chair would do to address expected defiance from the CEO. She must follow the law. Her decision must be one of justice and fair play. Her decision and instruction to the CEO for a final declaration must fit the circumstances of over four months of unnecessary delay that must serve the interest of justice and be guided by the Caricom-monitored recount. Such an action will be consistent with her following the law. And if she acts accordingly, her poll numbers would be stratospheric.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

5

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

Granger and PNC must concede CCJ, please declare our President by 233,336 votes and let the nation breathe again Dear Editor, As the much-anticipated decision of the CCJ is rendered today, we ask Mr Granger to keep his word this once and let the nation breathe again. We know Mr Granger has not kept his word about anything so far, he thinks the provisions of the Constitution or court decisions are mere suggestions, and he has never honoured any timelines concerning the holding of elections or swearing-in of a new Parliament and Government. In the no-confidence vote case, Mr Granger did not honour the ruling of the CCJ to hold elections in 90 days. The nation, local and foreign observers and the international community have repeatedly called on Mr Granger to do the right thing and expect that he will abide by the decision of the CCJ today and GECOM’s decision soon after. It’s not a good situation for Mr Granger and the PNC to be pitted against the entire world.

To be clear, whatever way the CCJ rules today, it is up to the GECOM Chair to move the process forward and declare the results based on the recount numbers, with or without the cooperation of Mr Lowenfield, who seems to still be dodging court marshals trying to serve warrants on private criminal actions filed against him for election fraud.

In polite society, such as the USA, some candidates would concede based

on exit polls or even with a 10 per cent declaration of results. In Guyana, despite an intensive well-observed Caricom recount and clear evidence that his party lost to the PPP by 15,000 votes, Mr Granger and party are refusing to demit office. PNC demonstrations against the CCJ, public “buseing” of all who say the recount was fair and valid and should be used to declare the PPP as the winner, and street demonstrations that Mr Lowenfield discharged his duties honourably, are not helpful to the image of the PNC. The PNC has done well in the March 2020 elections, winning 31 seats and would be in a formidable position in Parliament. If the PNC reforms itself from the lessons learned, who knows, it can win again in 2025.

Guyana is now in a “vote them in, vote them out” stage of political development. No party will be allowed to take the people for granted again.

Unless the PNC is going for broke and total self-destruction, its current antics are doing irreparable harm. It is demonstrating quite forcefully that it is not a party with honesty, decency and integrity, and that it is not a suitable partner for any future power-sharing. My fellow Guyanese, which of you think that given the PNC’s history and bullying behaviour since the Government fell in December 2018, that the PNC is a good candi-

date for power-sharing?

How can you share power with a party that thinks as Macbeth’s witches, “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” Or to use a Bible reference, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). I think there are also many woes for all those church leaders who have refused to make a public statement that the Government needs to respect the will of the voters who have chosen Dr Irfaan Ali/Mark Phillips and the PPP to run the country for the next 5 years. Instead of speaking the truth, these misguided church leaders have empowered the PNC to continue on its current track, uttering prayers for some kind of divine miracle of fraud that would keep the PNC in power.

This election has really revealed who some people really are in their hearts.

So Mr Granger, let’s see if you would keep your word to respect the decision of GECOM as it declares the results. Please don’t let history say you were the worst President of Guyana, even worse than Burnham and Hoyte, the original founder riggers. Already, some people are calling you, “Rigadier” and that’s not a nice title. So please do the right thing, Mr Granger!

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

Dear Editor, Guyanese our General and Regional Elections lived up to its expectations as one of the most significant since Guyanese independence in 1966 because of one of the largest new discoveries of oil in the world off the coast of our country. According to ExxonMobil, Guyana could be producing 750,000 barrels of oil per day within five years, and the expected revenue from this oil would dwarf Guyana’s previous US$3 billion GDP and transform its development possibilities. This is what David Granger and the PNCR cabals are all after: 750,000 barrels of oil per day. Today the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will be making another significant ruling in history for Guyana’s democracy and electoral process, “the will of the Guyanese people “is challenged by the APNU/AFC greed to remain in power. However, the (CCJ) decision today promises gratification to every Guyanese in some shape or form. The Caricom 47th Anniversary could not have arrived at a better time. Guyanese must recognise the efforts of Caricom in seeking to ensure that “the will of the people” is respected and upheld. GECOM’s support in providing a team to scrutinise the National Recount especially given the circumstances of our world at this time makes us even more indebted to the Community.

We also hail the forthright expressions of the Community’s leaders who undoubtedly are concerned about the well-being of the people of our dear land.

I, like thousands of Guyanese, are most appreciative of the efforts of Caricom at this crucial time in Guyana’s history.

Caricom has been playing an integral role in Guyana’s prolonged electoral process. In fact, Caricom former Chair,

Prime Minister Mia Mottley had led a high-level delegation of four other Caricom Heads of State back in March to discuss the impasse, during which Caretaker President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had agreed to a National Recount under the auspices of the then Caricom Chair, who had facilitated a special team of observers to monitor the exercise.

But this activity never got underway after an APNU/AFC supporter, Ulita Moore, challenged the recount in the court, forcing the team to depart. It was crystal clear to all that there were forces in the APNU/ AFC, PNCR and GECOM that did not want to see the votes recounted for whatever reason. Subsequently, Caricom agreed to field another team upon the invitation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to scrutinise the National Recount which ran from May 6 to June 8, 2020.

Caricom observers in their report to GECOM on June 15, said: “nothing we witnessed, warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of results of the March 2, 2020 elections.”

There are calls from Caricom and the international community for the results from the National Recount, which was certified by the Caricom team, to form the basis for the declaration of the election results.

David Granger’s A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC), often referred to as APNU/AFC has a motto, which is, incidentally, “honesty, decency and integrity.” How can David Granger and his PNCR cabals allow and direct Keith Lowenfield to go against the directions of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette

Singh, to use the recount figures and instead, submit his final elections report in which he invalidated over 115,000 votes?

That is the question posed by every sound-minded person.

Despite David Granger previously deeming Caricom as the most “legitimate interlocutor” in Guyana’s electoral process, the APNU/AFC issued a statement, which was subsequently withdrawn, saying that APNU/AFC believed that Prime Minister Mottley’s statement was both ill-informed and ill-advised.

They viewed the Hon Prime Minister’s statement as not only untimely but, in fact, as interference in a matter on which the Constitution of Guyana is clear. In response, however, PM Mottley posited that the Community should never avoid upholding its shared principles. “The truth hurts. But what we must never do in Caricom is avoid the truth and avoid our principles.”

Can we please declare our President by the “popular votes” 233,336 which are indeed the most “valid votes” cast for the PPP/C? GECOM initiatives to assist in the preservation of democracy in Guyana within the term of the Caricom Charter of Civil Society will be long remembered, despite unwarranted, vulgar and opportunistic criticisms from jaundiced elements in the PNCR who ought to know better.

The CCJ is Guyana’s greatest champion for law and order and of our parliamentary democracy to proclaim the Court of Appeal is the only final jurisdiction to hear an electoral issue, then add a word to the Constitution must be the definition of judicial coup d’etat.

Sincerely, David Adams

6

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

Page

Foundation

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

CXC QUESTIONS

MATHS

ENGLISH

B Dreaming Black Boy

By James Berry

I wish my teacher’s eyes wouldn’t go past me today. Wish he’d know it’s okay to hug me when I kick a goal. Wish I myself wouldn’t hold back when answer comes.

I’m no woodchopper now like all ancestors.

I wish I could be educated to the best of tune up, and earn good money and not sink to lick boots. I wish I could go on every crisscross way of the globe and no persons or powers or hotel keepers would make it a waste.

I wish life wouldn’t spend me out opposing. Wish same way creation would have me stand it would have me stretch, and hold high, my voice Paul Robeson’s, my inside eye a sun.Nobody wants to say hello to nasty answers.

I wish torch throwers of night would burn lights for decent times.

Wish plotters in pyjamas would pray for themselves. Wish people wouldn’t talk as if I dropped from Mars.

I wish only boys were scared behind bravados, for i could suffer.

I could suffer a big big lot.

I wish nobody would want to earn the terrible burden I can suffer.

QUESTIONS

Summarise the poem What is the subject of the poem?

Who is the persona?

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

7 CCJ rules today on jurisdiction, appeal of COA decision T NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will today at 15:00h deliver its judgment in the case of Mohammed Irfaan Ali et al v Eslyn David et al.

The Court would first rule on whether it has jurisdiction to adjudicate the case and if it finds that it has jurisdiction, then it would rule on whether the Court of Appeal exceeded its jurisdiction when it inserted the word “valid” into the Constitution of Guyana and heard what was described as a “premature” elections petition.

The appeal was filed in the names of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali and named David; Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; the GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh; GECOM; and Attorney General Basil Williams as respondents.

Several persons sought the court’s leave to be added to the case. These are Mark France – A New and United Guyana; Daniel Josh Kanhai – The New Movement; Lenox Shuman – Liberty and Justice Party; Shazaam Ally – The Citizen’s Initiative; and Abedin Kindy Ali – Change Guyana.

During the case management hearing on June 25, the CCJ granted special leave for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition to join the proceedings.

On July 1, the CCJ held the marathon virtual hearing of the substantive case where the PPP/Civic sought several reliefs stemming from the Court of Appeal’s ruling in the Eslyn David vs Chief Elections Officer et al.

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders

David had sought several reliefs under Article 177 (4) of the Constitution and among them was the question as to whether “more votes are cast” in Article 177 (2) (b) can be determined as “more valid votes”.

Interpretation of Constitution

In a 2-1 judgement, Appeal Court Judge, Justice Dawn Gregory and High Court Judge, Justice Brassington Reynolds found that more votes are cast meant more valid votes cast.

By ruling in that fashion, the duo effectively disagreed with Appeal Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud who found that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to entertain the case.

The Court also ruled that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has the responsibility to determine the validity of the votes.

This interpretation of

the Constitution caused the PPP/C, an added respondent to the David matter, to move to the CCJ hours after the Appeal Court handed down its decision. The CCJ handed down interim orders preventing Chief Elections Officer Lowenfield, from presenting his statutory report to GECOM Chair Singh.

This effectively barred GECOM from going ahead and declaring the results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

COA erred

In their approach, for relief, to the CCJ, Ali and Jagdeo argued that the Appeal Court erred by interpreting Article 177(2)(b) by modifying the provision to include the word “valid” in circumstances where the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction so to do. It was highlighted in the court document that “the request for the urgent intervention

of the Caribbean Court of Justice is justified and necessary in order to prevent a clear and substantial miscarriage of justice and irreparable harm that will otherwise be done to the people of Guyana and the very institution of democracy in Guyana unless special leave to appeal is granted”.

During the substantive hearing, lead Counsel for Ali and Jagdeo, Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes laid out his reasons why the Appeal Court had no jurisdiction in its interpretation of Article 177 (2).

He argued that the David submission before the Court of Appeal failed to reach the threshold for jurisdiction under Article 177(4) of the Constitution. He noted that while references were made to Order 60 of 2020, it cannot be applicable.

Mendes had argued that in order for David to invoke the Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction, her submissions would have had to question the qualification/validity of the President. Moreover, Mendes noted that a president must be elected before the court’s jurisdiction is invoked. He furthered that the only President at the time of the case was President David Granger, whose election was since 2015. Moreover, the general precedent is that validity of an election of a president is determined after said president is elected.

