THURSDAY 14th May, 2020
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‘HE’S COMPROMISED’
No.105999
…Coalition slams Bruce Golding for alleged partisan, biased report on elections
SEE PAGE 11
…says the former Jamaica PM is a PPP ally, should not be taken seriously
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, who led the Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Mission to Guyana
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41 so far recovered from COVID-19
-1020 tests conducted; 62 persons remain in isolation
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Recount turns to Reg. 5 ...367 ballot boxes counted to date
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Guyanese couple and baby stuck in quarantine in Brazil -baby now Instagram hit
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Iwokrama cleared of illegal miners …Corp of Wardens unit will continue monitoring, enforcement
The Ministry of Natural Resources Corp of Wardens (CoW) Division said it led a patrol and enforcement exercise from May 8-10, 2020 to root out illegal miners and loggers in the Iwokrama protected areas. In a statement the ministry said the joint compliance monitoring and enforcement patrol included members of the Iwokrama Rangers and the Guyana Police Force. During the patrol, the team encountered evidence of hastily abandoned mining operations in the reserve, as well as operations of an illegal/ unauthorised shop close to the Iwokrama buffer zone. The shop operator was warned and instructed to dismantle and remove from the area. Patrols were also conducted in the Burro Burro River in response to reports of illegal hunting and fishing but none was observed. Operation “FOREST SHIELD”, ordered by President David Granger, was deemed a success and the team will continue to support efforts against illegal mining activities. The Corps said it will be continuing its monitoring and enforcement activities in various interior regions to ensure compliance with the laws of Guyana and national COVID-19 guidelines. The Corp of Wardens was established with a mandate to ensure better governance and compliance within the natural resources sector. The Corp currently has over 40 welltrained Wardens, dispersed in the hinterland. On Tuesday the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development in a statement spoke about the unearthing of a number of illegal activities, including logging, gold mining, hunting and fishing within the forest by persons whom are believed to have taken advantage of the country’s COVID-19 lockdown measures to engage in the illegal activities. A notice issued by Iwokrama, on Tuesday, said that the centre, with the support of the Corps of Wardens of the Ministry of Natural Resources
and the Guyana Police Force, coordinated raids within the Iwokrama Forest. “The Iwokrama International Centre has noted again with serious concern the proliferation of illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest… In November 2019
usual one-man operation using metal detectors and a spade and is of grave concern to the centre. These activities, the centre believes, are being perpetuated by individuals taking advantage of the current restrictions and lockdown protocols established to com-
Iwokrama Act states: Subject to section 6(1), and notwithstanding anything in any other written law - (a) no mining, forestry or other resources utilisation activity shall be carried out on the Programme Site by any person other than the centre, except with the
“Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (2) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period of one year, and where the offence is of a continuing nature, to a further fine not ex-
Mined area in Iwokrama with sluice box
Mines area in Iwokrama Forest
we conducted an education and awareness activity, so the public should now be well aware of the boundaries of the Iwokrama Forest and permitted activities in the forest,” the notice said. It added that the teams found camps with several four inch dredges and substantive destruction of the forest floor. “This was a marked increase in intensity from the
bat the COVID–19 virus,” the notice said. The centre reminded the public and other stakeholders that these activities are not allowed in the Iwokrama Forest unless the centre gives expressed written permission for any of these activities to be undertaken. “Specifically, section two of the clause titled “Control of the Programme Site” of the
One 4-inch dredge
prior written permission of the centre; and (b) no lease of land or permission to use land in the Programme Site shall be issued by any person other than the centre, and all activities on the Programme Site shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed therefor under this Act,” the notice stated. It pointed out that Section three prescribes the penalties:
ceeding twenty-five thousand dollars for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.” Iwokrama said that it has already imposed penalties on one errant tourism operator “who was caught illegally logging in the Iwokrama Forest and a gold miner who was arrested and placed before the courts.” Iwokrama noted that it
has spent enough time and resources on education and awareness with regard to these illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest and is continuing its zero tolerance approach to these activities, especially the gold mining and logging operations. “The centre’s monitoring team, together with the regulatory institutions in Guyana, including but not limited to the Natural Resources Corps of Wardens, Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency will continue to undertake regular monitoring and enforcement activities within the environs of the Iwokrama Forest and the centre will also be rigidly enforcing the prescribed penalties under the Iwokrama Act and other laws of Guyana to any person(s) found illegally operating in the Iwokrama Forest,” the notice said. DRONE TECHNOLOGY In addition, the centre said it is installing cameras in certain areas and has also acquired a drone with facial recognition software for remote aerial monitoring. It said too that a monitoring station will also be strategically placed to monitor boat traffic in these areas. “Iwokrama believes in the development of the hinterland region of Guyana which provides livelihoods for many Guyanese but at the same time, all activities must be done within the confines of the Laws of Guyana,” said Iwokrama. The centre is offering a reward for any information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of persons(s) involved in illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest. “The Centre will also be following up on information it received on specific mining operators who we have been told have been working in the Iwokrama Forest. Any arrests will be fully publicised,” the notice said.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
41 so far recovered from COVID-19
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-1020 tests conducted; 62 persons remain in isolation
THE past 24 hours have been good for Guyana, as five more persons recovered from the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease and the country recorded no new cases. The recent development is a ray of hope for the country, given the consistent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past month. Ten persons have also lost their lives to the scourge. There have been 113 confirmed cases of the disease to date, but as it is now, 41 of those infected persons have since recovered. Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, said 34 persons have been tested within the past 24 hours and of those tested, there are no new cases. Health authorities have so far tested 1,020 persons for the disease, with 907 of those persons being negative. Despite the high level of negative tests, some of the persons, who are infected, continue to feel the harsh consequences of the disease. Three of the infected persons are battling for their lives in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Saving those three lives remains important, but there was also some positive development in the ICU, as three persons were removed from the unit over the past 24 hours. Some 62 persons, however, remain in institutional
isolation and five persons are in institutional quarantine. “As of yesterday (Monday), we have confirmed cases in seven of our 10 administrative regions…this is the situation we were trying to avoid when we instituted the guidelines, with the clear understanding that limiting the spread of this disease to as few regions as possible would have guaranteed us a quicker resolution. “With this new development, our only hope is that you our citizens finally realise that unless you act responsibly, our health system is at risk of becoming overburdened with COVID-19 cases,” said Dr. Boyle during the daily COVID-19 update, on Tuesday. The lessons learned from many countries that have managed to slow the rate of infection and contain this disease were either by forceful measures or by the disciplined participation of their citizens to join forces with the government. Those citizens would have stayed at home when they were advised to; maintained the physical distancing in public spaces; washed their hands before eating, touching their face and before engaging in activities with others; cleaned the surfaces in their homes and places of work as often as possible; and reached out for medical attention when unwell or if they were knowingly in contact with a
positive case. “I can assure you that though these guidelines may
munities, outside of Georgetown, which have recorded cases. Among communities
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle
seem simple and imposing, they worked. The questions you must now ask yourselves are: will you continue to doubt that COVID-19 is a killer, will you continue to act as per normal because it’s not in your community or will you finally get your act together?” Dr. Boyle asked. Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) remains the epicentre of the disease, and there are a number of com-
on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) where cases were recorded are: Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey. Among communities on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) where there were cases are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri. Just recently, in an effort to improve the response to
the pandemic, the Public Health Ministry had launched its mobile unit at the East La Penitence Health Centre, as well as at the community COVID-19 facilities of Region Four at Herstelling, on the EBD, and at Paradise, on the ECD. “There are mobile units, especially in the epicentre of this pandemic that are visiting various communities; we need you to access these units. We continue to provide updated information through daily briefings and our communications campaign that is countrywide. We have an app for you to report to, as well as the hotlines,” said Dr. Boyle. The measures can continuously be implemented, but it is up to the individuals, that is the average Guyanese, to adhere to those measures and think seriously about flattening the curve (reducing the spread). “We must seriously think about flattening the curve and containing the spread of the virus so that we all can return to normalcy. Therefore, we ask you to put aside fear & stigma and come forward and provide the information so that your loved ones, your friends or acquaintances can avoid the risk of contracting this disease and possibly losing their life,” said Minister Lawrence. There is, however, a glimmer of hope for society, as one more person recovered recently from COVID-19,
taking the number of recoveries to 36. The disease, however, remains a serious issue, not just in Guyana, but globally. And, according to global statistics, there are over four million cases of COVID-19, with over 278,000 deaths. And with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease. The Ministry of Public Health continues to work with the residents in the border communities to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. Additionally, the government has extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens. These emergency measures were taken pursuant to Paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directive issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B, on March 16, 2020. These measures have been extended to June 3, 2020.
Public compliance can help flatten COVID-19 infection curve – DCMO PUBLIC compliance is crucial for flattening of the novel coronavirus curve. This observation was underscored by Guyana’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle. The DCMO cited the fact that other countries that are now seeing a decline in new COVID-19 cases is in large part due to the implementation of strict mea-
sures and importantly, the disciplined participation of citizens. Dr. Gordon-Boyle noted that “those citizens would have stayed at home when they were advised to, maintained the physical distancing in public spaces, washed their hands before eating, touching their face and before engaging in activities with others, cleaned the surfaces in their homes and places of work as often
as possible and reached out for medical attention when unwell or if they were knowingly in contact with a positive case.” Warning that situations in countries such a Italy and neighbouring Brazil could well be the new reality for Guyana if citizens do not comply with safety measures and precautionary guidelines. Highlighting that within the last 24 hours
Brazil recorded more than 800 deaths, and the fact that Guyana recorded a case in its town nearest to the country, the DCMO called on Region Nine residents to be more vigilant and report any unofficial crossings between the two countries. “Region Nine residents, I hope that you are taking note that you have a very important part to play in protecting
the communities bordering Brazil,” she urged. “My dear Region Nine residents, I hope that you are taking note that you have a very important part to play in protecting the communities bordering Brazil,” the DCMO asserted. With infection and death rates of 11 percent and eight percent respectively, and recovering rate of 36 percent Dr.
Gordon-Boyle emphasised that every citizen has a part to play in ensuring Guyana’s numbers do not continue to escalate. Back in March, WHO noted that the global infection and death rate of the coronavirus was between two to four percent when calculated by the infected population. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Ex-Trump aide Paul Manafort to serve sentence at home amid virus fears (BBC) Ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort has been released from prison to serve the remainder of his sentence at home due to Covid-19 fears. He had served a little over a year of a seven-and-a-half year sentence in jail. Manafort, 71, was convicted of conspiracy and fraud charges that stemmed from a justice department inquiry into Russian election meddling. There are over 2,800 confirmed Covid-19 cases among US federal prisoners and 50 deaths. According to the latest data from the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), there are 139,584 federal inmates in federal custody, and another 11,235 in community facilities, plus around 36,000 staff. According to the BOP, 2,818 inmates and 262 staff have tested positive for coronavirus. There have not been any confirmed cases of the disease
at Manafort's prison, FCI Loretto in Pennsylvania. Last month, Manafort's lawyers sought for his release to home confinement in Northern Virginia, arguing that his "age and pre-existing health conditions" put him at high risk for infection in prison. WHAT'S HAPPENING IN US PRISONS? At the end of March, Attorney General William Barr told the BOP to grant home confinement to virus-vulnerable, low-risk inmates. His memo noted "some offenses, such as sex offenses, will render an inmate ineligible for home detention". In April, Mr Barr directed the BOP to transfer inmates at risk for Covid-19 out of three federal facilities grappling with outbreaks, and told officials to review inmates at other similar facilities where the virus was affecting operations. The BOP reports 2,471
Thursday, May 14, 2020 –– 11:00hrs
inmates have been moved to home confinement due to the pandemic since 26 March. In Pennsylvania, the gov-
corrections data. US jails and prisons, both federal and state, have been criticised for their handling of
Manafort (centre) was sentenced last year
ernor ordered its corrections department to allow nonviolent and at-risk inmates to be momentarily released. Though the administration said as many as 1,800 people would be eligible, just 150 have been released as of 12 May, according to state
virus outbreaks and advocates continue to call for non-violent inmates to be released. Critics say prisoners are uniquely at-risk for the disease given overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. Inmates often lack soap and hand sanitiser is banned due
to its alcohol content. The American Civil Liberties Union predicts 100,000 more Covid-19 deaths than current projections "if jail populations are not dramatically and immediately reduced", noting conditions in American facilities are "substantially inferior" to other Western nations. Another ex-Trump aide, the president's former lawyer Michael Cohen, 53, is said to be expecting home release from prison in New York later this month. A number of other high-profile convicts, including financial fraudster Bernie Madoff, 82, and comedian Bill Cosby, 82, have also appealed for release due to the virus. WHO IS PAUL MANAFORT?
Manafort served as President Trump's campaign chairman from June to August 2016, when he was forced to resign over his previous work in Ukraine. He was convicted on a range of banking fraud, tax evasion, conspiracy and witness tampering charges from two separate cases relating to his work as a political consultant. Manafort also agreed to co-operate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation in a deal for a possible lighter sentence. However, just two months later that plea deal collapsed as investigators said Manafort had repeatedly lied to the government. He was sentenced in March 2019 and his prison term was to have ended in 2024.
