Issuu

SATURDAY 18th July, 2020

' No.106064

‘USA

infringing’

SEE PAGE 03

U.S. Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries

U.S. Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke

…Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries call out U.S. for meddling in Guyana’s elections …say officials ought not to be targeted due to incomplete electoral process Guyana says no to VOA relay to Venezuela 09 PAGE

…Gov’t turns down US request to use its frequency to broadcast in Venezuela

Chief Justice to rule Monday on latest elections case 02&10 SEE PAGES

… AG says GECOM obliged to declare Granger President -----maintains Recount Order null and void

South Rupununi on lockdown …as COVID-19 cases climb

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

GECOM obliged to declare Granger President –– AG maintains Recount Order null and void By Svetlana Marshall ATTORNEY General Ba-

sil Williams, on Friday, argued that the Chair of the Guyana Elections Com-

mission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh is constitutionally bound to declare the Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change, David Granger, as the President Elect in accordance with the advice tendered by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. In his virtual appearance before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, Williams – the fourth named respondent in the Misenga Jones Case – told the High Court that though the Chief Elections Officer submitted his Elections Report in accordance with the Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution and Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, the Chair of the Elections Commission has rejected the report. Such, he argued, is a

constitutional breach. The report indicated that more votes were cast in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), for which President David Granger is the Presidential Candidate. “The Chairman of the [Elections] Commission was obliged to then declare him [David Granger] as having been elected under the said Article 177 (2) (b); that has not happened, and so we have a constitutional crisis in that regard,” the Attorney General told Justice George-Wiltshire during a five hour marathon court hearing on Friday. According to Article 177 (2) (b), the Presidential Candidate of the List with the most votes “shall be deemed to be elected as President,” and shall also be declared by the Chairman of the Elections Commission acting only in accordance with the advice of the Chief Elections Officer. Prior to the CEO’s submission on July 11, the Chairman of the Elections Commission had ordered him to compile an Elections Report not only in accordance with the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act but also on the basis of the data generated during the May-June National Recount triggered by Order No. 60. But when the Chief Elections Officer sought clarification on

Attorney General, Basil Williams

the basis that the National Recount contradicted the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act and the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case – Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo v. Eslyn David – he was met with another “missive” instructing that the Certificates of Recount form the basis of the Elections Report. In issuing her instructions to the Chief Elections Officer, Justice Singh had relied on Section 18 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act, which indicates that the CEO is subject to the direction and control of the Commission but the Attorney General submitted to the Court that Section 18 cannot override the provision of Article 177 (2) (b). “It is an Act of Parliament, and

its intentions are in conflict with Article 177 (2) (b) and therefore, to that extent… it is void and it has to go,” Williams said, while adding that Section 22 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act, which was relied upon to bring into effect Order 60, also poses a similar problem. Dubbing the instructions of the GECOM Chair as unconstitutional, Williams noted that Order 60 cannot be brought into conformity with Article 177 (2) (b), which in plain and unambiguous words makes the advice of the Chief Elections Officer based on information furnished by the Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts the only evidentiary basis for a declaration by the Chairman. TURN TO PAGE

‘U.S infringing’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

…Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries call out U.S. for meddling in Guyana’s elections

…say officials ought not to be targeted due to incomplete electoral process By Lisa Hamilton The United States (U.S) Department of State acted prematurely in its recent “restrictions” to some Guyanese as U.S. leaders are well aware Guyana’s election process is incomplete and, with no declaration, the country’s officials ought not to be “targeted”. This was the position clearly expressed on Friday by U.S. Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke who said that such actions are not surprising of the Donald Trump Administration which is known internationally for its questionable motives. Live on Caribbean Power Jam Radio (CPJR) yesterday, the Congresswoman, also Co-chair of the Caribbean Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, said that U.S. should allow Guyana to complete its democratic process which is now before the Court. QUESTIONABLE MOTIVES Her remarks come as U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo, announced, on July 15, that visa restrictions will be placed on individuals “responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana”. Pompeo made the remarks during a press briefing in the U.S. where he also called on President David Granger to “step aside” based on elections results not yet declared. Addressing the matter, the Congresswoman stated: “The Trump Administration, their motives can always be questionable. They’ve expressed and they’ve demonstrated to the American people their corrupt intent in other parts of the world. So, those who would try to use them as a legitimate arbiter of what is

outcome of the election in Guyana, I take no position. Neither should the Trump administration. Donald Trump regularly poisons the fabric of America’s democracy with his corrupt abuse of power and false claims of voter fraud. The Trump administration is in no position to lecture Guyana or anyone else about democracy.” Proving that the U.S. is well-aware that the electoral process in Guyana is not yet completed, when asked about whether the U.S. recognises Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, Irfaan Ali as having won the elections, the U.S. Ambassador responded: “We will wait for a declaration from the Chairwoman of GECOM.” U.S. Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke

taking place, I would tell anyone who does that that they’re doing that at the peril of essentially digressing in terms of their own credibility.” Although Pompeo announced the visa restrictions, the U.S. remains tight-lipped on names, number of or category of these individuals due to “privacy laws”. Questioned, on Thursday, whether the actions of the U.S. Government could be seen as premature considering that the matter of an election declaration is still before the Court, the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch defended the decision. She also did not directly answer questions about the U.S. justification for requesting that President Granger “step aside when the Guyana Elections Commission has not yet made a declaration –- the basis upon which a new President is elected and

subsequently sworn in. Lynch pointed out that the individuals facing visa restrictions were “targeted” by the U.S. government as hindering democracy in Guyana. ‘DO UNTO OTHERS’ In her remarks, Congresswoman Clarke said that the U.S. is acting towards the nation of Guyana in a manner it would not appreciate considering its own contention with the meddling of other countries in their elections. “Guyana, as a sovereign nation, has the responsibility to conduct free and fair elections and every process under its Constitution must be adhered to in order for the democratic process to reach its logical conclusion. It is my understanding that that process is not completed. So, for any entity, outside of the Guyanese people themselves, to weigh in with their opinions of what

U.S. Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries

is taking place is an infringement on the sovereignty and the democratic process of the nation,” she began, adding: “When you look at what is taking place in Guyana right now, I’ve said to people, what if Guyana was in the position that the U.S. is in when we had the Supreme Court looking at the election of Al Gore and George Bush? Would we have wanted Guyana to be putting out sanctions for the United States because we were going through a process that had to review an election that took place in the United States?” For those unfamiliar with the matter, Bush v. Gore was a decision of the U.S. Supreme Court which settled a recount dispute in Florida's 2000 presidential election. The Congresswoman explained that it involved a disruption of the elections due to the type of election materials that were

utilised. “In the same way, Guyana is going through a democratic process to reconcile the voting dynamic within that nation and I do not believe anyone can reconcile that outside of the Guyanese people,” she said. These sentiments were shared by U.S. Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries, who took to his social media page on Friday, writing: “The Trump administration has consistently embraced dictators and autocrats in countries like Brazil, North Korea, Turkey, Russia and Saudi Arabia. They have done nothing to promote democracy throughout the world. There is currently a contested parliamentary election in Guyana. The outcome is in dispute, much like in the United States during the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. “With respect to the

REMAIN FOCUSED Since the position of the U.S. on Guyana’s elections, several other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and Brazil have come out with similar remarks. Amidst it all, the Congresswoman said that Guyanese, likely dealing with double the amount of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, should remain focused on the fact that it is a sovereign nation governed by laws and a Constitution which much be respected. The Congresswoman encouraged: "It’s important that the people of Guyana stay the course and that they stay focused on making sure that they continue along a democratic path and process. There is a Constitution and, within that, this is a teachable moment so that people understand what that process means and why it’s important to adhere to it.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

‘Rambo’ suspect Yves Rausch held in Black Forest after five-day hunt

(BBC) German police have arrested a suspected gunman nicknamed “Rambo” after a five-day manhunt in the Black Forest. Yves Rausch, 31, is said to have fled into the forest near Oppenau, in south-west Germany, on Sunday after threatening four police officers and taking their pistols. An elite unit, helicopters, thermal detectors and sniffer dogs had been deployed to find him. After his arrest, officers seized four firearms, according to a statement. A postal worker gave police information which helped lead to his arrest and one person was injured during the

operation, Germany’s Bild daily is reporting. Police were initially called over reports of a suspicious man hanging around a hut in forest near Oppenau on Sunday. What do we know about ‘Rambo’? Police say he had lived in the Oppenau area a long time and he is believed to know the forest well. His mother said he was evicted from his rented flat last year. It is unclear if it is the same flat which Bild reported he had rented above a local inn last year, where he had set up a shooting range in his attic. He had gone to stay at an aunt’s home before final-

ly making a home for himself in the forest, his mother added. She described him as a “woodsman”, saying “he wanted to escape into nature, to be free”. Police found him on Sunday in a hut on the edge of the forest, and said he had first appeared co-operative before suddenly pulling out a pistol and disarming the four officers. He was wearing camouflage gear. According to his mother, he grew his own vegetables, used the hut as his home, and carved wooden gnomes which he hoped to sell. Police have been examining an anonymous so-called “manifesto” left in a local bar,

German police released this image of the suspect, Yves Rausch

which may have been written by Yves Rausch. It is titled “The Call of the Wild” and argues that people who live close to nature are superior to modern, urban society. Media reports have nicknamed him “Rambo” after the fictional, violent Vietnam war veteran who goes on the run from US police. His mother said she had had a coffee with him at a local market on 8 July and he had appeared “perfectly normal”. But she said she saw him rarely, he was a loner and his father had died in 2018. A state prosecutor involved in the case, Herwig Schäfer, said the fugitive had “a passion for guns”.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Supreme court justice has cancer again

(BBC) US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said

she is undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer.

Saturday,July 18 , 2020–– 02:30hrs & 04:00 14:30hrs & 16:00

In a statement, the 87-year-old judge said the treatment was having “positive results” and she was “fully able” to continue in her post.

