EU urges Two deaths; overhaul 99 new cases of GECOM recorded …regulate campaign financing, restructuring of state media PAGE PAGE 12 on Saturday 10 SUNDAY, 21st MARCH, 2021 Follow or contact at: [email protected] / facebook.com/villagevoicegy / www.villagevoicegy.com ‘Mother wants NEWSPAPER answers’ PAGE …questions whether vaccine killed her four-month son 03 ...tells emotional story of questionable actions of police and nurse Gov’t repositioning UG to offer more online courses ---Ali charges graduates to stay and help develop Guyana

PAGE 02 ‘Pink slip’ holders to cash

PAGE Residents of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice on Saturday held their first ever market day. The event was deemed a success. A farmer shows off a giant bunch of banana. in soon ––Dharamlall 10 The Village Voice Newspaper is designed by Magazine and Newspaper Layout Designs 2 NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 Gov’t repositioning UG to offer more online courses –– Ali charges graduates to stay and help develop Guyana

resident Irfaan Al on Friday said his levels of growth and human development, government is committed to refash- but which will also require higher levels of ioning the University of Guyana education and learning.” to better respond to the needs of a He stressed that a key element of the Pmodern society. national development agenda is the growth The Head of State made the pronounce- ment, while virtually addressing the 2020 of a knowledge-based economy, which graduating class of the premier tertiary depends on highly skilled human capital educational institution. “My Government that prioritise life-long learning. “Today’s has made some commitments to boosting graduation is therefore, just the end of one tertiary education. My Government has leg of your journey of continuous learning, pledged to refashion the University of for if you do not continuously upgrade Guyana to better respond to the needs of and acquire fresh and relevant skills and a modern Guyana…We will honour those knowledge, you will be left behind in the obligations.” According to a press release by the new economy. The new economy involves Office of the President, he pointed to the -im a paradigm shift in the way things are done. portance of education in a developing coun- Knowledge is combined with capital and try, calling it a “vital life force” of national entrepreneurship in ways which are dif- development, while he also underscored the ferent from in the past. The new economy need for highly skilled individuals in the will be geared not simply at producing raw ‘new economy’. materials, but by applying technology to President Ali said that the Government transform commodities into wealth. To has committed to improving the technolog- ical advancement of the university, and in compete in the modern world will not be doing so, will ensure that there is greater about constraining labour costs but about access to higher education by making catalysing innovation.” more courses and programmes available The President said that although the online. He reiterated his Government’s convocation ceremony was celebrated vir- commitment to guaranteeing free university tually this year, due to the pandemic, it does education before the end of its term, along not diminish the significance of the event. with the provision of 20,000 scholarships “Today’s convocation is a testament to our to improve the educational capacity of people’s perseverance in the face of chal- Guyanese. This he said will be supported by the lenges. Throughout our history, our people creation of a Guyana Online Academy have demonstrated the tenacity and desire to of Learning which will fall in line with overcome seemingly insurmountable odds,” the Government’s intention of expanding President Ali said, while noting that this tertiary education access. “…We have al- courage and determination is exemplified ready established partnerships with various by one of the graduates – Rajni Persaud, a universities and applied sciences institu- physically-challenged student, who gradu- tions, some of these include: Indira Gandhi ated with a Diploma in Accountancy. Open University, the University of Applied Science in Germany, the Open University “I ask you today to believe in your abil- in the UK and the University of the West ities, to be seized by that conviction that no Indies Open Campus, to provide over 4,500 matter what life throws at you henceforth scholarships to Guyanese students com- that you will prevail. mencing in July, this year.” It has been a most challenging year for Guyanese have already started to tran- our country, and you students have faced a sition to online learning, according to great deal of setbacks. But you have made President Ali, since September last year, it to the finish line. To the University of over 53,000 Guyanese have registered with the Commonwealth of Learning and Cour- Guyana’s class of 2020, I applaud you sera, with almost 36,000 taking courses to President Ali flanked by the two valedictorians; 24-year-old Deepa Odit from the and extend my heartfelt congratulations Turkeyen Campus (left) who completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy on your long-awaited and well-deserved upgrade or re-skill themselves in various and attained a 3.9 GPA and 36-year-old Savitree Budram from the Tain Campus, fields. “The transition of the Cyril Potter who completed a Bachelor of Education – Administration and attained a GPA of 4.0. graduation.” College of Education and the University of Ali also presented the President’s Medal Guyana to online learning is taking place, needs you, all of you. You will be expected The Head of State said that the country to the two valedictorians; 24-year-old Dee- and we are committed to working with to become key players in our efforts to ad- will look to them to be at the forefront of pa Odit from the Turkeyen Campus, who these institutions in attaining their key stra- vance our national development. Education promoting innovation and propelling our completed a Bachelor of Science Degree tegic objectives as they continue to serve in Pharmacy and attained a 3.9 GPA and our populace.” has long been universally acknowledged as economy to higher levels of output and Meanwhile, President Ali charged the a cornerstone of development. The quality attainment. “It is vital that we utilise our 36-year-old Savitree Budram from the graduates to position themselves to take full of human capital has a strong association collective skills and knowledge to improve Tain Campus, who completed a Bachelor advantage of the unprecedented growth that with higher national output and increased our quality of life. Guyana is embarking not of Education – Administration and attained will be realised across the sectors. “Guyana efficiency.” only on a process which will yield higher a GPA of 4.0. SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 NEWS 3 Young mother wants to know whether vaccine killed her four-month son ...tells emotional story of questionable actions of police and nurse

By Lisa Hamilton elsey Bowen, a family encouraged her to 23-year-old mother request a toxicology test for of three, is seeking her baby. She hoped it would the truth about how determine whether her baby Kher four-month-old baby died was adversely affected by the suddenly on March 3, 2021, vaccine. a day after receiving the rou- Bowen filled out the pa- tine vaccines administered to perwork but, in the process, babies after birth. was told that the police officer In an extended interview with the Village Voice News would have to be involved on Thursday, Bowen said the in the toxicology test as the matter has caused her great matter was a police matter and emotional distress as there faced resistance when it came seems to be some form of a to requesting the test. cover-up underway. This time, Bowen said she On March 2, 2021, four- caused a scene by threatening month-old Keyhon Tafahri to take her plight to the media Benjamin was alive and well and finally got the attention when Bowen took him to of the nurses and doctors and the Nabaclis Health Center’s Kelsey Bowen Kelsey Bowen, a 23-year-old mother of three and her late four-month baby was permitted at a date for the clinic for his four-month vac- test. Bowen postponed her cine dosage. According to his child’s funeral and returned mother, her child, who had to the hospital mortuary for fallen asleep while awaiting the test on March 10. the vaccine, was awakened The said policeman was to take it and cried as most expected to be there at 7am babies do in protest. but several calls to her phone In other words, this is proof that he was alive at the from different numbers went time. He was given two shots unanswered. Bowen, still and two drips in his mouth. determined, called the station Bowen then travelled home to and later visited but was told Vryheid's Lust with her child. that the police was transferred She was required to work that to another station. day so she left little Keyhon “I said now that y'all with his babysitter. find out she’s a scamp y'all The babysitter, a woman transfer she instead of doing averaged in her 60s/70s, has something about it?” Bowen been looking after Bowen’s recounted. Eventually, she children for some three years, was provided with a police nine months. Bowen said officer to participate in the that the babysitter is a trusted toxicology test. woman who, for all the years, However, again, Bowen has done no harm to her chil- was not allowed to witness the dren. process. She is now awaiting That day, Bowen’s two The vaccination chart Keyhon Tafahri Benjamin the results which she was told other children -- a four-year- could take some four weeks. old girl and a one-year-old girl not moving. She called on a nose and nothing on his blan- that the officer was not to be and I wasn’t even told that were also with the babysitter. neighbour who assisted her ket. They said a post-mortem trusted because the officer it started...someone from the In recent developments, she While at work, Bowen said with contacting the police. examination (PME) would requested of her $20,000 for mortuary told me that I can- was also allegedly made she called the babysitter to Not long after, Bowen provide additional informa- reasons undisclosed. Bowen not go. My grandmother was aware on March 18, 2021 check on her son and was told received the chilling phone tion. said that this is even as the there, the father of the child that the nurse who vaccinated that his skin got a bit warm call that she should come to Though the police asked said police officer has been was there, my cousin was her baby has been suspended. during the night but he didn’t the babysitter’s home imme- her if she suspected foul play, “pressuring” her to state that there. We all were told that I “My thing is that nobody experience a major fever. diately. When she arrived at Bowen said she has no reason she suspects foul play re- can’t go, none of us can’t go,” reached out to me, the nurse Afterwork, when Bowen the scene just after 7 o’clock to suspect such as the babysit- garding the babysitter and she said. was suspended. Why did you returned home late, little Key- the police were already there. ter had never wrongfully han- her child. When the police officer say he died from his vom- hon and the other girls were “As I walked in to go into dled her children. Instead, Bowen put the additional returned, Bowen said she it? How come all of a sud- already sleeping. As she did her house police started to she told the police that she issues aside and on March 5, was told: “So, mommy, your den they suspend this nurse most times so as not to disturb speak to me but I wasn’t pay- suspects that the vaccine the 2021, went to the Georgetown son died from choking on his without getting proof that it them, she allowed them to ing them any mind because I child took the day before may Public Hospital Corporation vomit.” Bowen did not accept was the vaccine. My thing remain at the babysitter’s res- already know something was have negatively affected him. (GPHC) for the PME. Again, this because the worker from is, they’re trying to cover up idence for an early-morning wrong,” Bowen said. She worries that it may have the police officer allegedly the ambulance had put her something,” Bowen said. pick up before she’s expected “I went straight to the been an overdose or maybe requested money but this time son’s death as natural causes Bowen contacted the to go to work. room that I know he would an expired drug. from Bowen or her family, because there were no marks Ministry of Health on March At about 4:30am the next normally be in and my son Statements were taken claiming that it was normal on his skin, nothing coming 18 but was only cut short and day, March 3, 2021, Bowen was lying there in the crib from the individuals involved. for families to pay the police out of his mouth or nose and redirected to another branch. said she was later made aware in the position he normally She was also asked by a police who stood in for the PME nothing on his blanket. that the babysitter alleges that sleeps in and the police were officer to seek out and sign as it's usually a sight hard to She also wanted to know She took her plight to the Vil- she woke up at the said time speaking and I just started to an affidavit so that her son’s stomach. how her son could have lage Voice News with the aim and fed Keyhon as customary. cry.” body could be released to her. Bowen said she brushed choked on his vomit but died of alerting the public of her He would be expected to be Bowen said that workers In the following day(s), in the suggestion away by stat- in the position he was sleeping situation which she said has fed again at around 6:30am. from the ambulance told her reaching out to the babysitter ing that her family was on in. The police once again sug- more questions than answers. However, when the that they would list her ba- for her correct lot address for the way. However, she faced gested the babysitter but Bow- She said: “It’s like they’re babysitter woke around this by’s death as "due to natural the affidavit, Bowen said that greater emotional distress en still does not believe that just trying to sweep this thing time, it is alleged that when causes" because there were the babysitter cautioned her when she was not allowed to the babysitter had anything to under the mat and just move she went to check on him no marks on his skin; nothing about the said police officer. witness her baby’s PME. do with her son’s death. on with it and I’m really look- he was stretched out and coming out of his mouth or She allegedly told Bowen “The post-mortem started As a result, Bowen’s ing for some form of justice.” 4 INTERNATIONAL NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 International pressure on Myanmar generals grows as protesters march, one killed (Reuters) - Opponents of an urgent meeting. Myanmar’s coup protested Malaysian Prime Min- again on Saturday and in- ister Muhyiddin Yassin ternational pressure grew said he was appalled by the on the military junta to halt persistent use of lethal vio- its repression of democra- lence against unarmed ci- cy supporters, with Asian vilians. Singapore has also neighbours joining Western expressed its disapproval. countries in condemning But the military has lethal force. shown no sign of being A young man was shot swayed and has defended and killed in one of the most its takeover, which derailed turbulent neighbourhoods a slow transition to democ- of the main city of Yan- racy in a country that was gon, a resident and media under strict military rule reported, taking the death from a 1962 coup until the toll since the Feb. 1 coup to generals initiated reforms a 238, according to a tally by decade ago. the Assistance Association The junta says a Nov. 8 for Political Prisoners ac- election won by Suu Kyi’s tivist group. party was fraudulent, an The bloodshed has not accusation rejected by the quelled public anger over electoral commission. The the return of military rule, military leaders have prom- the ouster of the elected ised a new election but have government and the deten- not set a date. tion of its leader, Aung San Coup leader General Suu Kyi. FILE PHOTO: Riot police officers detain a demonstrator during a protest against the Min Aung Hlaing on Sat- But some activists say military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, March 19, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo they have had to adapt tac- urday visited the Coco is- tics. a street. Hundreds marched in U.N. rapporteur Tom spam policy”. lands, about 400 km (250 “We protest where there On Saturday, dozens of the town of Monywa and Andrews called for sanc- The ministry had been miles) south of Yangon, are no police or military, demonstrators gathered in burned a copy of the 2008 tions in response to the posting news daily on Twit- and explained to military then when we hear they’re the second city of Manda- constitution, which was generals’ “ruthless” attacks ter. officers and nurses why he coming, we disperse quick- lay. Several were injured drafted under military su- on people. “The world must had to seize power, the state ly,” campaigner Kyaw Min when a vehicle drove into pervision and limits the respond by cutting their ASIAN ANGER broadcaster reported. Htike told Reuters from Da- them and when police fired powers of elected civilians, access to money and weap- Western countries have The islands are near wei in the south before he rubber bullets, a city news the Irrawaddy news portal ons,” he wrote on Twitter. repeatedly condemned the some of the world’s most and others staged a brief ral- portal reported. It was not reported. Authorities have tight- coup and the violence. important shipping routes, ly outside the town centre. clear why the vehicle hit the The spokesman for the ened restrictions on internet Asian neighbours, who in waters where China “We’ll protest any way protesters. junta was not available for services, making informa- have for years avoided crit- and India seek to project we can until our revolution There were small pro- comment but has previ- tion increasingly difficult icising each other, have also their power. Neither of the prevails.” tests in other towns, includ- ously said security forces to verify, and have clamped begun speaking out. Asian giants has spoken out Some groups gather at ing Kyaukme and Hsipaw have used force only when down on private media. Indonesian President strongly against the coup night with candles and plac- in the northeast, Kawlin necessary. Facebook has banned all Joko Widodo, in some of and the violence. ards, then melt away after in the north, Hpa-an and U.N. Secretary-General pages linked to the military the strongest comments yet Suu Kyi, 75, faces ac- taking photographs. People Myawaddy in the east, La- Antonio Guterres on Friday over guidelines on incit- by a regional leader, said on cusations of bribery and also stage “unmanned” pro- butta in the Irrawaddy river condemned what he called ing violence. On Saturday, Friday the violence should other crimes that could see tests, with rows of placards delta, Myeik in the south the military’s continuing Twitter said it suspended stop immediately and he her banned from politics with messages like “We and the central town of Yay brutal violence and urged the information ministry’s would ask Brunei, the chair and jailed if convicted. Her will never stop until we Oo, according to news por- a unified international re- page under the company’s of the Association of South- lawyer says the charges are get democracy” set up on tals and social media. sponse. “platform manipulation and east Asian Nations, to call trumped up. IMF sees signs of stronger global recovery, but significant risks remain WASHINGTON (Reuters) moto raised concerns about which will push more peo- with high public and private - The No. 2 official at the the growing divergence ple into poverty, he said. debt, citing recent increases International Monetary between advanced econo- The overall outlook in bond yields triggered by Fund on Saturday pointed to mies and emerging markets, remained “exceptionally” market expectations of an emerging signs of a stronger with some 90 million peo- uncertain, Okamoto said, earlier withdrawal of mon- global economic recovery, ple seen falling below the adding that it was unclear but warned that significant extreme poverty threshold how long the pandemic etary stimulus. risks remained, including since the pandemic began. would last and access to He said the crisis could the emergence of mutations Okamoto said China vaccines remained very un- also leave deep scars. of the coronavirus. had already recovered to even, across both advanced In the past, advanced IMF First Deputy Man- pre-pandemic growth levels and emerging economies. economies have seen their aging Director Geoffrey ahead of all large econo- Okamoto said some output reduced almost 5% Okamoto said that in early mies, although private con- countries also had little below pre-recession trends April the Fund would up- sumption was still lagging scope to boost spending five years after the begin- date its January forecast investment there. to fight the pandemic and ning of a recession, and it FILE PHOTO: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) for global growth of 5.5% Outside of China, he mitigate its economic im- could be worse in countries to reflect additional fiscal said, there were worrying logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Wash- pact, especially low-income stimulus spending in the signs of a widening gap be- ington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas countries with high debt that cannot afford a strong United States, but gave no tween advanced economies levels. macroeconomic response details. and emerging markets. ita in emerging and devel- 2022 will be 22% lower He said tighter financial and/or had large services In a speech to the China The IMF projects that oping countries, excluding than it would have been conditions could exacerbate sectors more affected by the Development Forum, Oka- cumulative income per cap- China, between 2020 and without the pandemic, vulnerabilities in countries pandemic, he said. SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 5

