FRIDAY 20th March, 2020
' No.105945
Guyana received US$55M for first million barrels of oil
SEE STORY ON PAGE 03
Regent street vendor, ‘Ghanhi’, is one of several persons who have been selling sanitation products on the streets following the outbreak of the coronavirus
Guyana requests US$5M from World Bank to combat COVID-19 PAGE
02
-Jordan says $120M disbursed so far to MoPH from consolidated fund
‘We want a resolution’ …leaders urge swift resolution to elections impasse 16 PAGE
Jealous ex-lover kills woman and her boyfriend
PAGE
10
2
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Guyana requests US$5M from World Bank to combat COVID-19 -Jordan says gov’t examining options available through other international banks -says $120M disbursed so far to MoPH from consolidated fund By Navendra Seoraj AS Guyana continues to ramp up efforts to safeguard against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the government, through the Ministry of Finance, has requested US$5M from the World Bank. “We have already sent a request to the World Bank to access funding under their (the bank) Rapid Response Facility and we know the request is being considered,” said Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during an
interview with the National Communications Network (NCN), on Thursday. He said the finance, if approved, will fund the efforts coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health and other ministries to contain the spread of COVID-19. Speaking about the requested amount, Jordan said, “We do not know if it will do, but let us say it is an initial request…if it (COVID-19) gets out of hand, we will see if to make another request.” “I got a letter confirm-
ing that the request is being processed, so we are hoping that we can get access to the funds.” As government awaits a response from the World Bank, it is also examining its other options. The Islamic Development, of which Guyana is a member, is putting in place a Rapid Response Fund, which government will be looking to tap, in the event that there are existing gaps in the local response efforts, after getting the finance from the World Bank. Additionally, Jordan said
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will be hosting a “Skype Meeting” with “governors” in order to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the local economies and to see how the bank can render assistance. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have done the same. The finance minister said government will, however, not reach out to the IMF for funding, unless it is for a grant. In addition to international financing, there is also
the option of accessing funds from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which is in the United States of America (USA)’s Federal Reserve Bank. “The NRF is a last resort just by way of mention…I don’t think it will be available…the drawings from the fund have very stringent rules, however, Article 27 of the NRF Act, under emergency financing, in the occurrence of a major natural disaster, a request may be made by the Minister of Finance,” said Jordan, noting that the fund currently
has US$55M which was acquired from the sale of Guyana’s first one million barrels of oil. With those options on the table, the Ministry of Finance has already disbursed $120M from the consolidated fund to the Ministry of Public Health. “We have disbursed $120M of which $73M was for capital expenditure and $28.4M for current expenditure…capital expenditure includes office furniture and medical equipment for the outfitting of quarantine sites at the various borders, while the current expenditure includes the procurement of masks, oxygen tanks and so forth,” said Minister Jordan. The money was disbursed in anticipation of the virus reaching Guyana, but now that there have been five confirmed cases, Jordan said he expects a “flurry” of requests for financing in relation to pushing back against the virus. It was reported on Thursday that President David Granger issued executive orders in alignment with the Public Health Ordinance. TURN TO PAGE
03
3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Guyana received US$55M for first million barrels of oil By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA has received US$55 million for its first lift/ the country’s first million barrels of oil, which was sold to Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited, late last month. The money, as mandated by law, was deposited in the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), which is in the United States of America’s Federal Reserve Bank. This was disclosed by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who was at the time speaking about the possibility of accessing the fund, as a last resort, for Guyana’s response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “The fund has US$55 million from the first one million barrels of oil…it will not be available to the government in this period, but it will be available to a successive government,” said Jordan during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN), on Thursday. Considering that Guyana is still going through its electoral process and that Parliament has been dissolved, Jordan explained that the fund might be considered a source of funding after the activation of Parliament. He said there is no discretion when it comes to the utilisation of the funds since, according to the NRF Act, there has to be parliamentary approval before the funds can be accessed. President David Granger had signed into law the Natural Resources Fund Act No. 12 of 2019, which was passed by the National Assembly. The Act provides the legal framework for establishment of the Natural Resources Fund, which will manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana. Guyana’s natural resource wealth had been bolstered by the addition of the oil and gas sector. ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is the operator of the 6.6 million acres Stabroek Block and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.
According to a report from Guyana Chronicle, the Liza 1 field, which is in the Stabroek Block, has produced over 2.7 million barrels of oil of which ExxonMobil has had its
income. So, this is not a contract that we should take lightly, it is not an occasion that we should take lightly,” Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe had said.
million in this first year and more than tripling over the next 5 years. “This is expected to directly benefit every Guyanese during this Decade of Development through
Flashback- The fuel hose leads from the Liza Destiny to the Cap Philippe for the transfer of Guyana’s first million barrels of crude (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
first two lifts. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) witnessed the first two crude lifting exercises and had reported that “the lifts went very well”. “These one million barrels is part of our profit oil allocation. It does not include the two per cent royalty, which would be paid on gross productions. So, even though we are having a million barrels lift in this particular instance, we are also receiving two per cent on all oil that is being produced. This gets us away from the perception that all Guyana is getting under the contract is two per cent royalty. “I am happy to say that Guyana is entitled to approximately five million barrels of oil in 2020 alone, plus the two per cent royalty, plus withholding taxes, plus the direct and indirect benefits through employment creation and other revenue-generated
Shell was nominated as the successful buyer of the government’s first three cargoes, with each cargo being approximately a million barrels of crude. The selection of the successful bidder was based not only on Shell’s global supply and trading capability, but also on a competitive sale with favourable payment terms. The sale of the first three cargoes has been concluded on a Dated Brent price basis, which reflects the tradable, spot market value of crude oil. Aside from the sale of oil, the oil and gas sector has witnessed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in excess of US$500 million; the creation of over 1,700 direct jobs; over 600 service providers and the establishment of over 70 joint ventures, alliances and partnerships which continue to increase. It has been projected that the oil revenues from this venture alone will realize approximately US$300
the provision of revenues to develop other important sectors such as agriculture, energy and manufacturing, as well as vastly improved social and educational services, world class infrastructure, increased wages, job opportunities and an overall better quality of life over the long term,” said Dr. Bynoe. Fuelled by the investments in the new oil and gas sector and the performance of traditional industries, it was reported that the local economy continued to grow and even recorded positive economic growth of 4.7 per cent for 2019, the highest domestic growth since 2014. While there has been positive growth from 2015, economic growth has been cumulative since 2017, moving from 2.1 per cent in that year to 3.8 per cent in 2018 and to 4.7 per cent last year. The growth recorded last year was more than the projected 4.6 per cent.
Guyana requests US$5M from World Bank... With Guyana recording five cases of COVID-19 so far, President Granger, through the order, said immediate action is necessary to address the virus. In that regard, he directed Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, to “restrain, segregate and isolate” persons suffering from the disease or those who may be affected from exposure to the infection. President Granger, as part of the order, has even called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other law enforcement agencies to provide assistance with the enforcement of the various measures, where necessary. Among the menu of measures ordered by President Granger was the containment of persons who may
show signs of COVID-19 and the provision of curative treatment for persons who are suffering the disease. The President also directed Minister Lawrence to remove, disinfect and destroy the personal effects, goods, buildings and any other article, material or thing exposed to the virus. The minister was also ordered to prevent the spread of the virus on the seas, rivers and waters of Guyana, and on the high seas within twelve miles from the baseline, as well as on land, among other things. President Granger had said funding the various initiatives will be handled by the Minister of Finance, who was directed to expend from the Consolidate Fund such sums of money as may be necessary for the
effectual carrying out of any or all of the measures listed. Section 20 (2) of the Public Health Ordinance provides that the President may, in case of an emergency, expend from the public funds of Guyana such sums of money as may be necessary for the effectual carrying out of any or all of the provisions of Part III of the Ordinance which concerns “notifiable infectious diseases.” “All government agencies and local government authorities are urged to render assistance and cooperation to undertake critical, urgent and appropriate response and measures in a timely manner to curtail and eliminate the COVID-19 threat,” said President Granger. He also said all citizens, residents,
New York-based stock market, NASDAQ, had listed Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world. According to NASDAQ, Guyana’s projected growth rate from 2018-2021 is 16.3 per cent. The stock market said that with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) size of $3.63B (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Those projections are contained in a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by approximately 86 per cent in 2020, almost 20 times more than the projected 4.4 per cent growth for this year. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has also forecasted a staggeringly-high growth rate for Guyana next year. ECLAC noted that Guyana’s growth rate is pegged at 4.5 per cent for this year, while next year it will be 85.5 per cent. A report from Bloomberg stated that with such figures, Guyana’s GDP will grow 14 times as fast as China’s next year. Further projections by the IMF showed that real GDP will grow by 4.8 per cent in 2021, 20.6 per cent in 2022 and 26.2 per cent in 2023. Guyana’s $4B annual GDP is also expected to expand to about $15B by 2024, said the IMF. The financial institution said the commencement of oil production will substantially improve Guyana’s medium and longterm outlook. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest per-capita oil producers by 2025. The oil sector is projected to grow rapidly, accounting for around 40 per cent of GDP by 2024 and supporting additional fiscal spending annually of 6.5 per cent of non-oil GDP on average over the medium term, which will help meet critical social and infrastructure needs. ECLAC said the Guyana Government will receive approximately 14.5 per cent of all oil revenue in 2020.
FROM PAGE
tourists and members of the private sector must act in accordance with the law and comply with any lawful directives and advisories issued by appropriate government agencies to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all. According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The coronavirus outbreak reportedly originated in Wuhan, China, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas.
02
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Persons who suspect that they may have the virus are advised not to visit a health facility, but instead call on several provided hotlines where it can be arranged for a health team to visit. Lawrence noted that additional hotline numbers have been added, and staff has been increased to deal with this area. The numbers are 226-7480; 229-7490; 231-1166; 227-4986; 6246674; 624-2819; 624-9355.
4
CAL flight departs after delay
A Caribbean Airlines flight, BW 526, destined for the JF Kennedy International Airport, via Port of Spain, departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, last evening with 101 passengers onboard, but not before they had some anxious moments. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had, on Tuesday, announced the closure of the CJIA and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, to international flights, for two weeks effective midnight on Thursday, March 19, 2020,
in an effort to slow the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. GCAA Director General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field had said during a high-level press briefing on Thursday when the announcement was made, “The Civil Aviation Authority, in order to slow the process of this virus and in consultation with the Ministry of Health has decided, with the approval of the Cabinet Taskforce, to close all airports to all international flights.” He, however, noted that priority will be given to outgoing cargo flights, medivac
flights, technical stops of aircraft that require fuel and specially authorised flights. According to a source at the CJIA, a pre-flight itinerary listed 87 passengers were to have left on a flight that was scheduled to leave earlier. Anxious to depart the country before the midnight deadline, the passenger showed up at the airport but were told to go back home. Some, nevertheless, remained at the airport. When confirmation that a plane was expected at 18:30hrs was received, the source said there was a mad rush to make contact with the passengers who had already departed for home. And, as the Caribbean Airline (CAL) staff began to check-in passengers and their luggage, the process was halted after airline authorities refused to carry out the mandatory scanning of the passenger’s luggage until they received word from GCAA officials.
After a while, the process was resumed after the needed approval was received during which time the plane that was expected arrived but no passengers were aboard, this publication was informed. The flight officially closed at about 19:00hrs. CAL had, in an earlier release, informed that passengers would not be processed for travel on any CAL services with a final destination or an in-transit stop via Trinidad and Tobago. They included Non-Trinidad & Tobago nationals, non-permanent residents of Trinidad & Tobago, non-nationals transiting Trinidad and Tobago; holders of work permits must apply for an exemption to travel. Only holders of valid Trinidad and Tobago passports will be allowed to land in Trinidad and Tobago, the release said, adding that non-nationals of Trinidad & Tobago who are currently booked on any Caribbean Airlines international and/ or regional flights into/via Trinidad & Tobago, will have their tickets placed on hold in accordance with the airline’s Covid-19 Travel Policy.
Monday, March 16, 10:30hrs - 12:00hrs Friday, March 20, 03:00hrs - 04:30hrs
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Prison officers granted substantive appointments SIX officers of the Guyana Prison Service, including Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels, have been granted substantive appointments with effect from January 1, 2020. According to a press statement from the prison service, Samuels has been promoted to the position of Director of Prisons. Samuels, who has been acting in the position for about a year, had said in past reports that social intervention and support, combined with punishment and encouragement, are much more effective in preventing crimes. He believes that if an inmate is not exposed to opportunities that contribute to positive changes, leaving prison and returning to a life of crime would likely be their first option. “An existence without hope will invariably lead to recidivism and a life of crime that will further jeopardise our individual and collective security. Our revised laws have not yet Director of Prisons been passed to see the GPS Gladwin Samuels move formally to a fully correctional institution. In our existing laws; however, there are sufficient guidelines that allow us to make rehabilitation a critical part of our mandate. This is an ongoing exercise,” said Samuels in a past report. The new prison director will be hoping to further realise his ideals. He will be aided by Senior Superintendent of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, who was promoted to Deputy Director of Prisons. In addition to Elliot and Samuels, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Kevin Pilgrim was promoted to Assistant Director of Prisons, while Chief Prison Officers Christine George and Kurt Joseph, along with Cadet Officer Twain Hemerding have been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Prisons.