Coronavirus: US 'won't use Russian ventilators' linked to fires (BBC) The US says it will not use a batch of Russian ventilators, pending inquiries into two deadly hospital fires. The ventilators have been linked to blazes that killed five people in a coronavirus intensive care unit in St Petersburg on Tuesday, and one at a hospital in Moscow last week. Russian regulators have suspended use of the Aventa-M ventilators nationwide, after they were linked to the fires. The manufacturers say
they have been in use since 2012 without safety concerns. Radio-Electronic Technologies Concern, which controls the company that makes the Aventa-M, urged others not to rush to judgement until investigations had reported back. What did US officials say? In the US, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) made clear the Russian ventilators, procured during a race to stockpile medical equipment to deal with the coronavirus
pandemic, had not been used. The Aventa-M has "not been deployed to hospitals", Fema spokeswoman Janet Montesi said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, the states are returning the ventilators to Fema." The agency told CNBC: "The conclusion(s) of the investigation being conducted by the Russian authorities into the fire in St Petersburg will help inform our decision regarding any future use of the ventilators." What happened in the fires? The blaze at St George's Hospital in St Petersburg was apparently started by a short-circuit in a ventilator, Russian news agencies reported. The fire was quickly put out and 150 people were evacuated from the hospital, the country's emergency ministry said. All the patients who died had been on ventilators. "The ventilators are working to their limits. Preliminary indications are that it was overloaded and caught fire, and that was the cause," a source at St Petersburg emer-
gencies department told the Interfax news agency. What did US officials say? In the US, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) made clear the Russian ventilators, procured during a race to stockpile medical equipment to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, had not been used. The Aventa-M has "not been deployed to hospitals", Fema spokeswoman Janet Montesi said in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, the states are returning the ventilators to Fema." The agency told CNBC: "The conclusion(s) of the investigation being conducted by the Russian authorities into the fire in St Petersburg will help inform our decision regarding any future use of the ventilators." What happened in the fires? The blaze at St George's Hospital in St Petersburg was apparently started by a short-circuit in a ventilator, Russian news agencies reported. The fire was quickly put out and 150 people were evacuated from the hospital, the country's emergency ministry said. All the patients who died had been on ventilators. "The ventilators are working to their limits. Preliminary indications are that it was overloaded and caught fire, and that was the cause," a source at St Petersburg emergencies department told the Interfax news agency. TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
KSAMC Working With Private Elderly Homes To Keep Residents Safe
(JAMAICA GLEANER) The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are collaborating with privately-operated golden age homes to conduct testing and establish protocols as measures to protect the elderly, who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This was noted by Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams, while addressing a meeting of the corporation at the Jamaica
Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams, addressing a meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on May 12, 2020 - Contributed photo
Conference Centre in downtown Kingston on Tuesday. He said the dialogue has already commenced and is ongoing with the relevant stakeholders. “So, the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Wellness is taking place now in terms of organising for the testing of personnel within those homes, and the discussions are ongoing in terms of the protocols that should be observed,” he said. Meanwhile, Williams pointed out that measures were
implemented in golden age homes and infirmaries operated by the Government to contain the spread of COVID-19. Those include comprehensive sanitation of infirmaries and restriction of visitors, among others. Additionally, he said the municipality continues to review measures implemented to stem the spread of the virus as well as to collaborate with other agencies and ministries, “to ensure that we are on top of what is occurring”. Turning to the matter of
preparedness for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Williams informed that the municipality is reviewing strategies with the aim of boosting its response mechanism. “We are treating with the issue of the hurricane season. We have not forgotten that there is a hurricane season, and all measures will be put in place so that we are ready and prepared in the event of a hurricane striking the island or the Municipality,” he said.
Diaspora Must Work Together To Promote Sustainable Economic Development In Haiti (HAITIAN TIMES) Stores along Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights are shuttered during the Coronavirus pandemic/ photo Garry Pierre-Pierre The international relations efforts of Haiti are not producing positive results, which can be attributed to a vision focused on a quid pro quo instead of international communications strategies that implicated the Haitian diaspora. Haitians living abroad are the first Haitian diplomats whose mission ought to be defined by public diplomacy aimed at rebuilding Haiti’s reputation around the world through the creation of avenues for strategic communication aimed at improving migration status and at attracting large foreign investments to build the economy and to strengthen public institutions for the reinforcement of democracy. The persistent problem in international relations is that Haitian public diplomacy is deeply reactive and narrowly focused on enticing charities and humanitarian aid that weaken the country’s reputation and tarnish its image since the international community sees Haiti as a cause to sponsor
or a geopolitical environment to demonstrate goodwill. International relations, whether donations, grants, assistances, millennium developmental goals, and monetary policies combined, are yet to place the country at the concert of great sovereign nations. To restore Haiti’s voice internationally and to give Haiti its place in the world of public diplomacy, the diaspora must work together to promote generational dialogue with their respective local government to develop institutional relationships, partnerships, and alliances with local politicians. Haitians living abroad are absent on the political scene of their country of residence or naturalization where they are seen as economic prey instead of being considered as major intermediaries of communication and development or as influencers of legislation relating to immigration, humanitarian aid, and foreign assistance. Thus, they struggle to promote the interests and to influence the international community on their ability to contribute to the fights against terror, pandemic, and world peace, which remain a top priority for the diplomatic world. Their silence in politics
and even in the defense of stigmas and stereotypes concerning their country of origin is enduring proof of their intention to be satisfied with the least. Haitian public diplomacy abroad must also affect immigration, which now portrays Haitians as starving or universal economic asylum seekers instead of a booming and fast-growing minority with unlimited potential for a possible political revolution. The Haitian diaspora should develop public diplomacy policies to establish doctrinal principles to meet the needs of each Haitian and to change all detrimental narratives against the country. This public diplomacy will include decentralized collateral agencies located in areas with large agglomerations of Haitians to facilitate communication and to strengthen the engagement of the diaspora in local politics. The national strategy of the Haitian diaspora will identify and connect Haitian leaders with leaders in their community who are more likely to endorse the Haitian diplomatic cause. All of this Haitian public diplomacy comes down to an inter-organization of the diaspora to speak with one
Coronavirus: US 'won't use Russian ...
FROM PAGE
The All-Russia Institute for Medical Technology Research points out that there are many different types of medical ventilator, so a fault in one may not be common to others. Alexei Kurinny, a member of the Russian parliament's health committee, said it was unlikely that a ventilator could have short-circuited or overloaded, and that fire safety was built into their design. What is the coronavirus situation in both countries?
News of Tuesday's fire came as Russia is starting to ease lockdown restrictions. Construction, farming and factory workers are resuming their duties. Russia now has the second-highest number of confirmed infections worldwide after the United States. On Tuesday the top US infectious diseases doctor warned senators that the coronavirus would spread further if the country opens up too soon. Dr Anthony Fauci said if
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federal guidelines to reopen were not followed, "little spikes" would become outbreaks. He also said the real US death toll is probably higher than the official figure of 80,000. St Petersburg's hospitals have been overstretched by the outbreak and doctors are working at full capacity. The city has recorded just over 8,000 cases of Covid-19 so far - far fewer than Moscow, where the infection rate is continuing to climb at over 10,000 new cases daily.
voice to send a coherent message to the world; a message based on the creation
of planning, compensation, and evaluation processes to establish a real commu-
nication flow to facilitate community engagement and political incorporation. The
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Celebrating as a united people AMID the furore over the elections impasse, Guyana in less than two weeks will be celebrating its 53rd year as a sovereign state, having gotten its independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966. This meant that after just over 150 years of loyalty to this European country, British Guiana, as we were then known, ceased to be a colony, thus becoming a nation. We therefore joined the family of nations. Those who are old enough and had been privileged to witness such a historical moment will remember the excitement in the run-up to that historical date. There was an air of festivity, almost like Christmas, but with no carols. Homes were given makeovers while flying the Golden Arrowhead proudly from their landings and windows; public buildings were gaily bedecked with flags. And instead of the customary God Save the Queen, the newly released National Anthem, ‘Dear Land of Guyana,’ was constantly being played on the two radio stations: Radio Demerara, which, after midnight on May 25, 1966, became the Voice of Guyana, while the then British Guiana Broadcasting Service became the Guy-
ana Broadcasting Service, or simply GBS. There was also the newly written National Pledge constantly being recited on the national airwaves, for there was no television at the time, and all the newspapers that were carrying historical accounts about the then colony and its relations with its Mother Country, as Great Britain, as a colonising power, was then known. Daily, dignitaries from all parts of the Commonwealth, including Britain, were arriving for what was certainly the most historical occasion yet. Socially, Guyanese from all walks of life were expressing their views about independence in a positive manner, in shops, at street corners, and at drinking spots downtown. But independence did not come without its challenges, for there was turbulence in the form of communal strife, with its inevitable loss of life and other sad incidents that brought great hurt and discomfort to many. These are chapters that we must not allow to reoccur. Notwithstanding these sad episodes, Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead was proudly hoisted that momentous midnight, proclaiming our National Motto of ONE PEOPLE,
ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY. A new dawn had come. From that time onwards, we are still struggling to achieve the ideal of a united people in a united country. This has been our biggest challenge, and will continue to be so, until all of us, no matter how different, ethnically and culturally, we are, and irrespective of social class, realise that this is our country, and that it will take a bold effort from each of us, working collectively for a better and prosperous country through working together. It is not that there have not been lessons to be learnt from our past; nor that we lack the intellectual depth and capacity to understand what those former experiences ought to mean for our future as Guyanese. The truth is that while there are many who are encouraging the gospel of racial unity, there are others who steadfastly continue to sow the seeds of racial enmity and disunity for their personal, partisan ends. For them, love of country comes second to personal ambition. Such doctrine can only breed suspicion, hate, and fear, and will not benefit country or people, even those who are the inciters of this poison.
Therefore, it is not too late for Guyanese brothers and sisters to be reminded that independence was not just an opportunity for us to become pilots of our own destiny. That was just the beginning, the national platform from which the hard work had to be launched. This meant pooling our mental and physical energies for the good of everyone, and for country, and not just a section of the nation, or the favoured few. More importantly, it also meant recognition and respect for our multicultural being, and of the rich diversity of same, channelling our diversity, especially for innovative growth and development of country. Indeed, as a country, Guyana has the requisite mental energies, while being concomitantly blessed with an abundance of natural resources to become the socio-economic paradise of the Caribbean Community. But we can never hope to climb, much less conquer this much desired summit of material well-being, and being able to realise all of the potential opportunities if we do not do so as a united PEOPLE.
