Welcome to guyanachronicle.com

ARCHIVES FOR OCTOBER 14, 2009

World Bank hails Guyana’s climate change outreach
-- Successful assessment mission ends
THE World Bank yesterday reiterated its support for Guyana’s climate change thrust as a due diligence mission ended what officials said was a successful field trip as part of the preparatory phase to support this country’s model.

During last week, a 22-member team, including bank officials, government, civil society and donor representatives met 16 Amerindian communities at Iwokrama, Nappi and Kamarang to discuss the government’s proposed Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) strategy to keep forests standing, store carbon, and in return, receive payments from the international community.

At a press conference with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President complex in Georgetown yesterday, team members commended Guyana for its open, transparent and intensive consultations and other approaches centred on the proposed Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

REDD is to be the main financing mechanism for the LCDS and President Jagdeo said Guyana is very pleased with the engagements so far with the international community to develop its approach to climate change.

“We are pleased with the good partnership that we have developed with the multilateral institutions and with our other international partners”, he said.

He recalled expressing concern earlier this year that “old tools” may have been used in an entirely new area in creating a framework and incentives within that framework to ensure sustainable development friendly to the environment and that would not result in significant climate change.

He said that since then he has seen a “great willingness on the part of the donors – the multilateral institutions and other partners – to work in a collaborative fashion to develop new tools…approaches to this issue. For this we are very grateful”, the President said.

Guyana is leading a group of 37 countries around the world that stand to benefit from the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) administered by the World Bank.

World Bank Guyana Country Representative, Mr. Giorgio Valentini, who has persistently backed the Guyana Government’s thrust, yesterday maintained his stand, saying the bank was proud to be partnering Guyana in this project.

The visiting mission included representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom, two of the FCPF donor countries, and it was the final assessment before anticipated approval of support for Guyana under the trust fund.

The visit, organised by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), was financed by the World Bank and the British Department For International Development (DFID).

Others on the field trip were representatives from Conservation International, the World Wildlife Fund, the four non-governmental organisations involved in Amerindian affairs, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Ms. Yvonne Pearson - Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council, among others.

This country’s participation in the FCPF is an initiative of the Guyana Government following President Jagdeo’s approach to the international community for Guyana to get compensation from its forest value to future carbon markets.

As this is an initiative driven and owned by Guyana, the country is also likely to be the first to benefit from the FCPF's Readiness Mechanism Phase grant of US$3.6M to help prepare the necessary environment to participate in the Carbon Finance Mechanism (or Carbon Fund) of the FCPF.

The bank yesterday also announced that a US$200,000 seed grant will be provided to support further REDD formulation efforts, including funding technical studies coordinated by the GFC and information efforts and community awareness activities coordinated by the National Toshaos Council.

Valentini said this is an exciting time to be in Guyana, reiterating that the bank is in a very good partnership with this country and it recognises its leadership role in climate change dialogue here and especially abroad.

He said the mission was very successful and the indigenous communities that members met are willing to move forward and are connected to the big picture.

This, he said, speaks very highly for Guyana.

Mr. Laurent DeBroux, Senior Natural Resource Management Specialist at the World Bank, said Guyana is taking the right approach in its REDD Readiness plan and it is looking to address the risks and other issues involved.

He too agreed that the model Guyana is developing could set the precedent for other countries and praised the country for its openness in dealing with issues raised.

Pearson said the mission was a great opportunity for the indigenous people to be involved, adding that they are getting on board.

She commended the government for involving Amerindians so integrally in the process and said they are looking forward for a “great partnership” in the LCDS and REDD.

GFC Commissioner, Mr. James Singh said the multi-stakeholder team was able to clarify several issues raised during the outreach and reported that the mission was successful.

President Jagdeo stressed that Guyana has some of the best forestry practices in the world and declared that he has no fear about the local capacity to monitor forest utilisation.

Leaders of 187 countries are to meet in Copenhagen in Denmark in December to discuss a new global agreement to reduce climate change, which hopefully will include forests, providing a new opportunity for income for the people of Guyana.

At the FCPF Participants’ Committee (PC) meeting on June 16-18, 2009 in Montreux, Switzerland, the PC cleared the proposals for Guyana, Panama and Indonesia for funding under the Readiness phase, subject to compliance with safeguards and other Bank due diligence.

The FCPF was launched at the 13th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bali, and became operational in June 2008.

As of April 2009, 37 countries from Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America are participating in the FCPF, and 13 donors or contributors from both the public and private sectors are supporting the FCPF financially.

An earlier World Bank due diligence mission came up with a “very positive assessment” and the grant may be approved in the next few months, Valentini said earlier this year.

The GFC did a superb job in documenting the issues for the Bank’s Readiness Preparation Plan (R-PP formerly known as R-Plan) and Guyana is the only country cleared at the PC meeting that is undergoing the due diligence of the World Bank for approval of the FCPF's grant, he said.

Valentini earlier this year said, “I am a supporter of the climate change agenda of the country and the proposed LCDS provides a very good entry point into the preparation mechanism for the FCPF and the future carbon fund mechanism. The President has well illustrated the benefits of Guyana's forest to the world and the potential for improving Guyana's socio-economic development. On this, we are looking forward to supporting the government in implementing the LCDS and to make Guyana a best practice for the rest of the countries in the FCPF.”

“It’s a very unique opportunity if you think about Guyana being the first of 37 countries worldwide in this”, he said.

He explained that the preparation phase to be supported by the grant involves a baseline and historical assessment of the forest to understand the rate of deforestation, changes in the forest and the drivers of deforestation.

The grant is to prepare the country to move into the Carbon Fund Phase, which remunerates selected countries with Performance-Based Carbon Payments from carbon markets and/or funds, with a certain baseline, including a monitoring and verification system by which international organizations can monitor the forests for deforestation, the impact of mining and other factors, he said.

“Guyana can become the best practice after this is done…something that Guyana can be proud of and that can provide long-term sustainability to improvements in the social and economic sectors”, he said.

GuySuCo calls on GAWU and its membership to help foster…
‘A CLIMATE OF PARTNERSHIP’
- in solving issues affecting the Industry
- GAWU threatens countrywide strike action from today
THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) yesterday withdrew from a planned wages and salaries negotiation with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), which was scheduled to be hosted at the LBI training building, East Coast Demerara.

The Corporation, in a statement last evening, affirmed that it will not negotiate under duress.

It said the decision to withdraw from the talks is in keeping with standard Industrial Relations practices which dictate that discussions should not take place in an atmosphere of duress.

GuySuCo said this position stems from the fact that a section of workers attached to the LBI Estate resorted to strike action to vent their disapproval of the Corporation’s wage offer for the year 2009 among other issues.

The Corporation made it clear that to resort to strike action while the negotiations are ongoing is seen as a breach of good faith and an attempt to pressure GuySuCo into submission and place its negotiating team in a vulnerable position.

“Such a move is only counter-productive to the task at hand and serves to delay the conclusion of the negotiations,” GuySuCo stated.

It also said strike action at Diamond, as is the case at LBI, is unwarranted.

At a meeting with Management, GAWU requested that a panel comprising of representatives from both sides be set up to review the plans for the future of the Diamond cultivation.

“That engagement is still ongoing as GuySuCo remains committed to ensuing that workers’ interests remain paramount,” the Corporation stated.

To this end, the Corporation said it has even found itself having to pay wages at the expense of its suppliers and creditors.

The Corporation, however, indicated that open to dialogue and discussion it expects all stakeholders to appreciate the current plight of the Industry and the efforts being made to return it to viability.

“The Guyana Sugar Corporation is therefore calling on the Union and workers, as key and responsible stakeholders to work together in fostering a climate of partnership to solve the issues affecting the sugar industry,” the Corporation stated.

“They can demonstrate their commitment by resuming work in the shortest possible time so that a continuation of the talks can be facilitated,” GuySuCo urged.

PLANNED COUNTRY-WIDE STRIKE ACTION
But in an invited comment yesterday, GAWU’s President Mr. Komal Chand said all sugar workers across the country are expected to go on strike today.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Chand pointed out that the move follows a decision by GuySuCo to withdraw from the second conciliation meeting with the union at the LBI Estate training centre.

According to him, the union’s representatives from the various estates were peeved by the treatment meted out by the Corporation and have agreed to take industrial action.

He said he was told by the Corporation that its representatives will not attend the meeting because cane harvesters at the LBI Estate are on strike over a wage issue.

Chand pointed out that the shop steward and union officials at the LBI Estate have advised him that the workers there are on strike over the inability of GuySuCo to agree with the union on the weekly production target for last week.

Workers each crop work to achieve a weekly production target as well as the production target for the crop.

The GAWU President explained that the second crop started late, resulting in the continuation of operation in the non-schedule grinding week, and the need for setting of targets for this period.

Chand said the latest action by GuySuCo is reprehensible and provocative because the strike at the LBI Estate is centred on a target dispute, not over wages as the Corporation believes.