18-03-2020
05 07 19 23 24 25 08
13-03-2020
E 15 16 20 22 25
358
806
07 08 10 17 18 01 04 10 11 17
5
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Regions Five fortifies defences against coronavirus
THE Regional Health Department of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) has set up a Regional Response Team and a Regional Emergency Operations Centre as part of efforts to prevent the coronavirus from entering the region. Both teams were put into force by Regional Health Officer, Dr. Desmond Nicholson, during a meeting of public health officials in the region. During the meeting chaired by Regional Executive Officer, Ovid Morrison, the Department fined tuned its plans for countering the virus on coastal areas as well as the riverine areas of the Mahaica Mahaicony and Abary rivers. RHO Nicholson stressed that the department wants people who feel unwell to report their illness to the Regional Health Department. “We don’t want people to visit the health centres or the two hospitals. We want people who feel unwell and are unsure of their symptoms to call in using telephone numbers provided,” he said. These numbers are Fort Wellington Hospital, 2320305; Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, 221-2209 and national hotline numbers: 2311166, 226-7490, 226-7480, 624-6674, 644-2936, 6119216, 624-2819, 624-3067, and 624-9355. It will be the role of
members of the Regional Response Team to visit the
ill, being infected with the virus can be fatal,” he said.
The department has also asked for the provision of
said the community is being served by medical staff resi-
The emergency response meeting at the regional administration building at Fort Wellington on Wednesday
homes of callers and determine whether their condition warranted being taken into the triage areas or to the isolation centre at the Mahaicony Hospital. He said the triage centres have been established at each of the two Hospitals as well as the 16 health centres in the region. “We don’t want any persons suspected of carrying the virus to get into close proximity with persons who are otherwise ill because the results of a person otherwise
With respect to the riverine areas, he said those areas closer to the coastland are being monitored and an ambulance is currently available for transporting persons suspected to be infected with the virus from the riverine areas closer to the coast. The regional health department has made a request for another ambulance to be provided in case there are occurrences where persons from different areas need to be transported simultaneously.
a water ambulance to visit persons living in the upper reaches of these rivers. With respect to the community of Moraikobai, he
dent in the village. He disclosed that the staffers at the village have been making residents aware of the virus and protective
action they need to take. He said that these staffers have been trained to provide initial support for any infected person in Moraikobai, including isolation. He assured that the medical personnel stationed at Moraikobai are equipped with adequate supplies of protective wear and sanitising equipment and the department is in constant communications with its personnel in the village. There is a contingency plan in place that will see infected persons being brought down to Mahaicony Hospital and subsequently to quarantine areas in Georgetown for treatment and until recovery. The department is also raising public awareness of the virus. This is done at the hospitals, health centres and in communities. Morrison also called on all stakeholders to observe all the measures to protect themselves against the virus.
6
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Overcoming our challenges THERE is nothing wrong with Guyana that cannot be made right by Guyanese. Addressing or righting challenges require acknowledgement that a particular issue is offensive or has debilitating consequences for the people in a multicultural nation living in comity; and where every individual or group can feel an important and valued part of the society. One of the first things that has to be tackled head-on is the level of intolerance and hostility people show towards each other. This is not only manifested in the culture among road users, notably motorists and every-day interactions, but also from least expected quarters. Civility, respect for self and the other, require a level of decorum among citizens and officials, elected and appointed. In the instance of citizenship, while it is not the intent to litigate when incivility started going downhill, it is time to arrest and restore it to where Guyanese were known for their courtesy. At the governance level, intolerance towards citizens asking questions of office-holders ought not to be, given that
citizens are exercising their civil duty. While the World Bank has elevated Guyana to an “Upper Middle Income” economy, they are still too many who are considered poor and deserve to be given the opportunity to rise out of poverty. Targeted policies and ensuing programmes can address these in a systematic manner. Where government has shown inclination in this direction such is welcomed, and more. In the 21st century, where other countries of diverse demographics are openly having frank and honest national conversations about divisive issues such as race and gender, Guyana cannot afford to lag. These can only be addressed by talking about them, accompanied by policies, programmes and laws to ensure equality in treatment, complemented by requisite data-gathering to support efforts. At the same time, it ought to be said that issues such as race and gender should not be used to condone wrongs or put square pegs in round holes, lest such make mockery of achieving equality, which is premised on justice and fair play. Our internecine political conflict can
no longer be blamed on the colonial authorities or on Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. While the enslavers and colonisers facilitated a system of ‘divide and rule’ to keep groups apart for their self-serving ends, this country has been independent for 50 years. Both Burnham and Jagan have been dead for decades and the fact that there continues to be conflict based primarily on race, the time is now when personal responsibility dictates doing something to fix it. Scepticism, restlessness and hopelessness among the young and resignation on the part of the elderly, societies two most vulnerable groups, cannot be ignored. Whereas, the former require opportunities to unleash potential and serve their country, the latter desire to be treated with dignity and respect in their golden years. The historical culture of this society has shown our capacity and capability in these regards and to this reservoir of experience we must return and apply. Migration hurts efforts at indigenous growth and development, since very often our most skilled and educated are among those who leave, placing the country at a
disadvantage of needed human capital. Where opportunities for employment and economic opportunities are not seen or known, hopelessness can step in and flight takes place. In recognition of the pressing challenges, it is welcoming news that the Ministry of Social Cohesion, last week, held its validation workshop. Given that the planners’ aim is to provide an understanding of social cohesion and assist stakeholders to understand their roles in enabling the process, the nation will look forward to positive outcomes/results. All Guyanese are important and ought to be treated as such. Each demographic has unique and common needs, finding that, conceptualising and developing policies and programmes with such recognition, along with the stakeholders’ inputs can help the society confront its challenges. By disposition, Guyanese have a determined and resilient spirit. Many of our talents and skills continue to be used for the development of other countries and these can be turned inwards and for our collective development here. We must aspire and work together to achieve.
The laws and constitutional institutions of Guyana must be upheld and respected Dear Editor, THE events taking place in Guyana after the general and regional elections on March 2, 2020 have laid bare the true nature and interests of all the true and self-proclaimed stakeholders in the country’s political process. We have the governing APNU+AFC, the Opposition PPP, foreign powers, ‘observers’, and the little rag-tag outfits whose scream for attention far outweigh any numerical support. Everything was going fine, and the elections were given a clean bill of health until the Returning Officer of Region Four attempted to make a lawful declaration that would have tilted the balance in favour of APNU+AFC. That is when the grand conspirators went into motion. Suddenly the PPP had different numbers, and the US, Britain, Canada and EU found the process not credible. Their disgusting behaviour was plain for all to see, so I will not rehash those. They kept shifting the goalposts, and will only stop if the PPP is declared the winner. The ABCE countries are clearly working overtime to ensure a PPP
victory; it is downright disrespectful to our sovereignty for them to dictate the conduct of our elections, instead of the Constitution and laws of Guyana. First, they wanted all Statements of Poll to be tabulated, this was done; then they wanted them to be displayed on a projector; this was done. And even after that, they cried foul when the final declaration was made. The EU ‘Observers’ had the nerve to demand to see Statements of Poll, to obviously find a reason to discredit them. The Chief Justice clearly said that the only thing the Returning Officer of Region Four needed to do was either restart the tabulation process or continue from where he left off, using the STATEMENTS OF POLL! THIS WAS DONE in accordance with the laws of Guyana! For foreign powers to attempt to invent a process that they call ‘credible’ goes far beyond normal diplomatic behaviour in a host country. It was very curious and intriguing that even before the western countries threatened Guyana with sanctions, Jagdeo was able to say that this will be done if President Granger was declared the winner. There was a video
on social media that showed ‘observers’ from the Carter Center visiting Freedom House. The foreign ‘observers’ walked out on the counting process before it was completed. If you are there to observe, do you just leave when something does not go your way? The western powers particularly, the PPP and United States have no moral authority to dictate to Guyana on the credibility of elections. In 1997, the Chairman of the Elections Commission secretly swore in Janet Jagan as President, even while votes were being verified and counted! The Marshall of the High Court served Janet Jagan, and the Chairman of the Commission, with an order to stop the swearing in, and Janet Jagan threw it over her shoulder! Where was the US then? And why were they not threatening sanctions? CARICOM and all the other ‘observers’ robed her and her illegal government with legitimacy. The PNC followed the legal procedure of an election petition, and the election was declared illegal! The United States had the most glaring of elections that lacked credibility. In 2000, the votes in Florida were clearly rigged in George Bush’s favour. Vice-President Al
Gore got the Court to order a recount, and as the recount was going clearly in Gore’s favour, the Supreme Court, the majority of which was Republican and politically appointed. voted to stop the count and declare Bush the winner. President Granger has acted like the true statesman and honest politician he is. He has said repeatedly that GECOM is an independent body, and must be allowed to do its work. He has never interfered with GECOM nor the court processes. The laws of Guyana must be respected and upheld, not twisted in favour of those who have their own interests. Imagine the hue and the cry if President Granger intervened and gave directions to GECOM. The laws and constitutional institutions of Guyana must be upheld and respected. The other powers and ‘observers’ can go make their countries ‘Banana Republics’! Leave Guyana alone! Regards, Jerrick Rutherford
Op-Ed
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
By Tariq Jagnarine, MD, MMED Family Medicine, CCFP
AT THE end of 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei Province of China. It rapidly spread, resulting in an epidemic throughout China, and is now a pandemic, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO), affecting 170 countries and territories with 206,893 cases, and 8,272 deaths to date (CDC STATS). COVID-19 is not a new virus; the new strain of coronavirus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), previously referred to as 2019-nCoV. The virus causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). COVID-19 MAINLY AFFECTS: i. People who have serious chronic medical conditions like: • Heart disease • Diabetes • High Blood Pressure • Lung disease ii. Older adults- 60+, 80+ (worst) iii. Young Children- 2% cases (3% critical) iv. Persons living with HIV v. Persons travelling to endemic regions Coronavirus is highly infectious, but the mortality rate is quite low. It is significantly less severe than 2003 SARS (MR: 10%) or
COVID 19: The power to stop the virus begins with you!
2012 MERS (MR: 35%) outbreaks. The incubation period from exposure to an infected person is 2-14 days (WHO), with a mean incubation of 5 days. Recognising that the COVID-19 is an infectious condition, it can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another through various ways, such as: • Eye, nose, and mouth, via droplets produced by coughing or sneezing • Close contact with infected person • Contact with contaminated surface • Kisses, e.g., Mother to Child • Pets (1 Case) Almost 80% of people have mild symptoms, such as Fever, Dry Cough, Shortness of breath, Fatigue, Sputum Production, recent travels from regions with COVID-19 and recover from the disease in 2 weeks. Most of the symptoms can be treated with timely medical care. Not everyone needs to be tested, only persons with these symptoms. Once someone is suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms, contact the national COVID-19 Disease hotline on 227-4986 or 624-3067, after which, the person will be screened by a medical team. If confirmed of COVID-19 via testing done only at the National Reference Laboratory, the infected person will be quarantined at one of the four designated quarantine facilities and receive readily available treatment and care. Currently there is NO CURE nor readily available VACCCINES, the treatment is symptomatic. Popular questions being asked:
i. Can Garlic Help? • There is no science-based evidence that proves its ability to protect against the coronavirus 19. ii. Does warm weather help? • Experts in the field suggest that heat and warm weather is likely to decrease the Spread of COVID-19, but DOES NOT PREVENT THE DISEASE. Temperature needs to be > 56C, as in Steam Baths- Inhalation/ Sauna which helps to decrease the transmission. • Coronavirus can survive up to 8-10 hours over porous surfaces (like paper, untreated wood, cardboard, sponge and fabric) and a little more than this over nonporous surfaces (like glass, plastics, metals, varnished wood). • Dies Quickly in the SUN and Hot surfaces. iii. Does everyone need to wear a facemask? • Not for everyone; only persons with suspected case or healthcare worker dealing with suspected cases. iv. What Can I do to protect myself from COVID-19? • Disinfect surfaces around your home and workstations, using any of the following: Bleach, vinegar, alcohol (isopropyl), iodine, chlorhexidine, Dettol. (IMPORTANT: Avoid mixing cleaning agents) • Wash hands often, for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (60% -70%)
7
• If sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth with tissue and dispose of it in trash bin. Also, sneeze or cough in the inside of your elbow and not hands. • Avoid close contact with flu-like symptoms (3-5 feet) • Practise social distancing • Follow no-touch greeting for no germs contracted. Prefer “namaste” or hand waving to handshake. • Wear a regular face mask if sick with flu like symptoms or if taking care of someone with flu symptoms • If you feel unwell, seek medical attention. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay indoors. Call healthcare professionals and follow their advice using hotlines • Do not share “just any forwarded message”. Only share authentic information coming through medical experts While COVID-19 is worrisome, 80% of people have recovered from the disease without needing special treatment. All of us can be safe if we protect our loves ones and ourselves by practising social distancing and basic hygiene. We are in this together, so let us do the right things with calm and protect and look out for each other. Preparedness and not panic is key to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For up-to-date information, visit the Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) coronavirus disease 2019 web page.
An open letter to Mr, Joseph G Singh, Major General (ret’d) Dear Mr Singh, I RESPECTFULLY submit that most Guyanese who once held you in high esteem and thanked you for your service to this country now question the motive behind your carefully-crafted letter, the intention of which is to bamboozle the naive and please the foreigners with your camouflaged patriotic language, laced with showing off your many leadership portfolios you once held. It is quite evident that your over-inflated ego was bruised when the President deemed you not “fit and proppa” to be GECOM’s Chairman, a position you once held. Your leadership at that said Commission then was visibly lacking, for you accommodated many suspicious acts of irregularities that many argued were unconstitutional, and I daresay unpatriotic. As you pontificated in your letter, “I hold no brief for any political party. By choice, I have never voted in any national and regional elections, because I pledged to serve my country and not any political party.”
