Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_03_26_2020

THURSDAY 26th March, 2020

' No.105951

‘No new cases of

COVID-19’

---13 persons in quarantine, over 700 testing kits in place

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

GLOBAL SUMMARY

1. Global death toll passes 20,000

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

2. Confirmed cases 450,000; 110,000 people have recovered 3. A quarter of the world's population is now living under some form of lockdown 4. New York reports more than 25,000 cases but the governor says social distancing appears to be working 5. President Donald Trump promises the US economy will take off "like a rocket ship" once the situation improves

6. Prince Charles - heir to the British throne - tests positive for the virus with "mild symptoms", palace says 7. India's 1.3 billion people went into lockdown at midnight, with a "total ban" on leaving homes 8. Russia's Putin postpones vote on constitutional change allowing him to stay in power 9.

The death toll in Spain has overtaken China; in Italy, cases fall slightly from Tuesday

Lindener crushed to death after log falls off truck 05 PAGE

‘We must await court’s ruling’

----GECOM says Commission will act only after judicial review

PAGE

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GRA waives taxes, duties on medical supplies in fight against COVID-19 09 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

‘We must await court’s ruling’ ----GECOM says commission will act only after judicial review

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made it clear that it has no intention of overstepping the guidance of the court in its declaration of the final results of the 2020 General and Regional Elections. The commission, through its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, stated, on Wednesday, that it is in receipt of a number calls from the public domain by political parties and other stakeholders for it to take steps to ensure the electoral process ends in the shortest possible time. However, Ward said that, while it is understandable that emotions are high, the commission is awaiting the ruling of the court and will only take further steps when this is done. “While the anxiety and

frustration of the electorate is understandable, the commission is cognisant that the matter is sub judice and therefore awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings currently engaging the attention of the court to inform its deliberations and next steps. The Guyana Elections Commission as an autonomous constitutional agency is guided by a legal framework and therefore it is imperative that it abides by the decisions of the court,” she explained. Ward said that while GECOM may appear silent on the matter, it is committed to ensuring the March 2, 2020 elections conclude in a manner that is guided by the court. She explained in the release: “Though it may appear that GECOM is silent and not taking all necessary

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward

steps to arrive at a conclusive decision; the fact that injunctions were granted restraining GECOM officials from proceeding with the national recount supervised by CARICOM and setting aside or varying the declaration of the returning officers of the 10 electoral districts and from substituting or replacing the said declaration of the

returning officers until the hearing and determination of the judicial review; the commission cannot pronounce on this matter. In this regard, until these matters are properly ventilated in court and a decision is given, GECOM is unable to take any further action.” The opposition and some stakeholders, over the past

days, have been calling on GECOM to take action and even on the President to order the commission on the steps it should take. In more than one addresses to the nation, the Head of State, who has repeatedly iterated his respect for the Constitution, laws of the country, Judiciary and GECOM, has stated that the independent institutions – the court and GECOM – must be allowed to carry out their mandate. “I have iterated, always, my commitment to respect the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, to protect the integrity of the chairperson and members of the elections commission and to obey the rulings of the courts. I am confident that these institutions, once allowed to

function without interference, will provide a solution to the present situation,” he told the nation during a past address. GECOM’s plan for a national recount was halted last week when the High Court granted an interim injunction blocking same. The injunction, which was granted by Justice Franklin Holder in the High Court on Tuesday, was filed by a private citizen, Ulita Grace Moore, against GECOM; its Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh; and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. Moore, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law, Mayo Robertson, secured a total of four interim orders, which will, in effect, bring the electoral process to a halt until the judicial review is completed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

No new cases of COVID-19 ---13 persons in quarantine, over 700 testing kits in place

AS the Ministry of Public Health continues to put systems in place to curtail the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 13 persons have been quarantined and are being monitored by medical professionals, but the number of confirmed cases have remained constant, at five. This was according to Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, in a recorded update which was posted on the Ministry of Public Health’s Facebook Page, on Wednesday. She said four persons have been placed in mandatory isolation and seven persons were of interest to the ministry, but six of those persons have since been removed from the list. According to Minister Lawrence, those persons in quarantine, as well as those in isolation, will continue to receive support from the ministry’s Mental Health Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection. She said the Health Emergency Operations Centre continues to implement the National Strategic Plan to counter COVID-19 in Guyana and members of the response team have been meeting every 48 hours to mitigate the spread of the virus. In addition, the ministry continues with its education drive via various media and Lawrence said the ministry has been also able to translate its messages in four Indigenous languages including in Patamona, Macushi,

Akawaio and Waphisana. She said the ministry is currently working on message strategies for persons living with disabilities and also for

figures have climbed to 91. While Guyana has not recorded any new cases so far, the ministry still has the capacity to conduct tests for

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence

translation to the remigrant population. The Public Health Minister reminded the populace to continue the practice of social distancing and to also undertake good hygienic practices to ensure that Guyana combats COVID-19. The Ministry of Public Health will provide another update on Thursday at 12:00hrs. Globally, there are over 451,000 recorded cases of the pandemic. More than 20,400 persons have died. The total recorded cases in the United States stood at 55,568 at 13:40hrs today. Closer to Guyana, Brazil has recorded over 2270 cases, while Trinidad and Tobago recorded 60 cases. Suriname has recorded eight cases of the virus while Venezuela’s

COVID-19. Minister Lawrence said the ministry has an adequate supply of testing kits for medical personnel to utilise. Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, in an invited comment on Wednesday, said the ministry has about 700 testing kits and is in the process of acquiring more from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). “Persons have to fit the description of a suspected case in order to be tested… using these criteria, the testing kits will suffice,” said Dr. Boyle. President David Granger had issued executive orders in line with the Public Health Ordinance. 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

effects, goods, buildings or other articles, materials or things exposed to the virus. The minister was also ordered to prevent the spread

DCMO, Dr. Karen Boyle

Minister Lawrence, to “restrain, segregate and isolate” persons suffering from the disease, or those who may be affected from exposure to the infection. President Granger 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 have shown signs of having contracted COVID-19, and the provision of curative treatment for persons who are suffering from the disease. The President also directed Minister Lawrence to remove, disinfect and destroy any personal

of the virus on the seas, rivers and waters of Guyana, and on the high seas within twelve miles of the baseline, as well as on land, among other things. “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,” President Granger said. He also said that all citizens, residents, 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. 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. Minister Lawrence noted that additional hotline numbers have been added, and staff has been increased to facilitate efficiency. The numbers are 226-7480; 229-7490; 2311166; 227-4986; 624-6674; 624-2819; 624-9355.

‘Take heed of COVID-19 warnings’ …National taskforce concerned about cavalier attitude of some citizens in response to public advisories THE National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) said that it is concerned about the scant regard with which some persons are treating the advisories to stop the spread of the disease. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), on Wednesday, hosted multiple virtual planning meetings to continue the coordination of the work of the Task Force, as Guyana intensifies efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. In a release, the taskforce said, consistent with public advisories, the NCTF has incrementally transitioned from in-person meetings to virtual

meetings which it is now fully utilising. On Tuesday, March 24, the NCTF updated His Excellency President David Granger and Ministers of Government on the work of the NCTF and several measures were proposed and discussed. A menu of fiscal measures was approved and the Minister of Finance Hon. Winston Jordan and the Guyana Revenue Authority have been tasked with making the requisite public announcements. The NCTF said it continues to monitor the situation and will recommend and take further measures as are advisable and appropriate. The National COVID-19 Task Force

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

thanks the many Guyanese who have heeded the public advisories to adjust social behaviour in combatting the spread of COVID-19.

The NCTF is however seriously concerned that too many citizens and businesses have been ignoring the public advisories and warnings

and have been going about their daily activities as per normal and operating in a business-as-usual manner. The NCTF warns that such a cavalier approach by some citizens can seriously impair the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and can have a devastating impact on the Guyanese populace. As such, the NCTF is both monitoring the conduct of the citizenry and considering various measures, including extreme measures, which have been instituted in other countries, to impose restrictions on the movement of persons for a defined period until the threat is abated. Prime Minister Naga-

mootoo also commended Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence, and the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) for the work they have done to date in containing the spread of COVID-19, and also in screening, testing, quarantining and isolating persons who are suspected to have contracted COVID-19 and persons who have contracted the virus. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Guyana remains 5, inclusive of one death. The other four persons are in isolation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

Coronavirus: Doctor warns of ‘incoming disaster’ in Gaza (AL JAZEERA) Montreal, Canada - For years, Dr Tarek Loubani has been guided by a simple principle: all patients, no matter where they live, should have equal access to high-quality healthcare. But it is obvious to the Palestinian-Canadian emergency room doctor that this ideal is not yet a reality. “I practised in Canada and I practised in Gaza, and I could see that my patients in Gaza weren’t receiving the same care,” he told Al Jazeera this week, as the blockaded Palestinian territory confirmed its first two cases of the novel coronavirus. The global coronavirus

pandemic has thrust stark global disparities in access to healthcare and medical equipment into the spotlight, as some countries are being ravaged while others are succeeding so far in staving off a crisis. The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated places in the world, is expected to be among the hardest-hit areas, as experts fear chronic shortages and an already strained healthcare system will exacerbate the spread of the virus. Medical workers in Gaza are preparing for the worst, said Loubani, who spent two weeks working there last month. “People were so ter-

rified because they knew that they were living in a powder keg,” he said. “And even these two cases represent such an incoming disaster.” 3D printing supplies An emergency room physician in the Canadian province of Ontario, Loubani has worked with colleagues in Gaza to address some of the problems plaguing the healthcare system for several years. In 2015, he raised over $206,000 ($300,000 Canadian) to erect solar panels atop a handful of hospitals across the Palestinian territory and provide a more consistent supply of electricity amid frequent power cuts. He also founded the Glia Project, an open-source charity that produces 3D-printed medical equipment at a low cost. The group has helped deploy 3D-printed stethoscopes and tourniquets in Gaza. For COVID-19, Glia has shared production plans for medical face shields, which front-line medical workers

use when they are treating patients. The face shields, which are being produced for use in Canadian facilities amid concerns that supplies may run out, are made with mylar and elastic, and they cost seven dollars per unit to produce. They are also reusable, Loubani said. He said the equipment would help plug a gap in Canada, which is otherwise well-equipped to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and where the government has mobilised various industries to manufacture supplies. But Loubani conceded that face masks alone would not drastically change the reality of COVID-19 in Gaza. “Face shields in Canada are great because that’s the thing that’s missing. But in Gaza, it’s not the thing that’s missing. It’s like a bridge, but there’s no ends on either side of this bridge.” ‘Nightmare scenario’ Under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for over a

decade, the Gaza Strip faces a dire humanitarian crisis and its medical facilities are stretched thin. Many Palestinians in the territory do not have regular access to electricity, clean water or sanitation, a reality that could exacerbate the outbreak. Serious concerns have also been raised that Gaza does not have enough coronavirus testing kits to meet the needs of the local population, which numbers nearly two million people. “The hospitals are not yet really ready,” said Matthias Schmale, director of Gaza operations for the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) on March 20, just days before the first coronavirus cases were reported. Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem also said on March 23 that the spread of the coronavirus in Gaza would be “a massive disaster resulting entirely” from the conditions created entirely by the Israeli blockade. “A failing healthcare

system, extreme poverty, dependence on humanitarian aid, dysfunctional infrastructure and harsh living conditions that compromise public health … combine with overcrowding to form a nightmare scenario,” the group said in a statement. Loubani said that in February, when he was last in Gaza, physicians did not have enough gloves, face shields, or M95 protective masks, and many hospitals did not have respirators. That equipment is key to combatting the virus, which makes it difficult for patients to breathe and often requires their intubation. “The most frustrating part about the health system in Gaza is [that] we actually know the answer, and the answer is an immediate end to the blockade, even if for a short period so that we can get through this crisis,” Loubani said. “There’s some amount of the coronavirus that’s inevitable in Gaza, but the disaster we’re about to watch unfold is not inevitable.”