Ms Ginsburg said a scan had revealed lesions on her liver, but the chemotherapy had helped to reduce them. As the court’s most senior liberal justice, her health is closely watched. She has received hospital treatment a number of times in recent years but has returned swiftly to work on each occa-

sion. “On May 19, I began a course of chemotherapy to treat a recurrence of cancer,” Ms Ginsburg said in her statement. “The chemotherapy course... is yielding positive results,” she added. “My most recent scan on 7 July indicated [a] significant reduction of the liver lesions and no new disease.” “I am tolerating chemotherapy well and am encouraged by the success of my current treatment,” she said. “I will

continue bi-weekly chemotherapy to keep my cancer at bay.” Supreme Court justices serve for life or until they choose to retire, and supporters have expressed concern that if anything were to happen to Ms Ginsburg a more conservative judge might replace her. President Donald Trump has appointed two judges since taking office, and the current court is seen to have a 5-4 conservative majority in most cases.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Taxi driver who died in Suddie lock-ups…

Essequibo police officers charged with manslaughter; attempting to obstruct justice THREE police officers attached to ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Islands, West Demerara) were, on Friday, charged for the death of the taxi driver, Lallbacchan Bacchan. Thirty-nine-yearold Lallbacchan Bacchan of Maria’s Lodge had lost his life on July 1, 2019, while he was in the lock-ups at Suddie Police Station. The officers made their first appearance via SKYPE before Essequibo Magistrate

Esther Sam to answer to the charges. Vanessa Millo, a woman special Lance Corporal attached to Aurora Police Station was slapped with a manslaughter charge while Denzel Glasgow and Duane Braithwaite were charged with an attempt to obstruct the course of justice. The police officers were not required to plead to the offenses. Millo was granted $400,000 bail for manslaughter while Glasgow and Braithwaite were granted

Deceased: Lallbacchan Bacchan

$50,000 bail respectively. The matter will be called again on August, 7. The taxi driver's death had raised much alarm in the media and according to the post mortem examination, he had died from asphyxiation or fractured larynx. The police however, in a statement had said the prisoner had allegedly fallen in the lock-ups, causing injuries. Relatives had contended that the deceased Lallbacchan Bacchan went into the

GECOM obliged to declare Granger... In directing the Chief Justice to his written submissions, the Attorney General said there is a clear attempt to strip the Chief Elections Officer of his duties as outlined in the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act. “Moreover, Order 60 purports to strip the CEO of his constitutionally indispensable advisory role. The overriding and overarching principle in all of this, is the supremacy of the Constitution which is entrenched at the deepest level possible. These arguments, that the purported reliance by GECOM on Sections 22 and 18 to avoid the prescriptions of Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, and Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution itself is incompetent and impermissible, finds justification when the legislative history and background of Article 177 (2) (b) is considered,” Williams submitted to the Court. Interjecting, Justice George-Wiltshire asked the Attorney General what the Elections Commission should do if the advice of the Chief Elections Officer is flawed. In response, he said that the Commission’s only recourse would be to the High Court via an Elections Petition. Notably, an Elections Petition could only be filed before the High Court within 28 days of the declaration of the results of an elections. It was noted that while there have been many allegations, in the case before the Court, the Chief Elec-

tions Officer submitted his Elections Report based on declarations made by the Returning Officers as required by Law. Turning the Court’s attention to the judgment of the CCJ in the Ali and Jagdeo Case, Williams told the High Court that the country’s apex Court warned against creating a “new electoral regime,” and it was on the basis that the National Recount created such, the Chief Elections Officer relied solely on the declarations made by the Returning Officers. In support of his argument, he pointed to paragraph 37 of the CCJ’s judgment, which reads: “The Presidential Candidate on the list for which more votes have been cast than any other list is deemed to be elected as President, and the Chairman of GECOM must so declare. Both allocation of seats in the National Assembly and the identification of the successful Presidential Candidate are determined on the sole basis of votes counted and information furnished by Returning Officers under the Representation of the People Act.” He noted too that the CCJ, in its ruling, also made it clear that no Order could impact the Constitution or create a new electoral regime. In that section of its ruling, the CCJ stated that: “The Court also notes that an Order issued by GECOM in any particular context can never determine how the Constitution is to be interpreted. It is a matter of el-

ementary constitutional law that if ordinary legislation is in tension with the Constitution, then the courts must give precedence to the words of the Constitution and not the other way around. With respect, the notion that Order 60 could either impact interpretation of the Constitution or create a new election regime at variance with the plain words of the Constitution is constitutionally unacceptable.” DECLARATION

According to the Attorney General, the CCJ erased Order No. 60 from the laws of Guyana. “I am respectfully submitting that the Chairman of GECOM must declare David Arthur Granger as having deemed elected from the March 2nd General and Regional Elections as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,” the Attorney General put to the Court. Williams had appeared in association with Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Ed-

wards, who argued on the High Court’s jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Jones, in addition to the issue of the “constitutionality” of Section 22 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act. From the onset, Edwards, in his virtual presentation to the Court, stated that the Court had jurisdiction even as he referenced to the inherent jurisdiction of the Court which was invoked in the case Reaz Holladar v Clairmont Mingo and others. In that case the Chief

lock-ups on June 28, 2019 in high spirits and was not suffering from any illness nor did he have any marks about his body. They have also claimed that on the day when they went to the funeral home his body was swollen, he had a bump on his head and bruises about his body. Lallbacchan Bacchan was arrested after two warrants were issued for him for driving under the influence of alcohol.

FROM PAGE

Justice had said that “… there can clearly be cases where the Court’s supervisory jurisdiction can be invoked to ensure the correct and smooth operation or progress of the elections proceedings or process.” Notably, the Court’s jurisdiction was invoked in early March, 2020 days after the General and Regional Elections were held in Guyana. The High Court will hand down its judgment on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 16:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Strengthening our nationhood ONE were to ask any Guyanese “what is nationhood?”, one is bound to come up with several answers. And this is okay given that nationhood means different things to different people at different moments in their lives and based on their experiences. To ask a Guyanese how he or she sees self and prefers to be identified would similarly result in varied answers. The sense of patriotism that exemplifies a nation and creates in its people that sense of nationhood is a complex issue. Though complex, it is not difficult to pin down and work to make real in the sense of belongingness that would create the impetus to want to protect, build, and defend what’s yours. But what is nationhood? There are several definitions and theories of this concept, with all carrying a common thread that is best exemplified in the online “yourdictionary.com”, which says “nationhood is the state of being a nation, or a large group of people united by common language, culture or economic life.” Guyana, as we know it, though originally occupied by our Amerindian brothers and sisters, was later to be a slave, indentured and colonised society for European powers. All who were subject to European dictates were treated as unequal in the socio-eco-

nomic political order, which was sustained on a divide-and-rule policy. The struggle by the subjugated that resulted in the achievement of independence/self-government in 1966 set in place the establishment of efforts to institute a way of life in a common space, built on common experiences, and common aspirations. The resulting effect was the acceptance of local universal laws, common language, and the forging of a common culture that incorporated the cultural experiences of the diverse groups. For instance, though English has been acknowledged as the official language, it seemingly incorporates the languages of all groups. It should be said that although Guyana identifies English as it official language, there is acknowledgement in formal identification of other spoken languages, such as creole, Urdu, Amerindian tribal languages, etc. The culture of a society is seen through holistic lenses, i.e. the lived experiences of its people. Where this society, though diverse in heritage, came out of common historical experiences of marginalisation and oppression of the majority, the fusion of all into ensuring common acceptance of our humanness and equality has been made possible through laws and institutions such as an indigenous education system, nation-

al calendar that gives recognition to major events of the ethnic groups, and a set of values that umbrella the nation’s uniqueness in the world and its people’s dreams and aspirations. To Guyana’s credit, ours is a tri-sectoral economy in which equal respect is given to the role of Government, private sector, and cooperatives in carving out and executing their economic interests consistent with the laws governing their conduct. The sense of who we are as people, or rather our patriotic flavour, is noted in institutions such as the military, system of governance, symbols exemplified in the coat of arms, national anthem and songs, folklore, cuisine, dress, values and so forth. It is the appreciation of these — the desire to advance, defend and protect same at all cost — that often determines and tests the level of patriotism. When the above are woven into an education system — formal and informal — that is not only geared to create literate people for the workforce, but also empowered to recognise and appreciate the country’s values, stages in its evolution, the contributions of all its peoples, why we do the things we do, along with preparing citizens to collectively confront the requirements and challenges needed to protect, defend and develop country — nationhood is being

practised. As Guyanese observe and admire nationhood as displayed in other countries, and the diaspora seeks to identify with the nationhood of its adoptive country, such is invariably informed by the very thing taken for granted or ignored here. That is: if a people know not from whence they came; or are made to feel they have played, or can play, no significant role in a land that gave them birth; or the system works for some, trample and shut out others with seemingly no recourse to change course, alienation steps in. When alienation steps in, people lose the essence of appreciating their existence in the given place and see no need to stand up, work for, defend and protect a country that they feel has betrayed or let them down. The fundamentals of this nation are strong, its foundation laid, the stories of these must be told and exemplified ever so often in ensuring that sense of belongingness as Guyanese, irrespective of diversity. It is the commonness of our history, survival, and desired pursuit for development that must propel us forward in strengthening our nationhood.

To emulate Singapore, Guyana needs to boost international engagement

tric elite. A key component of Guyana avoiding this fate Guyana’s newfound oil will be constant, open-enwealth invites inevitable gagement with the world. The premise for why Guyinternational speculation about what the future holds. ana needs to look globally is Though the emergence of geography. Within its imthe novel coronavirus strains mediate confines, Guyana’s the traditional resilience geography is poor. Short of of international engagement a substantial, impractical, and in a globalised economy, the unethical investment, its hinpast emergence of rapidly terlands are largely inaccessideveloping markets remain ble. Regionally, its neighbors topical lessons. Countries present few opportunities from Equatorial Guinea to two claim part of Guyana’s the wealthiest emirates of the territory and one struggles to UAE and Singapore have connect its far western cities all seen their own economic with its Atlantic centers. Givmiracles in recent decades. en these challenges and the Yet history has unfortunate- opportunities farther afield, ly shown that more countries Guyana must unveil greater wind up like Equatorial measures for international Guinea than Singapore - engagement. Let us begin with steps countries that are rich on paper but subject to the for increasing the country’s whims of commodity pric- hard diplomatic footprint. es and plundered of their What happens politically in wealth by a small, Eurocen- the coming months will mean Dear Editor

significant ramifications for Guyana’s relationship with CARICOM. A committed diplomatic corps in the few remaining Caribbean states where Guyana lacks a footprint has some value in asserting its commitment to the region, but a truly balanced relationship requires a commitment from CARICOM to Georgetown. A government drive to create some incentive package for new embassies or agency offices in the city ought to be pursued for the potential value to regional dialogue and trade negotiations. Yet this pales in comparison to continental and international diplomatic dividends. Such an expanded diplomatic focus domestically and abroad promotes financial opportunities in nearly every region. The current presence in Europe is laudable for a state of Guyana’s size, but there

should be a more aggressive pursuit of concessions from EU bodies. Current efforts have secured wins like the removal from the money laundering watchlist, but education and environmental money has been left on the table. Following the lead of other developing regions, there is a proven model to secure developmental aid for the higher education sector and environmental stewardship; the EU has previously given millions of dollars to conserve natural resources in Central America and has shown an intent to help conserve Amazonia. Finally, preemptive engagement with the superpowers and South America translate to concrete economic gains. The framework for Guyana’s growth will necessitate trade negotiations. Currently, MERCOSUR is seeking a major free trade deal with

Singapore that would undoubtedly benefit Guyana. However institutional issues in these negotiations highlight the need for greater action from the Guyanese government. As the deal is currently written, specific language for freedom of movement in high skill industries has left future employment options on the table. Recognising this, we see Guyanese interests should take a greater role in MERCOSUR talks or be pursued independently through bilateral FTAs. This latter option is only underscored by MERCOSUR delaying the deal, largely because of other member states who have struggled with the COVID-19 outbreak. If this matter does not highlight the importance of diplomatic flexibility to Guyana’s future, then the US and China should. The booming commodi-

ties trade will necessitate improved processing and export infrastructure near Georgetown, as well as sufficient security to protect cargo. While the government can independently work to guarantee this, an efficient option is to negotiate with the world’s two major superpowers. Sure, neither country is the perfect ally - US military facilities are a lightening rod for controversy and China is a key backer of Venezuela - but balancing their interests can be done to Guyana’s gain. Already, Pakistan has used a similar strategy to finance the Gwadar Trade Port and its military, while Turkey has acted likewise. Playing off powerful states can save billions in port construction, maritime surveillance, and general infrastructure improvements. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

