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WEDNESDAY 8th July, 2020

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D-DAY TODAY No. 106054

… CCJ to hand down decision today in PPP/C’s appeal case … coalition reiterates court has no jurisdiction to determine matter

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Moruca residents protest lockdown …despite alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in the community

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‘It’s a bedroom story’

… KN boss says he will not fire Johnson over allegations of abuse

… says the matter is private and the parties should thrash it out 08 PAGE

Sub-editor of Kaieteur News, Ruel Johnson

Guyanese scholars back President Granger 04 PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Moruca residents protest lockdown … despite alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in the community … Min Allicock chides organisers, protesters for exercise By Alva Solomon

A GROUP of residents at Santa Rosa, Moruca, on Tuesday, converged at the Kumaka waterfront area to protest lockdown measures in place at the villages there. At the same time, some cast doubt that the virus exists, a position which has left many baffled. In what many deem a bizarre move, the residents, numbering more than 250, gathered in front of the regional administration building to stage the protest. Despite strict COVID-19 measures being enforced in the area, reports are that the group was given permission by a senior police official, who is stationed at Mabaruma, to gather in the area. This was confirmed by police officers from the Acquero Police Station who noted that they were following

“orders of the commander.” Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, noted, on Tuesday, that he was “very disheartened to learn of the reaction of some persons towards a most caring and necessary decision of the Village Council, led by Toshao Whanita Phillips, to lockdown the Village in the fight against COVID-19.” He urged residents to support the village council at Santa Rosa, “the very people you entrusted with the power to manage your village affairs, the very people who are acting in the best interest of you and your families.” We are, now more than ever, our brother’s keeper, Allicock said adding that “we owe our neighbours a duty to protect them by doing all that is necessary to try to flatten the curve.” Allicock said that he

firmly believes that the decision to lock down the village was the best option at this time, since Moruca is now the epicentre of the virus. “Therefore we must understand how quickly and dangerously the situation can be, if we fail to act now.” A senior Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic official told the Guyana Chronicle, from Moruca, that the intent of the protest was to get the authorities to be made aware of how the lockdown measures were affecting persons within the villages at Moruca. She said that a restriction was placed on persons in accessing their farms, noting that it was affecting their households. She pointed out that no one sought permission for the protest, adding that the police came and dispersed the crowd of around 300 persons sometime after the exercise started around 10:30hrs on Tuesday morning. Over the past several days, a relative of the late Vincent Torres, a former teacher, who died at Moruca from complications attributed to the disease several weeks ago, has been posting messages regarding the planned protest. He gained support in his posts from several residents, many of whom continue to deny the existence of the pandemic. The man’s moves have been condemned by several prominent residents of the area as well as executives of the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA). Several healthcare work-

Residents gathered at the Kumaka waterfront to stage the mid-morning protest

One of the protesters who gathered at the Kumaka waterfront on Tuesday.

ers on the ground have criticised the protest exercise. “This is a hard slap to the face of the SRVC {Santa Rosa Village Council} and all the frontline workers putting their lives and love ones at risk,” a nurse who works at the Kumaka District Hospital noted. Moruca resident Graham Atkinson was critical of the police. “The Guyana Police Force High Command gave permission for an utterly baseless protest action in Santa Rosa, Moruca today,” he said. He called on the Commissioner of Police to explain the reason behind the granting of permission. Atkinson noted the valiant efforts of several to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at Moruca. “A

lot of people are working to contain and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This permission is undoing the good work of the MoPH, RHO and Team and of others who are supporting,” he added. The protest is seen as a slap in the face by many residents and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whch have been working around the clock to bring relief to residents affected by the Coronavirus. Thus far, more than 75 cases of the virus have been recorded at Santa Rosa, Moruca, and one at the neighbouring village of Kwebanna. The Ministry of Public Health is expected to carry out mass testing in the area as well as other Hinterland regions.

D-DAY TODAY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

… CCJ to hand down decision today in PPP/C’s appeal case … coalition reiterates court has no jurisdiction to determine matter By Svetlana Marshall

AT 15:00hrs today (July 8), the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will rule on whether or not it has jurisdiction to hear an appeal filed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) seeking to set aside a decision of the Court of Appeal that Guyana’s President must be elected based on the majority of valid votes cast at the General and Regional Elections held

the Elections Commission will be allowed to proceed with the declaration of the Elections’ results. However, in doing so, it will be bound to adhere to the ruling of the Court of Appeal that the President must be elected based on the majority of “valid votes” cast as mandated by Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution. However, if the CCJ indicates that it has jurisdiction to hear the appeal, it will then proceed to rule

made by the Guyana Court of Appeal, under Article 177 (4) of the Constitution and as such the CCJ has no jurisdiction to entertain the appeal. Among those lawyers are Guyana’s Attorney-General, Basil Williams; Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Reginald Armour and John Jeremie; Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen’s Counsel, Justin Simon; Grenadian Queen’s Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis; and Queen’s Counsel, Dr.

to review, except by the CoA similarly exercising powers under Article 177 (4),” the Trinidadian Senior Counsel explained. Article 177 (4) of the Constitution confers on the Court of Appeal an exclusive original constitutional jurisdiction “to hear and determine any question as to the validity of an election of a President in so far as the question depends upon the qualification of any person for election, or the interpre-

The Caribbean Court of Justice last March. Since the application was filed by the PPP/C’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, there has been much debate on whether the Court of Appeal’s decision could be appealed on the basis that the Article – Article 177 (4) – under which the decision was made, states that any ruling made thereunder by the Appellate Court is final. Today, the CCJ will, in effect, bring that debate to a close with its decision. If it rules that it has no jurisdiction, the decision of the Court of Appeal will remain enforced, and the Order, which was issued in late June by the CCJ, blocking the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from declaring the results for the Elections will be lifted. In other words,

on the substantive matter, that is, whether the Court of Appeal’s interpretation of the Article 177 (2) (b) was correct. By a 2-1 majority, the Court of Appeal, on June 22, had ordered that the words “more votes are cast” in Article 177 (2) (b) be interpreted to mean “more valid votes are cast.” LEGAL ARGUMENTS While the PPP/C’s lead attorney, Trinidad’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, has urged the court to assume jurisdiction, other Attorneys from the Caribbean, and as far as the United Kingdom, have said that Guyana’s Constitution and the Caribbean Court of Justice Act have effectively ousted the jurisdiction of the regional Court from adjudicating on any decision

Richard Wilson, a visiting Professor of Law at the Coventry University in the United Kingdom. In both his written and oral submissions, Senior Counsel John Jeremie, the lead attorney representing Eslyn David, the first-named respondent, argued that there is no room for an appeal under Article 177 (4). He had explained that the relief sought in David’s Notice of Motion for the interpretation of Article 177 (2) (b) fell squarely within the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal (CoA), as provided in Article 177 (4). “The wording and operation of Article 177 (4) operates as a complete bar to any appeal to the CCJ. Once the CoA has exercised its jurisdiction pursuant to Article 177 (4), its decisions are final and cannot be subjected

tation of this Constitution.” In representing the interest of Joseph Harmon, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Agent, Senior Counsel Reginald Armour told the CCJ that in addition to Article 177 (4), the Agreement, under which it was established, and the Caribbean Court of Justice Act limit its jurisdiction. Armour alluded to Article XXV (5) of the Agreement, which states: “Nothing in this Article shall apply to matters in relation to which the decision of the Court of Appeal of a Contracting Party is, at the time of the entry into force of the Agreement pursuant to the Constitution or any other law of that Party, declared to be final.” While Mendes, in his submissions, agreed that the CCJ cannot hear an

appeal to the Court of Appeal’s decision made under Article 177 (4), he has argued that the Court of Appeal did not make a decision under Article 177 (4), because it had no jurisdiction to do so. AN INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION But Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen’s Counsel, Justin Simon, who appeared in association with the Attorney-General, explained that the core of David’s Motion was for an interpretation of Article 177 (2) (b), which outlines the procedure for the election of a President. He pointed out that the Court of Appeal, in its decision, simply interpreted the words “more votes are cast” to mean “more valid votes are cast.” “This was the specific relief which was given, because there were no coercive orders made by the Court of Appeal. And in giving that interpretation, the Court of Appeal was looking at the broad meaning of the words which were used in Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act. It is our respectful contention, therefore, that what was sought was an interpretation of a Constitutional provision, and as such, we submit that… Article 177 (4) gives to the Court of Appeal, in no uncertain terms, the exclusive jurisdiction to hear the motion which had been filed by the first respondent,” the Antigua and Barbuda Queen’s Counsel submitted to the court. FAIR RULING Notably, the President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders, had assured that the ruling of the regional court would be in keeping with the laws of Guyana and the submissions of the attorneys, and not the utterances of external forces. “You can rest assured that the bench is going to treat with this matter only on the basis of the material that you and your colleagues, those with you, those against you, those who are in this court today, on the basis of what you submit and that is what

President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders is always done, certainly by this court. So you can rest assured that we are not going to have regard to anything which is being said outside of the court, and which does not feature as a relevant part of these proceedings,” the CCJ President had assured during the Case Management Conference (CMC) held on June 25, 2020. Senior Counsel Jeremie had expressed concerns that statements issued by leaders of the Region could influence the case. In recent times, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley and Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, have come in for heavy criticisms owing to statements they made which can prejudice the case. Mottley, who has since handed the chairmanship of CARICOM to Dr. Gonsalves, had delivered stinging criticisms against the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lownefield after he had submitted his Elections Report to the Chair of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. In responding to calls by the PPP/C that the Chief Elections Officer should be made to withdraw his report, the CCJ made it clear that it cannot undo what had already been done. “We cannot undo what was done by the Chief Elections Officer,” President of the CCJ said during the Case Management Conference.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Guyanese scholars back Pres. Granger

Wednesday, July 8, 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

A GROUP of Guyanese scholars and professionals on Tuesday urged President David Granger to remain in Office and demonstrate his commitment to lead Guyana on the path to prosperity. The statement comes at a time when there are increasing calls for President Granger to demit office, based on the contention that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) lost the Elections. The basic tabulation of votes during a 33day National Recount shows a win for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) by some 15,000 votes, but the recount also unearthed thousands of irregularities and cases of voter impersonation. The Chief Elections

Officer, Keith Lowenfield, in his report on the National Recount, told the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, that the widespread cases of electoral fraud had compromised the electoral process. In keeping with the June 22 decision of the Court of Appeal that the President must be elected on the basis of valid votes, the Chief Elections Officer, on June 23, submitted an Elections Report to the Commission which showed a win for the APNU+AFC. The Chief Elections Officer had separated the valid votes from the votes that were affected by anomalies and cases of voter impersonation. In the statement, which was penned by Professor Emeritus of Management, Charles Cambridge, Ph.D; Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Aubrey Bonnett, Ph.D; and Vice-President of Real World Clinical Research and Outcomes Centre for Medicine, Frank Douglas Ph.D, said it is clear that the Opposition, the PPP/C, has left no stone unturned in their attempt to regain office. “These stratagems included the hiring of a USbased public relations firm to the open encouragement of regional politicians to involve themselves in the internal affairs of the Republic,” the distinguished Guyanese said. They said the PPP/C, in their quest to regain power, have disregarded the fundamental tenets of the Guyanese Constitution insofar as it relates to the role and

function of the Guyana Court of Appeal. “While the leaders of PPP/C have been trumpeting unsubstantiated allegations against the incumbent APNU+AFC Coalition that it has sought to remain in office illegally, it continues to willfully overlook what the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana says in respect of the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear and determine any question related to the election of the President. And, moreover, the decision of the Court of Appeal is final and not subject to Appeal,” the professionals said. The scholars and professionals said nothing withstanding its own recognition that the final level of adjudication of the dispute is the Guyana Court of Appeal, the PPP/C, nonetheless, moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to appeal the recent decision of the Court of Appeal that the President must be elected on the basis of valid votes. They said this recent act illustrates the desperation of the PPP/C. “And as if these egregious behaviours on the part of the PPP/C were not enough to show that the delay in the conclusion of the 2020 elections, and in swearing in President Granger who magnanimously consented to a recount was the result of their machinations, a number of delaying tactics and strategies continue to be employed. For example, a recount process which employed a flawed methodolo-