Italy reports 683 more coronavirus deaths: Live updates Thursday, March 26, 05:00hrs - 06:30 hrs

Cleaning staff wearing protective mask disinfect a seat screen of an Emirates Airbus A380 in Dubai [Reuters]

(AL JAZEERA) Italy reported 683 new deaths in the coronavirus pandemic, bringing its total to 7,503. Spain, meanwhile, recorded more than 700 deaths over the past 24 hours - surpassing China in the global death toll - making the country now second to only Italy. US leaders struck an agreement on a sweeping $2 trillion measure to aid workers, businesses, and a healthcare system strained by the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak. More than 113,000 of the 454,000 people diagnosed with the disease have recovered, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. About 20,500 people worldwide have died from COVID-19.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

Lindener crushed to death after log falls off truck

A LINDENER met his demise, on Wednesday evening, after one of the logs he was loading onto a truck, reportedly fell on him. Dead is 25-year-old Michael Paul, a porter, of Lot 4582 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden. The incident occurred at 37 KM 23 Miles Mabura Road, Region 10. Information reaching this newspaper suggested that Paul was employed with a large-scale logger, Johan Dhanpaul. Around 15:00 hours on Wednesday, Dhanpaul and his four workmen, including Paul, had just finished loading logs on his truck, GWW 1868. It was reported that, while they were about to strap the logs onto the truck with chains, the wooden stanchion broke, causing a log to fall on Paul. The men immediately picked up Paul and took him to the Linden Hospital Complex. He was, however, pronounced dead on arrival. Ranks, stationed at the Mackenzie Police Station, examined the body and two small bruises were seen on his right chest and right side rib cage. Fractures were

Deceased: Michael Paul

suspected. A post Mortem examination is expected to be completed soon.

Investigations are being carried out by both the police and the Ministry of

Social Protection, Department of Labour. In the last two years, there have been several logging-related accidents in Region Ten. Workers attached to several large-scale loggers and companies have complained about not being equipped with the necessary safety gears to perform the laborious and risky jobs. There was on outpouring of love and sympathy on social media for Paul, who was very popular in Linden. He was described as a loving and hardworking young man. His mother, Debbie Paul, said that he was working with Mr. Dhanpaul for more than a year. She last saw him around 06:00 hrs on Tuesday. She was contacted by the employer about what transpired and based on the evidence presented, she believes he indeed died from an industrial-related accident. She described her son as a jovial, respectful and hardworking person. “He always had a smile on his face; he was a very loving child,” the grieving mother said. Michael Paul leaves to mourn two foster children and four sisters.

New Amsterdam preparing to put COVID-19 in vice-grip

The market was fumigated on Wednesday

THE New Amsterdam municipality is leading the fight against the coronavirus in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). The agriculture-based region has three municipalities, the others being Rose Hall and Corriverton. While Corriverton and Rose Hall have begun to implement measures, New Amsterdam has taken the “Bull by the horns” by hosting sensitisation sessions with vendors, in collaboration with regional health officials, and has short-

ened business hours within the market and the township. On Wednesday, continuing its fight against the global pandemic, COVID -19, the New Amsterdam Market closed its gate to facilitate a complete fumigation process around the complex. Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with poisonous gas that kills pests. The exercise was a joint effort between the Regional Environmental Health Department and the Municipality of

New Amsterdam. The team was headed by Environmental Health Inspectors, Jaiissa Williams and Shevone Charles and included a supervisor and eight spray attendants. During the fumigation exercise, the 600 odd stalls, along with the Fisheries Department, Meat Centres and Municipal offices were sprayed. The New Amsterdam Municipality is geared to help its citizens live long healthy lives, free from the threat of the coronavirus.

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Businesses in New Amsterdam under curfew

Mayor Winifred Haywood in discussion with a business owner

BUSINESSES in New Amsterdam have been placed under curfew as the town takes steps to minimise large gatherings and the spread of COVID -19. Mayor Winifred Haywood recently led a team inclusive of Town Clerk, Sharon Alexander; councillors, Buster Wright, Quacy Isaacs and Sheanta Lambert; Environment Health Assistant, Jafaana Wright and Constabulary Sergeant, Paul Beaton across the boundaries of the township. Visits were made to all supermarkets, eating houses, rum and grocery shops. During the visits, business owners were updated about the Ministry of Public Health’s guidelines to tackle the virus. They were also informed that rum shops and eating houses are to be closed at 18:00hrs; supermarkets and grocery shops at 19:00 hrs; and pharmacies at 20:00hrs. Police Commander, Calvin Brutus, has ordered his charges to enforce the orders given to the owners of the businesses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

Focusing on health and well-being during a global pandemic THE COVID-19 global pandemic has initiated an unprecedented response from world leaders, including our own government, which had responded robustly since the virus was confirmed to be present in Guyana on March 11. In a directive by the President given under the Public Health Ordinance, widespread and sweeping powers to curb the spread of COVID-19 were devolved to numerous ministries with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) being placed at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Some of the more robust measures include the MoPH being able to ‘restrain, segregate and isolate persons suffering from the disease, or who may be likely from exposure to the infection suffer from the disease’ and ‘remove, disinfect, and destroy the personal effects, goods, buildings and any other article, material or thing exposed to infection from the disease.’ Additionally, the MoPH has undertaken to promote cleanliness, ventilation and disinfection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is currently accelerating its spread across the globe. Currently, there have been over 350,000 cases and 15,000 deaths worldwide. It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases of Covid-19, but it took only 11 days for the second 100,000 cases, and just four days for the third 100,000 cases, WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has said. During an online press briefing, the director-general noted that ‘Asking people to stay at home and other social-distancing measures are an important way of slowing down the spread of the virus and buying time, but they are defensive measures. To win we need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics -- testing every suspect case, isolating and caring for every confirmed case and tracing and quarantining every close contact.” Many countries have taken extraordinary measures to inhibit the spread of the disease and one of the

most promoted precautionary measures being touted worldwide is social distancing. This essentially means keeping a safe distance (at least three feet) away from anyone and avoiding social pleasantries such as hugging, kissing and shaking hands, as the way to stop the infection passing from person to person or from surfaces to person, as the virus is capable of surviving on surfaces for a number of hours. Guyanese have been chided by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Karen Boyle, who said ‘It is very important that people take it seriously, it’s no joke. If we are able to get people to take social distancing seriously, we may very well be able to contain the epidemic that has started here in Guyana and prevent local or community transmission which is what we’re aiming for.’ In other jurisdictions, where emergency legislation has been implemented in order to combat COVID-19, social distancing is not only advisory, but mandatory with countries like Italy, Denmark and Germany willing to arrest and

detain citizens who are flouting the new social-isolation rules. Whilst the focus remains on tracking and curbing the spread of COVID-19, the WHO has rightly pointed out the importance of defensive measures. To this end, the MoPH has made several recommendations which citizens should be aware of in order to maintain our health and well-being during the pandemic. If persons are required to stay at home they should try as much as possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, sleep, exercise as well as maintaining social contact with loved ones via telephone and online. The MoPH does not recommend smoking, alcohol and using other drugs in order to deal with emotions citizens might be experiencing because of the pandemic. Finally, in order to limit worry and agitation, it is recommended that persons lessen the time spent consuming media coverage that could be upsetting. Additionally, the importance of maintaining good mental health

The PPP/C is just a tale of many riddles Dear Editor, A MARCH 24 publication from Bloomberg has revealed that the PPP/C is proverbially cutting their noses to spite their faces when it comes to the party's determination in sabotaging the nation under the cause of "democracy." According to the Bloomberg publication (authored by Crowley and Millard), Bharrat Jagdeo and his PPP/C cohorts plan to "work with the international community and push for sanctions." While this is alarming, one doesn't have to fear the

idle threats that are being hurled like sewage from the PPP/C. They are acting in a comedy of errors, on an impulse of clownish behaviour which poses serious risks to every Guyanese. Pushing for international sanctions will do more harm to Guyanese as a whole. This is because while the PPP/C’s politicians sleep comfortably at their oceanside residences, sanctions will make the average person suffer and starve. Look at the crises in 1990s Haiti, and recently, post-Chavez Venezuela, as two examples of how sanctions do more harm than good to innocent

lives. It's as if the PPP/C’s supporters are being led through a road of deception by the PPP/C, acting as the Pied Piper of future misery. Furthermore, it is hypocrisy, given that it's already known in the streets that a majority of PPP/C politicians are clannish and anti-immigration at heart. The Guyana Times is guilty of such hostile sentiments by being insular and racist towards fellow members of the CARICOM community seeking refuge. However, Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C are conducting an interna-

tional campaign to plead foreign governments into sanctioning Guyana for biased reasons. Why beg American, Canadian, British and EU politicians to sanction Guyana? Isn't that hypocrisy? The PPP/C is just a tale of many riddles! The PPP/C is acting like the fox who called the grapes sour, spiting their noses to cut their faces, and leading their supporters astray like the Pied Piper. Regards, Riaz Hamid

during this pandemic should not be understated. According to a recent study in the medical journal, the Lancet, “The psychological impact of quarantine can be great, resulting in a range of mental health concerns from anxiety and anger to sleep disturbances, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Indeed, separate studies of quarantined patients of SARS, a previous coronavirus outbreak in 2003, found between 10% and 29% suffered PTSD.’ The study further noted that mental health concerns could be exacerbated by stressors associated with quarantining, including ‘infection fears, frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies, lack of information, financial loss and stigma associated with contracting the disease.’ Amidst the flood of information circulating in the media and online, it is important for citizens to remain guided by the MoPH public health advisories as the situation continues to develop.

Ramadan observance in light of coronavirus Dear Editor WITH the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan slated to begin mid-April, it is perhaps opportune for imams and jamaats across the country to think and put in place measures and arrangements for this year's observance, in light of the COVID -19 coronavirus. It is imperative that active consideration be given to such concepts as distancing and isolating and persons be aware of the measures respective mosques have put in place. Wash! Wash! Wash! Sanitise! Sanitise ! Sanitise! Ramadan Mubarak! Regards Shamshun Mohamed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

M&CC to sanitise City Markets

THE Mayor Councillors of the City of Georgetown have announced that the Stabroek Market will be closed to the public today, Thursday, March 26, 2020, to facilitate the spraying and sanitisation of the market and

its immediate environs by the City Public Health Department. As a result, stall-holders and vendors will not be permitted to conduct business for that entire day, said the M&CC in a press release signed by

M&CC Public Relations Officer, Debra Lewis. “This exercise will be extended to the Bourda, Albouystown, Kitty and East Ruimveldt markets,” the press release said. “The council seeks the full co-operation of

all vendors, stall-holders and citizens in this regard. It is important that council employs the necessary precautionary measures to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of the citizenry,” the release said.

Some int’l observers erred in judgement

Dear Editor

AN INTERNATIONAL Electoral Observer Mission (IEOM) in any country has its role to play and should not be hindered. And those who came to observe the 2020 General and Regional Elections were accredited and had every right to do so. They viewed the Guyanese people exercising their constitutional right to vote and at the end of the elections, the IEOMs stated that the elections were free and fair. Nonetheless, in an examination of the of the OAS report forwarded so far on the 2020 General and Regional Elections, there have been some obvious flaws in the way some of them handled their responsibilities. And this has been clearly revealed by the manner in which the report was presented. The OAS Observation Mission has a detailed manual which is widely publicised for all to see. In that manual it states among other things that the OAS/EOMs are guided by some ‘fundamental principles of international electoral observation’. These include – “Objectivity and neutrality: The work of an OAS/ EOM depends on its impartiality, neutrality, and independence. These basic characteristics of OAS/EOMs are reflected, among other things, in the actions of the international observers as well as in the statements and declarations of the OAS/ EOM.” The manual went on to state that there must be ‘respect for the host country’s domestic laws.’ “Doing the work of observation implies complete respect of the constitution and laws of the country where the electoral process is taking place. The privileges and immunities granted to international observers, such as immunity against arrests, searches and seizures, and/or legal proceedings, are intended to ensure that the international observers can act independently in carrying out their specific functions.” The OAS manual further states, “It is not up to interna-

The Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur is seen here with PPP General-Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo at one of the PPP’s 2020 elections campaign rallies at Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara

Gustavo Arnavat of Mercury standing with PPP/C prime ministerial candidate, Mark Phillips at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown

tional observers to approve, disapprove, or correct the decisions of the electoral authority; replace or question political party poll-watchers; or increase the human or material resources of any participant in the process, including the competent national authority, which is the only arbiter of the process.” According to the OAS manual, these are some of the foundational doctrines on which the institution stands,

as it relates to international observing of elections in countries.