He said the union’s representatives are strongly of the view that the move by the Corporation was uncalled for, as the industrial action by the workers was totally unrelated to the wages discussion which is under the supervision of a senior Officer at the Ministry of Labour.

The current crop is expected to produce well over 160,000 tonnes of sugar, a target the top GAWU official said seems difficult to achieve given the prevailing circumstances.

Chand pointed out that the Company might not be able to meet the revised production target of 250,000 tonnes of sugar for the year but is optimistic the industry’s performance will be better than the previous year.

He also lauded the rehabilitation work, expansion programme and other efforts by GuySuCo to help the industry recover from the poor performance over the past few years, particularly last year.

GuySuCo had reported earlier this year that heavy rainfall between January and March had resulted in a shortfall of 6,000 tonnes in their production target for the first crop this year.

But the CEO of the Corporation Mr. Errol Hanoman said though the 6,000 tonne shortfall meant they were only able to produce 83,000 tonnes of sugar in the first crop, there is strong optimism that the steady efforts of his management team will lead to higher productivity in the months ahead.

Last year, the high level of rainfall, poor workers turnout and strikes affected the completion of the Company’s field programme, resulting in an annual production of 226,268 tonnes of sugar compared to the 226,482 tonnes produced the previous year.

Rockstone Fish Festival to become year round activity
- Tourism Minister
By Priya Nauth
THE fourth annual Rockstone Fish Festival, billed for October 24 and 25, is promising bigger and better activities this year.

Taking place at Rockstone, the small fishing community 18 miles from Linden in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), it will be jointly hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Rockstone Tourism Association (RTA).

First staged in September 2006, the aim is promoting the location as a major tourist attraction and generating income and opportunities for the community.

The programme begins on Saturday, October 24 and continues with some happenings as early as 04:00 h the following day, including the fish catching competition in the waterway teeming with fishes.

The small riverine village was made popular after being featured in a 2003 National Geographic article headlined ‘Catfish Hunters’ and it is now gearing itself to be transformed into a hub for actions, among them a fishing expedition, fish catching and cooking competitions and guided river tours.

Rockstone has one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world, the Arapaima and nearby Gluck Island, which has a rich population of birds, at least 140 species, is a natural habitat for the giant otter, big river turtles, ‘Howler’ monkeys, labbas, iguanas, bush hogs, black caimans and is home to the National Flower, Victoria Amazonia.

The surroundings offer possibilities for bird watching, river safaris, nature walks and sport fishing and, as such, the Ministry is moving to develop the area as a major attraction for visitors.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, speaking last Monday at the official endorsement in the South Road, Georgetown offices, assured that his ministry fully supports the event.

He reminded that it started as a collaborative effort between the Ministry, Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP), Region Ten Tourism Development Association and the RTA.

Prashad said it is very important for tourism, his ministry, the residents of Rockstone and Region Ten as a whole.

But, this year, the RTA has indicated that it wants to do the sponsorship collaborating with the local community, the Toshao and the Ministry.

EXPECTED
He said, although Rockstone has a population of just over 300 persons, the festival is expected to attract 5,000 people from all across Guyana as it is the kind of attraction to which tourists look forward.

Prashad said the facilities available are improving, a guest house has been constructed and the whole village has come alive but it is the Ministry’s aim for Rockstone to become self-sufficient and the festival to develop into a regular activity throughout the year.

Declaring it a bold initiative, he said it is Guyana’s only fish festival when the whole riverside area is transformed into a beautiful international resort like atmosphere and people camp out with their families and friends.

Prashad wished the coordinators success and said the profit made from the venture will be invested back into the development of the community, after his ministry provides technical assistance and most of the prizes on offer.

He said, as the festival becomes more and more popular, it will boost domestic tourism as more and more locals help put Rockstone on the map.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the event, Ms. Lynette Benn said the committee is working to ensure the hosting and is currently engaged in preparing Rockstone Landing, food courts and the ground.

She said entertainment will be provided for all including children and camping spots will be made available at a cost of $1,000 per person.

Director of Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh; Rockstone Toshao, Mr. Lance Allicock; RTA President, Mr. Donald Williams and other members were with the Minister.

At Rampur Village, Berbice…
Suspected bandit shot dead by police
A suspected bandit was shot and killed during a confrontation with the Police on Monday last.

Collis Johnson, 28, of Lot 5 Rampur Village, Corriverton was fatally shot during a confrontation with the police around 16:30 hrs Monday, during which one .22 pistol with four live .22 rounds of ammunition were retrieved.

Police, in a statement, said that, acting on information received, ranks went to Rampur Village in search of the suspect who is wanted in relation to a recent robbery at Angoy’s Avenue.

“He started to run and the ranks chased after him, during which time he discharged several rounds at the police who took cover and returned fire,” the Police statement said.

“He died before receiving medical attention,” the Police added.

The body is awaiting post-mortem.

Surcease from Diwali terror at last?
By Parvati Persaud-Edwards
WHETHER it is Eid, Diwali, Passover, Christmas, or any major celebration, members of that religious community begin preparing for that special day long in advance.

This is what forms traditions within families, communities, and nations and link the world in collective and collaborative celebratory initiatives.

These traditions form quintessential aspects of childhood memories and interweave the years through the processes of growth and development, and no matter how poor the home, money is always found to make that day an exciting one for the little ones – even if it is a special meal.

Homes and places of worship are cleaned and decorated well in advance and the children are allowed some degree of latitude even by the strictest of parents so that they can join in the communal fun and frolic.

These are the experiences that create lasting childhood memories. These are the memories that bind people to their homeland and their families no matter in which part of the world they reside.

These are the experiences and the memories that have been denied the children of the Hindu community of Alexander Village, as well as their neighbours, for eleven long years by hooligans who descend from villages as far as the central East Coast corridor.

Alexander Village is the strongest PPP support block in Region 4 and during the reign of terror in the country, especially the city and its environs post general elections of 1996, hundreds of terrorists were bussed in to victimize the predominantly Hindu community during one of their holiest, most sacred day, and today that victimization has become an entrenched habit.

During those days the Government itself was under siege and helpless to defend their supporters from the many injustices perpetrated against them countrywide – including kidnappings, rapes, murders, destruction of their properties, and an orchestrated attempt by several media houses to destabilize the administration.

So within the perspective of blocks of businesses and homes in the city going up in flames, innocent persons attacked in broad daylight, home invasions by gangs intent on destruction and mayhem – killing children in front of parents, parents in front of children, even a paralyzed man was deliberately set on fire during the funeral of his wife, houses set on fire with the inhabitants trapped helplessly inside, the travails of the Alexander community was placed on the back burner.

That community suffered to the extent where old people and children have become severely traumatized – dreading the once eagerly-anticipated festival of Diwali, because that night has been transformed into one of terror for them, and sacrilege of all that they hold most sacred.

The group of young persons who maintain the mandir dread the destruction of their beautiful rangolis and other decorations. Alexander Village, once one of the most beautifully-decorated villages during Diwali, becomes like a ghost-town during Diwali day, with the residents hiding out within their homes, dreading the onslaught heralded by sunset – a time that should have rung with joyful lighting-up activities.

Today they reminisce over those days of peaceful enjoyment of their sacred holiday with longing.

Many residents have long stopped lighting diyas, because their diyas are trampled upon by the hordes, who do not only confine their activities to the streets, but invade private homes, kicking down diyas from verandahs to sit on rails and drink alcohol while the homeowners cower inside in terror.

They not only destroy properties, even breaking down one woman’s fence, but they pelt even children with explosive devices, causing people to flee with terrified children to relatives at various other locations. The animals become frenzied with fear, and a couple of pets were lost in the melee, because the animals bolted and probably ran so far that they could not find their way home again.

The mandir is specially targeted, with “Thunderking” firecrackers thrown at their Lord Shiva murti, while one intrepid terrorist ventured into the mandir and threw a “thunderking” into the storeroom, which at that time was housing a generator, with spare fuel and cylinders of gas, but it was Diwali night – a night of miracles, and the firecracker fizzed out and died inches from the generator.

The villagers, who spend weeks in advance beautifying their homes and surroundings, observe in helpless agony as firecrackers are thrown into the muddy gutters so that the mud spatters their newly-washed or painted fences and homes.

But even more horrifying is the fact that bar-b-cue is sold and eaten, even on the overhanging roof of the mandir, and alcohol consumed, with the lewdest and vilest of music played at the loudest decibels.

The vulgar displays of what passes for dance makes Alexander Village become one grand passa-passa venue during the most sacred of Hindu holidays in a largely Hindu community.

Even non-Hindus are severely affected, because the people in Alexander Village live with great co-operation, and everyone shares in each other’s festivities, so the carnage not only demolishes the peace and tranquility of the little community, it also takes away a special day of camaraderie and neighborliness from the residents, who are often robbed if they venture out of their homes, and if they arrive home after sunset they are forced to park their vehicles far away, often returning to find them vandalized.

The mandir cannot hold services for its members on Diwali night, and only a devout Moslem or Christian denied entry to their places of worship on their holiest days would understand the anguish this causes to the Hindu community of Alexander Village.