Further, Mendes also argued strongly that it is the High Court that has “exclusive jurisdiction” to address matters in relation to the validity of an election; how-

ever, this has to be done via an elections petition after the results of that election have been declared and a Government is sworn in.

Mendes pointed out that both the Court of Appeal and the High Court cannot have jurisdiction over “the same thing”. His argument is that if the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction, then the finality clause excluding the matter from judicial review by the CCJ does not apply to the case.

Unlimited jurisdiction

On the issue of the CCJ’s jurisdiction, Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Reginald Armour, who was hired by APNU/AFC Campaign Manager Joseph Harmon argued that the CCJ does not have unlimited jurisdiction, but rather it presides over sovereign states and thus must temper its jurisdiction based on these treaties. However, CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders questioned Armour’s grounds for argu-

ing that the Court of Appeal had jurisdiction in the first place.

The claim by APNU/AFC that the Court of Appeal has exclusive jurisdiction to rule on David’s case rests largely on Article 177(4) of the Constitution, which states that, “The Court of Appeal shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any question as to the validity of an election of a President in so far as the question depends upon the qualification of any person for election or the interpretation of this Constitution; and any decision of that Court under this paragraph shall be final.”

The Judge pointed out that there was an inherent contradiction, since Article 163 of the Constitution grants the High Court the exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question regarding the qualification of someone as a member of the National Assembly, and also jurisdiction to determine the legality of an election.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sophia man shot dead while feeding horse – suspect’s house allegedly set on fire

A

33-year-old security officer was on Tuesday shot and killed by his neighbour while feeding his horse at B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The dead man has been identified as Andre Easton, also known as “Lawless” of Lot 27 Reserve Dam B Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

According to information received, at around 09:00h on the day in question, the father of one was feeding his horse in the community when the suspect approached him with a gun and shot him three times.

Easton, after being shot attempted to escape his attacker but collapsed a short distance away from where he lived and died almost immediately.

At the scene, the now dead man’s reputed wife, Samantha Shelto, told media operatives that the shooting incident stemmed

from an argument Easton had with the suspect three days ago.

“This morning (Tuesday) he come to feed his horse, and yesterday (Monday) a boy pulled a gun on he and tell him that he has to move his horse from there or he will kill him… so this morning (Tuesday), when he turn up to feed the animal, the suspect shot he. I in the house feeding my child, and I hear he dead,” Shelto explained as tears trickled down her cheeks.

However, following the threats made against the now dead man, his motherin-law explained that he had lodged a report with the police but nothing was done.

“I don’t know why the police don’t come when you mek a report. When you dead then they coming…this place needs a police patrol to patrol around this area often,” she expressed.

The family is now calling for justice since they believe

that Easton’s life should not have ended in such a gruesome way.

“I need justice; I need justice seriously because if me in get justice, I going have to take my own justice because this is not easy. This is a young man, he ain’t see life yet,” she stated.

The suspect, Guyana Times understands, has since fled the scene and was not seen since. The police have launched a manhunt for him as investigations continue.

Easton’s body was taken to Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. He leaves to mourn his reputed wife, 7-month-old baby, parents and other relatives and friends Meanwhile, the home of the suspect was reportedly set alight by angry residents in ‘B’ Field Sophia late Tuesday evening.

Based on reports received, following the shooting inci-

Dead: Andre Easton

dent, residents became enraged about the situation and would have visited the suspect’s home in search of him.

They reportedly questioned his mother about his whereabouts but she denied having knowledge of same.

She was however, later cornered with documents belonging to the murder suspect. The woman had to be rescued by the police who were summoned to the house.

It is believed that the residents would have set the house on fire in retaliation to the death of the young security officer..

Higher points...

W

...of law hile the PNC didn’t intend to (because their default position is to keep us natives in the dark!), they’ve certainly forced us Guyanese to not just brush up on our constitution, but to actually engage in the kind of exegetical exercises the old scholastics used to revel in back in the Middle Ages. It was not for nothing that the period was also dubbed the “Dark Ages”!! Their defining exercise, of course, was to figure out how many angels could dance on the head of a pin!! Real relevant!!

But while the PNC have raised matters just as arcane, unfortunately, the answer by the CCJ today to one threshold issue posed by their lawyers – trawled from across the Caribbean Sea – is literally going to be a matter of life and death for our Republic. The PNC have insisted that Article 177 (4) - which states that “the Court of Appeal shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any questions on the validity of an election of a President...and any decision of that Court shall be final” – be strictly applied.

As the lawyers say, this clause in Art 177 is an “ouster clause” – which the PNC insist, conclusively bars the CCJ – our highest appellate court – to question our Court of Appeal in their latest decision. It doesn’t matter how stupid or ridiculous the decision is – that’s it!! Story done! Imagine giving finality to the decisions of a Court that ruled not too long ago in the same ongoing elections saga for the PNC that 33 was not the majority of 65!! Now let’s pick sense from nonsense, does this make sense?? Now your Eyewitness will not insult you, Dear Readers, by regurgitating once again, the “scholastics” arguments made in front of the CCJ last week, but will offer a common-sense perspective.

To wit that the framers of the Constitution must’ve had some reason to include the ouster clause in 177(4). But he contends, whatever that reason, by definition they couldn’t have intended to violate the centrality of the rule of law immanent in our constitution. And certainly not intended in its application in this particular instance, to suppress the expression of the foundational principle embedded in the Basic Structure of our constitution in Art 9 that “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives...”

The effect given to an ouster clause must take cognisance to the threat it poses to the rule of law and our immutable foundational principles.

In this instance, the threat goes so deep it would be a travesty of a greater order than the “majority” farce, for the CCJ not to assume jurisdiction.

Order the recount numbers be used!! ...of PNC’s recalcitrance One of the rationales offered for the intransigent behaviour of the PNC is that they’re fighting to prevent the exclusion of African Guyanese, who’ve traditionally been their base – from any new government of Guyana. Of note, this position has never been declared by the PNC, but mainly by some of the remnants of the WPA. To put a fine point to it, they’re saying that it’s OK for the PNC to rig the elections because not to do so would result in excluding African Guyanese from the executive!!

But have these fellas really listened to themselves?? If we go by this logic, why have elections at all?? Let’s just have a census every five years and allocate the Ministries in proportion to the ethnic breakdown in the population!!

It would certainly save a whole lotta money – but would it address our political demands?? Let’s not even mention how the ethnic representatives would be chosen.

But that’s not what the PNC want, is it?

Power is the aphrodisiac they crave!! ...of Guyanese common sense While there’s been a wild-eyed Angel Gabriel foaming at the mouth that if the CCJ assumes jurisdiction, all hell’s gonna break loose in Guyana, ordinary Guyanese are more worried about the upsurge in COVID-19 cases.

And jobs.

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP/C condemns attack on, intimidation of CCJ Judges by APNU/AFC

T

he Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has condemned the blatant acts of intimidation meted out to the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition. On Tuesday, the PPP/C reminded the APNU/ AFC coalition, ahead of today’s ruling in the case challenging the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the Mohammed Ifraan Ali et al v Eslyn David et al ruling, that Guyana signed onto the 2004 regional agreement to establish the CCJ as its apex court.

The 2004 Act tabled in the National Assembly, the PPP/C said, received unanimous support by all members inclusive of the People’s National Congress (PNC) – the APNU/AFC’s largest faction.

The APNU/AFC has been contending that the CCJ does not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal filed by PPP/C Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali and General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo. The coalition has since then launched an attack on the Court and its Judges in an effort to intimidate.

“What is most offensive

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

are the crass attempts by APNU/AFC’s leaders to influence and prejudice the outcome of the proceedings at the CCJ through their various public statements, letters, and advertisements placed throughout the region. Worse yet, they have launched an unprecedented attack on the independence of the Court and have gone as far as attempting to intimidate the Judges by threatening the very survival of the Court, if the pending ruling is adverse to them. This must rank as the worst form of thuggery and intimidation aimed at the Judiciary in the region,” the PPP/C said in its statement.

The APNU/AFC’s main

argument is one of the interferences in Guyana’s sovereignty but the PPP/C explained that by entering into international arrangements and treaties and becoming a part of international organisations is not a limitation of sovereignty but an exercise of it.

Guyana is a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and Caricom, and through its obligations under various international treaties executed with these organisations, Guyana enjoined to practice and embrace democratic processes, including free and fair elections. The PPP/C reminded

the APNU/AFC that when democracy is threatened in another country, then the entire global community speaks up and ensures that it is restored.

The party said it has taken notice of the APNU/ AFC’s ad hominem attacks upon every diplomatic mission, every Government, every organisation, every public personality and every institution that has exercised their right to express a critical and condemnatory view on the APNU/AFC’s and their agents’ attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana.

The March 2 General and Regional Elections were held and the citizens of Guyana elected the People’s Progressive Party/Civic to form the next Government.

Polling day activities were observed and certified to be free and fair by both local and international organisations. However, Returning Officer for Electoral District Four (Demera-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo attempted to rig the election results by inflating the votes in favour of APNU/AFC by over 19,000 votes. This resulted in court challenges and a subsequent Caricombrokered National Recount agreement between incumbent President David

Granger and Opposition Leader Jagdeo.

The ballots were recounted and the recount was observed again by a Caricom high-level team along with local and international observers, and certified to be free, fair and credible.

The results of the recount re-confirmed the initial polling day results, establishing a victory for the PPP/C by over 15,000 votes, over APNU/AFC. Every international organisation has called upon the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to use the recount results as the basis for the declaration of the final election results.

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, after a Commission meeting, directed the Chief Elections Officer to use the recount results as the basis for his statutory report to the Commission. Instead of following the directions given, the Chief Elections Officer,

purportedly taking directions from a stayed Court of Appeal ruling, unilaterally invalidated over 115,000 votes, giving APNU/AFC a fraudulent victory.

This prompted the then Chair of Caricom, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, to ask “on what grounds and by what form of executive fiat does the Chief Election Officer determine that he should invalidate 1 vote, far less over 115,000 votes when the votes were already certified as valid by officers of the Guyana Elections Commission in the presence of the political parties.”

The Appeal Court’s ruling resulted in the PPP/C seeking redress at the CCJ. Similarly, the Bar Council of the Guyana Bar Association has come out in condemnation of public utterances domestically, regionally and internationally by various APNU/AFC stakeholders that are targeted against the CCJ.

10 NEWS 7 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Mabaruma WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…143 active cases

T

he upward trend continues for Guyana’s COVID-19 curve, with the detection of seven new cases on Tuesday – all of which were from the Mabaruma sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The region has been a budding hotspot for the virus, especially within the Moruca sub-district. Now, new cases are emerging in other parts of the region.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen GordonBoyle informed during the daily briefing that seven new cases were confirmed from a total of 37 test samples. This brings the total number of positive cases to 284.

With 125 persons recovering from the virus, there are still 143 active cases in isolation, 19 persons in institutional quarantine and 11 persons in the COVID ICU. Deaths from the virus remain at 16.

So far, health officials have tested 2926 persons with 2642 being negative.

The DCMO pointed out that over the past week, the 25 new cases originated from Regions One (BarimaWaini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The past few

days also saw an alarming four deaths being reported.

Meanwhile, 10 healthcare workers have also contracted the disease thus far and are seeking medical care.

Dr Gordon Boyle questioned, “Are we really serious about returning to normalcy when we openly flout all the guidelines that have been outlined for our protection? Are we saying that we are uncaring about our life and those of others around us? Where has our appreciation for life disappeared to? It is unfair to our health

care workers, ten of whom have become ill and have had to battle for their lives with COVID-19 and you know what, this was totally unnecessary but for your carelessness.”