GUYANA’S EXPERIENCE But how has Guyana’s experience been with the OAS and some of the international bservers? Specific objectives of the OAS/EOMs has stated in no uncertain terms that observers should, “...ensure the impartiality, transparency, and reliability

of the electoral process… help create an atmosphere of public trust and encourage citizen participation,” among others. Instead of observing these ‘fundamental principles, there were statements and actions that can easily give the impression that the author(s) were representing the cause of a particular political group. The report said, for example: “The Mission has noted that images of the Statements

of Poll published by the PPP/ Civic on its website, which it claims were given to its polling agents after the ballots were counted at each polling station on the night of the elections, produce a result that is vastly different from that being declared by the Returning Officer and would have a decisive effect on the outcome of the national election.” The report went further: “To date, neither the

Chief Elections Officer nor APNU has challenged the authenticity of the Statements of Poll published by the PPP/Civic by producing the copies in their possession. The implications are deeply troubling and make it all the more necessary for the Returning Officer to display the Statements of Poll on which he is relying.” How very sad! Putting it simply – The OAS and any other observer mission are here not to set strife, but in the words of their manual, to be objective, impartial, neutral and independent. In essence, there would have been here to make peace as much as possible. But even in the midst of the elections matter still in the courts, as well as attracting CARICOM and other interested parties, the OAS crafted an obviously lopsided report. If the entire election was done in a free and fair manner, how come Region Four, the one that is supposed to make the difference for the APNU+AFC coalition was not? How come everything seems to have gone wrong with Region Four – from top to bottom? It can therefore be conceived that the OAS report is an obvious effort to divide this country, even though this same report has stated that they were, “…pleased to have declared that the March 2 poll was, in almost all respects, well executed." Why didn’t the organisation seek to have dialogue with the APNU+AFC coalition if they had discerned a problem somewhere along the line? The manual of the OAS and other international observers suggest different manoeuvring. One of the major principles written in the OAS manual is that the international observers should, “Help create an atmosphere of public trust and encourage citizen participation.” With the help of some of these observers Guyana has so far experienced the opposite. Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

Special arrangements at GRA to combat COVID-19

Dear Editor

As we continue to closely monitor the global development of the COVID-19, which has been declared a pandemic and with Guyana’s recorded cases increasing, please be assured that the safety of our staff, customers and other stakeholders is our main concern. We are making every effort to continue to provide service, while safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of all. Taking into consideration recommendations from the Ministry of Public Health to create social distancing and discourage mass gatherings, these measures will be implemented immediately at all our Tax Offices: 1. Restricting the number of customers who will be allowed into our offices at one time, to avoid crowding. 2. Discontinuing the acceptance of returns at the counter and printing of lodgement receipts when taxpayers submit their returns. This is applicable to all returns including Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Property Tax, PAYE and VAT. 3. Reducing processing of Driver’s Licenses, Motor Vehicle Licences and Motor Vehicle Registrations. A notice ad-

vising of same has been published in all the daily newspapers. 4. Cancelling all Taxpayer Education workshops and presentations. We encourage taxpayers to use our online tax platform at https://eservices.gra.gov.gy which allows the electronic submission of returns. Alternatively, a drop-box will be available for taxpayers to deposit ALL returns which will be subsequently lodged by the staff. Applications for new TINs and to update TINs can be submitted via email to filing@gra.gov.gy. Please include a contact number with all emails in case contact has to be made to resolve any issues that may arise. Taxpayers are also advised to use the electronic payment facilities offered by Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), Western Union Bill Express and participating online Commercial Banks - Republic Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry and Demerara Bank. For customers who need to visit our Tax Offices, please be mindful that we will be operating with a reduced number of staff since we are currently utilising a rotation schedule to limit the persons in the building. Additionally, some of our team

members would have had to be permitted to accommodate their children’s stay at home due to the closure of schools, as well as others who may be quarantined due to recent overseas travel or possible trace contact with affected persons. We will continue to monitor information from the Ministry of Public Health and other official sources and will keep you updated on our operations. If you have any queries or need special assistance with tax related matters, please call our Tax Advisory Helpline on 2276060 Ext 1200 or 1201 or visit the website at www.gra.gov.gy for contact numbers for the various departments within GRA. We do appreciate your understanding and look forward to continue working together to serveyou better. Regards Godfrey Statia Commissioner General Guyana Revenue Authority

Who can better three As and a B at GCE A-level can cast the first stone Dear editor, FOR Guyana to make progress we need the skills of our smartest and brightest.We need the skills of our Guyana scholars and our government scholars. We need those talented newbies to take us forward as a nation. We need the engineers, the doctors, the accountants. Recent statistics have revealed that Guyana is

a major exporter of the university-educated. The number is shocking. The number is mind-numbing. Ninety three per cent leave annually. The reasons are multifactoral. I will never position myself as the voice for the multitude that boarded those 747s. I can humbly speak for myself. I left because of the PPP’s politics of division, discrimination, vengeance and victimisation.

That has not changed. That cannot change because it is in their DNA. A few window dressers are used to conceal the wolves. A few tokens to do their dirty work. A friend recently shared with me the sad story of her brother who was studying overseas. He landed in Jagdeo’s black book because he utilised his rights to free speech. Critical of Jagdeo he was. Returned to Guyana was the pun-

ishment. Never completed his degree is his pain. To date he is a broken man. Then recently I saw Jagdeo compiling his list of persons and businesses he will punish if Mr Granger is rightfully sworn in as President. The politics of division and vendetta is alive and kicking in the PPP. But today I wish to add my voice to the many to speak out against the treatment of one of our most deserving scholars. I met Ryan Benschop last year when he moved to the UK to attend the prestigious Russell Group Nottingham University. Within the top 10 universities it lies. Ryan is an introvert and unassuming young man. Like his dad he is not boastful. He is an alumnus of QC. Top 15 in the country was his common entrance position despite his father, an innocent man, languishing in prison for trumpedup treason charges. Political prisoner the euphemism. He too was a victim of the PPP’s politics of vendetta. At QC he excelled. Many prizes in debating. Many academic prizes. CXC he excelled as expected. School of the Nations was his next stop on his brilliant academic journey. After two years, the required duration of studies, he did the GCE A-Levels. His results were outstanding. Three A’s and a B. Valedictorian and a truckload of prizes he carried. Let’s revisit those A-Level grades. To get an A in GCE A-levels is good. To get two As is outstanding. To get three As is exceptional. To exceed three As is exceptionally brilliant. Let me add further perspective. The best ever performance in GCE A-Levels in Guyana is

four As. In the UK, four A’s is generally the best performance. Added to that, Ryan was the captain of the STEM team for two successive years. In him we are dealing with Einsteinian brilliance that we should cherish. Ryan could have easily walked into any university in the UK. He chose Nottingham University after Nottingham University chose him. The government recognised exceptional talent and rewarded him with a scholarship. This was no Irfaan Ali type scholarship where he dropped out from UG, allegedly faked his qualifications from a non-existent West Demerara University to get a scholarship for some obscure university in India. This was not nepotism as practised by the PPP, where their kids received questionable scholarships. Ryan is the real deal. The creme de la creme. The true Dr. Walter Rodney type scholar. The sad reality is that envy drove the cowards in the PPP to attack Ryan. They made it clear that their swords of vendetta are out. The wicked plan is to sever his ties from Nottingham University. They will then proceed to have him deported. They question his academic credentials as if the Government of Guyana could have conspired to have Ryan admitted to Nottingham University without the requisite qualifications. Nottingham University is not a bottom house university in India. This is a world-class university. Doubt me? Then ask your self-appointed golden boy of the PPP, Charles Ramson Jr. All the papers in Guyana were

plastered with this “brilliant” son of the soil graduating from a top university in the UK. He lived the lie and parade the streets with arrogance until I had enough of his charade and made it known that he attended a former polytechnic which are fifth-rated universities for those students in the academic scrap heaps. One of those polytechnics Charles attended was the Nottingham Trent University which is a stone’s throw away from where I live and borders Nottingham University. It must have pained the younger Charles’ heart that he was so physically close to Nottingham University, yet academically miles away. I would not doubt if this attack on Ryan was partly orchestrated by him, out of envy. Kwame Mc Coy, the token designated with plastering the faces of PPP political opponents with faecal matter or do a similar type offensive work on social media, is likely to have had a hand in this too. The incriminating evidence is bound to be found under his fingernails. Ryan is where he is because he deserves to be there. The cretins in the PPP are where they are because that’s where they deserve to be -- in the red basket for the dumb, the academic wannabees and academic failures. I would challenge anyone in the PPP’s cretinous society to display their A-level grades. Who can better three As and a B can cast the first stone. Regards Dr Mark Devonish

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

GRA waives taxes, duties on medical supplies in fight against COVID-19

--GRA waives VAT, Duties and Excise Tax on all medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID – 19, Vitamin C and multivitamins

-- Tax deductions will be given for all donations made by local businesses -- payment of corporate and individual advance taxes and PAYE for businesses affected deferred until June 30 THE government has rolled out a series of relief measures to reduce costs for medical supplies and treatment and to businesses and individuals who may be disproportionately affected by the pandemic and its fallout According to a release from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), VAT, Duties and Excise Tax have been waived on all medical supplies associated with the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID – 19, Vitamin C and multivitamins This, the GRA said will take effect on March 26, 2020 and will be in effect until June 30, 2020. Previously, these would have attracted duties ranging from 5-20 per cent and VAT of 14 per cent. The descriptions of these supplies with their associated tariff codes are given in the table below. Tax deductions will be given for all donations made by local businesses to staff and health institutions for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, the GRA said, and noted that the payment of corporate and individual advance taxes and PAYE for businesses have been deferred until June 30, 2020. The GRA said, thereafter, businesses will be allowed to pay advance taxes on the current year basis. “All other taxes are due and payable in accordance with the law. This includes Balance of tax payments for Corporation Tax and Income Tax due for Year of Income 2019 which is payable by April 30th, 2020. Interest and penalties though applicable for late filing and payment may be waived by the Commissioner General for due cause,” the revenue body noted. It added: “To reduce the spread of the virus, taxpayers are encouraged to submit their tax returns electronically. Drop boxes are also available at all GRA locations for taxpayers to drop off their returns should they elect not to file electronically. Please note that the issuance of lodgment receipts is suspended. Instead, an online Lodgement Checker will be available on our website www.gra.gov.gy, thereby allowing taxpayers to check that their returns have been brought to account.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

KLM urges parties, citizens to respect GECOM

---- says GECOM’s SOPs are final THE Kingdom Liberal Movement (KLM), a political party which did not make the cut to contest the 2020 General and Regional Elections, has called on all political parties and citizens to respect the role of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The party stated, on Wednesday, that the Statements of Poll (SOPs) presented by the Commission should be trusted as accurate and the Elections Commission should not put aside its figures to please any political party. “We understand that it has been common practice by GECOM’s personnel to produce spreadsheets from SOPs and then announce from same. These have however proved contentious this time around

as Opposition elements were bent on dictating GECOM’s mode of operation, calling for only SOPs and even getting the court to make orders such as SOPs on large screens - orders not provided for in law and never heard of in any previous election,” KLM said in a release. “If GECOM’s figures cannot be used, there is no other source recognised under the constitution, thus giving GECOM ultimate power. GECOM cannot and should not put aside its figures to use those of political parties, observer teams and/or other organisations. It must be accepted that regardless of which political party/observer or mission groups/organisation would present figures, it is only that of GECOM that is relevant and where these are not ac-

cepted, there is a system for redress following the entire process; that is following the period after voting and declaration.” The KLM which views itself as a religious, apostolic and political body stated that it had been observing, with “profound disappointment”, the behaviour of some before and following the breakdown in tabulation by the Commission. It pointed out “Opposition elements” as the main instigators of this negative behaviour and condemned the attack launched on GECOM’s staff at GECOM’s Command Center earlier in the month stating: “This local body has taken note of online videos where party representatives are boasting of barging into GECOM offices, breaking down doors and ‘intimidating a frail and scared’ GECOM chairman. Video also surfaced of party representatives threatening

female police ranks with their jobs as they (the ranks) refused to allow them to the chairperson’s office. These behaviours are unaccepted. It led to chaos, encouraged and supported distrust in GECOM.” In the midst of this, KLM said that it supports the “wise, lawful decision” of President David Granger to steer clear of any direct, indirect or perceived interference, in-

timidation or directing of the Commission. It reminded that GECOM should always be insulated from executive interference in the performance of its functions by virtue of the Constitution. The political body stated: “Even in the face of many local and overseas pressures to intervene, the president has maintained his proper place and position in allowing GECOM,

the constitutionally mandated agency which possesses the sole authority, according to the laws, to handle matters relating to elections in Guyana. What the evidence shows is screaming acts of intimidation, bullyism and threats against GECOM’s staff by Opposition elements and unfortunately, even observer missions, some of whose representatives demanded GECOM’s numbers; something not even the most powerful or ordinary Guyanese can do.” Even so, KLM called on GECOM to execute its lawful duty to facilitate a speedy resolution, completion and final declaration of the results, and, on the President and government to continue to uphold proper and legitimate posture. Meanwhile, the party urged citizens to remain calm as the country awaits the ruling of the High Court and subsequent declaration by GECOM.

