Issuu

FRIDAY 27th March, 2020

' No.105952

‘We’ve won

APNU+AFC Executive Member Joseph Harmon

these elections’

SEE PAGES 03&11

…Coalition remains confident …slams calls for sanctions …urges parties to “sit and of victory at March 2 polls against Guyana as anti-national work out our differences”

U.S leads with coronavirus victims SEE PAGE 05

The US now has more confirmed cases of coronavirus than any other country, with more than 83,500 positive tests (Reuters photo)

26 tested for 04 coronavirus so far

Guyana’s growth 12 from oil still certain

…21 negative, confirmed cases remain at five

---says American Petroleum Institute's chief economist

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Region 10 goes on lockdown Saturday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Calls for sanctions anti-national …Harmon urges parties to 'sit and work out our differences'

By Svetlana Marshall CALLS by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and its allies for the ABCE countries to impose sanctions on Guyana amid the current electoral impasse are unpatriotic, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Executive Member, Joseph Harmon said on Thursday. In recent days, there have been open calls by the PPP/C and its supporters for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union to impose sanctions on Guyana amid allegations of electoral fraud, although, to date, those claims have been unfounded. Warning that an imposition of sanctions on Guyana would stymie its development, Harmon told reporters during a press conference at APNU+AFC’s Campaign Headquarters: “I think that is very anti-national; very anti-national, and I don’t see any country in the world that actually would want to invite that level of sanction on its

country, knowing fully well the developmental path on which we are on.” Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo has been rallying up both local and international support for Guyana to be sanctioned, but Harmon warned that no one would be spared if the country is sanctioned. “Anyone who feels that sanction would only affect one group of persons, they are probably not thinking well, because, once Guyana is affected, we all are affected. And so, sanction is not something that you play around with,” the APNU+AFC Executive said. PEACE OFFERING In the presence of the Chairman of AFC Raphael Trotman, Harmon extended an olive branch of sorts to the other political parties that would have contested the March 2, 2020 elections, in the hope that together they can arrive at an amicable solution to the impasse. “I would encourage all the parties to let us sit and work out our differences. Sanction is not the way; this is not a way,” he said, while iterating

that the APNU+AFC, and by extension the Government, is

Regional Elections. In the interest of greater

APNU+AFC Executive Member Joseph Harmon and AFC Chairman Raphael Trotman at Thursday’s press conference (Adrian Narine photo)

concerned about the threats of international sanction, and will take the necessary steps to avert such actions. Amid allegations of electoral fraud, the UK, Canada, the European Union and the US, along with a number of Electoral Observation Missions (EOMs), such as the Carter Center, the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have all called for transparency in the just-concluded National and

transparency and accountability, President David Granger, on March 14, invited CARICOM to supervise a national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections. While the electoral process itself was regarded as having been “smoothly executed” by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), things went downhill during the tabulation of the votes cast in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The tabulation process for Region 4 has been

‘No need for added security’ --GECOM assures Party agents fearing for safety of ballot boxes By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Thursday made it clear that there is no legal requirement for agents of political parties to guard the containers with ballot boxes currently in its custody. “The Law does not contemplate Party agents as a key stakeholder in the security of ballot boxes, once these have been deposited in the custody of the Commission,” GECOM said Thursday in a statement, while referring to Section 141 of the Representation of the People Act. According to Section 141 of the Representation of the People Act, “…Any indictment, information or complaint for an offence in relation to ballot boxes,

ballot papers and other election material, the property in them may be stated to be in the Chief Election Officer.” ** Opposition-aligned political parties have alleged that GECOM has restricted them from moving around the containers, currently housed at GECOM’s Headquarters on High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, but the Commission is keen to remind that there is no legal basis for agents to guard the ballot boxes. NO LEGAL PROVISION “Though there is no legal provision for Party agents to act as security for electoral materials, in the present circumstance, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission made a decision on 15 March, 2020 that one agent per political

party be accommodated in GECOM’s compound for the sole purpose of watching containers with General and Regional Elections (GRE) 2020 ballot boxes. “In fact, pre-dating GRE 2020, there is an administrative arrangement for all contesting parties to place a padlock on each container with ballot boxes,” GECOM explained. The Commission, however, notes that only the two major political parties, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), have placed chains and padlocks on each container in the custody of the Commission. Nonetheless, the Commission has disclosed that it has had reason to caution agents of the various political parties about their

conduct, after the safety and security of its staff and compound were compromised. “As of 25 March, 2020, political parties were asked to desist from photographing and taking videos of staff members and GECOM’s routine operations,” GECOM said, adding: “In light of the foregoing, the Commission is requesting for party agents to observe the Commission’s security protocol and desist from peddling misinformation in this regard.” While only one agent per party is allowed within GECOM’s compound on a nightly basis, scores of supporters, particularly those aligned with the PPP/C, have been gathering in the vicinity of the Commission’s headquarter, thereby posing both safety and health concerns.

marred by a series of events, from the Returning Officer and his staff falling sick, to the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) storming the GECOM command center, to an injunction barring the declaration of the results, and subsequently a series of objections. On March 11, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire invalidated the March 5 declaration made by the Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, after it was found that he had tabulated the Statements of Poll (SOPs) in the absence of persons entitled to be present, as outlined in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. But though Mingo, in keeping with the ruling of the High Court, on March 13 tabulated the SOPs in the presence of those entitled to be there, his final declaration was again rejected by the PPP/C and a number of other political parties. FURTHER DOWNHILL It was after that second declaration that President Granger and the Leader of the Opposition agreed to

a recount, but attempts by GECOM to facilitate such a recount was met with objections. GECOM’s Attorney Excellence Dazzell as well as the country’s Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-A-Fat both advised against the CARICOM initiative. The situation was further compounded when a private citizen secured an injunction from the High Court, barring the Elections Commission from declaring the results. The substantive case is currently before Justice Franklin Holder. Iterating the Coalition’s respect for the Constitution, the Laws of Guyana, as well as GECOM, which latter institution is an independent constitutional body, Harmon said the Party is in full support of any credible mechanism that falls within the Constitution and Electoral Laws of the country, be it a recount, or an elections petition, to avoid any sanction.

Republic Bank to refund customers affected during its banking –platform transition REPUBLIC Bank will compensate customers who were affected by the operational challenges experienced following the conversion to the new banking platform, the bank noted on Thursday. The bank said in a release that the move is in keeping with the commitment made by Chairman, Nigel Baptiste, at the bank’s Annual General Meeting on December 9, 2019. Based on this, customers who, during the period November 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020 would have conducted ATM withdrawals at Republic Bank Blue Machines and other Banks’ ATMs, paid for the replacement of Visa OneCards, and for debits to their Personal Interest Chequing and Chequing Accounts – as per account operating guidelines – will be refunded on March 31, 2020.

Refunds will be processed by crediting the customers’ accounts the bank said. It expressed appreciation to its customers for their patience during this period and reaffirms its commitment to providing quality customer service. Last year end, dozens of persons complained that monies were taken from their accounts during the bank’s transition process without notice. Several persons noted that after visiting the bank, they did not receive reassuring answers from the institution. The bank’s transition took a toll on several persons earlier this year, some of whom noted that monies were also taken from their accounts for online transactions, some of which they never did. Persons have since engaged the bank to address those issues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

26 persons tested for coronavirus so far -- confirmed cases remain at five, 170 under observation

By Tamica Garnett NOTWITHSTANDING growing concerns of transmission by the asymptomatic patients, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has only tested 26 of the 170 persons currently being monitored for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This includes persons under institutional quarantine, home quarantine and institutional isolation. Twenty-one of those tested were negative, as the country’s number of confirmed cases continues to remain at five, including one death since the first case was recorded on March 11. All of the five cases have been imported cases with no local transmission recorded thus far. As of Wednesday, the Minis-

try of Public Health (MoPH) had received 696 calls from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 on the national coronavirus hotline. In Guyana, suspected cases are placed on 14-day quarantine. The ministry currently has four facilities that can provide services for up to 350 persons. With the pandemic spreading fast, test kits for the virus has been in huge demand across the globe, making it difficult for many countries to source them. Countries are forced to limit the criteria for testing suspected cases. Guyana received a supply of 700 testing kits earlier this month. According to reports, some test kits retail for as much as US$600 (GYD$124,200). Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, earlier this week, acknowl-

edged that the limited resources restricted the ability to test randomly. “If we had an unlimited number of tests and the tests weren’t as expensive as they were, we could have afforded to test whoever wanted to be tested, instead we’re using the suspected cases definition to determine who needs to be tested and who we will put on quarantine and observe,” she explained. However, without testing, there is no way of detecting asymptomatic patients. Asymptomatic persons are those who have the virus but show no symptoms. NO SYMPTOMS Some studies are reporting as much as 30 per cent of confirmed coronavirus patients showing no symptoms. “We cannot stop this pandemic if we do not know who is infected. We have a simple message for every country, test, test, test,” World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, had said during

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence a news conference earlier this month. Persons in quarantine are those persons who have been exposed to the virus but are not sick; while persons in Isolation are those who would have tested positive and are showing signs and symptoms. Only the four confirmed cases are currently under institutional isolation by the MoPH, while there are 31 persons under institutional quaran-

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

tine and another 135 persons are under home quarantine. Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, explained that after the 14 days of quarantine, persons will be evaluated by a medical officer. Based on a review, persons will either be cleared or placed on additional days of quarantine. If cleared, they will be re-evaluated after seven days. For those persons in isolation, they will be held for 14 days after which, if no new symptoms develop

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

US charges Maduro with ‘narco-terrorism’ …offers US15M reward for his capture

The US has offered a $15m reward for the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro The US has charged Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and other senior officials in the country with “narco-terrorism”. It accused them of flooding the US with cocaine and using drugs as a weapon to undermine the health of Americans. The charges were announced by Attorney General William Barr. A $15m (£12.5m) reward is being offered for information leading to Mr Maduro’s arrest. The US move will further escalate tensions between the two nations. Washington has long accused the Venezuelan president of leading a corrupt and brutal regime, a charge he has repeatedly rejected. It backs the opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president last year. The new charges represent an escalation in the longstanding US pressure campaign on Mr Maduro, which also includes sweeping sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. US blacklists Russian oil firm for helping Maduro Venezuela reveals ‘secret talks’ with US Venezuela: What you need to know

As well as Mr Maduro, the US charged more than a dozen top Venezuelan officials. These included the country’s defence minister and the supreme court’s chief justice. “The Venezuelan people deserve a transparent, responsible, representative government that serves the needs of the people - and that does not.... engage in illicit narcotics trafficking,” the US state department said. What does the US indictment say? The charges against Mr Maduro and 14 members of his inner circle include narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption. At a news conference announcing the indictment on Thursday, Mr Barr accused Mr Maduro of conspiring with a faction of the Colombian Farc rebel group “to flood the United States with cocaine” and “devastate American communities”. “While the Venezuelan people suffer, this cabal... lines their pockets,” he added. Who are the Farc? Mr Barr said the Colombian rebels had “obtained the support of the Maduro regime, who is allowing them to use Venezuela as a safe haven from which they can continue to conduct their cocaine trafficking”. “Maduro very

deliberately deployed cocaine as a weapon... to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation,” US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said. He accused Mr Maduro and his top aides of running a “narco-terrorism partnership with the Farc for the past 20 years”. In a separate statement, the State Department said those named in the indictment had “violated the public trust by facilitating shipments of narcotics from Venezuela, including control over planes that leave from a Venezuelan air base”. In response to the US charges, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza hit out at what he called “unfounded allegations” and said they showed the “desperation” of the “Washington elite”. “The deep frustration of the White House is a product of the peace that reigns today in Venezuela,” he said. And in a tweet earlier on Thursday, Mr Maduro accused the US and Colombia of conspiring against Venezuela and causing widespread violence in the country. He has long accused the US of trying to overthrow him in order to seize control of Venezuela’s oil reserves. What’s the background to the Venezuela crisis? Mr Maduro narrowly won

US now global epicentre of Coronavirus BBC- The US now has more confirmed cases of coronavirus than any other country with at least 82,404 positive tests. According to the latest figures collated by Johns Hopkins University, the US overtook China (81,782 cases) and Italy (80,589). The grim milestone came as President Donald Trump predicted the nation would get back to work “pretty quickly”, after 3.3 million layoffs. More than 1,100 people with Covid-19 have died in the US. What did President Trump say? At a White House briefing on Thursday afternoon, Mr Trump said: “They have to go back to work, our country has to go back, our country is based on that and I think it’s going to happen pretty quickly. “We may take sections of our country, we may take large sections of our country that aren’t so seriously affected and we may do it that way.” He added: “A lot of people misinterpret when I say go back, they’re going to be practising as much as you can social distancing, and washing your hands and not shaking hands and all of the things we talked about.” As the US overtook China with the most coronavirus cases, Mr Trump cast doubt on the figures coming out of Beijing, telling reporters “you don’t know what the numbers are in China”. Mr Trump said he would be

speaking to President Xi Jinping by phone on Thursday night. The US president denied that the Chinese leader had asked him to “calm down” the language he uses to refer to the pandemic. Can the president order everyone back to work? No. Earlier this month, he set a 15-day period to slow down the spread of Covid-19 by urging all Americans to drastically scale back their public interactions during this time. But the guidelines were voluntary and did not amount to a national order. The US Constitution makes clear states have the power for maintaining public order and safety, which scholars say means it is the responsibility of state governors to decide virus-related restrictions. Currently 21 US states have told residents to stay in their homes in order to contain the pandemic. The US president has used federal powers to tackle the outbreak, such as the Stafford Act, which has unlocked tens of billions of dollars in emergency aid. He has also invoked the Defense Production Act, which would allow him to nationalise manufacturing to produce medical supplies. But he has stopped short of actually using those powers.

a presidential election in April 2013 after the death of his mentor, President Hugo Chávez. He was elected to a second term in May 2018 in an election seen as flawed by international observers. Venezuela has experienced economic collapse - inflation was 800,000% last year - and 4.8m

people have left the country. Mr Guaidó has accused President Maduro of being unfit for office. He has won the support of many in the country as well as US and EU leaders. But Mr Maduro has remained in power and is backed the army - as well as by Russia, China and Cuba.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