Shopping at Kissoon’s Furniture Store
Dear Editor,
LAST Saturday, I went to Kissoon’s Furniture Store Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, to purchase and uplift some items that I needed. I had visited the store a few days earlier, so I walked in, being intimately aware of the required price for each individual piece. The experience I had shopping while at Kissoon’s has left me thinking. Often, these experiences are disregarded and pushed aside as individual biases and not part of a larger collective problem we have concerning the discrimination some persons face daily. Upon walking into Kissoon’s, much like the last time I was there, I was ignored. This was fine with me because the way in which I and so many other Guyanese are usually leered at and
followed around in certain stores is very disconcerting. I noted at the time that this seeming disinterest could have also been attributed to the fact that it was a furniture store and I could not possibly steal anything that they could not see. So despite recognising how persons were immediately attended to and asked how they could be helped, I decided to not let that bother me too much. After all, I had walked into the store being aware of the possibilities of me experiencing overt and covert profiling. This is a reality faced every day. While it pained me to have to spend my money where I know I was not valued, the realities of an absence/low presence of black- owned businesses and closure of other stores due to “COVID” meant that my needs at the time trumped my politics. In confirming that I
still wanted the items I had viewed days earlier, I then made my way over to the person who was doing the greeting when I saw they were alone. From hereon they will be referred to as “greeter.” Editor, I spent considerable time trying to get this person’s attention before they even acknowledged me with a flippant, “You want something?” I explained that yes, indeed, I did want many things and went to show the person the items I wanted, full sets of each. I was told that the price I was seeing displayed was for just one item and not for the entire set. I told them that I was aware. The greeter then proceeded to call over another worker, asking for the individual price of each item and at the end said, “Yeah, I know the price here wasn’t for the entire set.” I knew what was happening and the way in which I was
being profiled and my ability to afford was being doubted, but again my needs trumped my politics and growing anger. I again let them know that I was aware of the price for each individual piece and I’d appreciate it if time could stop being wasted. They took quite some time with drawing up my bill. Confirming the price of each item with me before they wrote it down, speaking to me as if I were a slow child and not an adult capable of understanding. I had been told that my items would be set aside while the bill was fixed, so on observing that no such thing was happening, I queried as to why they were not being brought out. I was told that they were doing so. Editor, it was not until I was literally handing over my money to the cashier (who even up to this point kept confirming prices with me)
that I heard the greeter issue an order for the workers to begin setting my items aside. Ten times more uncomfortable now than I was when I walked in – which was already a considerable deal of uncomfortability – I exited the store to get a canter. I thought this would have been the end of an uncomfortable experience that I would hopefully not have to endure again, but I was wrong. Upon returning with my selected transportation, workmen began fetching my items into the canter while I handed the guard my bill. The guard looked at me, looked at the bill, looked at the items being lifted into the canter and went inside. He returned with the greeter and the cashier, all of whom are poring over the bill and looking at the items in the canter. They would then begin to loudly proclaim that one of the items needed
to be taken out because I had not paid for it. I am standing there genuinely confused, angry and embarrassed as the cashier, the guard and the greeter demand it that the items be taken out. I recognised I was being accused of being a thief and that this was not a case of a simple mistake. I pointed out that every single item that was there was already paid for. During all of this however, I was not acknowledged once. They seemed keen on reclaiming items that were bought and paid for but would not acknowledge me, the person spending my earned money in their store. I demanded to have my bill so I could bounce, because the passion that was building within me was not good and I knew TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
CXC and COVID-19: A student's perspective Dear Editor, AS a 17-year-old Lower Sixth student of Queen’s College, Guyana, I have noted with avid interest and slight disbelief the occurrences of the recent few months, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic and the response of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in this regard. I have heard many positions debated by my elders, teachers and peers; however, all opinions and beliefs I state in this letter are my own. CXC, as many of you know, has proposed a revised exam structure, consisting of a Paper One and SBA for most subjects, but including a Paper Two in others where the syllabus is not fully covered by these two components alone. Many arguments have been proposed against this, most of them valid, which I will not repeat here. I do however want to point out that the original purpose of having a revised exam format was (in CXC’s words) “to yield valid grades and minimise the disruption to the education system.” It is with surprise then, that I note that results from this ‘examination’ would not be released until September, and therefore after the start of the 2020/21 school year,
and not in time for the start of the next university semester. If this is the case, then I must ask why we do not have the Paper Two examination as was originally planned, even if it is at a later date, as this will have no bearing on university intake, as long as results are released before the January semester. Why is CXC so resolute in its admission of only a Paper One examination when it no longer yields any tangible benefit? Continuing on the same tack of university intake, I must raise the question of credibility. One of the main concerns among my peers has been that this exam will not be seen as credible by most universities, and therefore is not worth writing. CXC for its part has allied with the University of the West Indies (UWI) to determine this September’s university intake by using results of Cape One and past marks, completely nullifying the purpose of the July examination. If the Region’s premier university will not accept the results of this examination: a) Why hold them in the first place? (Why not cancel exams like the rest of the world??) b) How can any university outside the Caribbean be expected to do so? In the face of an overwhelming backlash against
its proposal, from (to name a few) the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPPS), the National Secondary Students Council of Jamaica(NSSC), the Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA), the Barbados Teachers Union (BTU), the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), and the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA), as well as teachers and students themselves, CXC’s response has been appallingly poor. A single web seminar was held, which I myself attended. I posted 10 questions, two of which were unsatisfactorily answered, and the rest of which were seemingly ignored, and the questions that were answered in their Question- and-Answers segment were laughably moronic. The level of incompetence was such that in multiple instances questions such as “Where will exams be written?” were answered with “Yes”. I think that speaks for itself. As a student, I can confidently state, knowing that many others share this sentiment, that students are tired. We are fatigued, we are exhausted, weary, drained, and most of all fed up. Whichever way you put it, students as a whole are tired of this whole exam affair. There was a period of uncertainty when the outbreak first emerged in
Shopping at Kissoon’s...
FROM PAGE
how quickly the police could become involved in such matters. I was still being ignored as I kept pointing out that I had paid for everything. They continued to pore over the bill and items in the truck before finally acknowledging to themselves that all the items were indeed paid for. They handed me my bill and walked back inside the store. I was not offered an apology for the racial profiling or the embarrassment I faced on account of these persons. I was completely invisibilised and simultaneously targeted for shopping while black. I am very aware of how one’s colour and texture of one’s hair is often contentious when moving freely in public/ private spaces and how it causes increased attention from security/police, but this knowledge did not make the experience any easier for me. Before this,
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I had considered returning to Kissoon’s later on to buy some more items I needed. Never again though. This attack on my dignity will not be forgotten. I document this experience to caution others to be wary of the places we spend our money as it can often compromise and threaten our liberty. Consumer-profiling is just one instance of the continued challenges some persons face every day. The beliefs that allow this drive more serious experiences and account for the fact that black children and adults are over-represented in the welfare and prison systems due to the association of poverty-driven criminality. No one deserves this sort of treatment, but it is unfortunate that I am cognisant that this practice will continue unchecked. Regards Akola Thompson
which no one knew whether exams would or would not take place. For a student, this was an especially turbulent time. A dilemma presented itself: do you break or do you study? But if you break, where do you find the resolve to start studying again, or if you study, when do you break? There is no right answer. Couple this with being bombarded with online articles detailing much more productive pastimes such as, ’10 things to do during quarantine’ and with the knowledge that the US and UK have called their exams off completely for the year, and the CXC exams have begun to feel like more of a restriction on freedom – a cross to bear for the Caribbean alone. Now, with the scheduling of examinations for July, every teacher, lessons teacher and lab technician has re-emerged hosting online classes and dropping assignments, projects and research essays, only obfuscating the issue further. Let us discuss online classes from a student’s perspective: 1) Educators seem to share the belief that because students are at home, they are always free. This is not true. It is difficult for many of us to find a quiet place to work at home, especially for hours at a time. Being around our families all the time is a
difficult situation for many of us, and bloated class and work schedules do not help. 2) It is so much more difficult to pay attention online than in a regular class. In this age of shortening attention spans, online classes often need repeating and re-watching, and many teachers simply do not cater for this. 3) WIFI connections are unreliable, for those of us that even have it at all. CXC’s proposal to go digital has marginalised many, and teachers can report that they are seeing low and infrequent attendance for most, if not all classes. Finally, I wish to speak about COVID-19. This pandemic is a greater threat than it ever has been. As of writing, there have been over 4.3 million confirmed cases worldwide. Regionally, Trinidad and Tobago has 116 cases. Barbados has 84, Guyana has 113, and Jamaica weighs in with a whopping 507. We do not have a vaccine. Research has shown that we do not even have a lengthy period of herd immunity. The only strategy that has been shown to work is quarantining and contact tracing those that do have the virus. I do not know if CXC reviews the graphs showing the progress of this disease, but I do. Daily. I have no less than six graph-tracking sites
open as I write this letter. CXC has slated exams for July. That would mean breaking, or ending lockdown and returning to school to write exams. I also do not know what data this timeframe is based upon, but it cannot be the same graphs that I am looking at here on my desktop, because according to this, Jamaica has seen exponential growth in its number of cases, and Guyana is increasing fast. The numbers only increase. And yet, CXC would have us return to normalcy. That is folly, that is fallacy and is pure (for want of a better word) dotishness! CXC wishes us to risk our health, our very being, for an exam that is not only questionable, but devoid of structure and credibility. I will end this letter with a statement from one of my colleagues, who shall remain unnamed: “CXC have exposed themselves as an organisation that values their income more than the integrity of their business and health and safety of stakeholders.” I beg CXC to reconsider its proposal. Regards Vijay Sharma
Bruce Golding’s report is premature Dear Editor, I NOTE with great concern, disappointment, and some anger a statement made by Mr. Bruce Golding, Head of the OAS Observer Mission and former Jamaica prime minister regarding the results of the original count of votes. Mr. Golding expressed his opinion that the count was fraudulent. His opinion was made public even as a recount is ongoing and the OAS, which he heads, has not even released its report. I am certain that Mr. Golding is aware that the OAS is not the only observer group on the ground, In fact, it is my understanding that there are hundreds of election observers from numerous agencies, missions and bodies, both local and international. And, the conclusion arising from that fact is glaringly obvious. Editor, as a Guyanese citizen, I am
offended, as I certain that others are as well. Mr. Golding has clearly crossed the line. He can no longer claim to be an “independent observer,” since he has expressed what is obviously a partisan and biased statement straight out of the Jagdeo playbook. Editor, it is alleged that the PPP, and specifically Bharrat Jagdeo, throws money around to buy everything from lobbyists to votes, from news-outlets to opinions; I would hope that this opinion expressed by Mr. Golding does not fall into that category. I take this opportunity to remind observers that they are observers not commentators. Further, Guyana, being a sovereign state, has citizens who take that sovereignty seriously, and may take a dim view of persons who cross the line of respect for our country. Regards, Mark DaCosta
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Guyana shining on all fronts
…PM says in coalition fifth anniversary reflections REFLECTING on the 5th anniversary of the APNU+AFC Government, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said that since May 11, 2015, Guyana has been shining on all fronts. He referred to what he described as “the prudent management of the economy” which grew last year by 5.3%; suppression of narco-criminal activities; improvement in salaries and living standards of working people and pensioners; expansion of internet connectivity and radio broadcasting; upgrades in delivery of education, health, housing, water, electricity; and better road, river and air transport facilities. Writing in his My Turn
weekly column, Mr. Nagamootoo said that May 11, 2015 will always be celebrated for several good reasons as a people’s victory. “It brought to Guyana a new wave of an open, plural and inclusive democracy” which, for the first time ever elected a coalition of six parties to form the government. Over these five years there has been “a silent revolution” to restore integrity in public office, he noted while observing that the slogan, “Make America Great” in our context was “Make Guyana Clean Again!” The Prime Minister said that the Coalition flattened the curve of “pervasive corruption” that it had inherited from the former PPP/C regime which
had reduced Guyana almost to the status of a criminalized state In his reflections on May 11, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that Guyana has received consistent approval ratings in almost all aspects of public life, including improvements in respect for freedom of the press, combatting trafficking in persons, ensuring juvenile justice, fighting domestic violence and gender abuse, etc. Freedom House, a US state-funded non-government organization, in its 2018 Freedom in the World Report, noted that Guyana continues to be listed as “free” and as an “electoral democracy”.
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo
MovieTowne owner is good samaritan BUSINESS mogul, Guyanese Derek Chin, who is the Executive Chairman of the popular MovieTowne in Trinidad and here in Guyana, as well as Dachin Group of Companies in Trinidad, is being lauded a Good Samaritan. Chin, according to regional newsBusiness mogul, Guyanese Derek paper reports, on Monday, allowed a Chin (Web photo ) private charter flight on which he was,
on his way to Trinidad, to deviate to The Bahamas to pick up a Trinidadian woman who is a cancer patient. The woman, who was reportedly diagnosed with the illness, was previously employed, but subsequently lost her job and faced difficulty returning to her homeland. Chin, who is himself still sick, was returning from Miami where he had
gone to seek medical attention. While Chin was in Miami receiving treatment, rumours had surfaced that he had died, resulting in the management of MovieTowne having to address the unfounded rumours on its Facebook page. On March 19, 2019, Chin officially opened the multi-million-dollar cinema complex and mall franchise in Guyana. He had described the project which
had been in the making for 10 years, as a safe, friendly and family-oriented environment of which Guyanese could be proud. Several Guyanese have gained employment at the business place which houses a cinema, boutique, entertainment spots and food outlets, including the popular Hard Rock Café and Kosmos Grill and Lounge.
Small parties are shell companies for the Jagdeo-controlled PPP
Dear Editor
I AM appalled at the behaviour of the leaders of the “small parties,” who, instead of displaying political decorum and independence, have openly and unashamedly latched themselves on to the waist of the PPP. These same parties that promised change have not displayed the change they promised their members, supporters and all Guyanese. For readers who are unfamiliar with the phrase shell company, a brief definition follows: A shell company is: a company that does not itself do or own anything, but is used to hide a person's or another company's activities, sometimes illegal ones. The primary purpose of shell companies is to commit and conceal fraud, although some persons and companies use them for other means such as protecting future assets. This includes concealing the nature, origin, destination of fraudulent assets and finances, and/or concealment of the true owners and decision-makers of a criminal act or conspiracy. In 2014 for example, the famous technology company Hewlett-Packard set up multiple shell companies, a slush fund
and several bank accounts to launder money, bribed several officials and used anonymous email accounts and prepaid mobile phones to arrange secret meetings to hand over bags of cash. The U.S. Supreme Court found the company guilty of several accounts of fraud. The company agreed to pay in excess of US$ 100 million in criminal and other penalties to the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission. The so-called small parties never intended to compete in these elections. The establishment of each of these parties was encouraged by leading figures in the PPP. These same persons were the architects of the group who organised the “say no” to parking meters protests. This nexus of influential leaders within the PPP/C (persons such as Don Singh, Marcel Gaskin, Kwame McKoy, Rey Hakim, Eddie Boyer, Sasenarine Singh, Victor Singh, Mohammed Raffik and others) and the parking member group, led to the idea to create a loose group of small parties. The purpose of these small parties were to create the impression of dissatisfaction and disappointment with the APNU+AFC coalition and to pull votes from the coalition in Region Four. In other
words, they were formed to do what happened to the PPP/C when the AFC was formed. That is, most of the votes the AFC received came from voters in PPP/C strongholds. However, the small parties combined could not achieve what the AFC achieved when it first participated in Guyana’s General and Regional Elections in 2006. There are the reasons these shell parties for the PPP were unsuccessful. These same three reasons are also an insight into their nature as shell companies. First, with the exception of Ralph Ramkarran, the leaders and founders of these parties have zero political experience; after elections they usually disappear off the radar until it’s time for another election. In fact, most of these shell parties were registered by mostly business persons whose names never appeared on a list of candidates for any party prior to March 2020. The second reason and characteristic of a shell company is that these shell parties have no infrastructure. In other words, they do not have a steady flow of finances, volunteers, inter-regional and sub-district networks and programmes compared to the APNU+AFC coalition or the PPP/C.