Lethem on temporary lockdown ...as Regional Committee formed to tackle spread of coronavirus ...Kurupukari Crossing may close to all passenger traffic this week

AS the authorities intensify efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19, a regional committee has been formed to tackle the pandemic in the Rupununi and among its recommendations is an appeal to the business community to close its doors at nightfall. In addition, following a meeting among the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and other stakeholders, a decision has been taken to close temporarily, the Kurupukari Crossing on the

Essequibo River, which links the Rupununi Region to the coastland, to all passenger traffic. This move is being disputed by one bus service which noted that it will be operating its normal service since it was advised by the Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC), which operates the pontoons at the crossing, that it has made no decision to close the service to passenger traffic. According to a notice published by an official on the committee, as part of the recommendations, only cargo trucks, government vehicles , security

forces vehicles and private vehicles with no more than two persons will be allowed to use the pontoon at the crossing. It was noted that the private bus services which ply the Lethem/ Georgetown route have already been informed, while MMC was also notified of the move. A recommendation has been made by the RCCI for businesses to close their doors at 19:00hrs and as such, the committee has issued an appeal in writing to the business sector in the border town. “This is an appeal to all

A view of the town of Lethem. In foreground is the Takutu Bridge which links the town with Brazil

business owners and managers. Because of the limited capacity of our local healthcare system and the vulnerability of Lethem and the Rupununi Region, with regards to the great possibility of residents contracting the coronavirus, the RCCI is appealing to businesses throughout the region to use your discretion with regards to your operating hours and close your business by nightfall,” the RCCI said in its appeal to the business community at Lethem. Last week, the Brazilian authorities enforced a gazetted order to close the border crossing linking Guyana with the neighbouring country. As part of the arrangement, a decision was

made to set aside Thursday for the crossing of resupply trucks into Lethem. Only the driver will be permitted to enter Guyana while porters will discharge goods at Lethem. Persons in the town noted that there are Guyanese and Brazilians who work on both sides of the border and they have made an appeal to the authorities to put measures in place to ensure travel to and from work. It was noted by the committee on Wednesday that there are persons who are utilising unofficial crossings, and an appeal was made for those to be safeguarded since residents and Brazilians are still using these routes. Some residents told the Guy-

ana Chronicle that while they understand the magnitude of the situation, the measures put in place, mainly the closure of the border, has already impacted some households. On Wednesday a decision was also made to close the roadway linking the area with Yarong Paru in the South Pakaraimas. It was noted by the regional committee that only cargo trucks with a driver and two porters will be allowed through the roadway. In the days ahead, all public buildings in the region will be fumigated while the RDC has scaled down its staffing and as such, some employees have been asked to remain at home. Earlier this week, a 37-yearold Brazilian man, whose father operates a butchery at the Lethem market, tested positive for COVID-19 in the neighbouring country. Reports are that the man, who frequents Lethem, was in contact with infected persons at Boa Vista who were also tested positive for the virus. Residents of Lethem immediately called on the authorities in the region to implement measures to mitigate the spread of the virus as some noted that the area is at highrisk given its proximity to BonFim across the border. Brazil’s coronavirus numbers have climbed rapidly to 2,443 recorded cases from less than 300 last Friday. To date 57 deaths have been listed and according to reports in the Brazilian media, a high concentration of the cases has been recorded in the city of Sao Paulo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

The CCJ advisory opinion endorses differentiated approach to free movement in CARICOM Dr. Jan Yves Remy and Alicia Nicholls On 18 March 2020, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) delivered its first Advisory Opinion following a request filed a year ago by the Caribbean Community (the Community). It was asked to consider the legality of CARICOM Heads of Government’s decision allowing two Member States – Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis – to opt out of an earlier decision to enlarge the list of skilled workers eligible to move and seek employment under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CCJ solicited and received written and oral submissions from interested parties, including counsel from the Community, CARICOM Member States, and Law Faculties of The University of the West Indies. We provided a background to the issues in an earlier SRC Trading Thoughts. In this edition, we outline the reasoning in the Court’s Opinion, and consider some of its legal and practical implications. THE COURT’S OPINION Article 27(4) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) is central to the Opinion. Subject to Heads’ agreement, it permits a CARICOM Member State to “opt out” of obligations arising from a CARICOM organ’s decision, once the fundamental objectives of the Community, as laid down in the RTC, are not thereby prejudiced. Two main legal issues were considered: 1. Whether the Member States concerned could lawfully opt out of the Heads’ decision under Article 46 of the RTC concerning the enlargement of persons entitled to move and work freely in the Community to now include agricultural workers and security guards; and 2. Whether the principle of “non-reciprocity” would enable nationals of the opting out Member States to derive the benefits of the enlargement decision and - move freely - even though they need not allow entry of other Member States’ security guards and agricultural workers to seek work. The Court answered both questions in the affirmative, thereby “approving” a political decision of the Heads to permit a differentiated – or “variable geometry” - approach toward the goal of free movement in the Community. KEY REASONING OF THE COURT The CCJ made some important clarifications and extensions to Community law. First, in introductory remarks, the Court welcomed the opportunity to engage in a non-adversarial “principled interaction” between itself, Member States and the Community. The Court hoped that the “dialogue” would secure the “integrity of the RTC, clarify its provisions and promote public trust and confidence in

CARICOM and the Court”. Being its first Opinion, the Court could be forgiven for extreme care in the posture taken, being careful to demarcate in the course of its judgment those remarks that were of a “general nature” and those more narrowly directed at answering the two questions posed.

The Court also highlighted that an important consideration was the extent of the prejudice, which should be “grave and irremediable”. Particularly important was that the requesting Members were Less Developed Countries (LDCs) under the RTC; the temporary nature of the waiver; and its limited scope to

ruffling political feathers. Interesting questions, however, arise if a Member or national were to bring a dispute, on the same matter, for the Court’s settlement. Although non-binding, would a prior Advisory Opinion act as a sort of res judicata – that is, be treated as a matter on which a determination has already

Second, the Court clarified that an opt out under Article 27.4 of the RTC was not the same as a ‘reservation’ under general public international law. On the first question, the Court elucidated for the first time what constitutes a ‘fundamental objective’ of the Community. While the RTC does not “explicitly lay down” what these fundamental objectives are, the Court clarified that the nine “Objectives of the Community” set out in Article 6 indicate the aims of CARICOM. For the Court, it would be “a mistake” to assume that (1) each of those objectives is fundamental or (2) that a fundamental objective of the Community is necessarily to be extracted only from among them. While fundamental objectives need not be expressly stated, they must be “so inextricably central to and indispensable for the full attainment of one or more of the objectives or goals specified in the Treaty that [they could] properly be described as being both fundamental and an objective in [their] own right.” On this basis, the Court concluded that the free movement of skilled Community nationals is one such fundamental objective of the Community. Noting the importance of movement of persons in other regional processes, the Court highlighted its centrality also to economic integration under the RTC. The Court opined that prejudice to a fundamental objective could be determined using principles of “proportionality” and by balancing a number of competing considerations, including promotion and incremental realization of objectives, the desire not to be thwarted or retarded, and the pursuit of Article 6 objectives.

two categories of skilled nationals entitled to free movement. For these reasons, the Court concluded that the opt out was lawful. On the second question of whether the principle of non-reciprocity applies to the enlargement decision, the Court explored the meaning of “reciprocity” and found it to be a governing principle of international law that implies that benefits given to one Member must be returned and reciprocated to other. In this part of its reasoning, the Court noted that the RTC requires that the CARICOM legal order is meant to apply in a reciprocal manner, that is, in its entirety between all parties. It did, however, permit derogations – and non-reciprocity – as provided for under Article 27.4. Another instance of non-reciprocity was the recognition in the RTC of disparities in size, structure and vulnerability of LDCs within CARICOM. In agreeing that non-reciprocity applied to the Heads’ decision, the Court highlighted that opt outs allow the Conference to make decisions which would otherwise be vetoed by countries not in a position to bear the full weight of obligations resulting from them.

been made? Given the narrowness of the decision, could new facts, or legal arguments be raised in an adversarial context that might induce the court to make a different judgement, utilizing a different standard of review? The standard of review again raises the question of mixed competence in the interpretation and application of the RTC. The Court implied that the appropriate standard in assessing the lawfulness of a Heads’ political decision to grant the opt out was one of “reasonableness”. But in providing detailed guidance – which fell short of stipulating a test of “prejudice” – the Court did engage in a sort of first instance or de novo review which seems entirely appropriate as the “guardian” of the RTC. The crux of the decision lies in the Court’s finding that this opt out did not cause prejudice to attaining the RTC’s objectives. In our view, the second question on non-reciprocity was no more than a red herring since it added nothing to the primary conclusion of the Court that, on the very terms of Article 27.4 which specifically allows for non-reciprocity, the opt out was lawfully granted While it acknowledged that free movement of persons is a pillar of successful integration movements, it is unfortunate that the Court did not do more to protect its incursion by possible political erosion. While it is true, as the Court suggested, that a differentiated approach to integration allows Members to proceed at their own paces, is CARICOM at a stage of integration where a core tenet of its success – free movement of skilled workers - can afford to be compromised or delayed?

SOME ANSWERS, SOME LINGERING QUESTIONS … Now that the Court has successfully rendered its first Advisory Opinion – a full year after it was requested – it remains to be seen whether Member States will use it as a viable alternative to more adversarial dispute settlement procedures which to date, they have never themselves invoked. Indeed, it may be a more diplomatic route toward achieving legal certainty without

Regardless of one’s view, it was the Court’s role to provide more principled and clear guidance on how to determine “prejudice” to a fundamental objective, beyond just a “grave and irremediable” harm test and a loose consideration of factors. Here, the Court could have borrowed from other contexts of how to actually apply a proportionality test. While not an exact science, there are certain tried and tested formulations on what factors are to be weighed that would bring greater certainty. One such test has been used in the “necessity” case law of the WTO under the general exceptions provisions. Adapted to this context, the Court could have laid out factors that the Heads should take into account – and explain – in weighing a decision on opt out, including the degree of the harm to the free movement goal by the opt out; the contribution of the opt out to other goals pursued by the requesting Member States; and whether there were alternatives to opt out that would not do as violent harm to the integration process. Without these strict contours to guide the political directorate in the future, the ultimate goal of free movement will always be sacrificed to political expediency. Finally, the Opinion raises the recurring question of how to treat the OECS under the RTC regime since the two Member States concerned were also OECS Member States. The Treaty of Basseterre (and its revision) establishing the OECS has been around for almost as long as CARICOM has existed, and yet the legal interrelationship between these two treaties has not been fully settled. The WTO regime, for instance, recognizes subgroupings of economic arrangements that would allow for preferential treatment among them, but without an analogous regime in CARICOM, what would ensue if the two opting out OECS Members were required under OECS obligations to permit entry of security guards and agricultural workers from other OECS Members only? CARICOM needs to take a more principled and legally secure approach to the treatment of the OECS within its regime. As the Court repeatedly referred to the two Members’ socio-economic situation, and more generally of the special place occupied by LDCs in the RTC, a second related issue is one raised by the Golding Report that the RTC’s Less- and More Developed Countries classification needs revisiting. We must wait another day for the Court’s guidance. (Dr. Jan Yves Remy is the Deputy Director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services (SRC) of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B. is a Trade Researcher with the SRC. Learn more about the SRC at www.shridathramphalcentre.com.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

21-year-old charged with murdering WCB businessman

A 21-year-old man has been charged for the mur-

der of 78-year-old Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice

(WCB) businessman, Tony Bishnauth called “England

Bank,” who was killed by armed bandits during his

Sheldon Smith

DEAD: Tony Bishnauth

Carlos Evans

Medellin Orlanda Evans

birthday celebration on March 13, 2020. Sheldon Smith of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Fort Wellington Magistrates Court and was not required to plead to the charge. He was remanded to prison until April 21, 2020. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Bishnauth, aka ‘Uncle Tony’ of Lot 23 Stelling Road, Rosignol, was shot dead by one of three armed men while celebrating his 78th birthday outside his home around 23:15hrs on the day in question. The businessman was seated outside his snackette at Stelling Road when the three approached the celebrants at the party on foot, pointed guns at them and told them not to move. One of them immediately shot the businessman in the head. Another opened fire on Bobby Brijlall, a neighbour, who escaped with a slight graze from the bullet on the right side of his abdomen. The third masked man opened fire on 23-year-old Mahendra Nagamootoo, hitting him three times – once on the arm, once on his side and once to his lower back when he attempted to flee the scene. The men then demanded

cash and jewellery; one of them rifled through the pockets of the fallen businessman and removed cash and a cellphone. They then robbed other persons at the party of cash and cell- phones and escaped by running into a street parallel to Stelling Road. The police had issued a wanted bulletin for the arrest of Medellin Orlanda Evans and Carlos Evans, who are wanted questioning in relation to the murder. According to the police, Medellin Evans, also called “Mello,” is of African descent. He was born on June 28, 1987, and his last known address is listed as Lot 61, Railway Line, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB). Carlos Evans, called the “Beast,” was born on December 15, 1991. He too is of African descent and his address is listed as Lot 12 Section ‘C’ D’Edward Village, WBB. The police in a release said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the above named suspects, is asked to contact the police on 232-0291, 232-0313, 3302222, 226-3650, 226-1326, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday March 26, 2020