Last Diwali the agony of the villagers drove them to appeal to the President for protection from the ravening hordes. This he promised, and the Government seems set to deliver on this promise this year.

Assurance was given to the villagers by Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on Monday last during a walk-through that any miscreant intent on disturbing the peace of the village and debasing the rich and sacred significance of the Hindu Festival of Light will be dealt with condignly.

Deputy Commander of “A” Division, David Ramnarine, who accompanied the Minister, said that a zero tolerance approach would be taken to protect the community from thugs hellbent on disturbing the peace in the village.

He promised police presence at key locations to prevent outsiders from infiltrating the village and desecrating their celebratory activities.

Representatives of the Mandir also met with Mr. Ramnarine at 15:00 hrs yesterday to discuss preventative mechanisms, which was followed with a meeting held at the West Ruimveldt Primary School at 17:00 hrs with the residents of Alexander Village.

At the latter meeting, Mr. M. Khan welcomed the Minister and the team of high-ranking police officers.

He stated that, while other communities are affected by lawless behaviour during religious holidays, what is tantamount to attacks on Alexander Village is pronounced and prevalent, with an escalation during the last few years.

He said that some members of the community are also culpable because they sell and use squibs.

Gerhardt Ramsaroop, member of the Vishnu Mandir, thanked the Minister for his response, and expressed his appreciation to Mr. Ramnarine for his commitment to end the Diwali woes of the villagers.

He opined that the presence of the Home Affairs Minister and so many high-ranking officers is testimony to the sincerity of their promise to make Alexander Village safe on Saturday evening.

He said the villagers are willing to work in cooperation with the police force to restore harmony in the community and that he sees this as a turning-point whereby the community can once more enjoy the tranquility of their homes on Diwali night.

Mrs. Rohini Bonar also said that the community is pleased with the response they have received from the authorities this year, because they have endured years of arrogance of outsiders who denied the villagers the right to celebrate their holiday in peace. She reiterated that the residents need assistance to ensure that the celebration of Diwali on Saturday evening is not marred by hooliganism.

The President of the Vishnu Mandir, Niranjan Sukhram, said his home nearly caught afire from explosive devices which set alight furniture in his home, necessitating the fire service to be summoned. He also spoke of the desecration of a Shiv Mandir in an old lady’s home.

79-yr-old Doris Narine spoke of destruction to her premises and the fear she endures every year, as did a number of other residents, one of whom described the ordeal of her little daughter whose dress caught afire from squibs thrown at her while she was sitting on her verandah. The chair she was sitting on was burnt beyond repairs.

One Ashok, who, like many others who grew up with happy experiences of Diwali celebrations in their village in times past and who return home from abroad for these celebrations, also expressed his disgust at the enduring fiasco the festival has become in the community.

One Jasmattie exhibited damaged portions of her roof through which holes were blown last year, and hers was not the only roof damaged. Even the mandir’s roof was not spared.

Even Moslem members of the community expressed their disgust at the inconvenience they are caused by the hooligans who do not allow them ingress and egress to and from their mosque.

The villagers say they once welcomed persons who visited the village to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the Diwali decorations and lighting-up activities, until this horrendous invasion.

Eddi Rodney said that police have issued bulletins against the sale and use of explosive items, and that the attacks by the vagabonds could be curtailed if the violators of this law are prosecuted.

Acting Commander of “A” Division said in response that he reciprocated the sentiments of the villagers and that he was happy to be present at the meeting.

He said he noted in the media the deteriorating situation and the concerns expressed by the villagers that the police were also attacked by the thugs, who were in such large numbers that they overwhelmed the police and promised that the arrangements by the Police Force would be improved, with an increase in uniformed and detective, as well as traffic ranks.

Assuring that the police would reinforce their protection substantially and strategize effectively, Mr. Ramnarine also requested the co-operation of the community, because he said that, in an attempt to curtail vehicular traffic the villagers may need to reach their homes a little early so that barricades would not impede their free movement.

He also stated that the police would deal condignly with those who attempt to sell Bar-b-Que and alcoholic beverages in proximity to the mandir.

He said the police would act very professionally, within the confines of the law, in an attempt to restore some semblance of law and order and to enable a massive reduction of lawlessness. He assured the residents that the police presence would continue for a lengthy duration during Saturday night.

Minister Rohee thanked the villagers for responding positively to the public ads and turning out in what he considers a representative body.

He spoke of the brief initial meeting on Monday with the villager during which initial views were expressed.

Applauding Mr. Ramnarine and his team for their positive commitment to ensure the successful realization of Saturday’s event in an ambience of peace and that the good order of the society is maintained, Rohee was adamant that at no time should a law-abiding citizen be disrupted from normal, peaceful activities in a tranquil atmosphere, and that the Government, through his Ministry, has to ensure that there is no disorder in the way people live; and the people of the country rely exclusively on the legally-constituted law-enforcement body, which is the police force, to implement that mandate.

The Minister warned the villagers to ensure that no member of their community is culpable of any offence, and if they are, there would be no outcry from the villagers if they are served the same way as outsiders for any offence committed during that night. The repercussions of lawlessness would be met with the full force of the law without fear or favour.

Stating that he does not wear the uniform, but that his ministry creates policies and gives directions, Minister Rohee challenged Mr. Ramnarine to make good on his promises and his commitment to ensure an incident-free Diwali celebration in Alexander Village this year.

Failing this, the Minister said that anyone found disrupting the celebrations should be charged and taken before the courts.

The Minister also called on the villagers to work in collaboration with the police in an effort to finally ensure lawlessness and hooliganism finally come to an end in Alexander Village.

In a Press Release yesterday the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) lauded the response of the Home Affairs Minister to the concerns of the residents of Alexander Village with the promise of protection of homeowners and the integrity of the mandir to be provided by the Police Force.

Noting its historic support of the mandir, the IAC release expressed the hope that the police will act swiftly to prevent further attacks on the mandir and to ensure that peace and tranquility prevail so that devotees can perform their sacred rituals for Deepavali.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has also issued a public advisory to practice religious tolerance at all times and respect the culture and beliefs of all religions.

Stating that it condemned the actions of those desecrating the Diwali celebrations by the Vishnu Mandir and residents of Alexander by outsiders, the Commission appealed for greater sensitivity and responsible behaviour by those who disrupt these festivities annually in the village.

Both organizations extend Diwali greetings to the nation.

Miner dies in pit
A 59-year-old miner was on Monday killed when the pit in which he was working at Mahdia, Potaro River caved in and covered him.

According to a police report, the incident occurred around 11:30 hrs Monday whilst Leon Clarke - a machine operator of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice - was operating a hymac in a forty feet deep pit when it caved in and covered him.

Police said his body is at a city mortuary awaiting post-mortem.

At anger management conference…
Manickchand solicits support to legislate violence free Guyana
By Tajeram Mohabir
MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand said, last Friday, that, if a man interferes with a minor no legal sanction can now be imposed on the accused.

She said, even if the matter is reported to the Police, much cannot be done because the law on the subject is anachronistic.

Manickchand offered the explanation when alluding to the allegation against Press Liaison Officer to the President, Mr. Kwame McCoy at a con-day conference on anger management at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

She said people should stop politicising the McCoy controversy and rally for the passage of the Sexual Offences Bill which is before Parliament.

Manickchand also mentioned that a bill seeking to reform the divorce laws is before the House, as well, seeking to pave the way for a peaceful and mutually beneficial parting.

Speaking at the forum organised by Men Empowerment Network (MEN), she said, while cases of men abusing women are well known and widely condemned, those involving women as the perpetrators and men as the victims often go unnoticed.

Manickchand recognised the inconsistency at the event themed ‘Changing the culture of abuse and violence’, attended by scores of men, among them being those she called “loose screws”, meaning bad tempered, religious leaders, parliamentarians and social workers.

SUFFERINGS
She sympathised with the male victims, saying she is aware of their sufferings.

Manickchand pointed out that many women psychologically abuse their husbands on a daily basis but the harassment is not known because it does not result in death, much unlike some men who beat the life out of their women.

But she acknowledged that the abuse of men by their women affects their mental performance at the workplace and is a cost to the country.

Manickchand suggested that, like the fora to persuade men to stop being abusive to their women and children, similar discussions have to be held with women to change their negative behaviour.

She said the Government remains committed to working with men and women to make Guyana violence free.

Manickchand reiterated Government’s support to eradicate violence against women and children and praised the MEN organisation, one of the organisers of the that forum, for its work in this area.

She said passage of the Domestic Violence Act is testimony of Government’s determination to end the societal scourge but admitted that the legislation is not being used effectively.

Manickchand expressed the view that the Law Courts and the Police have to do more in this regard.

She explained that the wide ranging Domestic Violence Act allows, among other things, for women to approach the Courts for help and the Government has expanded legal aid services throughout the country to assist those who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

Manickchand said more legislation is before the National Assembly to address the problem and the Sexual Offences Bill is included.