President David Granger gy, including an inappropriate sampling technique, drew unsupportable conclusions as to the validity of the votes cast, based on a number of issues during the election, including the incomplete materials including the absence of legal statutory documents and materials in ballot boxes, but which served as the basis of a number external actors, including Prime Ministers of CARICOM Member States rushing to condemn the legitimacy of the elected President and Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” they reasoned. They noted that the continued interference into the work of the Guyana Elections Commission and the Chief Elections Officer by the PPP/C serves to further delay the completion of the elections. “The continued open encouragement by the PPP/C of the involvement of external actors in the internal affairs of GECOM should cease immediately, as this has put paid to the basic principle of Guyana’s independence and sovereignty,” they said. The other signatories to the letter include, Entrepreneur, Eric Phillips, MBA, AA; Entrepreneur, Stanley Ming, Golden Arrow of Achievement; Dawn Cush; Earl George; Karen B George; Karen Lambert; and Thessa Smith.

Scotiabank to close Bartica branch … to consolidate operations into the Parika Branch

SCOTIABANK said it will be closing its Bartica branch and consolidate the business into the Parika, East Bank Essequibo operations. In a release, the bank said that, after a review of “our Branch and Service Delivery network, we are consolidating the Bartica Branch into the Parika Branch. The Bartica Branch will close on November 27, 2020. The decision, the bank said was made after careful consideration of several factors including the ever changing customer landscape and how “and where we can best serve our customers.” According to the bank, the consolidation will result in the transfer of all customer accounts at the Bartica Branch to the Parika location, effective November 27, 2020. Customers will be contacted with details on their accounts. Should

customers not wish for their accounts to be transferred to Parika, they are asked to contact us on 223 4357 (HELP) to discuss alternative options. Scotiabank said, in addition to its four remaining branch locations, it has made significant investments in digital banking and is pleased to offer customers robust alternate banking platforms such as Scotia OnLine and Mobile Banking, ATMs, and TeleScotia. “These help customers bank safely and securely, 24/7 eliminating the need to visit the branch. We do anticipate, as with any change, there will be questions. Our customers may find it helpful to speak with a branch advisor for useful tips on their accounts and the transition and stay tuned to gy.scotiabank.com for updates.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Lindeners have say on design for new Wismar Bridge By Lisa Hamilton

DESPITE pandemic-related restrictions, many Lindeners actively participated in an interactive Virtual Public Consultation hosted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) on Tuesday, through which they discussed the plans for the construction of a new bridge at Wismar, Linden. The session took place on the Zoom platform in the evening hours, and saw the participation of over 100 persons. Hosting the programme on behalf of the government and its stakeholders was Environmental Management Specialist, Marciano Glasgow. He was joined by representatives of the MoPI, Chief Works Officer, Goeffery Vaughn; Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson; Socio-Environmental Officer, Sherilyn Inniss-Alphonso; and Transport Planning Officer, Joel Flatts. Representing Politecnica, the consultancy firm hired by the Ministry though restricted travel-wise to Italy, was Team Leader, Francisco Reina and Social Specialist, Valentino Shal. Politecnica was contracted to conduct a pre-feasibility study, and to present design options, both alternative and preferred, for the construction of the new bridge. These were presented in PowerPoint presentation by Reina. It was noted that the proposed design of the new bridge will likely be located on the south of the existing Wismar Bridge. Reina presented four of the possible design options, and later explained the reason for the preferred choice out of the four. The first design proposes a half-through arch bridge; the second proposes a composite steel-concrete girder bridge; the third proposes a modular girder bridge; and the fourth a pre-cast concrete girder bridge. It was decided that the latter, the precast concrete girder bridge, was the preferred choice for a number of reasons. It was explained that a multi-criteria analysis was carried out to score the characteristics of each bridge with the highest score receiving preference. Some of the main criteria which were considered were technical challenges for construction, aesthetics, socio-economic impact, vessel navigation on the river, environmental impact, labour impact and cost. Valentino told listeners that consideration was also taken of which design would provide the best opportunity for short-term construction work for Lindeners. “We were interested in finding the design that would give the most eco-

nomic opportunity to the community and the Region at large and so, definitely, a project of this size and this type of project always creates new economic opportunities, mostly short-term, during the construction of the bridge,” he said.

BRIDGE DESIGN The bridge design includes two separated lanes for going and coming traffic; roundabouts on both ends equipped with LED street lighting; pedestrian paths on the bridge and the roundabouts; culverts on both sides to support the continuity of the road, rails and a toll booth. It is 210 km long; it has a maximum vertical clearance is more than 11 meters which will cater to the types of vessel which can go further upstream the Demerara River in Linden and will be built to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standards. The representatives of Politecnica explained that this means that the traffic lanes will be built wide enough and sturdy to accommodate any kind of vehicle coming from Guyana and Brazil, considering the planned Lethem to Linden highway. It is estimated that the final phase of the design stage will be completed in a few months while construction will take approximately 18-24 months. The bridge can last for a minimum 50 years and over 100 years if well maintained. During the construction phase, there

will no impact to the existing bridge as a bypass road off the bridge on the Mackenzie shore will be constructed next to the Linden Electricity Company to divert from construction taking place nearby. Once the new bridge is completed, it is still being deliberated upon that the old bridge could be used for non-vehicular traffic; bicycles and pedestrian traffic or persons who are differently able. “The decision has not yet been taken but we’re still quite a few years from that but I am sure that all the suggestions that we get will be taken into account,” Thompson said. Following the presentations, numerous questions were asked by Lindeners through the Zoom platform, some of which were articulated in the aforementioned details. Other matters raised by residents included the consideration for the road that links the bridge on the Wismar end to be routed through the well-known back road instead of the One-Mile road. The representatives from Politecnica noted that there was provision in the preferred design of how the bridge would be built to cater for the development of new roads as opposed to the OneMile Road One resident, Clinton Hollingsworth, also suggested cutting a large enough path for vessels in the old bridge and blocking the off the open ends of the two sides of the bridge with rails so that tourists can visit the structure which remains iconic to Linden. He also recommended the construction of

multiple road access to the new bridge catering for the influx of traffic expected from the Linden to Lethem road. Dr. Esther Haynes Tross cautioned about the sharp turns noticed in the design when coming off the Mackenzie end of the bridge. It was later explained that the construction works needed to be kept within the boundaries of the authorized area by the government for construction. There were also questions about how the environment stands to be impacted with the construction of the bridge Presently, the MoPI is

conducting the Environmental and Social Impact assessment of the project, and as part of the process as stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the stakeholders were required to hold additional design alternatives. Glasglow said: “Our team is actually scheduled to be on the ground --- we had some limitations due to COVID – before the end of the week where we’ll be doing water, air quality and also some biological analysis of aquatic and terrestrial species. So, we are taking the environment

into consideration.” This is not the first consultation to take place as one was previously held in October 2019 in Linden where persons were informed about the plans and voiced their preference for the location and design of the bridge, which were all taken into consideration. An Online means will be introduced by the Ministry to cater for the concerns and questions of other residents who were not able to participate in the online meeting.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Poverty alleviation

N 2015, the nations of the world, under the auspices of the United Nations pledged themselves to achieve 17 goals for Sustainable Development which would transform the world by 2030. These 17 goals have now become part of the developmental policies and aspirations of all modern and progressive nations as well as most of the less developed. The first of these Sustainable Goals is the elimination of poverty. This recognition of the scourge of poverty and the desire to eliminate it has been part of mankind’s heritage for thousands of years. All ancient religious faiths uncompromisingly taught that the poor must be taken care of either by charity or by compassion, whereby one fully empathises with the lot of the poor and feels the pain of poverty and as such is willing to give one’s all. Today, efforts by the State and secular organisations to eliminate poverty are not regarded as charity but as justice. Today, the entire corpus of human knowledge is being brought to bear on this goal of the elimination of poverty, and a detailed analysis of the social, political and economic action which could be taken in achieving this transformation is constantly being worked out, and most world leaders and economists are confident that extreme poverty worldwide could be ended by 2030. In this quest, the main causes of poverty have been identified and these include unemployment, social exclusion, a high vulnerability of certain populations to natural disasters and diseases, as well as other phenomena which

prevent people from being productive. Having identified the causes of poverty, action could be systematically taken to engage or confront these causes and eventually minimise or eliminate them. The action of religious people, however, to deal with poverty by charity and compassion should never be discounted, since for thousands of years they have supplied firstaid to the poor and those in poverty by offering food, medical help, shelter and protection against harassment by stronger members of society and still do so today. Very often, large segments of society tend to feel that since they are socially and economically comfortable, the plight of the poor does not impinge on them and that they should not be bothered with other people’s economic woes. Such an attitude is short-sighted and dangerous. The first reason why such an attitude is short-sighted is that it fails to take into account that the wellbeing of all humans is linked. This idea is part of the core teaching of religion and is succinctly described by the 16th century English metaphysical poet, John Donne, who warned that when one hears the church bells tolling at a funeral, one should not ask “For whom the bells toll since it tolls for thee since no man is an island”. Donne underlines that all men are connected to each other. The very practical economic and political reason why all should be concerned about the elimination of poverty is that growing inequality is detrimental to economic growth and undermines social cohesion. This increases social and political tensions which inevitably results

in instability and conflicts, such as crime and violence in political and other spheres. The practical action which must be taken to address poverty rests on the tripod of Government, the Private Sector and the education and scientific community: Government could provide the environment where productive employment could be generated and jobs are provided for the poor and marginalised. This would include the formulation of fiscal policies which could stimulate pro-poor growth and reduce poverty. The Private Sector is often called “the engine of growth” and if this idea is fully assimilated by governmental authorities and the public, timely support and help would be accorded the Private Sector so that it could contribute to poverty reduction. Economic opportunities could be promoted for the poor by focusing on those segments of the economy where the poor are most active, such as micro and small enterprises and those operating in the informal sector. Some of these are already in place by this government, and initiatives like the small business financing and economic livelihood programmes in the hinterland have been expanded and given fresh impetus. The education and scientific community could increase the awareness of the negative impacts of poverty on life and society. Such awareness would provide a platform on which successful social, economic and political action could operate. Scientific action could lead to the provision of safe drinking water for poorer communities and the elimination of water-borne diseases. It could also reduce the health risks by promotion

of improved hygiene and sanitation. So far we have been dealing with poverty elimination as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The action which has been prescribed, as expected, would be mainly the responsibility of the State but ordinary folk have also taken traditional action in dealing with their poverty. In Guyana, after Emancipation and during the Indentureship, Guyanese folk had evolved their own ways of addressing poverty and these half-forgotten ways are worthy of resuscitation. For example, such would include the sensible and economic way they dealt with a necessity such as food. People concentrated on consuming good nutritious locally-produced food which was not expensive. Kitchen gardens were common and almost every family reared chickens and ducks which provided them with their fried or curried chicken and eggs. People did not buy junk food which is both unhealthy and expensive and they avoided imported, canned or boxed food since they always used the far less expensive local equivalents. For example, they would use the far less expensive corn flour porridge or conkey or corn-on-the-cob instead of corn flakes. And the same pattern was employed in the use of clothes, home healthcare, the celebrations of rites of passage and so on. These folk ways of dealing with poverty could well supplement the macro programmes of the Sustainable Development Goal of poverty elimination.