In other words like shell companies, these parties were set up to be used by the PPP/C in a large scheme to defraud Guyana’s electoral system and our long-serving allies, namely the ABCE countries. Thirdly, these shell parties with the exception of the URP, OVP and PRP were established approximately two years before the March 2, 2020 elections. Which party with no political experience, no political currency and infrastructure launches its platform to contest what was dubbed, “the mother of all elections” so close to an election date? In closing, readers, it is patently clear that these shell parties do not have the capacity to even grow and manage their own party, much less the entire country. It is also clear that they were formed to pull Region Four votes from the APNU+AFC coalition, while the PPP/C employed their members and agents, mostly in far-out areas throughout Guyana’s hinterland regions, that is the hinterland, Region Four and GECOM mostly in Guyana’s hinterland in the favour of that party. The icing on the cake was Mercury Public Affairs, the same company the FBI reported was involved in helping Donald Trump collude
with Russia to interfere in the 2016 elections in the USA. “ Mercury’s” role was straightforward: (a) shape the PPP/C’s election campaign and pos- campaign narrative of rigging without one shred of evidence, (b) facilitate bribes to specific individuals to register shell parties unbeknownst to other leaders and founders of the new shell parties, and worst yet, their members and Guyanese who voted for them and (c) negotiate support for the PPP/C in Washington D.C., the CCJ and so forth. For readers who are unaware of what lobbying is, it refers to attempts by private interest groups or individuals to influence the decisions of a government or government officials. Lobbying usually involves financial payments as well as exchanging one form of support for another. So if you vote for my party on this issue, I will support your request for a thirdterm presidency. Regards R. Chung-A-On
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Guyana concerned about omission of Paper Two at CSEC …Minister Henry says issue of timing was never a problem
By Naomi Parris GUYANA and at least three other countries including Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have raised concerns about the omission of the Paper Two component of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) this year, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this month the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) had revealed that this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) will be written in July. However, several countries including Guyana raised concerns over the council’s decision for the tests to be administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council, owing to the impact which the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the education sector, not only locally, but internationally. When contacted, Guyana’s Minister of Education Dr Nicolette Henry revealed that concerns were never about the date of the examinations, but rather the methodologies to be used in administering the test, along with the integrity and omis-
will find that the schools that usually perform very well continue to perform well; [however], the outcome of the results is only something we could assess retrospectively,” she explained. Additionally, taking into consideration that all students may not have the access to (ICT) hubs, internet and other academic materials, the minister noted that the education sector is still challenged with administering the curriculum. “Well we know schools
ministry of the execution of its work, since we function in the classroom … in some homes they may not have the things that many people take for granted in order to have the classroom setting; it depends on the work space, the number of children in a home, the different methodologies they’re using -- some are using workbooks, some are using internet,” Minister Henry explained. ‘It’s going to take all hands on deck to curve [sic]
are out and so that obviously poses a challenge for the
the situation’ However, she noted that
Minister of Education Nicolette Henry
sion of Paper Two. Minister Henry further stated that CARICOM is engaging all stakeholders in meetings to address the concerns and complaints of the various countries as it pertains to the upcoming CSEC and CAPE examinations. “They were four countries that did not find favour with the methodology and those countries were Guyana Jamaica, Trinidad, Antigua-Barbuda …the primary concern was the omission of the Paper Twos,” she stated. Minister Henry noted that
the timeline of sitting the examination was never an issue; it was the integrity of the Paper Two to ensure that students will sit the examination in an environment that would ensure honesty. Additionally, the minister noted that it is still very premature to tell if the outcome of students’ grades will be affected, as she believes students will do well in their upcoming examinations, despite the current situation. “It will be premature of me to make a pronouncement… in your analysis you
this will need an all-handson deck approach not only from the ministry, but from everyone. “I think for every ministry of education, every country in the world they have had challenges. The first being for some age groups you have to rely on in-classroom activities; as such, for the [pupils] in the nursery level the ministry is relying on the parents to do their part …if you don’t have the parental supervision, then you know what’s going to happen,” she stated. While acknowledging that the government had put a lot of its effort and time in ensuring that there are sufficient educational infrastructure and ITC hubs across the country, the greatest need right now is in people’s homes and that remains a challenge for the education ministry in ensuring that pupils and students [are] being educated about the pandemic. Nevertheless, the minister noted that staffers, teachers and other education officials have been working above and beyond and will continue to work to ensure that every child is receiving a sound education, as more strategies and resources become available.
Military rites funeral for soldiers THE three Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers who died, on April 30, when a stack of pyrotechnics exploded at the army’s Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, at approximately 09:00 hrs, are being buried according to military rites. The soldiers who perished in the blast were Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Tooney Peneux, L/Cpl Kevin Nicholson, 23, of Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam and Private Shaqueel De Harte, 20, of Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while Sergeant (Sgt) Quincy Threfall, 43, of Hopetown, WCB and L/Cpl Paul Peters, 29, sustained injuries. Sgt Threfall was subsequently warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
The late Private Shaqueel De Harte
(GPHC) while L/Cpl Peters was treated at the base for his injuries. At the time of the explosion, ranks were at the arms store preparing the devices for demolition, according to
The late L/Cpl Kevon Nicholson of the GDF
an Army statement. A Board of Inquiry (BOI) has since been launched by the army. Today, Thursday, May 14, the GDF will join with
The late L/ Cpl Tooney Peneux
family and friends to `Celebrate the Life’ of Pte De Harte. The late soldier’s body will be interred at the St Albans Church cemetery, following a funeral service at the said church with GDF
Chaplain Reverend (Rev) J. Nicholas Corbin and Pastors George Jeffers and Shawny Mc Garrell conducting a service starting at 12:30hrs On Friday, the body of the late L/Cpl Nicholson will be taken to the Grace Assembly of God Church, Pope Street, New Amsterdam, for a funeral service scheduled for 13:00hrs. The officiating priests will be Rev. Corbin and Rev. Doreen Henry. On Tuesday May 12, 2020 residents of the Amerindian community of Orealla, located about 50 miles from Crabwood Creek, bade farewell to Lance Corporal Tooney Peneux, who hailed from the community. He was also buried according to military rites. The funeral service for
the late soldier was conducted by Pastor Glen De Vair at the Nazarene Church, where the late soldier’s mother worships. The soldier’s uncle, Carl Peneux, Toshao of the Orealla community, delivered a tribute on behalf of the family. The April 30 explosion follows closely another that occurred at the GDF Coast Guard base on February 22, the eve of this country’s Republic Anniversary. That blast claimed the life of Corporal Seon Rose, 31, who had sustained the brunt of the injuries that he and several others received. On that occasion, they were preparing fireworks for the Republic Anniversary Celebrations.
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‘If you don’t want to answer leave’
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
…Media operatives rough-up Jagdeo after hurling insults at reporter LOCAL media operatives, on Wednesday, stood their ground against Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, and had even threatened to put him out their tent after he hurled insults at a reporter from this newspaper. Jagdeo had earlier made a number of unsubstantiated claims against Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, accusing him of being involved in electoral fraud. While speaking to general matters of the recount process, he refused to speak to the revelation of a case whereby there were with more ballots in a ballot box than electors marked as voted on the Official List of Electors (OLE). Instead, he turned his attention to Commissioner Alexander, who had made the said report to the media. “Vincent Alexander is part of the plot to rig the elections. Vincent Alexander was one of the architects of the plot to rig the elections and it’s being unfolded now. Why don’t you ask Vincent Alexander about the Mingo declaration,” Jagdeo said. “He said, ‘oh we shouldn’t compare it with Mingo’s declaration’ yet, they made an overall declaration on the election on the basis of Mingo’s fraudulent declarations for Region Four and it’s still on GECOM’s website. After making these claims, the Guyana Chronicle corrected the opposition leader, noting that Mingo’s
second declarations were not deemed as fraudulent by the court. In fact, records show that while the High Court ruled on Mingo’s first declaration made on March 5, the court did not adjudicate on the second declaration. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), through one of its supporters, had filed contempt proceedings but this case was shelved after President David Granger and Jagdeo, upon the intervention of the CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister Mia Mottley, agreed to the national recount. Presented with these, the opposition leader entered
media entity or refrain from speaking to the media all together.
Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo
Government-nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander
Opposition-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj
into a verbal altercation with the Guyana Chronicle reporter, who posed the question, and refused to take additional questions from the newspaper. However, reporters at the location stood their ground making it clear that the opposition leader must either respond to the questions posed from any
sioner, Sase Gunraj, excused himself from also accusing Alexander of electoral fraud.
LEAVE THE TENT “If you don’t want to speak with us, then you should leave,” the media operatives stated, citing disrespect from the opposition leader. Jagdeo eventually conceded, stating: “Alright. Go ahead and ask me.” Hours later, Opposition-nominated Commis-
He first stated that he was not aware of the opposition leader’s statements and therefore could not comment. Pressed further on whether any avenues exist for any commissioner to meddle in the elections, Gunraj said: “You see, the ambit of the elections and the likelihood of fraud is a very wide one… but the reality is that without specifics, I would prefer not to comment on it. But, like I said, I will endeavour with the totality or the majority of the information in my hands to do that --- make an informed comment to you.” He agreed that his response may have very well been “a lawyer’s response” to the question. DISTORTIONS In an invited comment to the newspaper on Wednes-
day, Commissioner Alexander said that the legal events in relation to Guyana’s 2020 elections are known and his position on the matter is guided by the same. He said that he is unaware of how he could be linked to fraudulent behaviour or even Mingo’s declaration when he was not directly involved in the counting of the Region Four ballots. “Mingo was given instruction by the court. Mingo went back and, as far as I’m concerned, he changed the process. The court has not said anything subsequent in relation to what Mingo did [in his second declaration]. In the absence of the court saying something, I have no basis to come to the conclusion that Mingo is involved in fraud,” he stated, adding: “And, I don’t know how I could be involved in a fraud when I have never had anything to do with Region Four and its counting directly. I have not even had the privilege at the level of the commission to have the declarations brought to my pronouncement at the level
of the commission. I may have advocated for them to be brought but they were never brought. So, I’ve never, in the commission, made any pronouncement on the content of the declaration though I will argue that procedurally they should be brought.” Furthermore, Commissioner Alexander said that this is not the first time that the PPP/C has distorted his remarks or taken jabs against his character and he sees such actions as desperate and political. “I don’t take it lightly [the claims] but I understand the nature of the beast called politics and that politicians will hold on to the last straw that they can hold on to which is quite evident now,” he said. “It is not just Jagdeo saying that, if you check all of the PPP Facebook pages, they say everything they can think about me. My physical being, my spiritual being, anything they can think about me, they say. It appears that they see me as something that has to be destroyed.”