Thousands of Israelis protest against Netanyahu ahead of election JERUSALEM (Reuters) election in two years. than many previous an- polls predict no clear win- by critics of mismanaging a series of normalization - Thousands of Israelis Protesters filed through ti-Netanyahu protests over ner with a majority in par- the coronavirus pandemic. agreements with Arab coun- demonstrated outside the streets closed to traffic by the past year, with Israeli liament or able to form a Netanyahu is hoping tries, will give him the boost residence of Prime Minis- police, waving flags, bang- media reporting it num- government - similar to the the success of his govern- needed to secure a majority ter Benjamin Netanyahu ing drums, blowing horns bered about 20,000. three previous elections. ment’s rapid COVID-19 in parliament. in Jerusalem on Saturday, and shouting chants to re- Though his right-wing Pressure has mounted vaccination programme, Netanyahu faces calling for an end to his place the 71-year-old con- Likud is expected to emerge in the election run-up on which has allowed much of charges of bribery, fraud leadership just three days servative. as the biggest party in the Netanyahu, who is on trial the economy to open after and breach of trust, all of before the country’s fourth The crowd was larger March 23 ballot, opinion for corruption and accused three lockdowns, along with which he denies Biden approval grows as more Americans receive vaccinations: Reuters/Ipsos poll NEW YORK (Reuters) - The approve of Biden is up by about Biden’s handling of the pandemic, as part of a $1.9 billion stimulus migration system, while 45% number of Americans who ap- 4 percentage points since a poll and 52% of adults said they liked plan that Biden and congressional disapproved. Republicans were prove of President Joe Biden that ran in late January, and the his stewardship of the economy Democrats approved earlier this especially critical with 79% say- has grown steadily since he took increase is largely due to a rise in and jobs. month. office, according to Reuters/Ip- Biden’s popularity among inde- The strong approval num- The poll showed the public ing they disapproved of Biden’s sos polling released on Friday, pendents. bers come as more coronavirus was more critical, however, of record on immigration, while 73% driven by concrete steps his ad- About six in 10 independents vaccines are administered in the Biden’s record so far on immi- of Democrats said they approved ministration has taken to address said they approved of Biden in United States, with the country gration, as the administration the public health and economic the latest poll, up from about five on track to meet the president’s confronts an influx of migrants at of his handling of border issues. crisis caused by the coronavirus in 10 who felt the same way in goal of administering 100 million the southern border with Mexico. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was pandemic. January. doses well ahead of a late April Republican leaders have been conducted online, in English, U.S. President Joe Biden may The poll found that Americans target. The United States has sharply critical of the president’s throughout the United States. It have appear to be the most satisfied been so successful at securing a interest in rolling back some of The March 17-18 national with Biden’s handling of the vaccine stockpile that Biden has his predecessor’s hardline immi- gathered responses from 1,005 opinion poll found that 59% of nation’s coronavirus response, started to make plans for supply- gration policies, and they largely adults, including 456 Democrats adults in the United States ap- and more than half of the country ing other countries with doses of blame him for the waves of new and 374 Republicans. The poll has proved of Biden’s overall job per- approves of his influence on the a shot that has yet to receive U.S. migrants crowding the border in a credibility interval, a measure formance, while 35% disapproved U.S. economy. authorization. hopes of entering the country. and 6% said they were not sure. Sixty-five percent of Amer- Meanwhile, the public also has About 41% said they approved of precision, of four percentage The number of adults who icans said they approved of started to receive cash payments of Biden’s handling of the im- points. 6 SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 Follow or contact at: [email protected] / facebook.com/villagevoicegy / www.villagevoicegy.com