She pleaded with the general populace to consider their actions and the dangers of not adhering to the COVID-19 related guidelines.

“I am pleading with you again to consider your actions and envisage that your life could drastically change and end in fatality. Avoid

the COVID-19 trauma and cooperate fully with all who are working collaboratively with the Ministry of Public Health to contain the spread of this fatal disease in all our communities.”

Nevertheless, residents of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) were warned about their actions of transporting Brazilian nationals to Georgetown amid the uncontrollable cases in the Portuguese-speaking country.

“I wish to allude to the irresponsible actions by our citizens in Region Nine whose intent was to transport Brazilian nationals to Georgetown, ignorant of their COVID status and cognisant that the COVID-19 situation in Brazil is out of control. In fact, as of today, Brazil has 1.63 million confirmed cases and 65,631 deaths…Is money all that matters, what about your life? Didn’t you think of the domino effect that such an action could have on yourself, family, friends?”

According to the World Health Organisation, the total number of cases is 11,327,790 with 532,340 deaths. In the region of the Americas, the number of cases is 5,820,840 with 265,024 deaths.

Scotiabank to close Bartica branch

Scotiabank, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

S

cotiabank on Tuesday announced that it will be closing its Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) branch.

According to the bank, a decision was made following a review of its branch and service delivery network.

As such, the bank is consolidating the Bartica Branch, located at Second Avenue, into the Parika, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, branch. The closing of the branch will be on November 27.

“This decision was made

after careful consideration of several factors including the ever-changing customer landscape and how and where we can best serve our customers,” the bank said in a press release to the media, adding that customers will be contacted with details on their accounts.

“Should customers not wish for their accounts to be transferred to Parika, they are asked to contact us on 223-4357 (HELP) to discuss alternative options,” the bank said.

TURN TO PAGE 16

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Moruca residents protest lack of Govt relief amid lockdown

T

he Moruca sub-district has been placed on complete lockdown owing to an upsurge in COVID-19 cases but residents took to the streets on Tuesday to protest for relief from Government to support their households.

The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) and the Public Health Ministry had moved to enforce the lockdown less than one week ago at Moruca, Region One (BarimaWaini) and Arangoy’s Landing

in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) – meaning that all activities and services were to be suspended.

Dissatisfied by the current situation, residents took to the streets to vent their frustrations with the fact that the authorities have instituted a lockdown without providing economic relief packages for households and businesses there.

Some carried signs which said “No lockdown without re-

lief” and “Moruca matters”.

Throughout the picketing, masks were worn with adherence to social distancing. It was shared that with farming and other economic trade left abandoned, there are no viable income streams while families remain at home.

In a social media post, Regional Vice Chairman Sarah Browne said she listened to the plights of residents as they listed their concerns and solutions which can

Mahaicony teen killed in accident

…driver escapes

A

n 18-year-old lad was killed and his relative sustained serious injuries after a car slammed into their motorcycle at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara on Saturday night.

The driver of the motor car escaped from the scene and is currently on the run.

Dead is Carson Inniss of Lot 2B Calcutta, Mahaicony, and injured is 20-year-old Tyron Inniss, who was riding the motorcycle and is currently seeking treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Based on information received, the accident occurred at about 22:30h at Dundee Village, Mahaicony.

Sister of Carson, Olabisi Inniss told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Tuesday that the two boys were on their way to drop off a friend.

However, while on their way, a 212-model car suddenly slammed into the motorcycle, causing them to fall to the ground.

“Saturday night, I heard they was going and drop off a friend and when they were by Dundee, a car slam into them.

He was on a motorcycle at the back,” she remembered.

The driver would have escaped from the scene, leaving the injured lads on the roadway. They were picked up and taken to the hospital, where Carson succumbed to his injuries. Tyron suffered a broken leg along with other minor injuries.

This publication understands that the driver stashed the car in a yard but it was discovered by law enforcement officials.

“The driver of the car refused to carry them to the hospital and he drive away from the scene. Tyron foot break and he is at the Georgetown Public Hospital receiving treatment…The police haven’t found the driver as yet but they find the car parked in somebody else yard.”

Nevertheless, Police are still on the hunt for the driver, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Investigations are continuing.

Just last month, a hit and run along the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), resulted in the death of 16-year old Sheldon Cleon Major and his broth-

Dead: Carson Inniss

er, 14-year-old Christopher Pollard being hospitalised.

On June 21, two teens were found by a passerby lying motionless on the northern edge of the road. Pollard was in a semi-conscious state at the time. Both of the young men had visible injuries about their heads and bodies and were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Major was pronounced dead on arrival.

After less than one week of searching, Assistant Commissioner Andries Junor confirmed that a suspect was arrested, and a vehicle impounded, as the probe into the accident continues.

Protesters voicing their concerns about the Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) lockdown

be considered.

According to her, farmers are denied access to their lands and other persons are restricted from accessing the hospital. Cargo boats are denied entry while carrying supplies for local businesses.

While vendors were told to operate for three hours, it was indicated that this cannot suffice to provide for their families. Issues were also raised about “improper protocols” for testing for coronavirus and distribution of the results thereafter.

Moreover, all families are not benefitting from the relief efforts from donors. As such, the provision of relief mechanisms was labelled as mandatory by the people before enacting a shutdown.

She posted, “The people wanted to hear something from the Toshao or Council on addressing their concerns.

However, I learnt she is not well. Over 300 people were there. If nothing [was] bothering them, they wouldn’t have come out.”

It was insisted that if adequate relief cannot be supplied to the community, then officials should allow stakeholders to operate within the general curfew hours with adherence to the social distancing measures.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement on the matter, indicated that while no permission was given to picket, the protesters dispersed themselves after some time.

In recent weeks, the

Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA), Civil Defence Commission and other stakeholders have prepared hampers for the Santa Rosa community, especially for persons in isolation and their families. The village has a population of over 11,000 persons.

With a complete closure of all services and activities, the Guyana Post Office Corporation also announced that the Acquero Post Office would be closed for two weeks as the community implements measures to mitigate a spread of the coronavirus.

However, there would be special openings on July 10, 13 and 17 from 07:00h to 12:00h where all services can be accessed.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canje supermarket Nurse Schenise Apple’s death DPP awaiting further Police probe burglarised …perpetrators escape with since August 2019 – DPP Office cash, CCTV monitor

The Good Life Chinese Supermarket at Canje

T

he Good Life Chinese Supermarket located at Cane Field, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was burglarised between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, and the perpetrators escaped with cash, a camera, and CCTV monitors.

According to information received, the bandits gained entry to the building by smashing a hole into the concrete wall.

The discovery was made by the owners on Sunday morning when the supermarket was opened for business. Upon making checks, the owners first discovered that the computer used with the cashing machine was missing.

Further checks revealed that apart from the computer valued at $200,000, a

CCTV monitor, also valued at $200,000, was stolen.

A wireless camera was also taken along with more than $100,000 worth of mobile phone cards and a quantity of cigarettes.

Additionally, $400,000 in cash and small hand tools were stolen.

According to 32-year-old Wang Wei Xiong, the intruders had to cut several wires in order to remove the computer.

The Supermarket is situated next to an abandoned house on a five-acre plot of land and opposite a community centre, which is non-functional. A security guard was reportedly on duty when the building was broken into, but he was clueless as to what transpired.

The Police have launched an investigation into the robbery.

A

Dead: Schenise Apple

s family members of Schenise Apple continue to plead for her killers to be brought to justice one year after her death, the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office has confirmed that the case file was sent for legal advice, but it was returned to the investigators.

The lifeless body of the 26-year-old was found hanging in the Nurses’ Hostel by her colleagues on July 2, 2019. It was initially suspected that she committed suicide, but from the inception, her family believed otherwise.

After a post-mortem examination, the young woman’s death was ruled a homicide.

The DPP’s Office told <<<Guyana Times>>> on

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

Tuesday that the file was sent there some time in JulyAugust 2019 and was reviewed by the DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack, but owing to several loopholes, it was sent back for further investigation to be conducted.

At that time, the detectives had given an undertaking to complete investigation into the issues raised by the DPP and return the file to the Kingston, Georgetown office in September 2019.

To date, this publication understands that the file has not been returned to the DPP’s Office. Attempts to contact Regional Police Commander Ramesh Ashram last Wednesday proved futile.

A few days ago, the now dead woman’s mother, Shonette Apple expressed frustration with the handling of her daughter’s case and reiterated her calls for justice.

“I need justice. I need closure. They know who did it.

There is nobody above against the law. Nobody should be covering for nobody. You do the crime, face the time. I don’t care who you are, you must face your consequences.

Not because you working in a big job, you must not face the consequences. I just need justice and without justice, I will not stop and will continue to fight. Enough is enough. My daughter was drugged, raped, and murdered – I know that,” the grieving mother stated.

She recalled that on July 1, 2019, she spoke with her daughter for the last time.

The young nurse told her

In happier times, Shonette Apple and her now-dead daughter

mother that she was busy at work and she promised to return the call, but that never happened.

On July 2, 2019, although Shonette sent messages and attempted to contact her daughter, there was no response. As such, the mother became worried and tried to contact one of her daughter’s colleagues, but she too did not answer.

Later that day, a sister of the now dead nurse called the colleague and this time she answered, but with the devastating news.

Later in the evening, a young woman visited the family and showed them photos of the young nurse hanging, but the grieving mother immediately knew something was amiss since her child was not capable of taking her own life.

The autopsy was later conducted and there were

some discrepancies in the report. The doctors initially placed the time of death at 01:00h, but later changed that to 06:00h.

“As far as I am concerned, there was some cookery trying to go down there,” the mother stated.

The family is sure that Schenise was raped and then murdered and her suicide staged, and wants the authorities to take the investigation seriously. In fact, the mother received a telephone call from a Police rank on Saturday requesting a statement.

This, Shonette stated, gave her some hope the perpetrators will finally be brought to justice.

The young nurse was posted to the Mahdia Hospital from Linden Hospital Complex back in November of 2018 as part of her contract and worked at the Mahdia Hospital until her demise.

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

New loss of taste or smell

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

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police destroy over 11,000 Police continue to enforce ganja plants in Berbice River curfew measures in Region 10

Deputy Regional Police Commander Wayne Dehearte

P

T

The cannabis plants found at Bartica Village, Berbice River

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) continues to put a dent in the drug trade in Berbice as several more acres of marijuana have been destroyed over the past few weeks.

One of the most recent drug eradication exercises was conducted on Monday at Bartica Village, Berbice River during which over 11,000 plants, valued an estimated $20 million, were destroyed. The plants measured between two and seven feet in height and covered two-and-a-half acres of land.

In addition, the ranks destroyed a camp with all its contents.

Back in June, several raids were conducted along the Berbice River, unearthing more than $100 million in marijuana plants.

The raids were conducted at DeVeldt, Gaettroy and Bartica Villages.

It was reported that at Gaettroy Village, two farms, approximately two-and-ahalf acres each, were discovered, along with a camp;

Cannabis plants on fire

both fields had roughly 25,000 plants, ranging between two feet and five feet, with an estimated street value of $83,400,000.

At Bartica Village, marijuana fields covering two and a half acres with approximately 20,000 plants and a camp were found. The

plants, ranging in height from three feet to six feet, had an estimated street value of $47,500,000.

Meanwhile, at DeVeldt Village, an acre of plants (some 3000) and a camp were discovered. According to Police, the plants had a street value of $4,075,000.