The PPP’s rejection of National unity and Reconciliation ON Sunday last we editorialised on the call from several quarters for our political leaders to consider the urgent need for a National Unity Government as one possible way to bring our country together in the wake of the ongoing dispute over the results of the recently concluded elections. We lent our voice to what we view as a most reasonable proposal, one that has been put on the table as far back as 1961. We observed that the APNU+AFC Coalition, both as a partnership and at the level of its individual member parties, have expressed openness to the idea. In fact, it has been a central plank of the APNU and the Coalition’s platform since the 2011 elections. It stands to reason, therefore, that if the PPP were to sign on to the idea, we could move closer to some form

of National Reconciliation. However, since the publication of that editorial, to the dismay of many, the PPP by way of an official statement and via comments by its leader, has all but closed the door on such a possibility. In effect, the party has made it abundantly clear that it is not interested in a national solution to the current impasse or to the larger divisions that, many have argued, are at the root of the latter. It has also signaled that it is stubbornly wedded to the winner-takes-all approach to governance which, in Guyana’s circumstances, has had negative consequences for sustained national cohesion. It is, of course, no secret that at the bottom of it all is our ethno-political divide which has persisted despite many attempts at containment. The PPP is arguing that the suggestion of a national unity government is an attempt to

rob it of the victory which it continues to claim since March 2 despite evidence to the contrary. This stance is being directly and indirectly aided by sections of the international community and their observers who have prematurely signaled a “winner”. In addition, several prominent Guyanese have allowed their names to be used in that regard under the guise of defending democracy. The impact of these pronouncements is the potential empowering of one side of the political divide and isolation of the other side with scant regard for the consequences. The PPP is obviously taking advantage of this situation and feels emboldened to reject calls for reconciliation and national unity. It is hiding behind that shortsighted and unfounded rhetoric of a rigged election. We humbly suggest that the failure to take a broad-

er and more nuanced attitude to the events since March 2, could have negative consequences for the cohesion of our country. Those who today refuse to grasp the complexity of the situation would have to bear some of the responsibility. Already, it is obvious that they have helped to create an out-of-control PPP which is pursuing a strategy of domination or mayhem. The truth is that the PPP has historically played games with national unity. It is worth recalling that party’s opportunistic attitude to national unity over the years. When Eusi Kwayana proposed Joint Premiership between the leaders of the PPP and PNC in 1961, the PPP flatly rejected it. However, when, two years later, the party sensed that power was slipping away, thanks to the change from the First-past the Post to Proportional Represen-

tation system, it made an about-turn and proposed a power-sharing formulae. A decade and a half later, at the prompting of the Internal Communist Movement, it again proposed a power-sharing arrangement which was rejected by the PNC. Such proposal was again embraced in 1985 as the party reasoned that Guyana needed a common national front against imperialism. However, once the PPP secured power in 1992, its rhetoric and attitude to national unity changed. It contended that the PPP represented national unity and that in any case it needed to build trust with the PNC before agreeing to power sharing. This position has been hardened since Jagdeo took hold of the party following the passing of the Jagans. Guyanese and the

international community must realise that the PPP is simply not interested in a national solution. It is a national tragedy, for it ensures that Guyana remains on the brink of instability. As the country embarks on a path of development thanks to the expected oil and gas wealth, it cannot succeed as a divided nation. We therefore urge all those influential voices which have spoken about the elections to also lift their voices in support of national unity and urge the PPP to come to the table. We make a similar plea to the international community to do the same. The very democracy which they purport to support is being undermined by the PPP’s embrace of one-party domination at the expense of a democracy that is grounded in the multi-ethnic and plural nature of the country.

Let GECOM do its work as an independent entity and settle down to face tomorrow

Dear Editor,

Today, Guyanese are faced with two extremely harmful conditions. One, the coronavirus, and two, our man-made virus as a result of the 2020 general & regional elections. The first is universal and not of our own making, except that referred idiotic statements from certain quarters that the coronavirus has a political dimension. We note that even the heir to the British Throne has been diagnosed positive. We have learnt hundreds dying in Italy, loved ones unable to attend and take part in final funeral rites. In the USA there is a lock down, groceries and supermarkets’ shelves are empty as a result of panic buying. In India, millions with no access to potable water supply and basic sanitary facilities face the inevitable.

A similar situation exists in the African Sub Continents China, thanks to their very early astringent measures, has witnessed a reduction in deaths. Examples of a number of celebrities are positive, sportsmen, an 18-year-old is positive. In summary, no one in the world is spared from this pandemic. For us in Guyana, it is clear we do not have the capability to deal with an outbreak. Countries with more financial and technological resources are having great difficulty satisfying the populace as a result of this pandemic. Guyanese from the North-West to the Corentyne, from the coastal belt to the Rupununi need to comply with what may seem stringent and extreme measures so as to ensure that COVID-19 does not enter our borders. For many of us, having some small fu-

nerals, no parties, and a general lock down may seem traumatic and as I have heard from some, they feel that these strong measures are unreasonable and unnecessary. Dear Editor, let us use your columns to persuade every Guyanese family from the coast to the hinterland, from the riverine areas to subscribe and practice the wisdom that prevention, no matter how costly, or stressful, is by far better than cure. In any case, if there is an outbreak, where will we find the hospital beds, medicines and ventilators from? Every group, irrespective of religious, social or political leaning should be at one in an effort to keep this deadly virus away and at bay. The other great difficulty Guyanese face is the stress and strain of elections 2020. I dictate this letter as we enter another round of legal challenges by both sides of our unhappy political divide.

I ask when will this nonsense end? As one with nearly seven decades in the political hustings, pre and post-election day 2020 constitute the most bizarre period of our modern epoch. An unhappy feature of this last several weeks has been the pronouncements by letter writers and statements, by some of my friends pointing fingers without credible evidence. Often time, one gentleman, of course, talks about rigging. In each and every case, no credible evidence but relying on fake-news churned out by an extremely affective PR establishment. We listened insinuations that the President has been violating the Constitution. Those soothsayers must be specific and quote from our Constitution what articles are being compromised. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Only GECOM’s SOPs are authentic, credible and legal Dear Editor, The PPP/C knows it inserted fake SOPs into the process at several polling stations across Guyana. This is why they are trying to prevent GECOM from making a final declaration and the President from swearing-in while simultaneously clamouring for international sanctions and threatening to instigate socio-political instability. It knows that should the PPP/C file an elections petition after the President is sworn in and, an audit of the elections ordered by the court, this will reveal multiple attempts by the PPP/C to cause layers of electoral fraud the PPP/C tried to engineer. There is credible evidence that the PPP/C used several tactics to engineer electoral fraud, ranging from manufacturing fraudulent SOPs, voter suppression and vote-buying. All of this served to undermine the constitutional functions of GECOM, influence public opinion on the credibility of elections and blame the APNU+AFC Coalition for the very fraud the PPP/C tried to engineer. One just has to review the contract between Mercury Public Affairs and the PPP/C to understand the lengths, at which the PPP/C sought to deny the will of the Guyanese electorate, sabotage the work of GECOM and promote division and social

unrest among people of Guyana. It has now become clear for all Guyanese to see, irrespective of which political party one supports, that the PPP/C along with a handful of small political parties, some with no more that 10-20 members, clandestinely planned to engineer electoral fraud. The first ploy by the PPP/C was to hire Mercury Public Affairs to “lobby” several politicians, political institutions, regional and international organisations like the OAS and the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The second tactic sought to engineer electoral fraud at multiple levels, which I made mention of in the paragraph above. On this point, let me remind persons that in 2015, GECOM unearthed a massive operation that was engineered by the PPP/C to insert fake SoPs in the tabulation process. The fraudulent SoPs were found while GECOM’s IT Unit tabulated results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The third tactic then was to frustrate GECOM from completing the tabulation of votes for Region Four by requesting GECOM abandon the same tabulation method used to tabulate the nine prior regions. The PPP/C demanded that GECOM desist from tabulating Region Four votes in a spreadsheet based on the declarations from all 10 electoral districts submitted to GECOM by return-

ing officers. Instead, it wanted GECOM to use SoPs for Region Four, more specifically to arrive at the final vote count for Region Four by comparing the results of all party SoPs with those received by GECOM. Initially when GECOM stipulated that the same tabulation method will be used for Region Four as it was for all prior regions, the PPP/C along with its proxies, that its, the few third parties colluding with the PPP/C, protested and claimed electoral fraud. Mind you, the PPP/C, its proxies and the OAS have not provided one bit of evidence although they had cellphones and other recording devices. After the first round of injunctions and court orders, one of which required GECOM continue or restart the tabulation for Region Four with SoPs presented for said region for all to see, GECOM recommenced its tabulation. After the results showed that the APNU+AFC Coalition received the majority of overall votes and votes for Region Four, the PPP/C again, protested the results and demanded GECOM tabulate the total vote count based the SoPs and collated spreadsheets the PPP/C had and distributed to its proxy small parties. The fourth tactic, now that the tabulation for each region, Region Four in particular, were undertaken twice, and the APNU+AFC Coalition received the

majority of votes on both occasions, the PPP/C now has shifted its demand to a national recount. In the first instance, a recount using SoPs from GECOM and all political parties was demanded. Then again the goal post shifted, the PPP/C then demanded a national recount using the ballots cast which are under sealed lock in ballot boxes and heavy-duty containers guarded by the Guyana Police Force. A fifth tactic that we have seen since the week of March 13, 2020 was to provoke fear among Guyanese by threatening sanctions. These threats are not related to the conduct of free and fair elections in Guyana, they are a direct result of the international lobbying by Mercury on behalf of the PPP/C. The sixth tactic employed by the PPP/C is the threat of not recognising the APNU+AFC Government should GECOM declare the results tabulated on the second occasion after the court order instructing GECOM to do same, and the President sworn in on this basis. The General Secretary of the PPP/C stated further that the PPP/C will swear in Irfaan Ali as President of Guyana, another attempt to engineer instability.

No lockdown at Lethem Dear Editor, Please permit me to respond to an article in your newspaper yesterday, Thursday March 26, 2020 captioned, “Lethem on temporary lockdown.” May I state it here as clear as crystal; I chaired a meeting yesterday in my office to discuss the revelation that there was a confirmed case of the coronavirus in Bom Fim, next door to Lethem. In that meeting, where the Regional Chairman, the Mayor, and the Police Regional Commander were present among others, it was recommended that these actions be taken. I was further mandated by the committee to inform my subject minister, who will then take those recommendations to the Ministerial Task Force for ratification. We are presently awaiting the approval of those recommendations. Therefore, I would like to inform the general public that Lethem is not under any lockdown, nor is the crossing at Kurupukari restricted. However, in the interest of preventing the spread of this dreaded virus, we are asking all residents to take all necessary precautions that are so frequently posted, this include, but not limited to, restricted travel, social distancing, and avoidance of crowds. These measures are to be taken by choice rather than enforced. I would also urge media houses to contact the Office of the Regional Executive Officer on telephone numbers 772-2021, 679-0848; or the Regional Health Officer on telephone number 695-6681 to get the facts as it relates to the region’s response to COVID-19.

Regards, R. Chung-A-On

Let GECOM do its work as an independent... Those of us with experience since Universal Adult Suffrage in 1953 will know that GECOM was established as an agreement by the major political parties as an independent entity, and so it is. If therefore, GECOM has made a misstep or as the old people say, ‘messed up,’ this could not be blamed on any one external to GECOM. Those who demanded the absolute independence of GECOM, ‘can’t have their cake and eat it.’ For me, the 2020 election was launched on an unhappy note, using a list of electors that was clearly bloated. Where else could you have a population of 750,000 and a Voters’ list with 600,000 voters? As I understand it, the principled members of the coalition wanted house-to-

house registration completed but GECOM aborted the process. All those who now shout and point fingers ought to know that an election with a bloated list offers the opportunity for corrupt practices on Election Day, particularly, where in some areas, a certain political party is dominant. Those last few hours on Election Day where observers would have retired for their coffee break, that is where the skulduggery takes place. Where we have seen votes cast for a particular party was more that the total number of voters, in certain voting centres. Based on my experience, I drew this to the attention of certain Officials and suggested that these observers concentrate their attention in

certain parts of Guyana. I witnessed in an area in Georgetown, near to my residence, an observer, much older than I am, and who appeared to be feeble, but could pontificate after March 2. But even worse, was the fulmination of foreigners who keep forgetting that we became an independent sovereign state in 1966. These folks somehow, feel that they can treat us in the same way that the estate overseers treated my adult ancestors – calling them pejoratively as ‘boys.’ They forgot that ‘Massa Day’ done. One irritating example was when the Canadian High Commissioner could improperly storm into a Meeting of GECOM attempting to tell the commissioners how to do their work. We must

not ignore the fact that the antecedents of this diplomat is from India and that she spends a lot of her time at the Everest Sports Club (formerly, East Indian Cricket Club) is of some significance, and as a proud Guyanese, I cannot avoid the perception, a tinge of racism by this diplomat representing her country. Canada and Guyana have always enjoyed friendly and respectful relations. Speaking for myself, I don’t have to be afraid to tell this ambassador, she has over-stepped protocol and as one of our elders said before we got Independence, “this confounded nonsense must stop.” If she has the power to block any Visa application to Canada, it wouldn’t matter one hoot to me. I can spend the rest of my life in sunny

Guyana and continue to make efforts to yield not peel and to help mend not rend the slender of our Afro, Indo Community. So easy for me, because my wife is the product of these two groups of gallant, gracious Guyanese. We must not encourage those who, or otherwise, try to rend and not mend. I am yet to hear from those who now write and are critical of the government, anything about the assault on our sovereignty and independence of GECOM. We have not heard a word from these honorable gentlemen about the assault by Mr. Yearwood on a diminutive Afro-Guyanese female, not a word on the attack of the school bus, not a word from the cutlass yielding activist

Regards, Carl Parker Regional Executive Officer

FROM PAGE

who threatened police officers, not a word when the top brass of a particular political party promised to ‘deal’ with the two female police officers, who were merely carrying out their duties at the GECOM Office. The last threat I heard, saying that if “President Granger swear in, he will be followed and harassed. This reminds me of what a young family friend and former Colonel in the USA Army, Brian Chin, said to me in a different context, that some may have the intention but not the capability. Let us have peace, let GECOM do its work as an independent entity and settle down to face tomorrow. Regards, Hamilton Green

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

How long more can the PPP hoodwink world powers? Dear Editor, The election impasse between the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) persists without mitigation, except a lull for an imminent Supreme Court ruling on the sub judice matter. The impasse arose because opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the PPP fraternity, including some private sector actors, are seeking to impose a counterfeit “birthright” to dominance of Guyana. The actions of this group of “Orwellians” are imperiling the rule of law and democracy. Their exudation of this contrived supremacy has engendered a specious morality where, for them, the law is malleable and applies to them only on their terms. It is this hegemony of law-

lessness which they advance as “democracy.” In reality, this pathology is the Orwellian Entitlement Syndrome (OES).

committed treasonous acts against the state. He has also threatened to “go after” political opponents and their families presumably with death squads much like the old days. This insidious rhetoric has aroused sagaciousness in Guyanese. It is easy to recognise that the brazen effrontery is given oxygen by pronouncements by international actors, whose irresponsible narration are talking points provided by PPP lobbyist. Someone recently remarked that when the unrest they are instigating begins, which of the instigators will survive? Do we need further evidence of how provocative and combustible this rhetoric is in a volatile environment?

