SATURDAY 2nd May, 2020
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Recount closer
No.105987
‌as high-level team arrives to supervise exercise
SEE STORY ON PAGE 09
--CARICOM Chair urges credible, transparent process
A member of the high-level CARICOM team being escorted to a waiting bus on arrival at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on Friday (Carl Croker photo)
Woman shot dead
'We are in a health crisis' -- says Min. Lawrence as Guyana records 110% increase in cases in less than a month
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in West Ruimveldt fracas
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Bartica providing 10 free transportation for frontline workers PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
‘We are in a health crisis’ – says Min. Lawrence as Guyana records 110% increase in cases in less than a month By Navendra Seoraj
GUYANA has gone 24 hours without recording a new case of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, but that does not change the fact that the country recorded a 110 per cent increase in the number of confirmed cases over the past month. This increase proves that the country is experiencing a health crisis, which is mainly due to the behaviour of some Guyanese, who continue to flout the laws and ignore the containment measures. “We are in a health crisis. I cannot put it differently, we are in a health crisis,” said Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during a COVID-19 update, on Labour Day, which was celebrated on Friday. On a day, which was meant to celebrate and honour the contribution of workers throughout Guyana, there was silence throughout the streets, as persons commemorated the day from the confines of their home. Friday marked 50 days since the country recorded its first case of the disease. And, since then the numbers have continued to climb, standing now at 82 confirmed cases, with nine deaths. “On day nine, with six confirmed cases, we began implementing measures with the closure of all international airports. On day 24, when another 33 cases were confirmed, the Ministry of Public Health instituted the curfew, the rotation policy, the stay at home and work from home policies as well as the closing of several businesses. “We are now at day 50 and we are right where we began with another 43 cases, a 110 per cent increase in less than one month,” said Minister Lawrence, adding: “I want to ask you my fellow Guyanese, what is it that you want?” Judging by the figures, the minister said it is obvious that some Guyanese are not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. DISSATISFACTION In expressing her dissatisfaction with the situation, Minister Lawrence said:
“How else can we explain a 110 per cent increase in positive cases in less than a month? How else can we explain people congregating to play dominos or having a few beers on the corner? How else can we explain people visiting family and friends as normal? “My friends it’s time for us to get serious. It is unfair to those who are following the guidelines to be placed at unnecessary risk, especially our health workers just because some of you don’t want to change your behaviour, you are being selfish.” Minister Lawrence, who was clearly annoyed, said persons were told that the spread of the disease can be stopped if the measures are adhered to, but some chose to take the situation for granted. “Do you want to stop it? Everyone has a role to play. What role are you playing?” Minister Lawrence asked. She encouraged persons to stop venturing out unless they must; stop the congregating in public places; stop visiting friends and family; and maintain the physical distancing. Minister Lawrence, in a virtual update on Thursday, reminded Guyanese that central Georgetown continues to be the epicentre of the disease, with positive cases coming from Kitty, Sophia, Turkeyen, Liliendaal, Cummings Lodge, Alberttown and Cummingsburg. Cases also came from Bourda, Lamaha Park, South Ruimveldt Gardens and Thirst Park. In her update, the minister added new communities to this list, and those areas include Campbellville, East Ruimveldt, Guyhoc Park, Lodge, Albouystown and Laing Avenue, in West Ruimveldt. TAKE NO CHANCES “Fellow Guyanese, I hope you have noted the areas listed, and realise how close the Coronavirus disease is to you,” said Minister Lawrence. Health authorities have so far tested 582 persons for COVID-19, with 500 of those persons testing negative for the disease. Of the confirmed cases, some 24 persons have
recovered, but 49 remain in isolation, and 17 in quarantine. Additionally, two persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Globally, there are over three million cases of COVID-19, with over 217,000 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 preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease. In an effort to improve the response to the pandemic, the Public Health Ministry has launched its mobile unit at the East La Penitence Health Centre, as well as at the community COVID-19 facilities of Region Four at Herstelling, on the East Bank Demerara, and at Paradise, on the East Coast Demerara. Additionally, the government has extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to Paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directive issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B, on March 16, 2020. These measures have been extended to June 3, 2020. As the country wages war against the deadly disease, President David Granger is on record as saying that the efforts of the country’s frontline workers, in particular those within the medical field, should not go unnoticed. “I ask you... to think tenderly of our public health professionals and service providers; that is to say, our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all other supporting staff, medical and non-medical, who are providing the required care for those in distress,” President Granger said, adding: “Public health practitioners are on the frontline of protecting those stricken by the disease; they have been working tirelessly, through this very difficult situation, to provide quality healthcare to those who have been infected and afflicted.
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence Everyone in the public health system has played a vital part in the fight against this disease.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly-discovered coronavirus. The WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are more likely to develop serious illness. The WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the virus, the disease it causes and how it is spread. “Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva, or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” the WHO has advised.
Three hospitalised in Johanna Cecelia accident A HIRE car driver, his wife and an assistant superintendent stationed at Suddie is hospitalised at the Suddie Public Hospital, Region Two, nursing serve injuries about their bodies after they were involved in a vehicular collision on the Johanna Cecelia Public Road on Thursday evening. The accident involving motorcar HB 9504 and PVV 9556 occurred around 16:15 hours. According to infor- Hospitalised: Assistant mation received, assistant Superintendent of Police, superintendent, Colin Pri- Colin Primus mus, who is in charge of in the accident. Primus sufthe Richard Faikall Police fered a fractured right foot Training College, was one and laceration to the head. of the drivers of the vehicles His condition was listed as
critical. According to a police release, Tariq Baksh, the driver of the hire car, was traveling along with his wife at the time of the accident. The vehicles were said to be traveling in opposite directions when the accident occurred. It was revealed that the officer had put on his indicator to turn right and while he was doing so, the hire car allegedly collided with the left front side of his vehicle. The impact resulted in the police officer’s vehicle spinning clockwise before it ended up on the parapet. The hire car driver ended up on the opposite parapet of
the road. As a result of the collision, both drivers along with a female passenger received injuries. The driver of the hire car suffered trauma to his head and his wife suffered serious neck and back injuries. Eyewitnesses related that they were alerted by a loud impact, and they rushed to the scene to render assistance. “I see them all helpless when we immediately put them in a vehicle and send them to the hospital. I can’t really say if it was speeding, all I know is that I heard the loud noise and ran out,” one of the eyewitnesses said. Police are continuing their investigations.
The hire car involved in the accident
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Coronavirus: WHO defends coronavirus outbreak response
Saturday, May 2, 01:00hrs - 02:30hrs
(BBC) The World Health Organization says it “didn’t waste time” responding to the coronavirus after facing criticism for its handling of the outbreak. Its head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the WHO’s declaration of the virus as an international health emergency on 30 January gave “enough time for the rest of the world to respond”. At the time there was only 82 cases outside China and no deaths. Today there are more than 3.2m cases and 234,000 deaths recorded worldwide. US President Donald Trump has said the WHO “really blew” its response and accused it of bias towards China. The US is the global health body’s largest single funder and President Trump says he will halt funding. Speaking at a news conference on Friday Dr Tedros offered a vigorous defence of how the organisation responded. He insisted the WHO used the time before the declaration wisely, including visiting China to learn more about the virus at its origin. Dr Tedros confirmed that the pandemic remained a “public health emergency of international concern”, three months after it was declared one.
The leader of the UN’s health body (file photo) expressed concern for nations with vulnerable health systems Such a declaration is made under an “extraordinary” event and requires a global response. Dr Tedros described “grave” worries over the potential impact of the virus as it accelerates in countries with weaker health systems. Officials said they had seen worrying increases in a number of these nations - including Haiti, Somalia and Sudan. The WHO also urged caution among
nations relaxing their social distancing measures, stressing the importance of monitoring for new jumps in infections as lockdowns are eased. Dr Tedros was also asked again about relations with the United States, insisting the UN agency remained in “constant contact” with the country. On Thursday the President Trump appeared to undercut his own intelligence agencies by suggesting he had seen evidence coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory. The WHO’s head of emergencies, Dr Michael Ryan, addressed the claim on Friday. “With regard to the origins of the virus in Wuhan we have listened again and again to numerous scientists who’ve looked at the (genetic) sequences, looked at this virus, and we are assured that this virus is natural in origin,” he said. Is there any evidence for coronavirus lab release idea? Dr Ryan also added that it was “important” to learn more about how the animal host and understand how the virus jumped from animals to humans. China has rejected the lab theory and criticised the US response to Covid-19.
Trudeau announces ban on 1,500 kinds of assault weapons (BBC) Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has introduced a long-promised ban on assault-style weapons following the country’s worst gun massacre in April. New rules would make it illegal to sell, transport, import or use 1,500 varieties of assault weapons. The ban is effective immediately but there will be a two-year amnesty period for law-abiding gun owners to comply. Mr Trudeau also said he would introduce legislation, which has yet to pass, to offer a buy-back programme. Unlike the US, gun ownership is not enshrined in Canada’s constitution, but gun ownership is still popular, especially in rural parts of the country. Mr Trudeau made a point of saying that most gun owners are law-abiding citizens, but argued that assault-weapons serve no beneficial purpose. “These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only — only to kill the largest amount of people in the shortest amount of time,” he said in a press conference on Friday. “You don’t need an AR-15 to bring down a deer.” The call to ban assault weapons was heightened after a number of high-profile shootings -- in 2017, at a mosque in Quebec, in 2018 on a commercial street in Toronto and most recently, in a rampage across the province of Nova Scotia that became the
In April, 22 people were killed in a shooting spree in Nova Scotia deadliest shooting in Canada’s history. RCMP have said that the shooter was not licensed to own firearms, but had what appeared to be an assault-style weapon, as well as other guns. The RCMP did not specify which kind, so it is unknown if it will be covered by the ban. Mr Trudeau campaigned on the ban ahead of last November’s election, and he said he was planning on introducing the ban in March, but it was delayed because of coronavirus. His government had already expanded background check requirements and made it tougher to transport handguns, prior to November’s election.