Virtual commemoration of Guyana’s 54th Independence
—Flag-raising to be live streamed, held in accordance with COVID-19Taskforce regulations IN light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commemoration of Guyana’s 54th Independence s will be hosted virtually. This was disclosed by Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain. “The country’s 54th Independence anniversary is a very important milestone and while we cannot [physically] come together to celebrate,
the Department of Culture is working to ensure the celebrations are held virtually,” Boatswain told DPI. The programmes will available for viewing on the National Communications Network (NCN) Channel 11, social media platforms and radio. The Culture Director disclosed that viewers can expect a local film festi-
val that will be hosted on Channel 11. “Films made by Guyanese celebrating Guyanese culture, heritage and our social lifestyle.” There will be features highlighting prominent sportsmen and women and other important figures in the Independence movement. The public can also expect forums on “health,
education and infrastructure, telecommunication, oil and gas and what we should look out for in the decades of development,” Boatswain said. For the children, there will be animated movies telling the story of Guyana’s independence and students preparing for the National Grade Six Examinations can participate in quiz contests both online
and on the radio. A schedule of the events will be released within this week. Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton, disclosed that the much-anticipated flag-raising ceremony will be hosted, but following the National COVID-19 Taskforce’s guidelines. As such, this year’s ceremony will be
live-streamed. “To watch the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead is something we would want the entire Guyanese population to experience. Therefore, we have put systems in place to conduct recordings of this event and ensuring that it is distributed to the various regions,” Minister Norton stated.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Goldfields rejects unsolicited proposal from Gran Colombia …reaffirms commitment to transaction with Silvercorp Metals
GUYANA Goldfields Inc., on Wednesday, announced that its board of directors, after careful consideration and consultation with its financial and legal advisers, has unanimously determined to reject the unsolicited proposal announced by Gran Colombia Gold Corp. to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the company. In a release, the Guyana Goldfields says the board reaffirms its unanimous support for the transaction previously entered into with Silvercorp Metals Inc. (“Silvercorp”) (TSX/ NYSE American: SVM) and announced on April 27, 2020 (the “Silvercorp Transaction”). The board has determined that Gran Colombia’s proposal is not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders since, among other things, the Gran Colombia’s Proposal (i) is complex and highly conditional in nature, as it is contingent on the concurrent completion of a separate acquisition by Gran Colombia of Gold X Mining Corp., the terms of which have not been disclosed to the company; (ii) requires the approval of the shareholders of each of Gran Colombia, Gold X and the Company, each condition-
al on the other providing such approval, and (iii) fails to provide the company with adequate short term liquidity, given the C$3.65 million break fee that would be payable to Silvercorp, upon the entering into of a transaction agreement with Gran Colombia and the in-
creased ongoing costs to the company associated with a delayed closing date relative to the Silvercorp Transaction. The board also acknowledges that, based on current trading prices, the Gran Colombia Proposal represents a premium to the agreed price under the Silvercorp Transaction; however, the
board is of the view that such premium does not sufficiently compensate the company’s shareholders for the increased risk associated with the Gran Colombia Proposal. Guyana Goldfields said it is committed to completing the transaction with Silvercorp. Under the terms of the arrangement agreement dated April 26, 2020 entered into with Silvercorp (the “Arrangem e n t Agree ment”), Silvercorp has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the company by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, each holder of Guyana Goldfields shares will have the option to receive, for each share held, C$0.60 in cash or 0.1195 of a Silvercorp
COVID-19 to slash global economic output by US$8.5 trillion Against the backdrop of a devastating pandemic, the global economy is projected to contract sharply by 3.2 per cent this year, according to the United Nations World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) mid-2020 report, released on Wednesday. The global economy is expected to lose nearly $8.5 trillion in output over the next two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wiping out nearly all gains of the previous four years. The sharp economic contraction, which marks the sharpest contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s, comes on top of anaemic economic forecasts of only 2.1 percent at the start of the year. The report estimates that GDP growth in developed economies is expected to plunge to -5.0% in 2020. A modest, 3.4% growth – barely enough to make up for the lost output – is expected in 2021. World trade is forecast to contract by nearly 15 per cent in 2020 amid sharply reduced global demand and disruptions in global supply chains. Nearly 90 per cent of the world economy has been under some form of lockdown, disrupting supply chains, depressing consumer demand and putting millions out of work. Under the baseline scenario, the developed economies are expected to contract by 5.0 per cent in 2020, while the output of developing countries will shrink by 0.7 per cent. The pandemic is exacerbating poverty and inequality The pandemic will likely cause an estimated 34.3 million people to fall below the extreme poverty line in 2020, with 56% of this increase occurring in African countries. An additional 130 million people may join to the ranks of people living in extreme poverty by 2030, dealing a huge
blow to global efforts for eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. The pandemic, which is disproportionately hurting low-skilled, low-wage jobs, while leaving higher-skilled jobs less affected – will further widen income inequality within and between countries. Facing an unprecedented health, social and economic crisis, governments across the world have rolled out large fiscal stimulus measures - equivalent to an estimated 10 per cent of GDP - to combat the pandemic and minimize its livelihood impacts. However, the depth and severity of the crisis foreshadows a slow and painful recovery. Elliott Harris, UN Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development stated that “The pace and strength of the recovery from the crisis not only hinges on the efficacy of public health PRESS RELEASE Embargoed until Wednesday, 13 May 2020, 12:30 pm EDT Issued by the UN Department of Global Communications measures in slowing the spread of the virus, but also on the ability of countries to protect jobs and incomes, particularly of the most vulnerable members of our societies.” Crisis will likely accelerate shift towards digitalisation. The report highlights the pandemic could foster a new normal, fundamentally reshaping human interactions, inter-dependence, trade and globalisation, while accelerating digitalization and automation. A rapid surge in economic activities online will likely eliminate many existing jobs, while creating new jobs in the digital economy. The net wage and
employment effects could be negative, further aggravating income inequality. Many developing countries face severe fiscal constraints Most developing economies – saddled with chronic fiscal deficits and already high levels of public debt – are finding it very hard to implement sufficiently large fiscal packages, which have thus far averaged less than 1% of their GDP. Falling exports and growth are rapidly undermining the debt sustainability of many developing countries, particularly those that are heavily dependent on
commodities, tourism revenues or remittances. Growing debt distress poses an enor- mous challenge to these countries, further constraining their ability to implement much-needed stimulus measures. Stimulus measures must boost productive investments The report cautions against the risk of large fiscal and monetary stimulus measures – with trillions of dollars of new liquidity injected into the financial system – contributing to the quick recovery of equity and bond prices, while ignoring productive investments. Global liquidity per capita surged since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, while productive investment
common share, subject to a maximum cash consideration of C$33.2 million. The Silvercorp Transaction will provide significant benefits to the company’s shareholders including: Exposure to a significant premium to the company’s April 24, 2020 closing price, enhanced trading liquidity, and a significant re-rating opportunity with a geographically diverse mid-tier precious metals company; Strong management team that is committed to developing the Aurora Underground Project and has a track record of operational excellence in underground mining over the last 15 years; Option to elect to receive cash in the Silvercorp Transaction which provides downside protection; Elimination of the funding risk associated with the Aurora Underground Project, providing access to Silvercorp’s strong balance sheet and financing options available to a larger company during these times of uncertain market conditions; and provision of interim loan facility sufficient to fund expenditures of the company and advance the Aurora Underground Project during the period before closing of the Silvercorp Transaction.
…Pandemic to push more than 34 million people into extreme poverty in 2020 per capita stagnated, the report noted. Hamid Rashid, Chief of the Global Economic Monitoring Branch and lead author of the report, said “The lesson we learnt from the last crisis is that fiscal and monetary stimulus measures do not necessarily boost productive investments. Governments must encourage businesses receiving its financial assistance to invest in productive capacities. This is a must for protecting decent jobs and preventing further rise in income inequality.” Stronger international cooperation an imperative Stronger global cooperation is critical, especially to contain the pandemic and extend financial assistance to countries hardest hit by the crisis. In the immediate term, the increased availability and rapid deployment of international funds to address liquidity shortages and free up fiscal space is paramount. In addition to these short-term measures, many developing countries – particularly commodity- and tourism- dependent economies – will still need comprehensive debt restructuring to have the fiscal space to stimulate growth and accelerate recovery. The report underscores a window of opportunity for “recovering better”, with renewed global solidarity enhancing public health systems, building resilience to withstand economic shocks, improving social protection systems worldwide, greening of economies and addressing climate change.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
CARICOM to first open borders for intra-regional travel
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, May 13, CMC – Members states with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) plan on reopening borders to intra-regional travel in the first instance, hopefully by next month. This is according to Grenada’s cabinet minister with responsibility for CARICOM, Oliver Joseph. “What we are discussing is to first allow regional travel, that is travel within the islands such as travel between Grenada and Trinidad or between Trinidad and Barbados, we are not looking at having international carriers come to the island yet,” said Joseph who last week chaired at the fiftieth meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).
During the virtual meeting, the COTED approved a strategy for the re-opening of economies in the Caribbean Community. The Council is made up of Trade Ministers and officials agreed to a framework centered on the development and adherence to defined metrics related to the Covid-19 virus, which will guide in the reopening process. Grenada’s borders as well many regional ports of entry and exit were closed in March as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID19. Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, in a national address on Sunday night, said that reopening of borders was a topic of discussion at recent meetings of Caribbean leaders at both the OECS and CARICOM levels and a regional approach
is being considered. “We collectively agreed to start gradually relaxing the restrictions for travel, as the pandemic in the region has been largely contained. Governments, airlines, and hotels are now finalising the details of this phased re-opening. Assuming that the requisite protocols are in place, we expect to open our borders in the first week of June.” Mitchell who also holds the portfolio of Minister for National Security assured Grenadians that the health and safety of citizens remain a primary concern. “Borders were closed to prevent the spread of the virus and to save lives, and for now, we must maintain that status quo…I assure you, fellow Grenadians, we will not move unless we are satisfied
that adequate health and safety guidelines are in place.” At the 10th Special Emergency Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government last week, a sub-committee was established to engage stakeholders in the tourism industry to agree on appropriate protocols that will ensure the safety of workers and visitors alike, once borders are re-opened. “These protocols will be informed by a regional public health policy which the heads have agreed is necessary to guide the criteria for reopening. The health policy is being drafted and will be submitted to CARICOM Heads of Government for final approval” said a news release from the Government Information Service.
Region urged to cut passenger taxes on air travel BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 13, CMC – The regional Vice President for the Americas with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Peter Cerda, has called on governments across the Caribbean, to cut passenger taxes, if they wish to compete when air travel is restored. Describing travel as being in a “free fall” and the airline industry as being “bare bones” due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), Cerda, said that the state of the global airline sector, including carriers in the Caribbean, is “as bad as one could expect”, and they will need government support to resume any form of service. Cerda, who was speaking on Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) podcast, COVID-19: The Unwanted Visitor – warned that the aviation sector will emerge from the crisis with fewer carriers offering leaner services to fewer routes and flying smaller aircraft. And “when it comes to the Caribbean, it won’t be the same market”. Therefore, he says, regional governments must prepare for this eventuality by taking the necessary steps to reduce the cost of air travel. “Governments can … help the international carriers continue to operate there [by] lowering passenger fees and taxation fees,” Cerda suggests. “One of the biggest problems that we’ve always faced in Caribbean is the Caribbean is a very highly taxed market. And it’s always taxed on the airline side, on the passenger, consumer side. And this will
be a big challenge for the Caribbean once we are able to escape from this crisis.” The IATA executive predicts that in the early stages of the resumption of air travel the people who fly would rather remain close to home. He says the Caribbean’s proximity to the United States and Canada gives it an advantage in this case, but it can quickly lose this advantage if the countries fail to be prudent. “Because of the financial crisis that will follow the apprehensions that the consumer has, if the Caribbean does not position itself – that it is competitive, it has a good level of service in terms of medical services, it has the right procedures being implemented – these passengers may decide to go somewhere else, somewhere else in Central America, Mexico or even see in the US,” Cerda says. IATA represents about 290 airlines or 82 per cent of total air traffic, and Certa says with virtually all aircraft grounded and airlines continuing to face financial ruin, the organisation has asked all governments, including those in the Caribbean, to, among other measures, provide low interest loans through their lending institutions. He says many have already stepped forward to provide assistances and warns that those who do not will be at the end of the queue for service when flights resume. “Those countries that are helping the industry will position themselves in a much better way when the crisis is over to reinstitute
flights. In those countries where they are not helping their airlines, those airlines are going to be in a very difficult situation to
be able to restart,” Cerda says. While predicting that international travel will return to the Caribbean by next month, Cerda says
Caribbean economies could lose US$740 million and face 23,000 job cuts if borders remain closed through to the end of June. When
all of travel and tourism is considered, he says, the cost to the region could reach US$6.5 billion, with over 350,000 jobs at risk.
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Guyanese couple and baby st By Amanda Wilson Savannah-Rose Bassoo turned three-months-old on May 4th and she has never met her Guyanese grandparents. From video calls and photos and videos on social media, relatives have followed her transformation from tiny wrinkled newborn to a baby developing her own personality. For the last four months, as countries around the world battled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Chris Bassoo, spouse Stacy Khemrul and their baby daughter Savannah-Rose have lived in a hotel suite in Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil. Like all new
COVID-19 case on February 25th. Savannah-Rose was just 21 days old. Until then, the country seemed far away from the pandemic, which at that point had infected more than 80,828 people and killed a total of 2,763 in China, Spain, Italy, South Korea and Iran. Over 18 weeks, Chris watched a country, including the political elite, become engulfed in a political tug-ofwar, and mixed messaging, a president publicly leading protests against quarantine policies and thousands of Brazilians buried during mass funerals. T h e
Zayden-Fox,” Chris shared from his hotel room. The couple broke the new year in Brasilia, and spent a little over a month enjoying the city’s social life, from dining out to shopping. They were excited to see their unborn daughter. But ten days after their arrival, the world heard of a health concern out of China. Chinese health officials informed the World Health Organisation (WHO) that 41 patients connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan
global pandemic. But Brazil had only three coronavirus cases. “Brazilians told me that they were used to dealing with dengue, Ziska, Malaria, so when we saw the pandemic had started in China in January and started spreading, we didn’t see an immediate change in any activities here. At the hospital in February, where we had Savannah-Rose, there were no extra sanitising as the hospital is always cleaning and no emergency proce-
parents, Chris a n d Stacy wanted to share their daughter ’s changes with her family and om rs r f l e mru low friends, so they Khe 500 fol y c an Sta created an Insmy ore th m u m tagram page. “It ith er m or h baby w f s started off as a few le ram smi g shots, but then she ose n Insta R h a a n started gaining folnow van d Sa . She is l o lowers, over 500 in nth ilia -mo n Bras o a few weeks,” Chris w dures were in place,” Chris i T ller o r t s shared. But the cute explained. baby pictures taken in By March 14th, 151 Brathe hotel suite also caught zilians had been infected the attention of a few baby City had a mysterious pneu- with the coronavirus, and brands. Savannah-Rose bemonia with symptoms in- like other South American came Instagram famous. Bassoo family’s Brazilian cluding fever and difficulty countries, lockdown mea“Stacy started to do more story started in December in breathing. Researchers sures were implemented. creative shots with what we 2019. Chris and Stacy de- found that the virus originat- Residents were told to stay have in the hotel suite and parted Guyana on December ed in bats and spread among home except to purchase now Savannah-Rose has four 21st on a flight to Suriname, humans via respiratory drop- groceries, medications and sponsors and other compa- and then travelled to Brazil lets within six feet. It could cleaning supplies. Non-esnies have recently contacted on December 29th. “Stacy also survive for several days sential businesses were us to showcase their clothes. was 34 weeks pregnant then on many surfaces. ordered closed, including So this has become a daily and we were travelling to On February 4th, the day restaurants, salons, gyms and thing we do.” As the largest Brazil to have the baby. This Savannah-Rose was born, movie theatres. country in South America was Stacy’s first trip to Bra- the WHO confirmed 24,545 Chris and his family were with a population of 209 mil- zil and my second. I came coronavirus cases and 492 scheduled to leave Brazil lion, Brazil recorded its first here in 2016 to have my son deaths globally. It was now a that same day.