FANTASY SUPERIORITY Their fantasy of superior citizenship fuels their drive to manipulate the law on a presumption that they alone control commerce, industry and capital in the country and, therefore, their contempt for authority suggests the thinking that such affluence entitles them to domination, and more so, flagitious conduct. It is no wonder that they attempt to challenge judges who rule against them with impunity. No wonder why they threaten police officers who disallow their FOREIGN OBSERVERS lawlessness with dismissal, Foreign observers have if they return to government. pronounced that results from The masquerader in chief Region Four are “unveriof their apparent junta has fied,” because the returning

officer (RO) did not entertain objections during the vote ascertainment process. The PPP has weaponised these uninformed statements. They purport that “unverified” results are fraudulent results. However, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, in her March 11, 2020 judgment, held that the RO must use numbers he received from presiding officers, and that “verification” is not provided for in law. No doubt, some of the observers’ pronouncements emboldened Jagdeo and his comrades. They stormed the Elections Commission with guns and inspired riots. Supporters in Region Five chopped police officers and assaulted innocent citizens and school children. Victims await charges and prosecutions of the perpetrators. THE ELECTIONS RESULTS Declarations by the 10 ROs show that the APNU+AFC Coalition has won the elections. Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Mr. Keith Lowenfield, has submitted his report to Commission’s Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, for the final declaration of the results. The PPP has insisted on a ballot recount in District Four, although GECOM has already denied all recounts on account of nonconformity to the law. Also, the statutory period for recounts has long expired. A subsequent CARICOM recount initiative, which was widely viewed as illegal, was halted by the Supreme Court, pursuant to a lawsuit. This case resumed on March 25, 2020, before Justice Franklyn Holder; who has been subjected to abominable, intimidation attempts and bigoted attacks on his family by PPP websites. THE LAW AND THE COURTS Our courts exist to interpret and enforce the law. The law proscribes challenges to elections results, except by way of election petition. The Orwellians believe that they are above the law. Hence, they are circumventing an elections petition and are using the recount provision and court injunctions to challenge the election results. They must not be allowed to manipulate the law and the court for political expediency, as

if the court is a personal football. The no-confidence motion cases saw PPP lawyers eloquently and vociferously argue that Charandass Persaud's election to Parliament can only be challenged by way an elections petition. Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) agreed and ruled in their favour. Now, in 2020, they've come to the court with a reverse argument. PPP'S HISTORY OF SUBVERTING DEMOCRACY AND THE LAW Laws are constant. They don't change based on which party is in government or for a political party's misfortune. The December 20, 1997 Stabroek News editorial precisely delineated the PPP’s conduct when opposition parties challenged the tabulation of votes in the December 15, 1997 election. Quote: "The Chairman of the Elections Commission, Mr. Doodnauth Singh, yesterday declared the presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party, Mrs. Janet Jagan, the duly-elected President of Guyana even though the final count of votes was not complete and the votes in quite a number of boxes remained to be counted,” end quote. In the December 15, 1997 elections, PPP Returning Officers refused to “verify” SoPs and denied all requests for recounts. They merely declared the results and closed the process. When word leaked that the opposition PNCR was seeking an injunction to stop the declaration of the results, the PPP secretly and unlawfully swore Mrs. Janet Jagan in as President, while the votes were still being counted. Mrs. Jagan and her bodyguards later assaulted the chief marshal of the Supreme Court who served her with the injunction, which she pitched to the ground. Where was their commitment to democracy and the rule of law then? THE LAW IN 2020 IS THE SAME AS 1997 Subsequently they made substantial submissions to the court detailing why the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter, except when the PNCR files an elections petition to challenge the elections results. Now they have

abandoned this mantra which they intrepidly proclaimed in 1997 and 2019. Ironically, the PNCR filed an election petition, which was heard by then Supreme Court Justice, Claudette Singh - the incumbent Chairman of GECOM. Justice Singh vitiated the December 15, 1997 elections results and ordered fresh elections. Guyana is a functioning democracy with an independent and efficient judiciary. The judicial process must be allowed to function without external interference. The process worked in 1997 and in 2019 when the court ruled against the government in the no-confidence vote. INTERFERENCE IN THE ELECTIONS Western countries must not be allowed to abrogate the mandate of the courts of Guyana to themselves. Statements like ‘“a transition of government…would be unconstitutional”… and ..regardless of how the Guyana Supreme Court rules the installation of a new government based on the declared results will be deemed illegitimate..’ must be rejected. Guyana is a sovereign, democratic state. Interference in Guyana’s elections to tip the scales for a particular party, and pre-emption of its courts violate international law. THE COURT IS ARBITER OF ELECTIONS DISPUTES This elections matter is before our courts. Guyana’s history of obeying judgments of the court has enriched our democracy. GECOM, not the government, controls the elections process. The Orwellians hiding behind the skirts of diplomats and calling for sanctions to hurt Guyanese and destabilise the Caribbean, are the same dastardly cowards who perpetrated genocide in Guyana. Their foreheads are marked from their crimes of extrajudicial killings, gun and drug smuggling and money laundering. But for how long can their lobbyist, Mercury, hoodwink world powers? For how long can the Orewllians play deceptive games in the arena of international politics? We will see! Regards, Rickford Burke

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

GBTI waives penalty interests, late payment fees -- reduces interest rates, defers loan payments and offers debt restructuring THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has announced that it will waive penalty interests and late payment fees, reduce interest rates, defer loan payments and offer debt restructuring as a pledge to the business community, its customers and employees during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We will be introducing the following measures effective March 26, 2020, for a period of up to six months; an extension will be reviewed thereafter. Waiver of Interest and late payment fees; late fees on loan payments, penalty interest on loans, credit card – late fees and penalties for early withdrawal – term Deposits;

Loan Restructuring; three to six months moratorium on loans, debt restructuring, deferral of loan payments and reduction of interest rates,” the bank said in a release. In the interest of practicing social distancing, customers are encouraged to contact the bank via email (banking@gbtibank.com), telephone, letter or

in some cases, if it is not possible to initiate the above lines of contact, visit the branch nearest to their location. Additionally, customers are asked to use debit and credit cards; electronic banking platforms; direct banking and mobile banking, as well as the countrywide network of ATMs and Point of Sales Terminals.

However, if persons must come into the bank to complete a transaction, they are urged to practise social-distancing guidelines and use the sanitizers presented. “GBTI embraces and adheres to the guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation in sanitising its environs and helping to reduce

the spread of COVID-19… as the bank that sees Guyana through your eyes, GBTI urges our Guyanese partners and our visitors to continue doing your part to help flatten the curve as we protect our families and each other.”

An unjust attack on Chairwoman, Justice Singh Dear editor,

So the geriatric junior attorney who has been in hibernation, exhausted from his recent racial diatribe against H.E. President Granger, has finally arisen but still bothered by uncontrollable ranting and barking, like that of a rabid canine. On this occasion, his barking, but thankfully no bites, are directed at the honourable GECOM Chairwoman, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh. Unsurprisingly, for someone with his limited understanding of the law and no credibility after he abandoned his client, Glenn Lall, he was able no spell injunction albeit not understand the meaning of it. As a highly-trained medical doctor but not a lawyer, I do recognise that an injunction simply means, full stop. Stop whatever the injunction says you should not do or you can be charged for contempt of court and be dumbed in jail at a time when the courts are shut for at least a month. Look, that may be a part of Chris’ bucket list, but I’m sure it’s not one of the retired Judge and now Chairwoman of GECOM, fantasies. So the geriatric, grey hair and alopecia junior attorney wrote a missive titled, “I find it hard to be convinced that GECOM Chair is not playing the games of APNU+AFC.” Of course it was published in the

PPP local news outlet, Stabroek News. We all know that Chris has labelled himself as many things: accountant, lawyer, oil and gas consultant, politician. In essence, Chris has proven himself, a jack of all trades but a master of none. Now he has anointed himself with a new title, Psychic. The fact is that APNU+AFC has been absolutely silent as this electoral process is taken through its paces. Therefore, the only way that APNU+AFC could have been communicating with the Madam Chair is via telepathic means. We do know dogs are ultra-sensitive compared to us humans, but I am not so sure that biologically, Chris is in that grouping. So now the geriatric junior attorney’s new baby gripe is the decision of GECOM to await the court ruling before they take any action as it pertains to the election. We all know that GECOM is constrained by an injunction and the legal concept of sub judice, but not Chris. The ‘not fit and proper’ Chris, who describes the Chairwoman as invisible and ineffective, stated that, “GECOM has very wide powers regarding the conduct of elections.” The geriatric and junior attorney got that right, but what he forgot after his quick google search is that GECOM does not have wide powers to break the law or disregard injunctions. I know

that will take some time to get into Chris’ head but I’m a very patient tutor, I’ll wait. And you would have thought that Chris would have taken the fifth after multiple legal blunders, but absolutely not. He is now recommending that while GECOM is under injunction, they can carry out a full internal invention. Chris they can’t. They just can’t. What are they investigating? Who would be the investigators? What would be the TOR? Who would be the witnesses? And therein lies the problem Chris. The very witnesses are providing evidence in court. They cannot simultaneously provide evidence to GECOM or they will be guilty of sub judice. The point, Chris, is that if an organisation has a matter that is before the courts, they would sensibly place internal investigation on hold for that very reason. Also during the court case, new evidence may arise which can inform the company’s internal investigations. Good reasons to wait Chris. I’m so glad that you were not made GECOM chair. Then the foolish Chris is recommending that Mingo be relieved of his duties without due process. The psychic Chris, with canine senses, has smelt fraud in GECOM. He has not provided an iota of evidence of same but is essentially indulging

himself in echolalia, which is characteristic of parrots. Chris heard others saying fraud and he just went about repeating it like a green wing parrot. Chris you can’t terminate the contract of an employee without due process or you can be taken to a tribunal for wrongful dismissal. Chis that process can be costly hence the reason why companies have competent lawyers to advise them and not geriatric junior attorneys. The ‘not fit and proper’ Chris, like a green wing parrot indulges himself once again in echolalia. He heard others saying that Ulita Moore is an APNU+AFC candidate and he just went about repeating it like a green wing parrot. The fact is that APNU+AFC list of candidates is public and all Chris needs to do is to peruse it. What he would discover is that Ulita Moore is not an APNU+AFC candidate. She is a private citizen just like Cedric Richardson and Anil Nandlall’s driver. So, after reading Chris’ post-hibernation missive, I do have to wonder if he has completely awakened. The content and construct of the letter is suggesting that he is a deep somnolent state, with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) inducing nightmares. Chris is still stuck in the apaan jaat era, hence he feels that only the dominantly Indo-Guyanese PPP has a right to utilise the court.

Ulita Moore, an Afro-Guyanese should not enjoy that right. Like his geriatric mate, Ralph Ramkarran, he is once again bordering on the perception of being racist. Ralph had no qualms with Anil Nandlall’s driver being able to pay for the services of expensive lawyers or Cedric Richardson being able to pay for the services of expensive lawyers to the level of the CCJ, but Ulita Moore’s source of income and lawyers’ fees they both question. Also those PPP clients were labelled as private citizens, but Ulita Moore is tagged to the political party she supports. Concerningly, the language that Chris used to describe Justice Singh can be perceived and should be condemned, as sexist. In my opinion if this geriatric junior attorney has any sense of decency, self-respect and dignity, he would simply, quietly return to his hibernating hole. This somnolent state, that he is clearly lacking, may not only go a long way in re-establishing those damaged neuronal connections, but may very well protect him from the deadly Coronavirus. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

I don’t know who these Stabroek News analysts are Dear Editor, Attention is drawn to a report in Stabroek News that notwithstanding GECOM’s advice that it will await the court’s decision on the recount, “Analysts have argued that the broad powers conferred on GECOM by the constitution permit it to continue taking necessary actions and that ultimately the Chair of the Commission, Claudette Singh, will have to ensure that a recount of the votes of Region Four is done as she has given an undertaking to Chief Justice Roxane George” (March 26, 2020 ‘GECOM says awaiting court ruling before any further actions-Claudette Singh facing key decisions’)

I don’t know who these analysts are that Stabroek News is referring to but they, like every Guyanese, should know that laws are important because they serve as guidelines towards a civil society. Laws keep and guide us and help to maintain order. They are the only thing, in a world peopled by diverse groups, interests, values, cultures etc. that would prevent persons from taking advantage and exploiting others, even acting like barbarians. It would be a case of survival of the fittest and well connected. The Judiciary in Guyana, particularly within recent time, has demonstrated a level of independence that must be safeguarded and built on. It has handed down judgment that has impacted on both sides, positively and

negatively. This is the only branch of government, to date, that has remained unscathed in the politics of discrediting, undermining and destruction that Guyana is facing. It is urged that we seek to respect its important and vital role to the preservation of this nation's health. GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh SC, is on record committing to a recount, be it in Region Four and/or all 10 regions. What is yet to be determined is whether GECOM can yet do the recount. The court’s decision will determine this, not the speculation of unidentified analysts or others setting out to cajole, intimidate or harass the learned Justice. This is the only key decision the chair must face because the opinion of the court is the only one that matters.

We must await the court’s decision. To disregard the input of an institution that Justice Singh has been a member of – at amongst the highest level – and has helped to shape is not only offensive, but disrespectful to the Judicature and her legal contributions to this nation. It must stop. Justice Singh is also on record committing to respect the Constitution and Laws of Guyana and the ruling of the court in matters relating to GECOM. Thus far this has been honoured and all law-abiding citizens and media must rally around her. Regards, Lincoln Lewis

Family Seeks Justice

THE family of retired Police Officer Fitzroy Hill, who was killed in an accident in October 2019, is calling for justice and a proper investigation, since the driver of the car involved in the accident is yet to be charged. Hill, 62, on October 11, 2019, was standing in front of the Ocean View Hotel, East Coast Demerara, when he was struck by a motor car which was driven by a police lance corporal. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state. He died on October 27, 2019. Hill, who served the police force for 29 years and 7 months before retiring, suffered from broken legs, arms, a fractured skull, broken jaw and ribs along with

other serious injuries, due to the accident. Now, the dead man’s relatives are calling for action from the police to investigate the fatal accident, properly, since the man responsible was still walking freely without being charged for causing death by dangerous driving. According to the relatives, the motor car driver, who at the time was a lance corporal, was promoted to a full corporal in December, despite being under investigation for the fatal accident. In a Facebook post, the relatives also claimed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed. Two of his friends had reportedly claimed they were out drinking, in celebration of completing a course, just before the accident occurred.