The will of the People: Narco-state vs. sanctions is a false choice

Dear Editor

The present election laws were visited upon the Guyanese people by Jimmy Carter, Desmond Hoyte and Cheddie Jagan there was no discussion, no referendum, no consultation with Guyanese. Some have opined that Carter brokered a type of power sharing agreement between the party leaders allowing Jagan to govern then Hoyte, we may never know, however, we have seen the results: 23 years of strife, discontent, narcotic trafficking, murder, mayhem and general disenfranchisement of most Guyanese. This treaty is directed to Guyanese youth who have most to gain from the abandonment of this failed system and the adoption of an electoral system that puts Guyanese first and revive hope and prosperity in our society. The Carter-brokered election law scrapped overseas votes, disenfranchising millions of Guyanese. Guyana, thanks to LFS Burnham is known to have very liberal rules for citizenship: great for a developing nation. Carter, Jagan, Hoyte said no: overseas Guyanese cannot participate in the electoral process. The law also provided for counting at the place of polling, requiring that the witnesses receive a copy of the Statement of Poll (SOP) and further a copy of the SOP must be posted on the door of the polling station. It should be clear then that by 18:30 hours on Elections Day the votes are counted, and the results posted. What is the fate of the SOP after the polls are closed? What is the role of GECOM? The answers to these questions are at the heart of the problems we face today and the issues that have stifled national growth and development for more than two decades. As Guyanese we are well aware of our nation’s incredible potential for growth and development based on our natural resources, we are also aware of our strategic location on planet earth which has spared us earth quakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters however dishonest politicians have been devastating to our Guyanese dream of self-determination and self-reliance so beautifully articulated by both Dr. Cheddie Jagan and LFS Burnham . Elections in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2015, 2020 have all seen a simple play book. Rigging, rigging, more rigging and rigging again. 2020 and 1992 featured overt meddling by USA State Department. First of all neither of the two main parties have tried to educate the electorate regarding the Carter-brokered election laws and subsequent amendments or what is their role in complying with the law or what is their role in seeing that the laws are upheld. Case and point today we are engaged in an unlawful recount and even the accommodation purportedly signed by the two leading parties have no place in the law. ONE: Any objective review of elections since 1992 will demonstrate that the will of

the people has been subverted and manipulated again, again and again. The opposition party (PPP) is busy saying to the incumbent we outsmarted you therefore we should govern. The incumbent party (APNU+AFC) is saying to the opposition why should we allow you to govern when there is clear evidence that the will of the people was manipulated. Note to the Guyanese youth: there are some on both sides who sincerely believe it is their inalienable right to rule Guyana. That is truly a dangerous concept. Regarding elections in 1992, the first attempt to implement the Carter-brokered law, in a Letter to the Editor (March27, 2019) Hamilton Green said, “Mr. Editor, let me recap briefly some events of that fateful day for the records, and for the benefit of the likes of Mr. Sharma.” “On Election Day 1992, with members of my family, I arrived at the Lodge Primary School to cast my ballot. Afterwards, three persons approached me, I remember one’s name, a Mr. Moore, a lady who had just started a small funeral service, and another female”. “They were all armed with their identification cards, but when they approached the poll clerk, their names could not be found. They confirmed that they had checked, and that their names did appear on the list posted earlier on the lower flat of the said school.” “I confirmed this and called the Chairman of Elections Commission to report this situation. He immediately dispatched the Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Stanley Singh, who noted the discrepancy in the list being used by the Poll Clerk. He removed the list that was earlier posted at the school, and after identifying himself, he advised the poll clerk present to use that list instead.” “The poll clerk said that the instructions they received was to use only the list given to them that morning. Recall that GECOM supplied lists to certain areas late on Election Day. In areas of West Demerara and Georgetown, the lists arrived after 6:00 hours, resulting in some cases, voting starting after 6:00 hours.” “In moving around the city, there were similar situations, Ruimveldt, La Penitence, and other areas. Concerned that it was apparent that many of our supporters were being denied their right to vote, I approached President Hoyte and told him it was clear that the list generated, we understood, at the instance of the Carter Center was seriously flawed, and that he should use his authority to abort the process.” His reply, and I have one witness still alive to this conversation, was, “Let the chips fall where they will.” Later, along with Dr. Reid, they began advising persons that they should utilise the opportunity to vote, using a ‘Tendered Ballot’.” TWO: “I understand that this was the advice of a Carter Center operative on the ground that day.” Following the 1992 elections, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States increased their aid to Guyana. U.S. assistance had ceased in 1982 due to economic and political differences with

the Burnham government. The duped voters in Georgetown assembled at the elections commission office on Croal Street, seeking redress. Dr. Reid, PNC Party elder spoke to the commission and to the crowd to appease the now vocal crowd of duped voters. It was widely felt even among PNC supporters that although it was appropriate and decent to play fair it was totally unacceptable for the electoral process to be hijacked by Carter and Jagan except of course if Hoyte was part of the arrangement and accommodation. At GEOCOM with less than 50 per cent of the tabulation process complete and in face of widespread irregularities, PNC Leader, Desmond Hoyte, returned to the media and conceded defeat. Carter Center reported that the elections were free and fair. For many, the Carter Center intended that the election was fair for the PPP to rob the PNC or perhaps that was the arrangement brokered by the three ‘wise men’ at the expense of the right of the Guyanese people to choose their own democratically-elected government without coercion. For the people of Guyana this represented another chapter in their long history of manipulation and imposition of rulers on the people against their will. This trick was called the Alpha Split. For the peace-loving people of Guyana, Carter, Hoyte and Jagan lost all credibility and peace will come to Guyana when the last of their influence has dried up. It was widely reported at the time that the PNC lost Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast. It seemed to many at the time that a challenge to the election results could subpoena the electorate in the village and have them swear under oath how they cast their ballot. In one lower East Coast polling district there were more votes cast for the PPP than eligible voters. December 15, 1997 with the PPP in charge of the machinery and GECOM the opposition had no chance. To begin with Dr. Jagan died and Jimmy Carter went to Jamaica to observe elections. Whatever agreement was made in 1992 only Desmond Hoyte was at the table. Can you imagine the PPP honoring whatever accommodation was made between Hoyte, Dr. Jagan and Carter? Philomena Shury, the PPP representative on GECOM, wrote an opinion piece in the Chronicle explaining the process of selecting the returning officers in Region Four insinuating that whatever was wrong with the SOP in Region Four was the fault of the PNC chosen returning officers; in other words, blame the victim. This time there was no alpha split, however, there was significant stealing of the smaller party votes. Mansoor Nadir of the United Force contributed that he and his wife voted together however on the SOP for that polling station UF was awarded one vote. He recommended on December 16, 1997 that the ballot boxes be opened and recounted immediately. PPP and PNC blocked the initiative both submitting that there was no such provision in the Carter Brokered election

law. Ms. Janet Jagan was sworn in at a private ceremony. PNC challenge to the election was thrown out of court on a procedural finding by Chief Justice Desiree Bernard. After weeks of demonstrations in Georgetown a poll audit was suggested as a compromise. Hoyte said on January 1, 1998 “Poll Audit meaningless now”. Ms. Jagan handed over to Barrat Jagdeo, it is fair to say few Guyanese had heard of Jagdeo before he became President of Guyana. This is not a concept supported in modern democracies. Guyana should move away from electing a political party and move towards electing an individual who would be properly vetted before he installed as President. In ensuing years, elections followed a similar pattern whatever was the will of the people the incumbent was one step ahead to subvert that will. Election 2001 and Election 2005 installed increasingly corrupt PPP administrations; Georgetown, the Garden City, capital of Guyana, the seat of power was deliberately defunded. Clogged outfall channels, clogged drainage canals, flooded avenues, abandoned buildings at various stages of construction represented the legacy of twenty-three years of neglect. Under PPP’s watch Guyana became a leading narco-state from daring midnight drops, transshipment by boat and aircraft and desperate citizens acting as mules Guyana became a major world player in elicit drug trade. One feature of growing up in Guyana, our parents would never let us bring anything home we did not leave home with. Now consider during the PPP regime there was a cultural transformation where grandmothers became the keeper of elicit goods. Roger Khan, a convicted felon testified in Federal court in Brooklyn NY that he regularly paid the salaries of teachers and nurses with drug money. He further testified that weapons coming to Guyana for the Guyana Defence Force had to first stop at his place so he can have the first pick. What about the Phantom Squad? How many Guyanese were terrorised by this murderous gang of tugs for how long? Then there was Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins widely viewed as a Guyanaese supper villain. Murders were attributed to Fine man in East Berbice, Buxton and Bartica all the same night. When Fine Man was brutally gunned down after he was no longer useful, his mother was quoted at his funeral, she said, “Rondell dead all crime in Guyana done”. There remains a long list of disappeared men and women and unsolved murders from Monica Reese to Ronald Waddell; it bugles the mind that after five years of the APNU+AFC none of these criminals and their enablers were brought to justice. Elections 2015, David Granger put together a winning collation with a resurgent PNC, former PPP and other concerned Guyanese. Elections victory was not without dispute again the will of the people came into question. TURN TO PAGE

To emulate Singapore, Guyana needs to boost ... Lastly, there are internal reforms which can encourage international engagement and investment. Geographically, Guyana sits at an underutilised touch-point for four continents and has a linguistic advantage with English proficiency. This first highlights the value of building the country into a major air and sea port. There is little

competition for maritime traffic within the region, which makes securing a container port an easy priority. COVID-19 makes air travel a risky investment, but a long term goal of a globally-connected airline - in the vein of Qatar, Emirates, or Singapore Air - which could even be backed by one of these aforementioned carriers, would be

critical in asserting Guyana on the world stage. This translates into a booming domestic market. Greater attention on business-friendly reforms and low tax rates facilities the growth that Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai have modeled. Whether this is expressed in inter-continental banking, expat living, or high-paying ecotourism, Guyana

is poised to profit. Part of what separates the mineral-rich islands of inequity like Equatorial Guinea and Angola with the booming centers of the UAE and Qatar is the willingness to engage with the world. Pursuing just a few of the initiatives outlined replicates the reforms of the past few decades’

FROM PAGE

most successful economies. What remains to be seen is if Guyana settles for isolating, one-off oil payments or uses this as the country’s introduction to the full extent of the world’s current markets. Regards Andrew Langford

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Guyana says no to VOA relay to Venezuela …Gov’t turns down US request to use its frequency to broadcast in Venezuela