Suddie Hospital X-Ray Dept inundated

Suddie Regional Hospital

P

atients who waited for hours on Tuesday at the Suddie Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to access the X-Ray Department were forced to leave without being attended to after the facility was flooded.

More than 15 persons, including children with broken limbs and other ailments that required an X-Ray, were affected as a result of the flooding, which was reportedly caused by a broken pipe in the Department.

Patients who had travelled from as far as Region

One (Barima-Waini) and Wakapao were affected.

The frustrated patients told Guyana Times that while the X-Ray machine is down, the bone specialist is also on leave which meant that even if the x-rays were done, there was no medical expert to advise them on their respective injuries.

olice in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) are not fully satisfied that residents are taking all required precautions but are somewhat pleased that fewer persons are breaking the curfew-related measures that were implemented to combat the COVID situation.

These were the sentiments of Deputy Regional Police Commander, Wayne Dehearte, who also disclosed there is a reduction of persons who are hauled before the courts for violating the COVID-19 measures.

He admitted that while the Police in Region 10 continue to battle with persons congregating at various creeks, when the information is passed on to the police they would act immediately.

He, however, disclosed that several of the people who congregate at the creeks in that region are mostly outsiders.

“We continue to battle a situation whereby a lot of persons from outside of Linden come into the region to congregate and/or lime at

the creeks within the region and despite the many efforts that we seek in combating this challenge, they continue to visit the creeks, while ignoring the regulations,” he said.

He continued that the GPF continues to maintain a no-nonsense approach of these gatherings as they are aware of the impact of the dreaded virus.

The Deputy Commander reminded that not only medical personnel are frontline workers, stressing that the police themselves are frontline workers.

He added that the public must be more cognisant that the police ranks are risking their lives on a daily basis.

“It’s important too that we adhere to the regulations as I continue to say that our law men and women are exposed,” Dehearte added.

Nevertheless, he urged residents to be proactive and vigilant of the dangers that the virus pose, stressing that failure to adhere to the health guidelines will result in the numbers continuing to increase.

He stressed that the is-

sue of self-discipline is what is creating the increased challenges and as such related that the lack of self-discipline is prevalent.

“If persons realise that by flouting regulations, they are exposing themselves and others to the effects of this disease they will stop as we firmly believe that some persons will only begin to get serious when the death rate begins to increase drastically.”

He added, “many times we see people going on to the roads and when you question their reasons it makes no sense but I hope that the public will begin disciplining themselves as in the end you are placing our loved ones, friends, and everyone at great risk. Allow discipline to guide you as this is very important and the public must understand this,” he said.

The Deputy Regional Police Commander noted that the aggressive and proactive actions of the police in enforcing the curfew-related measures backed by what he dubbed as the health department’s effective approach to addressing issues has helped significantly in the region’s numbers remaining low for quite some time.

Region 10 recently saw an increase of one person who has contracted the virus after almost two months of the number remaining at 10.

This person, according to the Regional Health Officer, was someone who came back recently to Guyana from abroad. The RHEC had requested that persons coming into the Region from abroad be placed in its quarantine and once tested negative, they are reiterated into society.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man killed after mining pit collapses

A

pitman attached to a private mining company at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), was on Monday killed after the mining pit in which he was working collapsed.

Dead is 55-year-old Louis Armstrong, also known as “Jessie” of Lot 6 2nd Street, Meadowbank, Greater Georgetown.

According to information received, at around 11:30h on the day in question, Armstrong was working on a six-inch dredge when the pit caved in, thus pinning him.

Guyana Times understands that it took some time to get Armstrong from under the debris.

His colleagues eventually managed to pull him out in an unconscious state. He was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is expected to be transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where a post-mortem will be performed.

When Guyana Times visited the home of the dead man, his relatives were still in shock and disbelief at the manner in which the man met his demise.

His niece, Olivia Welcome, explained that her sister received a call from the Bartica Police Station informing her that they are in possession of a body suspected to be that of their uncle.

She noted at that time, the police rank was hesitant to provide adequate information as to what transpired.

“We were not getting full information from these people; one person saying something and another person saying something else. And it was complete madness. They said they were going to call us to let us know when they are going to transport the body to Georgetown so that we can probably go down the same time, nothing was done,” Welcome explained.

She added that based on information the family received, her uncle was

Dead: Louis Armstrong

jetting along with two other men. She noted that the men tried to alert their now dead uncle of a breach but the noise was too much.

Within a few minutes, the pit reportedly caved in, trapping Armstrong in the process.

When asked if she thinks that foul play was involved, she said, “At first, we thought it was but now we are not sure, and we can only say when the post-mortem is done. So, we wouldn’t make speculations without any evidence or such. But we know how the bush does be,” the woman stated.

Meanwhile, Louis’ sister, Orlene Armstrong, described her brother as one of the “funniest” people.

“He can be very calm and very loving. When he comes out from the interior, he does spread joy with everybody,” Orlene concluded.

In April this year, Alex, also known as “Dougla”, a resident of Moruca, North West District (NWD), was killed after the mining pit where he was working caved in.

It was reported that Alex was employed on a six-inch land dredge which is owned by an Ogle, East Coast Demerara man.

At the time of the incident, Alex and five other men were working in the mining pit when tragedy struck. Alex was pinned while his five colleagues managed to run to safety. His body was later retrieved from the rubble.

He was taken to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. (Shemar Alleyne)

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

The riggers are in full panic mode – the rigging conspiracy road coming to an end

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is today scheduled to deliver its decision on the March 2 elections in Guyana.

The ruling today is an opportunity to end David Granger’s and APNU/AFC’s barefaced, brazen attempt to thief the March 2 elections. The vast majority of Guyanese, including many who voted for Granger’s APNU/AFC, and the whole international community, including Caricom, the Commonwealth, the OAS, the ABCE countries and The Carter Center are hoping that the CCJ’s rulings today will end the travesty. It is now one hundred and twenty-eight (128) days since the elections.

It has never happened in the history of the world that people in any country had to wait more than four months for the results of an election.

In the Caribbean, three countries have had elections Dr Leslie Ramsammy after March 2 and all of them had results within 48 hours.

St Kitts and Nevis had their elections and results within hours. So too did the Dominican Republic. Suriname had results within 48 hours. Trinidad and Tobago will hold elections on August 10. Guyanese are hoping by then a new Guyanese President would have been sworn in.

While most people in and out of Guyana are hopeful the CCJ’s ruling will help to bring closure to this sordid affair, the riggers are in full panic mode. On Caricom Day (July 6), Granger’s APNU/AFC tried mobilising supporters to protest against the CCJ and Caricom. On Caricom’s 47th anniversary, Burnham’s party shamelessly organised a protest against Caricom leaders because they dared to stand resolutely in unity against Burnham’s party trying to thief the March 2 elections. Granger and APNU/AFC have accused Caricom leaders of being bribed

by Bharrat Jagdeo. It is an insult to leaders whose only “crime” is standing up for democracy in Guyana. It is shameful that APNU/AFC, in the COVID-19 era, with leaders safely at home, sent out supporters to protest against Caricom leaders. To their credit, thankfully, most of Granger’s supporters boycotted the protest. They are wiser than their leaders.

The Caricom Day protest, even if sparse, disgracefully also targeted the CCJ, two days before the CCJ’s ruling. In anticipation that the CCJ ruling will not be in their favour, APNU/ AFC organised their supporters, those willing few, to come out protesting against “interference” by both Caricom and the CCJ. While we are not certain what the CCJ’s rulings will be, the legal arguments leave us confident that APNU/AFC failed to make a case. The CCJ’s ruling, if it is what we anticipate, has the potential to end the rigging scandal in Guyana. But APNU/ AFC is in panic mode, trying to intimidate and threaten the CCJ, raising the prospect the ruling might cause an uprising in Guyana. This is the reprehensible message APNU/AFC is sending to the CCJ. But outside the protest, they also have had a social media frenzy attacking the CCJ. In one particularly reprehensible, puerile, social media post, they accused Bharrat Jagdeo, Jerry Goveia and Ramesh Dookhoo of organising illegal flights to Trinidad to bribe the CCJ Judges. While we do not know who started that repugnant message, we do know it is endorsed by Joe Harmon. It was posted on his FB page. First, the message insults the CCJ Judges because it alleges they can be bought. Second, it implies Harmon is incompetent, which is true. Third, it insults the Civil Aviation staff because no plane can leave Guyana without the Civil Aviation’s permission and that permission must be approved by Harmon, the CEO of the COVID-19 Task Force, Moses Nagamootoo, the Chair of the COVID-19 Task Force and David Granger. Seriously, who believes Bharrat Jagdeo bribed all of them to allow the plane to leave Guyana illegally? Then it insults Trinidad because Bharrat Jagdeo “bribed” everyone there, including Prime Minister Rowley, to allow an illegal landing of a plane when all airports in Trinidad are under lockdown. This story alone underlines the full-scale panic Granger’s APNU/AFC is under right now.

In the meanwhile, the sycophants are on the warpath.

David Hinds now accuses the CCJ of trying to seize jurisdiction, in collaboration with the PPP to rig the elections and to have a coup d’état. He ignored the Statements of Poll and the Statements of Recount, both showing the PPP convincingly winning the elections. He ignored Mingo’s and Lowenfield’s fraud. But he concludes the CCJ was seizing jurisdiction as part of their rigging plan and coup plan with Bharrat Jagdeo. This is the same man who, when it became clear the PPP had won, wanted the ballot boxes destroyed and wanted a do-over of the elections. This is the same man who wanted to disregard the elections and establish an interim government with David Granger as President. For him, the coup is OK, as long as David Granger is President. In the meanwhile, other sycophants are in full-mouthed incitement of their supporters to stop the swearing-in of the real winner of the elections.

Hopefully, good sense will prevail. Hopefully, by the time my next column appears in this space, President Irfaan Ali would have assumed office and begun the work of putting Guyana back on the road to prosperity. And our shame would come to an end.

Ramesh Dookhoo hands in resignation as Caricom trustee …PSC condemns APNU/AFC attempts to prejudice today’s ruling

F

ormer Private Sector Commission (PSC) President Ramesh Dookhoo has offered his resignation to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Board of Trustees, over allegations of a conflict of interest regarding his position as a trustee and the ongoing electoral case before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

This was revealed in a statement Dookhoo released on Tuesday, responding to the allegations. In his letter, Dookhoo denied claims that he has been meeting with influential people to interfere in the affairs of the Caribbean Court of Justice and moreover called out A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) supporters for their attacks on the CCJ. “I wish to reiterate that (these reports) are utterly false and unsubstantiated and it is against due protocols in the spirit of natural justice and the functioning

of the judicial system, to engage in slaughtering attacks on the Court and its Officers especially when the case has not yet been ruled upon,” he said.

The PSC executive also noted that the only meetings he has had at his house were with the view of finding ways to financially assist Guyanese stranded overseas

by COVID-19, in returning home.

“The representatives of the institutions that make up the Board of Trustees are highly esteemed and re-

Former PSC Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo

spected professionals across the Caribbean, it is ludicrous to even accuse one of its representatives of having some kind of influence on the CCJ Judges,” Dookhoo said in his statement.

As such, he offered his resignation to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, on account of the damage the

allegations have done. This publication attempted to make contact with Dookhoo to find out whether his resignation has been accepted but calls to his number went unanswered.

PSC condemns

Meanwhile, the PSC he once headed, on Tuesday called on political parties and citizens to continue to “respect the rule of law and the basic fundamentals of the democratic process.”