China’s imposition of wide-ranging national security law in Hong Kong disturbing Dear Editor,

Y good friend the Chinese Ambassador laid out his Government’s position on Hong Kong in a letter published in the media on 17 June. As the other signatory to the relevant agreements let me take this opportunity to lay out the UK position. In short we believe Beijing’s imposition of a wide-ranging national security law in Hong Kong is a grave and deeply disturbing step and (as the Foreign Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Dominic Raab, said on 01 July) constitutes a clear and serious violation of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration. We are firm in our belief that the law violates the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the executive, legislative and judiciary in Hong Kong and is in direct conflict with Hong Kong’s Basic Law. The Foreign Secretary’s statement (https://www. gov.uk/government/speeches/foreign-secre-

tary-statement-on-national-security-legislation-in-hong-kong) sets out our concerns in more detail. As the Foreign Secretary said on 01 July: ‘Today I have the depressing but necessary duty to report to the House that the enactment of this legislation, imposed by the authorities in Beijing on the people of Hong Kong, constitutes a clear and serious breach of the joint declaration … China has broken its promise to the people of Hong Kong under its own laws, and has breached its international obligations to the United Kingdom under the joint declaration. Having committed to applying the UN’s international covenant on civil and political rights to the people of Hong Kong, China has now written into law wide-ranging exemptions that cannot credibly be reconciled with its international obligations, or its responsibilities as a leading member of the international community.’ There should be no doubt that the UK will

not duck our historic responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong. We will now proceed to change the arrangements for those holding British Nationals (Overseas) status and their family dependants. This will provide them with a route to British citizenship. We will also continue to raise our concerns with China and press for a solution which respects the long-standing ‘One Country Two Systems’. However, China’s disregard for its international obligations should be concerning for us all as it goes against fundamental principles of international law and the rules based international system. The Joint Declaration is a legally binding, international treaty, registered with the UN. China has breached that treaty. As the Foreign Secretary also said: ‘We want a positive relationship with China. We recognise its growth, its stature, and the powerful role it can play in the world. It is precisely because we respect China as a leading

member of the international community that we expect the Chinese Government to meet their international obligations and live up to their international responsibilities. They have failed to do so with respect to Hong Kong by enacting legislation that violates its autonomy and threatens the strangulation of its freedoms. It is a sad day for the people of Hong Kong— one that can only undermine international trust in the Chinese Government’s willingness to keep its word and live up to its promises.’ Let me conclude by saying the UK wants a positive relationship with China. The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made that clear. But we will not look the other way when it comes to Hong Kong and we will not ignore our responsibilities to its people. Regards Greg Quinn (British High Commissioner to Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Chief Elections Officer carried out his constitutional mandate Dear Editor,

HE bug nuisances, formed as little socalled political parties but which have been ever since exposed for what they really are, shameless surrogates and conspiratorial pathetic mouthpieces of their minder, the PPP/C, are now displaying their usefulness as ugly co-conspirators in the grand tapestry of electoral fraud. Not satisfied with their criminal role, whether as accessories to or after the fact, of what has been proven to be a massive electoral fraud carried out by the PPP/C in their strongholds, and inclusive of voter impersonation among the varied types, their minions, in tandem with a member of the PPP/C has recently filed private criminal charges against CEO of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, alleging fraud and misconduct in public office. How much more barefaced can these electoral fraudsters be, in seeking to accuse a constitutional office holder of the very charges which their fraudster-inchief party, the PPP/C, has committed, as evidenced by the fraudulent evidence found in the ballot boxes? It is difficult to comprehend the logic behind this latest assault on the constitutional functions of the GECOM, except that it is the commencement of another shameless attempt of whipping up hysteria, using the little flea-beeps for creating the disingenuous effect of a massed effect. Now, another cubby hole political neophyte, Guyana Chronicle, July 06, “Shuman calls for Lowenfield to be dismissed” - so badly seeking a place under the deceptive umbrella of the PPP/C, is the latest to join in the renewed assault on the GECOM, by demanding in a letter to its chair, that she terminate Mr. Lowenfield’s employment, citing the “loss of public confidence” among some nebulous but also libelous accusations, which is sure to attract subsequent suilt-in response. It becomes even more **preposterous, when among the fraudulent-to-the core accusations, is one which accuses the CEO of failing “to provide clear written instructions to the Presiding Officers on Polling Day with regards to safeguarding documents.” But this accusation, without any merit, but which could have only emanated from one, whose primary aim in politics is about power, rather than what could be done for the people, was taken to another ridiculous level, with

the following”[He] willfully attempted to disenfranchise 115,000 + voters by wanting to invalidate said number of votes, exercising authority that is not vested in him and beyond his remit in interpreting the Appeal Court’s Ruling and acting contrary to said court orders.” He went on to describe the above as “contrary to the directions of the Commission and was an act of insubordination.” About the safeguarding of documents: It could have only come from a similarly dishonest mind, which is in agreement with the massive fraud perpetuated on the GECOM. It cannot escape one’s intentions that what is being inferred in such a brazen lie is the claim that the CEO did not plan and execute a proper training exercise for those SENIOR POLLING DAY OFFICERS. It is a red herring that stinks to high heavens, which should be taken by such a political liar, and deposited where it was hatched. If it is, that this political cretin is contending that the CEO, had to be physically present at all those polling places on the lower East Coast where an almost 50 boxes were found without their statutory documents, so as to remind them about the need to ensure that each ballot box had to be accompanied by ALL their necessary mandatory documents, then he is wicked in his contrivance of an accusation that is without any merit, especially when it is known that all those officers mentioned for polling day duties, were trained extensively, with many of them being veterans of past election exercises. And this is apart from the fact that that THEY WERE ALL GIVEN OPERATION MANUALS FOR POLLING DAY EXERCISES AS A FURTHER GUIDANCE. And if this vile accuser, is insisting that all those ballot boxes were denuded by human error, then he is further accused of being a pernicious liar, propagating out of his political minder’s cesspool; since throughout the electoral districts, there was found well documented evidence of statutory documents being deliberately removed, for fraudulent reasons – in PPP/C constituencies, undermining the electoral process and its integrity. This victim of political Munchausen, must be reminded that there has been no disenfranchisement of any voter in the manner of his very crooked accusation being made against Mr. Lowenfield. His actions have been guided by his constitutional dictm,

which dictates that he presents VALID VOTES ONLY. This mandate, BECAME EVEN MORE IMPERATIVE WHEN BOTH PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER AND OPPOSITION LEADER, BHARAT JAGDEO AGREED TO A TOTAL RECOUNT, WHICH BECAME EMPOWERED BY ARTICLE 162, OF THE CONSTITUTION. This fact, GECOM had been reminded of, by the Appeal Court, when it pointed to the wide powers that the constitutional body embodied, to remedy any difficulty which may arise out of the electoral exercise. One is therefore certain that this political amnesiac, is well aware of the Gazzetted Recount Order, Number 60 which became operationalized, with the mission of determining the CREDIBILITY OF THE VOTES CAST, AS TO

THEIR FINAL VALIDITY. And with an appeal to THE COURT OF APPEAL, on the question of THE MORE VOTES CAST MOTION, WHICH RESULTED THAT IT OUGHT TO NOW BE ”MORE VALID VOTES CAST”, IT MEANT THAT THE CEO HAD TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO REFLECT THIS FACT; AND NOT THE INITIAL FRAUDULENT NUMERICAL RECOUNT THAT HE HAD BEEN INITIALLY ORDERED TO GAVE. The latter has been the criminal mantra of the Lennox Shumans and the PPP/C. IT CAN NO LONGER STAND. To have done otherwise, meant that the CEO would have been disregarding the orders of the Appeal Court, which would have brought him into serious conflict, CONTEMPT, with its ruling, while also colliding

concomitantly with his constitutional instruction of reporting on VALID VOTES, ONLY. These accusations from this fly-by-night political leader/cum PPP/C political satellite, are every bit evident of his and others of similar dissolute morality, that it is quite normal for a political party and its president to be elected to government by fraudulent votes; a fact which is not permissible in accordance with the constitutional powers vested in the CEO, Mr. Keith Lowenfield. The tactic, is now one of demonizing Mr. Lowenfield, and the GECOM. It is a strategy that has been used continuously by the PPP/C and its despicable nuisances. It is a shameless continuation of the desperate bid for power. One only has to refer to the multi millions they have spent

for the purposes of fake news, and misinformation. But the truth, no matter the numerous dark efforts to obfuscate and stifle its emergence, always rises. Keith Lowenfield’s only sin is to reveal the truth of his well put together Report on the March 2 constitutional exercise, first made known on June 14. To all those who now seek to besmirch his professional and constitutional functions, because of clearly dishonest motives which impugns the meaning of democracy, and electing the executive by way of electoral transparency, must know that their accusations are best laid at the devious doorsteps of those who are the known architects of such a disdainful plateau. Regards Earl Hamilton

PSC, PPP/C call on political parties, supporters to respect CCJ THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), on Tuesday, called on political parties and their supporters to respect the rule of law and the basic fundamentals of the democratic process. In a statement, on Tuesday, the PSC said it has taken note of a countrywide protest which was conducted on Monday by supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). Protesters basically urged non-interference in Guyana’s electoral process. The case is centered around an application filed by the PPP/C seeking to have the CCJ set aside the Court of Appeal’s decision that Guyana’s President must be elected based on “valid votes” in accordance with Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution. The Appellate Court’s decision was made under Article 177 (4), which states that the Court’s decision is final. The PSC said it was disappointed with APNU+AFC’s decision to stage a protest at a time when the regional court was still deliberating on the matter. “We believe it [is] unfortunate that any one of the political parties currently represented in the case before the CCJ should attempt to prejudice the ruling of our Apex Court in the matter before it,” the Commission said. While recognising the rights and freedom of peaceful and orderly protest, the PSC warned that street protest, during this current political climate, could result in counter protest. It opined that such could result in disorderly and possibly violent behaviour. For that reason, it joined calls with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for Guyanese to be responsible in their actions as the nation awaits the final declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020. “The PSC also calls upon the Commissioner of Police to ensure that the rule of law is respected and firmly applied and enforced without favour against any attempt to promote, incite, or participate in public disorder or violence of any kind,” it said. The PPP/C, in a similar statement on Tuesday, said: “In today’s free and democratic society, where the world is seen as one global village, it is a matter of significant public importance if democracy is under threat, moreover under siege, in any particular territory. Its condemnation is viewed almost as a duty by important public personalities, diplomatic missions, and rights’ organisations. Consistent with their approach, from the moment the case was filed at the CCJ, APNU+AFC’s abuse has been focused on the Court,” the PPP/C said. However, on the issue of the CCJ, records show that the APNU+AFC has been calling for the Constitution to be respected on the basis that it, in unambiguous language, states that a decision made by the Court of Appeal under Article 177 (4) cannot be appealed at any other court, including the CCJ. The PPP/C expressed the view that once a country like Guyana signs on to international arrangements and treaties, such is not a limitation of sovereignty but an exercise of it. “Guyana is a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Organisation of American States and CARICOM, and through its obligations under various international treaties executed with these organisations, Guyana enjoined to practise and embrace democratic processes, including free and fair elections. Similarly, in 2004, Guyana signed on to a regional agreement legally establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its final appellate court, by an Act tabled by the PPP/C, supported by the PNC, which ultimately was unanimously passed,” it said. It concluded that the CCJ is no longer an organisation extrinsic to the State of Guyana but it is intrinsic and indeed the apex tier of our judicial hierarchical structure. But while the Caribbean Court of Justice Act paved the way for the CCJ to be Guyana’s apex court, the court’s jurisdiction is not without limitation. Notably, Section 4(3) of the CCJ Act, bars the CCJ from having jurisdiction to hear any matter in relation to any decision of the Court of Appeal, which, at the time the CCJ Act came into force, was declared to be final.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