THE Government of Guyana has turned down a request by the United States Government to relay Voice of America content to Venezuela utilising one of this country’s medium wave towers. Guyana Chronicle was told that the request was made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which, in turn, channelled the request to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. Guyana Chronicle was able to obtain a copy of the memo from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications. The memo by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that it wished to bring to the attention of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications a request made by the US Government Broadcasting Board of Governors for one of Guyana’s medium wave towers to be used to reach populations in Venezuela. “The US Broadcasting Board relayed that their technical team has informed them that Guyana has four Medium Wave allocations registered. They are 1010kHz, 7000Khz; 760kHz and 560kHz,” the memo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ministry of Telecommunications read. It added: “In this regard, the broadcasting team would like to know if the following would be possible: Would the 560kHz station lease any time to VOA? Would Guyana be open to issuing a licence to VOA to put a new signal on MW, either on an existing allocated frequency or a new one? If so, could the power be increased to 50 kw, either on an existing frequency or a new one? In an invited comment Director of Communications at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ariana Gordon, said the government’s position is that “Given the length of an unpoliced western border,

the influx of refugees, the unsettled territorial question and the public health risks, it would not be in our national interest to do anything to contribute to destabilising relations at this time.” Washington has imposed severe sanctions on the Nicolas Maduro administration over a range of issues including human rights violations and poor governance. Guyana and Venezuela, on the other hand, have had years of tense relations due to a spurious border claim by Caracas which is currently before the International Court of Justice. Guyanese have speculated that Washington’s deep interest in the current electoral process is being influenced by Guyana’s oil and other considerations, but US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, denied these claims, on Thursday, during a media conference. Relations between Guyana Government and the United States Government have not been as cozy in recent times, following the stalemate flowing from the March 2, 2020 elections. Only this week US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced that Washington will be imposing visa restrictions on officials here who are undermining democracy. The US and several of its other allies have been pushing for the Guyana Elections Commission to make a declaration of the results of the elections based on the data from the recount. However, the recount uncovered a vast number of irreg-

ularities, which many said should render it flawed. In response to the US announced visa restrictions sanctions, the Guyana Government said the decision is regretted. It added: “The matter affecting the outcome of Guyana’s elections is still before courts, which is entirely the responsibility of the judiciary. No declaration has been made. The Executive Branch has not participated in the undermining of the electoral process and urges all countries interested in Guyana’s development to await the logical conclusion of the process which is being managed by the Elections Commission, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana. The Executive arm has not interfered in the functioning of the Elections Commission.” President David Granger also, only recently, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to Western Hemispheric values and to the furtherance of mutual goals and ideals. He emphasised that the United States of America is a friend and has worked closely with Guyana over several decades through several organisations such as The Carter Center, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Agency for International Development (USAID), among others. “Guyana is part of the Western Hemisphere. We have very cordial relations with the United States from defence, economy and security points of view,” the President was quoted as saying in a release by the Ministry of the Presidency. He

said Guyana, together with other Caribbean states, cooperates with the US Southern Command through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which is aimed at combating drug trafficking and other transnational crimes that threaten regional security. President Granger made it clear that Guyana’s strategic interests in the Western Hemisphere were not in jeopardy. He said Guyana and the USA have enjoyed mutually beneficial defence, economic, political and social relations since Independence. He noted that relations between the two states have deepened through cooperation in the fields of defence, public health, public security, the economy and youth empowerment. The Head of State emphasised that Guyana remains committed to strengthening its relations with the USA to overcome challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue to build the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous Western Hemisphere.

Ansa McAl introduces Disiclin Disinfectant DURING the COVID -19 Pandemic, Ansa McAl Trading Company, a company which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the ANSA McAl Group and one of the largest distribution companies in Guyana, servicing approximately 95% of the population, with hundreds of products spread across five major divisions, ranging from Beverages, Consumer Products, Proctor & Gamble, Pharmaceuticals, and Construction Solutions, has introduced its first disinfectant for homes, offices and all surrounding areas. In a release, the company said that Disiclin Disinfectant can assist greatly in the sanitisation of work and living areas, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic. The release further stated that the product is designed to remove dirt and 99% of germs, while leaving a pleasant long – lasting fragrance. The product also offers Lavender and Floral in 15oz; Lavender, Lilac and Floral in 28 oz. and, for economy shoppers, and for a limited time, a 2pack 28oz in Lavender, Lilac and Floral. The release further

outlined that the company will continue to introduce more products of quality and affordability to the satisfaction of its customers’ ‘wants and needs.

Ansa McAl ‘s new line of products ( Disiclin Disinfectant)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Recount Order gave GECOM unlawful powers to resolve elections dispute – SC Boston maintains CEO was correct to base report on declarations … High Court to hand down ruling Monday By Svetlana Marshall ARGUING that the Recount Order is invalid, Senior Counsel Neil Boston – the attorney representing the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield - said that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), using Order No. 60, illegally clothed itself with the authority to resolve an elections dispute which stemmed from allegations of electoral fraud that arose days after the General and Regional Elections were held. In his virtual appearance before Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in the High Court in the case – Misenga Jones v the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) – Boston said the Elections Commission, while relying on Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act to bring Order No. 60 into effect, overstepped its boundaries and in effect usurped the jurisdiction of the High Court as provided for in Article 163 of the Constitution. In laying the foundation of his argument, the Senior Counsel said while the Court of Appeal, in the Ulita Moore Case, ruled on April 5, 2020 on the constitutionality of a recount, it never adjudicated on Order No. 60. Order No. 60 or the Recount Order was the “legal tool” used by the Elections Commission to facilitate the National Recount conducted in May-June. Boston drew attention to the fact that Order No. 60 came into effect approximately one month after the Appellate Court had handed down its judgment. GECOM had gazetted Order No. 60 on May 4, 2020.

“So the Court of Appeal never had the opportunity to consider whether Order 60, which was born out of the womb of Section 22 [of the Election Law (Amendment) Act] was still birth or dead on arrival. The Court of Appeal did not consider that, the Court of Appeal was considering an argument on whether it was constitutional,” Boston said as a matter of record. For him, Order No. 60 is “stillbirth” on the basis that it attempts to trespass on the powers of the High Court. According to Article 163 of the Constitution, the High Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been or may have been, affected by any unlawful act or omission. “What Order 60 came on stream for is to give GECOM, the unlawful power to resolve elections dispute, which Article 163 as put it in the exclusive jurisdiction of the Elections Court,” Boston told the Court. In support of his argument, he referenced the affidavit tendered by the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, in which the origin of the electoral “dispute” was addressed. It was the PPP/C, through the late Reeaz Holladar, had first moved to the High Court over an allegation that the Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo was using a spreadsheet as against the required Statements of Poll for the tabulation of the votes cast in that District. And even after there was reported compliance after the first declaration was invalidated, the PPP/C maintained that the figures were altered, and it was on

the basis of that allegation of electoral fraud that the Guyana Elections Commission opted to facilitate the National Recount to determine a “final credible count.” Boston told the Court that it cannot turn a blind eye to the facts surrounding the case, in particular issues that led to the National Recount. “If one looks at the preamble in the Order, it speaks of disputes. It speaks of disputes,” he argued. Further, Boston submitted that GECOM, using Order No. 60, created a new electoral regime in contradiction to the Representation of the People Act, and most importantly the Constitution. Citing an example, he pointed out that Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act dictates that once a declaration is made, and a request for a recount is denied, the declaration becomes final. He said though the Elections Commission embarked on an illegal venture, the declarations made by the 10 Returning Officers are final and cannot be set aside by the Chairman of GECOM nor her Commission. Boston reminded the High Court that Order No. 60 is a subsidiary legislation, and therefore has little or no effect on Acts of Parliament and/ or the Constitution. “The true will of the electorate was already determined by the certified copies of the votes remitted by the 10 regional officers to the CEO; that represents the true will of the people...It is only an elections court can determine whether the contents of those reports that were sent by the ROs from the 10 Regions to the CEO were not the true will of the Electorate,” Boston told the Chief Justice.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel John Jeremie, who appeared on behalf of the applicant Misenga Jones, also put forward similar lines of argument. He told the Court that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case – Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali v Eslyn David – warned against the creation of a new electoral regime. Like Boston, Jeremie told the Court Order No. 60 is null, void and of no effect. Further, he submitted that the declarations made by the Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts are final and the Elections Commission has no authority to invalidate them. He submitted that the electoral procedures outlined in the Representation of the People Act and Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution are clear and cannot be altered or impacted by a subsidiary legislation such as Order No. 60. But while Boston and Jeremie throughout their arguments submitted that Order No 60 and by extension the National Recount are illegal, Kim Kyte-Thomas – the Attorney representing the Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh – argued that the Order is a valid legal instrument created using Article 162 of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Election Law (Amendment) Act. But before addressing the primary issue of the validity of the Recount Order, Kyte-Thomas submitted to the Court that it had no jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Jones based on the grounds that the matters contained therein are for an Elections Court under Article 163 of the Constitution and the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act.

Kyte-Thomas told the High Court that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the case – Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo v Eslyn David and others stated clearly that electoral disputes are matters for the High Court under Article 163 of the Constitution. Turning her attention to the issue of the validity of Order No. 60, Kyte-Thomas submitted that the entire judgment issued by the CCJ on July 8 in the case brought by Ali and Jagdeo ought to be read as a whole. “You cannot pick out or cherry-pick certain parts to misconstrue and base submissions on,” the former Solicitor General said. Alluding to paragraph 15 of the CCJ judgment, Kyte-Thomas said reference was made to the decision of the Court of Appeal, and in doing so, the apex court found that Order No. 60 could not have created a “new elections regime,” on the grounds that elementary or subsidiary law could not have amended the Constitution. “Those observations were a direct response to the decision of the Court of Appeal to read Order No 60 in a particular way as amending the Constitution,” she posited while also pointing the Court to Article 8 of the Constitution. Kyte-Thomas ruled out the argument that GECOM, in utilising Order No. 60, had breached the Constitution and overstepped its boundaries. “GECOM at no stage intended or set out to usurp, trample, trespass or somehow take upon itself the clear provisions of Article 163 of the Constitution; that was never the intention of Order No. 60. The aim of Order No. 60 was simply to produce a final credible count of the votes of the March 2020 Elec-

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire tions,” Kyte-Thomas told the Court. According to her, Order No. 60 and by extension the National Recount was endorsed by the CCJ. Maintaining that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case, the Legal Counsel invited the Court to throw the case out. Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who appeared on behalf of the PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Irfaan Ali, also argued that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Jones. Further, like Kyte-Thomas, he argued that Order No. 60 is legal. Rejecting the notion that Order No. 60 allows for the usurpation of the High Court’s jurisdiction by the Elections Commission, Mendes explained that the Order was made against the backdrop of requests made for recounts in a number of electoral districts but were rejected, aborted or held in abeyance. “It was also made against the backdrop of an agreement made by all contesting parties for a total recount of all electoral districts “as a means of assuaging the contesting parties and determining a final credible count,” Mendes had explained in his written submission. He submitted to the Court that GECOM cannot revert to the old declarations, and must use the recount data for the declaration of the elections results. On Monday, July 20, 2020 the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire will hand down her decision in the case seeking to compel the Elections Commission to declare the results of the elections based on the Declarations made by the Returning Officers and not the National Recount.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

‘Don’t throw caution to the wind’ -DCMO urges Guyanese, as relaxation of control measures kicks in

PHASE three of government’s phased reopening exercise will kick in today, but Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle has urged Guyanese to remain cautious and be responsible in their conduct because the country is still battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “As you are aware, friends, from tomorrow (today), a further relaxation of measures is due to take effect and the ministry wishes to remind you that restrictions on social activities remain in place as well as the social and physical distancing protocols,” said Dr. Boyle, during a virtual COVID-19 update, on Friday. Among some of the amended measures, which were announced on Thursday, is the reduction of time for the national curfew, which is now 20:00hrs to 6:00hrs. Government has also

cleared the way for public sector employees to return to work, on rotation. And, while there is a restriction on indoor and buffet dining, outdoor dining, up to 6:00hrs, will be permitted. “I know that many of us will want to take full advantage of these new measures, but please do not throw caution to the wind and behave as if the situation is back to normal. Do not forget that COVID-19 is still a highly infectious disease, that there will be asymptomatic persons around us from whom we may become infected. Do not take unnecessary risks and leave home without your mask and fail to observe the physical distancing protocol,” Dr. Boyle advised. Guyanese need to be wary of their actions because the country is yet to contain the spread of the virus. And, Just Friday, the country recorded five new cases

of the disease. Dr. Boyle said the cases were found following 75 COVID-19 tests. Health authorities have so far tested 3,558 persons, with 3,238 being negative and 320 testing positive for the disease. The country has, however, lost 19 of the persons who tested positive for the disease. And, while the loss of life is never pleasant, the country has much to be grateful for, as 156 - over 50 per cent of the infected persons - have recovered. “This is an encouraging trend for the recovery rate in Guyana and we at the ministry also wish to see a similar decline in our number of cases; so our plea for the upcoming weekend is for all of us to adhere to the guidelines outlined for our safety,” said Dr. Boyle. As it is now, health authorities are still monitoring 145 active cases, of which 137 are in institutional isolation and five

persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Considering these figures, the Ministry of Public Health reminded persons that COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, which causes damage to one’s body, even after recovery. “Please remember that the highest rate of infection in Guyana is in the 21-60 age group representing 70 per cent of all infections and you all need to minimise, as best as possible, your exposure to COVID-19,” said Dr. Boyle. COVID-19 remains a serious issue not just here in Guyana, but globally as well, and according to global statistics, there are 13.3 million cases of COVID-19, with over 580,000 deaths. And, with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