Letters Editorial NDIA says not aware any instruction was Appointment of given by the minister to cancel tendering Dear Editor, he National Drainage it is not aware that tenders and instruction was given by the Minis- and Irrigation Authority bids were being cancelled and ter to cancel tendering. ambassadors needs (NDIA) wishes to clear re-tendered. Further, it is not aware Additionally, it is the National up issues raised in a letter of fully evaluated projects being Procurement and Tender Adminis- Tpublished in the Kaieteur News abandoned. tration Board (NPTAB) that has the newspaper dated Friday, March Notably, the only way contracts power to approve evaluations and 19th, 2021 titled “Why was tender- can be cancelled is where: - (1) make recommendations to Cabinet bipartisan support ing cancelled?” stating that tenders there is a lack of funds; or (2) there for their “No Objection”. and bids were cancelled without is a change in the scope of the spec- he Government of India has accredited Mr. Charrandass any apparent reason being given. ifications of the work. Fredrick Flatts Persaud as Guyana’s High Commissioner to India. The The NDIA wishes to state that The NDIA is not aware that any Chief Executive Officer main opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), had issued a protest Tvia letter to the Government of India against his appointment. The APNU+AFC’S contention with Mr. Persaud is that he cannot Agriculture Ministry defends be trusted after siding with then opposition People’s Progres- sive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to cast a vote of no-confidence in the APNU+AFC government of which he was a part. Others see his issuance of trawler licences appointment by the PPP/C government as a reward for that vote. Dear Editor, The truth is, the main opposition’s expression of disapproval would not have amounted to more than registering displeasure, lthough the Ministry of industry. being resolved amicably. In my which would have had little or no impact on the Government Agriculture has put for- Although the GATSOP had opinion, that is good governance. of India. It needs not be forgotten that Mr. Ronald Gajraj was ward its best efforts to initially indicated that they were If governments rescinded every accredited as High Commissioner to India after being forced answer questions about not satisfied with the way the to resign as Minister of Home Affairs. His resignation came Athe issuance of two sea-bob licenc- licences were issued or the fact decision made because a section of as a result of public outcries and after a Commission of In- es last year, one particular news- that the licences were issued in the the population didn’t agree with it, quiry into the extrajudicial killings when he was the minister. paper continues to bombard the first place, the Ministry had made no policies would be in place. It was the period when the “phantom squad,” as named by Honourable Minister of Agriculture every effort to assure the GATOSP then Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon, Zulfikar Mustapha, claiming that and the public that the issuance of I can say with the utmost cer- reigned supreme. This was a period following the jailbreak his decision to issue the said licenc- the two new licences would not tainty that within the coming weeks on Mash Day 2002; the killings of Axel Williams who was es was ‘an act of corruption’. threaten the sector or jeopardize another article will be written on alleged to be a part of the phantom squad; Floyd and George At this point, it is unclear what Guyana’s Maritime Stewardship the matter. I am also confident that Bacchus, brothers from Lodge; policemen like Superintendent more is expected to be said on the Council (MSC) certification. At the Leon Fraser; the killings of Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow matter. It is clear that the editorial time the licences were issued, only the writer will make good use of a ‘Sash’ Sawh, his family and security guard; the policing kill- section of this newspaper has taken 80 other licences were active. The few journalistic jargons to disguise ing of University of Guyana student Yohance Douglass, etc. a special interest in the matter and quota caters for 87 licences. the reconditioned information, as It was a period of terror. People were afraid to leave their might even have a vendetta against The editorial stated that the homes, not sure if they were a target or could be inno- someone in involved in the matter. matter has been extensively carried he did in this piece. cent victims to the bloody and deadly mayhem. It was so Requests were made by the by that particular new outlet. That As was previously mentioned bad even the Western countries added their voices in con- press, stakeholders, and interested remains a fact. What also remains a in my response, the GATOSP has demnation which led to Mr. Gajraj’s removal as minister. parties for information on the mat- fact is that the editorial in question decided to abide by the decision The above being said, the APNU+AFC by its protest has registered ter to be made public. The Hon- does not entail any new information to the Government of India a significant size of the population does ourable Minister and the Fisheries on the matter. of the Ministry. The matter should not have confidence in Mr. Persaud representing the interest of the Department made every effort to The GATOSP has since en- therefore be seen as resolved. The people of Guyana. Though Guyana Ambassadors and High Com- answer those questions in keeping gaged the Ministry by way of a let- Ministry will continue to engage all missioners are appointed by the government in office, they repre- with the Fisheries Act of Guyana. ter dated February 19, 2021, stating sent the interest of Guyana and all Guyanese. This is why it is im- In the editorial section of the that they will abide by the decision stakeholders of the fisheries sector, portant for these appointments to have political bipartisan support. Friday, March 19, 2021 edition of of the Ministry. and all other stakeholders in the It may be important for Guyana to revisit the process of the Stabroek News, the issuance Vice President, Dr. Bharrat appointing Heads of Mission. This could happen in the Na- agriculture sector as their views of these licences was once again Jagdeo was also questioned on the tional Assembly with the designated appointees, after being and opinions remain of utmost im- criticized. matter and maintained that there identified by the government, appearing before parliamentary It must be made clear that since must be equity in the industry. The portance to the Ministry as it works committees for hearings. After then the Parliament will vote news broke of the issuance of the VP also suggested that there should towards building a resilient and approving or disapproving the appointment. This approach is said licences, Minister Mustapha utilised in other countries. The process signals to the world that, be a periodic review of the issuance sustainable agriculture industry. and the Ministry’s Fisheries De- of seabob licences to avoid a mo- whilst there may be internal political disagreement on some The Ministry also remains un- partment have engaged the Guyana nopoly in the industry. issues, Guyana’s Heads of Mission have support across the biased in its modus operandi and political divide. This is also good for inclusionary democracy Association of Trawler Owner and The author of the piece asserted and making our political culture less divisive and contentious. Seafood Processors (GATOSP) on that when the Ministry was con- steadfast in its efforts to ensure the It is to Guyana’s good when government, opposition, civil and several occasions. fronted about the issue last Novem- government’s development agenda At the time, the identity of the ber, the licences should have been civic society examine ways and means of working together and for the agriculture sector is realized. reducing conflicts. This is a diverse country, in almost every facet new license holder was questioned. suspended, as that is what good of our lives, yet there are multiplicity of issues where common- The Ministry subsequently made governance requires. I beg to differ. ality could and must be found. For example, Guyanese have a that information available to the After concerns were raised, Minis- Yours truly, unified response towards Venezuela aggression and it matters not public. The individual’s photo ter Mustapha met with the GATO- Janell Cameron which political party is in government. Guyanese should build on was published in some sections SP. He listened to their issues and Public Relations Officer, this unity not make it an isolated incident. of the newspaper, along with his was determined to come up with a background and experience in the solution that would see the issue Ministry of Agriculture SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 NEWS 7 Covid cash grant ‘Pink slip’ phase to begin soon view with Department of along with the distribution –– Dharamlall Public Information. “The teams to ensure a smooth first phase was finished and process. He said the work- he second phase of we are in the process now ers and police faced several the Government’s of beginning the second challenges to complete their $25,000 household phase, many of the region’s task in the first phase due to COVID-19 cash pink forms have already residents’ behaviour. “I’d Tgrant initiative, targeting been evaluated and audited like to encourage residents pink slip holders is to be- they will begin in earnest once again to make sure tion of the COVID cash efit from the grant among began on September 29 in gin soon, Minister of Local distribution on the second that they treat this pro- grant in the second phase,” other measures to help the farthest regions given Government and Regional phase, to fulfil those gaps cess with some diligence he said. cushion the effects of the their vulnerable economic Development, Nigel Dha- that the pink forms, had to and fairness, and also to On September 7 last, pandemic. It also seeks to state. Citizens across the ramlall has said. record.” avoid abusing and violating President Dr. Mohamed Ir- stimulate the economy by country have praised the He made the statement The minister is en- the staffers who will come faan Ali announced that ev- increasing people’s spend- Government for this mea- on Friday during an inter- couraging citizens to work around to do the distribu- ery household would ben- ing power. Distribution sure due to its timeliness. Letters The COI Other Recommendations on the Public Service in Guyana any of the 89 phasized that it is impera- Public Service positions by Service, and for project Prime Minister, Ministers, Service Commission should recommen- tive that the appointment in open internal and external work. (Recommendations Leader of the Opposition, be constituted with profes- dations of the the Public Service should be completions to obtain the #13 & # 14) Members of the National sional personnel with high Lutchman based on merit, and should best from the labour market. - There should be Assembly, Permanent Sec- integrity to rebuild trust MCommission of Inquiry be made by a Commission Recommendation # 11 higher retirement age of 60 retaries, Regional Execu- and confidence in the Public (COI) into the Public Ser- that is credible and ade- advocated that all appoint- and 65 for public servants tive Officers, and Regional Service. (Recommendation vice of Guyana, 11 May quately qualified. The COI ment’s by the PSC to be with corresponding higher Chairpersons. (Recommen- # 73) 2016, support the creation in its # 6 Recommendation, based on merit and be free public service pensions and dation # 57) The acceptance and of a Professional and Politi- states: from political influences, NIS pensions. (Recommen- This Commission implementation of the cally Neutral Public Service “The Public Service and meet the essential qual- dation # 15) should also recommend to recommendations of the to provide for efficient and Commission should always ifications and requirements - No public servant the National Assembly, the COI are essential for good effective service to the na- be constituted with suitably to be performed. who retires from the public appropriate remuneration governance, transparency, tional community. The COI qualified and competent service before attaining 65 for judges of the High Court public accountability, and strongly supports the en- persons of unquestioned .Contract Employment: years should be employed and the Court of Appeal, management of the Public actment of a Public Service integrity who would strive on contract (Recommenda- and Constructional offices. Service. The Public Service Law for the Public Service to be fair and impartial On Contract Employ- tion # 15) THE COI recommended Ministry and the Public as is the case in other Com- in the execution of their ment, the COI noted that: -: - there should be the resumption of Collec- Service Commission are monwealth countries. The duty in consonance with the justification for each staff tive bargaining in good faith charged to ensure fair em- National Assembly, the Constitutional prescription - contract employ- in each Ministry, office, encounters at negotiations, ployment practices, and Government and the Public that they exercise indepen- ment in the Public Service division, department, and and conciliation/mediation developing a professional Service Ministry should dent judgement and not be is done outside the jurisdic- unit with the appropriate processes Failure at these Public Service to serve the carefully consider the other influenced by political and tion of the Public Service organizational structure to levels to resolve issues in national community fairly related COI recommenda- other external or extraneous Commission; be evaluated and deter- dispute, require reference and impartially. tions, or declare otherwise; considerations.” mined by human resource to a mutually agreed Arbi- These recommendations letting the public know The Authorities should - retired at 55 Public and organizational audits. tration Tribunal in keeping speak to removal conflict why there is no interest in not appoint Members of Servants, are recruited on (Recommendation # 16) with the existing proce- of interest at professional creating and developing a the PSC who have any con- lucrative contract terms and dures, OR as recommended and political levels, setting Professional and Politically flict of interest. This was conditions; TRAINING in the COI, to the National the procedure for finali- Neutral Public Service by a blatantly disregarded with - there is arbitrary AND STAFF Assembly, based on the rec- ty of public negotiations, Public Service Act/Law for respect to some members use of tax payers money for DEVELOPMENT : ommendations of a Salaries and having the National the national good as called of the PSC in the past, and Public Service employment Review Commission for Assembly setting the re- for in the COI recommen- this should be corrected in by the political directorate The COI recommended final determination. (Rec- muneration of those in the dation #1. all future appointments to without regard for the opti- that there should be a high ommendation # 58) Governing Authorities and The other Recommen- the PSC by the Government mum staff required; and level representative Com- the remuneration in the dations contained in the and the National Assembly - there should mittee of Permanent Sec- THEPUBLIC Judicial system and other COI, include: in the faithful discharge of therefore, be forensic per- retaries to identify, on the SERVICE Constitutional Offices. The Public Service their constitutional duties in sonnel audit justification, basis of merit, candidates APPELLATE The adoption and Im- Commission (PSC) the public interest. for every position in the to be awarded fellowships TRIBUNAL plementation of these and Concerns were raised Public Service with suitably and scholarships.(Recom- The COI recommended other recommendations will about the ability of the PSC RECRUITMENT AND qualified, experience and mendation #17) that like the Public Service rebuild confidence and trust to discharge faithfully its SELECTION IN THE skills required . Commission, the Public in our country for the good constitutional responsibil- PUBLIC SERVICE SALARY AND Service Appellate Tribunal of all. ities. The COI affirms that Recommendation # 9 THE COI REMUNERATION should be appointed with I again invite persons the intended independent calls for the Constitution ACCORDINGLY COMMISSION suitably qualified persons and organization with in- Constitutional status should and other Laws to be ap- RECOMMENDED The COI recommended, with no conflict of interest, terest, to join the discussion be preserved and protected propriately amended to em- THAT:- as in case with Trinidad and to adjudicate on disputes and debate these recom- as in other Commonwealth power the Public Service - Contract em- Tobago, A Salary and Re- with the Public Service mendations of the COI in States, including Canada Commission to appoint ployment of low level and muneration Commission be Commission. (Recommen- the Public Service, and call whose Public Service Act Permanent Secretaries and general staff in the public established by law to make dation # 60) on the Government and the provides for an Independent Regional Executive Officers service should end. How- periodic recommendations National to take the appro- Public Service Commission to remove direct political ever, contract employment to the National Assembly THE PUBLIC priate actions in the national with exclusive authority on appointments to Public Ser- in the public service should on remuneration for high SERVICE MINISTRY interest. employment in the Public vice positions. be restricted to high level, level political and public The COI recommend- Service. Recommendation # 10 professional, scarce skills service offices including the ed that the Public Service Yours Sincerely, The Commission em- calls for all appointments to not available in the Public President, Vice-Presidents, Ministry, and the Public Samuel J. Goolsarran 8 Column SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 Moderates do exist, they need a hero/heroine uring these un- I believe enough evidence heroine is wanting. It is mation, this badge is not there is even a hint of mod- a three-card trick. certain times, it has been manifested for moderates who would have fraught with many complex- eracy emanating from those is necessary and any reasonable mind to con- shaken the foundation of ities which would include leaders, they are swiftly op- THE RISE OF HERO/ fitting to remind clude that there is a large this polity when they gave center-left, center-right, posed with much intrigue, HEROINE Dthose whose eyes this tes- swathe ready to support the Alliance For Change or middle of the center on subterfuge and ingenuity. Allow me to tempt- timony may reach that we candidates and a platform (AFC) five parliamentary economic and social issues The extreme left in those er my seemingly idealism must disabuse ourselves of that departs from the norm. seats in the 2011 national as is obtained in normal parties has mastered this art. with some realism. Not for the assertion which suggests and regional elections. It is societies. It is really not As a consequence, they a second do I believe that that moderates do not exist MODERATES IN they who continue to make that complicated. I proffer are forced to express their the time is nigh where a among the voting popula- THE VOTING election results uncertain anyone who takes the bold views to their spouses in a standalone candidate will tion and in political parties POPULATION and due to post-2015 de- decision to put country first quiet corner in their homes. form a political party and and if so, insignificantly. If you are willing to velopments, it is they who over the party and tribal in- Seldom do we see them topple the dominance of the This highly entrenched support a political based on are presently screaming for clinations, enjoys the plea- braving the challenges and two juggernauts. My ability myth conjures a circum- policies, consider yourself chiefs and chieftesses who sure of being considered becoming disruptive voic- to dream does not stretch to stance where there a large a moderate. If you are pre- embody their sentiments. a moderate in the Guyana es in the party to shake those limits. Hence, based on divide with those in red on pared to support a candi- These screams for this her- political context. the status quo. For them, all that I have said, the ques- one side and others in green date based on the content of oism can be heard in the And yes, they do exist there is no escape because tion is begged: where will and yellow on the other his/her character with zero halls of the Republic. within political parties but vocal moderation can get such a hero/heroine emerge side, no one or nothing in consideration for ethnicity, here is the thing: moderates you expelled or one can from and how can they affect the middle. Despite the you are a moderate. If a MODERATES IN in political parties have no be forced to form a new change? I am of the view that results of national elections government that does not POLITICAL PARTIES choice but to secretly con- political party and suffer a moderates must look within since 2011, some opinions reflect your tribe brings un- The bar is very low in ceal their patriotic feelings political death at the altar the established parties, assess continue to advance Guy- precedented development the context of Guyanese for fear of being ostracized. of tribalism. So while there which part harbors progres- ana’s voting population as to your community and you politics to be labeled a If they express those views is a need for a hero/heroine, sive views and throw their a collection of unthinking decide to lend them your progressive or a moder- such as sweeping consti- such heroism is less likely support and political weight loyalists who cannot depart support, you are of moder- ate within a political party tutional reform and more, to emerge from within the behind candidates heavily from the undying commit- ation. For these sentiments due to our highly polarized they find it difficult to rise established parties and if fortified behind those party ments of ethnic loyalties. and conceptions, a hero or circumstance. In my esti- to positions of leadership. If they do emerge, it is often walls. The Covid vaccine programme here disinformation is evident, remarkably, it is the only vaccine in our For our three Covid vaccines, AstraZen- silence is never an option. For repertoire to have undergone independent eca counts as is the only one with multiple this is the undertaking of this analysis, as per International Best Practise. emergency approvals from countries with column; serving the dual pur- Also in our vaccine repertoire are the Co- transparent approval processes, hence man- Wpose of transforming Dr. Leslie Ramsammy vaxin and SinoPharm vaccines, developed dates no further assessment by us. disinformation, while concurrently scrutinis- from dead coronavirus. But unfortunately In contrast, SinoPharm and Covaxin are ing PPP phantom Medicine Approval Body, these vaccines haven’t been independently without clinical data along with a non-trans- four useless de facto Ministers of Health, being utilising International Best Practises as the analysed for the want of clinical data. parent and politically driven approval pro- the incompetent conduit. gold standard. cess in their countries of origins, as a result VACCINE APPROVALS mandates our assessment. Having said that, CAUSE OR COINCIDENCE? VACCINE VICTORY Medicines approval, articulated ad in the absence of clinical data, which are Infectious diseases have been a perennial nauseam throughout this pandemic, is an the cornerstone of medical approval, it will Oxford-AstraZeneca is presently in the spot- threat to humankind, evident in the extended evidence-based process inform by the safety be impossible to assess any of these two light, bringing to the fore the limitations of clin- period they led all caused mortality. But with and efficacy data. And this approval process vaccines as was evident in their failed inter- ical trials in identifying all potential side-effects the passage of time the threat diminished on may lead to either; application rejection or national and WHO approvals. associated with medicines. And these limitations account of vaccines, with cardiovascular approval on a full or emergency basis, de- Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in a letter to the stem from the nature of clinical trials which diseases prior to Covid, leading mortality pendent on the application. But full approval editor claimed that Covaxin and Sinopharm undertake testing with thousands of volunteers indices. Also observable with the passage by it’s nature of being protracted doesn’t were provided emergency approval by but on approval, the medicine is administered of time was the inverse relationship be- lend itself to a pandemic emergency while the Government. For without doubt, Dr. to hundreds of millions which increases the tween vaccinable infections and vaccine the abbreviated but thorough emergency Ramsammy claim is impossible on two likelihood of revealing rarer adverse effects. But technology, dating back to the 10th century approval is much more suited. levels. Firstly, International Best Practises it must be stressed that not all suspected adverse smallpox variolation to present day mRNA. Universally, health practises are guid- recommends that the approval of medicines, reactions are medicine related; for in the case of But despite the aforementioned, our vac- ed by evidence-based International Best inclusive of vaccines, should be undertaken AstraZeneca, there are questions of increased cination programme primary endpoints of Practises which for medicine approvals by an autonomous independent regulatory blood clots risk. The fact is, blood clots are com- decrease deaths and cases, are way off target. recommend undertaking by an autonomous body as described earlier. Secondly, in the mon therefore it is likely that someone vaccinat- As a matter of fact, six weeks into our pro- regulatory body of competent medical absence of clinically tested data, it would be ed with Oxford-AstraZeneca can coincidentally gramme, Covid deaths and cases continue specialists. This serves to preclude political impossible to objectively assess Covaxin and develop blood clots, unrelated to the vaccine. along the ghastly trajectory of exponentially interferences impacting objectivity as was Sinopharm, for emergency approval. Surely Regardless, the determination of causation or increases. evident with ex-President Trump and the pursuing this impossible absent data vaccine association is required, which mandates that FDA. approval is not dissimilar to an attempted Oxford-AstraZeneca data be independently in- VACCINES IN PPP Additionally, International Best Prac- eligibility assessment of a Grade 6 student terrogated to ascertain if the vaccination cohort BEGGING BOWL tises recommends that medicine approval for QC but lacking any data on his test scores Oxford-AstraZeneca pioneered by the should be informed by efficacy and safety apart from his parents’ vociferous claims has higher rates of blood clots compared to the Oxford University was developed on the data from clinical trials. For the process is that he is very smart; not unalike the Chinese general population. So far, this doesn’t appears principle of multiplying nonfunctional chim- guided by a risk-benefit analysis; wherefore Ambassador endorsement of the Chinese to be the case based on Oxford-AstraZeneca panzee adenovirus that serve as the carrier if risks outweigh benefits, tilts the outcome SinoPharm vaccine to the gullible PPP. data which revealed that after 17m vaccinations, of the coronavirus spike protein. And with to no approval. On the other hand, if benefits Therefore, the PPP announcement of there were only 37 cases of blood clots. Surely, Oxford-AstraZeneca counting in our limited outweigh risks then approval is likely. their world first medicine approval without these small numbers cannot justify the suspen- repository of Covid vaccines, remarkably it data, certainly must be seen for what it is; sion of Oxford-AstraZeneca use when thousands is the only one to have undergone rigorous PPP PHANTOM yet another instalment of their political piffle, are dying daily from Covid. clinical efficacy and safety trials. But more VACCINE APPROVAL with Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, another of the TURN TO PAGE 09 ► SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 NEWS 9 Coalition seeks to drill holes in AG, Jagdeo submissions on recount order –– petitioners tell Court “egregious” breaches of constitution during elections a travesty