Does Canada have a gun problem? More than 80,000 of these weapons are registered with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The government is able to ban the weapons immediately through current regulation, but a buy-back programme would require multi-party support in parliament and would likely cost the government hundreds of millions of dollars. The ban is controversial politically. A petition against the ban started by Conservative MP Glen Motz in December has more than 175,000 e-signatures. Many of the weapons used in violent crime in Canada were not obtained legally, and Conservative leader Andrew Scheer said Mr Trudeau would do better to focus on stopping guns from coming across the border than on banning law-abiding gun owners. The Globe and Mail reported that leaked documents show the buy-back programme would be voluntary, and licensed owners would have their guns grandfathered. Mr Trudeau had previously promised the programme would be mandatory. On Friday, Mr Trudeau would not confirm whether buy-backs would be voluntary, but reiterated the buyback programme would have to be supported by other parties, and be fair to everyone. “The next steps need to be ironed out,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Honduras ex-police chief faces US drug trafficking charges (BBC) A former chief of the Honduran National Police is facing drug trafficking charges in the US, the latest drug case against a top official of the country. Prosecutors said Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, known as “El Tigre”, helped ship tons of cocaine to the US on behalf of Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández and his brother. Mr Bonilla, who is not in US custody, denied the accusations. The Honduran presidency said the claims were “100% false”. President Hernández has not been charged with any crime in the US and has consistently denied suggestions of involvement in drug trafficking and taking bribes. His brother, Juan Antonio Hernández,
known as Tony, was found guilty of US drug trafficking charges last year and is due to be sentenced in June. During the trial, one witness said Juan Antonio Hernández took $1m (£800,000) from jailed Mexican drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán that was meant to reach the Honduran leader. Prosecutors in New York said Mr Bonilla oversaw the multi-tonne shipments of cocaine bound for the US, was involved in “extreme violence” and trusted with “special assignments”, including the murder of a rival trafficker at Juan Antonio Hernández’s request in 2011. They accused Mr Bonilla of taking bribes from the president’s brother to allow drug shipments to pass through the country, and gave information about
the activities of law enforcement to traffickers. Mr Bonilla was named police chief in 2012 in an attempt by then-President Porfirio Lobo to clean up corruption, despite having previously faced murder charges. Mr Bonilla, 60, has been charged by US prosecutors with conspiring to import cocaine into the US and with carrying machine guns, charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. His whereabouts are unknown but he told Honduran television he would go wherever necessary to defend himself, saying: “I feel my dignity has been completely offended because I’m not a drug trafficker.” President Hernández, a conservative leader who enjoys the staunch support of
the Trump administration, has presented himself as tough on drugs and responsible for breaking up powerful cartels and extraditing traffickers to the US. He faced calls to step down last year following the release of a court document linked to his brother’s case. It alleged that his 2013 presidential campaign had been financed by drug money, labelling him as a co-conspirator. He denies the claims. The president was re-elected to a second term in 2017 in polls opponents said were fraudulent. Honduras is a major transit route for cocaine smuggled from Colombia and other South American nations to the US. Thousands of Hondurans have left the country in recent years, mainly for the US, because of violence and poverty.
DunnCox Lays Off 58 Workers Over COVID-19 Pinch
(JAMAICA GLEANER) Effective Friday, approximately 58 employees of DunnCox, one of Jamaica’s largest law firms, have been laid off for two months as the financial battering caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues to takes hold. But, the affected staff have been invited to re-apply for work “on a reduced scale and with varied compensation”, Courtney Bailey, a partner in the firm told employees in an email. The layoff ends on June 30. The firm’s 13 partners are not among those who have been laid off. Emile Leiba, president of the Jamaican Bar Association, is a partner at the firm. There are also six associates and eight consultants, according to its website. “We have organised our affairs in the best interest of our clients and the DunnCox team during this challenging time that has affected us all,” the firm said in a statement this afternoon. “We are pleased that our entire team has responded
positively to our reorganisation,” it added. DunnCox has departments covering a range of areas including commercial and corporate law, civil litigation, property law and estate planning. The temporary working arrangement will run for the two-month layoff period and workers who participate will not get a fixed salary. “Instead their remuneration will be variable, based on the sums collected by the firm as fee income by the end of the month,” Bailey said. The calculation will also be based on the number of salaried workers who participate, as well as money left from covering operating expenses. The legal industry has now joined other sectors including tourism which has seen 75 per cent or over 120,000 of its directly employed workers losing their jobs due to the downturn from the coronavirus. Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has said the coronavirus will cause a “massive economic shock”
DunnCox law firm located on Duke Street in Kingston - Contributed photo to Jamaica. The government has implemented a $25 billion
stimulus package that includes support for people who lose their jobs.
Applications under the COVID Allocation of Resources for Employees
programme have exceeded 400,000, Clarke has reported.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
COVID-19 highlights CARICOM’s need to build resilience AS all CARICOM member states and Associate States now have confirmed COVID-19 cases and, as predictions indicate that cases will continue to rise globally, humanity’s vulnerability and that of the systems we utilise, are again being highlighted. When we think of resilience in the Caribbean Community, we tend to think of the natural hazards we often face: tropical storms and hurricanes, earthquakes and threats of volcanic eruptions; indeed, the Caribbean is often referred to as the second most disaster-prone area in the world. But no one in this generation has faced vulnerability and risk in the way we are currently, with a health pandemic of this order and magnitude. This time, we are not able to rely on the knowledge of our elders who often mention Hurricanes Janet and Gilbert as lifelychanging experiences. This experience is entirely different, though
it may be exasperated by the swiftly approaching hurricane season. Many Caribbean borders have been closed to visitors, and in some cases even nationals have been refused re-entry. COVID-19 is a grave concern for Caribbean governments and citizens -- with rightful cause. Supply and logistics chains have so far been minimally affected by the pandemic (with the exception of some medical equipment being confiscated), and regional borders remain open to trade. Can we envision a Region where trade is significantly compromised? This is not far-fetched, as we cannot assume that trade will remain unaffected if international restrictions persist. The impacts of trade constraints on our Region, so highly dependent on imported food, fuel and supplies, would be disastrous. CARICOM countries who can produce food and energy to supply the needs of its people, should do so now.
Trade matters aside, COVID-19 presents a very real concern for the Caribbean’s energy sector. This becomes crucial when we consider that energy demands have changed with the advent of the crisis and, they will continue to change in unpredictable and unprecedented ways. Currently, commercial and industrial energy use have been reduced, as many businesses are closed or have reduced operations but, use at the household level has increased due to government mandates to stay at home. Utilities will therefore have to adapt to these changes since the amount of energy being consumed and the pattern of its consumption have changed considerably. If energy-eneration capabilities exceed the demand, utilities may also consider running the powerplant at a reduced capacity, with possible negative financial implications and impacts on the quality of service provided. Importantly, as energy intersects
with health, the ability to reliably power essential medical equipment – like ventilators – becomes critical. Significant shifts in oil prices have also been predicted and are already emerging. Globally, there has been a steep decline in oil prices due to decreased demand. These dynamics do not augur well for our member states, who have recently found large deposits of oil. Conversely, an increase in prices is expected when the crisis recedes and commerce and industry are able to function in earnest again. In anticipation of this, the Caribbean Community needs to be prepared and use this time to ramp up renewable energy and energy-efficiency capacity, where possible. The timing is right, as most CARICOM member states desire an energy transition to achieve energy security. Householders can also prepare by reducing consumption now, as much as they are able. Pay attention
In this political turmoil Justice Singh's class, dignity remain a shining light Dear Editor, I HAVE been reading the news, social media and letters to the editor columns and it's painful to acknowledge there is a mean, rude and nasty side to some. Acknowledge I must, because I cannot ignore as a Guyanese. I am reading people saying all sorts of nasty things about Chairman of GECOM Justice Claudette Singh. Some are calling her a lot of derogatory and all sorts of names. Even former President Donald Ramotar felt he had to get in his piece. He called Justice Singh “weak" in the Guyana Standard online news. The truth is I was shocked though not surprised to
read him speaking like that. Discourtesy seems to be the order of the day. There seems to be a competition to outdo each other. I ask Justice Singh to continue to stand tall and not let her feelings be hurt or be distracted by those who only see attacks and call names as the best way they can express themselves or their disagreement. Please remember this type of classless behaviour is a reflection of them, not you. Continue to stand tall for decency, continue to stand tall in showing people respect and speaking to them with respect, even when in disagreement. Continue to stand tall for women. Continue to stand tall for Guyana. Continue to
stand tall for dignity and dignified behaviour. Continue to stand tall for the human race. By doing so Madam Justice Singh it will hurt them the most. In this political turmoil Justice Singh's class and dignity remain a shining light. It is a beacon of hope among us who still believe in decency, who still think you can respectfully disagree. Many Guyanese are proud of Justice Singh and would like our children to emulate you and one day be like you. Yours Sincerely, B. Beniprashad Rayman.
to your electricity bills, track your usage and unplug appliances and devices when they aren’t in use. Amidst the hundreds of thousands who are now unemployed due to COVID-19, a spike in household electricity bills and other energy-related costs to be met by the most vulnerable can have an untold impact. Though high unemployment rates have incredible impacts on economies, businesses and households, these unemployed individuals do now have the option of learning new skills to place them at an increased advantage when the crisis has passed. In 2008 when oil prices rose above US$140 per barrel, the Region’s thrust toward renewable energy peaked. Subsequently, our renewable-energy targets became very ambitious. Let us not wait until our backs are against the wall again to see the necessity for energy-resilience and self-sufficiency. We need to implement energy efficiency and renew-
able-energy measures now throughout our operations, particularly in high-energy use sectors such as tourism. Tourism industries can benefit from sustainable operations as they seek to rebuild the tourism product during this period of inactivity. Renewable energy and energy efficiency can provide tremendous benefits to Caribbean territories by minimising costs and improving our environment. We can accomplish this and more with the longterm view of transforming the energy sector for the benefit of Caribbean people. We can appreciate, it is not business as usual. Editorial provided by Dr Gary Jackson, Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, a CARICOM institution.
Legal AID to resume operations next week Dear Editor, THE Guyana Legal Aid Clinic has been closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, but from next week (beginning 4 May 2020) will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to midday with limited staff. All persons wishing to be seen at the clinic must follow the COVID-19 prevention procedures. Anyone unable or not wishing to visit the clinic can: 1. Call, text or WhatsApp us on 664-4126 (Digicel) Georgetown office, 665-1396 (Digicel) Anna Regina office, or 664-5838 (Digicel) New
Amsterdam office. 2. Call or text us on 6235586 (GT&T) or 600-3971 (Digicel) Georgetown office, 600-4123 (Digicel) Anna Regina office, or 600-4122 (Digicel) New Amsterdam office. 3. Send us a message on our Facebook page. 4. Send an email to legalaid@networksgy.com. And anyone wishing to deliver documents at any of the offices may do so in the drop box outside the door. Yours faithfully, Josephine Whitehead Director/Secretary
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Healthcare professionals are national heroes -- says Min. Lawrence in Labour Day message
By Naomi Parris PUBLIC Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, has hailed healthcare professionals as heroes in the fight against COVID-19, in a message in observance of Labour Day. The minister stated that it is critical that healthcare workers are celebrated and appreciated, especially during the current events, as they are working beyond the call of duty to combat the deadly COVID-19. “In commemoration of Labour Day 2020, I find it prudent to recognise and underscore the invaluable work done by our nurses, doctors and other medical professionals, who have served above and beyond the call of duty; 24/7,” she stated. Minister Lawrence add-
ed that while appreciation is important all year-round, this time of year is the perfect time to express appreciation. “I am proud to state that our healthcare professionals are the smartest, most innovative, most conscientious people I know. They are seizing the opportunity to find innovative solutions to the problems we face and continue to work tirelessly for the recovery of their patients and for the protection of all Guyanese.” The minister, in expressing her gratitude to health care workers stated, “my heartfelt thanks to all of our caregivers for the energy, innovation and patient-focus solutions they bring to this necessary and ongoing task of fighting the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana”.