I long to rationalise what you attempted to achieve in this paragraph, because many meanings could be unearthed. One such meaning is that those who, by choice, exercise their democratic and constitutional right to participate in a democratic process to vote for a party to lead their country, have pledged to serve a political party rather than country? Are you suggesting that Guyanese who respect the sacrifices many have made, been jailed and paid the ultimate price with their lives so people like me and many others who showed respect for their contributions by exercising their right to vote, have a lesser allegiance to their country than a political party voted for? How dare you, sir! You should not utter a word in a process you claim you never participated in. Sir, you have also posited, “My loyalty is to the Constitution, and you and all of your predecessors as Presidents and Commanders-in-Chief knew this and respected me as a professional.” You even answered your own question, saying: “How else do you think I was appointed to…”, and proceeded to list a plethora
of envious job portfolios you once held. Mr Singh, my question is: Where do you believe President Granger’s loyalty is? When or where has he been unconstitutional in this entire electoral process you chose to come out of the closet to speak on? Isn’t GECOM an independent agency that you once chaired; a constitutional agency with a constitutional mandate to man the affairs of the elections? Has the President ever intervened or interfered in the affairs of the Commission to breach its constitutional authority? You and all of Guyana and the world know the answer. With regard to your many appointments and jobs you so eloquently boast about, they could have been attained in many ways too numerous to mention. In this beautiful country, where the politics has a way of rewarding persons for their doings, for their affiliations, that has nothing to do with merit, experience, qualifications, or professionalism, all of which, I believe, you do possess, I must add. Mr. Editor, I do not wish to dissect every paragraph of Uncle Joe’s letter, because, in the final analysis, I wish to state, unequivocally, that Mr Singh does not possess the
sagacity, nor has he any moral authority to lecture my President, and to speak in a condescending, supercilious tone with coded language. On many occasions when Guyana and right- thinking Guyanese needed you, Mr. Singh, other local personalities and the international community who now seem to have found their voice, were all very silent; so silent, it was deafening. The President has already shown and demonstrated respect for our laws, the Constitution and our courts. GECOM, as Mr. Singh is fully aware, has its legal and constitutional duty; let them do their work. Let the country’s elected president be sworn in, and let us all, as Guyanese with and without a voice, work together to build our Guyana for all of our people. Let us unite as Guyanese, and not allow selfish individuals and outsiders with their country’s and foreign interests know without doubt that Guyana is for Guyanese. Regards, Jermaine Figueira
8
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Only the owner(s) of ‘Dogs of War’ can call them off
Dear Editor,
LIKE every Guyanese that contributed to the development of our beloved country, Major General (Retired) Joe Singh must be commended for his outstanding service to Guyana, in many areas. I for one have the greatest respect for this gentleman. But for some strange reason, he has faltered badly in his open letter to His Excellency, President David Granger: “Former army chief, Joe Singh, to Granger… call off the doges of war, (Kaieteur News, March 19, 2020” I would note that Mr. Singh used more than 1,200 words in his letter to President Granger, but not one word or symbol to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo. So, without any shred of evidence, Mr. Singh has determined, by the tone and content of his letter, that it is President Granger who is at fault and needs to do the right thing. I am not surprised, but profoundly disappointed. Beyond the rhetoric and offers of forgiveness on the part of the Major General (Retired) to the President for deeming him not “fit and proper”, and warnings of unforgiveness if the President does not call off the dogs of war, and allow the votes to be recounted, Exeter-Cathedral, the constitutional and legal structures of Guyana, the general content of the letter comprised of platitudes, assumptions, speculations and an attempt to moralise on the rightness of the consistent position taken by His Excellency, of allowing GECOM to do its work. The President has neither breached the Constitutional provisions nor broken one jot or tittle of any law in Guyana, in this matter of elections in this country. **He has been properly biding his time and space. However, the phase “… call
off the dogs of war” has caught my attention. The phase was used by Mark Antony In Julius Caesar: “Cry Havoc! And let slip the dogs of war.” But in order for the dogs to be called off, we have to find their owner/s. The series of events that unfolded beginning from March 3, 2020 to date, should provide some clues: **First, there was a massive invasion of the GECOM Command Centre on High Street. Those who were involved in this indecent and uncivilised centrally-directed action include: Members of the upper echelon and members of the PPP/C; and executives and members of the PSC and GCCI. Also, there were members of recently-formed baby parties, and surprise, surprise, some observers and members of the international community on mission here in Guyana. That raging group verbally and physically abused police ranks and members of staff of GECOM. It appears as though they broke down the door to the outer office used by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission. They could be heard screaming and shouting, and behaving in a manner beyond disorderly; mad. Leader of the Opposition Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo could be heard, in the video I saw, issuing instructions and even prompting observers to go forward to invade the official space of the Chairperson of GECOM. No member of the APNU/AFC Coalition was involved in this shocking event. On that same day, a certain Attorney at Law was seen in a video clip on social media threating two young female ranks of the Guyana Police Force about losing their jobs because they had no instructions to allow him to go into the building. He, the attorney, called on Dr. Ali to mark the faces of those two females, so that when he gets into office their jobs would be in jeopardy.
Disappointed that Roraima Airways sent home its staff
Dear Editor,
I HAVE read with great disappointment about the decision of the Roraima Airways group to place its staffers on no-pay leave for as long as three (3) months. For those poor workers, it must have been a painful blow as they contemplate how to meet life’s expectations, among the new burdens they must now carry. As someone who also faced the reality of joblessness following the recent closure of sugar estates in Guyana, I am aware of the sadness that stares them in the face, and they have my sincerest sympathy. I did see the company’s owner explaining, in the media, that he was faced with no choice, lest the business folds up altogether. I must admit that I take that explanation somewhat skeptically. I say so, bearing in mind that over the years, the company has accumulated profits. Some would have been re-invested in capital replacement and expansion, and some, I believe, would have been put aside for a rainy day, as is the case now. I contend that no private enterprise would
operate for prolonged periods while being in the red; it simply defies the logic of capitalist operations. Those profits that were accrued came on the sweat and efforts of those workers who will now be condemned to at least a quarter of this year without any income. Any company mindful of its employees’ welfare, and in recognition of their straits, would find some novel way to assist them, using some of the accumulated profits it would have recorded over the years. I hasten to point out that in this time of crisis, we all need to band together and assist each other in difficult times. Guyanese are known for their charitableness, and it is said charity begins at home. On this note, I wish to appeal to the Roraima Group, particularly Captain Gouveia, to look at this matter with a human face. Now is the time your employees need help, and they are depending on you not to let them down. Regards, Porandatt Narine
Then, there was a press conference by the PPP/C and eight other baby parties attacking GECOM and the Returning Officer for Region Four, accusing him of fraud. Interestingly, whilst the baby parties shouted and continue to shout fraud, they did not even have the capacity to afford agents to be present at the different polling stations in Georgetown, let alone in other parts of the country. They could not collect statements of poll; they relied on one of the larger parties to help them out. Then there was the injunction, granted to a supporter of the PPP/C, by Justice Navindra Singh, against GECOM, the Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo. Then, the subsequent ruling by Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire that the declaration made by the Returning Officer in Region 4 was unlawful and in breach of the Representation of the People Act. And orders and consequential orders to GECOM and the Returning Officer of Region four. Then, there was the contempt proceedings brought against the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Returning Officer for Region 4, by the PPP/C. This party is trying to litigate an election petition by way of injunctions upfront. This action continues to impede much-needed progress in the electoral process. Also, there is Mercury Public Affairs Corporation, hired by the PPP/C to the tune of $34M. This is the same company which is using lobbyists to tell stories about Guyana to get American Congressmen to threaten sanctions against Guyana for elections fraud. There is no election petition before Guyana’s courts. The elections have not been concluded, but since the counting of ballots started in Region 4, there has been talk and almost
daily reports in our media about sanctions. I suspect that forces are trying to influence the elections outcome in a particular way. Then there is the public relations arm of the PPP/C, the Private Sector Commission, blasting the sole constitutional body for elections in Guyana, GECOM, and making all kinds of fanciful statements at regular press conferences and interviews about fraudulent elections. In the face of all of those events and much more, President Granger and his team have hardly said a word. The President himself has made two press statements, and Director-General Harmon has done about two interviews in the press. The President continues to encourage his supporters to be peaceful, and allow GECOM to do its work. APNU/AFC supporters have not been involved in violence of any sort. In spite of provocations by other groups, all is peaceful. If the Major General (Retired) takes a careful look at those few events mentioned in this letter, then he would have much more than an idea about the owner (s) of ‘the dogs of war’. Certainly, those “dogs” could not be owned or handled by His Excellency, President David Granger. I do believe that the request by Mr. Singh is misdirected. Finally, I would urge the Major General (Retired) that the next time he attempts to do an open letter in the press on a national political situation, to speak and/or write to all actors involved. Biases, prejudices, and one-sidedness erode credibility and trust, and betray pretensions of sincerity and love for country. Only the owner (s) of “the dogs of war” can call them off. Regards, Gregory Howe
ACDA not deterred by threats of sanctions
Dear Editor,
(a) RESPECT for citizens’ rights to seek redress in the courts of law on any related electoral issue; (b) A verified recount of all electoral districts as legally permitted under the Constitution, under the supervision of CARICOM in chronological order from one to ten, ACDA expects the African community and our political leadership to accept the results of a recount, and will call on them to do so if necessary; (c) In keeping with our stated historical position since 1998, we reiterate our demand that whichever party wins, that it forms a government of national unity for an agreed period, with a clear mandate to complete constitutional reform for shared governance
with a view to enabling the country to achieve social cohesion and ending the “winner-takeall” governance system. (d) ACDA is of the view that no one should be elated about sanctions, or the threat of sanctions being imposed on Guyana, since all investments in Guyana will be at risk, and those with the greatest amounts of investment are likely to lose the most. ACDA reiterates its call for all Guyanese to remain calm and not allow political leaders, activists or detractors to divert our attention from maintaining a unified stance against disruptive behaviour in the common interest of all Guyanese. Regards, ACDA STEERING COMMITTEE
How will we be remembered? Dear Editor, AS WE move around Guyana, we see the political banners, of all colours, in tatters, blowing in the wind like broken promises. Some years ago, I met up with a young Guyanese student in the UK. When she heard that I had been living in Guyana for some years, she introduced herself by her first name, but was very reluctant to reveal
her family name. I would be mortified if my children or grandchildren did that. How we act in the next few days and weeks, whether as our ‘political leaders’ or as humble villagers will determine the way our children, our grandchildren and our neighbours see us and remember us. Regards, Dr. Brian O’Toole, MBE, AA
9
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
Taking all the necessary precautions
--Guyanese continue to safeguard themselves against the deadly Coronavirus WITH the number of confirmed cases of the dreaded Coronavirus (code-named COVID-9) in Guyana now pegged at five, Guyanese all across the nation are taking all the necessary precautions to prevent its spread. After news broke of the virus’s presence here last Wednesday, many citizens flocked nearby pharmacies and supermarkets to stock up on gloves, facemasks, hand sanitizers, vitamins and disinfectants. While several persons were seen clad in face masks and surgical gloves as they went about their daily business, one citizen, Andre Wilson, noted that while it is important for persons to keep washing and sanitising their hands, it is also important for them to eat healthy to boost their immune system. “Everywhere I go I try to use hand sanitizer before I do any transaction or anything of the sort and after… I’m trying to be as safe as possible, in terms of what the ministry would have advised us to do, as in best health practices; I’m having a lot fruits to boost the immune system,” Wilson stated. Meanwhile, another citizen, who gave her name as ‘Nirmala’, stated that she is taking all the necessary precautionary measures as advised by the Ministry of Public Health. “I’m getting my house cleaned with bleach and vinegar; I bought the Lysol to spray my house, and keep it clean. And anytime I go out, I make sure I get my hand sanitizer,” the woman said. ‘LOCKED AND LOADED’ A taxi driver by the name of Ramroop told
the Guyana Chronicle that he is “fully locked and loaded” with sanitation products to clean his car, and protect him and customers during the outbreak. He added that every two hours, he would spray the seats of his car, and whenev-
dor, who gave her name as Karen, stated that she is keeping her surroundings and household clean by using everyday cleaning products such as bleach and Lysol. The woman said she is also using rubbing alcohol, wipes,
‘Karen’ armed with her rubbing alcohol and wipes
sell. As I collect money, I wipe my hand with my handkerchief; I have my little Marvex bottle with water and Marvex to wash my hand, plus I have my hand sanitizer,” English stated. ‘Gandhi’, a street vendor, noted that he is also taking precautionary measures to protect himself. However, the businessman noted that he is also capitalising on the situation by selling sanitation products that are in demand, since many stores have been sold out, and have hiked the prices for many sanitation products such as Lysol spray, gloves, and face-masks.