“At 9 a.m., our flight was scheduled to depart Brasilia, however the afternoon before I got a call from a government official in Suriname that Suriname was going to lockdown the airport at midnight. We went immediately to the GOL airline and enquired, and they had the flights all scheduled and no changes. I contacted my travel agent in Guyana and we were on the phone until 4 a.m. looking for alternate flights out of Brasilia linking with other countries. They
months. “The country shut down and all malls and stores closed only leaving grocery stores and pharmacies open. We are in the hotel sector and in speaking with the few English speaking staff, we were told the hotels were all either closed or at one to three percent occupancy. The hotel we are staying in has shut the rooftop pool, rooftop restaurant, gym and sauna whirlpool and they are only allowing long term guests to stay.”
Chris Bas an affe daught lockdown Brazil due
were only available later in the week. The problem was we had a 40-day old baby and I did not want to get stuck in an airport with her and Stacy, who was still recovering from stitches. So, at 4 a.m., we made the decision to stay in our hotel suite and wait out the pandemic and airport closures.” Brasilia, a city of 2.5 million people, became a ghost province over the next two
Chris informed the Guyanese Embassy in Brasilia of their plight and now receives regular updates about quarantine measures in Brazil and new procedures for immigration extension. “They have been super supportive and check up on us every few days. We were even invited to the embassy a few times for lunch and swimming, and it was so nice to speak to two fellow Guyanese for sani-
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
tuck in quarantine in Brazil ty breaks. Savannah-Rose technically has been on Guyanese soil already. The First Secretary Jevon Rodrigues even brought us proper pepper sauce as Brazilians don’t have anything close to what we eat,” Chris laughed. By April 10th, Easter weekend, and following a month of quarantine measures, including staying at
Then hundreds of Brazilians, including residents in trucks, cars and on motorcycles in Brasilia, took to the streets honking horns and demanding the lockdown end. “The problem here is that the president is downplaying the virus and the governors are treating it seriously so the population is getting mixed messages. The president is
―baby now Instagram hit
The
ssoo and Stacy Khemrul share ectionate moment with their ter Savannah-Rose while on n for more than four months in e to the coronavirus pandemic
home, frequent hand sanitisation and social distancing, Brazil’s coronavirus cases had jumped to 19,789 with 1,068 deaths. Its worse hit cities were Manaus, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. A week later, President Jair Bolsonaro fired Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta because he strongly promoted preventative quarantine measures across the country. Bolsonaro has openly downplayed the danger of the virus calling it a “little flu” and opposed lockdown measures he believes will stagnate the economy.
pushing for the economy to reopen but due to cases on the rise the governors are keeping it closed, so it’s a standoff right now.” As the death toll continued to increase, Brazilians, especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus, were frustrated that politicians were using the pandemic to further divide the country. “At the end of April everyone had to wear masks in any public spaces. We see about half the population adhering to the rules. The stores and salons and haircutting places have been shut down since mid-March.
xenophobic attacks especially in China, Chris, his spouse and daughter have been treated well by the small group of Brazilians they are in contact with, including hotel and hospital staff. “Brazilians are
SOCIAL DISTANCING The grocery stores implemented strict social distancing rules immediately and also installed sanitising stations as well as Plexiglas covers for the cashiers. Also the grocery stores have certain limits on various items and they did not i n crease price s
spe
ctac
here. The pharmacy allowed us to buy five masks per person and they used our Brazilian national CPF number to regulate that.” For Chris and his family, the only thing left to do was wait for the borders to reopen. “Being stranded in a country where one percent of the people speak English is hard because you can only talk to your partner and no one else understands what you are saying. We feel like we live in a bubble because no one understands us. Thank goodness for technology because we can at least stay in touch with everyone. I’m in daily contact with my family, especially daily video calls and messenger with my other kids Krystiana and Alexandra in Canada, and my parents and son Zayden-Fox in Guyana. Stacy is in daily contact with her family in both Guyana and the United States.” With several reports of
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amazing to us. They try to speak English words and giggle. We walk forty-five minutes to the grocery store and no one has ever bothered us and we never feel unsafe and we usually go to the store late at night when very few people shop, like between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. In the hotel district, they have armed guards that patrol the area and many keep their eyes on us as we walk late at night. They really roll out the red carpet for expectant mothers and also people with babies; they don’t wait in any lines anywhere. We had amazing service at the hospital where Savannah-Rose was born; some of the nurses even remembered me from 2016 because of my hair and also because I speak English. The hospital paediatrician also kept in contact via WhatsApp to assist us. When
she realised we were still stuck in the hotel she brought a bag of fruits and snacks for us. We became friends with many of the nurses and doctors and still send them updated pictures of our little girl and many follow her on Instagram.” The couple’s days r e v o l v e
Bras
ilia,
Braz
il
around Savannah-Rose’s sleeping schedule. “We’re up at 5 a.m., get breakfast, sort laundry and clean the hotel suite. We watch Netflix a lot during the day, streaming videos and movies to the television. After lunch, I’ll take baby out for a walk around the hotel complex to get sunshine, do photoshoots for Savannah-Rose for her Instagram page, and then do some work via Zoom and WhatsApp. We have dinner; I work out with Flex Gym in Guyana via Zoom, do laundry in a bucket and hang the clothes in shower to drip, then shop for grocery at 11 p.m. When she is down for the night, Stacy cuts and colours my hair.” While Chris misses Guyana, from spending time with
his mother, and young son Zayden-Fox to buying fresh fruits in Bourda Market, having a cold Banks Beer and a delicious box of Chinese food, he is making the best of his quarantine in Brasilia. “I’m getting fat here in Brazil on lockdown. I had to make weights out of water containers filled with rice,” he laughed. Guyana has extended its quarantine measures to June 3rd,
further hampering Chris’s ability to travel home. “I agree with the airport shutdown to keep the borders locked to reduce the curve and stop the spread through our Guyanese borders. I do believe that this is necessary to maintain control and keep ahead of this virus. It’s unfortunate that we got caught outside the country but we are taking every precaution to stay safe as Brazil has turned into a COVID-19 war zone.” COVID-19 CASES By the end of the first week of May, worldwide coronavirus cases stood at 4,038,785 with 276,884 deaths and 1,402,716 recoveries. Brazil recorded 10,017 deaths and 146,894 total infections with 59,297 recoveries, making it the hardest hit South and Latin American country. “The death toll and cases have been climbing here in Brazil so we don’t know when things will be reopened,” Chris said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
Golding pronounces on elections despite recount ongoing
Ignoring the ongoing national recount of the votes cast at the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, Bruce Golding former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding has gone ahead to make pronouncements. Golding who led the Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Mission to Guyana for the March 2020 elections, has deemed the declared Region Four results as grossly false. Only eight days into the recount, Golding --- a known long-time friend of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo --- claimed that in the recount, 20 Region Four ballot boxes showed a decrease of 1,536 votes for the governing coalition and an increase of 177 for the opposition, when compared to previously declared results. He put the blame on Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, accusing him of attempting to deceive the Guyanese nation. “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election. More than a dozen copies of the statements of poll
are prepared at each polling station after the ballots are counted on elections night. One copy is posted on the wall outside of the polling stations and each party representative --- and there were nine in all --- is entitled to receive a copy. You know, it takes an extraordinary [sic] courageous mind to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists and this is being illustrated now as the recount proceeds,” Golding said. He made such comments on Wednesday during a report on Elections in Guyana made to the OAS Permanent Council. He went on to provide data on specific ballot boxes from the region such as ballot box #4063, which he said the requisite Statement of Poll (SoP) depicts 15 votes for the APNU+AFC and 276 for the PPP/C. He said that Mingo declared 85 votes for the APNU+AFC and 246 for the PPP/C, but the Statement of Recount (SoR) mirrors the SoP. Although the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) --- the only body authorised to conduct general, regional and local gov-
ernment elections in Guyana --- has declared the recount
The PPP/C has been pushing strongly against the
Former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, who led the Organisation of American States (OAS) Observer Mission to Guyana
to be more than a numerical recount but a “credible recount,” Golding took the PPP/C’s stance in calling for the former. “The continued reiteration of issues that have already been resolved… and insistence on actions or discussions that do not materially impact the recount of the ballots themselves are creating inordinate delay in the process with some ballot boxes requiring up to five hours to be recounted,” he said.
APNU+AFC which has objected to a range of matters such as missing poll books, missing Official List of Electors (OLE), missing PE envelopes and unsigned oaths of identity. They have also raised concerns about persons who are either deceased or who have migrated, but were recorded as voting. Though the opposition, and now Golding, continues to object, the legal, gazetted Order, which paved the way for GECOM to conduct the recount, states:
“AND WHEREAS the Guyana Elections Commission, in exercise of the authority vested in it under Article 162 of the Constitution, and pursuant to Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act, No. 15 of 2000, seeks to remove difficulties connected with the application of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03, in implementing its decisions relating to the conduct of the aforementioned recount of all ballots cast at the said elections, including the reconciliation of the ballots issued with the ballots cast, destroyed, spoiled, stamped, and as deemed necessary, their counterfoils/ stubs; authenticity of the ballots and the number of voters listed and crossed out as having voted; the number of votes cast without ID cards; the number of proxies issued and the number utilised; statistical anomalies; occurrences recorded in the Poll Book.” Golding’s perspective on the matter also differs from CARICOM’s which, on the same occasion, noted that the scrutiny being imparted to each ballot is “for
the satisfaction of all the contending political parties, and each observer mission.” In addition, for the last few days, the Elections Commission, PPP/C, APNU+AFC and other party agents have reported that the recount process achieved a rhythm whereby one ballots box is no longer taking as much as five hours to be counted. Such challenges were primarily seen on days one and two of the recount, but the ballot count has since picked up from merely 25 boxes counted on day one to 54 boxes on the highest noted date. Even so, in his address, Golding said that two accredited members of the OAS are in Georgetown and will monitor the recount and thanked the Government of Guyana, GECOM and all involved stakeholders for their willingness to engage in discussions on the issues arising from the elections.
PSC donates meals to nurses THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) in collaboration with Royal Castle on Wednesday provided lunches to support frontline workers at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre who continue to work during the COVID-19 epidemic. Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia, explained that nursing has always been regarded as a highly respected and noble profession. “Nurses are the benefactors of our society. They need our encouragement, admiration, and heartfelt gratitude,” Gouveia said and added that the provision of 100 lunches was a token of appreciation. International Nurses Day was celebrated on Tuesday and the PSC paid tribute to all nurses and frontline medical personnel combining their efforts in the fight against COVID-19. “In our efforts to support citizens who may be disenfranchised, the PSC took several initiatives such as active participation with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), establishing a COVID-19 Relief/Assistance fund,” the chairman stressed. He explained that the fund will be used to lend assistance to persons experiencing financial hardships.
Additionally, a series of informational advertisements are continuously posted on the PSC's social media page. This aids in helping to provide information to the public pertaining to the use and importance of masks, hand-washing, social- distancing protocols and other precautionary measures to combat COVID-19. PSC members have also greatly contributed to relief efforts; these include several donations by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) of Personal Protective Equipment, donations by the GGDMA to the Port Kaituma Hospital and Police Station, includingthermometers (hand held), bleach, hand sanitizer, N95 face masks, rubbing alcohol, gloves, laundry soap, water dispensers and electric fans. “As you continue providing your services, we commend you for your dedication and the tireless labours extended to those [who] look to you for comfort and look forward to your continued support in the future,” Gouveia said, as he praised the nurses.