Sanitisation of streets begin

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-- to be done daily for next two/three months

SANITISING various streets across Georgetown will be done daily, for the next two to three months, by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), in collaboration with other agencies, Head of Solid Waste Management Department, Walter Narine, said on Wednesday. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle about the initiative which kicked off at 04:00 hours on Wednesday, Narine informed that the works were done with help from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Puran Brothers Disposal Services. A number of streets around the Bourda Market area were washed. “This morning… we sanitised the contiguous areas around Bourda Market between Orange Walk and Bourda Street, between Regent and North Road, North Road between Orange Walk and Bourda Street,” Narine informed. While these works were done by the GFS, Puran Brothers assisted the municipality with sanitising the Kitty/Campbellville bus park. “The COVID-19 virus has potential to stay on the surface for in excess of 24 hours, so we’re trying to do our part in sanitising these areas on a daily basis. And we foresee this exercise lasting two to three months from now and we’re trying to do it continuously on a daily basis,” Narine said. So far, he disclosed that Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, has signalled his full support towards assisting the municipality in washing down the areas. This morning (Thursday), the team will wash down in front of Stabroek Market (Stabroek Square) and in front of Fogarty’s Store and Guyana Post Office where vagrants tend to stay. “As we go forward, we

have a schedule of where we will be every morning. This exercise commences at 4 am sharp and we try to be out by 6. Less traffic means we can manage the areas properly as traffic makes the work very difficult,” Narine noted. As for the various municipal markets, Narine shared that there will be specific days for closure to fully sanitise the markets. Today, (Thursday), the Stabroek Market will be closed and sanitised by the market’s staff. Bourda

Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine

The activity kicked off at 04:00 hours, Wednesday morning, in the streets around Bourda Market

Head of M&CC’s Public Health Department, Suzette Reynolds

Market will be next and then Albouystown Market. Narine assured that adequate notice will be given the vendors on such closure. Meanwhile, the City Council recently announced that it will be sanitising public spaces to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 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 ministries of government, places in central

The Guyana Fire Service and Puran Brothers have committed to assisting the City Council

Georgetown that persons congregate frequently.” Reynolds encouraged persons who have the necessary disinfectants, such as bleach and Jeyes fluid, to call the Council for assistance in spraying their premises.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

Bleak outlook for cash-strapped LIAT –– Seven countries cut due to COVID-19 –– Carrier loses “significant market” in Guyana REGIONAL carrier, LIAT, has been battling to stay afloat financially for years and its situation is likely to worsen with the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry. The carrier, which was running on a reduced schedule and cancelled several flights in 2019, further suspended all flights into and out of seven Caribbe-

an countries on Monday, March 23, 2020 as a result of the virus. These countries are: Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, Grenada and Tortola, B.V.I. In a release on its site, the carrier said that the decision was taken due to travel restrictions and border closures imposed by several

countries. Around the same time last year, LIAT announced that it was cancelling flights LI 374 from Barbados to St Lucia; LI 375 from St Lucia to Barbados; LI 337 from Barbados to Grenada; LI 338 from Grenada to Barbados; LI 769 from Barbados to St Vincent, and LI 770 from St Vincent to Barbados. That year LIAT’s CEO said that A LIAT carrier

LIAT Corporate Communications Manager, Shavar Malone

the airline “is in a challenging financial situation,” and that the airline has been flying through the region with support from its principal shareholders, those being the governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica. In an interview with Barbados TODAY earlier this week, LIAT’s Corporate Communications Officer, Shavar Maloney said that the airline was taking a substantial hit as a result of the current travel restrictions. “We have six markets with restrictions, one of which we had to pull out from completely, which is Guyana. We did three flights every day to Guyana. I would have to check finance to calculate the revenue loss, but Guyana is a significant market because the Guyanese diaspora is quite large. We have had restrictions from Trinidad, Guyana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Martin and Tortola. This is a trend that we might see continuing in the near future as this pandemic continues. All of the markets are inter-connected, and a 14-day restriction is quite significant for us,” Maloney said. Chairman of LIAT, former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, who was recently in Guyana leading the Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission of the 2020 General and Regional Elections,

declined to comment to the Regional media house until a meeting was had with the Board. “I have just come back from Guyana, so I have not met with the board and I am not going to speak on behalf of LIAT until I meet with the board,” he said. The company executives have been engaged in high-level meetings this week. Banking and Finance Lecturer at the UWI Cave Hill Campus, Jeremy Stephen told Barbados TODAY about the commitment from Antigua to borrow US$15.8 million from Venezuela to purchase Barbados’ 49 per cent shares in LIAT. Taking on a cautious optimistic outlook, he said: “A lot comes down to the management of the health crisis and the process is one that could certainly throw LIAT under the bus, but it all comes down to how long this crisis is going to last. One would expect that financially, LIAT would not be able to dig themselves out of this hole.” Stephen pointed out that although the Regional carrier has been struggling for two decades, shareholder Governments have not taken a change in approach in dealing with the financial situation. With limited options due to the pandemic, he, like many others, is waiting to see what possible changes could take place. “This is a situation that has been going for 20 years where the shareholders prop up LIAT on one hand then tax it to death with the other hand. It has been an exercise in futility. LIAT was never meant to achieve scale. The point is that if this drags on for too long, I don’t think that LIAT has more than a month or two of working capital, based on my understanding of the financials. This time around I am not sure that regional Governments would be in a position to bail them out, even if they wanted to,” he said.

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UN unveils US$2B COVID-19 Fund

THE United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres has launched a US$2 billion Global Humanitarian Response Plan to fund the fight against COVID-19 in the world’s poorest countries. The fund was launched on Wednesday and has been made available to 51 countries and is aimed at assisting vulnerable countries fight the virus, as without the global effort, the world remains at risk. It will be used to deliver essential laboratory equipment to test for the virus, and medical supplies to treat people, install handwashing stations in camps and settlements; launch public information campaigns on how to protect yourself and others from the virus and establish air bridges and hubs across Africa, Asia and Latin America to move humanitarian workers and supplies to where they are needed most. Meanwhile, the plan will be coordinated by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and will be implemented by UN agencies, with international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and NGO groups. “COVID-19 is menacing the whole of humanity – and so the whole of humanity must fight back. Individual country responses are not going to be enough. We must come to the aid of the ultra-vulnera-

ble – millions upon millions of people who are least able to protect themselves. This is a matter of basic human solidarity. It is also crucial for combating the virus. This is the moment to step up for the vulnerable,” Guterres said. Already, COVID-19 has killed more than 16,000 people worldwide and there are nearly 400,000 reported cases. The UN has noted that countries already facing humanitarian crisis due to conflict, natural disasters and climate are being affected further. In the release, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock, said to leave the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries to their fate would be both cruel and unwise. He said that while countries are rightly prioritizing their citizens, these efforts will not lead to a solution if the poorest countries are not enabled to protect themselves. “If we leave coronavirus to spread freely in these places, we would be placing millions at high risk, whole regions will be tipped into chaos and the virus will have the opportunity to circle back around the globe,” he said. “Our priority is to help these countries prepare and continue helping the millions who rely on humanitarian assistance from the UN to survive. Properly funded, our global response

effort will equip humanitarian organizations with the tools

country meeting the criteria. The plan explained that a

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres

to fight the virus, save lives, and help contain the spread of COVID-19 worldwide.” Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “The virus is now spreading in countries with weak health systems, including some which are already facing humanitarian crises. These countries need our support – out of solidarity but also to protect us all and help suppress this pandemic. At the same time, we must not fight the pandemic at the expense of the other humanitarian health emergencies.” According to the plan available online, Guyana does not qualify for the fund and Haiti is the only Caribbean

ment rationalised. UNICEF Executive Direc-

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock (Reuters photo)

COVID-19 outbreak would cripple Haiti’s already weak health system. The country continues to face major health problems related to reproductive health, existing infectious diseases (malaria, diphtheria and measles) and medicine shortages. “Access to health services is already low. The 2019 socio-economic crisis has forced many hospitals to reduce activities due to shortages of medical inputs, oxygen and fuel – and they have not regained full functionality. Insecurity has aggravated the situation, making access to health services even more difficult and causing supply problems. A COVID-19 outbreak would increase mortality among the most vulnerable,” the docu-

tor, Henrietta H. Fore, said that countries owe it to the world’s children to ensure that all is done to best respond to the pandemic which has resulted in lockdowns and school closures affecting their education, mental health and access to basic health services. At the virtual launch of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, the UN Secretary-General was joined via video link by Mr. Lowcock, Dr. Tedros and Ms. Fore. Together, they called on UN Member States to commit to stemming the impact of COVID-19 in vulnerable countries and containing the virus globally by giving then strongest possible support to the plan, while also sustaining core support to existing hu-

manitarian appeals that help the more than 100 million people who already rely on humanitarian assistance from the UN just to survive. Member States were warned that any diversion of funding from existing humanitarian operations would create an environment in which cholera, measles and meningitis can thrive. To kick-start the response plan, Lowcock has released an additional US$60 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This brings CERF’s support to humanitarian action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to US$75 million. In addition, country-based pooled funds have allocated more than $3 million so far. The new CERF allocation is one of the largest ever made and will help to ensure the continuity of supply chains and transport of aid workers and relief goods; assist WHO to contain the spread of the pandemic; and other agencies to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to those most affected by the pandemic, including women and girls, refugees and internally displaced people. The support will include efforts around food security, physical and mental health, water and sanitation, nutrition and protection.

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Lindeners buying into refill detergent products –– as prices in mining town skyrocket overnight By Vanessa Braithwaite AS Guyanese join the rest of the world in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus that has infected hundreds of thousands around the world and killed thousands, the financial strain to equip themselves with anti-bacterial detergent products and other toiletries is very challenging. In a matter of days, prices for these items have sky-rocketed as demand for them soared. This is also the case in Linden, with many detergent products such as Lysol spray, being sold as high as $7,000 per can at a popular supermarket in the town. Lindeners; however, have become cognisant that local products can meet the same purpose; which is to sanitise and keep one’s environment germ-free. Thankfully, a local company “Netsurf Detergent Clean", opened its doors mere weeks before the epidemic and has been satisfying the desire of residents at a comparatively cheaper cost. Located at the Toucan Mall, in Amelia’s Ward Linden, Netsurf Detergent Clean offers up to eight detergent products, including antibacterial soap liquid and disinfectant liquid, which have proven to be as effective as Lysol and any of the other leading brands. Proprietor, Stephen Thompson, told the Guyana Chronicle that he decided to establish the business in Linden since there was no other one available. Being in the hospitality industry, he realised there was a cheaper alternative to purchasing detergent products for commercial use and this motivated him to make the service available for retail purchasing in Linden. The products go under the local brand “Tidy Up" and while the chemicals are sourced overseas, the concoction and packaging are done locally. What is special about this local product is that one gets more for less; something Lindeners and any other Guyanese would appreciate at this time. “If you want $100 quantity, you can get that, you can get whatever amount you want and that is why I brought it to Linden because many people want to buy detergent products but can’t afford supermarket prices, so you are getting quality that suits your pocket and the quantity,” Thomas said.

In addition, it is in keeping with Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda since it encourages recycling of the bottles used. Each time the customer purchases, it is done with a recycled bottled, which benefits the environment. “I really thought this was good for Linden, we are continuing to sensitise the public on the products and how they can benefit, particularly at this time. We have our hand-wash sanitizer, our refilled disinfectant and we are preparing to make available, bleach,” Thomas related. “So you can mop and keep your countertops clean and your entire environment, at a cheaper cost.” Speaking of reviews, Thomas said the response is very favourable and Lindeners have embraced the idea, even before the coronavirus outbreak. He said persons really appreciate the cheaper alternative and the fact that they decide how much they can pay for the product, based on the product. They have also expressed satisfaction over the quality and variety in the various products. Giving an example, Thomas said when compared to the amount of cleaning disinfectant one gets for $300, it is about the same for another similar leading product in supermarkets for double the price. In this regard, the local businessman is encouraging Lindeners and by extension all Guyanese to support local businesses, as it benefits them and the local economy. “When you support local, it goes a long way, we need to move to more local products on the market and this will only happen if we keep supporting our local entrepreneurs,” he said. He is also encouraging more Lindeners to come out of their comfort zone and establish businesses to meet niche markets available on the town. After realising there were no other businesses of this nature in the town, he did the necessary research and was able to materialise his idea. He said he realised that a lot of Lindeners have the vision but their major challenge is financing and advice. This is, however, available through many agencies such as the Linden Enterprise Network, and what is needed is market research and reaching out to those already involved in similar business to weigh the pros and cons. This is what he did by trav-

elling to other parts of the country and engaging those already involved in detergent refill businesses. Today, he has not regretted it and said there are many other windows open for Lindeners to do the same with other business ventures.