ROLE
MEN Chairman, Reverend Kwame Gilbert said the role of his organisation is to work with men to change their negative behaviour towards their women and children but it would also look at including women as they, too, are aggressors.

He said anger is not always negative because it can be both constructive and destructive.

Gilbert said the constructive is positive as it includes correcting an injustice but the destructive is unpleasant, self-serving and harmful.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean and Guyana Assistant Representative, Ms. Patrice La Fleur said men should strive to understand the issues that affect them, be exemplary in their action and view themselves as agents of change.

She posited that older men need to meet and talk with boys, offer guidance and leadership to empower them to stay away from drugs, gangs, crime and other illicit activities.

La Fleur said men are the anchors of their family and must endeavour to satisfy their roles as husbands, fathers, providers and emphasised that, if they allow their anchors to be lifted, their families will go adrift.

She maintained, though, that issues of boys’ underachievement and their involvement in crime, drugs and gangs have to be addressed in order to make them better persons in society.

During the five-hour discourse, Dominion House Pastor, Mr. Timothy King made a presentation on anger management while his colleague from Vreed-en-Hoop Wesleyan Church, Mr. Marlon Hestick spoke on non-violent communication.

The gathering also participated in a lively discussion and both religious leaders offered suggestions to help alleviate concerns.

Mother of triplets appeals for more public assistance
THE mother of triplets born March 14, 2008 is appealing to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand to reconsider her application for public assistance.

Hameeda Bacchus told the Guyana Chronicle, at her Lot 1186 Galaxy Street, Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice home, that, following the birth of the girls, she only received vouchers for a six months period and has since applied for more on advice from staff at the Ministry Office in Berbice but was not successful.

“I know there are other persons with needs but I would be grateful if I get help for at lest two of the girls,” the woman said.

She said, although her husband is a cane harvester and earns between $10,000 and $12,000 a week, their expenses take up most of his earnings.

Bacchus said, too, that, at out of crop seasons, he earns less than half the stated sums and the children, Aswannie, Ashvinnie and Ashmannie, are now 19-months-old.

This newspaper has been following the growth and development of the girls since their mother created history by being the first to have multiple births at New Amsterdam Hospital, at its new location.

Bacchus, who is an only child and an orphan, revealed that, with the exception of her grandmother, who made twins, none of her other relatives have had such an experience.

Intensifying the battle against cervical cancer
The dreaded disease cancer, in all forms, is increasingly affecting people throughout the world and is of growing concern to health care services and systems.

According to the World health Organisation (WHO) cancer rates could further increase by 50% to 15 million new cases in the year 2020, according to the World Cancer Report, the most comprehensive global examination of the disease to date. However, the report also provides clear evidence that healthy lifestyles and public health action by governments and health practitioners could stem this trend, and prevent as many as one third of cancers worldwide.

In the year 2000, malignant tumours were responsible for 12 per cent of the nearly 56 million deaths worldwide from all causes. In many countries, more than a quarter of deaths are attributable to cancer. In 2000, 5.3 million men and 4.7 million women developed a malignant tumour and altogether 6.2 million died from the disease. The report also reveals that cancer has emerged as a major public health problem in developing countries, matching its effect in industrialised nations.

“The World Cancer Report tells us that cancer rates are set to increase at an alarming rate globally. We can make a difference by taking action today. We have the opportunity to stem this increase. This report calls on Governments, health practitioners and the general public to take urgent action. Action now can prevent one third of cancers, cure another third, and provide good, palliative care to the remaining third who need it, "said Dr Paul Kleihues, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and co-editor of the World Cancer Report.

In recent years though, cervical cancer has become a worrisome issue and is also increasingly affecting women throughout the world. Fortunately, this disease is curable if detected in its early stages and WHO has approved a vaccine-Cervarix which can save millions of lives.

“Cervarix can save millions of women’s lives throughout the world, but only if it reaches those who need it most,” said Jean Stéphenne, president of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals.

More than 80 percent of the estimated 280,000 cervical cancer deaths a year occur in developing countries. In the West, early diagnosis and treatment has slashed the disease’s incidence.

Last year, the global health association GAVI, formerly known as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, prioritised the purchase of cervical cancer vaccines for the world’s 73 poorest countries. GAVI includes U.N. agencies, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and is a major buyer of vaccines for the developing world.

In 2007, there were over 550,000 new cases of cervical cancer worldwide, and approximately 260,000 deaths from cervical cancer. The overwhelming majority of these women were in developing countries, where cervical cancer screening programmes and infrastructures for prevention, diagnoses, and treatment are weak. In the United States, the cervical cancer incidence rate is much lower. It was estimated that 11,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer and approximately 3,700 deaths from cervical cancer occurred in the United States in 2007. This lower rate is attributable to the success of the widespread use of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test, which detects changes in cervical tissue, and is a major tool in screening for early identification of cervical cancer.

If detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable. In the United States, it is recommended that women receive Pap tests at least once every three years. However, many women still do not receive Pap tests at the recommended frequency. In particular, Asian/Pacific Islander women have significantly lower rates of Pap tests than women of other races. Cervical cancer incidence and mortality are approximately 1.5 times higher among African American and Latina women, compared to White women. Researchers have postulated several reasons for these disparities, including fear, cost, lack of physician referral, and cultural issues.

Here in Guyana the Ministry of Health has adopted a very proactive approach on cervical cancer and in this regard has intensified its education, sensitisation and awareness campaigns as well screening and Pap tests.

For this year, so far 2,239 women underwent tests in Guyana, 394 of whom tested positive for pre-cancerous cells and seven are suspected cervical cancer patients, Varello reported.

Although the VIA Clinic was not established until January this year, work with cervical cancer has been going on since 2000.

U.S specialist Dr John Varello who is here currently overlooking screening process for cervical cancer at the GHPC made a very important and pertinent observation when he said that although it does not focus on diagnosis it is important to prevention of the disease.

The biggest value of the exercise is identifying the pre-cancerous cells before they turn into cervical cancer.

In other words, Dr Varello is advocating a preventative approach rather than a reactive one and in matters of health such an approach is essential and crucial because lives could be saved and the acquiring of certain disease could be averted.

OBAMA'S NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
'honour' and 'burden'
Analysis by Rickey Singh
NO Government of the Caribbean Community has yet responded (not publicly anyway) to the very surprising choice of President Barack Obama as the world's latest recipient of the most prestigious and coveted Nobel Peace Prize.

It is not a case of ANY of the 15 governments disagreeing to a hotly debated decision, announced last Friday (Oct 9), by the Norwegian Nobel Prize Committee, and currently being projected, internationally, as "an honour and burden" for Obama.

Rather, this public silence seems to reflect a shared preference to suppress enthusiasm among the President's worldwide admirers for cautious optimism of his capacity to deliver on the enormous expectations he has so passionately aroused--from his election campaign right into the nine months of the world's most powerful seat of authority.

The familiar refrain, among admirers and cynics, is that the award is "premature", and questioning the Nobel Prize--for what?

A short answer could be - for those in our region of the world and elsewhere not too critical to appreciate - is the inspiring promise Obama boldly and sincerely holds out for that elusive international peace that's desperately needed to transfer resources from wars and conflicts to combat poverty, illiteracy and promote ethnic and religious harmony.

CRITICISMS
The 'burden' his presidency bears with the 'honour' bestowed by the Nobel Peace Prize is to make a reality of the complex peace initiatives he is vigorously pursuing on various fronts at present - Israel/Palestine endless bloody conflicts; Iran, North Korea, and Syria (all involving the dangers of nuclear warfare) while seeking to win cooperation, if not friendship, in our own Greater Caribbean region (Cuba and Venezuela).

His detractors want to know how a President, currently locked into an escalating war in Afghanistan, and still doing the merry-go-round in Iraq, qualifies for the Nobel Peace Prize.

They also point to his enunciated policies to shutdown Guantanamo Bay as a torture centre and for the prisoners to face court trials in the USA; ending the practice of torture as a weapon by the US intelligence and military forces; as well as moving to reverse the "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the Bill Clinton era to keep a promise to gay Americans serving in the US military.

Like the much bigger and challenging issues such as working for a nuclear-free world, achieving peace in the Middle East, all of the above remain works in progress.

They are signposts of very good intentions for achievements to come.

So what's so wrong with good intentions supported, in Obama's case, with more than sketched policy outlines and personal initiatives to achieve his laudable international objectives---even as he remains steadfastly engaged with a herculean battle at home for enactment of legislation on healthcare reform?

'POSITIVE' APPEAL
It would appear that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, in remaining faithful to the Will or mandate of Alfred Nobel, figured that although nominations had closed just 12 days after Obama's inauguration, sufficient had been assessed of his intentions and initiatives as President of merely nine months, to justify conferring on him the great honour of the Prize that every American President certainly covets, but so far won by only two - Woodrow Wilson (1919) and Jimmy Carter (2002).