They made special men-

Man given 2-week jail sentence for threatening brother

A

Lindener was on Monday slapped with a two-week jail sentence by Magistrate Wanda Fortune when he made a virtual appearance before her at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The accused, Roscoe Caesar, was charged with

threatening Mario Caesar, his brother.

The court heard that the accused threatened to harm his relative during an argument at Wismar Housing Scheme last week.

The matter was reported and the accused was arrested and subsequently charged.

tion of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

In a press release, the PSC said it has observed that supporters of the APNU/ AFC have mounted active street protests in select areas of the country “specifically seeking to influence” the matter before the CCJ with regards to the General & Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.”

“We believe it is unfortunate that any one of the political parties currently represented in the case before the CCJ should attempt to prejudice the ruling of our Apex Court in the matter before it, we, however, recognise the rights and freedom of peaceful and orderly protest but we wish to emphasise that political street protests at this particularly sensitive time by one political party can rapidly invite counter protest from their opponents with real potential for these protests to descend into disorderly and possibly violent behaviour,” the PSC noted.

According to the Commission, it is therefore in support of recent statements by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which urged “responsible behaviour as the nation awaits the final declaration of the March 2 General and Regional Elections” The PSC, therefore, lent its voice to the call by the ERC “for all Leaders and stakeholder groups to act in a much-needed responsible manner and to ensure those whom they influence do likewise”.

The PSC also called upon Commissioner of Police Leslie James to ensure that the rule of law is respected and firmly applied and

Current PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia

enforced without favour against any attempt to promote, incite, or participate in public disorder or violence of any kind.

It has been over four months since Guyanese went to the polls and there has been no lawful result.

Issues surrounding the election results are currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice, which will render a judgement today.

The international community has overwhelmingly declared that the results from the recount, which show a PPP victory, should be used. The CCJ has to rule on the issue of whether more votes mean more valid votes, in the context of Order 60 of 2020.

Ahead of the decision, however, there have been advertisements, articles and even APNU/AFC-organised protests which seek to reinforce the view that the CCJ does not have jurisdiction to rule on the case. This is despite a Government order which prohibits such gatherings amid the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases.

Linden Constable jailed for assaulting nephew

A

twenty-six-year-old Constable attached to the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) was on Tuesday given a onemonth prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his nephew.

Aristole Inniss made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune

at the Linden Magistrate’s Court where the decision was handed down.

Police stated that Inniss assaulted Karreem Inniss on June 23, 2020, at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden.

He reportedly pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM Chair has wide powers to surpass Lowenfield – Ramkarran …if CEO tries to resubmit fraudulent report

E

xperienced constitutional lawyer and Senior Counsel, Ralph Ramkarran has made it clear that Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is not bound to accept any report its Chief Elections Officer (CEO) submits.

In an interview with this publication, Ramkarran made it clear that Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana grants GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh all the power she needs to ensure a declaration of the election results is made, with or without CEO Keith Lowenfield's cooperation.

“The Chairman has the power under Article 162 to take steps, broad powers to take such actions as is necessary to avoid partiality… take steps as necessary, to ensure compliance with laws and the Constitution.”

He pointed out that it states: “that Constitution shall issue instructions and take such actions as appear to it necessary and expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions

Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran

of this Constitution or any act of Parliament. So the Commission has full powers to override any skullduggery

by Mr Lowenfield."

Asked what are his expectations regarding the CEO, Ramkarran was pellucid that he has no illusions or faith where Lowenfield is concerned. However, the onus will be on Claudette Singh to take charge.

“I’m not optimistic that he will comply, but I’m optimistic that the Chairwoman will take a position on the matter. She wrote him ask-

ing him to produce a report based on the recount results, so that’s there," Ramkarran said.

Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution says that GECOM shall "issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid."

Meanwhile, People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member, Dr Frank Anthony expressed the view that GECOM is obligated to use the recount results as the basis of an election declaration, regardless of the ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“Whether the CCJ rules that the Appeals Court had jurisdiction or not, it doesn’t affect the next stage in the process. Because the next stage in the process is for us to go back to GECOM for a proper report with the val-

In response to concerns that Lowenfield may want to stick to his fraudulent report in which he discarded over 115,000 valid votes and handed a ‘victory’ to the incumbent APNU/AFC coalition, Dr Anthony argued that there is precedent for the Commission making the necessary corrections in such a case and for a declaration to be made by the Commission after those modifications are made.

PPP/C Executive Member Dr Frank Anthony

id votes that emerged out of the recount to be properly tabulated, and for that report to go to the Commission, and for a declaration to be made,” Dr Frank Anthony said during a virtual interview programme titled “Government in Transition”, on Monday.

Dr Anthony, a former Minister under the PPP/C Administration, was at the time part of a panel discussing the way forward as it relates to resolving the current political impasse in Guyana following the March 2 polls.

COVID-19 death

Family disputes COVID diagnosis, accuses GPHC of cover-up

By Shemar Alleyne

S

ome of the hardest goodbyes are the ones that were never said or never heard. This was the case of 76-year-old May Portsmouth, who has been recorded as Guyana’s latest COVID-19 death.

Family members of the late Portsmouth are still trying to come to grips with the passing of the woman.

On July 3, the elderly wom-

After returning home, she experienced a seizure and was taken back to the public hospital the following day.

“I told my sister (Lester), I am tired and to take her back Sunday morning, and my sister took her back, and they said they want the tests from the private hospital.

She went and get the test and bring it back to them,” the dead’s woman son, Lester Portsmouth, said.

He added that doctors

“I don’t understand that, and I find it very hard to believe that…she fell down from the step, and she had her complications when she [fell], and they gave her something wrong and killed her and now saying it’s COVID,” – grieving son an went to a private hospital for her usual medical checkup. There, she underwent a series of tests where it was revealed that she was in good health.

However, on July 4, she was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after she fell down from her stairs and suffered a mild heart attack. Doctors ran some tests on the woman and stated that everything was fine with her and that they are only seeing some scratches on her lungs, which didn’t seem to be as a result of her current illness.

Nevertheless, she was treated and sent home.

“said that they see that she has a slight heart attack and they said that they have something else they can do for her, but she has to pay $80,000, but if she can’t pay all one time, she can pay it on terms,” he explained to this publication.

The aggravated son stated that health officials informed the family that the injection would help her, and as such, the family went ahead and paid the money for the injection. However, he is claiming that doctors never told them what the injection was and what it was being used to treat.

“My sister consulted with my other sister over-

May Portsmouth

seas, and she said if it is going to get her better, let them give her the injection.

They gave her the injection, and my sister went outside for 45 minutes, and somebody come outside and [told] her to come inside back and told her that her mother just died,” he asserted.

Disputing COVID-19 diagnosis

Lester, in tears, stated that it was hard for the family. In fact, the young man stated that as the family gathered at their home trying to come to grips with reality, close friends and family started to message him saying that their mother died from the coronavirus.

“How she dead from coronavirus and she was perfectly [fine] when she go in there, and they gave her the injection, and when my sister go in there, they said she dead. How come she dead

from coronavirus?” Lester lamented.

Due to this, the aggravated son stated that there might be a hospital cover-up in his mother’s death. His suspicion is compounded by the fact that the Public Health Ministry has not asked them to go into quarantine nor tested relatives for the virus.

“I think it is a cover-up because if somebody died from COVID-19, would you notify the family when the results [did] come out, and you have the family number so that they can stop the spread. I don’t understand that, and I find it very hard to believe that.”

He added, “She fell down from the step, and she had her complications when she [fell], and they gave her something wrong and killed her and now saying it’s COVID.” On the same day Portsmouth died, 25-yearold Donna Greaves was air-dashed from Lethem in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) to the GPHC to treat a blood disorder, but health authorities said the woman died from the deadly disease.

Her family is also demanding a full probe since they believe the woman might have contracted the virus at GPHC. While Donna’s death was made public on Sunday, Portsmouth’s was revealed by the Director of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan.

Inaccurate claims

by APNU/AFC

Like Ramkarran, Anthony also dismissed as inaccurate, claims by the APNU/AFC that it is only Lowenfield who can decide on the calculations.

He pointed to a video in which Government-aligned Commissioner, Vincent Alexander was heard saying that on one occasion when he (Alexander) felt that “something was wrong” with how the tabulation was done in a previous election, he, as a Commissioner, made the corrections “right there and then”.

Anthony explained that in that scenario, once the corrections were made, the Commission endorsed the report and a declaration was made on this basis.

According to him, there is, therefore, a precedent that allows for the Commission to fix any report that is not accurate and make a declaration.

“We anticipate that the next step is to get the proper report and to have that computation of the seats for the National Assembly, so that we can have that declaration and a new Government in place,” the former Minister said.

He put the long wait for a final declaration down to the APNU/AFC's delaying tactics. Anthony added, however, that the delaying tactics being employed by the APNU/AFC will not work any longer as, in the end, the

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

duly elected Government will have to be sworn in.

“Time is running out, the options that they have are very few, so eventually there would be zero options remaining and we will have to move the process forward.

We are coming closer to that end game and it’s just a matter of time before we see this chapter come to a close and we have that declaration,” he noted.

It was only a few days ago that former Caribbean Community (Caricom) Chair, Mia Mottley, expressed concern over the CEO’s latest report in which he sought to present concocted figures in favour of the incumbent APNU/AFC coalition and at the same time discard over 115,000 valid votes.

In a video statement, PM Mottley had asserted that Lowenfield’s numbers cannot vary from those coming out of the National Recount.

She had noted that from the inception, Caricom has been clear in consistently calling for every vote to be counted in a fair and transparent manner.

The National Recount, which was conducted under the scrutiny of a special Caricom team, shows the PPP/C in a landslide victory with 15,416 more votes than its main political rival, the APNU/AFC coalition.

Scotiabank to close...

FROM PAGE 10

In addition, the bank stated that at “our 4 remaining branch locations, we have made significant investments in digital banking and are pleased to offer our customers robust alternate banking platforms such as Scotia OnLine and Mobile Banking, ATMs, and TeleScotia. These help customers bank safely and securely, 24/7 eliminating the need to visit the branch.”

Customers, the release added, “may find it helpful to speak with a branch advisor for useful tips on their accounts and the transition and stay tuned to gy.scotiabank.com for updates.”

In November 2018, the Canadian-based Scotiabank announced that it has signed an agreement to sell its banking operations in Guyana and eight other Caribbean nations to

Republic Financial Holdings Limited.

However, in September 2019, days after Central Bank of Guyana denied Republic Financial Holdings Limited’s application, the parent company of Republic Bank (Guyana), for the purchase/acquisition of the operations of Scotiabank in Guyana, the Canadian bank said that it will continue business here until a solution can be made on the issue.

In a brief statement, Scotiabank’s Manager – Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (Caribbean), Cindy Mohammed had said as a result of the decision communicated by the Bank of Guyana, the sale of Scotiabank’s operations in Guyana to Republic Bank will not move forward.

PAID AD

17

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

Regional

Antigua's PM: No rinky-dinky airline

Coronavirus: Brazil's President P Bolsonaro tests positive B

razil's President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for coronavi-

rus.

He took the test, his fourth, on Monday after developing symptoms, including a high temperature.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly played down risks of what he has called the "little flu", saying he would not be seriously affected. He has opposed lockdowns, which he says hurt the economy.

Brazil has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the world, after the US. He made the announcement in a TV interview on Tuesday, saying the fever he had been experiencing had gone down and that he felt "very well".

Bolsonaro said that he had started experiencing symptoms on Sunday. He said he had had a high temperature, a cough, and had felt unwell.