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence
The significance of Labour Day is the recognition of the struggles of workers and their significant input into so-
ciety, and, with this in mind, Minister Lawrence added, that the contributions of the country’s public healthcare
Healthcare workers must be protected ...while vaccinating during the COVID-19 pandemic HEALTH authorities should take specific steps to protect healthcare workers and communities during essential immunisation activities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, say experts at the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO). This recommendation comes following a call for countries to continue essential immunisation activities wherever possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. "Countries must do everything possible to ensure they are not facing multiple epidemics at once," said Cuauhtemoc Ruis Matus, Head of the Comprehensive Family Immunisation Program at PAHO. In order to protect communities and healthcare workers during these vaccination programs, PAHO is calling on countries to ensure that all healthcare workers are vaccinated against seasonal influenza, as well as any other routine immunisations they might be missing. "Making sure healthcare workers are vaccinated not only helps keep them healthy, it also helps stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in the communities they serve," said Andres de
Francisco, Director of the Family, Health Promotion and Life Course Department at PAHO. MEASURES TO TAKE DURING VACCINATION In addition to making sure healthcare workers are vaccinated against influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases, PAHO is also recommending that healthcare services that offer vaccination services implement the following recommendations: * Offering vaccination services outside or in a well-ventilated areas. * Keeping vaccination services separate from other health services, to help keep people who are ill and those who do not have symptoms apart. * Frequently disinfecting the vaccination area. * Limiting the number of people who accompany the patient to be vaccinated to one person. * Ensuring hand sanitiser or hand washing units with chlorinated water are available for the public at the entrance to the facility. * Establishing exclusive vaccination sessions for atrisk groups, such as older people, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
* Scheduling immunisation appointments or offering small but frequent immunisation sessions to limit crowded waiting rooms. * PAHO also recommends that healthcare workers take steps to protect themselves and their patients while vaccinating. These include: * Practicing good hand hygiene * Complying with uniform guidelines * Clean your phone properly and don´t use it around patients * Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth * If you have COVID-19 symptoms, isolate yourself and contact your healthcare provider. Do not go to work Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is celebrated this year from 25 April to 2 May 2020. It has been promoted by PAHO since 2003 with the goal of raising awareness of the benefits of vaccines to protect people. More than 806 million people around the Americas have been vaccinated as part of VWA, with many countries focusing on vaccination events in remote areas or among populations with limited access to health services.
system to Guyanese society is second to none.
DISCRIMINATION Recently, the manager/ head of Strategic Planning and Communication at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Chelauna Providence, had stated that there have been several reports of discrimination against healthcare workers since the first confirmed case in March. “We have been receiving reports from nurses and doctors that taxi services have refused to pick them up and bring them to work, supermarkets have asked them to leave when they are in uniform or have their badges on. We basically want to let the public know that nurses, especially, are frontline workers when it comes to responding to COVID-19.” Providence further stated that nurses are constantly
working overtime to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and deserve to be treated with respect during this critical period. “Our nurses and our doctors are continuously preparing for any possible situation in Guyana and they have been working hard and overtime to do so, so we want people to extend the same courtesies that they would to everyone else… Additionally, people should be a bit more accommodating to healthcare workers because if you should get sick or if you should need healthcare, the healthcare workers are going to be the ones to take care of you,” she stated. Providence noted that the stigma that is being displayed is centred on the lack of knowledge and persons should educate themselves and adhere to the precautionary measures set out by the health system.
Juke Ross makes the charts with ‘Atlanta’ --talks about move from GT to Georgia, missing home, struggle with temptation GUYANESE National and gifted young singer-songwriter Juke Ross is making his name in the music industry with his latest single, “Atlanta”. The 26-year-old musician’s new single made its way to music streaming platforms on May 1, 2020. The track, which was co-written by Ross and Ido Zmishlany, and tells of how one dared to dream, dreamed to live, and change his own world, and how special Atlanta is to him after he moved there in 2016 from Guyana. Ross was featured on Friday’s edition of the Rolling Stone Magazine. In an interview with the Magazine, Ross detailed his journey from being a Guyanese moving to the United States and following his dreams as a musician. Here’s the weigh-in on the Magazine’s Website: “In 2017, the Guyanese singer-songwriter, Juke Ross moved to Atlanta, hoping to build on the modest success of his single, “Color Me”, a wounded cry bottled into a delicate ballad. The three-month stint was disorienting. “I am from Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana,” Ross says. “It’s very simple, very calm, very quiet.” While Atlanta taught Ross about the wonders of Young Thug, “I really didn’t know how to operate,” he continues. “I struggled, missed my family and friends.” That feeling of dislocation is the subject of Ross’ new single, “Atlanta”, out Friday. The singer delivers
Gifted Guyanese Singer/ Songwriter Juke Ross
straightforward lines about alienation (“the city’s bigger than I’m used to, really makes me miss you”), overload (“promised we’d talk every day, but we don’t, ‘cause I’m out all night long”), and temptation (“almost sold my guitar for a dance at Magic City”). There is a smidge of Paul Simon in Ross’ lilt, and in the almost New Orleans-parade turn on the drums that precedes the track’s final hook.” Ross told the magazine that he was unable to get a flight out of the United Stated before the airports were closed, expressing that he would rather be in his home country during this pandemic. “Being alone here, I thought it would have been better if I was home in Guyana.”
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‘Recount closer’
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
… as high-level team arrives to supervise exercise
–– CARICOM Chair urges credible, transparent process By Svetlana Marshall AHEAD of the arrival of the high-level Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Friday, CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley said the National Recount of the March 2020 Elections must be credible and transparent; that nothing else will suffice. “The Community calls
CARICOM Chair said the process must be completed without further delay. With the team’s arrival, it is expected that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will move to gazette an order for the recount to be initiated. The three-member delegation, comprising Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Cynthia Barrow-Giles; Commissioner of the Antigua and
noted that the other members of the initial team were unavailable for the present mission. However, both Jarvis and King formed part of CARICOM’s Electoral Observer Mission that observed the March 2 Elections. The three-member delegation arrived at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at around 15:00hrs, and was welcomed by the CARICOM Secretariat’s
Ambassador Colin Granderson (left), with members of the CARICOM high-level delegation: Mr. Sylvester King, Ms. Cynthia Barrow-Giles, and Mr. John Jarvis shortly after their arrival mid-afternoon on Friday at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport
Members of the visiting CARICOM high-level delegation being transported from the airport on Friday on all concerned to ensure a credible and transparent recount process in order to provide legitimacy to any government which would be sworn in as a result,” Prime Minister Mottley said in a statement, hours before the delegation landed at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle in a chartered Trans Guyana Airways plane. Now that the high-level mission is in Guyana, the
Barbuda Electoral Commission John Jarvis; and Supervisor of St Vincent Electoral Commission Sylvester King, will scrutinise the electoral process. Barrow-Giles was a member of the high-level team which came to Guyana in March to participate in a scheduled recount, which had to be aborted after GECOM encountered a number of legal challenges. Prime Minister Mottley
Assistant Secretary-General for Foreign and Community Relations, Ambassador Colin Granderson. Health officials and other CARICOM representatives were also present at the time of the delegation’s arrival. CARICOM, in announcing the team’s arrival, expressed thanks to the Government of Canada for the generous support it has provided the initiative.
ONE MONTH ON This high-level delegation arrives in Guyana more than one month after the initial group was left with no other choice but to withdraw from the process after their involvement as “supervisors” was deemed unconstitutional. The high-level team had arrived in Guyana on March 15 to supervise a planned national recount, which had stemmed from an agreement between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, but by March 17, they withdrew after a private citizen, Ulita Moore, secured four injunctions from the High Court to block the recount, on the grounds that it was
unconstitutional. Added to that, though President Granger and the Opposition Leader had signed an Aide Memoire agreeing to the recount, CARICOM had requested a legal cover, in the form of a gazzetted order. However, Guyana’s Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-a-Fat advised against it. According to him, to do so would be to supersede electoral laws, and infringe on the rights of electors. However, on April 3, GECOM took a decision to proceed with the National Recount after the Full Court discharged the injunctions, and dismissed the application filed by Moore on the basis that the challenge
ought to have been filed by way of an Elections Petition. The decision to facilitate the recount was taken in accordance with Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates the Commission to “take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.” But while the Court of Appeal ruled out the possibility of CARICOM supervising the recount, the Elections Commission thought it wise to have CARICOM integrally involved in the process so as to lend it credence.
Curious woman dies from gunshot wound A FRONT Road, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown woman succumbed to a gunshot wound to her left eye after she went to investigate a commotion between her two neighbours early on Friday morning. Around 01:30hrs, Florence Forde, 56, was inside
her Lot 24 West Ruimveldt home when she heard a commotion between her two neighbours, Brian Wiltshire and Timothy Evans. Wiltshire is listed as critical after he sustained gunshot wounds during the melee. Regional Commander,
Senior Superintendentthe Phillip Azore told the Guyana Chronicle that Wiltshire had witnessed Evans stealing a motorcycle from his friend. Wiltshire took his friend to Evans’ home in order to recover the motorcycle. In doing so, Evans came
out of his house armed with a firearm and began shooting at Wiltshire and others. Wiltshire was shot in the right side of his chest. Forde, who lived opposite Evans, exited her house to see what the commotion was about and was shot in the left eye. The woman and Wilt-
shire were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were examined by doctors. Forde succumbed to her injuries around 06:30hrs while Wiltshire is still hospitalised. The police are still on the hunt for Evans, who has since gone into hiding.
WANTED: Police are looking for the prime suspect, Timothy Evans
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Baramita Village Council clashes with Joint Services over COVID-19 measures ...village captain says ranks threaten to dismantle village gate, checkpoint hut THE village council at Baramita in the North West District is at odds with the security forces stationed at the village over COVID-19 measures implemented by the council to safeguard residents from the spread of the global pandemic. At the same time, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Valerie Garrido -Lowe, has urged the village council to meet with the heads of the security forces stationed in the area to iron-out the misunderstanding. The Joint Services were dispatched recently to Baramita to maintain a security presence after reports surfaced that an influx of Venezuelan nationals led villagers to the suspicion that criminal elements tied to the feared 'Sinidicato' gangs were amidst the influx of persons in the area. On Friday, Toshao of Baramita, Sharmain Rambajue, took to social media platform Facebook to air her concerns over a developing situation as regards the Joint Services ranks stationed in the village, describing their attitude towards to council as "disrespectful" in several regards, including threats by the ranks to dismantle a gate and check-point hut set-up by the village council among its measures to combat the coronavirus. She recounted that the Village Council met with the
Joint Services and formed an agreement on the issue of a supplier of ration and fuel into the community for the ranks. She said that that a car would deliver the items every two days and the ranks argued that the driver should be allowed to enter the community through a gate, which is located some 7.5 miles from Central Baramita. Rambajue said that the driver was allowed several times to pass through the gate, but since the villagers are concerned about COVID-19, she suggested that the ranks can utilise the Guyana Defence Force Skyvan to deliver their ration and fuel. She noted too that the driver of the car was being rude and disrespectful to the persons manning the gate. "I told the captain in command here he (the driver) can no longer pass to come in, someone will have to go and collect the goods from him," she said. Since the gate is some distance away from the village central, she suggested that the council will organise transportation so that the officers can get the vegetables and other ration being brought in by the car in question. Rambajue said that the commanding officer, in an authoritative tone, informed her that the car must past through the gate and she
noted that recently, a police officer stationed at the village went to the gate, and opened
ranks to open the gate for the driver of the car to pass into the village.