Fidel Castro, that revolutionary nemesis of successive US administrations that, from John Kennedy to George W. Bush had maintained for 47 years the most punitive embargo against Cuba--and which Obama has, under existing laws, had an obligation to extend for another year - may well have captured a wider sentiment when he carefully wrote in support of the Peace Prize award:

"I don't always share the positions of that institution (Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, but I am obligated to recognize that in this instance, it was, in my judgement, a positive measure...”

"Many will say", added the retired Cuban President, “that he still hasn't earned the right to receive such a distinction. We (Cuba) prefer to see in this decision, more than a prize for the President of the United States, a criticism of the genocidal policies that not a few Presidents of that country have followed..."

In London, Secretary-General of the 54-member Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma (of India), currently finalising arrangements for Trinidad and Tobago's hosting next month of the Commonwealth Summit, quickly dispatched congratulations to Obama.

He declared that his award of the Peace Prize "strikes a tremendous chord" in recognition of his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples..."

Let the third US President to have the honour of being a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, have the last word in today's column:

"I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people of all nations...To be honest", he humbly declared, "I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who have been honoured by this prize..."

Normally awarded for a lifetime of achievements since its creation in 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize is currently worth US$1.4 million.

President Obama will travel to Oslo later in the year to receive the prize. He has already decided to donate the money to charity and made it clear that he "remains a long way" from achieving his list of goals.

THE PARROT
The 'bush' yardstick for development
The Toms, Dicks and Harrys who are loyal to Uncle Bob down at the Place of CONgress rushed to counter Randy’s accuracy. It was like “tag-team” rushing with each trying to out-do the other to get a “piece” of Randy. Randy, being the consummate political analyst he is, noted that the only reason they want a “piece” of him is because he “sweet”. The Parrot is no “sweet” expert so like some politicians, I have, “no comments” on that. What is sure, based on what Randy’s “buse-ers” are saying, they haven’t found anything “sweet” in his findings.
The Parrot has noticed how some nuff people using the papers and internet blogging to ridicule a good doctor chap.

The doctor accurately “diagnosed” that this land has recovered from its once prolonged state of depression; a state of acute coma.

In medical terms (as I saw pun TV since I am no doctor), the state was a “flat liner”. It refers to a greenish flat line as seen on a monitor in the emergency room which confirms that the person it is attached to has “kicked the bucket”; dead; cold as a dog nose.

The land was basically “dead” with its people frustrated and in an acute state of delusion. Years after, visual examinations showed numerous signs of recovery. Doctors are fascinated by this meteoric recovery over time. Up comes the good doctor mentioned, Randy.

Being a doctor, he resorted to scientific means to confirm what was already known with regards to the land’s recovery. His findings proved that the recovery has its genesis some seventeen years back.

The Parrot cannot say for sure if the doctor incorporated carbon-dating mechanisms to confirm the birth of the recovery.

Whatever methods he used, his accuracy is impeccable.

This “impecableness” has led the many “buse-ups” he has received since making his findings public.

The Toms, Dicks and Harrys who are loyal to Uncle Bob down at the Place of CONgress rushed to counter Randy’s accuracy. It was like “tag-team” rushing with each trying to out-do the other to get a “piece” of Randy.

Randy, being the consummate political analyst he is, noted that the only reason they want a “piece” of him is because he “sweet”.

The Parrot is no “sweet” expert so like some politicians, I have, “no comments” on that. What is sure, based on what Randy’s “buse-ers” are saying, they haven’t found anything “sweet” in his findings.

The “buse-ers” who were accustomed to the comatose state that once existed, are now suffering from another serious illness; “disaccustomcy”. Apparently they are not accustomed to living in a developing state.

So, naturally, when someone ain’t accustomed to something, they find all kinds o’ excuses to blame the thing.

The thing being referred to, is development. Everybody, including the Toms, Dicks and Harrys (TDHs) mentioned above, know that it ain’t need a Randy to emphasise that the land has seen numerous advancements through development.

They know, because they ain’t like Stevie Wonder who can’t see. They can also remember what it was like before. What happen to the TDHs is that nobody ain’t suppose to write ‘bout these advancements, including Randy. So when he wrote, he touched their “craw” as we seh locally.

The TDHs ain’t want the “diasporic” Guyanese to know and experience the many advancements here.

So when Randy opened his mouth, they opened all of theirs to try and “drown” he out. The man wasn’t here for a number of years, Randy that is. He knows the derelict state it was when he left. So obviously, having returned and seeing what was once inconceivable, he opened his “mouth” and write.

The TDHs writing and writing in an effort to “plaster up” Randy’s mouth. The plaster ain’t sticking. Apparently is one from the past that was around in the old Big Hospital during the state of depression alluded to.

One Tom with a Mall-come first name and Harry-paul last name (see the involvement of the Harrys) write and seh how because some park on the coast west of Demerara got plenty bush, the place ain’t developed and that Randy lie.

According to this Tom, bush means lack of development. Now, hear this, this said Tom with two first names making up his last name (Harry and Paul) lives in the USA.

Now I can understand him saying that for America since Bush is considered to be synonymous with a lack of development.

Just look at what Barrack inherited; a collapsed economy and so on and so on. You know the rest.

But America got bush despite the departure of Bush. I am not referring to Jeb.

America got plenty run-down places that are given a fancy title; “slums” which can interchangeably be used for bush.

The Bronx and Harlem and other parts of NY; parts of LA; California; Louisiana; Atlanta; Washington DC just a few blocks from Barrack’s office in the White House and others.

This squawk ain’t got space to list all the States that make up America; all have their slums and bush. Should Randy, the doctor, now used the evidence of those run-down places in America to say that it ain’t developed?

Should the Parrot say that because Central Park in NY got plenty bush, America ain’t develop?

Because Brazil got most of the Amazon rainforest, it ain’t developing? Everybody now advocating to keep bush to save the planet.

If all dem fancy countries start growing bush they would no longer be developed? Boy, dem boys fuh real?

The TDH boys ah talking ‘bout. If bush is now the new yardstick to measure development, then the Parrot ain’t sticking around.

I will flap my wings around the globe to observe bush concentration and make my own diagnosis on development. All now have competition. I starting a blog too.

Squawk! Squawk!

There should be an inquiry into installation of GPL plant
EMPATHY should be extended to both chairman and general manager of the Guyana Power & Light (GPL) utility, Messrs Winston Brassington and Bharrat Dindyal respectively to the very top brass of this state monopoly. They are obligated to assume full responsibility for providing a satisfactory service in the provision of adequate and reliable electricity to the nation.

What obtains now is a totally unsatisfactory chaotic service and which has long historic explanation, but the more recent advisories relative to plans in satisfying energy demands amount to feeble projections and anticipation. The desired credibility is fulfilled in the breach rather than welcome acceptance.

For instance, sometime before September 2009 and with the delivery of a brand new Wartsila plant, management then assured all consumers that by the middle of September 2009, this new plant will be up and ready; electricity shortfalls will be enhanced. September has come and gone. What in fact is being experienced is not more supply of electricity, but more intensity of blackouts. We are now faced with another management promise that our electricity woes will be over by mid November 2009. Should we believe this is the burning question?

The empathy with management is the knowledge that their (management) projection must be based on their supporting professional and technical staff who are all charged with the responsibility of completing the installation of all equipment in the projected, timely manner. From the outside, it is crystal clear that it is in the area of the competence of these professional, technical personnel where the full blame lies.

There should be an appropriate inquiry into this obvious lack of competence in not concluding the simple routine task of installing the new plant
DAVID DeGROOT

Attack on Alexander Village disturbing to the psyche
THE annual attack and display of violence on a Place of worship in Alexander Village is always most sickening and disturbing to the human psyche.

I find it strange that in a country like ours, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious that a set of people, mostly young people of a particular ethnic profile would descend to desecrate the mandir. They use handmade bombs and illegal firecrackers, some of which explode as a small dynamite, and destructive according to its size. Put together it could be deadly. Further, as I wrote in the press earlier, people could seek revenge and partake in tit for tat. It could also give ideas to others bent of destructiveness to be just so. This is not good for us.

There are Christian Churches nearby and a Masjid (Muslim place of worship), but no desecration or destruction is targeted on them. This has to be a profound eye pass, a direct insult to the Hindu community, which should not be tolerated in the least. In previous letters I suggested that if the authorities could not provide requisite protection, then the worshippers of Sanatan Dharm is bound to defend them. I suggested also that they set up a vigilant set of eyes to watch for infidels who wish to insult and harm them.

I am happy that the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee has taken the initiative to move into the area to assuage the Hindu brothers and sisters. I wonder though how it would have been had the police secreted themselves, set up a dragnet in the area, disguised, and then apprehended the culprits, after which they go where they should for a long time for desecration of a house of worship.

As a Muslim, I know we are commanded by God Almighty (ALLAH) to protect the Places of worship of all peoples. As an injunction to all Muslims, the Holy Quran says: “Had it not been for Islam, there would have been pulled down, mosques, synagogues, churches and cloisters, Where God’s name is much remembered.” I see this as an order from God, that Muslims must not only be dynamic in protecting their places of worship, but also all places of worship and conscience, even “cloisters,” as it describes those places where people gather for worship, e.g. a Mandir.