Christine English sells plantain chips for a living
How Guyanese go about their business these days (Photos by Delano Williams)
Andre Wilson uses fruits to boost his immune system
er he receives money, he would sanitise his hands. “I use hand sanitizer, and have Dettol and bleach in my car. And every two hours I spray out my car,” Ramroop said. Meanwhile, a ven-
and hand sanitisers to keep her hands clean, as she continues to ply her trade. Christine English, a plantain-chip vendor, stated that she is also taking all the necessary precautions to protect
‘Ramroop’, a taxi driver
herself and customers, as she sells on a daily basis. The woman noted that because she meets with various persons from all over the place during the day, it is very important that she keeps herself and stand clean and sanitised at all times, not only to guard herself but her customers as well. “I’m protecting myself by using hand sanitizer whenever I
TESTS POSITIVE Another family member of the 52-yearold woman who died from the Coronavirus last week has tested positive for the illness, bringing the total number of cases recorded in Guyana to five. The first case of the virus, which was confirmed last Wednesday, was that of a 52-yearold woman who recently travelled with family members from the United States. It was noted that based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms (out-of-control diabetes and high blood pressure), health officials also diagnosed her as having contracted COVID-19. A sample was collected and sent to the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), where laboratory tests proved positive on Wednesday morning. The woman died last Wednesday while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
10
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Linden dance group gets $50,000
THE Epic Dance Group, a fast-rising youth dance group out of Linden, was presented with a donation of $50,000 on Friday which will help them to make an even greater impact in the region. The donation was made by one of the founders of the Centre for Guyanese Progress, Gavin Alleyne. The group’s instructor and leader, Shannon Griffith, at a small handing over ceremony, said the donation will be used to purchase clothing needed to advance the work of the group. “We are very grateful and thankful for the donation as it never dawned upon us how impactful we have been to so many and the significant number of persons who are paying attention to what we are doing and more so, the fact that we are engaging these young ladies in a positive way,” Griffith said. She disclosed that since the group’s emergence to the spotlight some years ago, the some 60-plus members have been ‘barely making it’ by being forced to solicit assistance. Funding, Griffith explained, is important as most of the young ladies from the
group are young girls with some 98 per cent still attending school.
donation, it is now equipped to better serve to advance its efforts.
seeking to create a positive change through dancing and have therefore sought to sup-
impact the lives of many as we are taking dancing to a whole new level in Region 10
NGO Representatives Rodwanicia Kennedy (fourth left); one of the founders of the Centre for Guyanese Progress, Gavin Alleyne; REO, Orrin Gordon; DREO, Maylene Stephen; Dance group leader, Shannon Griffith and several members of the group, pose with the $50,000 cheque
Thanks to caring, supportive and innovative community members, parents and well-wishers the group has nonetheless been able to get by. However, with the timely
“The RDC Region 10 and more in particular, the DREO Ms. Stephen, has been our major supporter prior to this donation and we are truly happy that someone recognised that we are genuinely
port us,” she said. “We have had some challenges but what I can tell you is that we intend to continue doing what we have been doing as we are very confident that we will continue to
and we are happy because the community continues to back us along with the regional officials and we are thankful for this.” Meanwhile, the non-government organisation (NGO)
has pledged its continued support to the group which has also been recognised by the Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, his Deputy, Maylene Stephen, and the Mayor and Town Council. DREO Stephen and the REO congratulated the group, particularly the NGO, for lending its support. She noted that it demonstrates the right spirit in boosting community development and the advancement of the arts. She thanked Alleyne and urged him to continue in the path of assisting those in need. “This donation is very timely and I join with my REO in thanking the NGO and more so the group for being able to attract such assistance as it’s a testimony that when you work hard somebody will notice and reward you,” Stephen said. She assured the group that the RDC will continue to play its part and will seek to reach out to as many persons within Region 10 as they work to create opportunities and platforms for the showcasing and development of skills and talents.
Jealous ex-lover kills woman, boyfriend
By Vanessa Braithwaite
THE community of Prosville, Wismar, Linden, was stunned by screams from a well-known resident late Wednesday evening, whose lifeless body was later discovered in her yard, drenched in her blood. A few feet away was her paramour, whose bloodied body was also found at her Lot 177 Prosville, Wismar, Linden home. Dead is Imogene Gordon, 48, and Roylon John, 42, of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice. It is suspected that they were stabbed by Gordon’s ex-lover, Maxwell Usher, 48, a businessman of Prosville. Around 20:45hrs on Wednesday, neighbours heard screams from Gordon’s residence. One neighbour then contacted ranks of the Wisroc Police Station who visited the scene and observed the couple lying face down. It was further observed that they had multiple stab wounds about the upper part of the body.
The scene was canvassed and a black-handle prospect knife was seen about six feet from Gordon’s body. They were rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The bodies are currently at De Jetsco Funeral Home. A good friend of the deceased related that she shared a relationship with Usher for four years. He was always abusive and as his abusive behaviour worsened, Gordon decided to end the relationship. Less than two weeks ago, Usher was arrested for threatening to chop off her hands and feet. He was charged and placed before the court, where he pleaded guilty. The magistrate placed the couple on six months bond to keep the peace. Since they were in a common-law relationship and both contributed financially to the house that was presently under construction, Gordon’s friend said Usher was ordered to live on another property owned by
This newspaper understands that Gordon is a remigrant and has six children residing overseas. She returned home in 2019 to complete her house in the mining town. Meanwhile, John, who is a mason, came to Linden seeking employment. He had
Dead: Roylon John
Dead: Imogene Gordon
Suspect: Maxwell Usher
The residence where the stabbing occurred
the deceased, which is just one lot away from where he allegedly launched the attack. “Remember he used to
live there, so he knows the house well and he was able to do the attack,” the friend said.
a child with a woman also living in Prosville. Gordon’s friend said he was the one completing the construction of the house. His niece from Berbice said he was expected home later in the month.
“We did not see him for a long time and so it is really sad what happened to him because he will be coming in a casket. He spoke to his big sister only yesterday and said he would come home this month end or for Easter,” she said. His niece described him as a loving, family-oriented person, who cared for his four children. “He was always loving and quiet. Every morning he would always send greetings and so to the family. We will miss him dearly,” she said. The suspect was arrested by police and is assisting with investigations. He was found with a gaping wound to his hand and was treated at the Linden Hospital Complex, before being placed in custody at the Mackenzie Police Station. Gordon’s family is hoping that the national travel ban comes to an end soon, since all of her six children have to travel home before she is buried.
11
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Six opposition parties call for recount --- want better security for ballot boxes SIX political parties, which separately make up the opposition, have jointly and individually applied as respondents to the interim injunction granted by the High Court blocking the national recount of ballots and have amplified their call for the recount. The hearing is set for today at 09:00hrs and in a joint release on Thursday, Change Guyana (CG); the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C); United Republican Party (URP); A New and United Guyana (ANUG); The New Movement (TNM) and The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) said that they are not in support of same. “The political parties signed hereto, welcome the call for a recount of Guyana's General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020 to allow for a declaration by GECOM in keeping with The Representation of the People Act Chapter 1:03 and Election Laws (Amendment) Act 2000,” the parties stated. “We feel strongly that the injunction is without merit as it seeks to undermine the clear statement made by the Chairperson of
Some of the political parties calling for the recount
GECOM to have a recount of the votes, and the joint agreement signed by President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo.” They noted that Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh, had previously committed to having a recount done and the international community is looking on and, thus far, is not pleased that this promise has not been fulfilled.
The parties reminded that the global community, including CARICOM; the Organisation of American States (OAS); European Union (EU); Commonwealth Secretariat; Carter Center, US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch; EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Cantó; UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn and Canadian High Commissioner, Lillian Chatterjee have all spoken in favour of
a recount. According to the opposition parties, the threats of sanctions since made by the international community should be taken seriously as the shared belief is that Guyanese deserve elections
which are legitimate and based on a democratic process. The joint release stated: “We strongly support the statement from the US Department of State which emphasised that the people of Guyana deserve a credible election and transfer of power that reflects the will of the people in accordance with the laws of Guyana… the parties call on all citizens of Guyana to remain calm and peaceful as these matters continue to engage the attention of the courts, and as we continue to work with the local and international community to ensure the recounting of the votes cast at Guyana's General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.” Apart from this, the parties also raised concerns about the security of the containers containing ballots. They reported that, at the time of writing of the release, the container with Region Six ballots and the Region Four East Coast ballots were not stored at the Arthur Chung Conference
Centre. On the two days the recount was expected to begin, ballots had begun to be transported to the chosen location which the commission had agreed held the necessary facilities to display information derived from the recount on large screens. The parties requested that the issue highlighted be “corrected immediately” stating: “In view of the foregoing, it is of paramount importance that the security of the containers containing the voting ballots be preserved. This is best achieved by all containers being stored at a central location and to permit party scrutineers to be on site and guard against any tampering with the ballot boxes.” They also called on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to “act professionally to de-escalate ongoing tensions arising from the election process and to perform their duties in the best interest of all Guyanese.”
12
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Elections stalemate bad for the economy ---Finance Minister says Gov’t behind on budget
CONTRARY to the message of the Opposition, it is not in the government’s or the country’s best interest for the prolonging of current electoral stalemate as the longer Guyana remains without a budget the worse an effect it will have on the economy. In an interview with NCN on Thursday, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said that with no budget in place, only ‘roll-over’ projects and foreign finance projects were being conducted by the government. The Finance Minister made it clear that, although Guyana’s economy will suffer
as it awaits the conclusion of the electoral process, no new projects were being pursued in the government’s interim state. He explained: “The longer we take to bring a budget is the harder for the government expenditure that helps to stimulate the economy to get in. If we continue to be restricted only to foreign finance projects and roll-over projects, the economy will be starved of new financing in respect of new projects.” Minister Jordan said that as soon as a new government comes in place and Parliament is called, a Budget and Appropriation Bill can come
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
three months after. However, he highlighted that this still pushes the country into almost
a year without a budget. “We really have to get this problem solved quickly,” he
stressed. “Economic activity, which would have slowed as a result of not having a budget, will be slowed further as a result of COVID.” One of the projects which were on-going without a budget was the US$31M Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue road expansion project. Jordan said that while some citizens have looked at what countries like Jamaica were doing to fight COVID-19 --- those having pledged billions to the cause --- persons must realise that those countries are currently facing very different realities
from Guyana. “Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica don’t have our problems. They are not in the state that we are in at the moment. We are limited in terms of what we can do for COVID and without COVID we would have been extremely limited as to what we can do while we wait for a government to get in place,” he said. The year 2019 marked the country’s biggest budget to date standing at $300.7B. The year 2020 was expected to have an even larger budget as the country stepped into ‘first oil’ and had plans for several major developmental projects.
Angoys Avenue labourer succumbs to injuries from blows KERON Nicholson, 33, a labourer of Angoys Avenue, succumbed to injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation a few days after he was beaten at Patrick Dam, Mount Sinai, on the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam Township, Berbice.
Residents in the former squatting community were not forthcoming with information. However, reports suggest that the incident occurred in the aftermath of indiscrimate firing of gunshots in the vicinity of a relative’s home.
There was also a heated argument and fight in which Nicolson suffered injuries. An individual named “Donnel” is being sought by police. A relative of the deceased, Marley Ross, a private in the Guyana Defence Force, recalled
seeing a crowd gathered at Patrick Dam on March 8, at around 20:00hrs. She said on inspection, she saw Nicolson unresponsive lying on the roadway with a wound to the left side of his forehead. The injured man
was hurriedly taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to main public health institution in Georgetown where he died on Wednesday. Investigations are continuing.
Dead: Keron Nicholson
GWI introduces measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 MANAGING DIRECTOR of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van West Charles, said that work had been completed in all the regions of the country, to ensure that all of the entity’s offices were equipped with necessary supplies, thus ensuring that there was compliance with the safety measures set out by the Ministry of Public Health. At a Media Conference on Thursday, the Director noted that, in light of challenges related to water supply, particularly in Region One, GWI was doing all it could to ensure that there was an adequate supply of water, particularly in Mabaruma. The Managing Director told the media that the company was aware of problems in Amelia’s Ward, in the mining town of Linden, but efforts were being made
to address those issues as quickly as possible. Additionally, he said that the Company will be placing sinks at the front of every office, so that customers will have the benefit of contributing to the hygienic practice of washing of hands when entering and leaving the office. The Managing Director pointed out that Sanitation Workers will be monitoring the pump stations within Georgetown to ensure that the sewerage system was functioning at its optimum. The Managing Director added that GWI will ensure that the four Quarantine Centres set up by the Ministry of Public Health to manage persons who were being treated for the coronavirus have an adequate supply of water. “So far, there are no issues and we will continue to monitor on a daily basis to ensure that this important
commodity is available in the Quarantine Centres and at the same time available in homes, and offices.” Dr Van West Charles assured the media that the staff was working assiduously to ensure that there were no leaks, and there was adequate flow and pressure of water available in the communities, in both the City and outlying areas of the country. In order to ensure that there is an efficient quality of water, GWI urges that citizens honour their civic obligation and pay their water bills on time. Such will allow GWI to procure necessary water treatment products. Areas where there isn’t a 24-hour supply of potable water will soon benefit from the efforts of GWI as the company works assiduously to remedy the situation, even in the light of many challenges.