He added that on Monday he had felt worse, which prompted him to take the coronavirus test.

Bolsonaro is in a high-

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

er-risk group because of his age, 65.

He said he was taking hydroxychloroquine – championed by US President Donald Trump – and azithromycin, an antibiotic, to treat the illness. Neither has been proven to be effective against the virus.

Contact tracing and tests will be carried out for the people Bolsonaro has met recent-

ly.

His three previous tests for the virus all came back negative.

The executive Director of the World Health Organisation, Dr Mike Ryan, wished President Bolsonaro "a speedy and full recovery from this disease", adding: "I think the message to us all is: we are vulnerable to this virus."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

rime Minister Gaston Browne says the financially-strapped airline LIAT should not become “prey for no rinky-dinky airline” as he continued to press for Caribbean Governments to rethink their position regarding the liquidation of the airline.

Last week, the major shareholders – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines – announced plans for the liquidation of the Antigua-based airline, but St John’s has publicly opposed the move saying that the airline, despite its financial problems should be remodelled and recapitalised.

Browne has already indicated that he has asked the Registrar of companies to reserve the name LIAT 2020 for the new initiative and that EC$20 million had already been secured in a bid to get the new company in flight.

Browne said that the safety of LIAT has become the envy of its competitors, warning “if we are not careful, first of all they afraid of LIAT’s brand recognition and that’s

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne

why they want to kill it".

“LIAT has a strong brand recognition and it has extensive presence which obviously gives us that opportunity to consolidate the sub-regional air transportation sector. But if we are not careful the decentralisation that I see taking place and which some Heads are pushing for … [will] end up with a whole heap of small rinky-dinky airlines and you will see reduction in service quality, you will also see a re-

duction in passenger comfort,” Browne said, noting that there is a question mark about the safety record of one of the airlines seeking to replace LIAT. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says the Kingstown-based One Caribbean airline could begin regional flights as soon as next Sunday as part of its efforts to fill the void left by cash-trapped regional carrier LIAT. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Ex-Panamanian President's sons charged with bribery, Jamaica performing creditably money laundering in COVID-19 fight – Tufton U

H

ealth and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton has lauded Jamaica's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that the country was doing much better than some of its international counterparts.

Citing the COVID-19 numbers, Dr Tufton said Jamaica has managed to slow the disease, which has resulted in fewer than expected cases and hospitalisations on the island.

“In fact, Jamaica has so far kept the number of cases below the health system capacity to respond, and that's a very positive indication of the way we have managed and spent the resources,” Dr

Tufton said.

Dr Tufton said of the 737 confirmed cases up to July 6, only 14 or 1.9 per cent have been critically ill, and 11, or 1.5 per cent moderately ill.

In addition, after nearly 120 days since the first case was confirmed, Jamaica has had a mortality rate of 1.4 per cent, compared to the international rate of between three and four per cent. "[It's] a commendable achievement attributed to the public health response," he said. "When compared to other jurisdictions, we can safely say that Jamaica's health system is working to protect the citizens of Jamaica."

He saluted all those who

have helped so far, including the country's public health workers, among them volunteers from The University of the West Indies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant challenge that Jamaica and the world has faced since the 1918 Spanish Flu which caused a reported 50 million deaths globally,” he said.

“Today, COVID-19, after six months, has infected more than 10 million people and claimed over half a million lives worldwide, and counting. This is while requiring a never-before-seen level of resource mobilisation and public health response plans…” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Grenada lifts curfew, but implements new conditions

G

renada on Tuesday announced the lifting of the curfew that had been put in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), even as it said that citizens will have to comply with updated emergency powers regulations regarding congregation and the free movement of people.

The updated regulation provides for the free movement of citizens from 11:59 pm (local time) on July 14, as part of the weekly strategy implemented by the government since the island de-

clared a state of emergency in March.

In April, Parliament approved for the state of emergency to be extended for no more than six months.

Despite the lifting of the curfew, the regulation states that only businesses that are approved to operate will be allowed to open and all everybody, once in the public must practise the physical distancing protocol and wear a mask or other face covering.

“Every person shall, whenever he is outside of his

place of residence – (a) wear a mask or suitable covering over his nose and mouth, and (b) at all times as far as practicable distance himself at least six feet from any other person,” said the regulation which outlines that the only exemption from physical distancing and mask-wearing protocol are cases of medical emergency.

With regard to social activities, only groups of 20 are allowed for social events but groups of 50 are permitted for weddings and funerals.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

S Prosecutors have charged two sons of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli in connection with bribery and money laundering linked to Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht, according to a federal complaint unsealed on Monday.

Luis Enrique Martinelli, 38, and Ricardo Alberto Martinelli, 40, were arrested earlier in the day in Guatemala City as they attempted to board a flight to Panama, Guatemala's Police said in a statement.

The two men face extradition to the United States.

A Martinelli spokesman

did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the charges.

But the family said in a statement following the arrest that it was working to ensure the ex-President's sons have legal assistance in Guatemala and are able to transfer the proceedings to Panama.

Odebrecht has been at the centre of a far-reaching Latin American corruption scandal uncovered in 2014, in which the company paid more than US$700 million in bribes to Government officials in various countries.

The 2014 scandal continues to reverberate across South America and has

entangled several public officials, triggering impeachment, arrests, and resignations. Odebrecht has admitted it paid US$788 million in bribes to win construction contracts in 12 countries agreeing to pay a world record US$3.5 billion fine.

The Department of Justice said in a statement the Martinelli sons are accused of having been intermediaries for the payment of about US$28 million in bribes from Odebrecht to a high-ranking Panama official between 2009 and 2014, the period in which their father was in office. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trinidad: Boy, 14, charged with murder

A

14-year-old boy is expected to appear before the Children Court on Tuesday, on murder charges, in virtual proceedings.

He is accused of the murder of 44-year-old Dial Seepersad, which occurred on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Official Police sources indicate that the teenager, who resides in the Northern Division, was charged with the offence on Monday, July 6, 2020, following advice received from Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard SC, on that same date.

According to Police reports, Dial Seepersad, of St Joseph, was walking along

Dookiesingh Street in St Augustine on Thursday, July 2, 2020, when he was approached by a teenager and an altercation ensued.

During the incident, the teenager reportedly stabbed the victim in his chest before escaping. The victim died at the scene.

An investigation was launched into the matter and the minor was arrested on that same date in the presence of The Children Court in Port of Spain his mother. of the Homicide Bureau of The boy was (Excerpt charged with the offence Investigations.

by WPC La Fortune-Salina from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS European oil giant slashes oil price forecast to $48 per barrel in 2021

I

taly’s Eni lowered its long-term oil price assumptions on Tuesday, saying that the coronavirus pandemic would have “an enduring impact” on the global economy and energy industry.

Weeks after BP and Shell revised down their long-term price assumptions, Eni also cut its 2020-2024 and long-term oil and gas pricing scenario, warning of US$4 billion (3.5 billion euro) in post-tax impairment charges against non-current assets for the second quarter, plus/minus 20 per cent.

Eni now forecasts Brent Crude prices at US$60 a barrel in 2023 compared to its previous assumption of US$70 a barrel.

For the years 2020-2022, Brent prices are expected to be at US$40, US$48, and US$55 per barrel, respectively, compared to the previous assumptions of US$45, US$55, and US$70 a barrel.

While reducing its oil price assumptions, the Italian company reiterated today its February commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and possibly even speed up its efforts to be more prepared in the energy transition.

“We confirm our strategy to become a leader in the decarbonisation process, notwithstanding the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and the Company. We are assessing how to speed up our plans,” Eni’s CEO Claudio Descalzi said.

“This ongoing evolution will allow the Company to achieve a better balanced portfolio, reducing the exposure to the volatility of hydrocarbon prices, while progressing towards our targets of sustainability and profitability. Our changed longterm assumptions, reached four months after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect our current expectations about future prices and will be incorporated in our processes of capital allocation,” Descalzi noted.

Last month, BP warned of post-tax impairments and writeoffs in the range of US$13 billion to US$17.5 billion, expecting the long-term average price for Brent Crude to be US$55 per barrel between 2021 and 2050.

Shell warned last week that it could take as much as US$22 billion in post-tax impairment charge for Q2, warning of a massive write-down of its assets as it revised its price assumptions after the oil price crash. (Excerpt from Oilprice. com)

Six arrested after "Dutch torture chambers" found

S

ix men have been arrested in the Netherlands following the discovery of seven shipping containers converted into cells and torture chambers.

The containers were located in Wouwse Plantage, south of Rotterdam, after French Police cracked encrypted phones used by criminals.

Dutch Police said the containers were found before they were used, and potential victims were now in hiding.

Inside the containers was a dentist chair with straps and handcuffs.

Police also found a building in Rotterdam, which they believe was another criminal base.

The suspects were arrested on June 22 following a Franco-Dutch operation to infiltrate the EncroChat encrypted phone system.

Police intercepted millions of messages including that of one of the suspects, a 40-year-old man from The Hague. Investigators were able to access his contacts

via an Encrochat phone.

After locating the containers in April in Wouwse Plantage, near the Belgian border, Police put the area under observation and found that multiple men were working on them almost every day. When the containers were almost finished, investigators decided to intervene.

A video posted online by Police shows officers arresting the suspects and also entering the containers.

Officers found handcuffs attached to the floors and ceilings of the structures, which had also been soundproofed.

In one container, they also discovered Police clothing and bulletproof vests. In another, they located pruning shears, scalpels and balaclavas.

Two of the suspects have also been detained for possession of weapons.

The arrests are among 800 made across Europe after EncroChat messages were intercepted and decoded. (Excerpt from BBC News)

WHO acknowledges "evidence emerging" of airborne spread of COVID-19

T

he World Health Organisation on Tuesday acknowledged “evidence emerging” of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people.

“We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.

The WHO has previously said the virus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attends a news conference organised by Geneva Association of United Nations Correspondents (ACANU) amid the COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the novel coronavirus, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva Switzerland, July 3, 2020

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

Because those smaller ex-

haled particles can linger in the air, the scientists in the group had been urging WHO to update its guidance.

“We wanted them to acknowledge the evidence,” said Jose Jimenez, a chemist at the University of Colorado who signed the paper.

“This is definitely not an

attack on the WHO. It’s a scientific debate, but we felt we needed to go public because they were refusing to hear the evidence after many conversations with them,” he said in a telephone interview.

Speaking at Tuesday’s briefing in Geneva, Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said there was evidence emerging of airborne transmission of the coronavirus, but that it was not definitive. “...The possibility of airborne transmission in public settings - especially in very specific conditions, crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings that have been described, cannot be ruled out,” she said.

“However, the evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted, and we continue to support this.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan warn Israel over annexation

T

he foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany and Jordan have urged Israel to abandon plans for annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank, warning such action could have "consequences" for relations.

The Government of

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set July 1 as the date when it could begin to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as in the strategic Jordan Valley.

The move was endorsed by a Middle East plan un-

Coronavirus: Trump moves to pull US out of World Health Organisation

P

resident Donald Trump has formally moved to withdraw the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The President had made his intentions clear in late May, accusing the WHO of being under China's control in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite calls from the EU and others, he said he would pull out of the UN agency and redirect funds elsewhere.

He has now notified the UN and Congress of his intentions, although the process could take at least a year.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary General, confirmed the US had notified it of its withdrawal, effective as of July 6, 2021.