Let us all as Guyanese, celebrate the fact that all peoples in this blessed country are free to worship as they please, and free to change religions if they so desire. No one is ever targeted politically or any means because of their religious faith, except for the miscreants and recalcitrant who have been attacking the Alexander Village Mandir.

It is good this will now end. I am only sorry that the culprits could not be punished according to law.
ROSHAN KHAN

India’s friendly economic development provides hope at Copenhagen talks
INDIA's commendable action of promoting environment friendly economic development provides more hope for Copenhagen climate talks.

As the countdown to Copenhagen has begun, India is fast positioning itself as a resourceful and responsible leader ready to meet the climate change challenges head on. The fact that the country has already set up a ministry to promote alternative sources of energy and has targeted to cut carbon emissions by 2020 demonstrates that it takes the climate change issue seriously. By focusing on the issue from the perspective of both adaptation and mitigation, New Delhi is coming out with a strong climate agenda to strengthen its position as a negotiator at Copenhagen in December. In continuation of its official approach of taking a broader perspective on measures to fight the menace, India's environment minister, Mr. Jairam Ramesh has spelt out a series of measures that are scheduled to go some distance in reducing India’s emissions. "India is going to aggressively take on voluntary mitigation outcomes. We are now going to go for domestic legislation which will enshrine some targets," he is reported to have said in an interview to "The Guardian". These include a mandatory fuel efficiency cap in 2011, an energy efficient building code to start by 2012 and an increase in electricity produced from renewable sources to 20% by 2020. The Government also remains committed to stepping up efforts to stop deforestation, raising its target for tree cover to 15% by 2020. This positive approach could mean that India has upped its own profile for Copenhagen, a fact that has been reiterated by Ed. Miliband, the British climate change secretary who said that the tangible move made by India had improved the chances of a comprehensive global warming deal at Copenhagen.

It goes without saying that global warming presents one of the greatest challenges of our time having catastrophic repercussion for humans. Indeed, the global warming may be taking place at a swifter pace than initially thought. The latest reports indicate that the climate change is already impacting the lives and livelihood of individuals and communities across the globe. The Arctic ice is melting at a much faster rate. In fact, the report of the World Wide Fund for Nature released sometime back indicates that the summer sea ice in the Arctic Ocean could completely disappear between 2013 and 2040. This could lead to disastrous rise in sea levels as well as snow fed rivers which will in turn displace thousands of people living in hills besides migrating coastal population. Scientists have warned that unless drastic measures are adopted, low lying nations like Bangladesh, Kolkata, Mumbai, London, San Francisco, Manhattan and other metropolitan areas could go under water by 2050. In India also, Himalayan glaciers are melting at a threatening rate. The rate of retreat of Gangotri glacier has almost doubled from around 62 feet per year between 1950 and 1971. Various studies have concluded that climate change has a profound effect on the weather patterns across the world. Due to this, extreme weather conditions have become frequent in recent years. Changes in monsoon pattern have resulted in severe droughts and intense flooding in many parts of India. Given this prospect, India’s growth is likely to suffer enormously in the very important agriculture sector. Though rapidly receding Himalayan glaciers, stagnating agriculture yields, increasing dry spells and unpredictable monsoon make the country very vulnerable to climate change, the good news is that it is taking meaningful action to counter the menace. Reports corroborating India’s green credentials have also been circulating of late. An earlier report saying that the country has consistently greened its GDP since the 1980's, with the energy intensity of India’s GDP falling from 0.3 goes per dollar of GDP in 1980 to 0.16 kgoe in 2004 buttress these assertions. Further, a range of policy initiatives announced by the Indian government, for instance, a $22 billion solar energy programme, a $2.5 billion forestation fund and a National Energy Efficiency Mission have earned plaudits from the climate secretary Ed. Miliband who put it aptly by saying that India wants to be a dealmaker and not a deal breaker in Copenhagen during his visit to New Delhi on September 2.

India has demonstrated that it fully understands the consequences of climate change by drawing a micro action plan for addressing the climate change issue. The details of this plan were spelt out by the Environment Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh at a South Asia Media workshop organised by the centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi some days back. It is commendable that the country has already increased its budget for environment and forest from 3700 crore in 208-09 to 8300 crore in the current fiscal. There is also to be workshop on Clean Development Management for capacity building of experts from SAARC nations. The Minister has also lined up an India carbon market conclave serving as a forum for knowledge. This again speaks of positive action. As Mr. Ramesh firmly believes that adaptation measures are more fundamental than mitigation, he is going to convene a global conference to define the Roadmap for enabling technology development and as technology transfer to developing countries. "We are holding a Climate Change and Technology conference in New Delhi on October 22-23 with 190 countries participating. This will be one of our major contributions to Copenhagen", he said. However, he declared that India will not take legally binding targets on emission level decrease at the Copenhagen meet. The government also plans to introduce some strict legislatures to minimise the emission of Green House Gases in the near future. For instance, there will be energy efficiency standards for electronic appliances, which will come into effect from January 2010. There is also another governmental plan for fuel efficiency standards setting emission norms for vehicles, expected to come into force in the next 2 years. The energy conservation building code that has already been introduced in Delhi will be extended to all other states. Also, there are plans to outsource monitoring work to gauge the actual position of plantations done under afforestation drives. And last but not the least, the states especially the Himalayan and coastal states have been asked to prepare a comprehensive action plan before the December summit. Besides, it is for the first time that the government has decided to take youngsters to the Copenhagen meet.

Indeed, climate change is a matter of grave concern. Unless all countries accept responsibility, none of us will be spared its terrible effects. Due to the excessive burning of fossil fuel, deforestation and increased industrialisation, a scary situation is being created due to global warming which is scheduled to affect the entire planet. Though it’s true that the economy needs to grow. But it’s also true that ecology has to be protected from the harmful effects of carbon emission.

The environment is not restricted to boundaries of different countries. Indeed climate change due to its global manifestations demands a global response. Sadly, the Western Nations which are exhorting India to take legally binding commitments to control carbon emissions have not even met the commitments they had agreed to under the Kyoto Protocol. Despite being the main culprits behind the accumulation of Green House Gases, the rich countries are seeking to kill the coyote and gain cheap credits outside Kyoto. This was manifest at the Bangkok talks ending on Friday where several countries like U.S., EU, Australia, Japan, Canada and others got together to demand scrapping of Kyoto and benefits of offsetting their targets against credits.

As there is no point in shifting blame about who is responsible for climate change, India’s assurance on the eve of the UN Climate Summit of World Leaders that "We are not part of the problem but we want to be a part of the solution" aptly sums up its optimism about reaching an agreement at the climate negotiations at Copenhagen. All negotiators would do well to remember that the fate of every nation on this planet hangs on the outcome of Copenhagen meet. In the face of very little time for action, the need of the hour is to move beyond posturing and do something.
SUNITA VAKIL

Pleasantly surprised to see improvements in our country
WHILE driving to the airport not too long ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see all the improvements our beloved country has undergone recently (it’s been a while since I’ve made a trip out of Berbice, so the GT regulars will have to excuse my ignorance).

How good the new roads looked to me with all the reflectors shining back, showing every turn and bend from far off. I definitely felt a lot more confident driving these unfamiliar roads (unfamiliar to me anyway) knowing in advance that a sharp turn or dangerous bend was up ahead. My father, whom I went to collect, was especially impressed with the street lights along the road side. He commented that they should have been installed a long time ago, because, not only do they serve as a deterrent to crime, they also gave a positive first impression to anyone visiting our beautiful Guyana. This got me to thinking about the area I live in.

As most Guyanese already know, the Berbice highway is undergoing massive rehabilitation and repair works from N/A to Moleson Creek. We, the residents of Berbice are very happy, and very thankful to government for these developments.

The Berbice Bridge has made life a heck of a lot easier for all Guyanese, especially those of us in Berbice, and the new Skeldon sugar factory, with its electrical co-generation plant is a major step forward for us all. The ferry stelling at Moleson Creek (a legal port of entry, by the way) along with the Takutu bridge, now open, means a lot more people and commerce will be travelling through the Ancient County.

Taking the above into consideration, wouldn’t it be wise for Govt. to install street lights along the roadway in the Corentyne area? With the co-generation plant at the Skeldon sugar factory, there is enough electricity to supply street lights from Corriverton to the Moleson Creek port of entry (the ferry stelling). This would give a positive first impression to anyone arriving in the Corentyne area to do business with Guyana. As Guyanese, we should want and strive to insure that people who visit our shores, must feel safe and pleased enough with our Country, that they will come back to do more business with us.

I sincerely hope that government takes a serious look at the economic strength and capability of the Corriverton area, and provide this town with street lights, if this is not already in their plans.
M. A. IBRAHIM

Is Freddie pimping for the AFC?
THIS is a must read to prove once and for all how stupid and idiotic Freddie Kissoon really is.