‘It’s a bedroom story’ … KN boss says he will not fire Johnson over allegations of abuse

… says the matter is private and the parties should thrash it out By Gabriella Chapman KAIETEUR News Publisher, Glenn Lall, has said that he does not condone abuse of women or any other crimes, but insisted that he will not fire Ruel Johnson over what he described as a “bedroom story”. Lall told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that he has had a talk with Johnson, whom he said is employed at the newspaper as a sub-editor and not as editor as Johnson himself had said on social media. “I had a discussion with him and the man has his side of the story too, so we have to be careful,” Lall told the Guyana Chronicle. He said: “what I have read concerning the allegations of Johnson in my view is a bedroom story and they should thrash it out,” Lall told the newspaper. Johnson the co-founder and Executive of The Citizen Initiative (TCI) party was, on Monday, asked to step back from any active duties in the organization, after allegations by his ex-girlfriends of sexual exploitation and violence went viral on Facebook. The party posted on its Facebook page a message signed by its Presidential Candidate, Rondha-Ann Lam and the Executive saying; ‘Multiple posts have been brought to our attention with reference to Mr. Ruel Johnson and acts of violence, sexual and verbal abuse. One such woman has now openly made allegations of her experiences with Mr. Johnson. TCI takes any such accusations seriously and as such we have asked Mr. Johnson to step back from any active duties in TCI while this matter is investigated by the relevant authorities.” Johnson, who actively rallied against The Bishops’ High School teacher, Coen Jackson, in 2018 to be jailed for sexual abuse, is now being accused of the same vile act. Youth Activist and Columnist at Stabroek News, Akola Thompson, broke her silence against Johnson on Monday,

by way of a harrowing Facebook post. Johnson said in a statement on social media on Monday: “This is very deliberately short on specifics and a great deal of glossing over of fact. Yes, I met her at a poetry reading when she was 17 and, at the time, living with someone and with a child. And, yes, she was very talented with her poetry. What was initially a brief and stupid fling was ended by me on the basis of her age - there was no grooming, and certainly no prior relationship. There was no steady stream of alcohol because at the time I could not afford any but that was a very deliberate fiction. Over the years, we would occasionally re-engage until we entered a full and open relationship as she highlighted. It was toxic and a lot of fighting from a shitload of gas lighting on her part and yes, a great deal of anger and suspicion on mine. What you presented above is a very clever mixture of truth and deliberate lies.” PRETENDER Thompson shared her years of traumatic experiences with the politician and Kaieteur News’ sub-editor, who she said manipulated his way into her life, by pretending to want the position of mentor. “He would use the pretense of the writing mentor to gain access to me and would coerce me through a steady stream of alcohol (I rarely ever drank) and manipulation. Guidance would be given on my work yes but he would always find some way to make sexual comments and innuendos. There was always some sexual joke to be made, some secret, some lingering look and touch. Ruel would refer to me as his “Lolita.” He recommended I read the book. I did. I couldn’t quite gather at the time or even now, what I was supposed to find endearing about the name,” Thompson said in her post.

She went on to narrate her story; “At 16, I was in a physically abusive relationship with my daughter’s father. I had a history of trauma… Predators who don’t want to deal with pesky grooming laws seek out 16/17 year olds intentionally. They are master planners. “ Thompson said because she was a child raised on trauma, she was more susceptible to Johnson’s acts. “He would begin inviting me over to him for our writing sessions. All pretense of the writing mentor falling away to reveal its true ugly nature. He would ply me with alcohol…” She said that Johnson was both in awe and envious of her talent, intelligence, and desirability. “He was intensely paranoid and possessive. He would try to pressure me to marry him, to have a baby for him, to promise to stay with him forever. He was verbally, emotionally and mentally abusive to me throughout. He would stalk me. He would show up to my home uninvited. He would constantly go through my emails and social media. He would send nasty messages to my friends and try to isolate me from everyone. These are all tactics of abusive and narcissistic psychopaths. He would frequently wake me out of my sleep to question me about another one of his paranoid delusions concerning me. He would shout, curse. He would punch walls, slam tables and use his bodyweight and size to intimidate me into small corners of myself… One night, on another one of his drunken paranoid benders, he got physical with me. He would lift me up and literally throw me out of his apartment. I knew then I had to leave because things were on a continuous downward slope.” Meanwhile, Sinah Kloß, a German ex-girlfriend of Johnson, also came forward to share her experience with Johnson. “I was his girlfriend

Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall for two years. I believe every word Akola has written. Although I was far from being a minor, he managed to manipulate me and slowly decreased my self-esteem, as is common in histories of domestic violence and is a common strategy of people who have a narcissistic personality disorder. I was suffering from a burn-out due to a stressful finishing phase of my PhD dissertation, a phase in which I was completely let down by him, the details of which shall not be discussed here on Facebook. Also, my father was dying of cancer, adding to my stress and depression. He used this moment of vulnerability to exert power, control me, abuse me verbally, and make himself feel in charge, spit at me. I was called a “miserable c…t” so many times that in the end it didn’t even hurt anymore,” Kloß posted on her page. Both women have since said that they have no political agenda but wish to speak up now to protect future victims and breaking this known pattern of abuse to young women and girls. Thompson said her recounts shared, are but a few, and that there are many more stories and other victims. “At the end of all of these physical/sexual/verbal/ mentally abusive interactions, Ruel would frame the women as the problem. He would make reference to their/our mental and emotional state, saying that we are unstable, need help and are just trying to taint his name,” she said.

Sophia man shot dead over horse

THE police are investigating the alleged murder of 37-year-old Sophia resident, Andre Kenyatta, who was shot dead on July 7, 2020, following an altercation with a neighbour. According to information from the man’s reputed wife, Samantha Shelto, Kenyatta recently had an altercation with the suspect in question and had made a report to the police, on the evening prior to his death. According to reports, Shel-

to stated that the altercation began when Kenyatta was asked by the reputed wife of the suspect in question (whose name was given as Keron), to remove his horse from an empty lot in front of her home, after which she started abusing him with expletives, and, subsequently, got the suspect involved. An argument ensued and the suspect pulled a gun and made threats to Kenyatta’s life. Based on what this publi-

cation learnt, Shelto said that she told her husband to report the matter to the police and he left and went to the station to report the matter. She stated that following that she woke, on Tuesday morning, to an alert from a neighbour that Kenyatta was shot dead a corner away. Kenyatta leaves to mourn his reputed wife and one nine-month-old baby. Meanwhile the suspect, ‘Keron’ and his reputed wife are currently on the run.

Dead: Andre Kenyatta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Lindeners observe 56th anniversary of Son Chapman massacre LINDENERS, on Monday, observed the 56th anniversary of the massacre of forty-three of Linden’s very own, on the Demerara River, while travelling home from Georgetown on the ‘Son Chapman’ launch. Annually, on July 6, the Linden community would host a memorial service in remembrance of the 43 lives claimed by the massacre. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mining town was unable to do so this year. In a Facebook post on Monday, Former Regional Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon, honoured the victims of the massacre, noting that the men, women and children who perished on the ‘Son Chapman’ live on in the minds and hearts of family, friends and the people of Linden. He went on to say, “Many of us alive today never knew the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman massacre. Yet, we remember them and reflect on their experience because, by their deaths, we have an example of what hatred and brutality can lead to...senseless loss of life and endless suffering.” Solomon noted that events like the Son Chapman massacre and the July 18 tragedy of 2012 that claimed the souls of three Lindeners must never happen again and Guyanese must learn from the lessons taught by the said tragedies, “for our society to allow such tragedies to reoccur would be indicative of our collective unwillingness to learn and grow as a society.” The Former Chairman added that the experiences would have made the people of Region 10 stronger. In an invited comment, Vanessa Kissoon, Former Member of Parliament, told this publication that, after 56 years, the pain and hurt from the day Lindeners remember as “the river of blood”, still resonates within the Linden Community

and among family members of the lives lost on the tragic day. She added, “Though some of us might not have known those individuals, their names have now become infamous with what has come to be characterised as senseless loss of lives. Innocent lives were suddenly snatched out of this world without warning. That tragedy had no respect for life as none was spared the trauma. Pregnant women, children among others of which 2 adults and 4 children were never identified in the River of Blood.” Kissoon expressed that Region 10 authorities and the government of Guyana should ensure that the ‘Son Chapman Tragedy’ gets its due recognition because it is important for Guyana to reflect on July 6 and use it as a reminder to never allow racial bigotry and political differences to induce such pain and hatred in society. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle was Diana Chapman, daughter of the late Norman Chapman who was the owner of the ‘Son Chapman.’ She noted that even though she was not yet in existence when the massacre occurred, she still felt the pain through stories her father would tell her when he was alive. She expressed that her father was not one to cry but when he told the story of the bombing of his Launch he would always shed tears for the lives lost on that day. “I remember him saying it was like a blood bath, the water top was covered with blood and body parts floating. As he spoke of that his hands would shake and get cold at the thought of that memory,” Diana recalled. As the story goes, at approximately 16:00hrs, Monday July 6, 1964, the wooden Son Chapman vessel had just left the docks of Hurudaia, a timber grant settlement 16 miles up the Demerara River, after letting off three passengers. On that day the vessel was captained by Herman Softleigh. Enjoying the beautiful scenery of the

Diana Chapman looks at the painted board with names of persons who perished in the massacre Demerara River and the cool afternoon breeze were the persons on board, inclusive of passengers and crew members. Suddenly, about 300 yards from Hurudaia, the calming atmosphere was interrupted by a loud explosion which claimed the lives of 43 persons inclusive of two children and six Demba employees. Chaos broke loose as the 27 per-

sons and six crew members who survived the explosion, swam to shore while others were rescued by passing vessels as they watched the “Son Chapman” sink. It is said that this was one of the gruesome acts of political violence which was perpetrated during the 1963 to 1964 disturbances.