However, police claimed they did a breathalyser test and the driver was not under the influence of alcohol. The test was done without a witness. “Our family is begging for justice but we are being pushed around everywhere we turn, while the driver is living it up like nothing happened, spending time with his family and continues to drive around. Fitzroy’s wife, children and grandchildren and siblings are struggling to cope without him” the relatives stressed. According to the Hill family, not only was their relative killed by a police, but they are also being denied justice by the police. Hill’s niece, Ryanna Lewis, spoke to the Guyana Chronicle via telephone. The woman explained that her

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Increased patrol of unofficial borders in Rupununi proposed …lockdown measure awaiting approval from Ministerial Taskforce

DEAD Retired Police Officer Fitzroy Hill

uncle, on the day of the accident, was standing on the side of the road when he was hit by the speeding motor car. She explained that, according to an eyewitness, the motor car driver swerved from a pothole and drove into the path of Hill who was standing at the side of the road. The family was reportedly told by the police that the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution, a statement which the family claims is not true.

A REGIONAL health emergency committee which was formed in the Rupununi to tackle the spread of COVID-19 has proposed that ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) undertake intensified patrols of the unofficial border crossings with Brazil. The committee which includes stakeholders from the region has written to the Ministerial Taskforce seeking the intervention of the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West, for increased patrols of the border. The committee held a meeting on Wednesday, and among officials in attendance were Bryan Allicock , Regional Chairman, Lethem Mayor John Macedo ,Superintendent Keithon King – Regional Police Commander , Allison Comacho – Vice President, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Radio Lethem Coordinator as well as officials of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority. Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker, chaired the meeting. On Thursday, Parker told the Guyana Chronicle that a lockdown has not been placed in effect; however, the committee is awaiting reaction to the recommendations sent to the ministerial taskforce, through Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. The recommendations include proposals for the Guyana/Brazil border to be closed for 2 weeks initially; that cargo vehicles be allowed passage only once a week, that is, on Thursdays. The body also proposed for the Kurupukari Crossing be restricted to all vehicles

except Cargo trucks, Military, Police and Government Vehicles. Private vehicles should only cross if they have no more than 2 persons in the vehicles. It was also recommended that retail and grocery stores will be opened up to 18:00 hours daily. After that, no one should be on the streets until 06:00 hours next day. Additionally, the committee informed that there is a family of six persons residing in St. Ignatius, Rupununi, which has come forward and informed the Regional Committee that family members have been in contact with a man who was tested positive for the Coronavirus in Bon Fin, Brazil, earlier in the week. Presently, The Regional Rapid Response Team is conducting interviews with that family. Earlier this week, a 37-year-old Brazilian man, whose father operates a butchery at the Lethem market, tested positive for COVID-19 in the neighbouring country. Reports are that the man, who frequents Lethem, was in contact with infected persons at Boa Vista. Residents of Lethem immediately called on the authorities in the region to implement measures to mitigate the spread of the virus as some noted that the area is at high-risk given its proximity to Bon Fin across the border. Brazil’s coronavirus numbers have climbed rapidly to past 2500 recorded cases from less than 300 last Friday. To date, more than 50 deaths have been listed and according to reports in the Brazilian media, a high concentration of the cases has been recorded in the city of Sao Paulo.

Linden youth succumbs to injuries from crash A LINDEN youth, on Wednesday, succumbed to severe injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he rode a motorcycle into a house on Wismar, Linden, last Thursday. Dead is Eon Patterson, 19, of Block 22, Wismar Linden. This newspaper understands that Patterson suffered major head injuries as well as injuries to the throat. His jaw was also broken. He was not wearing a helmet at the time and was running an errand for his sister. The motorcycle reportedly belonged to the sister's fiancé. Family members later heard a crashing sound into a nearby house and after checking, they saw Patterson lying in an unconscious state. He was picked up and rushed to the LHC but was later transferred to the GPHC. Persons residing in the house, in which he crashed into, said they heard a loud bang. Upon investigating, they saw Patter-

Eon Patterson

son lying motionless in the yard. No other person was injured and the house was slightly damaged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

GCCI, GTUC join fight against COVID-19 THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has added its voice to the call for all to get involved in practising social distancing while the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) called for national unity on Thursday. Their calls come amid the fight by government to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The GCCI said it welcomes the preparations by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and is ready, willing and able to assist the ministry in its efforts to increase resources to effectively fight COVID-19. “The GCCI is concerned about the preparations being made to reduce the spread of the virus once local transmission occurs in Guyana. We need to change our behavioral patterns and adopt the approach known as social distancing,” the statement said. The body said it would like to see a convening of the first meeting of the COVID19 National Taskforce which it was invited to participate in, so that the GCCI can help to relay information to its members as well as give feedback to the taskforce’s coordinated response to the virus. “Whilst waiting for directions from the national authorities, the GCCI encourages members of the business community and the general public to voluntarily practise social distancing,” GCCI said. The chamber suggested a number of recommendations including to avoid large gatherings of groups of more than 15 persons and for businesses such as restaurants, bars and similar services to discontinue ‘dine in’ services for customers and facilitate takeout, delivery and ‘drive-thru’ options. It also suggested that minibus and speed boat owners should sanitise their vehicles and boats after every trip and should try to maintain, if possible, a three-foot distance between each passenger. “The public should remain calm and refrain from panic buying and hoarding of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitising materials which limits availability for essential personnel who need the materials and are on the frontlines of fighting the spread of the infection,” the chamber said. In their statement, the GTUC called for all to put aside political differences. “The coronavirus (COVID-19) will not discriminate between coalition and opposition. If ever the time for national unity, it is now, when all lives are at risk. The most vital resource to a nation is its people and notwithstanding the current political environment we must set aside our differences and fight this disease as one,” the statement said. GTUC said the health of the nation, the economic well-being of the people and the need for assurance are issues that need to be tackled simultaneously as the country continues the fight against the virus.

‘We’ve won these elections’ –– Harmon maintains APNU+AFC won March 2 elections By Svetlana Marshall EVEN as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) awaits legal guidance from the High Court, the A Partnership for National + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) remains confident that it has won the March 2,2020 General and Regional Elections. Though GECOM has been temporarily barred from declaring the official results for the Elections, the total results declared by Returning Officers (ROs) for the 10 Electoral Districts show that the ‘Coalition’ government is in the lead by over 7,000 votes. While the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) won six Regions, and the APNU+AFC, four, the Coalition’s ability to maintain its stronghold in the country’s largest voting block (Region 4) has placed it in the lead, GECOM’s records show. “We believe that we have won these elections,” APNU+AFC Campaign Co-Manager Joseph Harmon told reporters on Thursday while rubbishing claims of electoral fraud. “As far as I am aware, there is not a finger that has been lifted to say that the APNU+AFC was involved in any fraud,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Coalition’s campaign office in Georgetown. While the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections were peacefully conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Laws of the Guyana, the process was severely disrupted during the tabulation of the votes cast in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). A number of opposing parties, led by the PPP/C, had objected to the methodology employed by the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, their objections on March 5 were later turned into litigation. On March 11, the High Court invalidated the declaration made by Mingo on March 5, on the grounds that a percentage of the Statements of Polls (SOPs) were not tabulated in the presence of persons entitled to be there. In his Affidavit in Defence, Mingo contended that the PPP/C had frustrated the process. “The environment at the GECOM office, where the tabulation was being conducted for Region 4, was at times chaotic because of the large number of persons present, and the efforts by PPP/C representatives and others to disrupt the declaration of results,” the Carter Center observed in one of its report. A second section was made on March 13.

However, since March 5, 2020, the Guyana Elections Commission; its Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh; its Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; and the Region 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo have been faced with one legal action after another. The last two legal proceedings filed in the High Court are intended to: Firstly, set aside the second declaration of votes made by the Region 4 Returning Officer, in the case of the application brought by Bharrat Jagdeo and Reeaz Hollader; and secondly, in the case of the Ulita Moore application, set aside GECOM’s decision to facilitate a national recount, and uphold the declarations of all 10 Returning Officers. The High Court has not ruled on these two cases. APNU+AFC NEVER WAIVERED Harmon said that throughout the electoral process, the APNU+AFC has respected the independence of the Elections Commission in fulfilling its mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Guyana, as outlined in the Constitution. “Throughout the electoral process,” Harmon said, “the Government of Guyana did not seek, in any way, to influence, interfere or instruct the Elections Commission in its work. Throughout the elections campaign and after the 2nd March, 2020, APNU+AFC made it very clear that it respects the independence of GECOM, and that no other entity had any statutory right in the exercise of that function.” He iterated that throughout the Campaign, President David Granger repeatedly indicated that the APNU+AFC respects the Constitution and the Supreme Law, the Judiciary and the independence of GECOM. While GECOM awaits a decision from the High Court to determine whether it can facilitate a national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 Elections amid concerns by the Opposition that the tabulation of the votes was not as transparent as it ought to have been, the APNU+AFC Campaign Co-Manager pointed to the fact that Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield has already compiled and submitted his Report to the Chair of GECOM. That report was submitted shortly after the Region 4 Returning Officer made his declaration on March 13. STANDS GUIDED “The APNU+AFC stands guided

APNU+AFC Campaign Co-Manager Joseph Harmon by the fact that the Chief Elections Officer submitted a declaration to the Elections Commission, requiring that the Commission deliberate on it, and give their final declaration. That declaration by the Chief Elections Officer was made on the 14th March,” he said. However, Harmon said the Coalition is cognisant that a number of legal proceedings were filed on March 13 and thereafter, restraining the Elections Commission from issuing a declaration until a final determination is made by the High Court. Justice Singh, in a recent statement, iterated that the GECOM must await a final determination by the Court, before it determines its next step. In light of that statement, Harmon expressed the hope that GECOM would be able to conclude the electoral process as soon as possible. “In this regard, we urge GECOM to have those matters concluded earliest, so that the final results can be made, leading to the swearing in of the president,” he urged. Asked whether the Coalition will support a national recount, Harmon iterated that the Coalition will continue to respect the decision of the Court and the Elections Commission. “We believe in the Law; once the Law provides for it… If it is by a declaration of the Chairman of GECOM, or it has to go to court by way of a petition, whatever is the outcome of it, we will support it. And so we want to make that very clear,” he posited. Today, the High Court will hear arguments on whether or not it has jurisdiction to adjudicate over the case brought by Moore. Its decision in this case will determine whether or not it will proceed to hear the other applications.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Guyana’s growth from oil still certain -- says American Petroleum Institute chief economist By Lisa Hamilton ALTHOUGH the coronavirus (COVID-19) could continue to negatively affect oil prices further, Guyana’s expected large-scale growth as a result of oil could still bump the country up to being one of the highest-growing economies in the next few years. Over the past month, as a result of the pandemic, oil prices fell by the most on record since 1960; global prices fell nearly 40 per cent between February and March 2020. However, Chief Economist at the American Petroleum Institute (API), Dr. Dean Foreman, told this newspaper on Thursday that even so, Guyana’s economic and oil-market progress appears to hold “tremendous potential” for economic progress by any measure. He said it is a rare opportunity for any nation to have the potential to more than triple its real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in a four-year period. This is based on the estimates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected in October 2019 that Guyana’s real GDP would nearly double in 2020 -- and more than triple by 2024 -relative to 2019. Expressed in constant US dollars, this translates into

the economy being expected to grow from $4.1 billion in 2019 to $15.5 billion in 2024. “Although these estimates – and all they may imply for economic and social progress in Guyana – may be affected by oil prices, the tremendous scale of Guyana’s growth still could make it one of the highest-growing economies in the world over the next several years. Consequently, Guyana’s prospects remain bright despite the immediate weakness in oil demand and activity,” the chief economist said. He added: “For Guyana, since the production and marketing of its oil is just beginning, much of the new investment, employment, tax revenues and the follow-on economic activities derived from having an oil industry in the country should be new and therefore incremental to the economy.” FIND YOUR NICHE Currently, Guyana has not yet begun to market its share of crude on the export market. In late February, the country commenced a search for an Oil Marketing / Trading Company with the publishing of a ‘Request for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Provision of Marketing Services for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’s Oil

La Parfaite Harmonie resident granted bail on one charge and remanded on another RYAN PERSAUD, a 25-year-old man of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, charged with assault and abusive language was, on Wednesday, March 26, 2020, granted bail and remanded by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus. Persaud appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges, when they were read to him. The first charge alleged that Persaud, on Saturday, January 4, 2020, on Hadfield Street, unlawfully assaulted Ainswort Mason to actually cause him bodily harm. The second charge alleged that Persaud, on Saturday, January 4, 2020, on Hadfield Street, made

use of abusive language to Ainswort Mason. The prosecutor objected to Persaud being granted bail, on the grounds that Persaud had provided false identification of himself which had led to the corruption of the summons. In addition, Persaud was ordered to appear in court on March 18. However, he failed to make his appearance due to the fact that he had given his name to the court as Leon David. Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs–Marcus remanded Persaud to prison for the ‘assault’ charge and granted him $5,000 bail for the ‘abusive language’ charge. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

API: Chief economist at the American Petroleum Institute (API), Dr. Dean Foreman

Entitlement from the Lisa Destiny FPSO Vessel’. The duration of services for such an Oil Marketing / Trading Company will last 12 months, between 2020 and 2021 and EOIs were to be submitted by March 12, 2020, to the Chairman of National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). When Guyana does begin this marketing, Dr. Foreman advised that the country set out early to establish its uniqueness on the market. “As a trade association, API cannot weigh in on what Guyana can or should do with its oil, but we can emphasise the benefits of Guyana establishing its niche in the global market,” he stated.

“Specifically, Guyana’s Liza crude oil is a new grade that is medium in its viscosity (as measured by API gravity) and sweet (that is, low in sulfur) and should be suited for refineries in the US Gulf Coast, Europe and Asia Pacific that need crude oil like this to match for their catalytic cracking units.” There are several uncertain factors that can impact Guyana’s speed of production and the marketing of its oil, the chief economist said. He pointed out factors such as oil prices, future expectations, inventories and anticipated value after refining. Guyana has received US$55 million for its first lift/ the country’s first million barrels of oil, which was sold

to Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited, late last month. This agreement was inked in December and the COVID-19 spread did not pick up on the global scale until over a month later. Dr. Foreman said: “It generally seems positive that Guyana was able to place its cargos and… [this] could help the country carve out a niche for its crude oil with refiners in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific.” AFTER COVID-19 While global travels have come to a crawl, this is likely to rise rapidly again once the pandemic passes. The early effects of COVID-19 were apparent in February with jet fuel demand down by 5.2 per cent and diesel fuel demand down 9.9 per cent when compared with February 2019. Many people chose to drive instead of fly, which led to the highest gasoline demand for February since 2007. This is according to data collected by the API and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) following surveys of 90 per cent of industry on a weekly basis. It noted that the data on March are likely to show a greater U.S. and global impact due to COVID-19. “We remain confident that oil demand is likely to be resilient once the effects of COVID-19 subside.