Toshao of Baramita, Sharmain Rambajue
the gate for the car to pass through. She related that on that occasion, the car spent the entire afternoon and left sometime around 21:00hrs for the gate, to collect more items from another vehicle. Rambajue said the officer in charge of the police station at Baramita also informed her that only the police and soldiers should be on the roadways after 18:00hrs but she also told him about the vehicles traversing the roadways with goods were also breaching the curfew. This led to a breakdown in the arrangement since the police were instructing their
She said she was informed that the officers were planning to place her and a councilor in the lock-ups and according to her, the ranks threatened to "break down the building and break up the entrance gate and they would take control." She said the ranks took pictures of the councilors while informing that the commander of the division instructed them to do so. The village captain said that the officers also noted that the gate must remain open from 18:00 hours until 06:00 hours and that the villagers must not stop any
vehicles from entering the village. She related that a police sergeant stationed in the area also "question the legality of the gate" and the building constructed next to the structure. She said she informed him that it was built with the Presidential grant allocated to the village, while noting that the relevant minister is fully aware of this. "Now to me this is gross disrespect to an Indigenous leader. We must not stand for our rights, we must forever keep our mouth shut so others can take advantage of us," she argued. Rambajue, who is an eloquent speaker of the Carib Language, asked whether the 2006 Amerindian Act has been superseded by the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, as she noted that the village was now more exposed to the COVID-19 given its inability to manage who enters the area. The Guyana Chronicle was told by a legal official that a village council has no authority to override the national regulation. He noted that the curfew was passed in accordance with the law and passed by the President. Minister Lowe, who commented on the post made by Rambajue, noted that the government has put in place several measures for the entire country to observe in order to safeguard families and villages from the
global pandemic. Noting that she admired Rambajue for her strong leadership, Garrido-Lowe issued calls for all parties involved to work together "of which disrespect has no place." Garrido-Lowe said:"I suggest that the Village Council request the heads of the army and police in the village to attend a meeting (observing social distancing of course) to discuss and resolve these concerns. Respect is due on all sides and. I am sorry you were disrespected in your community but I am sure a better understanding could be reached going forward." Ministerial Adviser, Mervyn Williams, noted that he discussed the matter with the Community Development Officer (CDO) on Thursday, who brought it to his attention. He said based on Ramjabue's statement on the matter, his advice to the CDO was not communicated with the Toshao. Since the first recorded case of the coronavirus in Guyana, several villages across the country have erected gates and other checkpoints at the entrances to their villages to stem the spread of the pandemic. These include the villages in the Rupununi, in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni Region as well as several in Region's One, Two and Four, such as St Cuthbert's Mission.
Bartica providing free transportation for frontline workers THE Bartica Town Council is providing free transportation to and from work for frontline workers in the battle against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19). A bus from the council has been made available to ensure that these workers are taken safely and promptly to work every day. Mayor of the township, Gifford Marshall, said while these workers are most valuable, they have encountered instances where they were stigmatised. "The present pandemic has caused some to stigmatise the very persons who are working in their best interest. This is unfortunate. As a consequence, the municipality of Bartica, in its effort to fight this deadly COVID-19 virus, has committed to assisting
these workers. Therefore, nurses attached to the Bartica
Hospital are provided 24hrs transportation by the Mayor
and Town Council in collaboration with the administration
of the Bartica Hospital. This group of essential workers
The bus belonging to the Bartica Town Council that is being used to transport frontline workers
are most deserving of this support given their direct contact with patients and the stigma meted out to them by some public transportation service providers," Marshall said. He noted too that the municipality of Bartica, though strapped for resources, is committed to supporting the Regional Health Emergency Committee in whatever capacity it can. According to the mayor, the Regional Executive Officer, Kerwin Ward, and the Regional Health Officer, Dr. Edward Sagala, are doing an exceptional job in keeping the virus out of the region. "Thus, I wish to use this opportunity to thank them for their impressive leadership in this crisis," he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
No May Day march … but workers urged to continue the fight for their rights
LABOUR DAY in Guyana, and for some other countries, is traditionally celebrated, in May, yearly. The commemorative event has its genesis in the struggle of workers in Chicago, in the United States, for improved working conditions, when, on May 4, 1886, a number of those workers were shot and killed, while exercising their right to demand just reward for their labour.
ish Guiana Labour Union (BGLU)- in 1917, when he mobilised workers from the waterfront. Ever since the formation of the BGLU, members have become a significant segment of the Guyanese working class, and, subsequently grew in numbers and are a force with which to reckon. Among some of the trade unions in Guyana are the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); Guyana
an interview with Gordon Moseley Friday morning, urged persons to honk the horns of their vehicles at 10:00hrs, in celebration and solidarity with the nation’s workforce and their continued struggle. The cancellation is as a result of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has been creating havoc worldwide, claiming over a million lives and the need to adhere to guidelines placed by the Ministry of
During the march, many workers would display placards depicting messages, some witty, in an effort to air matters of concern to the working class. The messages that ranged from calls for a better living wage for employees, increase in the income tax threshold and even advice as it related to dealing with criminal activities, were a way of communicating with the relevant authorities.
were mounted on trucks and trailers. It was also customary to see many members of the public, some with children in tow, at various street corners, hoping to catch a glimpse of the “colourful’ parade. And, as the procession neared the National Park, it was customary for the music to change to that of the unions’ theme song `Solidarity Forever’ or patriotic songs. Once inside the park and seated, the
continued to participate in Labour Day marches but held separate rallies. GTUC held their rally in the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) Woolford Avenue compound, while the FITUG had theirs at the National Insurance Service (NIS) Sports Ground, Carifesta Avenue. And, despite mediation efforts by distinguished Caribbean union leaders, Sir Roy Trotman who was the General Secretary of
unions’ theme song was again sung by all in attendance and workers were addressed by the top brass of the GTUC and other union leaders. Following the rally, workers would then leave for their respective union headquarters to be entertained with music, food and drink until late in the afternoon. In 1988, there was a split when seven unions, among them GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), distanced themselves from the TUC. They formed the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and operated independently from the TUC. The seven unions
the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) and Guyanese George Depeana, a former General Secretary of the CCWU and former General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, there was no reprieve. However, in 2016, after over 25 years, the unions again held a joint rally, much to the appreciation of their membership. In addition to Denny, who was mentioned earlier, other union stalwarts who had etched their names on the trade union arena, during the early era, and before departing this life, were George Daniels of the GPSU, Gordon Todd of the CCWU, and Komal Chand of the GAWU. Chand passed away this year, after a period of illness.
Web scenes of past Labour Day marches in Guyana Here, in Guyana, workers who are represented by various unions look forward to the day when they wear red and white, colours that symbolise the struggle of the workers (before them) who fought valiantly to gain the rights and freedom for which they march. To usher in Labour Week, there is usually a wreath-laying ceremony organised by the umbrella body, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), to which the various unions are affiliated, at the bust of the late Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, known as the father of trade unionism. The bust is sited in the compound of Parliament Buildings, Brickdam. It was Critchlow who formed the first labour union in Guyana -the Brit-
Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Guyana’s largest labour union; Guyana Postal and Telecommunications Workers’ Union; Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union; Guyana Teachers’ Union and the Guyana Workers Union (GWU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU). Labour Day 2020, however, will be recorded, in Guyana’s history books, as the year when the pomp and ceremony normally associated with the day was absent. Apart from a scaled-down wreath-laying that was held, there was no procession of workers marching under the respective banners of their unions. President of the GTUC, Correta McDonald, during
Public Health (MoPH) and to a wider extent, the World Health Organisation (WHO). Over the years, Parade Ground on Middle Street was the known assembly and starting point for the Labour Day procession, with members of unions starting to congregate from as early as 06:00 hrs. By 08:00hrs, the scheduled move off time for the procession, the area would be a sea of red, white and black with thousands of workers, marching under their respective banners. While some braved the sporadic downpour of rain which is said to be a norm, others used umbrellas. The sun was known to come out in its blistering glory, before the entire activity ended.
In years gone by, a prominent figure, at the Parade Ground before the parade got underway, was the late Kenneth Denny, then the Organising Secretary of the GTUC. He is remembered for doing quite an admirable job. Had the parade been held yesterday, it would have been interesting to see what the messages would have depicted, taking into consideration the ongoing issues in relation to the 2020 General and regional Elections and the coronavirus epidemic. Previously, as the procession wended its way through several city streets, enroute to the National Park, the marchers could be seen gyrating and prancing to popular music provided by huge boom, boom boxes that
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MMA-ADA providing drainage, irrigation services amid COVID-19 impact –– encourages farmers to fulfil payments of taxes DESPITE the disruption by COVID-19, the Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) is ensuring that there is adequate access to irrigation water and drainage systems for farmers. Drainage and Irrigation Manager of the MMA/ADA, Mahendranauth Ramjit, said farmers who cultivate lands within the MMA/ ADA scheme in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have reported increased yields and were among the first to harvest their crops. They have begun preparations for the second crop. Ramjit explained that the ongoing works consist mostly of recurring maintenance exercises. “The scope of works takes into consideration the 650 miles of channels in the entire region, which is directly benefitting agriculture in terms of rice, cattle, cash crop and other small farms,” the manager stated in a special report recently aired by the agency. Ramjit said the conservancy at the MMA scheme provides water for over 45,000 acres of rice in the district. It was disclosed that it costs the agency a minimum of $12Million to keep the 650-mile channels clear every month. Meanwhile, there has been a significant reduction in the payment of drainage and irrigation and land-rental fees by some farmers since the commencement of 2020. Ramjit emphasised that this has seen the agency scaling back on some of its maintenance exercises in some areas of the conversancy. Farmers are reminded that payments of outstanding rates are still being accepted during the hours of 9 am to noon from Monday to Friday.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Ministry of Public Telecommunications seeking ways to assist in several sectors AS Guyana and the rest of the world are battling with the deadly coronavirus, Guyanese are still adjusting to the changes that were made to their lives, changes which are necessary to beat this pandemic out of our country. One of these changes has tampered with the continuation of in-classroom education delivery to our country’s youth. Due to safety precautions being taken, and persons instructed to stay home, all schools and universities are closed and are making use of online platforms to continue with the curricula. While this may be an advantage to some, there are so many other factors that have to be taken into consideration, so that all will have equal access and opportunity to education. The Ministry of Education has so far implemented an organised strategy, using alternative means such as television programmes, radio programmes, and more; however, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT) are exploring other means to ensure that everyone is reached. In an interview with the Minister of MoPT, Catherine Hughes, she said that it was a very complex and challenging situation, given that, even with the execution of online classes and television and radio programmes, there are those who would be disadvantaged. However, she noted that all measures are being explored to guarantee the progression of our youths in the face of the crisis.
Minister Hughes said that this is the time to bridge the digital divide, and this situation brings home the point of disparities of the haves and the have nots. She pointed out that several angles of shortcoming can now be seen. “Since we now have this problem and schools are not in operation, we are not going into a conventional school system. We’ve put internet into almost all the schools in all regions, opened close to 200 ICT hubs, in schools, communities, libraries, government buildings, and hospitals. But the challenge we have now, is that these places cannot be used. COVID-19 does not allow using the existing internet in certain places. So we are examining what are the options we have,” Minister said. She noted that what was being explored, is to allow teachers to use the smart classrooms at their respective schools and host online classes for the students. This, however, only addresses the issue of teachers who do not have the means to host classes. “But the reality is, even if we use the smart classroom, we cannot be able to guarantee that every child will have access. As it is now, we are seeking recommendations from Ministry of Health and PAHO to give guidance on if students can go to these hubs to have access. We have had a two-year plan, which includes a programme to give every child a tablet, but the issue of lack of internet, still exists,” Hughes said. But making internet available at homes is too farfetched, given that
that is the function and service of the private sector. Nonetheless, the Ministry is adamant about arriving at a solution to assist learners at home. There is also the issue of some teachers who are not as technically inclined to deliver education through online means. To this end, Minister said that they are exploring the possibility of training sessions for teachers, at the Centre of Excellence at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus. Hughes said that the Centre of Excellence has been facilitating ministries with database management and website designing, and she believes that it can be possible to provide training for teachers on how to teach on a virtual platform.