Dookhoo denies trying to exert pressure on CCJ … says offers to resign from CCJ board of trustee

PRIVATE sector executive, Ramesh Dookhoo, has offered to resign from the Board of Trustee of the Caribbean Court of Justice after allegations surfaced of him trying to exert pressure on the court to rule in favour of the opposition. “I have brought the ‘News’ item to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees with an offer of my resignation. Congratulations to the author of the ‘News’ item you are succeeding,” Dookhoo said in a statement on Tuesday morning. He said the Caribbean Court of Justice Trust Fund was set up in order that the court it-

self can never be compromised. “I consider it an honour and a privilege to sit as a trustee on this board. The rest of the board consist of members of various Caribbean Institutions whose integrity and distinction I do not wish to compromise at this time with this ‘News’ item.” Dookhoo added that the representatives of the institutions that make up the Board of Trustees are highly esteemed and respected professionals across the Caribbean, it is ludicrous to even accuse one of its representatives of having some kind of influence on the CCJ judges. “The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management and administration of

the Trust Fund and none of its members have or would dare attempt to exercise any kind of influence over the CCJ’s judges. Further, the judges of the CCJ are professionals of the highest integrity and professionalism all of whom possess unblemished character.” According to social media post headlined: ‘Dookhoo, Gouveia plot to influence CCJ upcoming ruling leaked,” there is an alleged plot by Bharrat Jagdeo and Gerry Gouveia to get Ramesh Dookhoo to use his position as a trustee of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to influence the upcoming ruling on the PPP’s application for leave to appeal the decision

of the Guyana Court of Appeal which expected on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The post said that reliable sources have stated that there was a meeting at Dookhoo’s house recently attended by Gerry Gouveia, Paul James, Robert Persaud, Robin Singh, and other PPP/C members; where they discussed how they will use their connections to influence the court to make a decision in favour of the PPP/C. One official stated that a Roraima Airways flight departed Ogle on Saturday July 4 to Trinidad and Tobago; on board was a team of PPP/C officials led by Bharrat Jagdeo and Gerry Gouveia. The source confirmed that they were head-

ing to south Trinidad with the aim of colluding with their partners and other influential figures in Trinidad, to persuade them to use their influence with the CCJ to get a favorable ruling for the PPP on Wednesday. The PPP strategy involves Ramesh Dookhoo lending his voice as a member of the board of trustees. Dookhoo in his statement sai,d “as I usually do as the Private Sector liaison on COVID-19 I contacted Larry London, Egbert Fields and a few others regarding a Roraima Airways flight to facilitate the return to Trinidad of two Trinidadian Nationals. I have done this many times before. I communicated on the cruise ship Guyanese after I was contacted by the cruise ship company

and other such repatriations.” Dookhoo said that approval was granted by those named officials and that he was not on the flight. “In fact, I spent a quiet weekend at home in D’Aguiar’s Park where I reside. The incessant rain caused my round of Golf to be cancelled on Sunday. I have noted that my home is being observed as a few weeks ago I had a gathering of a few friends which was published on Facebook as a gathering ‘to destabilise GECOM’. All my guests left after that post and whoever is trying to inflict hurt is succeeding, congratulations! By the way the gathering was to discuss some stranded Guyanese and how we can assist them financially to return to Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

‘Safety of Guyanese is paramount’ … GCAA says in response to calls for re-opening of air travel

THOUGH the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other stakeholders understand that restrictions to air travel to Guyana affect the country’s economy, there is much more that must be considered when one speaks about the re-opening of travel. Director- General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, spoke with the newspaper on the matter on Tuesday. Just before the country was expected to reopen its airports to limited flights, which would have marked Phase Two of a FourPhase plan, there was a spike in COVID-19 cases, and related-deaths locally, pushing the second phase to August 1. Field said that the first consideration in making the decision was the health of all Guyanese. At one point, citizens were pleased as it seemed as if Guyana’s COVID-19 curve was flattening to desirable levels, but, days ago, the country record-

ed 16 new cases and three deaths. Reported cases now number over 270 with over 150 active cases and about 10 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The cases have emerged in remote areas of the country, requiring greater attention from the country’s health system which has not yet been cushioned by an annual budget due to the elections situation. From the beginning of the pandemic to present, the GCAA has worked closely with the Ministry of Public Health and the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) to determine the appropriate steps. “Just a couple of days before entering Phase Two, we began seeing a spike or a rise in the amount of cases. As such, the Task Force and the Ministry of Public Health thought that they should not open the door anymore for additional persons,” he explained. “The prospects of having one infected and com-

ing into the country to add to what we have in here is of much concern to the Ministry of Public Health. You open your air spaces but if you do not have the capacity to deal with increased cases, why are you going to open your air space, encouraging the possibility for more infected persons to come in?” The bulk of Guyana’s visitors arrive from North America which the GCAA Head reminded has been so adversely impacted by the virus that the region has been excluded from Europe’s list of Regions/ countries it will accept passengers from. July 7 would have marked the hopeful date identified by American Airlines for the phased recommencement of flights to Guyana but, even before the spike in Guyana’s cases, Field said that the Airline had reason to push these plans back to August. These reasons had to do with the need for the re-training of pilots, inspection of aircraft and more.

Alternative strategies for court hearings WITH the new gazetted order, the Guyana Judiciary System is allowed to conduct live streaming of court hearings or allow a media representative to join the hearing virtually. This new order is a part of the precautionary measures for the court, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The orders were gazetted on Monday June 22, 2020, under the title, “Practice Directions No. 2 of 2020 –Remote Hearings Direction 2020 ...827.” The orders allow the court to consider options while preserving the principles of justice. The Judiciary had suspended all in-person hearings and face-to-face operations to slow the spread of COVID-19; as such the gazette highlighted ways in which the court could operate, while allowing the public to be a part of the hearings. One of those ways is that information on a hearing could be made public by an official of the court who would provide an audio of the hearing, and, if available, a video of the hearing. The audio or video will be made public only on the type of matters that media operatives have access to. The court also has the

The Demerara High Court option of allowing a media first death from the deadly representative to join in the virus, the Judiciary of Guyana hearing virtually. This could gazetted orders which halted be achieved by the court host- all in-court hearings. The ing the hearings virtually. emergency COVID-19 direcThe court will create a virtual tions were later implemented lobby or waiting room so and later updated by notice that permitted participants on April 3, 2020 and then on like the defendant, attorney, April 5, 2020. virtual complainant or media The precautionary mearepresentative can be added to sures outlined were slated the hearing. to take immediate effect and The hearings can also last for a period of one month be live-streamed if the court unless it was revoked or exchooses not to use either of tended by notice, after an the two methods stated above. assessment of the health situHowever, the live stream can ation at the time. only be broadcast to the pubWith the new update to lic after the authorisation of a the emergency COVID-19 judicial officer is given. directions, persons will not On March 23, 2020, days be allowed to attend court after Guyana recorded its for any hearing.

Field said that while the GCAA is aware that the economy continues to be affected by the restriction to tourists or business-related visitors, persons must weigh the consequences of reduced finances with an increased risk of infection and possibly death. He said: “You can have a booming economy and nobody to enjoy it because we’re talking about a serious virus, we’re talking about death. As the saying goes, ‘give me life before you give me a penny’.” Even so, some continue to urge that Guyana re-open its airspaces presently, comparing Guyana to Jamaica which has recorded over 700 cases but has nonetheless re-opened its ports to visitors in a limited way. However, Field reminded that Jamaica highly depends on tourism for its economic survival and that Guyana would have to possess the capacity to deal with the medical requirements needed to monitor the arrival and stay of these

visitors. When it comes to travel within the Caribbean, Field said that it is unlikely that there will be scheduled flights due to the restrictions still present in many countries and the interest of airlines such as whether there is a demand for travel to specific regional locations. Explaining what were the considerations, Field said: “There are no scheduled operations by Caribbean Airlines. When you see Caribbean Airlines, it’s basically a chartered flight which was chartered because there are either enough passengers to repatriate to Guyana…the bottom line is the dollar and if you can’t make money on the route why open up and start flying that route?” Phase Two, as is still expected for August 1, will see the re-opening of the airports for limited flights for repatriated citizens, permanent residents, international workers, diplomats and international agencies. Field said that the government is not particular

Director- General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field about outbound passengers but the inbound which can be carriers of the virus. The GCAA is having constant meetings with Guyana’s tourism bodies to update them on the changes as they occur; to clearly understand the challenges they face and to ensure that they are aware of the protocols which must be adhered to when controlled travel resumes.

Mount Olive hosts COVID-19 hamper-donation drive for the less fortunate MORE than fifty families have benefitted from hampers, courtesy of Mount Olive Lodge. Over the weekend, a batch of hampers was packed at its Carmichael Street headquarters. The hampers, which comprised a month’s supply of foodstuff and cleaning supplies, were garnered from donations and the brethren’s pockets, according to Master of the fraternity, Kwame Pindar. He added that the initiative was a collec-

tive decision made by lodge members in light of COVID-19 and its effects on the less fortunate. He noted that, given the current situation, the fraternity will be continuing efforts to bring relief to the less fortunate in these trying times. “We are continuing this COVID-19 hamper initiative to bring relief to the needy during this time of difficulty.” He added, “We have been reaching out to friends, companies and business people….we

A few of the hampers that were distributed over the weekend

Master of the Mount Olive fraternity, Kwame Pindar have also had donations from farmers.” The Lodge Master expressed gratitude to Namilco, Guyana Rice Development Board, Caribbean Surgeries Incorporated, Kissoon Dyal Rice Mill, other business owners and friends of the lodge. Previously, seventy similar hampers were donated to the less fortunate, with a focus on single-parent families. According to Master Pindar, the lodge will continue to do what it can, “with the hope that better may come.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Guyana records seven new cases of COVID-19 – Hinterland regions still highly vulnerable to the disease

THE need for maturity and responsibility in society cannot be stressed enough by health authorities, as cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise with every passing day. Tuesday was no different, as the country recorded seven new cases within the past 24 hours, following 37 COVID-19 tests. Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, said health authorities have so far tested 2,926 persons, with 2,642 being negative and 284 being positive. Of the positive cases, some 125 persons have recovered and 16 persons have died, but authorities are still monitoring 143 active cases of which, 11 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “Fellow Guyanese, the number of positive cases continues to be a source of grave concern for the Ministry of Public Health. Over the past week, we have recorded another 25 new cases distributed in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni), with four COVID-19 related deaths,” said Dr. Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Tuesday. In expressing her dissatisfaction with the situation, Dr. Boyle asked Guyanese, “are we really serious about returning to normalcy when we openly flout all the guidelines that have been outlined for our protection? Are we saying that we are uncaring about our life and that of others around us? Where has our appreciation for life disappeared to? It is unfair to our Healthcare Workers, ten of whom have become ill and have had to battle for their lives with COVID-19 and you know what, this was totally unnecessary but for your carelessness.” She pleaded with persons to consider their actions and envisage that their life could drastically change and end in fatality. “Avoid the COVID-19 trauma and cooperate fully with all who are working collaboratively with the Ministry of Public Health to contain the spread of this fatal disease in every community”. Dr. Boyle reminded re-

patriated nationals that they are equally involved in the fight, and they ought to be cognisant of their agreement prior to their departure from overseas. Such persons were reminded that even though their PCR- test results might have been negative prior to their departure, they still have to cooperate with the health officials and provide accurate information on their arrival in Guyana. “Our surveillance unit is tasked with following up on every single repatriate checking in daily by phone for early detection of signs and symptoms of the disease. This requires, among other things, the daily checking of body temperatures and hence all repatriates are required to bring thermometers with them. Kindly support our effort by reminding your family members to come armed with a thermometer,” Dr. Boyle advised. According to the existing statistics, Regions One, Four, Seven and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) continue to have most of the cases. Regions One and Seven, in particular, have seen a