South Rupununi on lockdown – as COVID-19 cases continue to climb

THE South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) has taken a stern decision to lock down communities in the South Rupununi as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SRDC, which represents 21 indigenous communities of the South Rupununi, has taken a collective decision to lock down all South Rupununi communities, effective July 15, 2020. According to a press statement from the Council, its constituent villages made this decision to protect communities from further spread of COVID-19, in light of test results confirming five positive cases in three of those villages. Since the first confirmed case of the disease here in Guyana in March of this year, the SRDC has worked with villages to protect residents. “The inadequate healthcare systems and supplies in our region leave our people extremely vulnerable to disease, particularly this novel coronavirus,” said the council. Immediately following the outbreak, the council blocked several illegal crossings along the Guyana-Brazil border,

and started conducting regular border patrols. “We have been monitoring entry and access into our villages and roads, and we are working with local security and health personnel to put in place proper measures to protect our communities,” said the council. The SRDC has attended meetings with the Ministry of Health and the Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) COVID-19 Task Force to provide ground information and assist as best it could with the COVID-19 response. The council has issued press releases and written formal letters to the appropriate authorities requesting that mining activities in Region Nine be suspended; that the government provide assistance to monitor border crossings and prevent entry; and that access to medical equipment and supplies in communities become better. To date, the council said they have received little to no response to their concerns and pleas for assistance, and at this time, their greatest threat remains the vast open border which the South Rupununi shares with Brazil, a country

which is laden with cases of COVID-19. “Indeed, our efforts have been stymied by the Government’s continued refusal to remove mining from its list of essential services, and by its interventions on behalf of miners, which have allowed them to continue to traverse our territory, threatening and challenging our gatekeepers,” the council lamented. Government, however, took a decision on Thursday to halt mining in high-risk areas in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where there has been a consistent rise in cases. The council nonetheless says that mining should be omitted from the list of essential businesses because the effects of COVID-19 are real and dangerous. “We have seen cases in which it takes almost a week just for sick patients to be tested even after reporting COVID-like symptoms, in addition to taking several days to receive test results. We note with concern that after the announcement of the confirmed cases in our communities, it took more than 48 hours before patients were transported to the hospital in Lethem,” said the council. The council also bemoaned the

“inadequate supply” of testing kits for Region Nine, which at this time only allows for persons with severe symptoms to be tested. This failure to immediately test any patients reporting COVID-like symptoms, promptly return test results, and expeditiously transport confirmed COVID-19 patients to the hospital heightens the risk of increased community transmission, said the council. The body commended its leaders for “making much” with the limited resources at their disposal, but lamented that there are a few “selfish individuals” who have greatly compromised villages by taking advantage of the open border, and using illegal border-crossings. “It is with all of this in mind that the SRDC and our 21 communities have made the collective decision to go into a lockdown. We have made arrangements with Village Councils to have systems in place to facilitate the delivery of food and other essential items to all of our communities, and attempted to facilitate essential travel into the Marudi mines,” said the council. For the South Rupununi villages, all measures, including the 6 pm to 6 am curfew will remain in place until further notice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

UG donates educational materials to CPA

COGNISANT of the effects that the novel coronavirus has had on the entire world, especially vulnerable groups of people, the University of Guyana (UG) Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit, Master of Social Work Students, under the auspices of UG’s Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), has offered Educational support to the children in institutional care under the supervision of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). The coronavirus also known as COVID-19, which is highly contagious,

has so far seen millions of deaths recorded worldwide and has quickly plunged economies, society, public health systems, schools and residential care facilities into a state of depression. As a response to the virus, public health emergency measures took effect and saw the closure of schools, physical distancing and “lock-down” to prevent the contagion and limit the outbreak. Consequently, the lives of children in residential care have been altered and a demanding stress-coping-adjustment process is

The flash drives containing educational presentations and activities that were donated to the Childcare and Protection agency on Friday.

Assistant Director, Ms. T. October, University of Guyana lecturer, Debbie Hopkinson (centre), alongside manager of Care Centres, Ms. M. Gentle, during the presentation of the flash drives.

ongoing. To assist, meaningfully, the University of Guyana, Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit Master of Social Work and Undergraduate Students, on Friday, made a timely donation of four flash drives containing 18 educational presentations and activities for the CPA to use in engaging the children who are housed at care facilities during the health crisis. During the handing over of the educational materials, sincere gratitude was extended to the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Prof. Paloma Mohamed for her staunch support and guidance, the Head and members of the Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit, and UNICEF for their kind contribution of the

Flash drives. Gratitude was also extended to the Director of Children Services, Ms. Ann Greene, Assistant Director of Children Services, Ms. Tionna October, and the Manager of the Care Centres, Ms. Melissa Gentle of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection, for collaborating with the University of Guyana on the initiative to facilitate education, using Information technology with the children in residential care during this unprecedented time of COVID -19. Finally, a heartfelt thank you was extended to all the Master of Social Work and undergraduate students, for their well put-together presentations which contributed to the success of the initiative.

President saddened at Chapman’s death PRESIDENT David Granger expressed his sadness at the death of founding member and past president of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL), Ms. Sheila Chapman. He has extended

heartfelt sympathy to her children - Ms. Vanya Trotman, Ms. Anande Trotman–Joseph, Mr Raphael Trotman - and other relatives and friends. The late Ms. Chapman, 82, who transitioned on July 6, 2020 following a brief period

of illness, hailed from New Amsterdam, Berbice, and was the head of the Chapman and Trotman legal firm. Trained in the United Kingdom, her legal career began in 1966. She specialised in Family and Probate law and Con-

veyancing. She has left behind a distinguished career at the Guyana Bar. Additionally, Ms. Chapman served, in various capacities, on the executive of the councils of the Law Society, Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the GAWL.

She actively participated in the drafting of laws relating to children and gender rights, and adoption, with the most notable being the Family and Dependants Provision and the Removal of Discrimination Acts.

The late Sheila Chapman, founding member and past president of the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL)

18 Guyanese hospitality professionals to benefit from Caribbean training programme

–– Over 200 persons from around the Caribbean to participate EIGHTEEN Guyanese hospitality workers, sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), will embark on a fourweek training programme in various Level One Awards in Spirits courses, conceptualised by the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). According to a WIRSPA press release on July 15, 2020, Komal Samaroo, Chairman of DDL said, “It is our hope that this training will assist in the continued development of our local hospitality industry and the local workers in the industry many of

whom have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.” The release said that the announcement was made last week that over 200 mixologists, bartenders and other hospitality professionals will be the beneficiaries of an online training programme, which will see the participants increasing their knowledge and skills free of cost during this current down time. WIRSPA said the training is for Caribbean hospitality workers who have so far been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to work due to the closure of the tourism industry over the past few

months. WIRSPA represents distillers’ associations across the Caribbean and WSET is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications. Samaroo, who is also the Chairman of WIRSPA added, “WSET is an internationally recognised provider of education, and this initiative is making available to our hospitality professionals, a world class qualification in spirits. This certification will provide them with important new skills and enhance their employment prospects.” The release said participants must be at least 18-years-old to be eligible for the

training and will be selected by individual distillers’ associations in the respective countries. The Level One Award in Spirits courses, run online via WSET’s Online Classroom, will start on July 27 and will run for four weeks. At the end of the course, students will take a remotely invigilated online exam, and those who are successful will receive a certificate and WSET lapel pin. It said that WIRSPA’s membership of Caribbean-based distilleries will provide additional support during the course, running tasting sessions and webinars on their brands and products as a supplement to WSET course material.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Media guidelines for reporting Region 5 remains on domestic violence launched COVID-19 free THE media play a crucial role in shaping the world through public perception, hence it is of pivotal importance that it be cognizant of the right way to go about shaping stories and views when it comes to domestic violence. This was highlighted by several speakers, last Thursday, at the launching of ‘Guidelines for the Media on Reporting on Interpersonal Violence’. The document and accompanying engagement with media workers are a follow up to previous work embarked upon to guide the media on the coverage of domestic violence in Guyana, and the role the media personnel play in contributing to eliminating the social scourge, through portrayal of stories and reports. The projects are being executed as a collaboration among the media, Guyana’s judiciary, the University of Guyana (UG) and UNICEF, to put emphasis on just how an important role the media play in the domestic violence situation. “It is well known that the media play a crucial role in shaping our world. Their role in covering interpersonal violence is not a job that should be taken lightly,” shared acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, as she delivered opening remarks at Thursday’s launch. “This high acclaim signifies its key role in advocating for policy change and influence the perception of the public at large. The way how it is portrayed and reported will give us an understanding of the story behind the story,” she added. Also attending Thursday’s workshop were Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire; UNICEF Deputy Representative, Irfan Akhtar; University of Guyana Vice Chancellor, Dr Paloma Mohammed; and President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Ragubir. Though media houses are often tempted to sensationalise an incident in the pursuit of increasing

–– officials working assiduously to keep lid on situation

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards sales, Cummings-Edwards cautioned that media houses must find a balance in also not shaping stories in such a way as to contribute negatively to the violence. “Some of this must be done because of the business aspect of it. Violence sells. But at the same time while graphic images and sensational headlines increase sales, persons who are drawn to these scenes, their views may be shaped in one form or another,” she said. Mohammed later noted that the removal of certain shocking images and portrayals from the media, does not necessarily negatively affect sales. She gave an example, noting the previous practice of local newspaper, Kaieteur News, which formerly published gruesome images on its front page, leading to the publisher Glen Lall being approached about the issues. Though Lall was initially reluctant, Mohammed said she was able to show him that the change would not affect sales of his newspaper. Cummings-Edwards also highlighted that media personnel should not focus only on reporting, but should be analytical in sensitising the public on the causes, and other areas beyond just reporting on the incident. “We have media coverage of interpersonal violence which can trivialize, sensationalise, or can simplify complex issues, or pivot and highlight critical issues. It is advisable that you stay away from trivializing do-

UNICEF Deputy Representative, Irfan Akhtar mestic violence or crimes of passion. Be aware of the fact that the media’s voice is listened to even more than experts on the issue. The power that you have therefore influences and shapes thoughts and help to prevent or cure some of these ills,” she said. The event was attended by a number of media operatives, who were also given the opportunity to speak of some of the challenges they face in covering interpersonal violence. Also calling on the media to understand critical role they play in influencing the process, was UNICEF Deputy Representative, Akhtar. While commending those who have gotten involved in fighting against domestic violence, he called for even more partners to get involved in the fight. “From UNICEF’s side I would like to salute the work of all partners in joining this fight so allow me to thank you, and to call upon more sectors to fight this issue. We need more partners, we need to make it a multi sectoral approach to deal with interpersonal violence, and violence against women and children. Every family, every child must be protected,” he declared. Akhtar emphasized that the media play and important role in ensuring that domestic violence is not and will never be normal. “Media are an important pillar in society and an important tool in shifting social values and changing perceptions on many things, including domestic violence,” Akhtar said.