Murder of ‘Nalo’ still unsolved

THE police are yet to make an arrest with respect to the murder of popular Albouystown businesswoman, Nalinie Persaud, called ‘Nalo’, who was attacked and killed by bandits in her James Street residence, ten months ago. On Thursday, March 26, 2020, senior police detectives told the Guyana Chronicle that the investigation into Persaud’s murder was on-going. The police said that, on May 2, 2019, two bandits, who were armed with handguns, had attacked the 44-year-old woman and when they escaped, the businesswoman’s lifeless body was discovered with a rope, which was used to strangle her, tied around her neck. The police confirmed that cash and jewellery were carted off by the bandits who ransacked the premises. They gained entry by removing a board from the northern wall of the lower flat of the house. The victim’s husband was as-

DEAD: Nalinie Persaud called ‘Nalo’

saulted and taken out of the bedroom into the lower flat of the premises, which housed a grocery shop. There, he was bound to a chair and ducttaped. An autopsy conducted on the body of the businesswoman revealed that her death was due to compression to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

Crude oil futures markets and the EIA appear to concur, and both sources suggest oil prices could rebound,” Dr. Foreman said. A spot price for March 26 shows $25.80 per barrel for Brent crude oil while Brent crude oil futures prices for December delivery are at $36.89 per barrel, and the EIA projects Brent crude oil to be $45 per barrel in December 2020. The chief economist pointed out that while the EIA’s estimates have remained uncertain along with market conditions, they generally reflect that there are many activities that are likely to resume in the near future. “Staying the course in providing a consistent policy and business environment is likely to be the most conducive path for Guyana to reap the economic benefits,” Dr. Foreman advised. With regards to COVID-19 and Guyana’s oil industry, he said the best thing Guyana can do right now is to establish preventative measures and stop the spread of the COVID-19 to the best of its ability. This, he said, would enable producing companies and the businesses which support the country to maintain activities and respond as quickly as possible to changes in circumstances that may help Guyana solidify its niche in the global market.

CIOG, GIT advise masjids to cancel Friday prayers CITING health concerns relative to the coronavirus, the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG) and the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) have advised all masajid (plural for masjid) to cancel Friday’s congregational prayers. “We have taken into consideration the arguments for and against this issue, and it is our firm belief that preference must be given to warding off the potential harm to health and life over gaining the benefits of Salatul Jumu’ah at the Masjid,” the two bodies said in a statement. The two religious bodies noted that taking precautions against a pandemic of the scale of the Coronavirus is a more compelling and serious reason than others and as such it must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Region 10 goes on lockdown Saturday By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Mayor and Town Council, in collaboration with a newly formed Regional Health Emergency Committee, has imposed a mandatory curfew that will be implemented in all communities of Region 10, from Saturday, March 28. Communities that will see strict monitoring of the curfew, which is from 05:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs for regular citizens, will be done by law enforcement officers in Linden, Kwakwani, Ituni, Aroaima, Mabura, Rock Stone, Anarika, 48 and 57 Miles. Persons failing to adhere to this mandatory curfew may be subjected to detention. A release from the Linden Mayor and Town Council stated that “all citizens with the exception of essential workers with ID (nurses, police, military, GPL and GWI crew), must be in their homes from 8 pm to 5 am. Citizens found on the streets may be detained.” The release also stated that all businesses must be closed from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs, with the exception of supermarkets and pharmacies, which are expected to close at 19:00 hrs. All restaurants and bars are restricted to delivery and eat-out services only. Owners failing to comply may be subjected to sanctions. While citizens are free to go about their daily activities during the permitted time, the members of the committee urge them to practise social distancing and sanitary practices at all times. The Regional Health Emergency Committee comprises municipal, regional, health, fire and disciplined services officials. Members

form part of sub-committees with responsibility for health and welfare, safety and security, business and transportation and communication and logistics. The committee functions roundthe-clock and the full team is expected to meet every 48 hrs. While there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 in Region 10, the officials are adamant that a proactive approach be taken in fighting against the pandemic. Region 10 is deemed a hot-spot region, since it is the gateway to several interior locations, including Lethem, all of which have porous borders leading to Brazil. Brazil has several reported cases of the coronavirus. QUARANTINED In addition, there are at least three Lindeners who travelled to Guyana on Wednesday evening from Barbados, under mandatory quarantine at a Ministry of Public Health facility. Any resident of Region 10 experiencing symptoms are urged to contact hotline numbers on 4446137 and 4446127. The committee had already taken a position to set up quarantine rooms at the medical facilities in the region. Despite being cash-strapped, the Regional Democratic Council is ensuring emergency funding is set aside to deal with the situation. The RDC, being an administrative hub in Mackenzie, which sees scores of persons frequenting daily, has also installed sinks in its compound for staff members and visitors to wash their hands before entering the building.

Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph, washing his hands at the newly installed sink in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council

CFO Country Representative, Jermaine Figueira presenting the items to the Management of LHC All social activities for this period have been cancelled, including the Linden Town Week 2020 and Linden’s 50th anniversary celebration. Meanwhile, residents of Linden welcomed the move by officials to initiate the mandatory curfew and have promised to comply. Market vendor, Keshawn Gomes, said he was already closing earlier than usual but noted that not all vendors were doing the same. “I think it is a good thing. I was already playing my part because safety comes before money. I think it is a very, very good thing that they implemented,” he said. Former member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who owns a bar, said he had already taken the initiative to shut its doors to set the example of social distancing because lives are more important than business. He is urging other bar owners to follow the rules of the lock-down. CONTRIBUTE TANGIBLY Figueira is also calling on NGOs, stakeholders and other corporate organisations to contribute tangibly to the region’s proactive fight against COVID-19. On Wednesday, he took the cap of country representative of Caring for Others and made a tangible and timely donation of several apparatus and medical supplies to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). The items that were donated in bulk included hand soaps, syringes, gowns, respirators, caps, adult pampers, surgical tape and gloves, among others. Figueira said the NGO is aware of the limitations of the institution in being adequately prepared to deal with the pandemic. “We are very much concerned because

we don’t have all of the necessary equipment and apparatus to provide widespread testing,” Figueira said. The NGO has embarked on an aggressive education campaign to sensitise, especially the younger demographic, on the importance of sanitation and social distancing. “Caring for Others is here to assist and we are appealing to the residents of Linden, residents of Region 10 and to the wider extension Guyana to really give coronavirus the seriousness that it should be given. It is a deadly disease. We are appealing to the residents to really pay rapt attention to what is going on. Stay home and play your role,” he urged. In expressing appreciation for the donation on behalf of the hospital was medical superintendent (ag), Joseph London, who said the fight against COVID-19 is not a medical problem but a community one and commended the NGO for being part of the community that came on board with something tangible. LHC, he said, needs as much help as possible because if the situation does get out of control, the facility will become overwhelmed. The strongest weapon presently, he said, is prevention and protection through social distancing and sanitation. “If we are able to strengthen our prevention then we will be one of the communities where this would have its least effect and we can be an example to other communities,” he said. The items donated will be put in use immediately and Joseph also urged other stakeholders and NGOs to also come forward with tangible donations. The Ministry of Health said the cases of coronavirus in Guyana remain at five.

26 persons tested for ... FROM PAGE 4

op within three days prior to the 15th day, they will be tested twice within 24 hours. SUPPORT “Psychosocial support for all persons is essential, regardless of their status and will be provided by the Psychosocial Unit with support from the Ministry of Social Protection,” the minister explained on Thursday, during the MoPH televised daily update on its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, during the broadcast, the minister shared that the MoPH has begun contact tracing in Region Nine for persons who may have come into contact with the relative of a confirmed case in neighbouring Brazil, while the ministry is also addressing concerns of the group of Guyanese who have been quarantined since returning from Barbados on

Wednesday night. Minister Lawrence emphasised that notwithstanding rumours of a positive coronavirus case in Upper Takatu–Upper Essequibo, the country’s confirmed cases remains at five, including the one death. “I wish to dispel fears with regard to reports of a positive case being in Region Nine. This is not a case for Guyana. The individual in question did not visit Guyana for the last two weeks prior to his confirmed status or after it was discovered. We are aware that his relative, who operates a business in Lethem, is under quarantine in Brazil, not Guyana. Both individuals are in Brazil,” Lawrence explained. She added that: “There are no recorded cases of the COVID-19 virus in Lethem; however, the MoPH has begun contact tracing in

Region Nine for persons who may have come into contact with the relative of a confirmed case in neighbouring Brazil.” The minister said the Ministry of Communities (MoC) is also working closely with MoPH in all the regions in the rolling out of the COVID-19 Response Plan. On the group from Barbados, the minister explained that the persons had committed to submit themselves to institutional quarantine if they were allowed to return to Guyana. Barbados reported its first case of the virus on March 17, and has since recorded a total of 18 cases, according to WHO statistics. Given that Guyana has closed its airports to international passenger flights, the persons, totalling 17, were allowed to return to Guyana under special consideration on a chartered flight from the island. However, one person

from the group shared that they were not tested for the virus before leaving Barbados, hence, mandatory quarantine being required. “They were advised before their return that they will be in quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. We wish to reiterate that these measures are an effort to protect all of us. All medical services are catered for at our sites,” Lawrence said. The coronavirus has spread to 199 countries, infecting almost half a million persons since the first outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. According to WHO statistics, as of Thursday, over 21,000 persons had died as a result of being infected by the virus. In the Region of Americas, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 70,877, with 977 deaths in 48 countries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Parents must work with children

-- learning materials provided by Education Ministry during closure of school By Tamica Garnett WITH the announcement that school will remain closed straight into the Easter vacation, which will see students remaining home for a total of five weeks, several parents are grateful for the free educational information learning platforms being provided by the Ministry of Education (MoE) during this time.

Schools have been closed since March 16, as a preventative measure following the country’s first recorded case of the coronavirus/COVID-19 on March 11. This also saw the postponement of upcoming national exams such as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and CXC examinations. In their attempt to mitigate the gap in learning, the MoE

has since been providing interactive learning media via television, on the Learning Channel; on the radio; and on their website. “I'm somewhat relieved that the burden is not left on the parents and teachers only. Having options helps us determine which methods best suit our children for better learning, and even better suit us because sometimes we also have to

revise in order to teach them, especially if a new method is being taught to them,” shared a mother with two primary school-aged children. Though her children attend private schools in the city, she lauded the MoE for taking the decision to close the schools. Both private and public schools have shuttered. “It assures me that the health and wellbeing of the Schools will be closed for five weeks. They are expected to be reopened by April 20

nation's future are important. If they had not closed I would have taken my children out of school anyway,” she said. In addition to utilising the materials provided by the MoE, the mother shared that she has also been reaching out to her children’s teachers to ensure she does her part to work with her children during their period home. “I am home from this week [so] I am making an effort to do revision with them. It won't be easy given the teachers are trained for this and we aren't. But this time has reminded me of the sacrifices our teachers make and it has given me the opportunity to strengthen the bond with my children,” she said. WORK WITH CHILDREN She is encouraging other parents not to let the time period go by idly and to work with the children as much as they can. Following an initial announcement that schools were going to be closed for two weeks from March 16, last Monday, the ministry announced that school will remain closed straight into the Easter. School will reopen on April 20. This measure was implemented as a means of social distancing, one of the main measures advised in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. Declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the coronavirus has spread to 196 countries, infecting and causing over 18,000 deaths since the first outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Vanessa Gordon, who has two children in Grades Nine and Six, thinks the measures are helpful but noted that she does not have Internet to access the online material and will not have the time to follow the television and radio programmes. Nonetheless, she said she has been working with her children, particularly her child in Grade Six. “It’s fine what they are trying to do but we do not have access to Internet to use the website provided. We have the past papers package for the last

10 years so we are working on that. I can do revision based on what the teachers have given and the text books he has. If I had Internet it would have been easier,” she said. Father of one, Seon Tugwell, said he believes that notwithstanding the MoE doing its part, parents are key to ensuring the initiative achieves its aim. “I admire the steps taken and the efforts put out to make these measures available; it's a great initiative and will bear much fruit if the parents or guardians help to interpret these programmes. However, if that doesn't happen it will prove to be futile,” Tugwell said. He shared that: “I have used the radio broadcasts a few times and have seen the television once or twice.” ACCESS TO LEARNING MATERIALS On the website, the MoE is currently offering NGSA practice papers as well as textbooks for the nursery, primary and secondary school levels. The ministry has also provided links to a number of other learning websites, including Khan Academy, Math Games, and Fun Fonix, among others. On the Learning Channel (Channel 42/Cable 29), the period from 06:00hrs to 15:00hrs is designated to specific learning programmes across the three school levels. The schedule starts with the nursery and primary school programmes, which run for three hours each. This is followed by one hour of documentaries while the remaining time is allotted to the secondary school programmes. There are radio broadcasts for Grades One to Three from 09:30hrs to 13:30hrs which is being aired on stations across the country, including radio stations in Madhia, Bartica, Essequibo, Mabaruma, Lethem and Annai Broadcasts for Grades Three to Six are aired daily on NCN Radio from 13:00hrs. The Education Ministry is also reminding parents that NGSA materials are provided in the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

