Staff Editor

In congratulating Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General  Luis Almagro on his re-election today, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has cited Guyana’s electoral process as one of the challenges now facing the organization.

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today said that in the drive against the Covid-19 pandemic, all seaports in Guyana will be closed from tomorrow to international vessels with the exception of merchant ships.

The Carter Center observer team this afternoon announced it was leaving Guyana.

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO,  (Reuters) – Brazil declared a state of emergency today, freeing up funds for the federal government to fight a coronavirus crisis that has hurt the popularity of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro’s government.

LONDON,  (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told cafes, pubs and restaurants across the country to close tonight and to stay shut indefinitely to help slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

Roman Catholic bishops of the Caribbean today urged those responsible for the verification process of the March 2nd general elections to bring it to an early completion.

MUMBAI/CHENNAI,  (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – People suspected of having the coronavirus in India have received hand stamps and are being tracked using their mobile phones and personal data to help enforce quarantines, raising concerns about privacy and mass surveillance.

(Trinidad Guardian) Parliament will today enforce regulations under the Public Health Ordinance (PHO) that will give Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh power to shut down bars, casinos, members’ clubs and restaurants across the country during the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Police say they are investigating the murder of: 1) Imogene Gordon, 49, of Lot 117 Prosville Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and 2) Royston John, 43, a carpenter of Prosville Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice respectively.

The Justice For All Party, one of the constituents of main governing coalition partner APNU, today called on President David Granger “to do the right thing” and allow the recounting process for all ballots from the March 2nd general election.

MUMBAI,  (Reuters) – Indian healthcare professionals are questioning claims by popular yoga guru and entrepreneur Baba Ramdev who said he has found an ayurvedic remedy that would help ward off coronavirus.

The Commonwealth Observer Group to the March 2nd general elections today said that two purported tabulations of the Region Four vote by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo were not credible or transparent.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) today called on Police Commissioner Leslie James to conduct himself professionally.

Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh today called on President David Granger to call off the “Dogs of War” and to enable GECOM to complete an orderly recount of the ballots cast at the March 2nd general elections.

NEW YORK,  (Reuters) – The U.S. government canceled all deportation hearings for immigrants not in detention after immigration judges and government prosecutors complained busy courts were putting them at risk of COVID-19 infection.

(Trinidad Express) A man known to police for robbery offences was killed in Ste Madeleine on Tuesday night.

(Trinidad Guardian) Republic Bank managing director Nigel Baptiste says the Finance Committee announced by the Prime Minister has met and had healthy discussions.

CARICOM today expressed regret at the forced withdrawal of a mission to recount votes at the March 2nd general elections and it said that it is clear that there are forces here who do not want the votes recounted for whatever reason.

President David Granger tonight said that he was “deeply disappointed” that a vote recount initiative by CARICOM has been stalled by court action.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo today warned that there will be serious consequences for persons here engaged in electoral fraud and seeking to establish an illegitimate government.