13
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
'Fight for democracy is about having the elections concluded within the parameters of the laws …'says Lincoln Lewis VETERAN Trade Unionist and General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis, said the legal proceedings filed by supporters of both the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) demonstrate their commitment to operate within the Laws of Guyana and should be respected. On March 5, 2020, a private citizen, Reeaz Holladar, on behalf of the PPP/C, filed an injunction blocking the declaration of the results for the March 2 General and Regional Elections on the basis that the tabulation process employed by the Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, was inconsistent with the Section 84 of Representation of the People Act. Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire, after establishing that the High Court had jurisdiction to hear the case, on March 11, 2020, ruled that Mingo breached Section 84 of the Act when he failed to tabulate the votes for District 4 in the presence of persons entitled to be present, such as party agents and observers. However, the next day (March 12), Holladar filed Contempt of Court proceedings after alleging that Mingo did not adhere to the orders of the court. During the Contempt of Court proceedings on March 13, the Chief Justice offered greater clarity to her ruling, and the parties involved had agreed to move the process forward. But while Mingo declared the votes for District Four on the night of March 13, the PPP/C again alleged that the process was flawed. By March 14, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) intervened with both President David Granger and
Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo agreeing to have a national recount done under the supervision of a high-level CARICOM team, but even as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was preparing for the recount on March 17, it was served with another injunction, this time from an APNU+AFC supporter. The matter will come up today in the High Court. “This is not for us to be proud of but neither is it a shame. What it demonstrates is a commitment by both parties to operate in a lawful manner since both parties are entitled to their respective cases being heard in a court of law. That of itself is a win for democracy and we must all be proud even as we anxiously await the end,” Lewis said in a statement on Wednesday. He said when law and order trumps individual, partisan and lobbying interest, Guyana wins. As such he is calling on all parties concerned to respect the right of both parties to exercise all legal means such as injunctions filed on their behalf. While applauding the efforts of CARICOM to assist Guyana during this process, Lewis opined that CARICOM Chairperson and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, as a member of the legal fraternity, and other CARICOM leaders, would appreciate the legal process being upheld. “In the process of this legal pursuit which every party is entitled to as a means of adjudicating their grievances, GTUC asks this nation and our political leaders to lend full support to our judiciary in its deliberations,” he urged Guyanese. He said GTUC has taken note of GECOM’s Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh repeated commitment to execute the electoral process in accordance with the Constitu-
tion and the Laws of Guyana. Lewis said it was in keeping with that commitment that GECOM, on Tuesday, in an effort to facilitate a recount in a duly constituted and legal manner sought the advice on the “legal ramifications” from Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-A-Fatt-S.C. Fung-A-Fatt had advised against issuing an order in favour of the recount. Such advice, Lewis emphasized, was necessary. He noted too that PPP/C Representative Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall’s push for the recount to be done conflicts with the advice by the Chief Parliamentary Counsel. Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-AFatt-S.C advised that: “The provision that the Order is seeking to make has the effect of amending Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act and would therefore be ex post facto. And that passing the order would be making a retrospective law and that would affect the vested rights of a person under the Representation of the People Act.” He added: “An Order cannot be made under this provision because any instructions or action that the commission takes must be in compliance with the Act. This provision empowers the commission to act administratively through an interpretation of the law as it now stands and does not empower the commission in a law-making capacity to modify the law” Lewis said the nation ought to remember that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, sought to implement an administrative solution that could have prevented the current situation when he suggested that parties equip themselves with their Statements of Poll during the tabulation exercise. Nonetheless, as the High
Rape accused reportedly kills self A RAPE trial was aborted at the Berbice Assizes after it was learnt that the accused succumbed, as a result of self-inflicted injuries. Gavin Sammy Moonsammy was indicted with rape committed on a girl 13 years old. During the in-camera trial, the accused had pleaded not guilty to the indictment. However, following the testimonies of the police and the alleged victim, the accused returned to his Port Mourant, Corentyne home where, it is suspected, he ingested a poisonous liquid. His neighbour, Harrinarine Jurajan, went to his rescue and took him to the
Port Mourant Hospital where he died, on Wednesday. Consequently, Justice Simone Ramlall terminated the trial prematurely and discharged the jury. Meanwhile, at the commencement of the February criminal session, 82 cases were listed for hearing of which 27 are sexual offences involving a family member with a child. The list also includes the accused Omesh Persaud, who faces eight counts of having sexual activity with a child under 16 while Delroy Mitchell is expected to face three counts of rape of a child.
GTUC General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis
Court prepares to adjudicate over the legal proceedings filed by an APNU+AFC supporter, Lewis said Guyanese should exercise patience. “Sacrificing Guyana’s peace and stability is not a price that
any political party should ask our people to pay. It is not a price that any individual should seek to pay given that parties we all represent have access to the Law Courts and peaceful resolution. As a peo-
ple we must condemn political efforts from any quarter to derail or discredit the judicial system and process to arrive at a resolution,” he said. He posited that those who proclaim ‘uprightness’ and ‘decency’ should be held to the standards they project. They must respect the laws and call on all parties to follow its mandate. “Anyone seeking extra judicial means whether peaceful or otherwise, to resolve our difference cannot be committed to democratic practices, though they may voice this. People of Guyana let us not be fooled,” Lewis said. The Veteran Trade Unionist maintained that a fight for democracy is about having the election conducted and concluded within the parameters of the laws.
14
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
We Share the Common Destiny in combating COVID-19
By Chinese Ambassador to Guyana CUI Jianchun THE cases of COVID-19 and number of countries affected are continuously rising around the world. Several cases were confirmed in Guyana. In the
age of globalization, virus knows no borders. In face of this common public health challenge, no country can stand alone. Fully cooperating with each other with mutual respect and upholding the concept of building a community of
shared future for mankind is the best choice to combat the pandemic. China is one of the countries hit hard by the disease. As families were celebrating the Spring Festival, the sudden attack of this brand-new virus has brought great harm
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, CUI Jianchun
to many Chinese people. Valuing people's lives and health above all, the Chinese government has adopted the most comprehensive, strictest and most thorough prevention and control measures in history. Anti-epidemic campaigns started in cities, villages, factories, and streets. People across the country united as one, watched out for each other, and struggled with indomitable resilience, creating miracles such as the construction of two hospitals with more than 2,500 beds in only a dozen days. Leaders of more than 170 countries including Guyana and heads of more than 40 international and regional organizations expressed their sympathies and supports to China, and
many countries provided China with urgently needed medical supplies. China's epidemic prevention and control has achieved remarkable results. As of March 16, the number of new cases per day in China has dropped from the peak of 15,152 to 21, and the confirmed cases in 13 provinces fell to zero. The WHO believes that China's prevention and control measures changed the dangerous course of the rapid spread of the epidemic and reduced hundreds of thousands of cases nationwide. The slowing down of China's epidemic has protected international security, built the first line of defence against the spread, and earned time for the world to fight the pandemic. Since the beginning of
the outbreak, China has been adopting an open, transparent and responsible manner in international cooperation. WHO has been well and timely informed. China shared full genome sequence, primers and probes of the virus with the international community. China also shared many technical documents, including our epidemic prevention and control measures, as well as diagnosis and treatment plans, with more than 100 countries around the world and over 10 international and regional organizations. The Chinese government donated 20 million USD to WHO to support it carrying out international cooperation in fighting the epidemic and helping developing countries improve their ability to respond to the epidemic. After the severe outbreaks in Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran and other countries that once supported China, China has, within its ability, dispatched several medical expert teams to relevant countries and donated a large number of medical supplies. Medical supplies including masks and protective clothing provided by China to Guyana will also arrive here shortly. Just as Guyana’s national motto “One people, One Nation, One Destiny”, all the countries are in the same global village, and we share the common destiny. Upholding the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, China is willing to continue to work hand in hand with all countries to jointly welcome the ultimate victory in tackling the pandemic.
NICIL denies GNIC Cricket Ground, Mud Lots 1-11 sold
THE National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is strongly refuting claims that it has sold the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Cricket Grounds at Albert Street and Woolford Avenue, Georgetown and the lease of Mud Lots 1 – 11. NICIL in a release said the cricket ground is under the control of GNIC which is responsible for the maintenance and general upkeep of the said grounds while the Mud Lots 1 - 11 continue to be leased to GNIC for the execution of its business activities and development plans. “NICIL advises that any trespassing, unlawful or malicious acts be carried out on the GNIC Cricket Grounds and on Mud Lots 1 – 11 will be dealt with condignly under the laws of Guyana,” the release said.
15
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
GECOM’s operations not controlled by gov’t
-- Minister Sharma repeats MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Jaipaul Sharma, has reiterated that the operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are not managed by the government, even as he lauded supporters for remaining calm during this period. Appearing on Kaieteur Radio’s “election watch” programme, Wednesday evening, Minister Sharma said the coalition government has always had a hands-off approach to the workings of all constitutional bodies and GECOM is no exception. “The APNU+AFC government will never interfere in the workings of GECOM. You could see this in the action of His Excellency President David Granger when he was asked to remove the appointment of former Chairman Justice James Patterson. This present Chairperson was identified by the leader of the opposition himself,” Sharma stated. Minister Sharma said what has been clear over the past weeks is the interference of the commission’s work by the political opposition.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma
“There was an injunction put to prevent the RO from making his declaration of district four. They drowned out his voice. He still made the declaration and then the injunction came. GECOM adhered to the ruling of the Chief Justice and they proceeded with another form of tabulation. They went ahead and used the SOPs and they made a second declaration. They prevented that process from going forward,” Minister Sharma recalled. None of the declarations made so far by Region Four’s Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, have been accepted
by the opposition and several litigations have stalled a final declaration of the results. The Guyana Elections Commission returns to court on Friday, March 20, to respond to another injunction filed by a private citizen, preventing it from moving ahead with a national recount of votes, as agreed upon between President David Granger and opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo and which would have been overseen by the Caribbean Community. Minister Sharma said while the opposition has been obstructing the work of GECOM, President Granger has remained silent. “A lot of supporters are not happy. But he will not take a position because GECOM is independent and so is the court. The constitution guarantees this,” the minister underscored. In the meantime, supporters remained loyal, Minister Sharma noted. “They kept the peace in the face of extreme provocation.” He reiterated that the coalition was successful in this year’s polls. (DPI)
‘Shatta’ found guilty of rape NICK SKEETE called Jason Blair’ and ‘Shatta’ was, on Thursday, March 19, 2020, found guilty by a 12-member jury of raping a 20-year-old woman in 2016. Skeete was convicted for the indictment which read that, between July 8 and July 9, 2016, he had sexual intercourse with the woman without her consent. The alleged incident took place in Lethem. He was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir while the state was represented by Teriq Mohammed and Tiffani Lyken. Skeete’s co-accused, John Lee Edmond, was found not guilty of the offence on Thursday by the 12-member jury. Skeet was remanded to prison until April 6, 2020 when he would be sentenced while Edmonds walked out of court a free man. On Monday, March 16, 2020, Harold Anderson was freed from the charge on a no-case-submission made by his attorney Ravindra Mohabir.
DDL postpones annual AGM in COVID-19 fight
THE Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) this week announced that the company’s Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held on Friday April 3, 2020, has been postponed, until further notice. According to a release, the decision to postpone the AGM was taken in view of the coronavirus global pandemic (COVID-19), as well as the national advisories discouraging public gatherings, and in the interest of preserving public health and safety. In a notice that is being sent out to all shareholders, DDL’s Company Secretary, Allison Thorne, wrote: “As we navigate through the rapidly evolving challenges posed by COVID-19, the board of directors
of DDL will continue to monitor further developments of this virus so as to be placed in a position to prudently determine a date and time when it would be suitable and safe to reschedule the AGM.” DDL took the opportunity to encourage all shareholders to stay safe and healthy as well as seek guidance on COVID-19 from www. who.int, www.paho.org and their local health authorities.
16
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
‘We want a resolution’ …Leaders urge swift resolution to elections impasse
LEADERS in Guyana are hoping that, immediately after the judicial review of the most recent interim injunction granted by the High Court, Guyana can return to and complete the process towards a final declaration of the results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections. The most recent road blocks include an interim injunction to prevent a national recount on the basis that final declarations were made by the Returning Officer (RO) from all ten Regions and those declarations are final; advice from Guyana’s Chief Parliamentary Counsel against an Order by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the national recount as it would supersede electoral laws and the withdrawal of a high-level CARICOM team as a result. Expressions of regret that such had taken place have come from President David Granger and Head of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. In an interview with Kaieteur Radio on Wednesday, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma said that it is unfortunate that after
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma (DPI photo)
Former Foreign and Justice Minister, Sir Shridath Ramphal
two declarations which confirmed that the coalition had won the overall elections, there was no official overall declaration. He said that the law is clear on the processes which should take place during the tabulation of Statements of Poll (SOPs), recounts and elections petitions but the Opposition is working to “frustrate the process”. “We have to have an end to this matter,” Sharma stressed. “There must be a government and an opposi-
tion.” Minister Sharma reiterated that the APNU+AFC coalition will never interfere in the work of GECOM as the body remains independent and cannot be instructed by the President but must act in accordance to law. He said that while some persons are displeased with the President’s position on the matter, he is simply acting in keeping with his Constitutional powers. “A lot our supporters are not happy,” he said. “They’re saying ‘why is the president silent in this matter? Why doesn’t he take a position?’ But he cannot take a position because GECOM is independent and also the court is independent, the Constitution guarantees their independence.” Sharma chastised the Opposition for mimicking parliamentary behaviour at the office of the Region Four Returning Officer (RO) leading to the first breakdown in the process some two weeks ago. In 2017, the Opposition had been accused of “hooliganism in the House” by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo when they protested by holding up placards and shouting throughout the address of President David Granger at the 71st Sitting of the National Assembly. He also strongly criticized the violent protest of PPP/C support-
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Nicholas Boyer
ers which went as far as to injure school children travelling in a David ‘G’ bus. Also weighing in on the matter was Former Foreign Minister, Sir Shridath Ramphal. He said that it was regrettable that despite the agreement between Guyana’s two main political leaders for a recount with the watchful eye of a CARICOM team, the plans were derailed. “In the darkness of disagreement, CARICOM’s helpful intervention in
trying to resolve the general election process at the request of both President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was a ray of light. All Guyana should have welcomed it, as most Guyanese did,” he said. “It is utterly regrettable that, despite the highest-level agreement between the political leaders of Guyana and five CARICOM heads of government acting for the community, the invited CARICOM team to oversee the recount of the votes has had to withdraw.” Ramphal said that Guyana is being deprived of regional and international approval and global respect at a time when it matters most. However, he was pleased to note that CARICOM has not “closed the door” on Guyana but remains willing to play the role previously agreed upon. He advised: “What is required now is for all to place the interest of the nation above other narrow considerations that could mar the country’s prospects and retard the strides that the people of Guyana have made
collectively. I urge that peace and progress be pursued lawfully and transparently.” On behalf of the business community, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Nicholas Boyer, said, on Thursday, that Guyana looks to the Elections Commission for resolution on the electoral challenges faced. It put the deliverance of this resolution into the hands of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh. Boyer said: “Justice Singh, your job is not enviable and it cannot be easy, given what you inherited. However, as Chairperson of the GECOM, you have one supreme purpose - to deliver credible elections. For this, Justice Singh, the full force of the law is behind you and we at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as spokespeople and representatives of a business community, stand with you and believe that you still can and will do the right thing to honour your sacred role of delivering credible elections.” Meanwhile, the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) stated that it respects rights of citizens to seek redress in the courts on any related electoral issue and gave its support for a national recount of the ballots cast on March 2, 2020. “[We support] a verified recount of all electoral districts as legally permitted under the Constitution, under the supervision of CARICOM in chronological order from one to ten. ACDA expects the African community and our political leadership to accept the results of a recount and will call on them to do so if necessary,” the Association stated in a release yesterday. While the international community, particularly the United States, has brought Guyana’s attention to possible sanctions if a President is not sworn in under illegitimate circumstances, ACDA stated that it is not deterred by the threats of sanctions from the international community and will support efforts towards a resolution of the elections crisis. Their issue stated: “ACDA is of the view that no one should be elated about sanctions or the threat of sanctions being imposed on Guyana since all investments in Guyana will be at risk and those with the greatest amounts of investment are likely to lose the most.” The High Court has granted an interim injunction blocking the national recount of ballots that should have started Tuesday evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The Judicial Review of the Fixed Date Application (FDA) will be conducted today, March 20, 2020 at 09:00hrs in the High Court.