GPA President, Nazima Ragubir Ragubir, during her remarks, shared that while media operatives have begun to understand the significant role they play, and the need to be more cautious in how they go about shaping stories about domestic violence, consideration needs to start being given to social media commentators, who, despite having scores of followers, at times follow no standard, or principles, in how they go about disseminating information. Ragubir said she welcomed the guidelines, which come at a most opportune moment, given the abundance of domestic violence cases reported on almost daily. “There is no doubt these guidelines come at a critical time when interpersonal violence remains a prominent focus of our society and forms part of our daily reporting. The media are often the first responders; we are the bearers of bad news and oftentimes the first resort for someone seeking that often elusive justice. These guidelines, along with others, and the very basic tenants of journalism, ought to be used daily to guide our media workers, whether they be editors, journalist, photographers of videographers,” Ragubir said. She also called for the guidelines to be continuously updated, and for engagements with the media to be continuous, given that new persons continue to enter the media fraternity regularly and would therefore also need to be apprised of how to properly cover domestic violence incidents.

THERE were up to Friday no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) and officials of the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) at Fort Wellington are working assiduously to keep it that way. Regional Health Officer, Dr Desmond Nicholson, disclosed that the quarantine measures and partial lockdowns are working effectively so that means that if a case is encountered, his team can move very aggressively; look for any infected person ; look for his/her contacts and ensure that quarantine is carried out since even then the Region will still be in a stage of containment. He said: “In any event, we are hoping that it pans out that way.” He added: “What we don’t want is a situation where if we do get a case we find that there are five or six satellite areas within the Region. If that happens then we would not be able to keep it in containment anymore; it will have to be mitigation because there will be too many active sites and too many clusters for us to control.” He said: “I am happy about the success of Region 5 to date. We continue to follow the guidelines; we are maintaining the systems that have been put in place and we hope that the creator is with us even as we continue to put our best foot forward”, he said. Deputy Head of the REOC, Dr Alanna James, said that the centre continued to screen persons at health centres, at hospitals and checkpoints placed at strategic spots in the Region and to do follow up work necessary at the REOC. She also commended Government agencies which have been assisting the work of the REOC to date. These include the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the MMA/ADA and the Guyana Police Force. GPL, GWI and the MMA/ADA have instituted screening for visitors and have been given a protocol to report on any cases of elevated temperature encountered during such screening of visitors to their offices. The Police have also been playing their part in ensuring compliance with the curfew and restrictions demanded by the COVID-19 Regulations. Scores of persons have been charged and placed before the Court and have either been fined or ordered to do community service as a penalty. Deputy Police Regional Commander, Jeremaine Dufu, disclosed that the members of the Force had been recently targeting business owners who encourage customers to congregate and lime in the vicinity of their businesses. He said that the intention was that this would encourage these business people to be more proactive in discouraging persons from breaching social distancing rules in the vicinity of their premises. The Police were actively monitoring the beaches where persons have tended to congregate and have also decided, as at earlier this week, to grant motorists a grace period of up to 20:00 hrs and then to close the public highway after that time until 06:00 hrs. The Deputy Regional Commander told the REOC that he was pleased with the situation where there have been no confirmed cases in Region 5 to date and assured that the Police will continue to work hard, with the available resources, to maintain that status quo. Thursday, the National COVID-19 Task Force disclosed that the 20:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs curfew shall no longer apply to Region Five from Monday to Friday, but will be in effect on Saturdays and Sundays. A similar relief was granted to Region 6 (East Berbice /Corentyne). Every other region will have to abide by the curfew from 20:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs every day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

‘COVID-19 is exposing deep inequalities’ –– says UN Secretary-General in celebration of Mandela Day 2020

IN commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated today, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, in a video message, highlighted that there are “deep inequalities” being exposed by COVID-19, as he made calls for unity, solidarity and action to overcome these injustices. He further stated that the theme of Nelson Mandela International Day “Take action, inspire change”, underscores the importance of working together, from

governments to citizens, to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world. “Each year, on Nelson’s Mandela’s birthday, we pay tribute to an extraordinary global advocate for equality, dignity and solidarity. Madela was a moral giant of the 20th century, whose timeless legacy continues to guide us today,” Guterres said. He added that this year, the day has been marked at a time when the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic endangers everyone, every-

where, and especially the most vulnerable. Hence, in the face of these challenges, world leaders need to recognise the vital importance of unity and solidarity. “COVID-19 is exposing deep inequalities. We need to fight this pandemic of inequality through a new social contract for a new era. Only together can we fend off the common threat of COVID-19 and recover better.” He added as the United Nations marks its 75th anniversary at this fragile time,

the organisation is reflecting on the life and work of Nelson Mandela, who embodied the highest values of the United Nations and who acted and inspired change. Despite many years as a prisoner of conscience, he stated that Mandela retained his dignity and commitment to his ideals. Let his example propel governments that keep such prisoners to release them. “There should be no prisoners of conscience in the 21st century. Nelson Mandela reminded us that:

“As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.” On this Mandela Day, let us recall that we can, and must, be part of the quest for a better future of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for all people on a healthy planet,” Guterres said. Additionally, Guterres will deliver the eighteenth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on the theme, “Tackling the Inequality Pandemic: A New Social Contract for a New Era”.

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres

COVID-19, political impasse stall CH&PA projects AS a result of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the political impasse, several projects which were to be executed by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) have been stalled.

This was disclosed by CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. He stated that due to the current events there have been restrictions on the

amount of work contractors can accomplish. The political impasse has also affected progress. “Regarding the implementation and rate of implementation of some new projects that have also been

once the budget is tabled in the national assembly at the end of this political impasse, we will able to move our projects forward,” Saul explained. However, Saul noted that the CH&PA has been continuing works under the adequate housing and urban accessibility programme as well as the sustainable housing for hinterland programme. Such works were about to conclude. In February of this year, the CH&PA had accelerated its US$27M Adequate HousC e n t r a l H o u s i n g a n d ing and Urban Accessibility P l a n n i n g A u t h o r i t y ’ s Programme, which saw ap(CH&PA’s) Chief Execu- proximately 2,000 subsidies tive Officer (CEO), Lelon being distributed and a number of core houses built. Saul The Adequate Housing affected by the political im- and Urban Accessibility Propasse, there was no bud- gramme comprised of three get for this year; as a result components – Affordable and we have not received any Sustainable Housing; Consolsubvention through central idation of existing Housing government. Nevertheless, Schemes and Support and we are quite optimistic that, Institutional Strengthening.

It is under the Affordable and Sustainable Housing component that US$5M has been earmarked for a Home Improvement Subsidy Programme that will see 2,000 persons accessing as much as $500,000 to rehabilitate their homes. Under this component as well, another US$5M has been budgeted for the construction of 250 core homes. Additionally, the CH&PA had also launched the Jubilee promotion in Celebration of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary in February where participants only had to allocate for 50% of their lands. Mr. Saul noted that while a substantial number of persons would have benefitted from the jubilee promotion, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CH&PA had to delay payments to cater for persons who would have experienced some kind of loss due to the impact of the virus.

UK will not recognise Gov’t from ‘non-credible results’ IN a brief statement, on Friday, United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said that the UK will not recognise a government sworn-in in Guyana based on “non-credible results”. He said that “strong international condemnation and consequences” would come to any government sworn-in under such circumstances. Rabb identified the results he believes to be credible as the results deriving from the national recount, now contentious following the recent judgement of the Caribbean

Court of Justice (CCJ). The Foreign Secretary said: “It has been over 4 months since elections in Guyana. No electorate should have to wait that long for a result. The UK is disappointed by the ongoing attempts to frustrate the will of the people. The Caribbean Community scrutinised recount cleared the way to declare a legitimate result. That should now happen. Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation and consequences – we have started the

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab process of putting those consequences in place.” The Foreign Secretary also paid tribute to Guyanese for their display of patience as they await an election declaration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Tourism sector adapting to setbacks … examining best practices for a new form of tourism

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA’s phased reopening of airports has been postponed, more than once, due to the fluctuating threat of COVID-19 locally and abroad. Through it all, the tourism sector has been analysing each development and continues to seek out ways to adapt to the circumstances and the new form that tourism will take on. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, presented an update on how the sector was managing, given the push of Phase Two of the reopening from July 1 to late August, 2020. He said that while the repatriation flights to Guyana have been bringing home hundreds of Guyanese, primarily from North America, the outgoing flights take foreign nationals with them, reducing even further the low numbers at hotels, lodges and guest houses. “Even the persons that

we were looking to target, which would be the expatriates that are here to work in the oil and gas sector, a lot of them went home. So, the pool has decreased but the oil and gas sector is still operating, so there are still a few in the country,” he said. “The occupancy rate is barely double digit; in a lot of places, it is single digit. Many of the small hotels are closed and, even the big ones, I would say they’re around 15 to 20 per cent maximum [occupancy].” The THAG President said that the sector understands that the virus isn’t going anywhere for now and that tourism businesses will therefore have to adapt in order to survive. Many business owners have been using the downtime to renovate their establishments but this is not enough. Ramkumar said that stakeholders have a plan in the works for a widescale collaboration in the establishment of COVID-19 kits and business Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which would enable most, if not all tourism businesses in Guyana, to operate at the

same level of efficiency. He said that this unison is key as tourists are not likely to determine whether they should visit a country based on the standards of just one business, but tourism businesses in the collective. THAG has also turned its attention, internationally, to see what are the best practices being implemented at restaurants and hotels for the safest and most enjoyable experience for visitors. “The most important thing is safety. We want to instill confidence in people that if they come to Guyana it’s going to be safe and, wherever they go, which ever lodge, or resort or hotel or restaurant, these procedures are adhered to across the board,” he said, adding: “This virus is not going to go anywhere. We have to learn and live alongside this virus so, what we need to do is to ensure we have robust procedures and protocols in place.” Ramkumar believes that, with Guyana’s main focus on eco-tourism, it will not be difficult for the

Bar Council warns against personal attacks on lawyers … says perpetrators could face legal proceedings, charges THE Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has condemned recent cases of personal attacks against former Solicitor-General of Guyana, Kim Kyte-Thomas, concerning the 2020 General and Regional Elections. Kyte-Thomas is currently representing the Chairperson of the Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, in the High Court case – Misenga Jones v The Guyana Elections Commission and others. In a release on Friday, the Bar Council stated that various forms of media have targeted attorneys-at-law appearing in legal proceedings before the Court, acts the Council will

not tolerate. “It would appear that persons not being so successful have now resorted to a lower level of depravity. The embarrassingly protracted elec-

tion process has resulted in a heightened political atmosphere which has seen a pattern in personal attacks being levied against persons in the exercise of their profession and duties. Such attacks are wholly unacceptable, inap-

propriate and must be denounced. Attorneys-at-Law are, by statute, officers of the Court and appear for their clients in discharge of their professional duty, under oath, without fear or favour,” the Bar Council made clear. It noted that just last week it had cause to speak against escalated statements aimed at the judiciary. It cautioned members of the public against such “inflammatory, threatening and libelous statements” noting that they contribute to the undermining of justice and the rule of law in Guyana. The Bar Council also pointed out that perpetrators who do not desist from such acts could face legal proceedings and charges.