Stephen Thompson, proprietor of Netsurf Detergent Clean, with his products

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Guyana could benefit from debt repayment suspension …as part of IMF, World Bank COVID-19 measures GUYANA is amongst a list of 76 International Development Association (IDA) countries which could see their debt payments being suspended by all official bilateral creditors as has been requested by the World

Bank Group (WBG) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). “With immediate effect—and consistent with national laws of the creditor countries—the World Bank Group and the International

Monetary Fund call on all official bilateral creditors to suspend debt payments from IDA countries that request forbearance. This will help with IDA countries’ immediate liquidity needs to tackle challenges posed by the coro-

navirus outbreak and allow time for an assessment of the crisis impact and financing needs for each country,” the WBG and IMF said in a joint statement on Wednesday. They issued the statement to the G20 – an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union (EU) – concerning debt relief

for developing countries as well as a strong signal to financial markets.

for the poorest countries. It noted that the international community would welcome G20 support for this call to action. The institutions highlighted that IDA countries are likely to face severe economic and social consequences due to the coronavirus outbreak with a quarter of the world’s population and two-thirds of the world’s population already living in extreme poverty. The World Bank Group and the IMF put forward their belief that it is imperative at this moment to provide a global sense of relief

The joint statement urged: “We invite G20 leaders to task the WBG and the IMF to make these assessments, including identifying the countries with unsustainable debt situations, and to prepare a proposal for comprehensive action by official bilateral creditors to address both the financing and debt relief needs of IDA countries. We will seek endorsement for the proposal at the Development Committee during the Spring Meetings (April 16/17).” In the Latin America and Caribbean Region, countries which are considered IDA

are: Dominica, St Vincent, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua and St Lucia. Some of these countries are IDA-eligible but also creditworthy for some borrowing; borrowing on small economy terms and borrowing on blend credit terms. Guyana falls into the category of borrowing on small economy terms. On Monday, IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, had stated that the human cost of the pandemic is “immeasurable”. The IMF has projected that the coronavirus pandemic could be worse than the 2008 Global Financial Crisis as the expected negative global growth could push recovery into 2021. The Global Financial Crisis in question was the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. World leaders are reassessing the outlook and extent of the negative possibilities of COVID-19 with over 100 countries now affected, over 300,000 with the virus globally and over 15,000 dead.

Man accused of ‘robberyunder-arms’ remanded

OSAFO DENHART, a 25-year-old man, was, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs–Marcus, having been charged with several offences. Denhart appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where he was not required to plead to the indictable charges, when they were read to him. The first offence alleged that, Denhart, on March 21, 2020, at Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, while in the company of another, and armed with a firearm, robbed Lawrence McCray of a 35 pennyweight gold chain valued at $400,000, one gold ring valued at $150,000 and a diamond bracelet valued at $375,000. The second offence alleged that Denhart, on March 21, 2020, at Jamoon Drive,

Meadow Brook, while in the company of another and armed with a firearm, robbed Sherwayne La Fleur of a wallet valued $2,000 and $25,000. The third offence alleged that Denhart, on March 21, 2020, at Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, while in the company of another and armed with a firearm, robbed Ulrick Edwards of one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued at $26,000. The prosecutor objected to Denhart being granted bail on the grounds that he was recently released from prison where he served sentences for similar offences. Additionally, the defendant was deemed a flight risk due to the fact that he was wanted for similar offences. The prosecutor further recommended that Denhart be remanded until further investigation is done. Denhart, when questioned

by the court in regard to his current offence, stated that he was never convicted and that it was his first offence. The prosecutor, in response to Denhart’s statement, provided the court with solid evidence which stated that, in October, 2014, Denhart was sentenced to 24 months in prison, having been charged for ‘robbery-under-arms’. In response to the prosecutor’s presentation of evidence to the court, Denhart mentioned that he was unaware of the charge. Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs–Marcus remanded Denhart to prison and gave him an alternative to request an earlier date from the Chief Magistrate or proceed to the High Court to request bail in the matter. The matter was adjourned until April 22, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

Domestic carriers ramp up COVID-19 measures –– passengers to be screened before boarding

ALTHOUGH Guyana has closed its two international airports to flights in light of COVID-19, internal flights are still taking place and these carriers are taking special protective measures against the virus.

exhibit COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to return home and get tested. Staff are also being provided with N95 face masks and gloves to use while performing their duties. ASL cleaners are re-

salaries, should they require to be quarantined, or receive medical attention due to COVID-19. It noted that it is in constant consultation with international and national health experts to stay abreast with

Air Services Limited (ASL), which operates flights to Regions Seven, Eight and Nine regularly, is the most recent to put in place measures to protect its staff, customers and visitors. The aforementioned individuals will now be subjected to screening to test their body temperatures using a laser thermometer. Passengers who are returning to Georgetown will also be asked to comply with screening procedures. Persons with flu-like symptoms and a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will be referred to the Ogle Airport Inc. Port Health facility for further screening. Meanwhile, employees who

quired to the clean all areas regularly throughout the day, especially areas where persons regularly traverse. Altogether, the company encourages social distancing and had informed that anyone who fails to comply with the precautionary measures will be restricted from utilising its facilities. Apart from regular flights, ASL also provides aerial agricultural operations, aircraft maintenance, helicopter services, medical evacuation, aerial photography and training at its aeronautical engineering school. Meanwhile, Trans Guyana Airways has assured its staff that they have no need to worry about their

the current information about the virus and to reduce threat. Added to this, every employee has had to undergo a mandatory virus awareness/ sensitisation session hosted by Trans Guyana Airways’ Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department. Like ASL, all employees are being checked for a high temperature upon arriving at the facility and employees with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius are being asked to return home and self-quarantine. Additional hand sanitisers and cleaning supplies have been made available for staff and cleaning staff have been tasked with cleaning all surfaces regularly, along with every

Inquest into seawalls shooting Two years on… Inquest into 2018 shooting of seawall robbery suspects still pending TWO years later, the coroner’s inquest into the shooting to death of three suspected bandits on the Georgetown seawall in 2018 is yet to commence before a magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended a coroner’s inquest be held into the March 15, 2018, fatal shooting of the three men, whom police said were robbery suspects. Dextroy Cordis, 46, called “Dottie” of Lot 4 Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah, a former soldier of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, and Errol Adams, 57, called ‘Dynamite,’ of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast and

also of Buxton, were fatally shot north of the Guyana National Service (GNS) sports ground after police said the men had opened fire on them. The men, the police said, were about to execute a robbery on a customer who had made a withdrawal from a bank. The inquest was ordered after the completion of a probe by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force into the matter.

The shooting was thoroughly discussed at the level of the National Security Committee, following varying accounts of what had transpired on the day in question. “It is my instruction that on any occasion where there is the death of a person by unnatural means, that death should be investigated, particularly in the Guyana Defence and Police Forces,” President David Granger had said.

flight before boarding. Passengers are also being subjected to pre-flight screening and those with high temperatures will be denied boarding. “Passengers who are denied boarding

because of health concerns will be refunded their fare or given the opportunity to reschedule their travel plans without charge,” Trans Guyana Airways has informed the public. “Passengers who choose to cancel their reservations between 0 and 48 hours pri-

or to flight will be subject to our cancellation policy and TGA will waive the admin/charge fee. Passengers who wish to make changes to reservations and have booked through an agent must contact their agents to make necessary changes.”

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Pride declared champions ...

FROM BACK PAGE unassailable, Grave said the decision among directors had been “unanimous” to award Pride the Headley/ Weekes Trophy. “The major discussion point that came from the board of directors as a unanimous decision for us to curtail the last two rounds of the first class season and announce Barbados Pride as the winners of the West Indies championship and award them the Headley/ Weekes Trophy,” the Englishman said. “Barbados are significant leaders after eight rounds … and though mathematically Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica could overtake them if they’d won the final two games, Barbados Pride would’ve almost certainly picked up enough bonus points even if they’d lost their final two games and still be winners.” He continued: “Notwithstanding the maths of the situation the board members were unanimous that if the season was to end now, (that we) would announce Barbados as the winners and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force as the runners-up, so that’s the situation with the West Indies championship.” Ironically, Pride started the campaign with a shock three-wicket defeat to Windward Islands Volcanoes before recovering to go on a five-game winning streak to storm to the top of the standings. Five-time defending champions, Guyana Jaguars, who had dominated the tournament since the inception of the professional era, finished jointthird with Jamaica Scorpions on 91.8 points. Volcanoes ended in fifth spot on 78 points with Leeward Islands Hurricanes last on 52.8 points.

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RHTY&SC, BCB hail Robert Selman for role in local sports … Former GM of Guyana Beverage Company Inc. passes in native T&T

THE president and executives of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) have sent their regards to the family and friends of the late Robert Selman, former General Manager of Guyana Beverage Company Inc. Following a release yesterday, club president Hilbert Foster said that the passing of Selman was a huge blow to the club and sports in Guyana. “I must express deep sadness on the death of our friend and supporter Mr Robert Selman, who died last Monday in his native Trinidad. We knew that he was ailing but his death has left a huge hole that would be very difficult to replace.” The statement by the RHTYSC remembered the late Selman as a mentor and one of the main reasons why the RHTYSC and Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have been so successful over the years. “I first met Mr Selman in 2003 when he asked the RHTYSC to organise the

Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs tournament in Berbice for his company. The club and BCB have hosted a total of 16 editions of the very popular tournament as the relationship with the company has touched and changed thousands of lives in the Ancient County,” Foster said in the release. Selman was described as a great human being, who was caring, humble and down to heart despite his position. He had a strong passion to make sure that sports was used to improve the lives of less fortunate youths and to promote the importance of education and discipline. The cricketing careers of numerous RHTYSC members were made richer because of his love and encouragement, according to BCB’s Hilbert Foster who added that Selman never said no to any of their requests. Players like Esaun and Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Shemaine Campbelle

and Eon Hooper all benefitted from the support he provided for over 15 years. In October 2015, he became the first recipient of RHYTSC’s highest award - The Dolphin Award of Excellence for his contribution to sports and youth development. “Despite not being a Guyanese, there are very few of our countrymen who can match his contribution to sports in our country. His support for cricket, football, cycling and other sports during his time in our country is well recorded. The club along with the BCB would make sure that the memory of Robert Selman is kept alive by organising something in his memory.” On behalf of the Management and members of RHTYSC and the BCB, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Selman .It is our sincere hope that God would guide and protect you during this difficult time, May his soul rest in Peace!

Coe warns potential dopers event delay won’t shelter them (REUTERS) - World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe warned would-be dopers on Tuesday that the coronavirus pandemic and widespread suspension of competition will not shelter them from repercussions. With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed until 2021 and several other world championships needing to be rescheduled because of the crisis, athletes will face much less testing. However Coe told Reuters in an interview that there was no chance of drug cheats slipping through the net. “In reality, of course, there isn’t much in the way of competition testing because frankly we’ve lost most of the competitions,” said Coe. “The only advice I would give every athlete is don’t play roulette with the concept that intelligent testing is going to do anything other than track you down. Some years ago we moved away from the concept that it’s just about numbers. “The Athletics Integrity Unit is at the top of its game. No athlete should be seduced into thinking this is some sort of moratorium on our fight against drugs. It is not,” he added. “If they choose to step beyond the boundaries we have clearly set and the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) and World Athletics are fearless about protecting, they will come undone.”