17
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Drastic reduction in pollution due to COVID-19
WITH continents around the world grappling with the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19), scientists have noticed that, even in such terrible times, one positive emerges: there has been a significant reduction in pollution and Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Here in Guyana, there have only been five confirmed cases of the virus which isn’t very significant
once prevalent was now almost non-existent. Despite the long-term declaration of a “climate crisis” by those who advocate for ‘green’ energy alternatives, the top five nations with the most CO2 emissions are China, the United States, European Union, India and Russia. According to researchers at Columbia University, traffic levels in New York were estimated to be down 35 per cent compared with a year
IMAPCT ON ANIMALS The ESA satellite has also shown that NO2 plummeted in Northern Italy where the country was hit the hardest by
NO2 values across China from January 1-20, 2020 (before the quarantine) and February 10-25 (during the quarantine) (NASA photo)
Because of the lockdown, businesses are not feeding stray animals (BBC photo)
when compared to the 3,200 deaths in China and over 81,000 infections or the 2,978 deaths in Italy and 35,713 infections. The first case of the virus was reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Office in China on 31 December 2019. CLEANER ATMOSPHERE As the outbreak spread and the county’s government moved to a widespread lockdown, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency (ESA) began to notice changes through its pollution monitoring satellites. Satellite images above China from January 1 - February 25, 2020 showed a significant decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over China, primarily related to the economic shut down. The noxious gas is emitted by motor vehicles, power plants and industrial facilities. The NO2 drop in 2020 came at a time that the Lunar New Year celebrations in China and much of Asia was cancelled. The density
Deer on the street in Nara, Japan (okadennis photo)
ago. Meanwhile, emissions of carbon monoxide, mainly due to cars, have fallen by around 50 per cent for a few days this week. The city unofficially known as ‘the city that never sleeps’ began to look more and more like a ghost town as persons began adhering to 'Social Distancing' as advised. The transportation sector is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US and, as schools and businesses close their doors, scientists speaking to the BBC said this week that reduced travel could temporarily drive down carbon emissions to be the lowest since the financial crisis over a decade ago.
the virus. Journalists within the country soon began to report that the canals in Venice were now clear enough to see the fish as coronavirus halted tourism in the city. There were also reports that swans had returned to the canals and dolphins have been spotted in the port. At many zoological parks worldwide, measures have been put in place to ensure animal-care staff and veterinarians are available. “Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals — introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore,
problem-solve and express natural behaviors,” a spokesperson from the Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium told the Washington Post. However, understandably, not all animals have been catered for. Some wildlife were affected by changes due to the virus as the New York Times reported that at popular tourist stops in Thailand and Japan, some creatures such as monkeys are going hungry because visitors have not been turning up to feed them. Meanwhile, Sika deer have been seen roaming the streets of Nara, Japan,
Dolphins, swans return to Italy's coast amid coronavirus lockdown (MSN photo)
as the number of tourists to Nara Park, where they usually live and are fed, plummeted. Domestic animals such as cats and dogs, some now neglected as pet owners fall sick or those previously living on the streets, were seen in several countries, roaming the street in search of food, fighting and barking. "Businesses are closed so there is no-one to feed the strays. It started being very common to see roaming cats and dogs and hear them fighting
and barking and meowing much more than usual,” an experienced rescuer in Shenzhen, China told the BBC. Even as countries race to find a vaccine for the virus which has infected at least 222,643 people and killed at least 9,115 worldwide as of March 19, the news agency said that it is likely that when the pandemic passes, CO2 emission levels could rise rapidly again.
18
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
19
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Brazil closes border with Guyana ….neighbouring country records 291 cases of COVID-19
AS Brazil continues to record additional cases of the Coronavirus, the government in the neighbouring country has gazetted an order to close its border with several countries including Guyana. The order was effected on Thursday and reports are that the gate along the highway linking Lethem with Bom Fin has been closed to traffic, leaving persons stranded on both sides of the border. The closure is expected to last for two weeks. According to a report in the Brazilian media entity, Folha, the government in the neighbouring country published an extra edition of the Official Gazette on Thursday in which it determined the need to close its borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru and Suriname. Uruguay was left out of the restrictions imposed by the Brazilian government, the report stated. The ordinance, signed by the Minister of Health,
Brazil's military police at a gate along the highway linking Lethem with Bom Fin. The gate was closed on Thursday in accordance with an order made by the Brazilian government.
Luiz Henrique Mandetta, and Justice Sérgio Moro, also
restricts foreigners from these countries to enter Brazil by
road or by land. The deadline can be extended by technical
M&CC to sanitise all public spaces
Head of the Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds
THE Georgetown Mayor and City Council has announced that it will be sanitising public spaces to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The council’s plans were outlined at a press conference held on Thursday. Head of the Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds, explained: “We are committing to providing mass sanitisation of public spaces starting from the municipal buildings, then we hope to extend this to the public spaces like the minis-
City Mayor, Ubraj Narine
tries of government, places in central Georgetown that persons congregate frequently.” Reynolds also encouraged persons who have the necessary disinfectants, such as bleach and Jeyes fluid, to call the Council for assistance in spraying their premises. His Worship Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, disclosed that they were given a commitment from the Guyana Fire Service to have the municipal markets washed several times a week. Mayor Narine also said the council is paying keen
Director of Solid Waste, Walter Narine
attention to the use of public washrooms and portable restrooms. He noted that strict guidelines will have to be implemented, such as the provision of hand sanitizers and soap, so persons can clean their hands properly after using the washrooms. He called on all food-handling businesses to be extra careful when preparing meals and to follow all hygienic and preventive measures outlined by the Ministry of Public Health and WHO. Director of Solid Waste, Walter Narine, assured the
public that the garbage collection services will continue. He, however, urged commercial entities to store their waste on their premises since there may be a build-up because of the implemented staff rotation. He called for patience and again assured that refuse will be collected. Mayor Narine explained that the Council was adhering to the rotation system as mandated by the Department of Public Service. (DPI)
recommendation from the National Health Surveillance
Agency (Anvisa). On Wednesday, President Jair Bolsonaro had already determined the partial closure of the border with Venezuela. In Brazil, according to an epidemiological bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health, 291 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. A report in the Brazilian media noted that at least three deaths were recorded following dozens of tests undertaken by medical professionals. As much as 8000 tests were undertaken by Brazil’s health authorities. In the state of Roraima, 14 suspected cases of COVID-19 were reported but of this number 9 were discarded. Brazilian media reports have noted that most of the cases of the virus have been made in Sao Paulo. Globally, statistics on the pandemic as recorded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are climbing with 207,855 cases reported in 166 countries. Of the total confirmed cases, 8,648 persons have died.
Man accused of ‘robberyunder-arms’ granted bail
MALCOLM HENRY of South Ruimveldt, was, on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, granted $200,000 bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty, having been charged with robbery under arms. Henry appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him. The charge alleged that, on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Henry and his accomplice robbed and assaulted 49-year-old Rameshwar Fewdyal, a taxi driver of Canal Number Two, before hijacking his hire car #HB6272. According to the report, on the day in question, Saturday, January 25, in South Ruimveldt, at about 05:40 hours, Fewdyal was at Stabroek bus park working, when he was hired by Henry and his accomplice to transport them to South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Just after Fewdyal agreed to transport them, one proceeded to sit in the front passenger seat and the other occupied the backseat behind Fewdyal. At about 15 minutes later, after the journey had begun, while at the shopping plaza area in South Ruimveldt, the backseat passenger, armed with a knife, choked Fewdyal, while the front seat passenger pointed a gun at him. Henry and his accomplice pushed Fewdyal out of his car and drove away. On the said date, at about 07:00 hours, the car was found abandoned at Kingsley Village, West Coast Berbice. Investigations were conducted and two men were arrested. The two men were later identified, by the victim, during an ID parade. Malcom Henry was identified to be the suspect that had the firearm. Subsequently, he was charged and placed before the court. Magistrate McGusty granted Henry $200,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until April 8, 2020.
20
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
‘Westside’ designer launches new collection
M
ARKING another development in his designing career, West Bank Demerara model and designer, Colvin Andrews, has launched a new collection of black and white print, under his “Vins Fashion” clothing line. Featuring some 10 pieces that includes men and women’s wear, this is Andrew’s second line in the collection, which caters to clothing for all occasions, from party, to work, to formal evening wear. While the last collection focused on elegant wear featuring African print, this time around Andrews placed more focus on cocktail dresses and some statement-making men’s shirt.
“The thing that inspired me to do this clothing line is my strength or I should say my abilities. It’s a combination of black and white pieces that also speaks to strength and purity,” Andrews said, describing the collection. It was after he finished second place in the “Designers” category at the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) Centre Stage creative competition, that Andrews was inspired to start his “Vins Fashion” clothing line. Designing since he was 13 years old, 28-yearold Andrews has been slowly building his brand over the years, with his pieces showing up at several small-time cultural pageants and fashion shows. The pageants being where it all got started for him. “As a young boy growing up I liked draw
Pieces from the “Vins Fashion” line’s newest collection clothing out and trying to put it together. The girls featured by delegates in the Miss Emancipation started to ask me to sketch out evening gowns West Bank Pageant, from 2010 to 2017; while for them and that is how it all begins. I started by pieces were also donned by delegates in the Miss helping out the girls with ideas for the pageant and Culture West Bank in 2018 and 2019. designs,” Andrews shared. His pieces have graced the runway of the In 2005 Andrews, who is also an event plan- “Welcome to Africa Fashion Show”; Breast Canner, got involved with a youth group in his commu- cer awareness fashion shows in 2018 and 2019; and nity, the Good Intent Youth Movement that would he also displayed a few pieces at the recent “Fashtake part in the country’s annual Emancipation ion Fiesta” show at the Youth Village that was part celebration and fashion shows. of the Golden Jubilee Mashramani celebration. “I would always be lucky to be placed in the Now Andrews is focused on building his fashion show segment or pageant segment,” An- brand, and like many local designers, is looking drews related. forward to seeing his pieces displayed even at This led to Andrews designing for his first pag- the international stage. eant, a small village Emancipation Pageant. His designs have since been
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
Young musician o e d i v s e s a e l re celebrating f o y r o t s i h e h t Linden
THE current political climate causing segregation has definitely been the catalyst for the excessive flow of creative juices in our local creatives. Despite the attempts by the cyberbullies and trolls to cause more division and chaos in Guyana, the young creatives have been taking up their role in ensuring that positive content fills the social media platforms. On Thursday evening, a young musician and videographer from Linden, Dexter Copeland, published a video on his Facebook page, accumulating thousands of views and shares in a matter of hours. His song titled ‘My Home’, speaks deeply about his hometown, Linden. “My new music release named ‘My Home’ is a song about the history of linden and how we come together regardless of ethnicity. It shows highlights of beautiful parts of our town,” Copeland said. The beautifully coordinated video sends a powerful message of living as one people while highlighting how beautiful and bountiful Linden is. The multifaceted Copeland not only sang the song, wrote the song, but he sang, recorded, produced and edited the entire production of the song and video. In fact, he was recently declared the winner of a Caribbean short film festival. The young man is not putting his talent and skill to waste, as he has his own recording studio ‘Elevate Studio’, camera equipment, and he does production under the alias ‘Director Dex’.
21 Shots from Dexter Copeland’s new video ‘My Home’
22
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
Sherzana Munilall eyeing Miss World Guyana 2020 to help persons battling with depression
MISS World Guyana 2020 Semi-Finalist, Sherzana Munilall, has stepped out of her comfort zone to embark on this new and life-changing journey. Munilall, a self-motivated 20-year-old who never limits herself has recently been selected as Semi-Finalist in the Miss World Guyana 2020 competition. She is a student of the Accountancy Training Centre pursuing a Diploma in Business Management and her passion is bringing awareness to the least diagnosed mental health epidemic, depression.