country to manage physical distancing at many destinations as opposed to other countries accustomed to large crowds. He said: “Working with the GTA (Guyana Tourism Authority) as soon as we’re able to re-open we want to launch a domestic tourism package which is something like a Resort Week like how we have Restaurant Week. It’s going to last for about three months where we encourage locals to come out and travel and see Guyana, at reduced prices, of course.” The tourism sector continues to adhere to the guidelines of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH). They look forward to the re-opening of Guyana’s ports to international visitors at a time when such is

advisable by Public Health Authorities. THAG also looks forward to the resumption of work on the planned construction of a state-ofthe-art hospitality institute in Guyana. The proposed design for the institute was last presented in May 2019 receiving good reception. The Institute is expected to be constructed at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), on a 2.5-acre plot of land. It is being funded through collaboration between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Government of Guyana, and is being constructed in response to the growing demand for services in the hospitality sector in Guyana. As Guyana emerges from the COVID-19 experience towards a hopeful end, the THAG President said that much has been learnt about the usefulness of distance learning and efforts

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar will be put in place to ensure the institute caters for this. “What a lot of people are doing now is going virtual and so the institute’s model definitely needs to be relooked at, with the realities of Guyana as well. Not a lot of people have access to do it remotely and those are the people we want to target; we want to get those people working and into the industry,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

The tent she currently occupies

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

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GUYANA GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRONICLE Saturday, Saturday,July July 18, 18, 2020 2020

Deccan Chargers win IPL arbitration (ESPNCricinfo) - Deccan Chronicle Holdings (DCHL), the promoter of the former IPL franchise Deccan Chargers, has won a substantial arbitration award - reported in the Indian media to be in the tune of INR 4800 crore (US$640 million approx) plus add-ons - against the BCCI for their alleged wrongful termination from the IPL. Yesterday, the court-appointed arbitrator and retired Supreme Court Judge CK Thakkar reportedly found the BCCI’s termination of the one-time IPL champions

Deccan Chargers won the IPL in 2009 and were terminated three years later. (Associated Press)

wrongful and premature. The dispute dates back to October 2012, when Deccan Chargers were terminated from the IPL for failing to put up the INR 100 crore (US$19 million approx. then) bank guarantee, set by the Bombay High Court to stay in the league. The BCCI had then invited fresh bids for the Hyderabad franchise, which eventually went to the Sun Network that currently owns the Sunrisers Hyderabad. At the time, the arbitrator had put a stay on the termination, but the Bombay High Court overruled it following a BCCI appeal. A Deccan Chronicle report said DCHL’s promoters considered the BCCI’s show-cause notices for termination in 2012 to be over “trivial matters” and thought of the termination as unfair, suggesting that other franchises that had “actually indulged in illegal practices” were given meagre penalties. The report also alleges that the BCCI’s

termination decision had come a day before the deadline given to DCHL to resolve the issues, and that DCHL had resolved them in the stipulated time. “BCCI had terminated the contract of Deccan Chronicle a day before. The challenge was in respect of illegal and premature termination and the tribunal has also come to the conclusion that the termination was premature,” Ashish Pyasi, associate partner of Dhir and Dhir Associates, which represent-

ed DCHL, was quoted in Moneycontrol. The compensation breakup reported in the media is understood to be around INR 4800 crore, along with an interest of 10% per year since the arbitration began in 2012 and a fee of INR 50 lakh (approx. US$66,700). “We haven’t received the judgement copy yet, only after reading we will decide next plan of action,” Hemang Amin, the interim CEO of the BCCI, was quoted as saying in the Economic Times.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(SATURDAY JULY 18, 2020)COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 2256158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1)Gordon Greenidge (WI vs PAK, Bourda, 1988) (2)WI vs ENG (Kensington Oval, Barbados, 1974) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who were the two captains when the WI and ENG contested for The Wisden Trophy for the first time? (2)Put these in order beginning with the man who has played most Test matches against the WI:Naseer Hussain; David Gower; Ian Botham; Graham Hick Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANACHRONICLE CHRONICLE Saturday, Saturday, July July 18, 18, 2020 2020 GUYANA

IPL, FTP, domestic cricket high on BCCI meeting agenda

(ESPNCRICINFO) CONDUCTING a delayed season of the IPL, possibly in September-October, and other domestic tournaments, likely to be fewer than usual, were topmost on the BCCI Apex Council’s agenda when the members met via video conference yesterday to discuss the immediate future despite rising COVID-19 cases in the country. That aside, there were discussions on the senior men’s team’s calendar, with three series - away white-ball tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and a home series against England - already deferred. Items on the agenda included IPL - the way

The 2020 IPL could well take place in the September-November window. (BCCI)

forward, Domestic cricket schedule, FTP - rescheduling of the England home series for February, 2021, Tax exemption certificates, which are mandatory for hosting the T20 World Cup in India, The NCA facility in Bengaluru as well as the Extension of contracts for BCCI and IPL digital platforms. Also discussed were the administration of the Bihar Cricket Association, appointment of new BCCI staff, procedure to appoint new CEO after Rahul Johri’s resignation, payments to the north-eastern states and discussion on tender for apparel partnership “Obviously, all options need to be explored (when it comes to the IPL),” an unnamed BCCI official told PTI. “First option is India but you don’t know how the situation will be. Obviously, there are UAE and Sri Lanka but taking out the IPL will increase the overheads. I think the president also recently said that. “I don’t think we are still in a position to fix

venues in a situation which is so fluid. But the plans and the tentative window needs to be ready so that once ICC makes a formal announcement of T20 World Cup (scheduled for October-November) cancellation next week, we can proceed.” The thorny issue of getting a tax-exemption certificate from the government in order to host the 2021 men’s T20 World Cup in India is also high on the agenda. As such, the BCCI has been given time until December to get the necessary clearances from the central government. Meanwhile, a final decision on the 2020 edition of the tournament, scheduled to be held in Australia, is pending, and might emerge from the ICC Board meeting, slotted for next Monday. As far as India men’s FTP is concerned, the white-ball series against England in September could be rescheduled to February, following the Test series. In case the BCCI wants to squeeze in the white-ball games, it

could mean curtailing the five-Test series to include six white-ball games (three in each format). The postponed whiteball tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also need to be rescheduled. Coming to the domestic season, which includes tournaments for senior men, senior women, men’s Under-23s, Under-19s and Under-16s, women’s Under-23s and Under-19s, a lot of tweaking could be on the cards. “Obviously, the Ranji Trophy schedule needs to be tweaked,” the official said. “We need to discuss whether we can have Vijay Hazare, Duleep Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali in one go. Maybe we have to let go (of) one of the tournaments as considerable time would be lost. We have to fit in the junior domestic events (too).” As for the apparel sponsorship, with the deal with Nike having come to an end, BCCI is expected to follow the process of inviting tenders from potential bidders.

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GUYANA GUYANA CHRONICLE CHRONICLE Saturday, Saturday,July July 18, 18, 2020 2020

Vettel tops Hungary free practice

(BBC) - Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel headed Valtteri Bottas’ Mercedes in a wet second practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Vettel was 0.272 seconds faster than Bottas, while Lewis Hamilton in the other Mercedes did not set a lap time. McLaren’s Carlos Sainz was third fastest, ahead of the Racing Points of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll. In the morning’s dry first session, Hamilton was fastest, 0.086 seconds quicker than Bottas. The fastest times were all set on ‘extreme’ wet tyres. Several drivers - including Vettel, Bottas and Sainz tried the ‘intermediate’ tyres but were not able to go faster. The weather forecast is for intermittent rain for the rest of the weekend in Budapest. A number of drivers ran wide, but there were no major incidents despite the difficult

conditions. The day offered no significant clues as to the true competitive order around the Hungaroring this weekend. Red Bull, Mercedes’ closest challengers so far this season, were off the pace in the dry first session, but their chief engineer Paul Monaghan later admitted they were running with their Honda engine turned down compared to the Mercedes. Red Bull were also running on different tyres from Mercedes in the first session, preferring to focus on the ‘soft’ tyre, which they found wore out too quickly. Mercedes technical director James Allison said that he expected a challenge from Red Bull over the weekend. “It was a great first session,” said Hamilton. “Got everything we needed to do. It’s a shame it rained today. It didn’t leave a lot for us to do in the second session.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel

“Don’t take too much from the first session - everyone is doing a different programme. But it was going OK. I think it will be a lot closer when we get to P3 and qualifying.”

Lord Coe elected to IOC

Coe has been tipped as a future IOC president.

(BBC) - World Athletics president Lord Coe has been elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coe’s candidacy was proposed after he changed his status at sports marketing firm CSM to a non-executive role over a potential conflict of interest. The 63-year-old had been turned down for IOC membership a number of

times, most recently in December. The two-time Olympic 1500m champion became head of athletics’ world governing body in 2015. Voting at the IOC session, held virtually because of the coronavirus pandemic, tallied 85 valid votes with six abstentions. 77 voted to approve Coe’s membership, with eight voting against. Also approved for

individual IOC membership were Princess Reema Bandar al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, former Croatian president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Cuban Olympic Committee board member Maria de la Caridad Colon Ruenes and acting Mongolian National Olympic Committee president Battushig Batbold.

Afghanistan ex-football chief Keramuddin Karim

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

Stokes, Sibley grit helps England past 400 (ESPNCricinfo) - Ben Stokes and Dom Sibley picked up where they left off on the opening day to guide England into a commanding position at the end of the second day with West Indies a wicket down and trailing on first innings by 437 runs. Having spent the best part of two days toiling hard in the field, an unchanged West Indies outfit from the one that won the first Test by four wickets in Southampton just five days ago, face a fresh English seam attack. Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran all missed the last game but came into this one for the omitted Jofra Archer and the resting Mark Wood and James Anderson. Stokes, the fourth leg, will be understandably less crisp but he won’t turn down the chance to build on his contribution with the bat. Stokes faced 356 deliveries for his 176, his longest innings by far in terms of balls faced - he faced significantly fewer balls for his highest Test score of 258. Yes, it was slow going, but not as slow as Sibley’s 372-ball 120 and Stokes produced some jolt-you-awake shots when warranted, including an indignant shove all the way over long-on off Alzarri Joseph to add to his other six off Roston Chase the previous day. Chase could hold his head high, having claimed a five-wicket haul, but his side were left with it all to do after the stubborn-ness of Stokes

SCOREBOARD

and Sibley. Coming in with his side 81 for 3 on the first day, Stokes’ knock was the intelligent innings England required. It also carried with it the air of a man keen to go on after falling in the 40s in both innings at the Ageas Bowl. There were also 17 fours for Stokes, including the odd reverse sweep, one of which brought up his 10th Test century. It was another, attempted, reverse off Kemar Roach which brought about his undoing, but he had done his job. The moment wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich caught Stokes was hugely significant for Roach as it broke a Test wicket drought going back to August 31, 2019, and lasting 521 deliveries, or 86.5 overs.