A senior US administration official told CBS News that Washington had detailed the reforms that it wanted the WHO to make and engaged with it directly, but that the WHO had refused to act.

Joe Biden, who will challenge Donald Trump in the November presidential elec-

veiled by US President Donald Trump in January.

Netanyahu's office made no announcement on July 1, but said talks were continuing with US officials and Israeli security chiefs.

In recent weeks, the EU has mounted a diplomatic campaign against the annexation, highlighted by a visit to Jerusalem by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to raise concerns about the prospective plans.

But the bloc cannot

threaten Israel with formal sanctions without unanimous support among members.

After occupying the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel began establishing a network of settlements during the following decade. Construction has continued to this day.

Despite being viewed as illegal under international law, the settler population has jumped by 50 per cent during the past decade.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Canadian man faces weapons charges in attack on PM Trudeau's home

C Donald Trump has accused the WHO of being under China's control

tion, tweeted: "On my first day as President, I will rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage."

The US is the global health agency's largest single contributor, providing more than US$400 million (£324 million; €360 million) in 2019, around 15 per cent of its total budget.

Under a Congress resolution in 1948, the US can withdraw but must give a year's notice and should pay outstanding fees, although it is unclear where Trump stands on that. Dujarric stressed that those conditions should be met. (Excerpt from BBC News)

harges filed against Corey Hurren, the Canadian man arrested after a crashing a pick-up truck through the gates of Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Sources suggest Hurren may have intended to assassinate Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Hurren, 46, who posted QAnon conspiracy theories on Instagram, is charged with possession of four loaded guns, including two "assault-style" weapons banned by the Canadian Government.

An active member of the Canadian armed forces, Hurren was arrested July 2 after breaching the grounds of the residence where Trudeau and his family live, and was charged with 22 criminal offences. Details of the charges were released July 6, according to report in the National Post newspaper.

The charges filed in court

itemised an arsenal of firearms and ammunition Hurren had with him after arriving in Ottawa from his home in northern Manitoba, according to the Post.

The charges were filed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, known as INSET, which is a counterterrorism unit. The RCMP said there is no evidence Hurren was part of any group of plotters, the Post reported.

Hurren allegedly smashed into the gates of Rideau Hall, causing his car to break down. He fled on foot with a rifle in his hand but was arrested after a standoff with Police. He reportedly had a note on him that he wanted to deliver to Trudeau, who was not at Rideau Hall at the time.

Hurren is being held pending a bail hearing set for July 17, according to the Reuters news service.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Pick up the pace. Set physical goals that will encourage better health.

Spend less time talking and more time taking care of business. If you love someone, say so.

Do what's practical.

Don't let your emotions push you in the wrong direction. You have so much to gain if you make the right choices. Do what's right and best for you.

Remembering a past incident will help you make a wise choice now. Stay focused on what you can do to improve your position and how you present yourself to others.

Look for alternatives if you feel uncertain about a current personal or professional circumstance. A move will turn out better than anticipated.

Update your resume to suit the changing job market.

Update legal documents.

Get the lowdown on how to benefit from institutional grants, offers and loopholes.

Staying well-informed will lead to gains. Romance is favored.

Call in a favor and reach out to someone who can provide information that will help you get through a tough time. A partnership will prove beneficial.

Spend more time with upbeat people, youngsters or loved ones. Sharing thoughts and feelings, digitally or in person, will enrich your life.

Don't fight the inevitable.

Adapt and look for the best route to take. Intelligence, creativity and your instincts will help you reach your destination of choice.

Keep your emotions out SAGITTARIUS of sight and your opinions (Nov. 23to yourself. The emphasis Dec. 21) you put on health, diet, fitness and overall personal improvement will serve you well. Romance is featured.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

How you handle your money, joint ventures, and domestic and professional affairs will require adjustment. Look for an innovative way to take advantage of a financial opportunity.

Deep breath in, deep breath out. Strive to acquire peace of mind and physical relaxation. Spend time with loved ones. Personal growth will lead to happiness.

How you react to others will determine how well others relate to you. Use common sense to avoid getting into an offensive situation. Offer kindness to gain peace of mind.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

U

K Sport has confirmed it is investigating the “shocking and upsetting” allegations of serious physical and emotional abuse of British gymnasts – with one former leading competitor claiming she had been locked in a cupboard and another saying they were forced to train until their hands bled when they were 10 years old.

The funding body of Olympic sport in Britain also called on other gymnasts to share their concerns and said it would hold to account anyone responsible for such abhorrent behaviour.

UK Sport’s response came after one former athlete told ITV Sport that young gymnasts would be shouted and screamed at and claimed she was once hit by a stick when she was doing a handstand.

Another, the former Olympian Lisa Mason, said she had been made to train until her hands bled. “My coach put me on the bars until my hands ripped and bled. My hands would then be pulled down and surgical spirit would be poured all over them.

I would also have AstroTurf put under the bars so I would burn my feet if I didn’t keep them up. But everyone else is going through it, so you think it’s normal.”

Mason said some gymnasts are afraid to speak out for fear of missing selection for the Tokyo Olympic Games. “The Olympics is next year and we don’t want to rock the boat and upset the people who make those decisions,” she said.

It is understood allegations of ill-treatment have also been made by members of the GB team at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

A UK Sport spokesperson said: “These

W

o m e n ’ s professional golf has been handed a boost after it was confirmed the British Open will take place as scheduled later this summer. The event, which will run from August 20-23 at Royal Troon, is to be played without spectators.

While the PGA Tour has been back in operation since early June and its equivalent in Europe resumes later this month, leading female golfers have enjoyed no such competitive leeway. That limited playing opportunity is thought to have been prominent in the minds of the R&A, who now preside over the Women’s British Open. This will mark the first women’s major of 2020 because of COVID-19 disruption.

Emphasising the strict guidelines that will be utilised, the R&A said in a statement: “The championship will enforce strict health and

allegations relating to the treatment of young athletes within gymnastics are shocking and upsetting. There is absolutely no place for any sort of bullying or abuse in sport and anyone responsible for such behaviour must be held accountable, with support offered to those affected.

“We treat safeguarding matters with the utmost importance and all our investments into national governing bodies are contingent on a sport meeting standards set out by the Child Protection in Sport Unit.”

The British gymnasts were reportedly encouraged to speak out following the broadcast of Athlete A, which detailed physical and emotional abuse of gymnasts,

safety protocols, including the creation of a bio-secure zone.

Only personnel essential to the championship’s onsite operations, namely players, caddies, officials and staging staff, will be inside the zone with their movements for the week limited to the golf course and designated secure hotel.

“All personnel will be required to return a negative COVID-19 test from an authorised testing centre and will be subject to further daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the zone and the health of those within it.”

United Kingdom Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “Getting elite women’s sports back safely remains a top priority. We’re working hard to ensure we don’t lose any of the great momentum that has built up in recent years.”

The Ladies Scottish

Open has also now confirmed its intention to proceed behind closed doors, at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian, from August 13. That co-sanctioned tournament will mark the first on the Ladies European Tour since mid-March. The US-based LPGA Tour is set to return at the Drive On Championship in Ohio from July 31.

“With men’s professional golf back playing, it is important that we are able to follow suit,” said Catriona Matthew, Europe’s Solheim Cup captain.

Confirmation that the Ryder Cup will be postponed from September to 2021, expected last week, will finally arrive within the next 48 hours. The European Tour is expected to subsequently reveal the rescheduled Irish Open will take the Ryder Cup’s 2020 slot. (The Guardian)

in addition to the crimes of the USA team doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexual offences against hundreds of under-age American gymnasts.

UK Sport said it was vital others felt encouraged to come forward. “The integrity of the high-performance system is paramount and so, we are quickly but thoroughly working to establish the facts with British Gymnastics before deciding on the appropriate response.

“It is essential all athletes feel comfortable to come forward and share concerns they may have in a safe and confidential environment. The British Athletes Commission is available to all athletes and

R

afael Nadal has chosen to launch his claycourt season in Madrid during the week that follows the US Open.

The world number two could face a hectic schedule if he elects to travel to New York to defend his grand slam title.

That tournament will be behind closed doors at Flushing Meadows and it remains to be seen whether the Madrid Open, a Masters Series event, must also operate in the same circumstances.

Madrid's showpiece event was postponed from May and is now scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 13, the day of the men's US Open final.

Nadal may not need to play in Madrid until possibly the Wednesday, but it is possible he could be considering skipping the trip to the United States, focusing instead on the delayed clay-court swing.

After Madrid comes the Internazionali d’Italia in Rome, with the French Open, which Nadal has won a record 12 times, then beginning on September 27.

The 34-year-old Nadal has previously indicated he was unsure about travelling to New York, questioning whether that event should happen given the COVID-19 crisis.

Playing closer to home is more straightforward for Spain's 19-time grand slam winner.

Madrid tournament director Feliciano Lopez, who as a player won the Queen's

21

offers independent, confidential advice and support which we’d urge athletes to use.”

It is understood British Gymnastics is bracing itself for fresh revelations. In a statement, the governing body said it condemned “any behaviour which is harmful to the well-being of our gymnasts”.

It added: “Such behaviours are completely contrary to our standards of safe coaching. Our integrity unit investigates all allegations of emotional abuse and bullying that are reported to us or identified by our national network of club welfare officers and takes disciplinary action to prevent recurrence.

The BAC, which represents more than 1200 members across 40 sports, called the comments made by the gymnasts “deeply troubling”.

“No athlete should be expected to tolerate an abuse of power or poor practice,” it said. “The performance environment should be a place of mutual trust and respect where athletes are supported in achieving their best. The BAC is worried to hear of athlete experiences which appear not to reflect these standards and would urge that any allegations are investigated thoroughly.

“As the independent membership organisation for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the BAC supports any athlete that does not receive the appropriate duty of care and we urge any of our members, who may have safeguarding or welfare concerns, to contact us so we can provide independent, confidential advice and support if required.” (The Guardian)

Club singles and doubles titles last year, wrote on Twitter that Nadal had agreed to play his tournament.

"I've spoken with my friend @RafaelNadal and he's confirmed he will take part in Madrid this September," Lopez said.

He said Nadal would be welcomed "with open arms" at the event.

Nadal responded by writing: "Same with you Feli. See you in September in Madrid."

(Sportsmax)

22

J

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

oe Root has told Ben Stokes to "do it your way" as he captains England for the first time against West Indies to-

day.

Root will miss a Test match this week for the first time since 2014 to attend the birth of his second child, with Stokes taking the reins instead. In his pre-match press conference, Stokes said that he would be "silly not to" tap into the experience around him in the side, and revealed that Root had left him a note on the hanger of the captain's blazer encouraging him to be himself.

"The best message that I've received was when I got my photos done yesterday with the blazer," Stokes said. "Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said: 'do it your way.'

"When I first got asked, I said I'd be open to opinions. Just because Joe's not here, that doesn't mean I'm not going to use him. Joe's always been very open and willing [to listen] to advice from players, so I think I'd be stupid to go away from that. We've got so much experience in this team that it would be silly not to lean on that if I feel like I need some advice.

"With Joe and his personal situation, it's been a case of letting him deal with that. I haven't been on him too much, but I know as soon as the Test match starts, I know he'll be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to."

Stokes has previously pledged to take "the positive route" as captain, and said that he thought England have more of an identity as a side now than during their 2-1 series defeat in the Caribbean last year.

Since Chris Silverwood replaced Trevor

T

he Trinidad Government's Finance & General Purposes Committee has met to prepare its final report on the financial aspects of hosting the entire Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament and the Cabinet will now finally sit to give final approval.

Owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the owners of the CPL have decided to offer the entire tournament to T&T and given the proposed start date of August 18, final approval needs to come in this week.

Last week, CPL needed to send in some final information to the Government and this they did according to Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pete Russell. "We have provided all the information requested, but I assume this still needs to filter down to the Cabinet."

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley speak-

Bayliss as Head Coach following last summer's Ashes series, the Test team has played a more familiar style of cricket, with a particular emphasis on the top order batting for long periods of time. While England's top six in the first Test will be short on experience, with just 109 caps between them, Stokes said that there is now a much clearer blueprint than has been the case in recent years.

"I think there's a lot more clarity with everybody," he said. "We have an identity as a Test team. Whereas in times gone past, a few lads might have felt under pressure

ing on I95 Sports show on Sunday said that he was optimistic that the tournament would come off. "We had a little sticking point. It is being worked out and hopefully, we can sign off on it at our Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The major point was the protocol for hosting the tournament and this has been achieved," he said.

Asked if the sticking point was of a financial nature, Dr Rowley said: "I must maintain the position of confidentiality with CPL." He added: "Once the Government is satisfied that the public interest is well protected, then we will go. I am fairly optimistic we will get something going once we are able to clear, which we have done with the health situation."

With the CPL due to get going on August 18 and General elections in T&T set for August 10, Dr Rowley said he sees no issue.

"They are two separate things. One is national and the other is international. Once the election is over, we move on. We have to learn to walk and chew gum at the same time."

The Cabinet is expected to have in hand all reports that will allow them to make an informed decision this week. The Finance and General Purposes Committee is responsible for establishing policies, procedures, and controls to facilitate financial governance, which includes financial planning, budget approvals, expenditure approvals, and financial reporting.

Once confirmed, the tournament will be held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando and the Queen's Park Oval in Port-of-Spain. The eighth edition of the competition is scheduled to be bowled off on August 18 and will conclude on September 10. (TT Guardian)

with guys knocking the door down in a negative way, now we look at that in a positive way where there's competition for places in the team.

"If you're not performing well as a player, there's someone right behind you ready to come in. That's a great place to be in, especially as an international side. We have an identity now as a Test team. For us going forward, it's about building on that identity.

We have a goal of becoming the best team in the world so we're building towards that."

England were scheduled to name their

B

side for the first Test on Tuesday afternoon, with the question of which fast bowlers to leave out the only decision that needs to be taken following the announcement of a 13man squad on Saturday.

James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are competing for three spots in the playing XI, with Stokes and off-spinner Dom Bess rounding off the bowling attack, and the selectors have made clear over the course of the past two weeks that the side picked for the first Test will be the best one available to them, despite plans to rotate later in the summer. "It's not very often that we've been in a situation where we've got six or seven bowlers to choose from," Stokes said. "It's a real head-scratcher as somebody who's got to choose the side, but as a bigger picture it's a great place to be in as a team.

"I feel as if we're in a position now as a Test team like we were with the one-day team in 2015 and building for that World Cup. I feel as if we're building towards the Ashes in Australia and also India. To have the crop of fast bowlers that we now possess especially is a great place to be in as a Test team.

"I've been dreading it the last three days, having to deliver bad news to some lads.

It's obviously not a nice thing to have to do, but that comes with being the captain and with being in a leadership role. It's got to be done. With the schedule that we have, with six Test matches in seven weeks, there's going to have to be a lot considered going forward. We'll have to wait and see what the future brings in terms of the Test matches after this." (ESPNcricinfo)

rian Lara has urged West Indies to "pounce immediately" and rattle England early on in their three-Test series.

The Windies great, formerly the all-time record run-scorer in Tests, believes his countrymen will struggle if matches go the full five-day distance.

But he sees West Indies as having the players who can impose themselves on their hosts, with the behind-closed-doors series starting in Southampton today.

"They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England," Lara said in quotes published by the BBC. "I don't think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it."

Lara still holds the highest individual score in Tests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the 400 not out he scored against England in Antigua in 2004.

He knows what it takes to pick apart an England bowling attack, and West Indies' 2-1 series victory over the same opponents last year suggests the current breed can also more than hold their own.

Whether West Indies can be as competitive in English conditions as they were in the Caribbean remains to be seen.

"They have to be able to pounce immediately," said Lara. "England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites."

According to the 51-year-old Trinidadian, the tone for the series could be set on day one.

Lara said: "If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that's the key."(BBC sport)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1

3th of March was the date that the world saw international cricket being played for the last time. It had been around four months since a top-level cricket match took place. For England and the West Indies, it is longer. In between, the cricketing brains around the globe have struggled, brainstormed and formulated feasible ways and dates to make the events happen. Players have confined to keeping themselves fit within their homes while certain top-level athletes fell prey to the pathogen and manoeuvred their way out of it.

as compared to the ones witnessed in the past two years. While Rory Burns will most likely partner Dom Sibley at the top, makeshift opener Zak Crawley would also find a spot with Joe Root set to miss the first Test.

Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, and Ben Stokes would be automatic selections as will be Jos Buttler, who leapfrogs Jonny Bairstow as the man to take the gloves. And how does one veer their attention away from Stokes, England’s most crucial cricketer, slated to step in as the leader for the first time? The all-rounder’s career has gone on to touch a new echelon ever since his 2019 World Cup heroics. And from being stripped of the vice captaincy in 2017, earning it back, pundits back him to lead by example, which he always does but also do it excellently.

At 37, sultan of swing James Anderson is all set to feature in his 151st Test. Yet, how could one hold back from remembering Jofra Archer’s carnage as a Test debutant last summer despite not remaining consistent after those? And how about Mark Wood, whose bowled rockets during his 12 wickets in two Tests that allowed England to dream about bowling Wood and Archer in tandem? Or Chris Woakes, who has underlined his importance on all the fronts?

In a nutshell, the hosts have plenty to choose from in the pace department, all of whom could work wonders. Rest assured, England will indeed miss the Barmy Army’s support in the stands, whose absence Simmons also highlighted as an advantage for them. And as a trendsetter for the immediate future, the world will stick their eyes on this encounter and see if the best bowling line-up can cause havoc without saliva.

Are you ready for this battle?

And the sport waited and has steered itself through turbulent days to mark its return to the turf, but with a whole new set of restrictions, rules, and surroundings.

Moreover, what’s better than resuming it in a nation where cricket found its roots and a rivalry that started back in 1928.

Yes, it’s England versus the West Indies, the three-Test series, which was to take place in May. While it is true that on the 13th of March, the final match in the international arena was staged, the last in whites held on the 2nd of March. And Test cricket is the way to bring upon the resumption of the gentleman’s game as the hosts meet the Caribbean in Southampton.

If ECB’s bravado to stage international cricket in one of the worst-hit countries by the pandemic is worth acclamation, the words to appreciate the tourists’ decision to visit knows no bounds. While Jason Holder’s men hold the Wisden trophy, which they regained in February 2019, their numbers in England do not go for pretty reading. West Indies last beat the Englishmen in their backyard in 1988 and emerged triumphant once in 2017, which was the first since 2000.

If that is not enough, the number eight Test team will also have to play without the services of Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo – two batsmen with contrasting approaches but equally vital to their defence.

However, the West Indies will challenge a work-in-progress English top order with their five-pronged pace attack.

The absence of Hetmyer and Bravo in the middle-order means that a lot will depend on Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shamarh Brooks, and Jermaine Blackwood, all of whom produced mixed performances in the warm-up games. Shai Hope, who played an integral role back in 2017 in West Indies’ victory in Leeds, has the responsibility to set the tone as veterans with Kraigg Brathwaite. England’s penetrating bowling attack is no surprise why Head Coach Phil Simmons has fired a warning to his batsmen. The West Indies’ batting line-up has to come off strongly against a reput-

23

Pitch report:

The pitch at the Ageas Bowl usually tends to favour spinners; however, with the conditions slated to remain overcast and zip on the deck, the team winning the toss will choose to bowl first. While the strength lies in pace bowling for both the sides, they have got equally capable spinners, who can do the Moeen Ali-magic of Southampton in 2018.

Weather forecast:

ed English pace attack on their home soil.

Plenty will rely on the likes of Hope, Chase, and Brathwaite as batsmen while Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel have to shoulder the responsibilities of the bowling department.

In contrast, England have had a dream

start to this year and will fancy themselves as favourites at home against the old enemy. After not winning a single series in 2019, they beat the Proteas comprehensively in an away leg. The foundations of their 3-1 triumph in the four-match series arrived on the back of a more settled top order

The weather in Southampton could remain cloudy throughout the Test match with no rain expected. The temperature could vary between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, which can be perfect for Test cricket.

Head to head:

Played – 157 Won by England – 49 Won by West Indies – 57 Drawn – 51

– Banks DIH, Beacon Café among those supporting venture

O

ver the past several weeks, the Kingston Football Development Academy (KFDA) has reached out to some businesses and Kingston residents near and far on an initiative to help provide COVID-19 relief hampers for the Kingston, New Market Street, and Tiger Bay communities.

Some immediately answered the call including Banks DIH Ltd; Ramdeo Kumar, the CEO of Beacon Café; Kingstonians Sherry Ann Sankar (USA), Donna Ann Knights, owner of Donna’s Grocery Shop; Junior Forrester of KFDA and Andy Atkinson as part of their corporate and community responsibilities. This is KFDA’s fifth distribution of COVID-19 community food hampers to families.

Banks DIH Limited made a donation of Triskits Crackers to the Academy to assist in its food donation drive for residents affected

by COVID-19.

Forrester thanked Banks DIH Limited and Beacon Cafe for responding to the Academy’s request for assistance towards the food drive that started June 12.

“We are grateful to Mr Stewart, a Kingstonian; and Banks DIH and Mr Kumar of Beacon Cafe for reacting to our request. We look forward to continued partnership in the future,” Forrester said.

On Sunday, July 5 at 17:00h, the KFDA team distributed 50 hampers to families in the Tiger Bay community. Overall, the KFDA has distributed 170 COVID-19 relief hampers.

The KFDA noted that it was very grateful to all the sponsors and contributors who have supported the initiative so far with timely donations in the midst of this global pandemic, including: Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel Guyana; Carlton Joao, Marketing and Sales Executive of Banks DIH; Andrew King, CEO of Toucan Distributors; Christine Anita Jardim, CEO of The Outdoors Store and Pet Shop; Nickoli Peimo, Marketing Manager of SuperBet; Sherry-Ann Sankar (USA); Alex Bunbury (USA), founder of ABSAA Inc; Simone Gaskin Lashley (USA), CEO of Sim Concept Travel; Donna Ann Knights, Owner of Donna’s Grocery Store; Keiona Porter (USA); The Hennessy Family; Patricia Brown (USA); Ramdeo Kumar, CEO of Beacon Café; Junior Forrester, founder of KFDA; Malinda Lawrence; Andy Atkinson; Paul Persaud and Jeison Jackman.

The KFDA will not be posting on social media photos of anyone collecting hampers. But a few will be sent to sponsors privately. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the ongoing COVID-19 Kingston food drive, please contact 696-0658.

The KFDA is also asking persons to continue supporting these businesses. Another distribution exercise of hampers (50 in total) is planned for Sunday, July 12. For more information, individuals are asked to contact organisers Junior Forrester (592-696-0658), Andy Atkinson -(592 639 9542) or Aubrey Denny (592-698-7194).

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 22

Pg 23

– Banks DIH, Beacon Café among those supporting venture

Pg 23

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

Pg 22