Cops destroy thousands of ganja plants POLICE, on Monday, destroyed thousands of marijuana plants, during an operation at Bartica Village, Berbice River. In a release, police said ranks conducted the narcotics eradication exercise at Bartica Village, Berbice River, during which approximately two and a half acres of cannabis cultivation, with over eleven thousand plants, and a camp, were found, photographed and destroyed by fire. The prohibited plants which had a street value of more than twenty million dollars were between two and seven feet in height.

rapid increase in the number of cases being recorded. Last Thursday, this newspaper reported that COVID-19 claimed the life of Abdool Khan, a miner from Bartica, in Region Seven. The spike of cases in Regions One and Seven have since seen authorities implementing a lockdown of those areas, with restrictions of travel in and out of the areas at reference. Health authorities had found that a large number of positive cases in these regions have no signs and symptoms, so they are what is known as asymptomatic. This means that these persons can transmit the disease, and the infected persons will not even know that they are sick, because there is no sign. Medical teams were dispatched to Aranka and surrounding mining areas in Region Seven, as well

as Moruca in Region One, to conduct mass testing to tackle the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases. Dr. Boyle also spoke of the irresponsible actions by citizens in Region Nine whose intent was to transport Brazilians to Georgetown, ignorant of their COVID-19 status and cognisant that the COVID-19 situation in Brazil is out of control. Brazil has 1.63 m confirmed cases and 65,631 deaths. The continuous rise in the amount of cases has seen local authorities creating a special emergency unit to enforce the control measures, and curtail the spread of the disease. Authorities believe that the rise is primarily because sections of the population continue to flout the existing measures, which include a national curfew. COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well,

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle and, according to global statistics, there are 11.3 million cases of COVID-19, with over 532,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Peng Liyuan expresses China’s support for Africa’s fight against COVID-19 BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has recently sent a reply letter to Antoinette Sassou N’guesso, first lady of the Republic of the Congo, and a message to first ladies of other African countries, expressing gratitude for the countries’ help to China’s fight against COVID-19. Peng said she appreciates the valuable support of African countries for the Chinese people when China struggled to prevent and control the coronavirus outbreak, and expressed her sincere sympathy for the African people over the pandemic. In the face of the unex-

pected outbreak, Peng said, it is crucial for all countries to help each other, unite and cooperate with each other so as to prevail over the disease. To express the friendly feeling of the Chinese people towards the African people, the Chinese government will donate a batch of anti-pandemic supplies through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) to 53 African countries to help women, children and adolescents, Peng said. In her recent letter to Peng, Antoinette Sassou N’guesso, also OAFLAD rotating chairperson, spoke highly of China’s role in

fighting the pandemic. On behalf of the first ladies of the OAFLAD members, she called on the Chinese side to pay attention to women, children, adolescents and other people in Africa, and provide medical supplies to them. Chinese aid materials have been delivered to various countries recently and Antoinette Sassou N’guesso, other first ladies and senior officials of the countries concerned attended the handover ceremonies respectively. Those countries expressed gratitude for China’s care and help for African women, children and adolescents, saying that China

Members of a Chinese medical team pose for a group photo after donating medical supplies to Mvurwi Hospital in Mvurwi, Zimbabwe, May 19, 2020. (Xinhua/ Zhang Yuliang) provided help when it was China sharing weal and woe. with China against the panneeded most, which reflected The African countries demic and deepen the tradithe profound friendship be- said they stand ready to tional friendship between tween African countries and strengthen cooperation the two sides.

Novel coronavirus has existed worldwide before emerging in China: Oxford University expert LONDON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The novel coronavirus has existed worldwide and broke out whenever and wherever favorable conditions occurred rather than starting in China, an Oxford University expert has told The Telegraph. “I think the virus was already here -- here meaning everywhere. We may be seeing a dormant virus that has been activated by environmental conditions,” Dr Tom Jefferson, senior associate tutor at the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine

(CEBM) at Oxford and a visiting professor at Newcastle University, said on Sunday. “There was a case in the Falkland Islands in early February. Now where did that come from? There was a cruise ship that went from South Georgia to Buenos Aires, and the passengers were screened and then on day eight, when they started sailing towards the Weddell Sea, they got the first case. Was it in prepared food that was defrosted and activated?” he said. “Strange things like this

A researcher cool-stores samples collected from COVID-19 patients for further research into the disease at the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) in Barcelona, Spain, May 4, 2020. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)

happened with Spanish Flu. In 1918, around 30 percent of the population of Western Samoa died of Spanish Flu, and they hadn’t had any communication with the outside world,” Jefferson added. “The explanation for this could only be that these agents don’t come or go anywhere. They are always here and something ignites them, maybe human density or environmental conditions, and this is what we should be looking for,” he stressed, arguing there is growing evidence that the virus was

elsewhere before it emerged in Asia. Last week, Spanish virologists announced the discovery of traces of the novel coronavirus in a sample of Barcelona waste water collected in March 2019, nine months before COVID-19 was identified in China. The Italian National Institute of Health said last month that sewage water from Milan and Turin showed coronavirus traces on Dec. 18, long before the country’s first confirmed cases.

Commentary: July 7 Incident anniversary emphasises China’s peaceful development BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The Lugou Bridge Incident happening on July 7, 1937 is recognized as the start of Japan’s full-scale invasion of China. It was a day that left traumatic memories in the minds of the Chinese people, but also generated a powerful spiritual force within them to overcome difficulties, and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Tuesday marked the 83rd anniversary of the Lugou Bridge Incident, also known as the July 7 incident. The Chinese

people have indelible memories of the suffering it caused. But it is important to know that remembering history is not to perpetuate hatred, but to learn from history. History is the best textbook and sobering agent. A great lesson the Lugou Bridge Incident has taught us is that relying on military force to invade, and expand abroad, will eventually fail. As the Chinese leadership has reiterated on many international occasions, China will always promote world peace, and firmly follow the path

of peaceful development. No matter how the international situation changes and how it develops, China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or spheres of influence. The old logic, that a powerful country is bound to seek hegemony, does not work for China. Forgetting history means betrayal, denying guilt means recidivism. Denying the history of aggression is a mockery of history, and an insult to the human conscience. The people of China and the world will not allow anyone to deny, distort or even beautify the history of

aggression. History can not be repeated, but the future can be chosen and created. China has been upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and has been moving steadily towards jointly creating a promising future of world peace with other countries. The world needs peace, but also the power to maintain peace. China will continue to walk the path of peaceful development as a mighty force of global peace and stability.

Cai Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, presides over a ceremony held to mark the 83rd anniversary of China’s whole-of-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression at the Museum of the War of the Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2020. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

‘She had a love for children’ –– says husband of Lethem teacher who died from COVID-19 EVEN as he mourns the passing of his wife, Donna Ambrose-Greaves, who lost the battle against COVID-19 last Saturday, Franklin Greaves said he would always remember her fondly for her love of children and the teaching profession. Even though she taught at the nursery level at the Arapaima Nursery School, Donna would often reach out to primary and secondary school students in her community and help them out in whatever way she could when they needed it. “It started from helping our neighbours with getting information. The bigger kids;the CXC students for the longest she would help them with their SBAs whenever they needed to research something. We would be helping them for free for the

longest while,” he said. Donna first started teaching in 2011 at the Arapaima Nursery Annex. She would later study Early Childhood Education via a Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Distant Learning Programme in Lethem, where she graduated at the top of her class. A mother of one, her husband shared that her drive for teaching was fueled by her love of children. “She had a love for children. After finishing off school, she went straight into teaching. She was always out there for her children; anywhere she goes, she was never out of teaching mode. Anywhere we go, the kids would always be crazy to see her,” her doting husband recalled. “The longest she has ever been away from her students is during

this pandemic,” Franklin related. He noted that being away from her students had taken a toll on the 25-yearold devoted teacher, but even while at home, she would reach out to students in need of help accessing the Internet. Her policy was, “No child should be left behind.” “After school closed due to the pandemic,” Franklin recalled, “she would just say she misses her students, and that was her way of reaching out to the student to help during this time.” Aside from reaching out to students, Franklin says his wife was also a pillar in her community; always having helpful advice to offer those in need, and was an anchor in her family. “In the community, she was a figure that people

looked up to, and took her advice. At the family level, she was like the family counsellor; persons would always come to her on relationship problems; domestic problems. They would always pour out to her,” Franklin said, adding: “After a hard day’s work, she would be the one to stabilise the home. I didn’t do anything without her; whatever decision there was to make, I have to pass it through her; we have to discuss it for her to finalise it.” Franklin said the Guyana Teachers Union issued a statement on Monday, conveying its condolences on Donna’s passing. Donna Greaves died last Saturday after spending almost a week in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit at the Georgetown Public Hos-

pital Corporation (GPHC). Hers was the country’s 15th COVID-19-related death. “The teaching fraternity and all Guyana mourns the passing of Ms. Donna Ambrose- Greaves of Region 9. Deepest condolences to the husband, child, other family members, colleagues and friends of Ms. Donna Ambrose Greaves,” the GTU statement said. In the statement, the GTU took the opportunity to call on all teachers to take all necessary precaution in these trying times. “GTU continues to ask teachers, and, by extension, all Guyanese to heed the medical protocols established by the MoPH to safeguard yourselves against the spread of this pandemic. The WHO and MoPH advisory states that the best precaution one can take is

Donna Ambrose-Greaves to “Stay Home”. We recognised that teachers have been going out to mingle in large gatherings, despite the advice given. We urge all Guyanese to consider your actions, because the consequences are severe not only for you, but your family, friends, learners and colleagues,” the Union said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

PAHO says: Strong coordination, evidence-based decisions keys to fighting COVID-19 AS the region of the Americas reports 100,000 cases of COVID-19 a day, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne, called for strong coordination across countries, evidence to guide leaders’ actions and for people to protect themselves and others. “The past six months have shaken our world. The next six months will not be easier, and we cannot let our guard down. To endure, we must rely on our growing knowledge of this virus, our ability to apply these learnings in solidarity and our unwavering resolve,” Etienne said. Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic “requires strong coordination across countries, a deep understanding of epidemiological trends, clear guidance and a reliable supply of health products. These are all things that PAHO is actively doing to strengthen the response of our Member States,” Dr. Etienne said. Noting that cases in the Americas reached 5.9 million yesterday, with almost 267,000 deaths, she said “Last week there were 735,000 new cases in the region, with an average of over 100,000 cases reported every day.” COVID-19 cases in the Americas continue to accelerate, with 20 percent more cases last week than the previous week, but new patterns are emerging. “Two months ago, the U.S. accounted for 75% of the COVID-19 cases in our region. This past week, the U.S. reported just under half of cases in the region, while Latin America and the Caribbean registered more than 50% of cases, and Brazil alone reported around a quarter of those,” Etienne told a media briefing today. SIX MONTHS OF COVID-19 The past six months have brought some “positive surprises” that have confirmed the resilience of our health systems, and some “unexpected challenges that we must address in the ensuing months, Dr. Etienne said. Countries in the region adopted preventive measures early on, set up emergency facilities very quickly and improved their systems to detect the virus. “This unprecedented effort was instrumental in keeping cases low early in the pandemic—thus earning us precious time to prepare our health systems.” However, there are several persistent challenges the region has to address to control the pandemic. A top priority is protecting nurses, doctors, and other vulnerable health workers with adequate personal protective equipment, Dr. Etienne noted. “Throughout the region we have received reports of health workers becoming ill in the line of duty because of lack of personal protective equipment or due to unsafe work conditions.” PAHO has provided guidance, training and Personal Protective Equipment to countries and continues to support them “to create better working conditions for frontline workers.” “Stigma with COVID-19 slows down our response. We need people to feel safe and comfortable to speak up and seek help when they have symptoms, so we are better able to trace contacts and isolate suspects early on. This is our best hope for controlling the pandemic, Dr. Etienne said. “Leaders across our region must let evidence guide their actions, focusing on what works and uniting their people around it. They have a responsibility to act transparently and proactively as they mobilize institutions in each nation to respond,” she said. Our teams at PAHO and WHO closely track new evidence and translate it into country guidance documents. Thus far, we’ve issued over 100, she added “And each of us has a personal responsibility to protect ourselves and others through social distancing and by wearing masks when recommended. Even people without symptoms can transmit the virus, which means everyone should be cautious. It also means that everyone can help us overcome this crisis,” said PAHO’s director.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