OTHER EFFORTS OF MOPT In addition to seeking ways of assisting MoE, Minister Hughes said that her ministry will be announcing, in a couple of days, the alternative ways of paying pension. The Post Office, she said, falls under the umbrella of MoPT, and to limit the number of persons who are lining up at the offices at this time, the Ministry is presenting options. “We have finalized arrangements with Banks, Ministry of Social Protection, and MoPT to allow pensions to go straight to bank accounts. I proposed this about a year and a half ago, and there was some resistance in the public domain, but it looks like what we were planning to do in a 2-year span, COVID-19 is forcing us to do now… Mobile money could be another way. Persons can still go to
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes post offices, but we are just providing options. A database has to be created to facilitate these other means, and we’ve been working on that database,” she said. Additionally, MoPT has been working along with the National Data Management Authority to create a database that addresses vulnerable groups. In the presence of COVID-19, the list of vulnerable groups has been extended to more groups than pensioners, persons with disabilities, and single parents receiving public assistance. To this end, the Ministry is making the necessary database available for persons who need assistance at this time.
Empower Guyana consultancy lending a helping hand
IN an effort to lend a helping hand to families across Guyana during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Empower Guyana Consultancy has been preparing and delivering packages of relief, hygiene and sanitation supplies, according to a release by the firm’s Founder, Amar Panday. In addition to the individual families these packages will touch, the company will also distribute similar packages to several Children and Elderly Homes across the country. So far packages of relief have been distributed in Regions 3, 4 and 10. As further resources are mobilised, the consultancy is confident that the distribution would be able to reach all the Regions of Guyana. The consultancy stated that the endeavour is in keeping with the humanitarian mandate enshrined in its mission statement. Further, it stated that it expects that these efforts would aid in some significant part in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It added that one of its main concerns is with the preparedness and response capacity of vulnerable families, communities and institutions.
Some of the families that received packages of relief from Empower Guyana Consultancy
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Boyer re-elected as GCCI President THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Council of the Chamber has re-elected Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer as its President for the period of 2020/2021. The decision was made on Tuesday by way of the Chamber’s 130th Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held virtually. In 2019, Boyer was first elected as President, hailing from the National Harware Guyana Ltd. In his message to the Chamber he said that despite the challenging environment confronting Guyana, the GCCI continues to improve and evolve. He said that the GCCI now has over 340 members making it the largest Business Support Organisation (BSO) in Guyana. Boyer stated that the GCCI’s net surplus was G$7. 7million in 2019 an improvement on the previous year’s surplus of G$6.6 million. Meanwhile, Cash and Cash Equivalent have improved from G$30.4 million in 2018 to G$44.2 million in 2019. Boyer will now continue to head the Chamber’s Exec-
Re-elected President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer utive Management Committee (EMC) which is made up six members. Others include Timothy Tucker of Rid-O-Pes who has been re-elected as Senior Vice President; Junior Vice President, Anije Lambert of Project Development Consultancy; Treasurer, Kester Hutson of Kester Hutson; Secretary, Shaleeza Shaw of Demerara Bank Limited and Immediate Past President, Deodat Indar of Sterling Products Ltd. “The membership and Secretariat of the GCCI
would like to congratulate the Councillors and the Executives and look forward to their stewardship of the GCCI in these challenging times,” a release from the GCCI stated. Meanwhile, the Chamber also elected its 21-member Council which in clude the above six along with: Gerald Gouveia Jr. of Roraima Airways; Dr. Roshan Khan of Social Rank Media; Komal Ramnauth of Kojac Marketing Agency; Javed Khan of Republic Bank Guyana Limited; Keon Howard of Winedaysgy; Marisca Jordan of RAMPS Logistics Guyana Inc.; Briony Tiwarie of BK Supermix Inc.; Shaam Outar of A&S Enterprise; Anita Ramprasad of MACORP; Navin Prashad of M.P. Insurance Brokers & Consultants; Dr. Vishnu Doerga of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc.; Derek Stoby of Muneshwers Limited; Gavin Ramsoondar of JR Ranch Inc.; Khemraj Goberdhan of Diamond Fire & General Insurance Inc. and Samuel Arjoon of Guyana Beverages Inc.
Introduce economic, social package for workers –– GAWU urges gov’t THE Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) has called on the government to implement a comprehensive economic and social welfare package to meet the needs of workers. This call was presented on Friday on behalf of the union by its General Secretary Seepaul Narine, who requested that the action be taken “urgently.” “We, on this May Day, demand such a package be urgently formulated and must include no worker suffering any loss in pay; support for the self-employed; a waiver of taxes to alleviate the cost-of-living; suspension of utilities payments and obligations to hire purchase and lending institutions; distribution of hampers to every household; and appropriate protective equipment, transportation and hazard mitigation to all frontline workers,” he said. Narine also called on employers of the public and private sectors to play
a role in ensuring that the needs of workers are met. The general secretary also delved into political matters, making known the union’s displeasure with the election impasse, the government’s address of sugar workers’ and other workers’ issues. He urged: “Comrades, on this May Day 2020, let us recognise that we need to be more assertive in demanding our rights and insist that we be involved in the decision-making processes that impact our lives. Today’s conditions do not call for complacency, but for greater activism and for united and principled actions.” On behalf of GAWU, he also gave heartfelt thanks to frontline workers working daily to address the needs and challenges that have arisen due to the COVID-19 epidemic. He said such efforts are greatly appreciated. “As we confront this challenge, we hail the courage and dedicated service of our health pro-
GAWU General-Secretary Seepaul Narine
fessionals, our police and defence officers and others in the frontline who are risking their lives to stop the spread of the deadly virus. We recognise too the efforts of those who keep the lights on, the water running and the phones ringing. We see too the media workers who, at great risk, continue to keep the society informed and updated. Indeed, they all deserve our highest commendation and we of the GAWU on this May Day salute them,” Narine stated.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 2, 2020
Preferential treatment for health workers
--- essential workers must show identification --- calls to COVID-19 hotline must be justifiable ON Monday, May 4, health workers in Guyana will be receiving preferential treatment, when conducting certain business anywhere in the country. This is one of the newest additions to the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, put in place by the government, which have recently been extended to June 3, 2020. According to the measures, paragraph 8: “Where a healthcare worker has to do business in a service mentioned in paragraph 6 (2) (a), (b), (c) or (d), the worker shall not join a line but shall be given preferential treatment on submission of proof of identification.” The services which apply to such treatment include: (a) banks and other financial institutions such as remittance services; (b) markets, supermarkets, fruit and vegetable stalls, bulk food stores and neighbourhood grocery shops; (c) food services and restaurants only for delivery,
drive-thru and take away services and (d) gas stations. These are also services which are allowed to operate between 06:00 and 15:00
In another area, the updated measures have also catered to the presentation of identification to police officers to verify persons
have, in his or her possession, an official identification document and official work identification doc-
Nurses in Guyana at a meeting (DPI photo)
hours. However, the key to receiving such preferential treatment is linked to the presentation of one’s occupation identification.
authorized to be in conduct of an essential service. Paragraph 7 states: “Any person permitted to go to work under this Notice shall
ument or some proof of workplace, and shall produce documents or proof of workplace, if requested to do so by a member of the Police Force.” Recently, the Police Force has upped its efforts in deterring perpetrators of the COVID-19 measures for their own safety and the safety of others. Just on Wednesday, an East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was sentenced to stand for one hour in the sun displaying a ‘curfew notice’ by the Diamond/Golden
Grove Magistrate’s Court, after he breached the current curfew. In the past week, the members of the Guyana Police Force were seen arresting persons along Sheriff Street who breached the 6pm-6am curfew. Another means by which a person can face penalty, is if he/she calls a COVID-19 hotline number “without justifiable reason”. This is also an updated measure visible at paragraph 14. Following Guyana’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, the Ministry of Public Health had set up COVID-19 hotlines so that members of the public can contact health officials to report possible cases of the virus. However, this month, the Guyana Chronicle reported that, since the hotlines were set up, operators have been receiving prank calls making the job of the hotline operators and health officials difficult. The idle acts have made it difficult for operators to separate persons who are truly sick, from people who are just calling to see if the hotline is working or to report persons who they think are sick without providing the necessary data required to trace that person. As of April 17, there were over 2,000 calls placed to hotlines countrywide. On the matter of testing, specific guidelines have been added to the measures under a new paragraph numbered 13 which speaks to ‘Testing for the Coronavi-
rus’. It mandates: “Where any private medical laboratory tests any persons for Coronavirus and the result of the test is positive, the private medical laboratory shall immediately report and forward the name and the address of the person and the result of the test to the Director of the Health Emergency Operations Centre.” The paragraph also stipulates that where any person has been tested positive for coronavirus that person shall: (a) comply with all applicable directions given and requirements imposed by the Health Emergency Operations Centre and (b) provide information to the Health Emergency Operations Centre about any individual with whom the person may have had contact, at least 14 days before testing positive for coronavirus. This is important as, although persons who may have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient may not feel direly ill, persons must be reminded that the incubation period ranges from 1-14 days and persons can show mild symptoms or be altogether asymptomatic. This does not mean that a person carrying the virus, unknown to himself/ herself, may not be able to infect other persons and critically endanger lives.
Elderly more vulnerable to COVID-19 -- UN research RESEARCH conducted by the United Nations (UN) has shown that although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older persons are at a significantly higher risk of mortality once infected. A policy brief titled, ‘The Impact of COVID-19 on Older Persons,’ has shown that those over 80 years old are dying at five times the average rate. At least 66 per cent of people aged 70 and over have at least one underlying condition, placing them at increased risk of severe impact from COVID-19. This brief was launched on Friday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. According to the data, over 95 per cent of fatalities due to COVID-19 in Europe have been of people 60 years or older; in the United States, 80 per cent of deaths were among adults 65 and over and in China, approximately 80 per cent of deaths occurred among adults aged 60 years or older. It noted that workforce shortages
disrupt the provision of care and directly impact older persons, causing further isolation. In the midst of the pandemic, overburdened hospitals and medical facilities are faced with the difficult decision on how to use scarce resources. The brief stated: “Human rights experts have noted with concern that decisions about the use of scarce medical resources, including ventilators, have in some cases been made based on age, or on generalised assumptions about the impact of a particular diagnosis, such as dementia, on overall health, life expectancy or chances of survival.” Meanwhile, Guterres stressed the four points that no person, young or old, is expendable; improved social support is needed; all social, economic and humanitarian responses must take the needs of older people fully into account and older people are not invisible or powerless. “To get through this pandemic together, we need a surge in global and national solidarity and the contributions of all members of society, including older people. As we look to recover better, we will need ambition and vision to build more inclusive, sustainable and age-friendly societies that are fit for the future,” he said.