Court has jurisdiction to hear recount injunction application

–Lawyers argue By Svetlana Marshall THE actions of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), its Chairman and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) are subject to judicial review on the grounds that they are public functionaries and entities, Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson

said as he established the Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case brought by the Ulita Moore – a private citizen. In her Fixed Date Application (FDA) filed on March 17, Moore asked the High Court to rule that the decision by GECOM, its Chairman and CEO, to have the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) su-

pervise a National Recount of all the votes cast at the March 2 Elections is in contravention of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. Additionally, Moore wants the Court to prohibit GECOM from conducting, what she considers, an unlawful recount of the votes, and to have the already declared results of the 10 Electoral Districts made final. However, the issue of the Court’s jurisdiction to adju-

dicate over the matter arose last Tuesday, by the lawyers representing the Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Bharrat Jagdeo – an added respondent in the matter. But Robertson, in his written submissions, said that Jagdeo, through his lawyers, inaccurately contends that Section 140 (1) of the Representation of the People Act bars the Court from hearing such an

application. Section 140 (1) states: “Except to the extent that jurisdiction in that behalf has been conferred, and the exercise thereof is required, by the Constitution or any law made under article 163 thereof (which provides for the determination by the Supreme Court of Judicature of questions as to membership of the National Assembly and elections thereto) and save as hereinbefore provided to the contrary, no question whether any function of the Elections Commission or of any of its members has been performed validly or at all shall be enquired into in any court.” Robertson submitted that Section 140 (1) of the Act cannot operate as an “ouster” of judicial supervision of the Elections Commission’s acts and or omissions. In support of his arguments, the Attorney cited the fundamental principle outlined by Lord Reid in the case – Anisminic Ltd v Foreign Compensation Commission [1969]. He submitted that Jagdeo, in his submissions, cited a number of authorities which contradict the decision in Anisminic on the treatment of the ouster clauses. He further pointed out that in the case – the AG of Barbados and Ors v Joseph and Boyce, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on considering the effect of ouster clauses in the context of constitutional powers, adopted the Anisminic approach. “The functions and powers of the Elections Commission which are under consideration are rooted in article 162 of the Constitution. The Applicant alleges that the Respondents have acted in excess of that jurisdiction and such actions and/or inactions must be amenable to judicial review. Thus, it is submitted that the case of Anisminic is the only authority on point to address the section 140 (1) ouster clause. Section 140 (1) must therefore be strictly construed so as to preserve the ordinary jurisdiction of this Honourable Court to hear the Fixed Date Application,” Robertson told the High Court. It was noted too in responding to an application by Aubrey Norton for Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition, Justice Desiree Bernard, in her capacity of Chief Justice, had to consider a Notice of Motion for an order of Certiorari to quash the decision of the Chairman of the Elections Commission to declare Janet Jagan President of the Guyana. On the issue of jurisdiction, Chief Justice Bernard indicated that the Court possessed the jurisdiction to order Certiorari to lie against the decisions of

the Elections Commission and its Chairman. “The Anisminic approach was expressly adopted in Barnwell v Attorney-General and Another (1993) 49 WIR 88 wherein the Court of Appeal of Guyana in considering a Commission’s powers held that although article 226(6) of the Constitution precluded a court from inquiring into whether the commission had validly performed any function vested in it by the Constitution, the court was nevertheless able to inquire into the manner in which the commission set about its decision-making or any procedural impropriety in breach of the Constitution,” Robertson further submitted. It was noted that under Section 140(1) of the Act the Court has no jurisdiction to determine whether the Elections Commission has performed or discharged its functions and duties validly; the Act does not and cannot oust the Court’s jurisdiction from considering whether the Commission’s decision to not perform its functions was done so validly. “The Applicant is not complaining about a function of the Elections Commission or any function having been “performed” by its members. On the contrary, the Applicant is complaining about the Elections Commission having failed to perform and/or having omitted to perform, their relevant functions concerning the declaration of the results,” he pointed out. Noting that the Representation of the People Act clearly outlines the procedures and functions of the Commission and its officers, Mayo pointed out that according to Section 96 (1), the Chief Elections Officer is mandated to calculate the total number of valid votes for each List of Candidates once the Returning Officers have made their declarations. He is then mandated to compile and submit a report to the Elections Commission for their consideration and final declaration. “In the case at bar, all Returning Officers of the respective electoral districts have made their declarations of the results. the last being the declaration of Electoral District No. 4 which was done on 13 March 2020. Notwithstanding this fact, the Respondents have failed to act in accordance with section 96 and 99 of the Representation of the People Act and formally ascertain the results of the elections and prepare the report to be furnished to the Elections Commission,” he submitted. This jurisdictional case will be heard in the High Court today before Justice Franklin Holder.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

CSEC final grades to be based on SBAs, multiple choice papers

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has made a policy decision to offer a modified examination process, that will award final grades to students based on their performance in method involving moderated School Based Assessments (SBAs) and multiple choice papers. Candidates will be required to complete additional components, however, for modern languages, which include Spanish, French and Portuguese, as well as Human and Social Biology and Visual Arts. The Council has proposed a revised schedule to ad-

ministers the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) to secondary school students, annually, during the May/ June period. The decision was taken following deliberations among the various national authorities. “During the past two weeks, we have been monitoring developments across the CARICOM region and working closely with representatives from the Ministries of Education and tertiary institutions to arrive at a regional

minister examinations in July 2020. This is according to a statement released by the Council on Thursday. The measures are being implemented as a result of the effects that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been having on the region. “The Council has proposed a revised examinations strategy to yield valid grades and minimize the disruption to the education system during these unprecedented times. This strategy will employ the e-Testing modality (online and offline) in order to reduce the examinations administration processing time resulting in the shortest turn-around time for marking and the release of examination results. This also minimizes disruption to the 2020/2021 academic year,” the statement said. The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), which falls under the aegis of CARICOM, ad-

consensus for the administration of May/June 2020 examinations. The Council cautioned that the new proposed schedule of July 2020, will be contingent on national protocols across the region. “Rest assured that as the management and staff of the Council continue to monitor the emerging situation, our first priority is the health and well-being of all our stakeholders,” the statement said. All fifteen of the CARICOM member states have recorded at least one confirmed case of the corona virus. Earlier this month, as the virus’ spread was still developing in the region, the council had convened a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Education to discuss administration of regional examinations and the respective national protocols. Students and teachers

are encouraged to utilize the CXC Learning Hub – an e-Learning platform that provides learners and instructors with a single access point to multiple resources geared towards exam preparation and is available at: learninghub. cxc.org. Officially declared a global pandemic by the

World Health Organisation, the coronavirus has been sweeping the globe since the first outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, in December, 2019. According to WHO statistics, as of last Thursday, there have been almost half a million confirmed cases of infected persons in 199 countries

across the globe with over 21,000 deaths occurring thus far as a result of the spread. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

(SARS-CoV). Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

An aerial view of the Giftland Mall

Giftland Mall to close amid Covid-19 pandemic

CHAIRMAN of Giftland Group of Companies, Roy Beepat, on Thursday, announced that the popular mall will be closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Please be advised that the Giftland Mall will be closed temporarily from April 1, 2020. This closure is due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has placed our country and the world in unprecedented times. Given that the main counter against the spread of the virus is social distancing, the mall will be closing temporarily in the interest of its staff and customers,” Beepat said in a release. However, he noted that the FoodMaxx Supermarket will remain open to facilitate basic shopping needs for the general public and customers will be required to abide by the guidelines enforced

in-store by the FoodMaxx Supermarket to combat the spread of the virus. Management of FoodMaxx has advised that pricing structure will remain the same throughout this frightening period, but prices for some items may increase if the costs of said items are increased. “Our prices may increase if the cost of these items increases as the main aim is to serve its customers and there is no overpricing of any basic commodities,” the statement read. The statement further revealed that all ATMs will be accessible unless indicated otherwise by the respective banks, along with Shoppers Pharmacy to supply essential products. The opening hours will remain at 10:00hrs to 19:30hrs.

City mayor yet to receive estimates of damaged abattoir APPROXIMATELY one month ago, City Engineer Colvern Venture was asked to provide an estimate of the damage done to the municipal abattoir by a crane belonging to John Fernandes Company Limited. Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, on Thursday, confirmed that he is still waiting on Venture to provide the estimate so that a meeting can then be fixed with the company, which has been working along with the City Council to date. Since the accident last February 27, the abattoir at Water Street, South Cummingsburg, remains closed, resulting in daily loss of revenue to the City Council. On February 27, at approximately 14:50 hours, a

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine

crane belonging to the said company, fell onto the roof of the abattoir. The roof, walls and windows of the kitchen area were severely damaged. The roof of the slaughtering chambers was also damaged. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Guyanese turned back during attempt to enter Suriname backtrack …COVID-19 taskforce warns nationals against such move

THE National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) is calling on Guyanese, particularly those in the Corentyne, to refrain from entering Suriname illegally by boat, amidst reports that a dozen Guyanese were earlier this week apprehended in the Dutch nation’s waters and returned at Moleson Creek. The returned individuals are said have been immediately placed under institutional quarantine by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). It is unsure if the persons were attempting to use the ‘back track’ port to enter the country however, those returned claimed they were fishing. “There have been instances involving 12 persons in the past two days arrested by the Surinamese and dropped off back in Guyana. Some had Guyanese ID and some didn’t have. They claim to have been fishing,” a source close to the issue reported. FROM PAGE

City mayor yet to receive... The mayor had said he doesn’t wish to accept money from the company to finance the repairs, but prefers for them to complete everything. “I don’t want a temporary fix, because temporary turns into long term,” he said. Narine also plans to request that the company pays City Hall the money that it has been unable to garner in revenues over the period that the abattoir remained closed. The meat and food inspectors are engaged in on-site inspections; no slaughtering can be done at Water Street due to health concerns. The food hygiene section of the municipal abattoir falls under the Ministry of Public Health, Medical Officer of Health Department. The functions of the section include the slaughtering of bovine, porcine and ovine animals; inspection of animals for communicable diseases; and disposal of unsound meat. The City Council has said it views this accident as unfortunate and regrets any inconvenience it has caused the business community and persons who use the facility.

They added that: “There are two aspects to this: one, people are going fishing and entering Suriname waters and the second aspect is that the ‘back track’ is continuing. There is an issue with the ‘back trackers’ as well.” Though the task force did not make mention of the persons being caught and returned, following a virtual meeting, the task force, on Thursday, called on persons to desist, in a statement issued. “Those who do so may be subject to seizure of their vessel and engine, arrest and deportation. Persons deported will be subject to the MoPH mandatory quarantine protocols. Neither the NCTF nor the Government of Guyana can commit to making diplomatic or other representation on their behalf for the return of their vessels and/or engines,” the statement said. The statement also announced that the Guyana

Police Force (GPF) is also expected to commence a campaign to advise against and dis-

socialising. Guyanese are advised to spend as little time in public as is possible and to

courage persons who are found gathering in public spaces, as concerns continue over the large number of persons who are still ignoring advisories against doing so, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “The NCTF pleads with all Guyanese to play their part. The NCTF urges persons to ‘decluster’ in public spaces, to zealously practice social distancing and to refrain from

only leave their homes when absolutely necessary. The NCTF also called on business operators, especially those operating non-essential businesses, to adopt reasonable measures and practices to discourage persons from gathering in large numbers and from engaging in socialising, particularly at late hours into the night. The NCTF is headed by Prime Minister, Moses Naga-

mootoo, and includes ministers from the Ministries of Public Health, Legal Affairs, Public Security, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Education, Communities, Public Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Citizenship. The NCTF commended the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and dedicated officials at the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) for the tireless work they have been doing, which has seen the country containing the spread of COVID-19 , to just the five confirmed cases to date. The NCTF also commended the Guyana Association of Bankers for their decision to reduce banking hours, which will result in minimising the contact time for members of the public consistent with social distancing practices. Guyana recorded its first case of the coronavirus on March 11, when a 52-year-old woman died. Four persons subsequent-

ly tested positive, however, they were all related to the initial patient. All five of the cases recorded thus far were imported, with the country yet to record a case occurring via local transmission. The NCTF reminded of the closure of the airports to incoming international flights, save and except technical stops for aircraft that require fuel and specially authorised flights. Specially authorised flights being flights considered only in extreme humanitarian and emergency cases. Outgoing cargo flights and outgoing medivac flights will continue to be permitted. Declared a pandemic by the WHO, the coronavirus has spread to 199 countries, infecting almost half a million persons according the WHO statistics as at last Thursday. Over 21,000 persons have since died as a result of being infected.

Local cable, TV companies adjusting content to cater to schoolchildren at home THE Ministry of Education, on Monday, announced that the closure of school due to the presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana, has been extended to April 20, 2020 since the pandemic is not yet under control. Due to the action of the ministry, several television stations, online producers and local cable companies have taken the decision to alter their regular programming and broadcast content so that they will be beneficial to pupils and students during the period that they will be at home. Speaking with representatives from a few of the main broadcasting stations, all of them acknowledged that they have a critical role to play at this time, especially in bridging the gap of educating the students since they will be away from school. Programme Developer at the National Communications Network (NCN), Andrea Bryan-Garner, told the Guyana Chronicle that they are currently in the process of creating virtual classrooms on television for the children at home. She said that this project is being done in a partnership with Lance Hinds, who is the CEO of BrainCentral.

Programme Developer at the National Communications Network (NCN), Andrea Bryan-Garner

Shedding light on this project, Bryan-Garner explained that BrainCentral is a local company, founded by Hinds, that offers online tests and quizzes for pupils and students of all grades, and even for teachers. It is the same idea and content of BrainCentral that NCN will attempt to televise. “We are working with BrainCentral to merge our platforms, seamlessly and provide educational content for our children. At the moment, we are testing to see if

Media Coordinator of E-Networks, Mellisa Ramnarine

it will work, and once the test is successful, we want to reel out content before the week is out. The idea is to create virtual classrooms on television. This is especially meaningful for those who may not have access to online resources. NCN has national reach and would therefore be accessible to a wide cross section of the viewing public. So these educational programmes will show at different times of day, depending on the grade,” she said. Additionally, she said Ministry of Education’s In-

teractive Radio Instruction (IRI) for Grades one to three and Broadcast to Schools (Grades three to six) are aired on NCN’s Voice of Guyana (VOG) 560AM/102.5FM and relayed to our eight regional radio stations. Meanwhile, local cable company, E-Networks, is also playing their part. Given that a large percentage of Guyanese homes are hooked up to cable, E-Networks is also tweaking their TV guide to cater to the needs of the children that will be tuning in. Media Coordinator at the Cable Company, Mellisa Ramnarine, said that they have recognised their role as well, and is working on selecting more educational content and content to keep the children meaningfully engaged. “We are going through content such as Brain Game – Are you smarter than a fifth grader? We are going through videos that focus on teaching Math, we have documentaries, Science programmes and things like why do we get sick, those are some of the things that we have so far. But we are still going through the content to make sure that it is appropriate, to see if we can actually air them. But this will be completed today (yesterday), and the new guide will

be effective from tomorrow (today). We have cartoons that were already adjusted since last week, but that was mostly for the smaller age groups. But since school will be closed until the new term, we’re going to adjust the guides to accommodate all the age groups,” Ramnarine said. However, she noted that their content will be short programmes, so that they can still accommodate the elections coverage. “We are also airing Newsroom’s elections coverage, and that is unpredictable. So we will be showing short content for now, in the event that something pops up, we wouldn’t have to cut into anything to accommodate what was happening,” she added. In addition to the TV stations and cable networks, the Ministry of Education has been continuously encouraging parents and guardians to tune into the Guyana Learning Channel (Cable 29 or Channel 42) for daily educational and interactive learning sessions for their children. There is also a website that the Ministry created for children to access free learning resources to remain meaningfully engaged: www.education.gov.gy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

‘I aspire to be one of Guyana’s top comedians’ I

- Mohan Singh

T is the simplicity of life in the West Coast Demerara village of Meten-MeerZorg that contributes much to the hilarity in Mohan Singh’s videos. Each video he uploads to his Facebook Page, “Laugh till yuh kaka rup rup” continues to receive thousands of views, although his original page with over 84,000 followers was hacked.

With just 24,000 followers on the second page he created, Mohan continues to make thousands laugh with stories he draws from every-day life with his mom, friends, and popcorn business. “Hailing from the village of Meten-MeerZorg has definitely birthed within me simplicity and humour into everyday life. With so

He enjoys acting as well

Mohan also has a passion for singing

Mohan Singh

much worry in the world, a little smile brings closure to much sadness,” Mohan told the Buzz in an interview this week. The 24-year-old, being the proprietor of a popcorn business, did not get to complete his education as he sought to support his mom and siblings. With no certificates in hand, he nevertheless believes that his working experiences have drowned him with all the knowledge he needs. “Growing up with my mother who is everything to me has shaped me into

a determined soul. It was during this time that I aspired for nothing but pure happiness. I aspire to be one of Guyana’s well-recognized comedians and continue being a businessman and making a difference in everyone’s life,” Mohan expressed. “If you’re to meet me, I won’t offer you anything but a laugh or two. I compose content based on everyday life with a touch of humour and salt to taste. It’s the perfect recipe, especially in these grieving days,” he added.