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia, handing over the lunches to two nurses from the Diamond Diagnostic Centre
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 14, 2020
CARICOM “most legitimate interlocutors” in elections recount IN a message to the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday, CARICOM established itself as “the most legitimate interlocutors” in Guyana’s national recount process, reporting that it has been fruitful thus far. This message was shared by Permanent Representative of Barbados to the OAS, Ambassador Noel Lynch on behalf of the CARICOM Group during a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council on Wednesday. Lynch said that CARICOM --- of which Guyana is a valuable member ---- is more than a group of countries, but a Community which values democracy and, therefore, takes its scrutineering role in Guyana’s recount “extremely seriously”. “CARICOM countries are not merely a group of countries held together by rules; the majority of them are held together by values rooted in centuries of history and fraternity, and in a bitter struggle for their peoples’ rights, including the right to elect governments freely and fairly in a democratic process. If democracy fails in any CARICOM country, it fails in the larger Community. If it is imperiled in any part of our Community, it is imperiled everywhere in it. As an institution, CARICOM cannot allow this to happen in any member state,” Lynch stated, adding: “…just as democracy matters to the people of Guyana, so it matters to the Caribbean Community of which the nation of Guyana is a valued member. That is why we of CARICOM regard ourselves as the most legitimate interlocutors in the Guyana situation.” The CARICOM scrutinizing team arrived in Guyana on May 1 and includes Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Cynthia
Barrow-Giles; Commissioner of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, John Jarvis; and Supervisor of the St Vincent Electoral Commission; Sylvester King. They receive support from the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarter in Georgetown and are guided by the intent of CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, to see the recount process be conducted in the spirit of transparency. Following the process, the Scrutinising Team will submit a report to the Commission inclusive of its observations, recommendations and conclusions. Providing an update on the process, Lynch said that while the national recount is likely to go beyond the 25-day timeline established due to the scrutiny of ballot boxes and social-distancing guidelines, the process has thus far been smooth. “We are carrying out that key role diligently, under the guiding principle that every valid vote must be counted, and every vote must count. From the experience of the last week, it is clear that the recount will go beyond the 25 days, originally estimated for its completion,” Lynch said. “This inordinate time is due to two factors. The first is the intense scrutiny to which each ballot is being subjected for the satisfaction of all the contending political parties, and each observer mission. The second is the physical distancing rules that have had to be applied because of COVID-19. This latter factor limits the number of people who can participate in the manual counting and in observation of the counting stations.” Just on Tuesday, the Commission noted that it will be deliberating on a number of aspects of the recount process which could improve the rate at which the recount takes
Permanent Representative of Barbados to the OAS, Ambassador Noel Lynch
place. These include approaching the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) for advice on possible additional workstations; a reduction of the checklist items required to be crossed off before counting commences; random instead of mandatory scanning of all ballots; the establishment of a list of issues to eliminate the need for further referrals and more. Despite the likelihood of the recount going beyond the timeline set, Lynch commended the process as fruitful. “Fortunately, the people of Guyana have demonstrated a commitment to a peaceful process, so that, in spite of frustration with the anomalies that led to the recount, there has been no violence, no social disruption and no civil disorder,” he said. He noted that CARICOM is mindful that irregularities did not occur in the system by which the electorate cast their votes on March 2nd, but in the presentation of the count afterwards. The Barbados OAS Ambassador said that while it
Fire erupts at Lusignan landfill THE Ministry of Communities said a fire was discovered early Wednesday morning at the Lusignan Landfill, East Coast Demerara. In a release, the ministry said the fire was spotted at approximately 05:00hrs. Site Manager, Mr. Lloyd Stanton, arrived at around 06:00hrs and observed thick smoke
emanating from the southern end of the landfill site. The incident was reported and a contractor was summoned to assist in putting out the blaze which, by then, had consumed a section of the landfill of about 300-400 square meters. The efforts of six persons, along with an excavator machine and a water
pump, were used to control the blaze. The team eventually managed to control the fire at around 15:30hrs. Security will be monitoring the area overnight and report any sightings of smoke in the area. Fires are not alien to landfills and can occur for a number of reasons.
is regrettable that there was a delay of the recount after the breakdown in tabulation, CARICOM is pleased that it is now taking place and that the process is being observed
by local teams and external agencies, including the OAS. Still speaking on the Organisation, he acknowledged former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding for
leading the OAS team in observing Guyana’s elections. He also acknowledged former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, for his leadership of the Commonwealth Mission. Lynch said: “Had these Observer Missions not persevered in Guyana, a result might have been declared that would not have commanded the acceptance of the Guyanese people, or the respect and approval of the international community.” Likewise, he described democracy as sacrosanct to CARICOM as a Treaty Organisation and therefore the institution will not abide with its erosion. He gave assurance that CARICOM has no interest in which political party wins the election but believes that with the two major political parties both believing that they have won the elections, there should be no fear of the current recount.
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ILO: COVID-19 eliminated 1.5 million jobs in the Caribbean The region records significant losses in working hours, marked by a severe deterioration in the second
quarter of 2020 from the first quarter of the same year. According to the latest
data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), 9.9 per cent of working hours in the Caribbean are expected
to be lost during the second quarter due to the impact of COVID-19. The magnitude is equivalent to a loss of 1.5 million full-time jobs. This employment outlook for the Caribbean region presents, in line with the global pattern, a major drop in the second quarter of 2020 from the last quarter of the previous year. By comparison, during the first quarter the hour loss was estimated at 1.7 per cent, or 250,000 in full-time equivalent jobs. REFERENCE AREA Period Percentage hour lost (%) Equivalent loss in full-time jobs (48-hour work week) Caribbean 2020Q1 1.7% 250,000 Caribbean 2020Q2 9.9% 1,500,000 These latest estimates include only, due to data limitations, The Bahamas,
Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States Virgin Islands. This new ILO research focuses on the decline in hours worked and is estimated via a “nowcasting” model. The data are not based on more common - but less precise in the current context labour market indicators such as the unemployment rate. While the full time equivalent employment losses are presented to illustrate the severity of the estimates of hours lost, the figures should not be interpreted as numbers of jobs actually lost nor increases in unemployment.
“Such figures show that the impact on workers is vast, and calls for attention to both those who lost their jobs and income and those who are asked by employers to reduce working hours and thus earn less. Governments need to make sure social protection measures reach these categories of workers. This is also an opportunity to use “down time” for building skills for employability. A small investment, which may beget ultimate gains for the workers, employers and economies,” said Ms Claudia Coenjaerts, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean.
Lamaha Street pump down ----City Council working with NDIA to fix it quickly THE drainage pump at Lamaha Street, on Wednesday morning, developed issues, with city officials working on the assumption that garbage or a piece of wood entered the impeller, causing hydraulic leak. City Engineer Colvern Venture told Guyana Chronicle that while they are not yet sure of the severity of the damage, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is working in close collaboration with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture to have the problem fixed quickly. Venture offered that even before the current rainy season, the NDIA has been working closely with the City Council, providing support in the clearance of main water channels. “We started working closely since 2019 and the assistance has continued into 2020. At the moment, we are hoping for the best and
for no other major developments,” Venture said. In the meantime, though, he said the Cowan Street canal will assist in draining areas that were normally drained by the Lamaha Street pump. Venture noted that the cost for hydraulic oil is very expensive, which can cost the City Council as much as $3M. “Whenever we have debris stuck in the pump foot, it damages the seal. And as long as the oil is leaked, we can’t use it back because it is contaminated with water. So whenever we have impediments in the pump foot, we have to replace the oil. Plastic bags for one are very challenging to us once they get into the pump foot,” Venture had explained. The City Council had often complained that issues are encountered at some of the pump locations because the canals that run alongside them cannot be efficiently cleaned. This is because persons are continuing to
live on city reserves. These residents, according to the Council, continue to dump garbage in the canals. Councillors had, in the past, suggested that the City Council look at acquiring more pumps, which can serve as backup pumps in an emergency. The Engineers had said that most of the problems encountered with drainage in the city spring from littering and from the way residents dispose of their bulk waste. As a result, the inappropriate disposal of garbage negatively affects the pumps. “Be careful where you throw your garbage; please don’t throw it in the alleyways. This causes a lot of stress on my department. When the pumps are on, they pull a lot of water and pull the garbage same time, which also damages the pumps and causes them to shut down,” Deputy City Engineer, Kenson Boston, had pleaded.
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Williams, Cornwall among Zouks retained players THE St Lucia Zouks have announced the Caribbean players they will be retaining for the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League. International retentions and signings will be announced at a later date. This year, teams can retain as many players from their 2019 squads as they wish. They could also transfer players to other teams and sign emerging players. The Zouks have chosen to retain or sign eight Caribbean players ahead of the CPL draft, including alltime leading T20 run scorer, Chris Gayle and exciting St Lucian batsman, Kimani Melius. Other players include Daren Sammy (Windward Islands), Andre Fletcher (Windward Islands), Kesrick Williams (Windward Islands), Obed McCoy (Windward Islands), Rahkeem Cornwall (Leeward Islands), Kimani Melius (Windward Islands, Emerging player) and Kavem Hodge (Windward Islands) The captain of the St Lucia Zouks, Sammy, said: “I don’t have to tell you about Chris Gayle. He is the most successful T20 batsman in the world and I’m happy to be playing with him. I think he will be focused and motivated for the season. Andre Fletcher has been with us since the inception of the league. He carries the true spirit of St Lucia Zouks, and he is a great entertainer on the field. “Kesrick Williams is one of the top T20 bowlers over the last few years in Inter-
national cricket. Rahkeem Cornwall really bosses the powerplay overs and him partnering up with Chris Gayle is going to be something exciting to watch. “I’m excited about Kimani Melius because he is from St Lucia. He is one of the hardest working youngsters I’ve ever seen. With the experience of Chris Gayle and Andre Fletcher, he could really benefit from this CPL exposure. “Obed McCoy is a talented left-arm fast bowler out of St. Vincent. He is a very skilful bowler, can’t wait to see him play a full season for the St Lucia Zouks. Kavem Hodge is another talented all-rounder we have. He works really hard on his game; he had a pretty good first class season as well.” St Lucia Zouks coach, Andy Flower, said: “I’m really looking forward to having two Caribbean legends in our dressing room: Daren Sammy for his outstanding leadership and Chris Gayle for his experience and explosive stroke play. They will be central to our chances of doing well in the tournament. Kesrick Williams and Obed McCoy are going to be the mainstays of our seam attack, both operating in very different ways but both extremely effective in this form of the game. I am very excited that we have the youth and potential of the West Indies -19 World Cup captain Kimani Melius with us. A St Lucia native, it is brilliant to have him on board and looking forward to seeing how he progresses when he gets his chance.” The CPL is scheduled to take place between 19 August and 26 September but the tournament organisers are currently watching the current situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical advisors and governments. A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time, will be made as soon as possible.
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Sainz poised for Ferrari seat; Ricciardo could go to Mclaren
(BBC) - CARLOS Sainz is poised to replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari with Daniel Ricciardo set to take the Spaniard’s seat at McLaren. Talks to seal the two moves are ongoing and no final agreements have been reached, but they are expected to be concluded and announced this week. McLaren have been chasing Ricciardo for some time and his signing is a coup. But they must release Sainz from his contractual obligations before signing the Australian. Sainz had been in negotiations to stay with McLaren beyond 2020 but the appeal of joining a top team has convinced him to move.
The teams and drivers have been in negotiations for some time and talks are understood to be in their final stages. The domino effect in the driver market was triggered when negotiations over a new contract between Ferrari and Vettel failed. Ferrari announced on Tuesday that the German fourtime world champion would be leaving the team at the end of the season, which is currently on ice as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Ferrari have identified Sainz as the ideal support driver for Charles Leclerc, whose starring performances in his first season with the team last year undermined Vettel’s status and precipitated
his departure when he was not prepared to accept diminished contractual terms. Ferrari will envisage Sainz in the type of back-up role Valtteri Bottas plays to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes - quick enough to be close to him and engage in battle with other front-runners but not the team leader. Sainz, who previously drove for Toro Rosso and Renault before moving to McLaren last year, is likely to view the move as an opportunity to prove himself as a top-line driver. He excelled in his first season with McLaren last year and his strong race performances have earned him the call-up from Ferrari.
What about Ricciardo? Signing Ricciardo is a major boost for McLaren, who last year made impressive progress back to fourth in the championship after a dismal few years falling down the grid. The Australian came close to joining them in 2019 when he left Red Bull, but in the end chose Renault because they were more competitive at the time. But the two teams’ fortunes diverged last year, with McLaren jumping up the grid and Renault’s progress back towards the top stalling; in fact they fell behind McLaren to finish fifth in the championship. Ricciardo has now decided
that McLaren are a better bet for the future - a decision partly influenced by their switch to Mercedes engines for the 2021 season. That is one of a number of significant decisions made by their new team principal Andreas Seidl, who has impressed with his no-nonsense approach since joining the team in May last year. Who will replace Ricciardo? Ricciardo’s departure leaves a space at Renault alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon, assuming the car manufacturer stays in F1 next year. Renault are said to be keen to promote one of their young drivers to the role but Vettel
and double world champion Fernando Alonso have been mentioned as possible contenders. Alonso said at the end of last year that he would consider a comeback to F1 after two years out, but he will have to weigh up whether he believes Renault will give him the competitive car he says he wants. But he has fond memories of the team, having won both his world titles with them in 2005-6. He also returned there for a two-year period in 2008-9 after his move to McLaren turned sour in a tumultuous year alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2007 and before moving to Ferrari.
Serie A aiming for June 13 restart once government approves Serie A plans to resume its season on 13 June if Italy’s government approves.