The AIU was set up by the sport’s governing body in 2017 to oversee integrity issues in athletics including doping. QUALIFYING ISSUES The question of whether athletes who had already qualified for the Olympics will have to do so again will also come under the microscope in the coming weeks, with 57% of 11,000 or so athletes set to appear in Tokyo having booked their spots. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not clarified whether these places are assured, although the Australian Olympic Committee said on Wednesday that its qualified athletes can compete in the delayed Games. “We have to be really clear that qualification will be an issue for athletes, our internal teams have looked at that,” said Coe. “Only two days ago I had 24 athletes from our Athletes Commission on a conference call with me and we discussed all sorts of things. “We discussed when was it sensible, hopefully, to resurrect our Diamond League and our continental circuit and our OneDay meets, because this is very important for them. “They don’t want to go into the winter months without some competition under their belt even though the Games have gone. “We need to make sure we do that at a time that is

safe and secure and (we’re) not asking athletes to go back into the world that we’ve just taken them out of. “And again the cities that will be staging these events will have their own stresses and strains and we have to be respectful to municipalities, public authorities and cities that will have a lot of other things to be thinking about. “Even when the virus, we hope, has subsided there will still be resource implications. All I’m saying is that this is very complicated and qualification is a part of that and that is what our competition teams are looking that very closely.” Coe, who welcomed the decision to postpone the Olympics, said it will be difficult to reschedule all the postponed events, including the Eugene world championships, which were set for 2021. “This isn’t going to happen overnight and nor should it, because it’s too complicated for that to actually happen in reality,” Coe added. “We’re going to have to figure out how we will get these back into our calendar without it causing a massive bottleneck... “Our sport has the added challenge of a world championship next year. I know our headquarter teams have already been in contact with the Oregon organising committee so this is the knock-on effect.”

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Stop the clock: Japan awakes to reality of Tokyo Games postponement By Jack Tarrant, Ju-min Park

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Japan awoke yesterday to the deflating reality that the Olympics games they had hoped to host in Tokyo this summer were now probably 16 months away after the coronavirus crisis forced organisers into an unprecedented postponement. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japanese government finally succumbed to intense pressure from athletes and sporting bodies around the world on Tuesday when they agreed to put back the Games until 2021. It was a huge blow to Japan, which has invested $12 billion in preparations, but also for the prestige of the Olympic movement and its leader, Thomas Bach, who had come under fire for not reacting sooner in the face of the global health crisis. Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) president Yasuhiro Yamashita said that the decision had come earlier than he thought it would, but that he was determined the host nation’s athletes would be ready to compete in 2021. “Now that the decisions have been made, let’s take this positively, reset our mindset,” he told a news conference. “With a fresh mind, not giving up, I want to go through this challenge head-

ing into next year.” Japanese government officials said Prime Minster Shinzo Abe had phoned U.S. President Donald Trump to explain the postponement as they sought to further cushion the economy from the twin blows of the coronavirus and the delayed Games. Later yesterday, Trump tweeted: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and the IOC, on their very wise decision to present the Olympics in 2021. It will be a great success, and I look forward to being there!” Tuesday’s decision came 122 days before the planned opening ceremony at Japan’s newly built National Stadium, which was to usher in the 16day event featuring 11 000 athletes from 206 nations and territories. The clock in front of Tokyo Station, which had been displaying the number of days until the Games, ceased its countdown and reverted to yesterday’s date and time. Although 14 major corporations have indicated they would remain in the IOC’s global partnership programme despite the delay, local organisers might have some negotiating to do to retain their own Games-specific sponsors. Tokyo Gas Co Ltd said it would decide whether to continue sponsorship for another year depending on conditions,

including cost. “We don’t have an answer to whether or not we will continue our sponsorship as we have just heard about the postponement,” Tokyo Gas President Takashi Uchida told a news conference on the company’s new business plans. ATHLETES DISAPPOINTED, MOSTLY SUPPORTIVE Athletes around the world, many struggling to train because of restrictions put in place

to contain a virus that has killed more than 17 200 people, have expressed disappointment but largely welcomed the decision. Many other questions remain about the re-arranged Games, not least when they will happen after the IOC announcement stated only that they would take place “not before the end of summer 2021”. Somewhere around the original 2020 dates of July 24-August 9 looks most likely, especially after organisers confirmed the marathon and

A man wearing a protective face mask due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) walks past countdown clocks for the opening of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games that are currently covered with banners that read ‘Adjusting’, in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday (REUTERS/Issei Kato)

race-walks would remain in Hokkaido where they were moved because of the sweltering Tokyo summer heat. Those dates would require the shifting of other major events scheduled next year, in particular the athletics world championships in the United States and the swimming equivalent in the Japanese city of Fukuoka. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe has suggested its championships in Eugene, Oregon, could be moved to 2022, while swimming’s FINA said they would discuss a rescheduling of their event with Tokyo organisers and the IOC. The Olympic flame, already lit at Olympia in Greece and taken to Japan for a now-cancelled torch relay, will stay in the host nation and the Games will retain the title Tokyo 2020. “This Olympic flame will be the light at the end of this tunnel,” IOC chief Bach said on Tuesday. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief Travis Tygart raised the prospect that postponement might open the door for convicted drug cheats to compete for medals, an issue he told Reuters would need to be tackled. The 57 percent of athletes who had already booked spots in Tokyo face a wait to discover whether they will have to qualify again,

although Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) chief executive Matt Carroll said they would not. U.S. athletes in the major sports of athletics, swimming and gymnastics had more clarity with their national federations announcing Olympic trials would now be held in 2021. For some athletes, an extra 12 months might be too long and 38-year-old Swiss Nicola Spirig, who won triathlon gold at the 2012 London Olympics, said she would be considering her options. “I am ... glad to have clarity now and fully support the IOC’s decision (but) as far as my sporting future is concerned, the decision obviously has an impact,” the four-time Olympian posted on Instagram. For others, including Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori and Olympic sprint champion Wayde van Niekerk, it will provide extra time to get fit for the Games after injury setbacks. “This gives me more time to work and strengthen myself to be in even better shape for the Olympic Games,” van Niekerk, whose world record run in the 400 metres final was one of the highlights of the Rio Olympics, told South Africa’s Daily Maverick. “As much as it is a downer that it’s not happening this year, it will still happen.”

Briana has talent like I have never seen’ - Boldon IN the seven years they have been together, Ato Boldon and Briana Williams have enjoyed a successful relationship as coach and athlete. In that time, the Trinidadian coach has guided the now 18-year-old Jamaican to several records and titles that have seen her stocks rise as one of the emerging athletes of the near future. Late last year, Williams, who celebrated her 18th birthday on March 21, signalled her arrival among the professional ranks when she signed a multiyear professional contract with Nike. It was just two years ago, in mid- March of 2018, that Williams signalled to the world that she was on her way when she set the 100m world age-group record for 15-year-old girls of 11.13 at the Bo Hayes Classic in Jacksonville, Florida. Mere weeks later, she won three gold medals at the Carifta Games and claimed the coveted Austin Sealy Award as the most outstanding athlete of the meet. However, it was the summer of 2018 that she demonstrated the immense depth of her talent when at the age of 16 she defied the odds to win the 100m and 200m titles at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland. The year 2019 was to prove as successful even though there would be a bump in the road.

At what would be her final CARIFTA Games, Williams repeated her exploits of 2018 and won the Austin Sealy Award for a second time.

Qatar. It turned out to be a pit stop in her burgeoning career as greater things clearly await. But, what is it like for her

Coach Ato Boldon at left with Briana Williams

She would go on to win the NACAC U18 100m title as well as the Pan Am U20 title and set a World U18 record of 10.94s when she finished third at the Jamaican national championships in June beaten only by world-leading times of 10.73s run by Olympic champions Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. However, the 10.94 was erased after she failed a drug test having ingested Pharma Cold and Flu tablets tainted with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). She was reprimanded by a Jamaica Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and missed a chance to compete at the World Championships in Doha,

coach, shaping the future of a confident but headstrong 18-year-old? Boldon shed some light on their relationship, first revealing that he did not start out intending to coach a then precocious 11-yearold Williams. “I wasn’t really thinking about coaching her. I was more fundraiser in chief when it came time to find the money for her summer meets. Whatever shortfall she had after we did her go fund me, I made up,” he said. Having ended up coaching her, Boldon said they now share a solid and fruitful connection. “The relationship really is

a good one. I think Briana and I know each other very well. I have to deal with the fact that she is a headstrong teen, she has to deal with the fact that my patience is about a quarter-of-an-inch long. I notice now when I go off on her over something, her attitude is “ok here he goes, he’ll be ok once he’s done,” he said, explaining why he believes they are perfect for each other. “Briana and I are both very interested in history. That’s why it works. It also works because she trusts me implicitly. The last three seasons have gone exactly as I told her they would in terms of times and performances. “I’d like to think she’s inherited her sense of history from me. If it’s been done before, I am not really interested in it. I want her to blaze new trails and create history. I’m not sure she felt that way before. Her age-group world record in 2018 changed that. Hearing “Fastest 15-year-old girl ever” changed her mind quickly.” It has not all been smooth sailing, however. After all, Briana is still a teenager. “Briana is very headstrong. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I tell people all the time, go look at the Kentucky Derby. You’ll see a horse that refuses to get in that starting gate. He’s not interested, won’t conform, doesn’t

care if the world is waiting,” he said. “Briana can be like that, and I don’t like to be challenged when I’m coaching so it leads to some interesting interactions between us. Being headstrong I think is a trait of most great sprinters, so I’d never try to kill that part of her.” There is a method, though, to getting the best from her. “Once Briana sees results, she’ll do exactly what you want - and ask for more. There are workouts in 2018-2019 that I wanted to use sparingly because she’s 16 (now 17) and she’s like “coach we haven’t done Workout X in a while… why not…?” and you realize “oh, she understands what that will do for her, she’s not afraid of the pain and she’s not going to avoid doing it again either.” Boldon, the first world junior champion to become a world champion at the senior level, said Williams is chestdeep in talent. “Briana has natural gifts that I’ve never seen. I’ve never seen someone at her age start like that. When it’s a big occasion, her start never deserts her. World under-20 final 100m, Jamaican Nationals 2019, 100m. I had pro sprinters in my camp that she could hold her own with - at age 14,” he said. “I had to completely revamp her strength training this season because she can

lift whatever I throw at her, but I will need that in her 20s and 30s. I can get around doing that stuff now. From hip to knee, she’s a beast. Grown men see her doing Olympic lifts in the gym and can’t believe it. Much of speed is about strength to weight. She only weighs 125lb, but for her size, she’s extremely strong.” He said he has no real issues in keeping her motivated, a critical component of her achieving greatness as she transitions to the senior ranks. “She’s very motivated on her own. She doesn’t need me for that - until it’s something she hasn’t thought of. She knew she wanted to win World under 20s in the 100m in 2018 - even though she was only 16,” he said. “I knew she could win both. She had to be convinced about the 200m. In 2018, people online were trying to tell her that she shouldn’t be running with pros e.g. at Racers Grand Prix. Maybe she believed some of them. I convinced her otherwise. I don’t have to convince her much anymore.” The Covid-19 pandemic will slow Briana Williams in 2020 as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics might be postponed until 2021. However, all that would do is delay the inevitable rise of the next female star of track and field. (Sportsmax)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

ECB hostel in Anna Regina remains a white elephant, says Elroy Stephney ... ECB, GCB should intervene, salvage some pride

FORMER Essequibo Senior inter-county captain and CWI Level 11 coach Elroy Stephney is critical about the deplorable and depressing state of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) hostel which is situated in Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. In an invited comment, Stephney views the dysfunctional state of the ECB as a sordid reflection of what the facility should be. The building is in dire need of repairs and security. Stephney further lamented that the building was constructed with funds from the infamous Allan Stanford era about a decade ago. It was well furnished and it was a dream come true for Essequibians. “I was among the first (batch) including senior national player Ricardo Adams, who was an Under-15 cricketer then, to be encamped at the building,

and we were impressed and happy with its layout,” added Stephney.

Former Essequibo cricketer Elroy Stephney

“The facilities included furnishings, kitchen utensils; reliable water supply, electricity, a telephone, television, washing machine, fans and a practice area at the back of the building,”

Stephney disclosed. He also stated that there is an Administrative Office which was supposed to be used by the ECB’s paid Administrator. “That person never worked in the office and it is indeed sad that the financial input and the Region’s fortuitous offer of state land have been ruined by a lack of vision and incompetency.” According to Stephney, the practice facility was never utilised since additional work needed to be done seemed unimportant to the authorities. “In fact, the Board’s bowling machine which was donated by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was intended to be placed at the facility; but instead, it found a niche at one of the executive’s home for a number of years,” Stephney disclosed in disgust. A visit to the site will reveal that the building is stained with brown, rusted

World champion Joshua in self-isolation after meeting Prince Charles

LONDON, England (AFP) World heavyweight boxing

champion Anthony Joshua has placed himself in self-isolation

Anthony Joshua’s next heavyweight fight could be delayed (AFP Photo/Fayez Nureldine)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday, March 26, 2020)

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& The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Allan Kippax-146 (Adelaide, 1930-31)

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George Headley-102* (Brisbane, 1930-31)

(1) (2)

Who is the first Australian to bag a five-wicket haul against the WI in Tests? Who is the first WI to take five-wicket in a Test innings against Australia?

