Staff Editor

The US-based Carter Center – one of the key observer groups for Monday’s general elections – today deployed its team across the country.

KABUL/DOHA,  (Reuters) – The United States signed a deal with Taliban insurgents today  that could pave the way toward a full withdrawal of foreign soldiers from Afghanistan and represent a step toward ending the 18-year-war in the nation.

QUITO, (Reuters) – Ecuador has confirmed the first case of a fast-spreading new coronavirus in the Andean country, its health minister said on Saturday.

The PPP this evening said that Police Commissioner Leslie James has given an assurance of the Force’s readiness to provide adequate security for Monday’s general elections and for all polling places.

The police today said that a thorough investigation has been launched following the death of Cleon Gomes, 36, a driver of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Region 8 who was shot in the left shoulder at about 8.30 pm yesterday by a member of the Guyana Police Force.

The sugar union GAWU says it was disturbed to learn today that the Uitvlugt Estate factory, for the first crop so far, has suffered breakdowns aggregating to 48 hours.

GENEVA,  (Reuters) – The risk of spread and impact of the coronavirus is now “very high” at a global level, the highest level of alarm, but containment is still possible, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today.

The Guyana Police Force today notified the general public that due to the current condition of sections of the Linden Highway due to erosion of the soil, a decision was taken to have the speed limit on the Highway reduced from 100km to 80km with immediate effect, in the interest of road safety.

(Jamaica Observer) The death of former Reggae Boy Irvino English has hit home hard among the football fraternity, especially at Waterhouse Football Club where he was considered a legend.

GENEVA/BEIJING,  (Reuters) – The rapid spread of coronavirus raised fears of a pandemic today, with countries on three continents reporting their first cases and Swiss authorities cancelling the giant Geneva car show.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has declared election day, March 2nd, 2020 as a public holiday.

The body of  a Rose Hall, Corentyne grocery owner, Lomenzo Johnny known as `Sham’ was this morning discovered with his feet bound.

The Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday advised the police to charge former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Gary Best with death by dangerous driving in relation to the February 8th accident that claimed the life of cyclist Jude Bentley.

SHENZHEN, China,  (Reuters) – The southern Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen is moving to outlaw the consumption of dogs and cats as the country clamps down on the wildlife trade that scientists suspect led to the coronavirus outbreak.

SYDNEY/DUBAI,  (Reuters) – The coronavirus’ rapid spread in Iran, Italy, South Korea and elsewhere left alarmed governments and people across the globe rushing today to implement emergency measures.

The major banks will be closing at noon on election day, March 2nd  to permit employees to vote.

GENEVA,  (Reuters) – The sudden rise in novel coronavirus cases in Italy, Iran and South Korea is “deeply concerning”, but the virus can still be contained and does not amount to a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief said today.

BRASILIA/SAO PAULO,  (Reuters) – Brazil confirmed the first case of a fast-spreading new coronavirus in Latin America today, diagnosing a 61-year-old man in Sao Paulo who returned recently from Italy.

Operations across the sugar industry have been significantly affected today as thousands of sugar workers from Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates as well as the GuySuCo Research Unit have stayed away from work to protest the increase in pay being offered by the GuySuCo, the sugar union GAWU says.

The police say they are investigating the murder of Joseph Calistro, 26, a miner of Port Kaituma, NWD which occurred on Sunday February 23, 2020 at 14 Miles, NWD allegedly by a 25 -year -old miner, of Port Kaituma NWD, who has since been detained.