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Attorney General Anil Nandlall Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo Counsel John Jeremie he petitioners in the issue of the constitutionality tioners submitted that none of ments or “endorsements” issue res judicata,” the legal They added: “What must case – Claudette of Section 22. the judicial statements made made in previous judicial team told the Court. be made pellucidly clear is Thorne and Hes- Summarizing their argu- in respect of Section 22 and or review proceedings, such The Respondents had that GECOM had set aside ton Bostwick vs. ments, Jeremie said that the Order 60 during the Judicial statements being made with- placed heavy reliance on Ar- Tthe Chief Elections Officer CEO, Jagdeo and the Attor- Reviews conducted during out any Court deliberating ticle 162 (1)(b) to bolster their declarations in all ten Region- (CEO) and others (Petition ney General, all of whom are the Elections in 2020, were upon the merits.” alternative argument in an at- al Districts. It was not isolated 88)– said the respondents, in respondents, have argued that made upon the merits of any Jeremie and Team also tempt to salvage Order 60 but to Region 4 as the Respon- the matter, have offered no Section 22 of the Elections argument in respect of their rejected the argument that Jeremie and Team reminded dents would like to place their clear arguments on whether Laws (Amendment) Act is constitutionality. the Region Four Returning the Court the Constitution emphasis. GECOM had taken Section 22 of the Elections not unconstitutional but if it is The Senior Counsel said Officer, Clairmont Mingo clearly states that GECOM’s upon itself the judicial powers Laws (Amendment) Act is unconstitutional, the affected with the exception of the failed to comply with Section functions are “subject to the constitutional or not. portions could be severed Chief Elections Officer, Jag- 84 of the Representation of provisions of this Constitu- of the High Court and had em- The Guyana Elections leaving its effect intact. It was deo and Nandlall, who were the Peoples Act when he was tion.” barked on its own fact-finding Commission (GECOM) had also submitted that even if part of the election cases, ordered to do so by the Court. Article 163 of the Consti- exercise, one for the remit of relied on Section 22 of the Section 22 is unconstitutional, had argued that no Court was According to the legal team, tution gives the High Court the High Court.” Elections Laws (Amendment) Order 60 is saved by virtue of seized with the jurisdiction to there is no evidence to support exclusive jurisdiction to ad- To compound the sit- Act to bring Order 60 (Na- the “broad powers” of Article review the constitutionality or the respondents’ claim. dress elections related matters uation, the Lawyers said tional Recount Order) into 162 (1)(b) of the Constitution unconstitutionality of Section They also rejected the while Article 170 address- effect during the highly con- conferred on GECOM; and 22 and Order 60, outside an High Court’s decision in the es the mode of making and GECOM usurped the pow- troversial 2020 General and the conduct of the recount Election Petition. “It is on that Christopher Ram v Chief amending laws. ers of the Parliament and Regional Elections. cannot be said to be a sham or basis that the Courts refused Election Officer (2019) as “Article 163 provides for amended the laws by way of Singling out the Chief a travesty. to consider the merits of the an authority in support of the the exclusive jurisdiction of an order. Elections Officer (CEO), But Jeremie and his team, arguments,” the battery of constitutionality of Section the High Court in respect of The case will come up Keith Lowenfield; Vice Pres- which includes Senior Coun- lawyers submitted. 22. It was submittied that the determining the nature of "dif- ident, Bharrat Jagdeo; and sel Roysdale Forde, and At- They added: “In fact, the Court was not rendering a ficulties" that section 22 has again in April, however, the the Attorney General, Anil torneys-at-Law Raphael Trot- decision of the Court of Ap- decision on the merits of the conferred upon GECOM to petitioners are hoping to have Nandlall, Thorne and Bost- man and Olayne Joseph, told peal expressedly provided constitutionality or unconsti- resolve. It is not for GECOM the Court nullify the results wick, through their battery the High Court that the “very that any issue with respect to tutionality of the very section. after declarations have well of the 2020 Elections on the of lawyers led by Trinidad egregious breaches of the the constitutionality of section “The Petitioners vehe- been crystallised to entertain grounds that the results as and Tobago’s Senior Counsel Constitution in the conduct of 22 was one to be taken at an mently object to all and any disputants and descend into declared by GECOM were in John Jeremie, argued that at the 2 March 2020 Elections election petition. Therefore, it assertions by the Respondents an investigation of their con- times, the respondents contra- rise to the level of a sham and is submitted that this Honour- that the issue of the constitu- troversies in a quasi-judicial breach of the Representation dicted each other in their legal a travesty.” able Court is not constrained tionality of section 22 of the effort to resolve them,” the of the People Act and the submissions in addressing the From the outset, the Peti- by the judicial pronounce- ELAA and its Order 60 is an legal team submitted. Constitution of Guyana.