Muniall said, “I have noticed not much awareness and/or education has been placed on what is a serious issues in our society, and, I have witnessed persons go through crippling depression without being diagnosed and without any professional help.” Her beauty with a purpose platform for the Miss World Guyana 2020 competition focuses mainly on “Depression Awareness.” “It is known that depression is not a popular topic in Guyana but it is a serious mental health illness that should be given more
attention. Youths of Guyana are suffering without knowing the facts. There is a better tomorrow.” Her objectives throughout this project include spreading awareness through a Charitable Non-Governmental Organisation- Depression Hurts. Sherzana established this organisation herself, with help from close relatives, friends, and members of her community. The organisation focuses specifically on spreading awareness, recommendation to places for diagnoses, psychological assistance and positivity for individuals suffering from depression and symptoms of depression. The intent of the organisation, she said, is to inform, educate and provide resources to cope through depressive episodes. Providing persons who are suffering through depression, with physical activities such as crafting and sports, simple distractions from that’s what they are going through at that moment.
Sherzana aims to continue to educate all about depression by utilising her acquired skills, distribution of flyers, posters and hosting informative sessions targeting youths and adults alike via her organisation Depression Hurts. For more information visit www.Facebook.com- Depression Hurts. (Charitable community).
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 20, 2020
‘No matter where we go, there’s no place like home’ – Carlvin Burnett reminds Guyanese in new release
Prominent artiste, Carlvin Burnett has released a new single titled ‘Born and Grow’, to pay tribute to his home country, Guyana. This comes at a time when much tension and division have been stirring amongst the people, and much negative spotlight has been beaming on the country. The song is a reminder that Guyana is a beautiful paradise and no place in this world can emulate her beauty. The Berbician star told ‘The Buzz’ that his new release speaks to the people of the country, and those in the diaspora about never forgetting where they came from. “A lot of times we leave Guyana and we operate as if Guyana is so bad, we forget the good times we had here. we forget the paradise we live in. So this song is highlighting the beauty of the country, the diversity, how rich we are in terms of resources and all the other good stuff. Whilst reminding overseas Guyanese to never forget or sell out, but big up the place where you come from,” Burnett said. There are so many cases where Guyanese left to chase after a better life, and many negative things are highlighted and broadcast about the country. This doesn’t sit
well with Burnett, as he is a patriotic bean who intends to use his talent and platform to foster an appreciation for this beautiful land. The young performer has exceptional vocals, tied with charm and humour, which gives him the ability to capture and entertain an audience. He is no stranger to the public since his debut in 2009 when he placed second in the then ‘GT&T Jingle and Song Competition’. Since then, Burnett has not given music a rest. He had previously told ‘The Buzz’ that he started singing since he was about four or five, and fell head over heels in love with it as he grew older. “Music became one of the only things that would calm me down. I had many opportunities to do different things: Nursing, computer tech, I was even signed up for Caribbean Union College. But the love for music took me along a different path,” Burnett said. Now one of the lead vocalists in Guyana’s number one band, Heatwave Band, Burnett continues to make strides in the industry, with an ever-increasing fan base and a plethora of great music.
23
24
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
GUYANA CHRONICLE friDay, maRCH 20, 2020
25
26
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
27
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Olympic flame due in Japan amid worries over coronavirus impact IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 13:30 hrs Kinch 1400 hrs Flower Garland 14:30 hrs Yuften 15:00 hrs Juliet Rose 15:30 hrs Tio Easteban 16:00 hrs Cautious Approach 16:30 hrs Major Power ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Jebel Ali 08:00 hrs Falcon Claws 08:30 hrs Tapi Sioux 09:00 hrs Leadership 09:30 hrs Davy Lamp SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:15 hrs Just My Style 08:55 hrs Beyond Temptation 09:35 hrs Earth Hour 10:10 hrs Storyland 10:45 hrs Torio Lake AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Common Courtesy Race 2 Danesbury Race 3 Be Present Race 4 Where’s Rudy Race 5 Sharp Starr Race 6 Aristocratic Race 7 Pot Of Hunny Race 8 Adios Amigos
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - A plane carrying the Olympic torch from Greece will arrive today on Japan’s northwestern coast, ravaged by a 2011 tsunami, but the welcome ceremony will have no spectators, amid worries that the Games could be cancelled over a coronavirus pandemic. The Olympic flame will arrive at Matushima air base and will tour the Tohoku region hit by the tsunami and earthquake, in what the organisers call a “recovery flame” tour until the official kick-off ceremony in Fukushima on March 26. Organisers have repeatedly said the Games, set to run from July 24 to August 9, will go ahead but as the rapid spread of the virus brings the sports world to a virtual standstill, fears are growing that the Olympics may be postponed or cancelled. Japan is grappling with pressure to avoid a health crisis among 600 000 expected overseas spectators and athletes at an event that could see $3 billion in sponsorships and at least $12 billion spent on preparations evaporate. The plane with the torch will arrive nearly
empty after the Tokyo 2020 organising committee decided not to send a high-level delegation that was originally to have included its chief, Yoshiro Mori, and Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto. Organisers have urged the public not to crowd the relay route, cancelled many events along the way and have restricted public access to others. Runners and staff will have their temperature and health monitored, the organisers said. The torch relay in Greece was cancelled to avoid drawing crowds. The respiratory disease, which emerged in China late last year, has killed about 9 000 people worldwide and infected nearly 200 000. Some athletes, including reigning Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi, said the International Olympic Committee’s decision to go ahead was putting their health at risk when entire countries have shut down to curb the virus. The relay is due to pass many of Japan’s most famous landmarks over a 121-day journey, including Mount Fuji, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Kumamoto Castle.
28
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Travel restrictions put Aussies’ IPL plans in jeopardy THE 17 Australians holding lucrative contracts for the T20 tournament have had their situation further complicated by the latest COVID-19 measures UNPRECEDENTED travel restrictions are likely to scupper Australians’ participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) , should the Twenty20 bonanza proceed at all.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a blanket “do not travel overseas” advisory that will remain in place indefinitely, intending to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. The level-four warning spells out “you should not travel” but is not a strict ban on travel. The government warning says: “If you do travel, get professional se-
curity advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.” Presuming that advice remains in place next month, IPL-bound Australians would need to finalise individual insurance and emergency-plan arrangements. Cricket Australia (CA),
having recently attempted to soothe concerns it would revoke no-objection certificates for the IPL, is supportive of yesterday’s travel advice. CA has previously opted against sending teams to Pakistan when it was classified a level-three “reconsider your need to travel” destination by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia ODI skipper Aaron Finch This is arguably a more complex issue for many reasons, especially as the IPL falls during players’ leave period, but it could prove a moot point. IPL organisers have already pushed this season’s start back to April 15, the same date which the Indian government has suspended all visas until: with expectation growing it will change again soon. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” national limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch, who was scheduled to join Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore, told SEN. “That (travel advice) has changed over the last couple of hours. That could change in two weeks or three weeks; it’s hard to plan anything. “But it’s just about making sure everyone around you personally is safe and you’re doing everything you can to stop the spread.” Pat Cummins ($A3.16 million) headlined the list of Australians sold during the most recent auction, with Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell all on deals topping A$2M. One player agent suggested to AAP yesterday that India’s board could attempt to stage a truncated IPL that ends as late as September. England intended to launch a new format in July with help from Finch and other Australian stars, but the Hundred is now in doubt like so many sporting events. A number of Australian off-field positions are also under threat: Ricky Ponting is head coach of the Delhi Daredevils, while current men’s team assistant coach Andrew McDonald has the reins for the Rajasthan Royals. Former Test batsman Simon Katich is set to be a first-year head coach at Royal Challengers Bangalore, assisted by Tasmanian Tigers chief Adam Griffith.
Australian players would cop a major financial blow if the coronavirus outbreak affected the next home summer, which includes a lucrative Test series against India plus the men’s T20 World Cup. “That’s the risk you take when you have the revenue-share model; when the organisation takes a hit then so do we,” Finch said. “We understand we’re all in this together. “I’m sure in the long run everything will be back to normal at some stage. It’s just hard to say when.” Big-hitting batsman Alex Hales has self-isolated in the UK after displaying symptoms of coronavirus on his return from playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Hales, who played with the Sydney Thunder last summer, was one of a number of international players to leave the PSL early as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. He developed suspected symptoms on his return to the UK, and the tournament was suspended in Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Wasim Khan said officials were forced to suspend the tournament as Hales confirmed on Twitter he first started developing flu-like symptoms on Sunday after returning to Britain. The 2020 County Championship is due to begin on April 12 – three days before the earliest date of the IPL’s resumption – but Hampshire chairman Rod Bansgrove told the BBC it was “unlikely” the season would start on time. “We’re in completely uncharted water with an extraordinary series of circumstances that have led us to this position we’re in now, confronted with a pandemic the likes we’ve never seen, “ Bransgrove told BBC Radio Solent. “It’s likely to get a lot worse before it will get better and I think our conclusion is we need to have plans for various different contingencies. “They include no cricket at all during the season, but hopefully that won’t be the one that prevails.” A number of Australians have deals for the County Championship – including Australian Test sensation Marnus Labuschagne who is signed to return to Glamorgan – as well as the associated T20 competition and the new Hundred competition. (AAP)
29
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Premier League extends shutdown with end-date left open By Simon Evans
(REUTERS) - English soccer will be suspended until at least April 30 due to the coronavirus crisis, but the current season can be extended indefinitely, the English game’s governing bodies said in a joint statement yesterday. The Football Association, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game bodies, along with players and managers associations, agreed to extend the formal end-date for the 2019/2020 season in a bid to complete the campaign. “We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so,” the organisations said following a video conference meeting yesterday. Last week all elite soccer matches in England, including the Premier League, Football League (EFL)
ATP, WTA extend suspension of play amid coronavirus outbreak NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - The ATP and WTA have extended the suspension of their tours until June 7, the two tennis bodies said in a joint statement on Wednesday, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to shred the sporting calendar. The claycourt season “will not be held as scheduled” due to the suspension, the organising bodies of the men’s and women’s tours said. The men’s ATP and women’s WTA rankings will be frozen for the time. “The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to professional tennis demand greater collaboration than ever from everyone in the tennis community,” the associations said. “We are assessing all options related to preserving and maximising the tennis calendar.” The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also postponed its World Tennis Tour until June 8, the organisation said on Wednesday, a day after the French Open announced a shock switch to September from May. The tournament was rescheduled to a week after the U.S. Open concludes - a move that prompted outcry from players. The U.S. Tennis Association said there were no plans to reschedule the Flushing Meadows tournament and it would consult with other stakeholders before making any changes. ATP and WTA statement urged tennis bodies to work “in unison”, as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts major sporting events across the globe. “Now is not a time to act unilaterally,” the two groups said. “All decisions related to the impact of the coronavirus require appropriate consultation and review with the stakeholders in the game.”
General view of a match ball held by Manchester United’s David de Gea during the warm-up before the match v Watford - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – February 23, 2020. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
and Women’s Super League (WSL) were suspended until April 4. With non-league, youth and amateur football having also subsequently suspended play, the English game is in a state of total shutdown. European soccer’s governing body UEFA agreed on Tuesday to postpone Euro 2020 for a year, clearing space in the calendar for domestic competitions to finish - if the public health situation allows. FA rules say the season should end by June 1, but the decision was taken to extend that into the summer. “The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority,” the joint statement said. “We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.”
Former Cardiff midfielder Whittingham dies at age 35 (REUTERS) - Former Cardiff City midfielder Peter Whittingham has died after suffering a head injury earlier this month, the Welsh club said yesterday. Whittingham, 35, suffered injuries to his head when he accidentally fell at a pub in Barry on March 7 and was moved to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. “It is with an immeasurable amount of sorrow
that we must inform supporters that Peter Whittingham has passed away at the age of 35,” Cardiff said in a statement here. “We are heartbroken... Our love goes out to his wife Amanda, their young son and family. As a professional footballer - as a Bluebird he excelled with talent, ease, grace and humility. Nobody did it better.” Whittingham, a youth
Veteran commentator ... From back page
see,” Perreira said. “You appoint a CEO of a company, you say ‘okay, two years let’s see how you go. So, I feel a two-year contract would have been ideal and based on performance, further extend that.” Perreira, who has commentated on international cricket for more than half a century also lamented the poor performance of the team on the field. “I don’t think we have done all that great. We lost to Afghanistan, we didn’t outplay Ireland, Sri Lanka was a mixed bag; we ended well with two good wins in the T20s,” he said. “Apart from (Shai) Hope, there wasn’t much to shout about.” Perreira also lamented the poor performances of the West Indies Women, who have plummeted down the world rankings and whose performances were anaemic during the recent Women’s World Cup. However, in spite of Perreira’s claims, under Skerritt the CWI has enjoyed a more harmonious relationship with current and past players as well as with the players’ union, WIPA, with whom they have recently signed off on a new collective bargaining agreement. (Sportsmax)
product of Aston Villa and an England youth international, spent five seasons with the Premier League club before moving to Cardiff where he spent the majority of his career, helping the club reach the FA Cup final in 2008. In 11 seasons with Cardiff, the playmaker made 457 appearances for the club, scoring 96 goals and providing 93 assists, before finishing his career with Blackburn Rovers.