However, Mohan was deeply affected when his page was hacked and someone started posting on behalf on him. “This was my only tool with which I can touch the world with cheer and joy. This was the page I birthed and breaded humour into; the page that made me realise that I was more than a comedian, as I posted my performances of singing and dancing. ‘Nah worry about dah man,’ I said to myself. It was a time of rebirth and using the determination I’ve gained as a child, I’ve whipped up a new page.” Also a welder and machinist, Mohan has a passion for singing and acting. Being part of the Dynamic Tassa Troupe extended to him another way of making people happy. “Let’s not forget ‘Service to humanity is service to God.’ That’s the motto of Nirvana’s Humanitarian Center where I’ve been part of for five years. It’s a thrilling experience to use your talent to help other people give back without expecting anything in return.” Mohan’s advice to his fans is: “If you’re ever in the village of MetenMeer-Zorg, you have to stop at ‘Mohan’s Corner’ and try my ‘finger linkin’ popcorn. Always be happy; always be kind to one another and always remain positive despite your downfalls. They’re just the fuel to your success.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

Vivaanta celebrates first anniversary in Guyana

Mixing ancient heritage with latest techniques

IVAANTA Ayurvedic Spa and Hair Salon, which earlier this month celebrated the first year of opening its doors in Guyana, continues to pursue its mission to go above and beyond industry expectations. Vivaanta, which focuses on herbal therapies to retain and regain youthful beauty and health, aims to provide professional, high-quality services and products. It offers products and

Karan Mehra, Director

Nitin and Sunaina Mehra

treatments to renew the body and mind according to the Ayurvedic approach to wellbeing. Director Karan Mehra told The Buzz on Thursday that the response in Guyana over the past year has been overwhelming as he believes that the services offered at Vivaanta could not be found elsewhere in Guyana. Though unable to do much to celebrate its first anni-

Vivaanta celebrated its first anniversary earlier this month.

versary in the country, Vivaanta did manage to run an online promotion where the winner of a ‘spa day’ will be selected on April 1, 2020. According to Mehra, Vivaanta closed its doors yesterday and today (Friday) to allow for the facility to be disinfected and sanitised. The business will resume on Saturday at the Lot 3 Church Street, Georgetown location. Hand sanitisers are provided for customers and masks are worn due to close proximity between individuals. Every 15 minutes, Mehra said staff wash and sanitise their hands, while all tools and equipment used on each client are thoroughly cleaned and sterilised. The floors, objects and surfaces are swept and wiped with Lysol. SEE PAGE 23

21 Director Karan Mehra (second, right) and Keratase educators

Keziah Williams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

– a budding natural hair influencer

Despite the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Keziah Williams is a passionate beautician, staying true to her calling. After working several jobs before the completion of her degree, Williams said that doing hair was always what she gravitated to. And even after completing her degree, because of her love and passion for the beauty world, every other job will come second/part-time to her hair business. The 26-year-old Guyanese beauty said that she has aspirations of becoming a beauty influencer, specifically for

natural hair. “I’ve worked several jobs for different people and as such, I felt I wasn’t getting enough for what I loved doing. I realised there was a need for someone dealing with natural hair because there are so many persons with relaxed hair. I believe black women are naturally beautiful and they don’t need to chemically relax their hair to seem “neat” by societal standards,” the young woman said. As such, she opened her own salon ‘Kez Beauty Studio’ on Quamina Street to cater to all the needs of natural hair persons.

Beautician, Keziah Williams “I aspire to be a beauty influencer and to change the norm of what beauty is for naturals in Guyana and if possible the rest of the world. I believe I’m the first natural hair salon in Guyana and I’m grateful to be a part of a growing community,” Williams said. Even though her primary interest is natural hair, Williams also specialises in other hair needs such as wig installation and more. She also has the artistic hands to do makeup for every occasion. Because of her versatility and commitment to what she does, she has speedily established a budding small business. In her advice to persons interested in becoming entrepreneurs, she says, “The first step is to start with an idea and don’t be discouraged when you fail the first time trying it out. We are all beautiful in our own way.”

Keziah’s work

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 27, 2020

Guyana Carnival 2020 POSTPONED to 2021 The entire world is undergoing major postponements, shutdowns, and cancellations due to the concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19). Both small and large scale events have been banned and social distancing is highly recommended to reduce the spread of the virus.? As the Guyana Carnival Committee empathises with all that is happening globally, after consulting with partners and stakeholders, the committee announced in a statement that it has regretfully come to the inevitable conclusion to cancel Guyana Carnival 2020. The Committee is now working to a new date of May 19 -27, 2021, however, the 2020 theme will remain the same for 2021. Patrons who have registered for a costume or have purchased event tickets were advised that those will remain valid. “You will be able to continue to make partial payments on your costumes and event tickets from now until the 2021 carnival period. We’ve got you covered! We are hopeful that this pandemic will be over soon and life will return to normal. We know that you will definitely be in need of some fun in the sun, soca and vibes to cure your carnival tabanca. Rest assured that when the tabanca bump raises we will provide

Vivaanta celebrates.... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

“As Guyana continues to battle with COVID19 [coronavirus] we are responding with extra precautionary measures aside from our regular washing and sanitising routines since the first confirmed case of the virus. Our clients and employee’s safety are our highest priority at this point,” Mehra stated. The businessman owns the establishment, along with Nitin Mehra, and together, they are pioneers of herbal care. They have successfully mixed ancient heritage with the latest techniques and unique innovations, aiming to break barriers in the spa industry. “My father, Mr. Nitin Mehra, was always in the export and import industry, doing business in many parts of the world. At the same time, I belong to a background of mechatronics engineering (a combination of mechanical, electrical and computer sciences). However, my mother, Mrs. Sunaina MehVivaanta said it is taking additional measures to protect staff and customers from COVID-19

ra focused her studies in beauty and Ayurvedic treatments since she always had a burning desire to recapture the ancient heritage,” said Karan, when the spa opened last year. Before coming to Guyana, the investors, who are originally from India, had established business in Trinidad and Tobago in 2011. “We are known for our herbal therapies. Many of our therapies are aimed at retaining youthful beauty and health. And so we have now commenced offering our services in the Guyanese market, where we plan to give of our best,” he had said. He defined Ayurveda as one of the world’s oldest holistic ‘whole-body’ healing systems that were developed in India more than 3,000 years ago.

you with the perfect remedy,” the committee said in a release. Persons can stay tuned for flashbacks and upcoming events leading up to Guyana Carnival 2021 on social media

and website.? The team urges all to stay home, wash their hands and adhere to social distancing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Justin Gatlin, 38, says he can win gold at Tokyo Olympics FORMER Olympic and world 100m champion Justin Gatlin says he can win gold at the Tokyo Olympics despite him likely being 39 when the postponed Games take place. The Olympics, due to begin in July, were postponed this week because of the coronavirus pandemic. American Gatlin, 38, won gold at Athens 2004 and the world title in London in 2017 after a second doping ban. Asked if he could win in Tokyo, he told TMZ Sports: “My educated guess is yes.” The Games will be staged “no later than summer 2021”, according to the International Olympic Committee. Gatlin, who turns 39 in February, said: “A lot of people think that time is against me, but that is far from the truth. “Resting your body, refocusing yourself and staying hungry, we will come back re-energised for 2021. “My body has not been worn down by running a lot of races in 2020. It won’t be that big of a difference being 38 to being 39.” Gatlin served a four-year ban between 2006 and 2010 after testing positive for testosterone, his second doping offence after a year’s suspension for using a banned amphetamine in 2001. His victory at London 2017, when he shocked a retiring Usain Bolt and fellow American Christian Coleman, was greeted by jeers from the crowd. Gatlin did not rule out continuing beyond 2021, saying the example of American football star Tom Brady, who signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week at the age of 42, had inspired him. “It’s giving me hope that that maybe a 40-yearold Justin Gatlin on track won’t be too crazy,” he said.(BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

AP Invitation on hold pending ... From back page recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as regional and local health officials, joining the rest of the sporting world battling the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympic Games and Paralympics Games will continue to be called the “Olympic and Paralympics Games Tokyo 2020” even if they are held next year, and the Olympic flame will stay in Japan as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times. Pompey will hold the Invitational for the fifth time this year, with the inaugural meet hosting 11 athletes who went on to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Meanwhile, the AP Invitational will be part of the recently structured World Athletics 2020 Continental Tour. The Continental Tour will be divided into three levels: Gold, Silver and Bronze – whose status will be determined by the quality of competition and prize money on offer. World Athletics is investing in the Gold level meetings, which will offer US$200,000 in prize money, to increase the number of high-quality competitive opportunities available to showcase our sport’s best athletes. Area associations will be responsible for managing the Silver (US$75,000 prize money) and Bronze level competitions (US$25,000). There will be ten Silver and up to 50 Bronze meetings. Those disciplines that are not included in this year’s Wanda Diamond League final – 200m, 3000m steeplechase, triple jump, discus – will be core events in the Continental Tour Gold meetings, as will the hammer throw. Each will have guaranteed prize money of US$20,000 at each meeting. Performances in those events will attract the same level of world ranking points as the core Diamond League disciplines, and the overall tour winners will receive wildcard entry to the World Athletics Championships- Oregon 2021.

AB de Villiers speaks about comeback to South African side

THE South African cricket team is going through a bit of a transition period. The situation had risen after the retirement of some key individuals who had carried the Proteas. Imran Tahir, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy are some of the players who have retired from international cricket. But, the early retirement of the South African batsman AB de Villiers has definitely impacted the side heavily. Recently, while playing in the Big Bash League 2019-20, the right-handed batsman had said that there have been talks of his comeback to international cricket. The comeback would see him primarily focussing on winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 for the South African side. Since Mark Boucher signed up for the role of head coach, his aim has been to take the side in the right direction. Boucher has openly expressed his desire to have ABD back in the side. Former skipper Faf du Plessis, also expressed his interest to have the retired star back for the

AB dE Villers ICC T20 World Cup. Speculations were that de Villiers will play some international cricket before the start of the IPL but that didn’t happen. With the cash-rich league being postponed till April 15, RCB player opened up on the possibility of an international comeback. “Let’s wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian

Premier League (IPL) at the moment and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible,” de Villiers said as quoted by Sportstar. For now, it seems AB is planning not to hurry into making any decision. The 36-year-old had retired from international cricket in 2018. He did try to get into the South African squad before the World Cup 2019. However, the team management didn’t let him. In the end, the World Cup turned out to be disastrous for the Proteas. Talking about his decision of retiring, he said, “Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision. I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket. “The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can’t do.” (CricTracker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Tough pill to swallow but right ICC postpones World call to postpone Olympics - Duffy Cup qualifiers HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Bermudan triathlete Flora Duffy says the decision to postpone this summer’s Olympic Games for 12 months was the right call but admits it was a tough pill to swallow after battling back from injury to be fit for the showpiece. Organisers of Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee made the decision to delay the Games on Tuesday because of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed almost 20 000 people worldwide. Duffy, who was hoping to double Bermuda’s medal tally in Tokyo in July, said she will now have to significantly change her triathlon trajectory with the Games to be held no later than the summer of 2021, media here reported. The 32-year-old had intended to wind down her career after the Olympics and bow out at the ITU World Triathlon Series (WTS) grand final in Bermuda in September next year, but those plans have been adjusted to accommodate her

Bermudan triathlete Flora Duffy ambitions of winning an current situation in the world, it is the right call, Olympic medal. “In my little triathlon and sport/prioritising world it is a tough pill to training at the moment swallow hearing the 2020 feels trivial. “Sending my thoughts to Games will be postponed until 2021,” Duffy wrote anyone COVID-19 positive on her social media site and encouraging everyone else to stay inside and do yesterday. “Everything has been your part to stop the spread.” Organisers faced mountgeared towards that race, I’d envisioned a very dif- ing pressure to call off the ferent 2021, but given the Games after Australia and

Canada pulled out on Monday because of the acceleration of the COVID-19 virus. The Olympics have never been delayed in their 124-year modern history, but were cancelled in 1916, 1940 and 1944 because of the two World Wars. Duffy was ruled out for eight months last season because of a career-threatening foot injury before making a superb return to competitive action, winning a fifth Xterra world title in Kapalua, Hawaii, in October last year. The two-time world champion was confident of carrying her strong form into the new campaign but now faces an uncertain year, with the opening two races on the WTS calendar, Abu Dhabi and Bermuda, both being postponed indefinitely because of the pandemic.Duffy had stitches removed from her hand last week after snapping a fifth metacarpal during swimming training this month. Heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill’s bronze at the 1976 Montreal Games is Bermuda’s only Olympic medal to date.