The Covid vaccine ... From 8... VACCINATION And the underpinning fections. As a result, it is ical trial data. Further, AstraZeneca has nential increases in Covid DEAD END. science is, the vulnerable concerning that after six 2. Covaxin and Sino- reduced efficacy against deaths and cases, despite six Israel has led the way were first vaccinated as weeks, we have not had Pharm are both ineffective: the variants but notably weeks into the vaccination in Covid vaccination and a priority. Additionally, similar reductions in our This is likely in the absence Covaxin and SinoPharm did in so doing were the first to programme, is very con- vaccination creates the phe- cases and deaths. The fact of clinical data. not test against the variants cerning. Surely, the aetiolo- recognise that even in the nomenon of ‘dead end host’ that this is not the case or 3. A non-clinically driv- but are likely to have zero early stages of the vaccina- gy is likely to be multifacto- which speaks to infected demonstrating any indica- en vaccination process is efficacy. tion programme, there was rial with an interplay of the demonstrable decreases in persons inability to infect tion of being the case, begs being undertaken. 5. PPP not enforcing others because of their im- the question of why, with 4. The variants are con- face-mask use after vacci- deadly variants, ineffective deaths and new infections. Covaxin and SinoPharm Indeed, these findings were munity from vaccination. possible reasons including; tributing to the increase nation replicated in other countries Therefore, the result is a re- 1. All three vaccines are cases and deaths: A distinct vaccines along with absent including, USA, the UK, duction in cases and deaths infective: This is unlikely possibility with the high CONCLUSION enforcement of face-mask Canada ect. by virtue of decreased in- based on AstraZeneca clin- variants mortality in Brazil. Our continued expo- use after vaccination. 10 NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021 Two deaths; 99 new cases $10,000 increase recorded on Saturday in stipend for CEWs uyana record- more persons who tested another 50 -years-old from necessary support during ed some 99 new positive for the novel coro- Region Four (Demer- this difficult time to render Covid-19 cases navirus (COVID-19) died. ara-Mahaica). They both any assistance needed. on Saturday and This takes the total number died while receiving care at Meanwhile, with the Galso two deaths as this coun- of deaths from the pandemic a medical facility. 99 new cases Guyana has try continues to struggle to to 214. The ministry expressed now recorded 9585 cases contain the disease. The latest fatalities sincerest condolences to the sicne the virus reached these In a statement the Min- are one two men, one age families of the two deceased shores last year March. Ten istry of Health informed that 70 from Region Seven and undertaken to make ev- persons are in the Covid as of March 19, 2021, two (Cuyuni- Mazaruni) and ery effort to provide all the Intensive Care Unit.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall tipends for Commu- per month. The Minister nity Enhancement said he expects the work of Workers will in- the CEWs to step up. crease from $25,000 Sto $35,000 this year, Min- “We believe that during ister of Local Government the course of this year a lot and Regional Development, of community enhancement Nigel Dharamlall has an- work will be intensified nounced. He made the disclosure and Guyana is going to at a recent community out- transform very quickly and reach at Nonpareil, East in a very massive way,” the Coast Demerara. Some Minister said. $1.1 billion has been allo- cated for the programme to The PPP/C Government continue efforts to preserve in its manifesto committed and enhance communities’ to creating 50,000 jobs for aesthetics and infrastruc- Guyanese in five years. ture countrywide. “It is CEWs falls under the Com- our intention to have more community enhancement munity Infrastructure Im- workers, and even better provement Project (CIIP). than that, instead of paying It not only creates jobs, but the $25,000 per month, we also boost villages, regional will now pay them $35,000 per month,” Minister Dha- economies and the tourism ramlall is quoted in a De- sector. partment of Public Informa- The CIIP was started tion release as saying. in 2014 and was modified Minister Dharamlall said the call for an increase in 2015 to decentralise re- came from the workers last sources to the Local Dem- year and the increase rep- ocratic Organs. This re- resents a commitment made structuring has seen the by President Dr. Mohamed day-to-day management Irfaan being kept. The Minister said there of the workers transferred was significant discrimi- from under the purview nation in the way the pro- of the Ministry of Local gramme was managed un- Government and Regional der the APNU+AFC. He said not all communities Development to the local received the same type of democratic areas via the support and persons were Community Enhancement selectively chosen for em- Initiative. The CIIP also ployment. However, Min- ister Dharamlall said that enables NDCs to provide type of management would services to communities stop, and he encouraged the and to encourage citizens residents to seek employ- to pay their rates and taxes ment at the Ministry. to facilitate maintenance of Community Enhance- ment Workers work four crucial structures and other hours per day and 16 days development works. SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021 NEWS 11 Forde asks Court to dismiss case against former Finance Minister in BK land dispute matter …wants an injunction until the hearing of its application

enior Counsel Roys- He also wants an order stat- It was submitted that body corporate owned by dale Forde has asked ing that the action instituted base on the agreement, Jor- the State or in which the the High Court to against the former Finance dan did not act in breach of controlling interest is vested strike out the case Minister is not only an abuse any fiduciary duty or collud- in the State or any agency Sagainst former Finance Min- of process, but politically ed with the other defendants, on behalf of the state; Any ister Winston Jordan which motivated, vindictive, spite- when he signed the Vesting commercial, manufacturing Attorney General Anil Nandlall revolves around the sale of ful and an abuse of power. Orders. or research undertaking of prime properties in North In the interim, the Senior “The Second Named the State. The corporation, Cummingsburg, George- Counsel wants the Court to Defendant did not collude other body corporate or un- town to BK Marines, on grant an order staying the and conspiracy with the AG asks Appellate dertaking affected by an Court to strike out appeal challenging dismissal of Election Petition Case By Svetlana Marshall he Attorney Gen- jurisdiction. In defending eral, Anil Nandlall his Motion, the Attorney has filed a Motion General told the Appellate in the Appellate Court that the High Court TCourt aimed at striking did not grant or refuse leave out the appeal challenging for the case to be appealed the dismissal of Election in accordance with Article Petition Case 99 on the 163 (3) of the Constitution. grounds that the Court has “The jurisdiction of the no jurisdiction to hear and Court of Appeal to hear determinate the case. an appeal from a decision In February, the A Part- of the High Court in an nership for National Uni- Election Petition must be Senior Counsel, Roysdale Forde Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan (DPI photo) ty + Alliance For Change founded in the Constitution (APNU+AFC) had moved or statue. There is no statu- the grounds that the action substantive matter until the Fourth Named Defendant to the Court of Appeal to tory or constitutional instru- order made under subsection challenge the High Court’s is vindictive of political hearing and determination nor acted in a reckless and ment granting jurisdiction harassment. of the Notice of Application. negligent manner, in gross (1) shall comply with any decision to nullify Election to the Court of Appeal to directions which may be Petition 99 over noncom- Forde is the lead Attor- In support of his appli- dereliction of his duty as a hear an appeal of an Elec- given to it by, or under the pliance of service on the ney for the former Finance cation, Forde explained that Minister and in breach of his tion Petition dismissed for Minister in the High Court NICIL, by Vesting Orders Constitutional and Fiduciary directions of the minister, Second Named Respondent procedural impropriety, or – David Granger. case - No. 43 of 2003 and 42 of duty to the State and people so as to give effect to the any other reason not stated Attorney General, Anil 2005, was the owner of the of Guyana in proceeding order.” The petitioners in the in Article 163 (1) of the case – Monica Thomas and Nandlall vs BK Marines and identified properties. This with a Vesting Order having It was made clear that Constitution,” the Attorney Brennan Nurse v the Chief others – which challenges meant that the lands togeth- full knowledge and being Jordan’s only duty as Min- General submitted. Elections Officer, Keith the sale of Mud-Lots 1 and er with all of the buildings, aware that First Named De- ister with responsibility for Petition 99 is intended Lowenfield and others – 2 situated in Cummings- erections, stellings and plat- fendant only paid ten (10%) Public Corporations was to told the Appellate Court to vitiate the results of the burg, Georgetown; Lot ‘F’ forms among other facilities percent of the purchase price 2020 General and Regional sign the necessary Vesting that they are dissatisfied – a portion of Mud-Lot 3 were part of the national which was $20,260, 276 for Order following Cabinet’s Elections on the grounds also situated in North Cum- with the January 18, 2021 patrimony of Guyana at all property valued at approxi- approval. that the Guyana Elections mingsburg and ‘A’, ‘B’ and material times. mately five billion Guyana ruling of the Chief Jus- “There is no duty laid Commission (GECOM) ‘D’ portions of North Cum- It was further noted that dollars,” Forde submitted. tice, Roxane George. “The upon the Second Named De- Learned Chief Justice erred failed to conduct free and mingsburg to BK Marines. in 2006, the then Head of He said at all times, Jor- fendant as the Minister with in law and misdirected her- fair elections in keeping In his initial submis- NICIL, Winston Brassing- dan acted in accordance with self when she misapplied with its constitutional re- sions, Forde told the Court ton entered an agreement the law. responsibility for Public the doctrine of strict com- quirements. that the case against Jordan with Brian Tiwarie, on be- As Minister with respon- Corporations to exercise any pliance by holding that such The petitioners, through is indicative of political half of the BK Marines, sibility for Public Corpo- Judgment and or to make compliance related to the their battery of lawyers harassment. He has now for the property described rations, Jordan, Forde said, any assessment as to the contents of the Affidavit of led by Senior Counsel moved to the Court seeking in Transport No. 530. The was authorized to act under terms of any Sale, inclusive Service instead of the filing Rex McKay and Attor- a number of Orders, chief agreement paved way for Section 8 of the Public Cor- of the question of the nature of the Affidavit of Service ney-at-Law Mayo Robert- among which is an order a 20-year lease with the poration Act. and extent or suffering of in a timely manner,” the son, had intended to prove dismissing the case against understanding that BK Ma- That Act states: “The any sale of State assets,” petitioners said as they laid that the election was marred Jordan. rines had the option to pur- Minister, may by order, Forde argued. their grounds before the by widespread irregularities Forde, in a Notice of Ap- chase the property for the transfer to a corporation He further clarified that Appellate Court. and cases of electoral fraud plication filed recently, told sum of $110M. The agree- or to any other person, or Jordan was never part of the but the Chief Justice, in But the Attorney Gen- the Court the action taken ment also included four place under its or his control negotiations and decisions handing down her judge- eral, in a Motion filed days against Jordan is an abuse of other clauses – Rent, Penalty the whole or part of (a) any made and or entered into ago, sought an Order to ment, said the petition was process, frivolous and vexa- for non-payment of rent, undertaking or any other between BK Marines and strike out the appeal, argu- short lived due to the issue tious and scandalous, and as specified use of demised unit property of any corporation ing that the Court has no of late service. such, ought to be dismissed. and Lessee’s covenants. or any other person or other NICIL. 12 NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021