(BBC) - THE league’s general assembly met on Wednesday via videoconference
and approved the date for resumption “in accordance with government decisions
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (THURSDAY MAY 14, 2020)
COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1)
Habibul Bashar-113 (St. Lucia, 2004)
(2) Ramnaresh Sarwan-119 (Dhaka, 2002) Today’s Quiz: (1)
Who is the first BANG bowler to bag a fivewicket haul against the WI in Tests?
(2)
Who is the first WI to take five-wickets in a Test innings against Bangladesh? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
and medical protocols”. Clubs in the Italian top flight returned to training earlier in May but players can only train individually. Serie A was suspended on 9 March with 12 full rounds and four outstanding fixtures still to play. Juventus, chasing their ninth consecutive Serie A title, are top of the league, a point ahead of Lazio. Teams will be able to train collectively from Monday. Italy has been one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus, with a number of players having become infected. Last week, three Fiorentina players and three members of the club’s support staff tested positive for coronavirus, while a Torino player also tested positive.
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Changes to CONCACAF’s 2022 World Cup qualification process “inevitable” -- Wayne Forde
...GFF president cautions Regional members on premature speculation
By Rawle Toney WAYNE Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation, believes that changes to CONCACAF’s 2022 World Cup qualification process is foreseeable, as football, specifically at the International level, continues to battle with finding ways to return to the field, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Until FIFA announces how it plans to get through the qualification process, the only things that appear certain is that changes to the format are inevitable,” Forde told Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview yesterday. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, in a recent interview with OneSoccer’s Gareth Wheeler, noted that the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to reshape Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Under normal circumstances, Concacaf was set to host two qualifying formats in the
buildup to 2022, with one being familiar and another entirely new. The former would be the Hexagonal, combining the confederation’s top-six ranked nations based on the FIFA World Rankings published after the June 2020 window. The latter would take Concacaf nations ranked 7-35 from the same rankings and advance through a group-stage format that leads to one country facing the fourth-place finisher of the Hex to determine the Concacaf representative in the FIFA intercontinental playoff. However, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary Dalton Wint, in an article published in the Jamaica Gleaner, said that any potential changes to the Concacaf hexagonal round for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers could present challenges to the nation’s aim of qualifying for Qatar 2022. “It might be disadvantageous to us (Jamaica),” Wint had stated, while reasoning that “It depends on how the fixtures are set up because
we do have a plan in our heads that we are approaching corporate Jamaica with, and that is to play 10 games. If we are having more games with a shorter time, then you might have some difficulty in acquiring the services of your best players, the facilities that you might need may not be available to you if you have more games, and the timeline in which to complete these things could cause us not to be prepared as properly as we would have wanted.” But Forde told Chronicle Sport that Concacaf, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will lose all the dates in March and June that was identified on the FIFA window, adding that “this will have a huge impact on all six Confederations’ calendar and certainly on the 2022 format. I, however, believe it is premature to speculate on what shape these changes will take.” Forde is adamant that “FIFA and Concacaf will ensure that sporting integrity remains the cornerstone of the final decision, which simply
means that results of the field will ultimately determine who qualifies.” The GFF president went on to encourage everyone within the Concacaf region to remain patient “and resist the temptation to speculate prematurely. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and until the health authorities of countries across the world gain the upper hand on this battle, things will remain very fluid.” While not speaking specifically on what the changes will be, Montagliani hinted that they will “have to use FIFA rankings to start somewhere because that’s the reality of our confederation. In terms of having 35, which is a weird number to start with – I wish we had a better number; it would make it a little easier for groups. So, you’re going to have to do some sort of elimination process and then eventually get into some group-stage process. But, I don’t know that yet until we know what the FIFA calendar is going to look like.”
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Agustin Pichot resigns from World Rugby Council role after (BBC) - AGUSTIN Pichot has resigned from his role on the World Rugby Council after his defeat by Sir Bill Beaumont in the election for World Rugby chairman. Ex-England captain Beaumont was re-elected for another four years on 2 May after beating former Argentina skipper Pichot by 28 votes to 23. Pichot, 45, had served as Beaumont’s vice-chairman for the past four years. He has resigned as
Americas Rugby president and the Argentine Rugby Union representative on the council. “The only reason I have been a part of World Rugby to this day, and which in turn is the same one that has moved me to run for president, is the conviction that World Rugby needs change,” said Pichot. “But my proposal, which I fervently believe in, has not been chosen, and that is why I choose to step aside. “I cannot conceive of occupying a place just
for the sake of occupying it.” Pichot won the support of the Sanzaar nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina) as well as South America and Asia in his election bid.
country. “That is currently in place,” said PGA Tour administrator Andy Levinson. “It is likely to continue, and so it is imperative that those constituents that need to come back in the United States do so at least two weeks prior to our return to competition.” Fleetwood has already indicated he is unlikely to leave his family to base himself on the other side of the Atlantic for the entire summer. Fitzpatrick is currently waiting for a travel waiver to allow him to journey to the United States. But the 25-yearold from Sheffield, a five-time winner on the European Tour, faces complications regarding his regular caddie Billy Foster, who is likely to miss at least the first
Agustin Pichot won 71 caps for Argentina before retiring in 2009
rench Rugby president Ber-
Golfers travelling to play in US will have to quarantine (BBC)-Leading professional golfers based outside the United States must quarantine in America before resuming the PGA Tour season next month. This was confirmed as the PGA Tour outlined its plans for a return to action. There has been no play on the circuit since the abandonment of the Players Championship on 12 March. Around 25 players eligible to play the Charles Schwab Colonial event in Texas are currently living outside the US. Those players include Tommy Fleetwood, Francesco Molinari and Matthew Fitzpatrick. They need to adhere to American rules requiring 14 days’ quarantine after arriving in the
nard Laporte was elected vice-chairman under Beaumont.
three tournaments when the PGA Tour season resumes. With family at home in England, Foster would potentially face a two-week coronavirus quarantine at either end of every trip he makes to America. The PGA Tour is increasingly confident its season will resume behind closed doors at the Colonial event in Fort Worth, Texas on 11 June. “We’ve created what we believe is an extremely comprehensive health and safety plan,” said chief of operations Tyler Dennis. “But just to be perfectly clear, we’re not going to play if we can’t do it in a safe and healthy environment.” Players will be subject to testing for Covid-19 throughout tournament weeks. The process begins with questions on their state of health and their temperature will be taken on arrival at the tournament site. “Layering a thermal read-
ing with a questionnaire, you have a very good chance of detecting a high percentage of the people who are at risk,” said Levinson in a conference call outlining the tour’s plans. “And then for a population of the people that we will have on-site, we will be implementing Covid-19 testing using the RT-PCR nasal swab test, which is the most effective gold standard for diagnosing Covid-19. “Potentially down the road as the testing advances, we may be able to move on to a saliva-based testing collection.” There will be special charter planes to transport golfers and caddies between events and they are being advised to stay in approved hotels. Anyone testing positive during a tournament will be removed from the event and if this happens after they have made the cut they would be awarded last-place prize money.
Tommy Fleetwood has indicated he is unlikely to leave his family to base himself on the other side of the Atlantic for the entire summer
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Mother of Cecil Brothers named Nedd training, watching old BCB/Ramphal Mom of 2020 footage as part of sharpening skills during lockdown THIRTY-seven-year old Veronica Cecil of Hampshire Village, Berbice and mom of two of the Ancient County’s upcoming talents, was elected Mother of the Year by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). The ancient county resident was honored last Saturday, on the eve of Mother’s Day 2020, by the BCB and Brian Ramphal. The delegation was headed by President Hilbert Foster and Public Relation Officer, Simon Naidu. Naidu presented a collection of gifts over to Mrs. Cecil along with a trophy and medal. The BCB Public Relations Officer stated that Mrs. Cecil was a dedicated parent of four children, two of whom are very active in playing cricket at the junior level. One of her sons, Leon Cecil, is a promising under-17 all-rounder, who bowls off spin and is a solid middle order batsman, while Damien Cecil is a very capable wicket keeper/ batsman. Both Cecils play for the
BCB Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, hands over the Brian Ramphal Mother of the Year Award to Veronica Cecil as her two sons look on.
vibrant Albion CC and represented Berbice in this year’s Guyana Cricket Board junior inter county tournament. Leon played at the under-17 level and took 6 for 17 in one game while Damien played two crucial innings at the Under-15 level to enable Berbice to clinch championship honors.
Foster noted that the BCB fully understands the importance of parents in the development of Berbice Cricket as it is in the home that the virtue of discipline is first developed. Discipline, he stated, is the root of success and parents are the best role model that a child can have. The BCB President
CWI officials’ hopeful of South Africa men’s tour CRICKET West Indies (CWI) officials are still hopeful South Africa’s tour of the West Indies will come off later this year, even as they announced, on Wednesday, the Proteas’ upcoming Women’s and ‘A’ Team series have been put on hold. CWI said agreement had been reached with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to postpone the Women’s Colonial Medical Insurance One Day International (ODI) Series, scheduled to begin at the end of the month in Jamaica and Trinidad, as well as the Men’s ‘A’ Team Series scheduled to commence here in June. The uncertainty of international travel and quarantine requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the health and safety of both teams, influenced the postponements. “The health and safety of the players and coaching staff is of paramount importance to both CWI and CSA, and with the current COVID-19 travel restrictions, it is impossible for us to consider both tours taking place as we had originally planned,” said CWI’s CEO, Johnny Grave, adding that further discussions will be held on new dates for the tours. No changes to the schedule of the senior men’s five-match T20I and twoTest tour, due to start in the Caribbean on July, were announced in Wednesday’s statement. But Grave gave an indication it was
still on the cards. “We are continuing our discussions with CSA on the feasibility of hosting the Men’s tour later this summer,” he said. West Indies Women were scheduled to play South Africa in five ODIs, prior to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in July. However, CWI and CSA agreed to hold off on that series in light of the fact that South Africa finished third in the ICC Women’s Championship and earned automatic qualification, and in response to the ICC’s announcement on Tuesday of the postponement of the Women’s Qualifier Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket and other major sporting events across the globe have been either postponed or cancelled due to the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 that has infected more than 4.3 million people and resulted in more than 295,000 deaths. “It is a frustrating state of affairs in which cricket finds itself around the world but there are more important issues that have to be confronted and the wellbeing of our players and support staff must always come first,” said CSA’s acting
also noted that, in Berbice, most mothers are housewives and, as such, are the parent that are responsible for the upliftment of their children. He praised Mrs. Cecil for the role she is playing in the lives of her two sons, whom he described as disciplined, committed and passionate cricketers. The BCB is currently undertaking a series of activities off the cricket field during the coronavirus crisis, including providing food hampers to less fortunate families, donating scorebooks to clubs, handing out cleaning detergents to public institutions and obtaining important items for its daily operations. Mrs. Cecil expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board for honoring her and expressed her satisfaction at the current state of Berbice cricket. She pledged to continue playing a major role in her children’s cricketing career. West Indies Women won’t be playing South Africa Women at the end of this month as planned.
CEO, D r . Jacques Faul said. “Both our men’s and women’s national teams are keen to get back on the playing field as soon as possible. They want to build on their recent good results with the men achieving a 3-0 victory over Australia in their recent Momentum ODI series against Australia and our Momentum Proteas women coming so close to reaching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.” Last month it was announced that South Africa’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, which was scheduled for the first half of June, had been postponed.
By Clifton Ross
WEST Indies Under-19 spinner Ashmead Nedd said he’s passing the time watching tapes while working out indoors as he patiently awaits the return of cricket, whenever Covid-19 allows the world to return to near normalcy. The Guyanese spin ace in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sports, touched on a number of topics surrounding the recent state of lockdown due to the covid-19 pandemic, as well as post-pandemic plans for athletes. Sportsmen have been turning their abodes into places of training and practice since the global lockdown came into effect almost two months now. Nedd, enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 with the West Indies U-19 team in the World Cup ending with 11 wickets as their leading wicket taker. Prior to that he made his debut for the strung together West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) who shocked the region by winning their maiden Super50 title. Now with time home due to the quarantine and lockdown, the 19 year-old said he has been pushing in some hard work while enjoying his down time at home. “Since this lockdown started, it just gave me some time to do extra fitness work even though there’s no gym around and so on. There’s some work you can do to keep your body fit, although I haven’t gotten the chance to do much in my skills such as bowling/batting and fielding”. Said the Windies youth spinner. Although a sportsman’s career revolves around physical fitness coupled with the ongoing process of sharpening one’s skill sets; the left-arm spinner said it was equally important to have adequate rest and as such is cherishing this rare, prolonged time home. “Time off is pretty good, it gives you time to look back on your performances and watch video clips of yourself and see where you went wrong. It also gives you some time, if you do have the opportunity to work on correcting those errors”, Nedd pointed out. Looking ahead, possibly to a newer era of sports due to the virus which continues to spread globally, Nedd added that the future for athletes could be a bit different from what it was before, adding that being away from cricket is tough. “It’s difficult throughout the world with the covid-19 pandemic. As a sports person knowing you’re away from something you love doing, I think of it also as a kind of set back”, He ended.