And just as he had done in that drought with two wickets in two balls, including Virat Kohli for a golden duck in Kingston, so he came out of it in the same manner, as Woakes was caught at gully next ball for a duck. Just as the tempo of Stokes’ knock can’t be criticised in England’s circumstances, or can Sibley’s, as sedate as it was. Sibley had been at the crease as fellow opener Rory Burns, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell, meaning it was hardly the time to change his circumspect nature. Sibley resumed yesterday tantalisingly close to his second century, not out 86 with Stokes unbeaten on 59 and England 207 for 3. The pair added 57 runs in the morning session and Sibley seemed

stuck in the 90s for an age. There was even the possibility of Stokes beating him to the milestone but Sibley got there first, pushing Joseph through mid-on for three. Stokes went to lunch on 99 but brought up his ton on the third ball he faced after the break. Sibley finally holed out to Roach off Chase, ending a 260-run stand with Stokes off 568 balls, which was England’s second-longest partnership this century. Off-spinner Chase bowled 44 overs - including 28 unchanged from the over before lunch to the end of the England innings - to claim 5 for 172. The quick turnaround between Tests was telling on West Indies’ quicks, with Shannon Gabriel moving gin-

ENGLAND 1st innings (overnight 207 for three) R. Burns lbw b Chase 15 D. Sibley c Roach b Chase 120 Z. Crawley c Holder b Chase 0 J. Root c Holder b Joseph 23 B. Stokes c wkp. Dowrich b Roach 176 O. Pope lbw b Chase 7 J. Buttler c Joseph b Holder 40 C. Woakes c Hope b Roach 0 S. Curran c Brathwaite b Chase 17 D. Bess not out 31 S. Broad not out 11 Extras: (b-4, lb-7, w-10, nb-8) 29 Total: (9 wkts decl., 162 overs) 469 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-29, 3-81, 4-341, 5-352, gerly from the start of the match and spending time off the ground in the hands of the team physio. Joseph also sought treatment for a sore biceps tendon as Roach toiled long and hard for his eventual reward, and Holder carried a heavy workload too. With swing in the air, Holder delayed taking the second new ball until the 94th over, about an hour into the day’s play. But even then, there was no breakthrough until well into the second session.

6-395), 7-395, 8-426, 9-427. Bowling: Roach 33-958-2 (w-1, nb-3), Gabriel 26-2-79-0 (w-5, nb-4), Joseph 23.1-570-1, Holder 32-10-701, Chase 44-3-172-5, Brathwaite 3.5-0-9-0. WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite not out 6 J. Campbell lbw b Curran 12 A. Joseph not out 14 Total: (1 wkt, 14 overs) 32 Fall of wicket: 1-16 (Campbell) Bowling: Broad 5-114-0, Woakes 4-3-2-0, Curran 3-1-8-1, Bess 2-0-8-0. Position: West Indies trail England by 437 runs with nine first-innings wickets remaining.

Sibley’s dismissal brought Ollie Pope to the crease for a short-lived stay, but Jos Buttler stuck around long enough to add 40 off 79 balls. After Curran had provided Chase’s fifth wicket, Dom Bess added an unbeaten 31 off 26 before Root had seen enough. Joseph ended up returning to the middle sooner than he would have liked - as nightwatchman - when Curran had Windies opener John Campbell out lbw for 12 late in the evening session.

Faf Du Plessis stands by BLM movement

(ESPNCrincinfo) - Faf du Plessis, South Africa’s Test and T20I captain until February this year, has admitted to having “got it wrong before” as he, alongside Dwaine Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen, Anrich Nortje and Marizanne Kapp became the first members of the white Afrikaans cricket community in South Africa to publicly voice their support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, joining Lungi Ngidi and 32 former players and five current coaches of colour. “In the last couple of months I have realised that we must choose our battles,” du Plessis, who along with Pretorius has indicated he

will take a knee during the 3TC exhibition game on July 18, wrote in an Instagram post yesterday. “We are surrounded by many injustices in our coun-

try that require urgent attention and action to fix them. If we wait only for the ones that attack us personally, we will always live for ‘my way vs your way’ and that way leads

us nowhere. “So I’ve remained silent, with the intent to listen, but not respond. Slowing down my point of view, but quicker to hear the pain of someone

Conversation is the vehicle for change, Faf du Plessis wrote. (Getty Images)

else, I knew that words would be lacking and that my understanding is not close to where it needs to be. “I surrender my opinions and take the knee as an intercessor. I acknowledge that South Africa is still hugely divided by racism and it is my personal responsibility to do my best to emphasise, hear the stories, learn and then be part of the solution with my thoughts, words and actions.” du Plessis acknowledged that his comment earlier this year, in which he had said the team did not see colour - when talking about Temba Bavuma being dropped from the Test team - was naïve. “I have gotten it wrong before. Good intentions were failed by a lack of perspective

when I said on a platform that - I don’t see colour,” he said. “In my ignorance I silenced the struggles of others by placing my own view on it. “A race problem is a human race problem, if one part of the body hurts, we all stop, we empathise, we get perspective, we learn and then we tend to the hurting part of the body. “So I am saying that all lives don’t matter UNTIL black lives matter. I’m speaking up now, because if I wait to be perfect, I never will. I want to leave a legacy of empathy. The work needs to continue for the change to come and whether we agree or disagree, conversation is the vehicle for change.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 18, 2020

GVF president doubtful about action resuming anytime soon

By Clifton Ross

cal soil prior to the pandemic fully being unleashed and PRESIDENT of Guyana players remained indoors as Volleyball Federation (GVF) a result. Levi Nedd said he’s not overThe national coach told ly optimistic about players Chronicle Sport recently, that returning to the courts any he doubts that any action will time in the near future. spike off anytime soon as the The local volleyball com- virus continues to spread while munity has been hit heavily Guyana slowly phases back by the COVID-19 outbreak, as into normalcy as the months plans geared towards breaking go by. new ground this year were Among those plans that haphazardly curtailed when GVF were forced to halt due the lockdown came into effect to lockdown was the highly since the beginning of March. anticipated National Under-16 Apart from February’s trip tournament, which would have to French Guiana where the been used to form the next senior men’s team had a good generation of junior national showing in the 2020 Inter-Gui- players. A national school’s volleyana Games (IGG), not much ball tourney as well as a nawas done thereafter. tionwide coaching programme The squad returned to lo- was also on the cards for the

first quarter of 2020. Female volleyball players were set for the limelight in 2020 with Nedd confirming since last year that more emphasis will be placed on the ladies’ game. While the GVF has seen a surge in the participation and representation of women both locally and overseas in the sport, plans to form both junior and senior national teams by virtue of competitions were sadly put on hold as well. Those events were indefinitely pushed back months ago but the GVF head was still doubtful that any type of action will happen soon. Due to the cases continuing to rise worldwide and locally in particular, Nedd

Volleyball could see a further delay in return to action.

believed it was wise to still hold off and quarantine while continuing to adhere to the respective guidelines. With things in the Ancient County stagnant, volleyball, like cricket which is the biggest sport, has been suffering both financially and competi-

tion-wise. Volleyball players in Berbice continue to practise their isolated means of training and stay in ideal playing shape for when the time arrives for action. Meanwhile, Nedd still remains hopeful that the current state of things will soon be

reversed and players can return to representing their country with pride as they did just a few months ago. He also encouraged players to maintain their discipline and dedication towards the development of their game, during this forced hiatus.

Assessing players’ fitness, techniques key upon return to action – Percival

… Berbice cricketers keeping fit despite challenges By Clifton Ross

Ex-West Indies Under-19 captain and Guyana all-rounder Andre Percival

FORMER West Indies Under-19 captain and Guyana all-rounder, Andre Percival, is rooting for action to return to the Ancient County of Berbice, following months of lockdown due to COVID-19. Percival, a hard-hitting all-rounder who represented Guyana from 1992 to 2009 and was arguably the most successful Regional U-19 captain, told Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview that things in the ancient county were quiet following months of inactivity but he was hoping for a swift, healthy return to

action when time permits. With everything on hold locally and regionally, the 45-year-old pointed out that apart from missing the camaraderie the players will be hurt feelings-wise as most of them look forward to the Regional season as their own little tour. “It was unfortunate for them because we would normally have our Under-13, U-15, U-17, U-19 and senior Inter-county tournaments. I know most of the guys were looking forward to the national season because it’s like a tour for them,” he said. A former youth star locally and

regionally with a total of 57 national appearances for Guyana in 50 Overs, 1st Class and T20, he was also a key part of the historic Guyana team who won the first Stanford T20 tournament. The burly left-hander, who turned national coach a few years ago, believed that training will be heavily affected by the downtime; as most of the youths don’t have access to proper training facilities/equipment. “As coaches we look at our young players as the future but because of COVID-19 there’s not much to do in Berbice right now. Some players would call and say coach can I have

Woods in danger of missing Memorial Tournament cut (BBC) - Tiger Woods faces an anxious wait at the Memorial Tournament after a four-over 76 left him at three over par, one shot outside the projected cut mark. The American, playing in his first PGA Tour event after the coronavirus break, has won the event a record five times and never missed the cut in 17 starts. World number one Rory McIlroy had a level-par 72 to stay two under. Ryan Palmer (68) and Tony Finau (69) lead on nine

under with half the field still to complete their second rounds. Overnight leader Finau dropped two shots in his first three holes but three birdies in his final five holes saw him move level with Palmer, who has had only one bogey in his opening two rounds. They lead world number two Jon Rahm by one shot after he hit a five-under 67. A victory this weekend could see Rahm become only the second Spaniard after Seve Ballesteros to lead the world

rankings.

MCILROY AND WOODS FIGHT HARD Northern Ireland’s McIlroy had a disastrous start, bogeying his first hole, the 10th and then double-bogeying the 11th after driving into water from the tee. A pair of birdies on the 14th and 15th holes were followed by another bogey and after cancelling out another birdie with a bogey on the back nine, he holed a ninefoot putt for eagle on the fifth

and birdied the sixth to get to three under. However, his round ended disappointingly with a threeputt bogey from 33 feet on the ninth. Woods, playing alongside McIlroy and in his first professional event in five months, dropped six shots in eight holes and was looking set to definitely miss the cut when he also bogeyed the sixth to leave him five over with three to play. He rallied with a birdie on the par-five seventh and

some balls to do a few throw-downs and so on but apart from that they still try to do their own personal workouts in the morning until things get better,” said Percival. A stalwart of Berbice county cricket as a youth then in his senior years, the medium-pacer said upon return to action, the first phase is to assess players’ fitness and technique by virtue of various cardiovascular tests and match simulations. “First we look at their fitness level, some yo-yo Tests to see their level along with some practice matches to see where their games are at. Other than that we will continue to stay close as a unit, wait until things get back to normal and ensure that Berbice cricket remains on top.” Percival ended.

Woods has won the Memorial Tournament a record five times - the last of which was in 2012

rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt on the eighth to get to three over. However, a wild drive on the par-four ninth meant he was unable to reach the green in two and he had to settle for a par and a nervous wait to see if the cut mark moves out

by a shot. “Well, not very good” was Woods’ assessment of his round. “I three-putted two holes early and, whatever kind of momentum I was going to create, I stifled that early and fought it the rest of the day.”

Stokes, Sibley grit helps England past 400

Ben Stokes and Dom Sibley piled on the runs. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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22 Ben Stokes is knocked off his feet by a yorker. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Ollie Pope was trapped lbw by Roston Chase. (Getty Images)

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SATURDAY,JULY 18, 2020