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Too early to assess impact of COVID-19 -- agri. minister says but noted slowdown will affect all aspects of food security AGRICULTURE Minister, Noel Holder, said it is too early to arrive at an accurate assessment of the impact of COVID-19 in Guyana, but noted the slowdown of the economy will affect all aspects of food security. These are availability, accessibility, stability and consumption of food, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a release. The greatest impact to accessibility stems from reduced incomes during this time, the minister told a recent Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) virtual meeting for agriculture ministers of the Caribbean Community held recently. The purpose of the meeting was to establish a common sectoral strategy to address the crisis brought about by Covid-19. “Guyana is a food secure country having met global targets in 1996 of the world food summit, and in 2000 of the UN millennium development goals,” the minister said. He added that Guyana produces approximately 60 per cent of its food consumption, meaning the country’s food import dependence stands at 40 per cent and consists largely of processed foods, oils and fats, grains (es-
sentially wheat and corn) and Commodities and supplies for the poultry industry are curmilk and dairy products. rently stocked. Minister “Should Holder pointed we experience out that Guyany disruptions, ana’s food and there are alteragriculture secnative local feed tor may be afsources. Baby fected through chicks are usulabour shortagally imported es caused by illfrom the USA ness, quarantine, twice per week. social distancing Should there be requirements, any disruptions transport interto this; Jamairuption and simca has indicated ilar food chain that they will disruptions. be able to supWhile there ply the entire is no accurate region,” the reassessment of Agriculture Minister, lease noted. the impact of Noel Holder Minister this disease as Holder stressed yet, scenarios include disruptions in food production which that priority remains for diveris dependent on the length of the sification of production as food pandemic and the impact of con- accessibility remains a chaltrol measures on the operations lenge, especially among certain vulnerable populations across of farmers. While agriculture input sup- the country. He observed that Guyana ply services are operating at remains a food secure country normal levels, they could be impacted by international trade and in the context of the current restrictions. Producers are cur- situation, international partners rently harvesting rice so that could assist in examining ways higher demands for inputs will in which food could be moved across borders to other countries not occur until May or June.
within the region. The release noted that IICA provided four commitments at the conclusion of the meeting. These are: offering the opportunity to the ministers for IICA to organise a meeting with financial institutions - IDB, World Bank, Caribbean Development Bank in the next 10 days to explore the possibilities for strengthening Caribbean agriculture, promoting local foods, strengthening agro-processing and promoting a more resilient agriculture; adjusting for the needs of the Caribbean through the digital application to support development of the logistical arrangements for trade, and sharing with Caribbean member states; identify ICT tools for extension innovation and adapt and disseminate to Caribbean member states and to support their work with farmers; and organising meetings of the Caribbean Region with minister. The recent virtual meeting also had in attendance the agriculture ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.
Strive for a ‘Green’ Recovery EVEN in the midst of the global pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has underscored the importance of addressing climate change, as it urged countries of the world to do everything in their power to promote a “green recovery”. IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, on Wednesday, said that the IMF is prepared to fund both the COVID-19 and the climate change crises as they both carry weight for the world’s future. “The Petersberg Climate Dialogue comes as we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In the minds of some, the health crisis, and the “great lockdown” needed to address it, meant that we can push the pause button in the fight against the other existential crisis we face—our changing climate. Nothing is further from the truth. We are about to deploy a massive fiscal stimulus which can help us address both crises at the same time,” she sated. Guyana is in the process of transforming into a ‘Green State’, which will place greater emphasis on the protection of the environment, the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of renewable ener-
gy, through the generation of solar energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure
One of the priorities recommended was that when governments provide financial
IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva
climate adaptation. The country has committed to sustainably manage its forest cover as its national contribution to global efforts to combat greenhouse gases, and to combating climate change, through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Georgieva said that if the COVID-19 recovery is to be sustainable and the world is to become more resilient, countries must collectively do everything in their power to promote a “green recovery.”
lifelines to carbon-intensive companies, they should mandate commitments to reduce carbon emissions She explained that such is the wise use of public support and similar agreements were made during the global financial crisis, when some automakers committed to higher fuel efficiency standards “With oil prices at record-low levels, now is the time to phase out harmful subsidies. And governments need to prioritise investment in green technologies, clean transport, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. In the energy
sector alone, the IMF estimates that a low-carbon transition would require $2.3 trillion in investment every year for a decade. These types of investments would boost growth and jobs during the recovery phase, and help steer the world in the right climate direction,” Georgieva said. The IMF Managing Director also urged the promotion of green finance, using green bonds and other forms of sustainable finance, and a substantially higher carbon price, to encourage climate-smart investment. “Of course, measures taken by individual countries can only succeed if everyone acts. Just as vulnerable countries need support to fight the pandemic, the developing world will need support in reducing carbon emissions and, most importantly, in adapting to the consequences of climate change,” he stated. “What we do now will not only reshape our economies and societies; it will also reshape humanity’s future on this planet. Coming out of one crisis need not be a prelude to getting into another—a ‘green recovery” is our bridge to a more resilient future.”
Pro bono legal support to help developing countries through COVID-19 crisis THE Commonwealth is joining forces with law firms to give member countries expert help on mitigating the devastating effects of COVID-19 on people’s livelihoods. In a release, the organization said that the COVID-19 Business Law Response Initiative (COBULRI) will offer guidance and knowledge to governments of developing countries in particular, as they rapidly adjust legislation to meet the huge disruption caused by the pandemic. This scheme aims to help member countries steer through measures that will protect businesses and economies which are facing up to the enormous financial consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. In collaboration with international law firms Slaughter & May and Milbank LLP, a team of specialists has been assembled to help countries review their laws and regulations. Lawyers involved in the initiative will work pro bono as they carry out in-depth research and recommend proposed legislative changes where countries have expressed a need. They will liaise with experts in-country to ensure advice is tailored to domestic legal frameworks. Among various areas of interest covered by the initiative are job retention schemes, corporate financing, data protection and business-rate breaks. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has warned an “economic tsunami” could follow the health and social costs of the pandemic. She said: “It is at these times of stress, when our countries are threatened by COVID-19, climate change such as several Category 5 storms in the Pacific, and the prospects of a financial meltdown, that we become more aware of the need to join hands and galvanise all possible efforts. “This includes pooling knowledge and resources across our public and private sectors to alleviate some of the negative impacts COVID-19 has on businesses and the economy.” The Secretary-General added: “Bearing in mind the likely economic consequences of this devastating pandemic, we need to build on the advantages offered by the close ties we share through our legal systems. “This initiative will assist our members to implement measures, with tailored solutions contextualised to the needs of each country. “By working together in this way, our Commonwealth connections can help to save livelihoods and rebuild economies at a time when many of our members’ resources are stretched to breaking point.” An invitation outlining the benefits of the initiative has been sent to the Law Ministers and Attorneys-General of all Commonwealth member countries. More law firms that are willing to work on a pro bono basis are also being urged to take part. Promising practices from the scheme will be shared through the Commonwealth’s Innovation Hub for the greater benefit of all members. The launch of COBULRI is the latest in a series of measures from the Commonwealth amid the global crisis. Other actions include the setting up of the Commonwealth Coronavirus Response Centre and the COVID-19 tracker which pulls in a wealth of data from around the 54 member countries.
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Ambrose encourages Cornwall to work to silence critics LEGENDARY West Indies fast bowler Curtly Ambrose has encouraged spinner Rahkeem Cornwall to silence critics by achieving success with his own unique style. The 27-year-old was recently the target of criticism from legendary spin bowler Lance Gibbs, who doubted whether the spinner could be truly successful with such a short run-up. Gibbs was, in fact, critical of the current crop of regional spinners in general who he insisted did not turn the ball enough. While not going into the specifics of Gibbs’ objection to Cornwall’s style, Ambrose insisted it was part and parcel of the sport for professional athletes. Ambrose went on to encourage the spinner to keep focused and get the job done in his way. Since bursting on the scene a few year ago, Cornwall has had some measure of
success at the regional level but has also faced criticism for his weight. “Everyone has their own opinion about things and if Lance Gibbs gave his opinion about Jimbo then that is just his opinion but that should not deter Jimbo from progressing so I wouldn’t even want to touch that subject because that is his opinion,” Ambrose told the Antigua Observer. “As an athlete, a sportsman or sportswoman, you are going to get criticised no matter what, so that is not anything new. But I would say to Jimbo, continue to work hard, you know your ability, you know what you can do so just ignore all of the negative comments or, as a matter of a fact, take those negative comments and turn them into positives and prove these people wrong. Let them see you can get the job done in your own way and your own style,” he added.(Sportsmax)
CONCACAF unveils members of Caribbean Pro League working group GOVERNMENT and sports administration bigwigs from the Caribbean will be at the heart of the CONCACAF Working Group that has been charged with coming up with a format and structure for a Caribbean Pro League. Chaired by Mexican Football Federation president Yon de Luisa, with Caribbean Football Union (CFU) vice president Randy Harris as deputy chairman, the Working Group has now been added to with former player and former Trinidad and Tobago sports minister Brent Sancho, and the head of Jamaica’s National Olympic Committee Christopher Samuda. Operating as a sub-group of CONCACA’s Competitions Committee, the Working Group will also have lawyer and club owner Manuel Estrella from the Dominican Republic, Patrick Massenat from Haiti, Valdemar Florentino Marcha of Curaçao, as well as a FIFA representative. “Where this group is dif-
ferent from attempts to map out a professional Caribbean League in the past is that at its centre it has people who have lived and breathed Caribbean sport and have experience of running clubs and leagues in the region,” said Concacaf president Victor Montagliani. The Working Group, which is being funded by CONCACAF and FIFA and which will have the resources of CONCACAF’s competitions department to draw on, is expected to begin its work in the next couple of weeks with an initial planning session on workflow. Montagliani emphasises that there is “no preconceived model on how this should work, it’s a blank slate. They just need to go at it and do the work”. That will include looking at other models for professional leagues – Canada and India, for example – as well as resources within the Caribbean, including the pool of playing talent within the
Caribbean that could be professional. Sustainability will also be a key issue and while the league will potentially be supported by CONCACAF and FIFA funds, the objective is for it to make and then live off its own business case. “It is one thing to help and another to underwrite for 20 years. That isn’t really feasible,” said Montagliani, who added that he sees it as “a bottom up rather than top down approach to create something that supports and grows itself over time. To get to that point we need to understand the failures of domestic leagues as well their successes.” “At this stage there is no pledge of finance but that is not to say it won’t be considered. But how much, for how long to get it established and can it then be taken to external agencies… there is a political will to get this in place but what we have learned is that it needs to be properly thought and planned otherwise it won’t be sustainable,” Montagliani said.
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Premier League to consult players as UK government steps up planning By Simon Evans (REUTERS) - England’s Premier League, on hold since March 9 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, will consult with club managers and players over ‘Project Restart’ while the UK government stepped up planning for sports as a whole on Friday. The league held a conference call of all 20 clubs topflight and swapped ideas on the possible plans for resuming training and eventually a return to playing matches. “No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding Project Restart,” the Premier League said in a statement. “It was agreed that the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association), LMA (League Managers Association), players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted. “The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support,” it added. “The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers,” he said. The first step for any move forward will be the UK government’s review of lockdown restrictions due on May 7. The cabinet minister responsible for sport, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, on Friday held the first formal meeting of a cross-sports body set up to examine the practicalities of resuming professional sport. “I know (Britons) desperately want sport back on,” Dowden wrote on twitter. “We just kicked off the first of many detailed meetings to plan for a safe return of elite sport behind closed doors when, and only when, it is safe to do so on the basis of expert medical advice. Lots to consider, but today we step up planning.” English cricket’s governing body, the ECB, has been charged with leading the planning effort for all sports and is looking at ways to play sport behind closed-doors in ‘bio-secure’ venues. A spokesperson for the Departure of Culture Media and Sports said: “We held an initial, constructive meeting with medical representatives from a number of professional and elite sports bodies, government and PHE (Public Health England) to step up planning on what may need to be done so that athletes could return to training, when it is deemed safe to do so. “This would be ahead of any return to competitive top-level sport which would only happen when medical experts advise that this can be done safely. Discussions with the sports bodies will continue on this.”
GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2020
On top of the world:
Australia claim top spot in Test and T20 rankings AUSTRALIA have reached the top of the world Test rankings for the first time in four years and also claimed the No.1 spot in T20 cricket for the very first time. In the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) annual rankings update released today, Justin Langer’s side has jumped to the top of the Test standings ahead of New Zealand and India, with just two points separating the top three teams. It’s just the second time since the rankings were introduced in 2003 that the top three teams have been separated by such a small margin. Australia have reached the top of the world Test rankings for the first time in four years and also claimed the No.1 spot in T20 cricket for the very first time. In the International Cricket Council’s annual rankings update released today, Justin Langer’s side has jumped to the top of the Test standings ahead of New Zealand and India, with just two points separating the top three teams. It’s just the second time since the rankings were introduced in 2003 that the top three teams have been separated by such a small margin. Australia claim top spot in Test and T20 rankings Australia won just one of their first six Tests after Langer took charge in 2018, which saw them drop to fifth in the world, but have only lost two of their past 12 matches and followed their retention of the Ashes last year with five wins from five in the 2019-20 Test summer. India had held top spot since October 2016 but the annual update, which sees results from the 2016-17 season removed, those from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons weighted at 50 per cent and games since May last year given a 100 per cent weighting, has seen them drop to third spot. Australia won just one of their first six Tests after Langer took charge in 2018, which saw them drop to fifth in the world, but have only lost two of their past 12 matches and followed their retention of the Ashes last year with five wins from five in the 2019-20 Test summer. India had held top spot since October 2016 but the annual update, which sees results from the 2016-17 season removed, those from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons weighted at 50 per cent and games since May last year given a 100 per cent weighting, has seen them drop to third spot. The updated rankings will add extra spice to India’s pro-
Australia move to the top of the ICC’s Test and T20 rankings in annual update; posed tour to Australia this summer, with the hosts seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Virat Kohli’s side two seasons ago. “We recognise how fluid these rankings are, but at this time it was certainly nice to put a smile on our faces,” Langer said. “We’ve got lots of work to do to get to be the team that we want to be, but hopefully over the last couple of years not only have we performed well on the field, but also off the field. “Certainly a goal for us has been the World Test Championship ... but ultimately, we have to beat India in India and we’ve got to beat them when they come back (to Australia). “You can only judge yourself as being the best if you beat the best and we’ve got some really tough opposition to come.” Australia’s Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are also the topranked batman and bowler respectively in Test cricket. Australia have reached the top of the world Test rankings for the first time in four years and also claimed the No.1 spot in T20 cricket for the very first time. In the International Cricket Council’s annual rankings update released Friday, Justin Langer’s side has jumped to the top of the Test standings ahead of New Zealand and India, with just two points separating the top three teams. It’s just the second time since the rankings were introduced in 2003 that the top three teams have been separated by such a small margin. Australia won just one of their first six Tests after Langer took charge in 2018, which saw them drop to fifth in the world, but have only lost two of their past 12 matches and followed their retention of the Ashes last year with
five wins from five in the 2019-20 Test summer. India had held top spot since October 2016 but the annual update, which sees results from the 2016-17 season removed, those from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons weighted at 50 per cent and games since May last year given a 100 per cent weighting, has seen them drop to third spot. The updated rankings will add extra spice to India’s proposed tour to Australia this summer, with the hosts seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Virat Kohli’s side two seasons ago. “We recognise how fluid these rankings are, but at this time it was certainly nice to put a smile on our faces,” Langer said. “We’ve got lots of work to do to get to be the team that we want to be, but hopefully over the last couple of years not only have we performed well on the field, but also off the field. “Certainly a goal for us has been the World Test Championship ... but ultimately, we have to beat India in India and we’ve got to beat them when they come back (to Australia). “You can only judge yourself as being the best if you beat the best and we’ve got some really tough opposition to come.” Australia’s Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are also the topranked batman and bowler respectively in Test cricket. Australia’s rise to the top of the T20 rankings for the first time since they were introduced in 2011 is a boost for the side just six months away from the start of the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in October but could be delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Aussies, captained by Aaron Finch, have won nine of their past 10 completed T20s and have never been better placed to
win a T20 World Cup for the very first time. “Getting to No.1 is a great thing, but when you’re No.1, you’re always the hunted,” Langer said. “We’ve been the hunters for a while, now we’re the hunted and we need to get better and better. “I know how hard it is to win World Cups ... everything has to go right. “One day, I’d love to see Aaron Finch with all his mates lift that T20 World Cup above his head.” Australia remain in fifth spot in the ODI rankings, with world champions England still on top having extended their lead over India, who remain in second.(Cricket.com.au) ICC Test rankings 1 – Australia (116 points) 2 – New Zealand (115) 3 – India (114) 4 – England (105) 5 – Sri Lanka (91) 6 – South Africa (90) 7 – Pakistan (86) 8 – West Indies (79) 9 – Bangladesh (55) 10 – Zimbabwe (18) ICC ODI rankings 1 – England (127 points) 2 – India (119) 3 – New Zealand (116) 4 – South Africa (108) 5 – Australia (107) 6 – Pakistan (102) 7 – Bangladesh (88) 8 – Sri Lanka (85) 9 – West Indies (76) 10 – Afghanistan (55) ICC T20 rankings 1 – Australia (278 points) 2 – England (268) 3 – India (266) 4 – Pakistan (260) 5 – South Africa (258) 6 – New Zealand (242) 7 – Sri Lanka (230) 8 – Bangladesh (229) 9 – West Indies (229) 10 – Afghanistan (228)
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Graves to stand down as ECB chairman after Hundred postponement COLIN Graves will end his five-year tenure as ECB chairman on August 31, with Ian Watmore cleared to succeed him following a review into the circumstances of his departure from the Football League. The decision was confirmed by the ECB board in the wake of the decision to postpone the first season of the Hundred until 2021. Graves, who was appointed as chairman in May 2015, had been an integral figure in the creation of the new competition, and last year agreed an extension to his tenure until November 2020, in order to oversee its inaugural season, which had been due to run from July 22 to August 14. Now, however, with the
Covid-19 outbreak forcing a suspension of all cricket in England and Wales at least until July 1, Graves has agreed to end his term early. While there is much work to be done in the interim as English cricket grapples with the challenge of the pandemic, Graves’ focus is sure to veer towards his bid to become the new ICC chairman, with the election due to take place at the AGM in June. Commenting on his decision, Graves said: “With the launch of The Hundred unavoidably moved to 2021, I have reviewed last year’s extension of my term as Chair, and put a request to the Board to now finish early, on 31 August. “It feels important to both the game and the ECB Board,
to allow Ian Watmore to commence his role earlier than originally agreed. I have no doubt that his wealth of experience in sport, business and government will be invaluable as we navigate through this crisis “I have been extremely heartened by how cricket has come together in these recent, unimaginable times. There remains a long road ahead, but I have immense confidence in the excellent leadership of Tom Harrison, our Executive Management Team and the ECB Board as they shape the direction of our response to COVID-19. “It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate people across the game who are driven by their belief in cricket’s
power to improve lives and connect communities. “There is still much to be done in the coming months as I continue to lead the ECB during this challenging time. As we get closer to August I will look forward to saying my farewells and sharing good wishes to all those I have worked alongside.” Watmore’s tenure still needs to be rubber-stamped by the first-class counties at the ECB’s AGM at the end of May, but he has received a vote of confidence from the board following a week of newspaper allegations about his conduct while serving as the chairman of the Football League. According to a report in the Daily Mail, Watmore had been involved in discussions
Ian Watmore will replace Colin Graves as ECB chairman
over a breakaway league that could have jeopardised a £595 million broadcast deal with Sky Sports, who are also the ECB’s principal partners. The report also claimed he left his role, citing ill health, the week after the EFL had announced an independent inquiry. However, the ECB confirmed that a review into his appointment, by a sub-committee of directors comprising Barry O’Brien, Katie Bickerstaffe and Martin
Darlow, had uncovered no wrongdoing. In addition, it was concluded that the appointment process had been undertaken in a “thorough and professional manner” and the Board now regards the matter closed. Watmore’s appointment was unanimously endorsed by the ECB Board on Wednesday, where fellow board members Darlow and Lucy Pearson also had their terms extended. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Players should not be rushed back to action - World Players Association
By Karolos Grohmann ATHENS (Reuters) - Professional athletes across the world should not be rushed back to action once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, and they must have a strong say in determining the conditions for their return, the World Players Association said this week. Sports competitions around the world have come to a screeching halt this year as the virus spreads across the globe, starving clubs, leagues and federations of revenues and putting tens of thousands of professional athletes on hold. “At the moment there is a lot of pressure from the leagues on all continents to resume,” WPA Executive Director Brendan Schwab told Reuters in an interview. “The players can only agree to that (return) if they know that their interests will be protected. The best approach we are seeing is when the leagues... set up joint groups where players have an equal say,... where they are not being rushed.” Several football leagues in Europe, including Germa-
ny’s Bundesliga, have drawn up their plans to be ready to resume play without spectators if it means finishing the season and remaining contractually in order with broadcasters and sponsors. The WPA, an association representing some 85,000 athletes around the world through more than 100 player associations in over 60 countries, held a conference call earlier on Tuesday with its affiliated associations to update on the situation. It is unclear what kind of influence the players or the WPA as a whole can yield with cash-strapped clubs and federations desperate for a return to action both on a national and international level. GROWING INFLUENCE However, the athletes’ growing influence in global decision-making in sport was felt last month when their vocal opposition to competing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo this year contributed to a postponement of the Games to 2021. The pandemic has infected almost 3 million people worldwide and killed more than 200,000, raising expec-
nario would also need to have a strong plan B,” said Schwab as were no guarantees the seasons would finish once they restarted. “The situation is still fluid and interruptions need to be considered,” Schwab said. “What is critical is that all player associations have the strongest possible position at the bargaining table so they can get the balance right between economic viability and public and player health.”
WPA Executive Director Brendan Schwab
tations of a prolonged battle to contain it. Every major sports event has been postponed and seasons across all sports have been suspended creating a competition backlog, with the Tokyo Games’ move to 2021 further reshuffling the sports calendar next year. Schwab said any return to action would also need to clarify issues including testing, any potential future interruption if the virus flares up again and that the infection of a player will be treated as a workplace injury by the clubs. Career-ending or fatal illness due to the virus should have the full protection “of
this being a workplace injury,” Schwab said. “This is not clear yet in a lot of the leagues.” Testing would also need to be adapted to the various sports with some, such as tennis or cricket, requiring fewer tests than contact sports such as basketball or football that would require extensive pre- and postgame testing, he said. Several nations’ laboratories are working to find protective vaccines and drugs for the disease, but it could be many months before they become widely available due to the need for exhaustive clinical trials of their effectiveness and safety. “Any return to play sce-
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (SATURDAY MAY 2, 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) Hashim Amla-208 (Centurion, 2014)) (2) Chris Gayle-317 (ARG, 2005 Today’s Quiz: (1)Who is the only South African player to take a
Test match hattrick to date?