Seated in the center is Chief Observer of the EU EOM, Urmas Paet EU urges overhaul of GECOM …regulate campaign financing, restructuring of state media

he European Union the Arthur Chung Confer- Commission. overhaul the composition results, digital copies of all ommendations, it is con- (EU) Election Ob- ence Center (ACCC), Chief During these meetings, and functioning of GECOM; Statements of Poll (SOPs), fident that the changes it servation Mission Observer of the EU EOM, the EU EOM Chief Observ- the development of effective and the establishment of a has recommended will be (EOM) has returned Urmas Paet, held a press er said that all stakeholders legislation to regulate politi- comprehensive election dis- beneficial to Guyana. “It is Tto Guyana with the sole conference with the media have expressed a readiness cal finance and the fostering pute resolution system. entirely up to Guyana, your aim of urging the country’s to present, once again, the to corporate. “Now is the of transparency and account- For March 22, 2021, authorities and institutions to leaders to act on the recom- recommendations included time for decisions and ac- ability in online and offline the EOM has organised a decide whether it will take mendations made within its in the mission’s final report. tions,” Paet stressed, adding campaigning. stakeholder meeting to fur- any of the recommendations official report on Guyana’s This even as the team that in order for election re- The Mission also strong- ther present and discuss on board. In this regard, 2020 General and Regional has recently met and dis- form to be effective, the rec- ly recommended the trans- the recommendations and I would like to stress that Elections. cussed the same with stake- ommendations made must formation of the state-owned the commencement of its These recommendations holders including President be implemented in advance media into a genuine pub- implementation. It will be the European Union stands include overhauling the Irfaan Ali; Speaker and Dep- of the next election. lic service broadcaster; the open to members of the ready to assist Guyana with composition and functioning uty Speaker of the National For the next General and adoption of clear written Government, the National the implementation of any of GECOM; the implemen- Assembly; Leader of the Regional Elections, the EU procedures for transmission Assembly, political parties, of the European Union Elec- tation of effective legislation Opposition; the Attorney EOM has recommended a and tabulation of election the judiciary, constitutional tion Observation Mission to regulate political and cam- General; the Chief Justice; review and consolidation of results; the accompanying bodies, civil society and the recommendations and with paign financing; transform- the Minister of Foreign Af- the “fragmented” election of any declaration of results media. the election reform process ing the state-owned media fairs and the Chairperson legislation; the launching by simultaneous publication Paet said that while the in General,” the Chief Ob- and more. On Friday, at of the Guyana Elections of a consultation process to of detailed polling station EU EOM only offers rec- server said. ECLAC: COVI, other hazards a threat to vital infrastructures in Caribbean he large-scale and climate change, with econ- is systemic and generates ning, in order to guarantee a tary-General for Disaster likelihood that the risk of di- long-lasting effects omies dependent on foreign complex interactions be- comprehensive response to Risk Reduction, indicated sasters originating from oth- of coronavirus dis- tourism and heavy debt tween human, social, polit- disasters. At the global and that “now is the time for er threats occurs simultane- ease (COVID-19), burdens. So indicates a new ical and economic systems regional levels, it is crucial multi-stakeholder dialogue ously, or that post-disaster Tcombined with the possible report released last week by on the one hand, and nat- that those of us who work in and action to understand reconstruction be delayed. impact of other hazards the Economic Commission ural systems on the other. international organizations and manage systemic risk. The effects and impacts of and recent events, threat- for Latin America and the The COVID-19 pandemic seek ways to promote and Progress towards risk-in- the Eta and Iota hurricanes en to damage or destroy Caribbean (ECLAC) and demonstrates the extent to foster a new development formed sustainable devel- in Honduras, Guatemala vital infrastructure and the the United Nations Office which a single hazard has model and a global frame- opment will only be ac- and Nicaragua – combined life-support systems of for Disaster Risk Reduction the potential to trigger a work that would enable us celerated by incorporating with those of COVID-19 large parts of societies and (UNDRR). series of cascading effects, to provide a coordinated systems-based approaches – are proof of this, as is economies. The report entitled impacting the life-support and adequate response to into the design of policies the delay prompted by the That is why it is urgently The coronavirus disease systems of societies and the next pandemic,” Alicia and investments across all pandemic in reconstruction necessary to move towards (COVID-19) pandemic: economies worldwide. Bárcena, ECLAC’s Execu- sectors and regions, and at efforts after the disaster a systemic approach to di- an opportunity for a sys- “This crisis underscores tive Secretary, affirmed. all levels.” caused by Hurricane Dorian saster risk, primarily in the temic approach to disaster the need for disaster risk Meanwhile, Mami The document indi- in the Bahamas. Caribbean, which is highly risk for the Caribbean em- management to be incor- Mizutori, Special Rep- cates that the duration of vulnerable to the effects of phasizes that disaster risk porated into national plan- resentative of the Secre- COVID-19 increases the TURN TO PAGE 14 ► SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021 NEWS 13 UG’s best graduating students in medicine, social science receive Prime Minister’s Medal rime Minister, Brig- congratulated the parents adier (Ret’d) Mark of the graduates, who were Phillips on Friday at his office for the simple presented the Prime ceremony. PMinister’s Medal to two “For every graduate students of the University there are parents or relatives of Guyana Class of 2020, who would have sacrificed for outstanding performanc- a lot and I would like to es in their respective fields congratulate you also”. of study. Dr Europe said that she The students honoured was elated to have received were best graduating stu- the award. dent in the School of Med- “I am happy and very icine, Dr Jonelle Europe proud to have achieved and best graduating student such an accomplishment in the Faculty of Social after working so hard for Science with a Degree in five years…my greatest Public Management, Ms challenge is probably the Desiree Noble. consistency that the pro- Prime Minister Phillips gramme requires”. congratulated the pair for Dr Europe, who is their commitment and ex- currently an intern at the ceptional performance in Georgetown Public Hospi- spite of the challenges of tal Cooperation, said that the COVID-19 pandemic. she hopes to specialise in a “I know COVID-19 field of medicine, but she is would have presented chal- yet to decide. lenges for students who Ms Noble said that she would have had to attend always believed that she classes virtually, congrat- had the potential to do ex- ulations for overcoming ceptionally well. those challenges and being “I have always believed here today as exceptional in myself and I know I graduates of the University have the ability to accom- of Guyana,” a release from plish great things, and I’ve the Department of Public always told myself that if Information stated. anybody can do it, I can Best graduating student in the School of Medicine, Dr Jonelle Europe and best graduating student in the Fac- The Prime Minister also do it”. ulty of Social Science with a Degree in Public Management, Ms Desiree Noble and Prime Minister, Mark Phillips Cabinet clears way for Fly All Ways stream. “We are happy handlers and all the staff that traffic at CJIA, even at the airport being vac- in a Covid environment cinated.” has been building and Guyana inked an coming along and we Open Skies Agreement want to get to a stage with Suriname last where we are opened December to broaden back up full blast for business.” connectivity and tap Regarding the safety into new and existing of staff at CJIA, Min- markets with the Dutch ister Edghill said he is nation. The agreement advocating on behalf of was lauded for the op- the Board of Directors portunities it will open to have vaccines avail- for both countries in able to staff since they the areas of travel, tour- are frontline workers. ism and trade. Since “So, my engagement the PPP/C took office, with the Minister of JetBlue Airways has Health and the letter that has already been trans- gotten approval and has he Guyana Gov- Minister of Public tional Airport (CJIA). route out of the Cheddi Jagan mitted, will very well begun its operations in ernment has given Works, Juan Edghill made “Fly All Ways out of International Airport,” he see in the very shortest Guyana. Virgin Atlantic its no-objection for this announcement during a Suriname will be operat- said. Minister Edghill said possible time, all the and other carriers have Surinamese airline, press briefing on Friday at ing the Suriname route, the the Government anticipates staff, which will include also applied to ply the TFly All Ways to operate here. the Cheddi Jagan Interna- Barbados route and Curacao more airlines will come on immigration, customs, Guyana route. 14 NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021

Nine companies line up to build new Demerara Bridge ine companies were Finance option, and Second, a Virtual Workshop and Adden- that sought to be pre-qualified Co. Ltd, Reconnaisance & De- pre-qualified in the Design-Build-Operate & Finance dums issued to registered parties. noting that the pre-qualification sign Inst. Co. Ltd (China) quest to design and Option. Prior to the launch of the EOI/ was a highly competitive pro- JV-China Road & Bridge build the New Demer- Pre-qualification of bidders Pre-Qualification, a decision was cess, resulting in detailed EOI/ Corp. Peutes y Calzadas Infra- araN Bridge, the Ministry of Public followed the Government adver- taken on the alignment alongside Pre-Qualification submissions structuras SLU (China and Spain) Works has disclosed. tisement last September inviting the existing bridge. Shortly of a high quality. Despite the JV-OECI S.A. and Odebrecht The announcement this month Expressions of Interest (EOI) after the launch of the EOI, His limited number pre-qualified, the Engenharia E. Coonstrucao S. was accompanied by an Informa- and Pre-Qualifications. The Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, Government encourages all of the A. OEC tion session held on Monday 15th new PPP Government launched lead a team to walk the Eastern companies to continue to pursue JV-China Railway Construc- with the pre-qualified bidders that the advertisement on Sept 27th alignment. At the direction of the many opportunities in Guy- tion Corporation (International) revealed the general requirements in all papers and subsequently HE, an Interagency Group was ana, as many of these companies Ltd., China Railway Construction expected in the upcoming tender. 54 firms expressed interest. 44 formed under the Chairmanship are world-class. (Caribbean a) Co. Ltd, and China First, bidders will be expected to Firms completed the registration of Min. Edghill to include all key The firms pre-qualified are: submit bids in three months fol- process and were provided with agencies that would have inputs China State Construction Eng. Railway Construction Bridge En- lowing receipt of bid documents, the EOI/Pre-Qualification doc- in the new bridge. An EPA ap- Corp (China) gineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd such that a Preferred Bidder will uments. 21 firms submitted to plication for the project has been Ballast Needam Infra Surina- (China & Trinidad and Tobago) be selected, and the construc- the EOI/Pre-Qualification on the filed, followed by advertisement me B.V. Boskalis Guyana Inc Eiffage tion of the project commenced closing deadline of December for a firm to complete the EIA. China Geizhouba Group Co. Genie Civil (Guyana & Nether- in the last quarter of this year. 4th. Prior to the submission dead- The Government is pleased Ltd (China) lands) Bidders were advised that they line of Dec 4th, various questions with the level of interest by JV-China Railway Interna- JV-Rizzani de Eccher S. p. will be required to bid on two were raised by interested parties. globally competitive companies tional Group Co. Ltd, China Rail- A & Preconco Ltd (Italy and options: First, a Design-Build & These were answered both via a and wish to thank all companies way Major Bridge Eng. Group Barbados)

ECLAC: COVI, other hazards a threat to vital ... From 12... It specifies that the selection According to the report, the suring prosperity. This ideological tionate effects of the COVID-19 traditional and compartmentalized of the Caribbean to exemplify pandemic has brought to light the framework sustained a system of pandemic on women and by forg- methods of disaster risk reduction. the potential effects of systemic cracks in current development international governance whose ing political compacts at all levels It asserts that, in order for efforts disaster risk is no coincidence. models and highlighted their lim- main objective was to minimize based on feminist principles of re- to reduce disaster impact to be ef- “This region was chosen be- itations, both globally as well as national barriers to trade and in- distribution of power, time, work fective, it is necessary to abandon cause it is highly vulnerable to in the case of Latin America and vestment. and resources. The aim is to move hydrometeorological or extreme the Caribbean in particular. Until towards a development model that the simplistic model that ignores climate phenomena, it has more recently, orthodox economists “It is now recognized that has equality and environmental the systemic characteristics of than 90% of the population living agreed that maintaining fiscal the State must play a much more sustainability at its center. In the extreme phenomena. This applies in coastal areas and its economies balance, limiting State interven- important role, regulating and Caribbean, which is threatened to institutional arrangements for are dependent on foreign tourism tion in the economy as much as coordinating markets and pro- by multiple hazards, a systemic risk governance, community orga- and are highly indebted,” the re- possible, and fostering trade and moting social protection and approach is required to reduce nizations, research initiatives and port emphasizes, adding that the financial openness would suffice equality. Building back better in disaster risk and vulnerabilities,” policymaking. Thus, development economic and social effects of to generate growth and redistri- the Caribbean must be rebuilding the document states. COVID-19 have been devastating bution. There was unfettered con- with equality and resilience, for planning can play a fundamental for the Caribbean and will last for fidence that liberalizing markets instance by implementing active The report concludes that the role, helping to incorporate a several years. for goods, services and capital fiscal policies with a gender ap- complexity of these situations de- systemic approach into risk gov- would be the right formula for en- proach to mitigate the dispropor- mands an approach that transcends ernance. SUNDAY MARCH 7, 2021 SPORT NEWS 15 Tokyo 2020: No international fans at Olympics and Paralympics