Player contracts should be extended due to coronavirus - FIFA internal document By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Current contracts for players and coaches should be extended until the end of the delayed domestic soccer seasons, according to an internal FIFA document presented to its Coronavirus Working Group. The confidential document, seen by Reuters, also recommends allowing transfer windows to be changed in accordance with new season dates and urges clubs and players to work together to find solutions to salary payments during stoppages. The document is due to be discussed by members of FIFA’s Working Group later on Thursday. No decision on the issues has yet been taken by FIFA. FIFA set up the working group on March 18 and said in a statement that it will “assess the need for amendments or temporary dispensations to the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players’ to protect contracts for both players and clubs and adjusting player registration periods. “This work has already started and will be conducted in consultation with all key stakeholders, including confederations, member associations, clubs, leagues and players,” FIFA added. Most domestic and international football competitions around the world have been suspended due to the pandemic and national team tournaments such as Euro 2020 and the Copa America have been postponed. While domestic leagues are hoping to resume when the threat from the virus has receded, concrete start dates have yet to be fixed. That leaves the issue of expiring player contracts, which are usually timed to finish at the end of a given season, as a potential headache. The key suggestion to the working group in the document

seen by Reuters is that “where an agreement is due to expire at the original end date of a season, such expiry be extended until the new end date of the season”. SHIFTING CALENDAR The same approach would apply to deals for next season, with their start date delayed in accordance with the shifting calendar. The risk of some domestic divisions starting and finishing earlier or some national leagues having a different start date to other countries is also tackled in the document. “In case of overlapping seasons and/or registration periods, and unless all parties agree otherwise, priority be given to the former club to complete their season with their original squad, in order to safeguard the integrity of a domestic league championship”. Transfer payments between clubs, scheduled around league start and end dates should also be delayed until the new start date of a season or its first registration period, the document states. The working group will also examine the issue of clubs’ responsibilities to pay their staff when leagues are suspended. The document states that clubs, players and coaches should be encouraged to work together to agree on salary reductions and deferrals. Yet they should consider the alternative, where possible, that agreements between clubs and employees are suspended when teams are not playing or training. It is also recommended that FIFA use its newly-created ‘Fund for Professional Players’ to help ease any difficulties that clubs are facing. Transfer windows, fixed around the end and start of the seasons, will also need to be adjusted to fit in with altered season dates and the document suggests such changes should be allowed, so long as they do not exceed the maximum 16week period.

due to coronavirus

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Thursday that all qualifying events for the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup and 50-overs version in 2023 that were scheduled to be held before June 30 have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The flu-like virus has infected more than 470,800 people around the world and killed over 21,200, according to a Reuters tally, since appearing in China at the end of last year. The pandemic has also brought global sport to a standstill and the ICC said in a statement the World Cup qualifiers would also be im-

FILE PHOTO - ricket - ICC Cricket World Cup South Africa v West Indies - The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Britain - June 10, 2019 General view of the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers pacted. “In light of the significant global health concerns at the current time and the restrictions on movement imposed by governments across the world, the ICC has taken the decision to postpone all events up until the end of June subject to further review,” Chris Tetley, ICC head of events, said. “Work will continue on contingency plans and options for both men’s qualification pathways. We will provide updates in due course on these plans and decisions on the staging of the remaining events this year.” India host next year’s T20 World Cup and the 50-overs event in 2023. As many as eight events will now be postponed due to the ICC decision. This year’s women’s T20 World Cup was held in February-March in Australia, which will also host the men’s version starting in October. The World Cup trophy tour for the men’s event, which was scheduled to start next month, was also postponed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Blackwood hails veteran Smith’s input in career-best knock BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – When West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood struck 68 in the first innings of Jamaica Scorpions’ seventh round match of the Regional Four-Day Championship against Windward Islands Volcanoes, the innings brought him little joy. Not only did the visitors lose the encounter by two wickets but the outing marked the sixth time for the season Blackwood had scored a half-century without being able to convert to triple figures. Frustrated, the 28-yearold turned to seasoned Windwards campaigner Devon Smith – a veteran of 217 first class matches and nearly 15 000 runs – for advice after the contest in St George’s. “I told him every time when I’m in the 80s or 50s I just get out very softly and

he [said] ‘just stay calm, try to score, don’t overthink the situation’,” Blackwood told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest Cricket Show here Tuesday. “[He told me] ‘the same way you approach 50, is the same way you’re supposed to approach getting a hundred’. That helped to motivate me.” What transpired in his next innings against Leeward Islands Hurricanes was monumental. The right-hander carved out a record-breaking 248 – the second highest score for Jamaica in the last 54 years and the seventh highest overall in the history of the championship. However, it was the manner in which he reached 100 and 200 which reflected Smith’s advice. On 93, Blackwood struck two consecutive boundaries off seamer Jeremiah Louis

Jamaica and West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood to storm to his fifth first class century. Then, on 196 the following day, he reached his maiden first class double hundred in the morning’s first over with a classic square drive for four. “When I was on [97], I told myself once I got a loose ball I’m going to put it in the boundary. I’m going to stay positive and I did exactly that,” Blackwood explained.

“Over the years it has been a very frustrating time, scoring a lot of half-centuries and not converting but this year I tried to get over that. The fitter I am, that is when I score a lot of runs, when I’m fit. “This year I really focussed more on my fitness and my mental space. I think I did some work on that and the way I batted this season, I think that’s the approach I’m going to take right through my career.” Blackwood finished the season as the leading run-scorer with 768 runs at an average of 51, the only batsman to pass the 700-run mark.

The Jamaican has played 28 Tests with modest success, his last outing coming when he appeared as ‘concussion substitute’ for Darren Bravo, during the second Test against India at Sabina Park last September. Prior to that, his international career seemed in danger. He was dropped after just 15 runs in five innings and languished on the sidelines for two years. With several changes made before the season, he now feels his career is back on track. “I put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes. I told myself if I want to improve myself and improve

my fitness and the way I think and the way I bat, I have to train more than one time,” said Blackwood. “I had to think outside the box and I think I did that this season. I batted more balls this season than in previous seasons and I changed my batting a little bit in terms of mixing my aggression with shot selection and being patient. “I think it was a pretty decent season for me. I give God thanks.” The season was suspended after the eighth round, 10 days ago because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in the Caribbean, and finally aborted on Tuesday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

NSC closure of facilities due to COVID-19…

Jones lauds support received from local sports associations By Clifton Ross WITH Guyana joining the entire world on lockdown following the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, National Sports Commission (NSC) Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, said local sports associations have been very supportive of the measures taken to protect athletes and Guyanese alike. Jones told Chronicle Sport, on Thursday during an interview, that amidst the current situation which has flung the world into a state of indefinite isolation, that the local sport organisations have responded well to the ongoing state of lockdown. INTERNATIONAL sport leagues like the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL) and National Baseball League (NBL) among others, have called curtains on their season while shelving any upcoming events set for within the next 3 months. Soon after sports took a global hiatus, the NSC made the right call on March 16 to shut

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones all their facilities for a period of two weeks for the sole purpose of sanitising the venues. The process was helpful as Guyanese in general

commenced their self-isolation/purification process, a trend which has been a global response to avoid spreading/contracting the virus. Popular venues like the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, National Gymnasium, National Aquatic Centre, Colgrain Pool, and the National Racquet/Sports Resource Centre were among the premier spots that locked doors for the sanitisation procedure. Despite the pause in action locally, Jones said he was pleased by the support received by the various sporting bodies as they seek to make the environment safer for athletes and fans in the future. “Essentially, the associations are very supportive of the move, even before we took action some of them were querying about possible actions in light of Covid-19 outbreak”, said the Director of Sport. Regarding the initiative shown by the respective associations who were keen to lend advice or make proposals, Jones commended the teamwork shown between the various entities and the NSC during this period of

much-needed team work. “Most of these bodies were already making their own preparations, because they were also preparing for different regional events before they closed and since our facilities were shut, we have had no challenges thus far. The associations continue to be very supportive of the move as we all continue to watch and practice our social distancing together”Jones pointed out. The NSC head further explained that the sanitization process has been successful as the facilities continue to be under strict lockdown, with the social-distancing policy also coming into effect with minimal to no visitation of the venues by unauthorized persons. “When we locked down, we did complete sanitisation at all our venues. We then had a complete lockdown with no staff traversing in the sterile playing areas. Also we have had staff who are rotating although there is no need for staff to be there for about 80 per cent of the times”. Jones confirmed.

Dillon to push Red Force despite satisfaction with second-place finish PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Despite Trinidad and Tobago Red Force not winning the four-day West Indies Championship, coach Mervyn Dillon says he achieved what he set out to by finishing in the top three of the six-franchise team tournament. Barbados Pride were Tuesday declared winners of the competition, which had been suspended in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, after Cricket West Indies (CWI) decided to scrap the last two rounds in the firstclass season altogether. They were top of the table with 134.8 points, well ahead of Red Force who were on 94.6 points. Trinidad ended the competition one place ahead of their third-place finish last year. “Realistically, based on the goals I set, I was always going to be happy with a top three finish,” Dillon told Trinidad’s Dai-

ly Express newspaper. “Congrats to Barbados for the wonderful season they have had. They played some really good cricket. They took their chances, they seemed to put a good unit together.” Identifying the highlights of his side’s performance, the former West Indies fast bowler said the batsmen had delivered to put big scores on the board. Seven of them hit centuries. “To see us put scores on the board above 300 was a good achievement by the batters. We finished with the most centuries [eight]. Those things you have to give them credit for. We haven’t been close to that in the recent past,” said Dillon who replaced Kelvin Williams midway through the 2018-2019 campaign. Red Force had three wins, two losses and three draws from their eight matches.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force coach Mervyn Dillon The coach added that he wants his men to be fitter. “I am a big believer in fitness. When you look at our fitness levels in terms of where we were and where we are in the last year,” Dillon told Trinidad & Tobago Newsday. “I am a big believer once we up that fitness level everything else will improve. Our weakest point

has been our fielding, our catching. We dropped way too many catches and all of this had to do with concentration and I think once guys get fitter they will be able to concentrate for longer.” Fitness was identified by Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president Conde Riley as one of the main reasons for Pride’s success in this year’s championship. He had referred to the squad as the region’s “fittest team”. Dillon said a new fitness initiative for Red Force cricketers will soon begin, amid the downtime. “I sent a message in the (Red Force) group chat… challenging my trainer Jerry (Clinton Jeremiah) and Jason (Pilgrim), our physio. We are going to have to get creative on how we are going to get this done because we can’t afford to let all the good work that we have done over the last few months go to waste,” he said.

“Most of it will have to be up to the players themselves. I think it is a good thing giving them the responsibility during this time of actually doing some work on their own.” Defending champions Guyana Jaguars ended

this year’s tournament in third position on 91.8 points, along with Jamaica Scorpions. Windward Islands Volcanoes finished fifth with 78, while the Leeward Islands Hurricanes was sixth with 52.8 points.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 27, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Clarie Grimmett-7/87 (Adelaid, 1930-31) (2) Alf Valentine-5/99 (Brisbane, 1951)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1)What is the highest individual Test score made by an Australian against the WI to date? (2)What is the highest score made by a WI player in a Test against Australia to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 27, 2020

Selman made a poisitive impact towards cricket delevopment in Essequibo – NECC THE North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC), in a statement on Wednesday, expressed sadness at the sudden passing of former General Manager of Guyana Beverage Inc. Mr. Robert Selman who died in his native Trinidad at the age of 75 years. The Committee recognised his invaluable and unconditional commitment towards the long-term development of cricket among the eight area committees of the Essequibo Cricket Board. In this regard, Guyana Beverage Inc. was one of the major sponsor of the ECB for over a decade

with the much- anticipated and colourful annual ‘Busta Cricket Festival’ 50 overs cricket competition, the release added. ‘In this regard, North Essequibo was the proud and first winner of the trophy in 2000’ added the statement. The tournament expanded over the years and was critical for the exposure and establishment of several talented cricketers across the Region. ‘Mr. Robert Selman will forever be remembered as a visionary, pioneer and affectionate sporting enthusiast whose contributions to sport generally in Guyana was magnanimous’ stated the release.

Mr. Robert Selman The Committee has since extended its sincere condolences to his family and friends from across the Caribbean where he was a household name.

AP Invitation on hold pending new date for Tokyo Olympics By Rawle Toney

ALIANN POMPEY

All England Club to decide on Wimbledon 2020 next week THE All England Club says a decision regarding this year’s Wimbledon will be made next week. In a statement on Wednesday, the club said postponement and cancellation of the event, scheduled between 29 June12 July, because of the impact of coronavirus were possible outcomes. Playing behind closed doors has been formally ruled out. Earlier this month, the French Open, due to have begun in May, was rescheduled to 20 September-4 October. The ATP and WTA Tours were already off until 27 April and 2 May respectively and last week that suspension was extended until 7 June. The club’s sites at the All England Club, Wimbledon Park Golf Club and Raynes Park are currently closed with physical operations reduced to a minimum to maintain the grass courts and the security of the sites. Postponing the only Grand Slam grass court event until later in the year “is not without significant risk and difficulty” the statement added. Chief executive Richard Lewis said: “The unprecedented challenge presented

Chief Executive Richard Lewis by the Covid-19 crisis continues to affect our way of life in ways that we could not have imagined, and our thoughts are with all those affected in the UK and around the world. “The single most important consideration is one of public health, and we are determined to act responsibly through the decisions we make. “We are working hard to bring certainty to our plans for 2020 and have convened an emergency meeting of the main board for next week, at which a decision will be made.”(BBC Sport.

GUYANA’s Commonwealth Games women’s 400M Gold (2002) and silver (2010) medallist, Aliann Pompey, announced yesterday that her AP Invitation Track and Field event will be suspended pending the announcement of the new date for the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Tokyo Olympics was postponed until 2021 after talks between Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, and the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, with both agreeing that the game’s postponement was the most appropriate response to the global disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Concerns regarding the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus has led to the postponement of almost every sporting event around the world, and Pompey, who represented Guyana at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, said she is happy to play her part in helping to keep the local and regional athletes safe.

This year’s AP Invitation was originally schedule for June 4, at the National Track and Field Centre, and according to Pompey, “given the fact that this year’s API forms part of the World Athletics Continental Tour for the calendar year and is a major part of the preparation for athletes looking to qualify for Tokyo 2020, we want to ensure that the event offers athletes from around the world the best possible way, without hindrance, a chance to make their Olympic dream [come] true. “The IOC announced the postponement of the Games to take place no later than a year from the scheduled date and as such, API wants to leave the door open to the possibility of having the meet, should the Games be sometime sooner than next summer,” Pompey revealed. Nonetheless, Pompey said her AP Invitational will follow the lead of World Athletics, The National Sports Commissions (NSC) and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) in adhering to the requirements and See page 27

IOC working toward July-August Olympics in 2021 - Yomiuri TOKYO (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is working with sports bodies to arrange a July-August window for the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and hopes to confirm the schedule within a month, Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday. John Coates, the IOC’s Coordination Commission chief for Tokyo, told the Yomiuri the Games would have to be held between the tennis Grand Slams of Wimbledon, slated to end in mid-July, and the U.S. Open, which starts in late August. “We want to more or less finalise the dates in four weeks’ time,” the paper quoted Coates as saying. Coates, who is also president of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), said the summer scheduling would be dependent on avoiding clashes with the world championships for swimming (July 16-Aug. 1) and athletics (Aug. 6-15). World Athletics boss Sebastian Coe has said the world athletics championships in Eugene, Oregon could be moved back to 2022 if necessary. Coates told the newspaper the hope was to follow the same arrangements next year that had been planned for 2020, including holding the marathon in the northern city of Sapporo instead of Tokyo to escape the heat. The AOC confirmed the Yomiuri report’s veracity and also told Reuters in a statement that Coates had “proffered a view but confirms a range of options are on the table for the IOC”. The IOC and Japanese government succumbed to intense pressure from athletes and sporting bodies around the world on Tues-

IOC’s Coordination Commission chief for Tokyo, John Coates day, agreeing to push back the Games by as much as a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Thursday, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee launched a taskforce to resolve issues linked to the postponement, such as reviewing dates for the Games and securing venues. No specifics have been discussed yet on the timing of the delayed Games, but a date needs to be decided as soon as possible, Hidemasa Nakamura, a senior official at Tokyo 2020, told reporters after the taskforce’s first meeting, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Wednesday “all options” were on the table for rescheduling, including holding the Games before the Japanese summer.

Justin Gatlin, 38, says he can win gold at Tokyo Olympics Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See story on page 26 FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020