(2) Which WI spinner has bagged most Test
wickets to date
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2020
On this day: Born May 2, 1975:
David Beckham widely regarded as one of the sweetest strikers of a football in English soccer history
FILE PHOTO: England’s David Beckham scores from a free kick to equalise against Greece in their World Cup Group Nine qualifying match at Old Trafford, Manchester October 6, 2001. REUTERS/Darren Staples/File Photo
By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - When an 11-yearold David Beckham walked into a local newspaper office in east London with his mother in 1986 the trainee reporter summoned to reception could never have known he was about to meet a future international football and cultural icon. Speaking in barely a whisper, the blondehaired schoolboy, prompted by mum Sandra, said he had won the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools skills competition and a trip to train with Barcelona, then managed by Terry Venables. A story went out, one of a multitude that in years to come would chronicle a Roy of the Rovers tale that took the son of a plumber to fame and fortune beyond his wildest dreams. Six years later, Beckham fulfilled his childhood ambition by making his first-team debut for Manchester United before going on to captain his country and become a Galactico at Real Madrid. Beckham, one of the so-called “Class of 92”, went on to win six Premier League titles under Alex Ferguson at United alongside youth-team buddies Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Gary and Phil Neville. Beckham also won two FA Cups and, memorably, the Champions League in 1999. He topped up his trophy collection with a La Liga winners’ medal for Real Madrid and
added two MLS Cups during a north American adventure with LA Galaxy. That barely begins to tell the story, though. Midfielder Beckham, widely regarded as one of the sweetest strikers of a football in English soccer history, was destined for more than the sports pages. In 1999, he married one of the Spice Girls, a British pop music sensation at the time, becoming one half of the country’s new Golden Couple. Instead of “just” being a key cog in Manchester United’s dominant team of the 1990s and early 2000s, he became a brand, as big a name off the pitch as on it. High-end companies fell over themselves to sign Beckham up. On billboards around the world, he modelled everything from expensive underpants to watches and sunglasses. Actors Tom Cruise and George Clooney became pals and even Prince Harry was keen to socialise with soccer royalty. “Bend it Like Beckham” became a box-office smash and Beckham was even credited with winning London’s bid to host the 2012 World Cup, his charm helping sway the IOC vote. Even after his playing days, father-of-four Beckham is rarely out of the news. He part owns new MLS franchise Inter Miami as well as Salford City. The door to all that, and an estimated net worth of $450 million, was opened by football
gifts. Venables recalled meeting that boyish Beckham at Barcelona’s Nou Camp, “As we said goodbye I made sure I would not forget his name,” he said. Had his grandfather got his way, Beckham would have signed for Tottenham Hotspur, then managed by Venables. The forms were already printed out, but Beckham only had eyes for United. After helping them win the FA Youth Cup in 1992, Beckham made his first-team debut months later in the League Cup. He returned from a brief loan spell at Preston to ignite his Old Trafford career, making his Premier League debut in 1994. RAISED EYEBROWS Ferguson’s decision to give his “fledglings” their wings at the start of the 1995-96 season initially raised eyebrows. Pundit Alan Hansen famously quipped “you’ll never win anything with kids,” after an opening-day loss to Aston Villa. Instead, with Beckham flowering as United’s right-side midfielder, they scooped the Premier League and FA Cup double. On the first day of the next season, Beckham launched a 60-metre shot from inside his own half over Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan and the world sat up and took notice. Weeks later Glenn Hoddle handed him his England debut and he went on to earn 115 caps. From 2000 to 2006 he was captain.
Beckham’s celebrity status infuriated some, straining his relationship with Ferguson so much that the fiery Scot famously threw a boot at him in 2003 and cut his eye. When he was red-carded for kicking Argentina’s Diego Simeone in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup, fans and media lambasted Beckham for the defeat. A Beckham effigy was strung up outside a London pub, such was the venom aimed his way. Yet out of adversity, Beckham grew. He led England to a famous 5-1 win over Germany in a World Cup qualifier in 2001 and his metamorphosis from villain to hero was complete when he curled in a trademark free kick against Greece at Wembley to clinch a place in the 2002 tournament. Although England’s so-called “Golden Generation” never managed to land a trophy, Beckham went past Bobby Moore’s appearance record for an outfield player in 2009 before injury ended his hopes of playing at the 2010 World Cup and his international career. Post-United Beckham never quite scaled the same heights at club level. When he joined Real Madrid in 2003, 500 journalists turned up for his unveiling at the Bernabeu. It was not until his final season in 200607, however, that Real won La Liga, by which time the Beckham circus was plotting a course for LA Galaxy and the Hollywood stage his fairytale career demanded.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday May 2, 2020
`I’d fight in Timbuktu if the money is right right’-’-Tyson Tyson Fury
TYSON Fury said he would “fight in Timbuktu if the money’s right” after it was reported talks over a unification fight with Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia are under way. Fury’s next bout is due to be another rematch with Deontay Wilder later this year, while Joshua was set to fight Kubrat Pulev on June 20 but that was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With uncertainty over when major sporting action can resume amid the COVID-19 crisis and Wilder recovering from bicep surgery, there has been increased talk of an all-British showdown between Joshua and Fury coming next. Joshua regained the IBF, WBA and WBO titles in Diriyah last December, where he avenged his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr with a lopsid-
ed points triumph, and Fury says he would be willing to fight anywhere if the finances are right. The WBC champion told ESPN: “I’ll fight in Timbuktu if the money’s right. I have a bag and I will travel.” Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed negotiations with Fury’s representatives MTK Global have taken place. “We’re talking to MTK
Boxers Anthony Joshua (left) and Tyson Fury
about where that fight would take place,” he told ESPN. “At the moment, the main focus for everybody [is] the contractual situations.” He added: “The conversations between myself and MTK are that we’ve had an approach. We’ve had a
number of approaches from territories to stage that fight. “So the only discussions at the moment are where this fight takes place - and we don’t even know when this fight could take place. “We’re certainly open to have discussions about the
possibility of this happening this year or in the next fight. “There’s more chance at the moment that the bigger money could come next year because we don’t even know if we can do live crowds in November, December.”
After World Cup wink
How Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with Ronaldo & Rooney on first day back at Man Utd Utd..
CRISTIANO Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney shook hands in Sir Alex Ferguson’s office on the first day back in training for Manchester United after the 2006 World Cup, Gary Neville has revealed. The United team mates were involved in an infamous clash at the World Cup in Germany, where Rooney was sent off after stamping on Ricardo Carvalho in England’s quarter-final defeat to Portugal. Ronaldo attracted anger in England after running to the referee to lead the Portugal protests that Rooney should be dismissed, then was caught on camera winking at
the team benches after the forward was given his marching orders. This could have led to friction in the Old Trafford dressing room, although former United defender Neville said Ferguson acted immediately to nip any problems in the bud when the players returned for pre-season training ahead of the 2006-07 season. Speaking on Sky Sports , Neville said: “First day back in training, I was called into the office with Wayne and Cristiano by the manager, he wanted to see if there were any problems, any hangovers. “They were actually really
good friends, they used to socialise - Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano and Wayne were very close to each other. “Because the whole of the country was against him (Ronaldo), it did feel like a David Beckham-type moment in our dressing room. There was this thing about England and Manchester United, with England fans having a go at the United players, there was no love lost anyway. “When Beckham came back in 1998 everyone at United rallied around him, and it was the same with Cristiano in 2006, and it helped him go and prove everybody
Former Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wrong. “It was the first morning of pre-season, they shook hands, there
was no problem whatsoever. To be fair, Wayne is knowledgeable enough to know that on a football
pitch, anything goes - we had the same mentality at United. Cristiano was trying to win for his country, Wayne would not expect anything different and neither would I.” Ferguson’s peacekeeping efforts were richly rewarded, as United won the Premier League title in 2006-07, the first of three in a row for a side featuring Ronaldo and Rooney in their forward line. Ronaldo was a key figure in all three title victories before moving on to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 in a then-world record £80 million ($100m) transfer. (Goal.com)
Premier League re re--states commitment to finish season London (AFP) - Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the 2019/20 season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted in Britain despite fears expressed by players. The English top flight faces an eye-watering estimated loss of around £1 billion ($1.25 billion) if no more football is played due to the global pandemic. Playing the 92 remaining games behind closed doors would mitigate that loss, avoiding the need to repay hundreds of millions to broadcasters. But the Premier League faces huge logistical difficulties in its attempts to return to action, with Britain one of the countries worst-hit by COVID-19. The league and clubs discussed possible steps towards resuming the season at a meeting on Friday. “The league and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players
and managers,” the Premier League said in a statement. “The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the government’s support.” The British government is due to review a nationwide lockdown on May 7 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Thursday to provide a “roadmap” towards easing restrictions.
- LEGAL CHALLENGES Liverpool are on the brink of their first league title for 30 years with a 25-point lead at the top of the table. However the Premier League is keen to avoid potential legal challenges over the awarding of much more tightly contested European places, relegation and promotion if the season cannot be completed. Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions on Thursday after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe an-
Liverpool are on the verge of winning the Premier League (AFP Photo/Oli SCARFF )
nounced sport could not resume before September. The decision to end the season based on average points per game has angered some clubs, most notably Lyon, who have threatened legal action after missing out on a European place. Key to any restarting of matches in the Premier League is government support. Oliver
Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, struck a positive tone after a meeting with leaders of a number of sports on Friday. “We just kicked off first of many detailed meetings to plan for a safe return of elite sport behind closed doors when, and only when, it is safe to do so on the basis of expert medical advice,” Dowden tweeted.
However, players are questioning whether they are being rushed back into action to save the clubs money. “Obviously, the majority of players are scared but above all because they have children, babies and family, they might live with their parents,” Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero told Spanish show El Chiringuito TV.
“If we return I am sure everyone will be tense because the minute one person starts to feel ill, it will be ‘what’s going on there?’.” Players would potentially face weeks away from their families, quarantined in hotels. “I am hoping that it doesn’t come to that scenario,” said Brighton striker Glenn Murray. “That is farfetched, to spend eight weeks away from your family is quite a big ask.” A large supply of privately sourced tests would be needed for players, coaches and backroom staff. Testing has been a thorny political issue during the pandemic in Britain, with many frontline workers unable to access tests until recently. “If football was to resume then testing will be key and an extra layer of training will be required,” former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro told the BBC. “It only takes one case for all of this to blow up.”
GFF’s interim Head of Referees Department - Dion Innis
Innis appointed interim Head of
Referees Department
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed Dion Innis as Interim Head of Referees Department, with immediate effect, following unsuccessful public advertisements to fill the position. This was communicated to the referee fraternity on Wednesday, via correspondence from the GFF’s Secretariat. In a release, the GFF said, accordingly, Innis, Executive Committee Member with oversight for the referees programme, will perform the duties of the position including to assist the Referees Committee; to implement decisions adopted by the Referees Committee. Innis will also have to carry out all tasks related to the logistics of refereeing; to carry out all ad-
ministrative duties of the refereeing department; to implement programmes to develop the Referees according to the guidelines approved by the Referees Committee; to organise courses for Referees, Referee Instructors and Referee Assessors and to appoint Referees for various competitions. “Mr. Innis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role and will embark immediately on the development of a broad Referees Development strategy, in consultation and partnership with the all stakeholders,” the GFF said. While Innis, who was also a former FIFA-accredited referee, will temporarily serve in the copacity, the GFF said they will continue to look for a suitable person to permanently fill the position.
Mexican Football Federation president Yon de Luisa
CONCACAF unveils members of Caribbean
Pro League working group
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Ambrose encourages Cornwall to work to silence critics PAGE
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Leeward Islands off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall
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SATURDAY, MAY 02, 2020