(BBC SPORT) No interna- to be made' saying that in an ideal world bol of global solidarity". "I've remembered that a bit on the fence about it tional fans will be permitted It is the first time in the we would prefer to have However, a poll at that dream of his for nearly 40 but would've been happy at the delayed 2020 Tokyo event's history it has been international spectators at time by national broadcaster years. We've got 30 tickets to go nonetheless," he said. Olympics and Paralympics postponed, with more than the Games," he said. NHK showed the majority for all of us to make the this summer because of 11,000 athletes from about "But at the moment we of the Japanese general dream come true. This was "I'll definitely still watch concerns over the corona- 200 countries scheduled to must acknowledge that due public oppose holding the probably the last chance we from home though." virus pandemic. take part in 2020. to the global pandemic we Games in 2021, favouring had, as he now has demen- Hannah Chambers, who Japanese authori- Thomas Bach, president are not living in an ideal a further delay or outright tia. Maybe we might make was set to attend with her ties told the Olympic and of the International Olym- world." cancellation of the event. Paris [2024 Olympics], but Paralympic committees it pic Committee, said the 'Very sad news' - re- Japan has also encountered it won't be the same." boyfriend and hoping to

was "highly unlikely" that move is a "great sacrifice action problems unrelated to the Kevin Grant said attend- watch a friend who is in entry to the country could for everybody". "We share The British Olympic pandemic, with the head of ing the Paralympics was contention to compete in be guaranteed. Organisers the disappointment of all Association said that while the Tokyo Olympics organ- something for his autistic Tokyo, said: "It's disap- said the move now gives enthusiastic Olympic fans it is "a very disappointing ising committee Yoshiro son - a wheelchair basket- pointing but understandable "clarity" to ticket holders from around the world, and situation", it highlights the Mori resigning after he was baller who is "fascinated and helps ensure "a safe and of course the families and "determination to stage" a criticised for making "in- with Japan" - to "look for- given that the world is in secure Games for all par- friends of the athletes, who safe event during the pan- appropriate" remarks about ward to and plan for" after turmoil." ticipants and the Japanese were planning to come to demic. "This is very sad women. a difficult year. John Riggs said "plan- public". the Games," he said. "For news, not only for British The Tokyo Games' cre- "He will be devastated, I ning starts for Paris" after The Games are due this I am truly sorry. fans but particularly for ative chief then also re- am sure, but as he struggles to begin on 23 July. The "Every decision has the family and friends of signed after suggesting a to express feelings it will the announcement, adding: Paralympics follow the to respect the principle of athletes," a BOA statement female comedian could ap- be hard to know the true "We appreciate that there Olympics a month later, safety first. I know that continued. pear as an "Olympig" at the impact," Grant said. are more important things from 24 August. our Japanese partners and The exclusion of inter- opening ceremony. Gill Ludlow said her going on in the world at the Organisers said the friends did not reach this national fans comes as an- 'A dream for nearly 40 husband and son - who got moment, as there probably "challenging" Covid-19 conclusion lightly. "We other major financial blow years' - fans with tickets the tickets as a birthday gift situation in Japan and many stand shoulder-to-shoulder to the Tokyo Games. speak to BBC Sport - had been set to go on "a always are, but it still leaves other countries, global trav- at the side of our Japanese Costs for the Games Alex Blaney said it is "a trip of a lifetime", but they you disappointed." el restrictions and emer- partners and friends, with- have increased by $2.8bn sad day", and he is "devas- "totally understand" the For Dej Mahoney it will gence of variant strains of out any kind of reservation, (£2.1bn) because of mea- tated" not to be able to help decision. be the first Games since the virus had led to the deci- to make the Olympic and sures needed to prevent his 74-year-old father fulfil Philip Davis organ- sion and that ticket holders Paralympic Games Tokyo the spread of Covid-19 but a long-held ambition. ised his tickets in 2019, 1992 that he has missed. would be refunded. The 2020 a great success." organisers have consistently "When I was seven in "before the word Covid After watching Jamai- Olympics were postponed International Paralym- ruled out a delay. 1984, we were watching was even known", and said can sprinter Usain Bolt win by a year in March last pic Committee president Earlier this year, Japa- Daley Thompson's high the announcement "isn't a eight gold medals over the year because of the grow- Andrew Parsons said "dif- nese prime minister Yoshi- jump and my dad turned to surprise", although he has ing spread of coronavirus ficult decisions" had to be hide Suga said the Games me and said he would 'love "tried to stay positive" and years, he said he will "revel across the world. made with safety the "top would be "safe and secure" to go to an overseas Olym- hopeful. in those memories and not 'Difficult decisions need priority". "It goes without and could serve as a "sym- pics'," Blaney said. "I personally have been feel too hard done by". 16 SPORT NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 Batting might, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur give India series India 224 for 2 (Kohli 80*, Sharma 64) beat England 188 for 8 (Malan 68, Buttler 52, Thakur 3-45, Kumar 2-15) by 36 runs

(CRICINFO) An unbeaten undeniable. And, while it's 80 by Virat Kohli and a stun- little consolation, he wasn't ning half-century by Rohit the only England bowler left Sharma in an unfamiliar but hurting - Wood went for 53 effective opening partner- runs from his four overs. ship helped India set India up for a comfortable win in MALAN TO THE the fifth T20I before Bhu- FORE vneshwar Kumar finished it When Kumar had Roy off to seal the series 3-2 in out for a duck on the second Ahmedabad. ball of England's chase, with India left out regu- one that swung in as the lar opener KL Rahul and batsman charged down the brought in an extra bowl- wicket for an attempted slog er, T Natarajan, in a move over midwicket and clattered Kohli described at the toss into middle and off, it was as prompted by a desire to still India's game. But then "bring in a good balance England showed the might with bat and ball". But there of a top order that the likes was no denying Rahul's of Alex Hales - historical struggles - he had made 1, off-field issues aside - and 0, 0, and 14 in the series Joe Root can't break into. - and his absence meant England could have been Kohli would open for just tempted to tinker with line- the eighth time in T20Is. up, with suggestions they Kohli and Sharma combined should take a look at Stokes for a 94-run stand from 56 at No. 3, and they might balls to lead India to a com- have done had it been a dead manding total of 224 for 2, rubber but, with the series on their third-highest T20I total the line, they went with their at home and fourth high- full-strength side. Malan, est overall. Persisting with the No. 1-ranked T20I bats- the back-of-a-length and man in the world, had not short-pitched bowling which breached 25 in four innings had brought them success going into the match. But through the series, England's his 68, combined with some attack looked toothless on Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya steered India to their highest T20I total against England Getty Images power hitting by Buttler, this occasion as India's bats- who carted Rahul Chahar men adapted and thrived. Eoin Morgan fell cheaply a huge six over long leg in supported by Suryakumar WHAT A CATCH, for two sixes in the eighth England had said after to Pandya, the task proved Wood's next over and Rohit Yadav, who had top-scored JORDAN over and another in Chahar's India levelled the series 2-2 too much. produced an almost identical with 57 in the fourth match, Chris Jordan's torrid next as the bowler conceded with an eight-run victory on shot three balls later. Wood, which was just his second time with the ball was epito- 20 runs in seven balls, kept Thursday that they would RAMPAGING ROHIT having taken 3 for 18 over T20I. This time Yadav mised when he all but nailed England in the contest. relish the pressure of a must- Going into the match the three previous power- played a tidy cameo of 32, his yorker to Yadav only to Malan also broke Babar win clash as ideal prepa- with scores of 15 and 12 for plays he bowled in this se- hitting not his first ball for watch the batsman thread it Azam's record for the fastest ration for the World Cup the series after being rested ries, ended up conceding six as he had in his previous nonchalantly between point batsman to 1000 T20I runs. in October. They set out in for the first two matches, 28 runs off two overs with innings, but his second and and third man. Jordan man- Azam reached the mark in pursuit needing to score at Sharma unleashed a mas- nothing to show for it in this third, both off Rashid. After aged a wry smile at the time 26 innings, while Malan's 11.2 an over and recovered terclass of timing, power one. Rohit crashed sixes off 10 overs, India had struck but he brought a grin to his knock took him to 1003 runs from the early loss of Jason and elegance with an effort- Jordan, thudded over deep eight sixes. Only once had team-mates' faces - none in 24 innings. Roy as Dawid Malan and less-looking 64 off just 34 square leg, off Sam Curran they hit more by the half- more so than Roy - with Jos Buttler carried them to balls that consigned Kohli to bring up his fifty having way stage of a T20I - 10 his hand in Yadav's even- BRILLIANT BHUVI 62 for 1 by the end of the to the shade initially. No narrowly evaded Wood in against New Zealand in tual dismissal. Yadav lofted It was Kumar who had powerplay, which compared sooner had Kohli thumped the deep when his leading Christchurch in 2009. Har- Rashid down the ground put England on the back foot favourably with India's 60 Jofra Archer for a beautiful edge dropped short, and off dik Pandya was unbeaten and Jordan, running full-pelt and he struck again when for 0, en route to a 130-run cover drive for four, Sharma Ben Stokes with an 83m with 39 off 17 but it was towards the boundary to his Buttler holed out to Pandya partnership. signalled his intent, thread- hit down the ground. It was Kohli who provided the right from long-on, stuck out at long-off for 52 in a pivot- But some wonderful ing an Archer slower ball Stokes who finally made the steel in an imposing India his right hand and the ball al 13th over of the innings bowling by Kumar - who between point and cover for breakthrough with a legcut- innings. He added another stuck beautifully. That was yielding not only the wicket claimed 2 for 15 from his a boundary of his own. From ter which Sharma dragged six to his earlier one off until Jordan's momentum but just three runs. By that four overs, including 17 dot there, Rohit took charge, back onto his stumps to end Wood and his seven fours, continued to propel him stage England had fallen balls and the vital wickets nailing Adil Rashid over an entertaining and valuable when he charged down the over the rope and he had the considerably behind at 130 of Roy and Buttler on a deep midwicket for the first innings. pitch to launch Stokes over presence of mind to lob it to for 2, compared with India's batting-friendly pitch - dam- of five sixes. long-on in the 13th over. He Roy, waiting like a Cheshire 140 for 1. At the same time, aged England's hopes be- When Mark Wood came KOHLI COMES OUT brought up his third fifty of cat at deep midwicket. The Kumar had taken 2 for 9 yond repair. Shardul Thakur into the attack in the fourth TO PLAY the series with two clipped catch would go down next from three overs to squeeze accounted for Malan and over, India took 13 off it, Kohli took his cue at neatly through square leg to Roy's name, perhaps add- England before Thakur and Jonny Bairstow in the space including two fours that Sharma's dismissal and off Wood and took 12 runs ing insult to the injury of Pandya accounted for Bair- of four deliveries, which Rohit drilled straight back stepped into the limelight of Archer in the final over of Jordan conceding 57 from stow, Malan and Morgan in left England needing 83 off down the ground. Kohli with an unbeaten 80 off the innings. four wicketless overs, but quick succession to leave the the last five overs. When brought up India's 50 with 52 deliveries. He was well his brilliance in the field was tourists short of answers. SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 SPORT NEWS 17 Tuchel demands bravery as in-form Chelsea chase cup glory (SPORTS MAX) Thom- Tuchel said. When it comes to his as Tuchel has warned his "I demand from myself squad, Tuchel knows he Chelsea stars they must and the team and everybody cannot keep every player not develop a fear of losing the maximum and then we entirely happy, with the as they bid to extend their will see. If we have all this, likes of Tammy Abraham unbeaten run under his lead- it is possible to have big and Billy Gilmour strug- ership. records, but I hope we don't gling to break into his team Former Paris Saint-Ger- enter into situations where at present. main head coach Tuchel be- we are more afraid of losing He is determined to stay lieves having an obsession a record than winning the close to every player and with avoiding defeat can next game." peck away at the appetite The Blues are also keep them fully connected to win, and he pointed to through to the Champions with his plans for them. discussions with a top cy- League quarter-finals and "Is there always good cling boss as reinforcing are chasing a top-four finish news in these talks? No, his views. in the Premier League. there is not," Tuchel said. Tuchel did not name Tuchel says he has nev- "But if you need to give the the Team Sky leader with er treated any match as feedback, this is clearly my whom he once spoke about more important than another job to do, to give honest the mentality needed to be a and says his players must feedback, open feedback, champion in sport. "control our energy and our direct feedback. That individual was mentality", even if they can- "And so, it makes it eas- likely to have been Dave Chelsea Coach, Thomas Tuchel not be certain of achieving ier for them to understand Brailsford, the long-time the right results. what we expect and what manager of the cycling loss more than the hunger, win and not to avoid the By racking up 13 games "This is what I demand role they can fulfil, even squad which has since been than the adventure to maybe loss." unbeaten since taking over, from my team: to prepare if it maybe does not match rebranded as Team INEOS. win," Tuchel said. Chelsea face Sheffield Tuchel has established a in the best way possible "I spoke many years "To refocus is always United in the FA Cup club record for the longest and get the head straight with the way they wanted ago here in London to the at the process. If we look quarter-finals at Stamford run of games without defeat and be out with the same to have it. leader of the cycling team too much at what we have Bridge on Sunday, looking by a new Chelsea boss. competitive attitude like we "There are hard deci- of Sky, and he was very, achieved... maybe you step to go deeper into the com- "The record is already played the last 13 matches," sions to make, which is very concerned about the back and want to protect it, petition as Tuchel looks history and the next game he said. "This is it at the a good thing, because it feeling, not to enter a state but I want us always to be for a trophy from his first is Sheffield. This one game, highest level. You can never shows you have a good of mind where you fear the brave and go for the next half-season at the helm. this is the most important," relax." squad." 'WI need more 400-plus first-innings' - Windies coach Simmons says team focussed on improving all areas for Sri Lanka Tests (SPORTS MAX) West Indies coach, that we are striving for every time we Phil Simmons, insists the team is play. Then we have to bowl and bat looking for improvement in every area ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka, even better than we did in Bangladesh,” on Sunday, but particularly targeted he added. once again achieving the elusive 400 The West Indies reached 400 first runs first innings score. In recent matches, the regional innings runs last month, in the series team has carved out some momentum, against Bangladesh, but reaching the to- following up hard-fought Test series tal has proven to be the exception rather win over Bangladesh with a T20 and dominant ODI series win over Sri Lan- than the rule. Prior to that, the team got ka. Heading into the start of Sunday’s to the total against Sri Lanka in 2018. Test series, however, Simmons is far The highest first innings total, in from satisfied. “We need to improve in every area, the last 10 years, was 590 against India we had a good series but there are lots in 2011, in total they have achieved of things we need to keep improving the feat seven times. By comparison, on,” Simmons told Windies cricket. “We need to make sure we get 400 Australia has achieved the feat 27 times in the first innings, which is something within the same period. West Indies coach, Phil Simmons 18 SPORT NEWS SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 West Indies hold edge over struggling Sri Lanka as Kraigg Brathwaite era begins