He wrote this piece in KN yesterday.

He met a woman at Medicare Pharmacy on New Market Street and she told him the mental trauma the family was enduring with the sudden removal of her child.

“After she had finished speaking, I asked her a question which I normally put to all Indians, without exception, when they relate their tales of hurt by the Government of Guyana. She told me that she gave her ballot to the PPP but will not do so the next time. I inquired why? She wanted to keep the PNC out.”

“That was a foolish reply because competing against the PNC at the last general poll was a multi-racial party with lots of Indians in its membership, the Alliance for Change.

Comment: Freddie asked the woman a very honest question but when she gave him her honest answer she called her answer "foolish".

How more foolish and dotish can you get Freddie?

Is he not pimping for the AFC?

He has become an AFC pimp since he did not like the answer he got.

That is what pimps do best, force you to see things their way and their way only.

Stop being an AFC pimp and accept honest answers to your lousy questions.

What will you do next since you cannot and will not accept the lady's honest answer and called her a fool?

Will you beat her into submission to ensure that next time she votes it must be for the AFC because all pimps do that?
T. KING

Climate change is the single-most worrying challenge
CLIMATE change is the single-most worrying challenge facing our world but can the conference in Copenhagen come up with real resolutions to combat this phenomenon or will it be a global public relations exercise. At the end of the day, there will be a new climate agreement, but it would not have enough substance to cut green house gas emission by 2020.

In December, a multitude of world leaders and other delegates would assemble in Copenhagen for the conference on climate change. Ironically, their presence will contribute to green house gas emission and consequently, to climate change. Just think about the long flights, the bottled water, the use of communication and allied equipment, including computers and cell phones and the picture will become clear on how this great assemble of leaders will also be involved in climate generation.

Yet, this conference is integral to the global struggle against climate change. Therefore, this forum will provide the opportunity for leaders to negotiate and be innovative in their quest to stabilise climate conditions. It is therefore easy to see that, there is likely to be some new policy on climate change. Seriously, no country can afford to walk away from the conference in Copenhagen without participating in some arrangement to reduce emissions. Leaders would want to take ownership for movement in addressing this phenomenon. Nevertheless, the quality of the new policy will depend heavily upon the perceptions and realities of the participating nations. These perceptions and realities would be informed by their history, geography, politics and level of economic development, culture, intensity of economic and environmental activism and position on the world stage.

As a result, some delegates could determine that the conference is nothing more than a global public relations exercise where nations have to act out particular roles to the global community. These days it is very fashionable for politicians to talk green.

They need to impress rather than do something tangible to cut emissions. Therefore, they will engage in rhetoric and talk but nothing substantial will be achieved. But even talking about the challenge of climate change has utility. At the very least it raises awareness about the plight of mankind on a planet on fire, whose ability to regulate its temperature has been weakened by the activities of man. Still, nations need to do much more than just talk or negotiate their own special interests between reduction of green house gases and the nebulous notion of development. Indeed, national interests are important, so too is the thought about being our brother’s keeper in an uncertain world.

In fact, on June 1st, a 53 page option paper has been crafted in Bonn. About 182 negotiation teams and 4,000 delegates gathered in Bonn and discussed legal texts. Many have suggested that, the paper appears to lack real focus. That document contemplates adjustments to future climate change instead of the overarching problems of reducing fossil energy consumption in this trying period.

Further, it seeks to suggest that the agreed text at the conference will change policies by large emitters and consequently, help stabilise climate conditions by 2020. However, at best the draft is really a sketch of proposals of many colours and shapes; it is an attempt to find compromises to satisfy main negotiating parties in the light of conflicting interests. Certainly, this is not what is needed. Therefore, this entire conference could end up as just another public relations exercise by political and other leaders, many of whom will be, in reality, representing the interests of will-financed transnational corporations. If this happens then the outcome of Copenhagen will probably be nothing more than an updated Kyoto Protocol with revised long-term global targets, amendments, concerning such issues as: mitigation, adaptation and security.

Notwithstanding that, we remain optimistic that, there may be others, at the conference, who would see it as an opportunity to ensure environmental prudence and leadership. This demands less rhetoric and much more individual and collective action. One area for action is a long term strategy for phasing out fossil fuels over the next few decades. Encrusted in this must be a clear and specific plan of action for those heavy emitter countries.

It is clear that, climate change is really about energy change. Therefore, climate policy must be about energy policy. This is how it ought to be discussed at the conference. Governments cannot give commitments to reduce CO2 but do nothing about the use of fossil energy. Otherwise, they would be hard-pressed to achieve their reduction targets.

Again, developed countries have a moral responsibility for addressing climate change. They are responsible for more than half of global emissions. At any rate, they have the technological and financial capabilities to achieve it. In fact, they should be leading the rest of the world in a discernable programme to stabilise climate conditions. I believe social movements and citizens need to encourage governments to take radical action now to stem climate change. International conferences and agreements are good but the situation is so critical that individual nations need to take action to save themselves and the world.

In the end, there will be a new agreement in Copenhagen but it is not likely to contain sufficient substance to adequately address the situation. As a result, it is highly possible that green house gas emissions would continue to rise beyond 2020.
ROYSTON KING

WICB, WIPA reach agreement in long-running dispute
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies cricket appeared headed for a return to normalcy yesterday after the two feuding parties announced an end to hostilities over several contentious contractual issues.

In a vague joint statement, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and West Indies Players Association (WIPA) said they had settled most of the issues that led to a strike by the region’s elite players and the selection of makeshift squads for the Bangladesh home series and the recent ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

The agreement follows a three-day meeting between WICB president Julian Hunte and WIPA head Dinanath Ramnarine, and comes a month ahead of the tour to Australia.

However, two issues remain in the balance and have been referred to arbitration, the joint statement said.

“WIPA and WICB have announced that all outstanding matters in dispute between the two bodies have been settled amicably,” the release noted.

“Only two outstanding matters - the issue regarding the India 2009 Tour and the issue of 'Team Rights' – will be referred to a special arbitration process as set out in the recommendations of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Cricket given on the 11th September 2009 and agreed to by the WICB and WIPA.

It was this intervention by CARICOM last month which set the stage for a possible resolution after the situation reached a stalemate following a failed mediation effort headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal.

CARICOM had rolled out a six-point plan aimed at ending the impasse, with both the WICB and WIPA committing themselves to the proposals put forward.

Under this plan, players were chiefly expected to make themselves available for selection in accordance with normal WICB requirements with the WICB expected to agree to television/image rights fees to be paid to players.

The proposal also asked for the WICB and WIPA to agree on the implementation of the “special arbitration process provided for in the mediator’s draft agreement i.e on team rights and the India tour.”

Yesterday, the two parties also announced they had agreed to begin negotiations “on or before” October 15 on a new long term Memorandum of Understanding/Collective Bargaining Agreement, with the view of finalising this process by year end.

“Both parties are pleased that the Agreement reached creates an environment to engage in building a genuine partnership that can ensure the long-term development and progress of West Indies cricket,” the statement said.

The contracts dispute crippled West Indies cricket and resulted in a second string squad being whipped 2-0 in Tests by Bangladesh and 3-0 in the One-Day International series.

In the Champions Trophy, the side lost every preliminary round match to be dumped from the tournament without a point.

Hikers, GCC to contest Banks Night Hockey finals
ARCH rivals Hikers and GCC will contest both the first and second division finals of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB)/Banks DIH Limited Night Hockey tournament on Friday evening at the Thirst Park ground.

Both the GCC and Hikers’ men’s `A’ teams secured their place in the final with first and second round victories against Old Fort `A’’ and they both agreed to defer their final pool match against each other to Friday night.

In the `B’ division which attracted seven teams including ladies, Hikers B division boys secured their spot in the final with a 3-2 win against Old Fort on Monday night at the Thirst Park facility.

Robert France, Akeem Thompson and Carl Wilson scored for the winners while Robert Hussein and Dwayne Alleyne netted for Old Fort.

On Friday evening at the same venue, Hikers got the better of Western Dragons by a 2-0 margin and were looking forward to Monday night’s fixture to cement their place in the final.

Shaquille Assanah was first on the scoreboard when he slammed home a field goal in the 13th minute and Thompson joined him three minutes into the second half to give Hikers a 2-0 victory.

The three points earned from Monday night’s victory propelled Hikers `B’ to 15 points, one ahead of GCC, who secured their place in the final with a 2-2 draw against Old Fort on Friday night also. This earned them one point.

Shamar Pemberton and Hussein had given Old Fort a 2-0 lead at the interval, but GCC’s Trevon Smith led the comeback charge with a goal in the 21st minute and Orin Mayers scored the equaliser in the 35th minute.

In results from the other matches played on Monday evening, Flora GCC ladies held Carib Degenerates (men) to a 1-1 draw.

Dominique deGroot was on target for Flora GCC ladies while former national midfielder Gregory Sills scored for Degenerates.