S O U T H A M P TO N , E n gland, (CMC) – A 32-yearold series drought on English soil and the first global pandemic in one hundred years will serve as the daunting backdrop when West Indies clash with the hosts in a much-anticipated opening Test of world cricket’s first-ever “bio-secure” series starting here today. Viv Richards’s star-studded unit were the last West Indies side to earn success here when they thrashed England 4-0 in a five-Test series in 1988. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, the oldest member of the current West Indies side, was only three months old. Since then, West Indies have struggled for results in England, emphasised by their lone win in their last 16 Tests here in as many years. Their bid to end that disappointing run has been made

no easier with the series being staged amid the COVID-19 outbreak which has caused 286 000 infections and resulted in 44 000 deaths in the United Kingdom alone. To mitigate against the threat of the virus, the threeTest series is being played behind closed doors at “bio-secure” venues and players have been isolated from the public for the duration of the tour. Strict sanitisation and social distancing protocols have been employed at stadia. For instance, using saliva on the ball has been prohibited along with celebratory hugs and high-fives and handshakes at the toss, while players must use their own water bottles. The series, however novel, will mark the return of international cricket to the global itinerary ever since COVID-19 forced a cessation of the game last March but captain Jason Holder said West Indies’ motivation and hunger had not been impacted by the changes. “The mood in the camp is very good. The guys are really excited to get back on the field. It’s been a while since we’ve played international cricket so everybody is really relishing the opportunity,” Holder told reporters on Tuesday via Zoom. “We’ve had four solid weeks of preparation and I think the guys have worked really hard to get themselves back up to match fitness and I think more or less it’s the green light to go now. “Everyone has been talking about it for the last couple weeks and most of the guys are just awaiting the first ball to be delivered.” He continued: “I am excited. Everyone is excited. We were sat up at home for a couple months and we haven’t been doing what we’ve been accustomed doing for years so I think it’s a really positive moment for cricket. “I’ve been watching the football on TV, Formula One is just about to kick back in and there’s been a bit of horse racing here and there and golf. “It’s been a bit different but I guess after a period of time people would become accustomed to this new norm. It is what it is and we’re all just finding ways to cope with it.” Pandemic aside, West Indies face a formidable challenge in keeping hold of the prestigious Wisden Trophy which they captured so impressively in the Caribbean last year with a stunning win in a three-Test series. Then, England found themselves outplayed away from home but in their conditions, boast an impressive home record of not having lost a series in six years. Holder, who oversaw last year’s triumph, said West Indies were under no illusions about the size of the task before them. “I think cricket has to be played on the day. What

I would say is that England are probably favourites in their home conditions,” the top-ranked all-rounder in Tests pointed out. “They are a very, very strong side in their home conditions and it’s proven; they’ve got a really good track record at home so we’ve got our work cut out if we want to beat England. “England are not just going to roll over and die, they’re gonna come at us very, very hard and those guys want to win just as badly as we do so I really expected a keen contest and it’s a matter for us to dethrone England in their own backyard which is not going to be easy for us.” West Indies enter the Ageas Bowl Test energised by a strikeforce that is expected to feature a four-pronged pace attack. But concerns linger over their batting which has struggled in recent time to scale the heights required. Main opener Kraigg Brathwaite has averaged 21 from his last 15 Tests inside the last two years, Shai Hope has averaged 20 from 14 matches during the same period while Roston Chase, once a linchpin, has averaged 25 from his last 12 Tests. And with left-handed opener John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks having played just nine Tests between them, it has underscored the need for a massive effort from the batting order, and Holder was quick to reiterate the importance of the whole team pulling their weight. “Based on the recent past of our fast bowlers doing really well – they’re obviously experienced as well too – and if we can definitely get the runs on the board [it will augur well for us],” Holder said. “And it doesn’t have to only come from the top order. We’re putting a lot of emphasis on the top order and yes, they probably haven’t lived up to the expectations but it’s still a team sport. We’ve just got to put runs on the board. “However we get them, personally I don’t care. It’s just a matter for us to put the runs on the board and make our bowlers have something to work with.” The match bowls off at 11 am (6 am Eastern Caribbean time). SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach. ENGLAND – Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

ECB confirms schedule for Pakistan, Ireland visits ENGLAND has confirmed Emirates Old Trafford and the Ageas Bowl as the venues for fixtures against Ireland and Pakistan this summer. Ireland will visit later this month for three ODIs, while Pakistan have already arrived in the country ahead of Test and T20I series. The ECB has been working

to salvage as much of its home international programme as possible after the COVID-19 shutdown, and said that discussions remained ongoing about the possibility of Australia touring, and a proposed women’s tri-series featuring England, India and South Africa. Ireland had been due to play their series, part of the

World Cup Super League, in September but agreed to move the games forward, with all three ODIs to be held behind closed doors in Southampton from July 30 to August 4. The first Test against Pakistan will begin a day later in Manchester, with the teams then moving down to Southampton for the sec-

ond and third matches at the Ageas Bowl, starting on August 13 and 21. They will return to Manchester for T20Is at Emirates Old Trafford on August 28, 30 and September 1.

cricket is now ready and able to return to the field of play from the elite level to recreational cricket. “We owe a significant debt of gratitude to the players, staff and administrators of the

A sign encouraging social-distancing at the Ageas Bowl (Pool/Getty Images for ECB)

“Confirmation of these matches against Ireland and Pakistan is another important step for our game as we begin to safely stage international cricket again, but also to minimise the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on cricket at all levels,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said. “It has taken significant effort and expertise to allow us to reach a position where

Cricket West Indies, Cricket Ireland, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their willingness and cooperation to get international cricket back up and running and allow these matches to be staged. “Sports fans across the world will benefit as international cricket returns to our screens while it will also provide much-needed financial aid at all levels of cricket in England and Wales

as we aim to withstand the challenges in front of us. “It must be reiterated that there is still much work for the ECB and the cricket network to do as we try to plot a path through this pandemic. Chief amongst our priorities are: to build on our commitment to support and grow women’s cricket and at the elite level discussions continue to progress to determine the best and safest way to host a tri-series against India and South Africa. “We also continue to explore options for our England men to play white-ball series against Australia this summer and hope to have news on those series soon.” The majority of Pakistan’s 29-man squad flew to the UK in late June, despite disruption caused by a number of positive COVID-19 tests. Ten players did not take the initial flight, but all save one have now returned the two negative tests required to participate in the tour. Like West Indies and Pakistan, Ireland’s players are expected to be given an ‘opt out’ by the selectors in case any have concerns about COVID-19 in the UK. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Counties vote to play red and white ball cricket when season starts

ENGLISH cricket’s 18 counties have passed a majority vote to play both red ball and white ball cricket when the delayed 2020 season starts on August 1.

date of Saturday, August 1. Two competitions of fourday and Twenty20 cricket have been under discussion, based on regional groups. There is still no decision

Essex were crowned 2019 county champions in September

After three and a half months lost following the coronavirus pandemic, several dissenting counties had hoped to play white-ball cricket only, as it is more financially beneficial. But the majority also wanted first-class cricket to appease members. A fixture list is still to be released by the England and Wales Cricket Board. But that is expected to be approved in the next few days, with an official start

yet made on when, or if, crowds will be allowed, at any point between then and the end of September. After their meeting yesterday, the 18 first-class counties (FCC) said, in a statement: “Ticket-holders for men’s domestic matches and FCC members are set to be contacted by venues with the options available to them after a new fixture schedule is announced. “Today’s agreement by

the FCCs will be passed on for ECB Board’s approval in the coming days after which the details of the new fixture schedule will be drawn up and then announced. “The safety and wellbeing of all players, staff and officials remains the priority of the ECB. All FCCs will undergo further medical risk assessments and venue compliance approval as planning progresses to ensure safe environments.” LATE SEPTEMBER FINISH IN STORE The originally scheduled 2020 season was due to end on September 25. That would have been the final day of the final round of County Championship fixtures, to follow T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on the preceding Saturday. The latest end to an English county cricket season was in 2017, when they finished on September 29. It was announced back in April that the ECB’s new competition, The Hundred, would be postponed until 2021. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Yorke hits out at ‘offensive’ Keane over de Gea rant

... ‘He wasn’t perfect when he played’ FORMER Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has criticised the aggressive attitude of former team-mate Roy Keane with regard to his analysis. The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder recently hit the headlines as he suggested that he would be “swinging punches” at Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea after a recent error that cost his side a goal against Tottenham. Yorke, who turned out for Red Devils between 1998 and 2002, and was a key member of their treble-winning squad of 1999, has suggested that such an attitude is the reason that Keane failed to cut it as a manager, and was one of his

downfalls as a player. “I played with him and

played under him as a manager. I know what he’s like

Dwight Yorke was a key member of Manchester United’s treble-winning squad of 1999

IPL will be staged abroad only as last resort: BCCI By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India’s cricket board will only consider staging the Indian Premier League (IPL) abroad as a last resort if there is no other way to salvage the lucrative limited-overs tournament this year, a top BCCI official has told Reuters. The annual tournament was originally scheduled to begin on March 29 but was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19. India’s death toll from the pandemic surpassed 20 000 yesterday. Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates have offered to host the league but BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal said the board was optimistic about staging it on home soil. “We’ve to consider India first and then think of over-

seas,” Dhumal told Reuters. “They have sent these proposals in case we want to organise it there.

BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal

“We will discuss it in the next IPL governing council meeting where we will take a call.” The 2009 edition of the

franchise-based league, which coincided with India’s elections, was held in South Africa and the UAE hosted the early matches of the tournament five years later for the same reason. The BCCI, facing a $535 million (£428.31 million) loss of revenue if it cannot stage the IPL this year, would be keen to slot it into the Twenty20 World Cup’s October-November window if that event was unable to go ahead in Australia due to the pandemic. The uncertainty around the World Cup, the BCCI has said, has created a scheduling headache for cricket boards trying to recoup some of the losses caused by the pandemic. “Everybody is under the pressure because of the uncertainty,” Dhumal added.