Kraigg Brathwaite was named West Indies' new permanent Test captain in place of Jason Holder AFP/Getty Images (CRICINFO) For the first opener - was given the job for ier for the visitors. breakthroughs in the limited-overs keem Cornwall, 9 Alzarri Joseph, time in 18 months, Test cricket Sri Lanka.) Nevertheless, West legs, which happen to be his job 10 Kemar Roach, 11 Shannon returns to the Caribbean. Even Indies are tiptoeing into a new Form guide description in the Tests as well, Gabriel aside from this whole pandemic era. And although we sort of know (completed matches, most with the much slower Suranga Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth thing, plenty has happened in the what to expect from Brathwaite's recent first) Lakmal and Vishwa Fernando Karunaratne (capt.), 2 Lahiru interim. Sri Lanka have switched captaincy (he's led the team in West Indies: WWLLL likely to make up the remainder coaches (as is annual tradition). seven Tests already), he will be Sri Lanka: : LLLLD of the pace attack. Chameera is Thirimanne, 3 Oshada Fernan- Kyle Mayers has become a sen- desperate for his first assignment not usually a merchant of swing do, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 sation on the back of his 210 in as permanent leader to go well. IN THE SPOTLIGHT of seam, but it is possible that the Pathum Nissanka, 6 Dhananjaya Bangladesh. And, most recently, Sri Lanka's concerns, mean- Although Kraigg Brathwaite's Dukes ball will envenom him. Ei- de Silva, 7 Niroshan Dickwella Kraigg Brathwaite has replaced while, are widespread. Their leadership has had plenty of pos- ther way, Sri Lanka probably need (wk), 8 Suranga Lakmal, 9 Lasith Jason Holder as West Indies Test batting has been excellent in some itive attention since the 2-0 win Chameera to be fit and efficient Embuldeniya, 10 Dushmantha captain. innings, but terrible in others over over Bangladesh, analyses of his through the series if they want to Chameera, 11 Vishwa Fernando Brathwaite's rise to leadership, the last four Tests since Decem- batting have not been quite so stay competitive. and the demotion for Holder that ber. Their bowling has been a upbeat. He did hit a 76 and a 47 that move had to entail, has been little more consistent, in that it has in that last series, but the general PITCH AND CONDI- STATS AND TRIVIA among the less disruptive captain- been neither awful nor awesome, trend has been downwards. In TIONS · West Indies have won only cy switches in recent years. No but every time the quicks take the 2020 he averaged 23.10, in 2019 The pitch is expected to be two of the seven matches they've one was dropped from the team, field, you worry for their wellbe- he averaged 16.81, and in 2018 he seam-bowler friendly for the first played under Brathwaite, though nor maligned in the media. ing, so rampant have injuries been. averaged 24.43. On top of which day, before slowing down. The those are the two most recent West Indies' chief selector To some extent, it's difficult his batting average as captain is weather is expected to be largely games, in Bangladesh. Roger Harper has even come to predict what to expect from 20.64, compared to 34.16 when he good for the duration of the Tests, · Of the 20 Tests these teams out and emphasised how big a this Sri Lanka team, aside from is not. The West Indies selectors with temperatures in the mid 20s. role Holder continues to play for inconsistent performances. Part- said they hoped Holder would have played, Sri Lanka has won West Indies, while laying out why ly this is because the team is in now have more time to hone his TEAM NEWS nine and lost only four of them. Brathwaite was given the captain- such flux (e.g. Karunaratne and batting and bowling now that he's West Indies may leave out All four losses and only two of cy: "Kraigg was able to motivate Dhananjaya de Silva coming into been relieved of captaincy. They'll Jomel Warrican and have to pick those wins came in games in the his players to play to a very high this team to boost the batting, but hope Brathwaite breaks properly between Darren Bravo and Nkru- Caribbean. level and create the culture we Angelo Mathews leaving the XI out of his rut as well. mah Bonner. · Although Holder's batting are looking to establish where the and weakening it). That this tour Dushmantha Chameera made West Indies (possible): 1 fared slightly worse when he was team showed a collective determi- has been condensed for Covid his Test debut in 2015. For rea- Kraigg Brathwaite (c), 2 John nation to fight and a real hunger reasons, giving Sri Lanka only a sons largely to do with injury, Campbell, 3 Darren Bravo/Nk- leader, he was a better bowler as for success." (These happen to be few days to prepare for the Tests he's played only nine Tests since. rumah Bonner, 4 Kyle Mayer, 5 captain, averaging 26.76 when he similar to the reasons why Dimuth following a hectic limited-overs On this tour, he has been relied on Jermaine Blackwood, 6 Joshua da averaged 35.37 when not leading Karunaratne - another un-flashy schedule, also makes things trick- heavily - to bowl fast and provide Silva (wk), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Rah- the side. SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2021 SPORT NEWS 19 Najibullah Zadran, bowlers drive Afghanistan to series sweep Afghanistan183 for 7 (Najibullah 72*, Ghani 39, Ngarava 2-35) beat Zimbabwe 136 for 5 (Raza 41*, Burl 39*, Janat 2-34) by 47 runs

Debutant Fazalhaq Farooqi struck in the first over of the Zimbabwe chase Abu Dhabi Cricket

(CRICINFO) Asghar Afghan be- well for the first 15 overs of the tactic against Raza and though third ball of the final over. Bless- stumps. Farooqi bowled his full came the most successful men's innings. Despite giving them- he managed to get bat on ball, he ing Muzarabani was on a hat-trick, quota of overs, played with his T20I captain of all time, surpass- selves their best chance to win a was only able to lob it up to Burl having removed Rashid Khan and lengths and speeds and tried the ing MS Dhoni, as Afghanistan match, Zimbabwe's batting once at long-off. Two overs after that, Sharafuddin Ashraf, but Zadran short, slower ball often. He still recorded their 42nd win under him again let them down. Their top Mohammad Nabi top-edged Rich- was completely Zen; he hit a full, needs to learn to use it with a bit in the format. Their 47-run win order lacked the power-hitters ard Ngarava trying to cut a short wide ball over mid-off for four and over Zimbabwe ensured a clean- needed to set up a T20-style in- ball through point and Tarisai then dispatched a full toss through more discretion but on first glance, sweep of a three-match series and nings, which meant that Sikandar Musakanda took the catch diving point for four more. Zadran fin- he has what it takes. extended their record over Zimba- Raza and Ryan Burl's unbroken forward. Afghanistan's attacking ished the innings with a six over bwe to 11 wins from 12 matches, 80-run sixth-wicket stand was not approach seemed to be letting long-on. Afghanistan scored 69 TWO-IN-TWO, TWICE and their winning streak in T20Is enough to put any real pressure on them down, and Zimbabwe may runs in the last four overs. After Muzarabani took two in the UAE to 16 matches. On the Afghanistan. have had hopes of restricting them wickets in the last over of the other hand, Zimbabwe have not to a gettable target. ANOTHER YOUNG GUN Afghanistan innings, Janat did won a T20I since October 2019, a ZIMBABWE IN CONTROL FOR AFGHANISTAN the same after Zimbabwe had run of eight defeats. BUT NOT FOR LONG ZADRAN NAILS IT AT Nineteen-year-olds Ibrahim reached the halfway mark of their Though this was Afghanistan's Zimbabwe have been chasing THE DEATH Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz lowest total of the series (they bat- the game, literally and figurative- With wickets falling around impressed with the bat in the Tests chase. At 56 for 3, Zimbabwe ted first each time), the margin of ly, for most of this series, but there him, Zadran worked his way to 20 and T20Is respectively, and Af- were already well off the pace victory was similar to the previous was one period of play where they runs off the first 19 balls he faced. ghanistan have another promising but things became worse when matches - 47 runs, after wins by did control the flow. Between the But with Afghanistan 114 for 4 af- youngster to show off: Fazalhaq Milton Shumba made room for 48 runs and 45 runs - illustrating 11th and 14th overs of Afghan- ter 16 overs, he had to go. Zadran Farooqi. The left-arm pacer had himself to try and scoop Janat over the gulf between the two teams. istan's innings, Zimbabwe took scored 53 runs off the next 15 balls only played one T20 before today short fine-leg but edged behind After totals of 198 and 193 three wickets for 21 runs in 20 he faced, hitting four fours and but it took him just five balls to and worse still when, on the next earlier in the week, Afghanistan balls to leave Afghanistan at 96 five sixes in that phase. The one make a mark. He got his first ball, Richmond Mutumbami was were kept to 183 in this match for 4. It started when Wellington he may have enjoyed most was the wickets in the first over of the and owed their total largely to Masakadza bowled Karim Janat slog over long-on off Faraz Akram Zimbabwe reply, when Tinashe surprised by extra bounce and also Najibullah Zadran, who smashed with a good-length ball that Janat to get to his half-century, but the Kamunhukamwe cleared his front offered a simple take. Zimbabwe a 35-ball 72* to dent a Zimbabwe tried to slog. In the next over, ones that showed his mettle best leg to hit him across the line to the were 56 for 5 and Afghanistan's attack that had done relatively Usman Ghani tried a similar were the ones he played off the on-side and inside-edged on his clean sweep was all but sealed.