TODAY’S QUIZ:

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

following a meeting with coronavirus victim Prince Charles. Charles, the eldest son and heir to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, is showing mild symptoms of coronavirus and is self-isolating in Scotland, officials said yesterday. It remains unclear when Charles caught the illness but on March 9, he spent the day with the Queen, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and stars of sport and entertainment -- including Joshua -- at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. A spokesman for Joshua told the Daily Mail: “AJ is at home following government guidelines; he is fit and well. He wishes everyone affected a speedy recovery and a huge thank you to all the front line key workers.” Joshua is due to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20. But the coronavirus could delay that bout and push back a hugely anticipated all-British fight with WBC champion Tyson Fury until next year at the earliest. In a series of Twitter posts on Tuesday, Joshua thanked all those involved in trying to combat the coronavirus by saying: “It’s humbling to see people giving their everything right now to keep us safe. Shout out to everyone on the front-line. “We see you, we appreciate you, we thank you and we’re in awe of you!”(AFP)

The current state of the ECB hostel situated in Anna Regina

pipe water and it is over by bushes especially around the fence and the practice facility. It is unclear whether there are proper beds, sheets, cooking utensils and working wash-rooms since Stephney insists that players had complained bitterly in the past “The hostel is not wel-

coming in its current form and it remains a mystery why this priceless facility cannot be developed into an institution to advance the enormous reservoir of talented cricketers in Essequibo,” added Stephney. He has since appealed to ECB and GCB to intervene swiftly and salvage some pride.

“The GCB has constructed practice facilities at Everest and East Bank Essequibo. I now implore them to do likewise at the hostel where there is existing space for same and to rename it ‘Courtney Gonsalves Centre’, in memory of one of Essequibo’s finest fast bowlers and coach,” Stephney advised.

Sunshine Girls quartet hunker Down Under PERTH, Australia (CMC) – Several Jamaican stars who compete in Australia’s Super Netball League have opted to hunker down here together after the tournament was suspended until June 30 due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Australia has already recorded 2 475 cases and nine deaths from the COVID-19 virus and the league organisers recently took the decision to delay the start of the marquee tournament from May 2. Adelaide Thunderbirds’ Shamera Sterling, Melbourne Vixens’ Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jodi-Ann Ward of Collingwood Magpies and West Coast Fever’s star shooter Jhaniele Fowler, all of whom represent Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls, assembled here this week as the country moved into partial shutdown in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the virus. With the coronavirus also impacting Jamaica, the Caribbean island on Sunday night closed its borders to passenger traffic and officials here said it was important the players felt a sense of togetherness during the difficult period. “What we have done is: worked with the other clubs who have got Jamaicans and brought them here to Perth,” said Netball Western Australia chief executive, Simon Taylor. Netball South Australia chief executive, Bronwyn

Klei added: “We’re devastated for Shammy (Shamera Sterling) that she’s unable to return home to Jamaica, but we’re so pleased she will be able to find comfort in staying with Jhanielle, Kadie-Ann and Jodi-Ann.” There is no word, however, on if fellow Jamaicans Romelda Aiken who plays for Queensland Firebirds and Shimona Nelson who turns out for Magpies, have returned home.

on returning home. “Our internationals haven’t come to a final decision on that at the moment, but that should be very, very shortly in terms of a decision whether they go home or not,” Horton said. “We’re working with them on a case-by-case basis, because it depends on where they come whether borders are open to actually get home. “What’s at the forefront of our minds is their wellbeing

Jhaniele Fowler-Reid is one of four Jamaicans remaining in Australia

The six Jamaicans are part of 22 international players signed to the league, with Trinidadian Samantha Wallace – who represents reigning champions New South Wales Swifts – completing the Caribbean presence. Swifts general manager, Nikki Horton, said earlier this week decision had been left with the international players

and their welfare, and being with their families at this time.” Trinidad also closed its borders on Sunday night as the country ramped up measures to fight the spread of the virus. Globally, the pandemic has resulted in nearly 460 000 infections and almost 21 000 deaths.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 26, 2020

Grave holds out hope for ‘important’ women’s championships BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johnny Grave says the governing body had gone to great lengths not to also scrap the junior and senior and women domestic championship, in light of the coronavirus outbreak in the region. The board on Tuesday announced it was aborting the two final rounds of the domestic first-class championship while also cancelling the Regional Under-15s Boys Championship and this summer’s West Indies Under-15s tour to England. But it said it would postpone the Women’s Super50 Cup and the inaugural Regional Under-19s Women’s T20 Championship with hope of staging both tournaments later this year. “They are very important tournaments, not just in terms of the preparation but in terms of the preparation for the selection of those respective squads as we look to compete in the World Cups of those events due to take place in the early part of 2021,” Grave said. T h e I C C Wo m e n ’s

50-overs World Cup is carded for New Zealand starting in February next year along with the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup scheduled for Bangaldesh. West Indies currently lie seventh in the eight-nation ICC Women’s Championship standard, with the top four gaining automatic qualification to the senior World Cup.

and officials as cases of the coronavirus were reported throughout the region. Grave said that these two women’s tournaments, along with West Indies High-Performance and International preparation training camps, would now not be held before May 31. “Following the advice from our medical advisory committee, we’ve extended

West Indies women’s championships were spared the axe

Both domestic women’s tournaments were part of a suite of competitions suspended earlier this month for 30 days as CWI moved to restrict movement of players

the suspension that we announced 10 days ago which was for an initial 30-day period,” Grave explained. “We’ve now extended that until the end of the

May as well as postponing a number of our tournaments, and we’ve reluctantly had to cancel some as well.” He continued: “We’ve also continued to pause all of our high performance camps and our international preparation camps until at least May 31 … “We’ll continue to monitor the situation, we’ll continue to have teleconferences with our board of directors and seek the advice of the medical advisory committee as we navigate the organisation through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.” The virus has also put in peril the men’s international home series against South Africa and New Zealand scheduled for July and August, along with June’s threeTest tour of England. There have been over 125 COVID-19 cases reported in the English-speaking Caribbean, including in the major cricket-playing nations of Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. Globally, there have been over 421 000 cases of the virus with nearly 19 000 deaths reported.

‘I don’t know Jack like that’ - Wallace insists relationship does not exist DEPOSED Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president William Wallace has distanced himself from any link between himself and former T&T football top man Jack Warner. Warner, who received a ban from football for life in 2015 and is still facing extradition to the United States on corruption charges, was a known supporter of Wallace ahead of his successful bid to oust former president David John-Williams three months ago. Speculation has since been rife that an association between Wallace and the former disgraced FIFA official was one of the reasons the world football governing body disbanded the newly elected TTFA administration. Wallace was quick to insist, however, that he did

not have a close relationship with Warner and indicated as much to FIFA.

Morning Jojo Sports Show. Wallace, who was relieved of his duties by FIFA

Deposed TTFA president William Wallace

“That is a perceived relationship and one that I don’t have; when it came to the fore, I wrote FIFA, I wrote CONCACAF indicating to CONCACAF that there is no such relationship with Mr Jack Warner and I guess that if at the end of the day that letter meant nothing then so be it,” Wallace said in an interview with the Good

last week, went on to point out that he received solid support from a lot of individuals who wanted change during the election and that he could not control who Warner chose to support. “We had a host of people supporting us and actually, we won the election 26 votes to 20 votes so it meant that 26 of the delegates supported

me along with many other Trinidadians who felt at that point in time that something was definitely wrong with the organisation at that point and they needed a change; so as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, even though Jack Warner expressed his opinion in terms that there should be change at the association then he has a right to do that, I really can’t stop him from doing that,” he added. FIFA sent word of its decision to replace the TTFA executive with a normalisation committee two weeks ago in the face of what it described as extremely low overall financial management methods, combined with massive debt. A surprised Wallace, who pointed to positive meeting with FIFA only a few weeks prior has vowed to fight the decision. (Sportsmax)

27

Brathwaite praises pace battery for Barbados Pride success Chemar Holder led Pride’s attack with 36 wckets

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has pointed to Barbados Pride’s pace battery as the main reason for their success in the first class championship this season. Pride were declared winners on Tuesday after Cricket West Indies took the decision to cancel the two final rounds of the 10-match season because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the region. At the end of the eighth round, Pride topped the standings with 134.8 points, well clear of second placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 94.6. “I think we did a fairly good job in all departments, but the bowlers – the pacers – really led the way for us,” said Brathwaite. “Generally, I think all departments were pretty good and we stuck to the game plan throughout the season … but it was really our two young pacers, Holder and Harding, that really did a good job for us.” He added: “To see our two young pacers, Chemar Holder and Keon Harding, getting more than 25 wickets apiece this season. It was magnificent to see them rise to the challenge. We had a number of players stepping up on occasions throughout the season.” The 22-year-old Holder enjoyed a standout season with 36 wickets at nearly 19 runs apiece while Harding, 23, was also extremely impressive with a 29-wicket haul at an average of 23. Veteran Test seamer Kemar Roach was also superb, bagging 30 wickets from five matches at an amazing average of 13. Brathwaite also praised all-rounder Kyle Mayers who spearheaded the side’s batting with 654 runs in his first season for his native franchise. The 27-year-old lefthander notched two hundreds and five fifties to be one of just three batsmen to pass the 600-run mark along with Jamaica Scorpions’ Jermaine

Blackwood (768) and veteran Windward Islands Volcanoes left-hander Devon Smith (649). “Another player would be Kyle Mayers. It was his first time playing for the Pride, if not in the Championship, and he did a fantastic job with the runs he scored and started back bowling towards the end of the season after being unable to bowl throughout the first half of the season because of an injury,” Brathwaite pointed out. However, the Test opener conceded Pride’s batting had not quite lived up to expectations. Brathwaite endured an ordinary season with 468 runs at an average of 33 while Test star Shamarh Brooks averaged 18 after mustering a mere 263 runs from eight matches. Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich also under-performed with 360 runs from seven matches while veteran left-hander Johnathan Carter gathered 225 runs from five games. “We can do much better in the batting, especially at the top of the order, including myself, the top five,” Brathwaite noted. “In some games we were struggling with three wickets down for a low number of runs. That is an area we will have to review. I still think the team overall did a good job at the end of the day.” The title was Barbados’ 23rd in the modern era of the championship and the success ended a run of five successive titles for the usually dominant Guyana Jaguars, who ended joint third this season. Ironically, Pride lost their opening match but rebounded to win their next five, and in the end won six of their eight outings. “It means a lot to the players. We had a number of goals at the start of the season, which included winning the title,” Brathwaite said. “The players really worked very hard to achieve this success and we are very happy to have won the title.”

Flashback!

RHTY&SC president Hilbert Foster accepts the Busta Champion of Champions trophy from then GM of Guyana Beverage Inc. Robert Selman

RHTY&SC, BCB hail Robert Selman for role in local sports

PAGE 24

… Former GM of Guyana Beverage Company Inc. passes in native T&T

Pride declared champions after CWI aborts first class championship

Coe warns potential dopers event delay won’t shelter them PAGE 24

Barbados Pride have been named new Regional 4-Day champions. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has aborted the remaining two rounds of the domestic first-class championship and declared leaders Barbados Pride champions of the 2020 season. The decision was taken following a board of directors’ teleconference on Tuesday, where the governing body also moved to scrap the Regional Under-15s Boys Championship and the West Indies Under-15s tour to England scheduled to take place this summer. CWI had last week suspended the first-class championship following the eighth round of matches, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in the Caribbean, and also postponed the Under-15 Boys Championship, the Women’s Super50 Cup and the inaugural Regional Under-19s Women’s T20 Championship. Despite the cancellations, CWI hopes to salvage the Women’s Super50 Cup and the Regional Under-19s Women’s T20 Championship and have postponed them until later in the year. “All around the sporting world we are faced with the

IAAF president Sebastian Coe challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said. “Cricket, cricketers and all our stakeholders involved in the game have been affected at various levels and we must continue to work together and act responsibly in containing the spread of the virus.” He continued: “Ten days ago, we suspended our tournaments and camps for 30 days and now we have extended that suspension until the end of May as well as reluctantly cancelled some tournaments and tours in their entirety. “We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and make further decisions and announcements in due course.” When the first-class championship was halted, Pride topped the standings with 134.8 points, well ahead of second-placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force second on 94.6 points. And although their lead, though significant, was not yet

Grave holds out hope for ‘important’ women’s championships

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THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020