Chelsea close in on Champions League spot with 3-2 win at Palace By William Schomberg

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea kept up their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League and Champions League football next season with a 3-2 victory at London rivals Crystal Palace on Tuesday thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham. Chelsea moved into third, leapfrogging Leicester City who were visiting Arsenal later on Tuesday, to stand five points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, who visit Aston Villa on Thursday. Palace stay 15 points clear of the relegation zone. Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side went ahead in the seventh

minute when former Blues defender Gary Cahill pulled up with an injury, giving Willian all the time he needed to cut the ball back for an easy finish by French striker Olivier Giroud. The visitors doubled their lead 20 minutes later as Willian fed Pulisic on the edge of the box and the American shrugged off his marker Joel Ward to fire a fierce angled shot past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Chelsea looked in complete control and only a fine save by Guaita prevented Willian from adding a third goal after Pulisic burst through the Palace lines. But the visitors, who threw away a lead to lose another London derby at West Ham

United last week, allowed Palace back into the game in the 34th minute when defender Reece James misplaced a pass and Wilfred Zaha fired a powerful shot past surprised keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. In the 71st minute, substitute Tammy Abraham seemed to have wrapped up the win for Chelsea when he fired a low shot in off the post after being set up by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But Palace hit back within a minute when Patrick Van Aanholt got to the byline and squared for Christian Benteke to tap the ball in. Palace defender Scott Dann hit the post in added time as Palace pushed for an equaliser and only a lastditch tackle by Kurt Zouma denied Benteke.

as an individual,” Yorke told The Mirror. “You’ve just got to take it on your chin when it comes to him. He says what he likes to say. Some people buy into it, some people don’t. “His harsh words, sometimes it’s warranted at times, but maybe the way he delivers it is how it gets under people’s skin. “We all make mistakes. He wasn’t perfect when he played. He made mistakes along the way. He has to tone that back a little bit. “Maybe one of the downfalls which I recognised from his management career is that the way he delivered his approach to players could be

quite offensive. “Although they needed a rollicking, there’s a way of how you go about it. “I looked at Keano in the past and sometimes it’s the way he says something which people do not take lightly and get upset by. “de Gea knows it was a huge mistake against Tottenham. But as an ex-player, you have to be careful. “At the end of the day, you made similar mistakes along the way. With Keano, you can only laugh when he delivers these things. “But I dread to think if he said this kind of stuff, how players would react (today). “That old school men-

tality, the Brian Clough, the Ron Atkinson, maybe even Sir Alex Ferguson at some point, you get those kinds of rollickings. “Players of yesterday could easily dust those kinds of comments off and say: ‘I’ll show you.’ “But in the modern day, things have changed. It’s the way you go about it which is important and that’s one of Keano’s problems. He doesn’t know how to deliver it. “He was correct about de Gea making a mistake, but it was his delivery which made people sit-up and think ‘wow’.” (Goal.com)

HIGHEST..

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday July 08, 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) Imran Tahir-7/45 (St. Kitts, 2016)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Lara says Windies must try to win in four days WEST Indies must try and win the Tests against England in four days because they cannot last five days, says legendary batsman Brian Lara. The three-Test series starts today at Southampton. The tourists have a strong fast bowling line-up but their batsmen average only 23.59 in 19 Tests since their most recent tour of England in 2017. “They have to be able to pounce immediately,” said Lara, who will be part of the BBC highlights programme. “England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites.” Lara, who scored a record 11 953 runs for West

Brian Lara (right, speaking to Shai Hope in 2017) retired from international cricket in 2007

Indies in 131 Tests, said the series would depend on how quickly they can adapt to English conditions. “They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England,” said the 51-yearold. “I don’t think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it.” The opening Test at Southampton and the second and third at Old Trafford will be played in a bio-secure environment and behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. West Indies have been in the UK since June 9 to

prepare for the series. They are holders of the Wisden Trophy after winning 2-1 in the Caribbean last year, but have not won a series in England since 1988. “It’s going to be a series that’s watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series,” said Lara, who scored 34 Test centuries. “It would mean a lot to all West Indians if they could win. “If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that’s the key.” (BBC Sports)

TKR, especially considering his age. Amazon Warriors, meanwhile, who played unbeaten throughout the preliminaries last year before faltering at the final, have included seasoned New Zealander Ross Taylor and Afghan seamer Naveen-ul-Haq for their

campaign. Taylor, who has featured in the past for other franchises in the CPL, brings with him a stellar record of 6 140 runs at an average of 31 from 273 T20s. J a m a i c a Ta l l a w a h s have placed their hopes in out-of-favour West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, in order to improve after last season’s flop. Brathwaite, the hero of the 2016 T20 World Cup final in India, will campaign for the Kingston-based franchise after being released by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Along with Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, South African left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Pakistani batsman Asif Ali have all been signed for the upcoming campaign, Tallawahs will hope to return themselves to their former glory after finishing bottom of the table last season. Australians Chris Lynn and Ben Dunk, along with New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi and Pakistani seamer Sohail Tanvir, have been signed by Patriots for the new season.

FIFA agrees to mediation in dispute with TTFA

Dr Emir Crowne says FIFA has declared a willingness to have its dispute with the TTFA settled via mediation

FIFA has agreed to settle its dispute with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) through mediation. According to lawyers from New City Chambers representing the William Wallace-led executive, FIFA indicated on Monday its willingness to settle the matter amicably. “I can indeed confirm that FIFA has indicated a willingness to pursue mediation,” Dr Emir Crowne told Sportsmax.TV on Monday, shortly after receiving word from FIFA’s representatives. Dr Crowne indicated, however, that there is still some way to go before the process of mediation can begin. “The logistics of the mediation are still being worked out, but it is nonetheless a welcome sign, especially in a dispute with so much at stake and where maintaining relationships is key,” he said. In late June, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) reached out to lawyers representing FIFA, requesting mediation in their dispute over the appointment of a normalisation committee in March. FIFA dissolved the William Wallace-led executive by way of a letter on March 17, and a normalisation committee was appointed just four months after the TTFA Annual General Meeting in November 2019. FIFA cited poor financial management and FA’s massive debt as reasons for the appointment of the committee to oversee the association’s affairs. (Sportsmax)

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Title-holders Barbados Tridents have secured the services of Afghan leg-spinning star, Rashid Khan, for their upcoming 2020 Caribbean Premier League campaign while 48-year-old Pravin Tambe is set to become the first Indian to feature in the tournament after being picked up by Trinbago Knight Riders. The 21-year-old Khan, who has featured for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the past, is one of the rising stars of international cricket, having played four Tests, 71 One-Day Internationals and 48 Twenty20 Internationals. Significantly, he has already made a huge impact on the T20 format across several leagues, with 296 wickets from 211 matches. Tridents, who beat Amazon Warriors in last year’s final to lift their second title, have also resigned England opener Alex Hales and picked up Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis to further strengthen their squad for the August 18 and September 10 campaign. TKR, champions in successive seasons in 2017 and 2018, have signed Austra-

lian Fawad Ahmed, New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Seifert and Zimbabwean batsman Sikandar Raza, along with Tambe. Having played the last of two first-class matches six years ago and without any recent participation in a major T20 league, Tambe was a bizarre choice for

Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan

Indian leg-spinner Pravin Tambe

PAGE 19

England captain Ben Stokes

West Indies captain Jason Holder

…Series drought, pandemic overshadow Windies quest

Lack of Black players in county cricket not good enough, says Atherton Gladstone Small, who played for Warwickshire and made 17 Test appearances LONDON, England (Reuters) - The lack of for England, said the lack of Black players Black players in county cricket is “clearly in the county game needs to be addressed. “I’m sure the people at the ECB are doing not good enough” according to former Enall the schemes for the youngsters to get them gland captain Michael Atherton. A study carried out by Leeds Beckett involved, with the Lord’s Taverners in the University this year found that there were inner city communities. There’s a lot being only nine Black players competing in county done but lots more need to be done.” English soccer has vowed to increase cricket last season, down from 33 in 1995. “When I started playing in the early opportunities for the BAME community in 90s the ration was about one in 12 or one coaching and managerial roles after Manin 15,” Atherton said on the “Cricket, on chester City’s Raheem Sterling highlighted the Inside” webinar in conjunction with the issue. Cricket suffers from a similar problem the Lord’s Taverners and Black with only two of the 118 managers or coaches Opal. “Now you can count them employed by counties last season being on the fingers of two hands, Black, according to a Daily Telegraph maybe six or seven. report. “It’s a complex issue to exWest Indies all-rounder Carlos plain and there are all kinds of Brathwaite, who will be commentating reasons impacting upon it. The on the Test series, said he was shocked bottom line is that it’s not good by the small number of Black players enough when you think of the in English county cricket. amount of talent that’s lost. “That’s a shocking number Only three Black players have if 18 counties can find only made their England debut since nine cricketers at that lev2000 - the most recent being Jofel,” he told the Daily ra Archer who is in England’s Telegraph. squad to face the West Indies The ECB has this week in the first Test. pledged to engage “I think the ECB have community leaders and focussed on the south Asian Black influencers withproject and maybe taken in cricket. their eye off the Black com“In recent weeks munity,” Atherton said. “As we have reflected, and a game you want to spread (we) acknowledge the net as far and wide as that Black players you can and select from the Former England and fans, who have maximum talent pool. player and contributed so much “You don’t want it to be captain to the history of our a closed game, for the public Michael Atherton game, now feel disenschools, you want it to be a franchised,” they said game for all communities, in a recent statement. right across the spectrum. “They do not feel as At the moment, the ECB if cricket is a game for would admit that that net is them. This must change.” focussed too narrowly.”

CAS dismisses Santos case against Barca over Neymar transfer

By Martyn Herman

PrintedandPublishedbyGuyanaNationalNewspapersLimited,

FILE PHOTO: Brazilian soccer player Neymar (R) shakes hands with Barcelona’s president Sandor Rosell after signing a five-year contract with FC Barcelona, in front of their offices close to Camp Nou stadium. June 3, 2013 (REUTERS/Albert Gea/File Photo) By Richard Martin and Neymar was ended by mutual agreement and that BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona did not flout the The Court of Arbitration transfer agreement when it for Sport (CAS) has re- paid additional fees to the jected Brazilian club San- player’s father and the firm tos’ case against Barcelona N&N,” Barca said. relating to the signing of “Barcelona did not comNeymar in 2013, the Span- mit any fraudulent conduct ish club said in a statement when it signed a pre-transon Tuesday. fer agreement with NeySantos had presented a mar nor when it signed the claim to soccer’s world gov- transfer with Santos.” erning body FIFA in 2015 The statement added that asking for 61,295,000 euros Santos had been ordered by ($69.21 million) in com- CAS to pay Barca’s legal pensation and damages af- fees of 20,000 Swiss Francs ter Barca made a payment ($21,253.99). to Neymar’s father and the Santos released a statefamily company N&N before ment saying they “regret but signing the Brazil forward for respect the decision”, adding an initial fee of 57 million that the club was “undeniably euros. hurt by the transfer”. “The CAS found that Neymar’s transfer from the contract between Santos his boyhood club to Barce-

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lona was shrouded in legal troubles, leading Spain’s High Court to launch a fraud and corruption investigation into the player, who denied any wrongdoing, over the value of his transfer. The investigation also led to Barca’s then president Sandro Rosell, who brokered the deal, resigning from the club in 2014. Neymar enjoyed a trophy-laden four years at Barcelona and formed a world-beating front three with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez before joining Paris St Germain for a world record fee of 222 million euros. Neymar then sued Barca over the partial payment of a loyalty bonus worth 26 million euros but lost the case and was ordered to pay his former club 6.7 million euros for breach of the last contract he signed with them in 2016. Despite their legal battles, the Brazilian tried to force through a return to Barcelona last year and refused to train with PSG at one point, but the Catalans ultimately failed to meet the French side’s asking price. Barca were expected to make another swoop for him this summer but president Josep Maria Bartomeu said on Wednesday the club were unlikely to make another offer for Neymar due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. |

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020