Cardiff City’s Peter Whittingham applauds the fans after the match at The John Smith’s Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Action Images/Craig Brough Livepic/File photo)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 20, 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) Tich Freeman-5/54 (Manchester, 1928) (2) Herman Griffith-6/103 (The Oval, 1928)
Today’s Quiz:
(1)What is the highest individual Test score made by an Englishman against the WI to date? in tomorrow’s (2)What is the highest score made by a WI player in a Test against England to date?
Answers issue
30
KMTC Phagwah horse race meet called off indefinitely PRESIDENT of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), retired Justice Cecil Kennard, confirmed all races will be put on hold indefinitely due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
KMTC president Justice Cecil Kennard outbreak. The KMTC were scheduled to host their annual Phagwah Horse Race meet but according to Justice Kennard who spoke with Chronicle Sport on Wednesday, the meet will now be put on hold
due to the number of ongoing issues. He noted that due to the coronavirus, much has come to a screeching halt around the world with all facets of life including sports being reassessed at the moment. Due to the impending cases in Guyana which are currently controllable, most if not all Government-run sports institions and private ones have decided to call off or postpone any upcoming and ongoing activities. “We have to follow the advisory which have been issued both locally and internationally because this is a serious situation and we are all hoping for the best going forward,” pointed out Justice Kennard. The horse-racing pundit further pointed out that the KMTC is keeping in touch with a number of local and international protocols as to better protect their horses and riders during this pandemic. Kennard further advised that Guyanese should practise the strict international Social-Distancing movement which is geared toward limiting the amount of contact persons have in public places. He added that those who can work from home should also practise doing so during this time. (Clifton Ross)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
BCA delays inaugural T20 tournament until 2021 as Coronavirus arrives BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Wednesday announced the suspension of its 2020 domestic season, which will see its highly anticipated inaugural T20 franchise competition being postponed until next year. The decision, announced in a BCA statement, came a day after the first two cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) were confirmed here. The BCA said that given the measures announced by the Government – which include restricting the number of people at public gatherings, such as sporting events, to 100 – the April start of the domestic season will be suspended for at least 90 days. “The Association will assess this decision in light of the national context and any Government directives at June 22, 2020,” it said. “The inaugural edition of the BCA’s T20 franchise competition will now therefore be played in 2021. The BCA remains committed to the development of Barbados through its stewardship of the sport and looks forward to fortifying its relationship with stakeholders during this period of uncertainty.” The six-week franchise tournament, the Kadooment Twenty20 Cup,
was expected to kick off the 2020 season on April 17, the first time semi-professional cricket would be played domestically. Matches were set to be played by the six teams on Friday nights, with a double header on Sunday nights at Kensington Oval. The names of the captains, the head coaches and one other official from the teams had been expected to be announced at a draft of players on Tuesday. The suspension of the domestic season will also impact the regular T20 tournament in which clubs and the schools in the Intermediate and Second Division participate. That was to run simultaneously with the Kadooment Twenty20 Cup. Several other local sporting events have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. While the final of the annual National Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships was allowed to go on as planned on Tuesday, as athletes and other students had gathered at the National Stadium before the announcement of the COVID-19 cases, the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.
CARIFTA Junior Chess tournament postponed THE Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) yesterday announced that with the increase of cases of COVID-19 throughout the region, a decision was made to postpone the April 10-13 CARIFTA Junior Chess Tournament, which was scheduled for Guyana. “We will be monitoring the progress of the pandemic with the hope of soon seeing a downward trend in the infection curve,” the Federation said in a release. The tournament hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation, in association with the Confederation of Chess for the Americas, was set to take place at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel and attracted about 125 players from 10 Caribbean nations as well as Suriname. The organising committee has been in contact with the principle stakeholders
who have expressed their full support for GCF’s decision and have agreed to extend the franchise to a later date. Guyana plans to field 100 players from six years old to 19 years old, all of whom have been training or playing development tournaments for the past few months. The majority of these players are the products of the Guyana Chess Federation’s Chess in Schools programme.. Formal training sessions over the past weeks have been cancelled, but the National coaches have organised online training and online tournaments to keep players’ skills sharp. “We wish to assure all of our sponsors, players and their parents or caregivers that the 9th CARIFTA Junior Chess Championships will be held in Guyana and will
be conducted with the health and safety of all players, delegates and officials as our
Action in a recent local chess tournament. primary priority,” the Chess tee plans to use this time to review all arrangements, Federation noted. The organising commit- hopefully, to attract new
sponsors and to provide extended training for our junior players.
31
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 20, 2020
Pakistan captains pay touching tributes to late coach Bob Woolmer … on his 13th death anniversary
FORMER Pakistan captains, Younis Khan, Inzamam ul Haq and Shaoib Malik sent out touching tributes to their late coach Bob Woolmer, on his 13th death anniversary. Woolmer died on March 18, 2007 just a few hours after Pakistan’s shocking defeat against Ireland during the ICC World Cup in West Indies. Pakistan were subsequently knocked out of the tournament but Woolmer’s untimely death left everyone stunned. Pakistan’s World T20 winning captain Younis Khan shared a picture of him and Woolmer on twitter with a note, which
reads: “Dear Bob, It has been 13 years since we have lost you, but you are as fresh as yesterday in my memories. I owe you my cricketing success and I wish you were alive to have witnessed my achievements till date. I hope I made you proud. Rest in peace”. Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik tweeted, “Miss you coach #RIPBobWoolmer.” Inzamam, who was the captain of the side during 2007 World Cup campaign, made a video for late coach. The former Pakistan captain shared his whole experience with Bob Woolmer and also explained what he and other teammates suffered during days
of Woolmer’s death in West Indies. “Woolmer and I spent time together, I was the captain of Pakistan team during his tenure,” said Inzamam. “We shared many great moments together. He was the most organised coach that I ever worked with.” “I learned a lot from him. He was not like other coaches. His methods were different, and never forced anything on player or captain. He knew how to give respect to the captain.” “I got to learn a lot from him. He never used to force things upon the selectors. He simply used to bring me the stats and never undermined the captain with respect to the
Blackwood hoping for a return to Windies colours KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica Scorpions batsman Jermaine Blackwood is angling to get back into the West Indies squad and believes his performance in the Regional Four-Day Championship so far could get him there. With 768 runs - including one century and six half-centuries - accumulated in
Jermaine Blackwood is the leading run-scorer with 768 runs. the first eight rounds of the tournament, Blackwood is the leading run-scorer. “I am always looking to get back in the West Indies team and I know once I score runs, I will always keep my name in the selectors’ minds,” the 28-year-old middle-order batsman said. On the heels of a double century - 248
which he made in over eight hours at the crease in the match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes that Scorpions won by an innings and 118 runs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday – Blackwood had credited his fitness routine for helping him reach the monumental score. The Jamaica Scorpions head coach, Andre Coley, is also confident Blackwood will be back in maroon and gold. “His whole approach this season has been different; he has shown more application and willingness to stay at the crease and put a higher price on his wicket. It is a testament to the hard work which he has put in and he has surely put his name in the hat for West Indies selection,” he said. With two more rounds to go in the West Indies four-day Championship, the season being suspended due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has affected several Caribbean countries. Blackwood made his Test debut for the West Indies against New Zealand in June 2014 and his One Day International debut for the Caribbean side against Sri Lanka in November 2015. He scored a maiden Test century in the first Test of England’s 2015 tour. The Jamaican last played for West Indies in September 2019, as a concussion substitute for Darren Bravo in the second innings of the second Test against India at Sabina Park here.
selection of players. Speaking about the team’s situation after Ireland loss, he said: “When we lost the match against Ireland, we entered the dressing room very quietly. We didn’t discuss anything there.” “When we reached the hotel, coincidently, we all were together in the lift when Bob asked me: what is the plan? I said we will talk tomorrow over breakfast, But he never came for it,” said Inzamam, who represented Pakistan in five World Cups. “I went back to my room and got a call from someone asking to come to Bob’s room.” “Police had come to his floor and they didn’t allow me
to go inside Woolmer’s room. Our team manager asked them to ‘let him come, he is Pakistan captain’. I can’t express my feeling what I saw. Bob was taken to the hospital and soon news came that he was no more. The entire team was shocked. The doctors had declared the death as murder and we were all left stunned by it.” Furthermore, Inzamam shared that they were being interrogated by Jamaican police, as we were behind Woolmer’s death. Initially the Jamaican police had said they were probing a murder case but after three months they announced that the former England cricketer had died of natural causes.
Bob Woolmer died on March 18, 2007 just a few hours after Pakistan’s shocking defeat by Ireland during the ICC World Cup in West Indies.
Cyclist Browne tested positive for coronavirus, Paul in quarantine T&T cyclist Kwesi Browne was tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) on Monday after he failed to make it to the tracks for his pet event, the keirin last night at the National Cycling Championship at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. Browne competed in the Flying 200 metres sprint and the Elite sprint events on Wednesday. However, it was reported that he started feeling unwell on Wednesday night, and he never made it back to the track for the rest of the championship yesterday. When contacted, president Joseph Roberts told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that, “We have no comment at this time. The TTCF wants to respect the privacy of all of our athletes.” Browne, 26, who returned from the UCI World Championship in Berlin, Germany via Switzerland where he attended a training camp on March 5, where he received confirmation of his
T&T cyclist Kwesi Browne qualification to the Tokyo Japan Olympic Games later this year, was said to have tested positive for the virus. It is believed he may be the fifth person positively tested in T&T. Meanwhile, compatriot Nicholas Paul, who also participated at the National Championships and was also Browne’s teammate at the UCI World Championships in Berlin and the UCI Cycling Centre in Switzerland, has gone on a self-imposed quarantine because of the Browne’s positive test and
told Guardian Media Sports that he is awaiting a visit from health officials who are set to conduct tests on him. Meanwhile, Douglas Camacho, the chairman of the Sports Company of T&T (SportTT) told Guardian Media Sports that the National Cycling Centre and the National Aquatic Swimming Centre at Balmain in Couva will be sanitised and closed for an indefinite period. To date, T&T has recorded seven (7) positive cases from 137 tests for COVID-19 from samples submitted to the Caribbean Health Agency (CARPHA) according to the Ministry of Health’s latest advisory. Health officials have said the elderly and those who have underlying health conditions are the ones most susceptible to COVID-19. However, PAHO/WHO country representative Dr Erica Wheeler said anyone of any age and health can contract the virus. (Reprinted from Trinidad Guardian)
Veteran commentator Perreira unimpressed by Skerritt’s first year as CWI president By Leighton Levy
Former National rifleman Claude Duguid. (Troy Peters photo)
The loss of Claude Duguid will hurt –– GuyanaNRA Secretary By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) is mourning the loss of former executive member and national rifle-shooter Claude Duguid. Duguid, passed away on Tuesday morning at his Lamaha Park residence after a prolonged period of illness. He was 68 years old. Secretary of the GuyanaNRA Ryan Sampson told Chronicle Sport that the loss of the ‘wealth of rifle information’ was saddening at this time. “He (Claude) would have represented Guyana as well as the West Indies FullBore teams on several occasions when the latter travelled to England.” “He will surely be missed,” Sampson added. The NRA secretary, who is also the secretary of the West Indies FullBore Shooting Council (WIFBSC), recounted the work of Duguid to the sport locally. “He was a member of the executive council and served with distinction. It was after his illness that he had to step down from the council and active participation from shooting,” Sampson said. In spite of this, Sampson noted, Duguid still kept in contact with the federation to assist with whatever he could and share his knowledge. He noted that GuyanaNRA captain Mahendra Persaud was hit most by the loss of his long-time friend and extended condolences. The Association’s president and current head of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West, also extended condolences Funeral arrangements for the former rifleman would be announced shortly.
RETIRED but outspoken cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira was this week critical of the performance of the Ricky Skerritt-led CWI in their first year of leadership of regional cricket. In March 2019, Skerritt and running mate Dr Kishore Shallow defeated the-then incumbent Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nathan 8-4 in a landslide victory at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston, Jamaica, and then quickly set about making some of the changes they had promised in their 10-point plan for the revitalisation of West Indies cricket. Those changes includ-
ed removing head coach Richard Pybus and Vasbert Drakes just three months after they guided the West Indies to a shock 2-1 Test series victory against then World number-one England in February 2019. The West Indies also played England to a 2-2 stalemate in the subsequent ODI series. However, speaking on Andrew Mason on Guest in Barbados this week, the 80-year-old Perreira did not mince his words when he related his grouses about the year-old administration. While he credited the slate for their messaging leading up the elections, the outspoken commentator suggested that few things
General view of the Olympic flame during the handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, Athens, Greece, yesterday for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. (Aris Messinis/Pool via REUTERS)
Veteran sports commentator Joseph `Reds’ Perreira
have gone right since then. “They were campaigning on change and they stuck to change but, to me, just too early. I felt that after success against England where we really had shocked the world, we should have stayed with the coaching team and the selectors and make those changes after the World Cup,” he said. At the 2019 ICC World Cup held in England, West Indies, champions in 1975 and 1979, won only two of their nine games and finished ninth in the 10-team table. “It was just too rushed,” Perreira continued, “Ricky Skerritt was under pressure from voices outside the board. We had a great push
for Floyd Reifer as coach, whether we had the best team but it was a poor World Cup.” He said that after the World Cup Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada, a vocal critic of the previous president, Dave Cameron, admitted that the changes to the coaching staff came too soon. Turning to the hiring of head coach Phil Simmons, Perreira said he is not sure Simmons should have been offered a four-year contract by CWI. “In my estimation, it would have been better to ask him to accept a twoyear contract and wait and See page 29
Olympic flame due in Japan amid worries over coronavirus impact See story on page 27
Pakistan captains pay touching tributes to late coach Bob Woolmer
… on his 13th death anniversary See story on page 31
Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020