In the other match, Western Dragons men thrashed Hikers ladies 4-0 through a double off the stick of Deon Carew and one each from Deon Bamfield and Keith Thompson.

Meanwhile, GHB secretary Gregory Sills, in an invited comment told Chronicle Sport the tournament has been a success so far despite a few instances when some players got out of hand and had to be reprimanded by officials.

He admitted that the GHB needs to develop better umpires who can take control of the game when it starts getting out of hand.

He extended the GHB’s gratitude to Banks DIH Limited for allowing them the use of their facility and noted that playing under lights was a positive for further development of the game locally.

Champions League T20 ...
Sussex crash to dramatic defeat
ENGLISH champions Sussex are out of the inaugural Champions League after losing in dramatic fashion to South African side Diamond Eagles in Delhi.

Sussex made 119-7 before Ryan McLaren tied the match with a four from the final ball of the Eagles innings.

In the 'super over', the Eagles made 9-1, but CJ de Villiers castled Dwayne Smith and Rory Hamilton-Brown with his first two balls to clinch the win.

Luke Wright got Sussex off the a decent start, but after clubbing CJ de Villiers for a six and four, he lost his off-stump attempting another big hit to leg.

Chris Nash was the first of Dillon du Preez's two victims, while de Villiers pulled off a spectacular caught-and-bowled to dismiss Hamilton-Brown.

Ed Joyce and captain Michael Yardy - back after missing his team's first match against New South Wales because of an illness - briefly held the innings together.

But it was the 29-run stand between Joyce (21 from 34) and Joe Gatting (25 from 22) which carried Sussex past the 100-run mark.

Opener Rilee Rossouw hit 65 off 62 balls in response on a low and slow surface as the Eagles chase began well.

Rossouw was dropped on 26 by James Kirtley at short fine-leg, while wicketkeeper Andy Hodd missed a chance offered by McLaren, who went on to score 16, on 10.

Chawla, who eventually accounted for McLaren, missed an obvious chance to run out Rossouw at the non-striker's end just after the batsman had reached his 50.

But Chawla did apply the brakes with his leg-breaks, and off-spinner Hamilton-Brown bowled Boeta Dippenaar and dismissed Rossouw in the penultimate over.

The Eagles needed 12 off the last over, and Pakistan seamer Yasir Arafat conceded three singles from his first three deliveries before McLaren inside-edged for four off the fourth and then struck another four over mid-wicket to tie the scores.

Arafat was nominated for the 'super over' and conceded nine runs for the wicket of Rossouw - who was run-out.

However, De Villiers bowled Dwayne Smith and Hamilton Brown with his first two deliveries as the Sharks' Champions League adventure was ended early. (BBC Sport)

SUSSEX innings
C. Nash c Mpitsang b du Preez 7
L. Wright b de Villiers 19
R. Hamilton-Brown c & b de Villiers 6
E. Joyce run-out 21
D. Smith b Mpitsang 9
M. Yardy b Bailey 12
J. Gatting c R. McLaren b du Preez 5
P. Chawla not out 9
Yasir Arafat not out 1

Extras: (b-5, lb-4, w-1) 10

Total: (7 wkts, 20 overs) 119

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-29, 3-33, 4-49, 5-73, 6-102, 7-113.

Bowling: Mpitsang 4-0-20-1, du Preez 4-0-23-2 (w-1), de Villiers 4-0-20-2, McLaren 4-0-26-0, Tshabalala 2-0-10 0, Bailey 2-0-11-1,

EAGLES innings
R. Rossouw c wkp. Hodd b Hamilton-Brown 65
A. McLaren lbw b Chawla 16
M. van Wyk c Joyce b Chawla 2
H. Dippenaar b Hamilton-Brown 7
R. McLaren not out 14
D. du Preez not out 3

Extras: (b-7, lb-2, w-3) 12

Total: (4 wkts, 20 overs) 119

Fall of wickets: 1-72, 2-79, 3-93, 4-106.

Bowling: Wright 1-0-8-0, Yasir Arafat 3-0-28-0 (w-1), Kirtley 2-0-13-0 (w1), Smith 3-0-16-0, Yardy 4-0-13-0 (w-1), Chawla 4-0-17-2, Hamilton-Brown 3-0-15-2.

Points: Eagles 2, Sussex 0.

Younis resigns as Pakistan captain
YOUNIS Khan has resigned as captain of Pakistan in protest at match-fixing allegations made against the team by a senior member of parliament.

The hearing was called to discuss the performance of the team in the Champions Trophy after committee chairman Jamshed Dasti said on television he had evidence Pakistan had deliberately under-performed against Australia and New Zealand.

Pakistan lost to Australia in the group stage of the September 22-October 5 tournament and were also beaten by New Zealand in the semi-finals.

"Yes I have submitted my resignation because I am disgusted by these match-fixing allegations made against me and the team," Younis said.

"I have told the chairman to go through my resignation and read my point of view."

Sources close to Younus said his letter indicated he wanted to take a break from cricket and would not be available for the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia.

Butt said after the hearing that he had asked the 31-year-old Younus to withdraw his resignation.

"At this stage I can only say if he sticks to his decision then his resignation would be discussed by the governing council of the board at its next meeting on October 19," Butt said.

The PCB chairman said he had told the members of the NA committee that such serious allegations of match-fixing were enough to demoralise any team and such statements should be avoided without having substantial evidence.

Butt said that the chairman of the NA standing committee had also made it clear that his statement was misunderstood in the media and he never made any direct match-fixing allegations.

Dasti said the committee never intended to make match-fixing allegations against the players and had only called the hearing to clear the air because of media reports that the team had under-performed deliberately.

"We are totally satisfied with the explanation of the team management and board. The committee is satisfied no match-fixing took place," Dasti said.

Younis was appointed captain this year in place of Shoaib Malik following a home one-day series defeat by Sri Lanka in January.

Younis led Pakistan to victory in the Twenty20 World Cup in England in July before announcing his retirement from that form of the game.

Pakistan's next international assignment is a one-day series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. (Eurosport)

Local karatekas excel at Int’l Pan Caribbean championships
LOCAL karatekas excelled at the just concluded International Pan Caribbean Martial Arts Championships, held at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, Trinidad and Tobago, from October 8 to 12.

The championships were attended by karatekas from Barbados, Guyana, St Lucia, USA and host Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a release, the locals who are all members of the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts School won 20 medals comprising 10 gold, six silver and four bronze.

Sensei Troy Bobb led the way with three gold medals, while Teri Keziah-Jones won two gold medals, one silver and a bronze.

Romeo DeFreitas won two gold medals along with one silver and this feat was also achieved by Lazaro Scott.

Nicola McDonald won a gold and a silver and Tamera Austin won two silver and a bronze.

The other bronze medal was won by Kemo Scott.

Bobb, who contested the over 35 years division, won gold medals in the Open Forms Kata, the Open Weapon Forms Kata and the Open Padded Weapon Form, while Keziah-Jones won gold medals in the 14 to 16 years division.

She won the Open Forms Kata and the Open Weapon Kata but had to settle for silver and bronze in the Open Sparring and Open Padded Weapon respectively.

DeFreitas who contested the eight to ten years division, copped gold medals in the Open Forms Kata as well as the Open Weapon Forms Kata and obtained a silver medal in the Sparring.

Lazaro Scott, on the other hand, who competed in the five-to-six years age group won gold medals in the Open Forms Kata and the Open Weapon Forms Kata as well as a silver medal in the Sparring.

McDonald competed in the 16-to-17 years division and won her gold medal in the Sparring and the silver medal in the Open Padded Weapon.

Austin, competing in the eight to 10 years division, won her two silver medals in the Open Forms Kata and the Sparring while her Bronze medal as won in the Open Weapon Forms Kata.

Kemo Scott contested the 11 to 13 years age group and won a bronze medal in the Sparring.

Bobb and the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts School would like to thank Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and the senior members of the Ministry of Sport, Apex Education Academy, Caribbean Air Lines and the communities of Buxton and BV for their assistance in making the club’s participation possible.

Meanwhile, the club hopes to attend the World Championships scheduled for November 6 to 8 in Orlando, Florida, USA, and the Martial Arts Championships in St Lucia which is fixed for February next year.

GFA/Chubby Under-13 Semi- finals set for today
THE two semi-finals of the Georgetown Football Association/Chubby Under-13 football tournament will be contested today at the Tucville ground.

The two matches, which will be played simultaneously from 17:00 h, will see Thomas United come up against Sunburst Camptown and Santos take on Flamingo.

Santos secured their place in the semi-final with a 2-1 win over GFC on Saturday last, while Flamingo registered a 3-2 victory against Uprising.

Thomas booked their spot in the semi-final round by edging Fruta Conquerors 1-0 while Sunburst Camptown scored a 4-1 win against Alpha United.

In the Santos versus GFC match, Orin Yarde and Jerome Liddle found the back of GFC’s net in the 18th and 23rd minutes respectively while Ray Stanton pulled one back for GFC in the 38th minute.

Michael Bowman was on target for Thomas United in the 60th minute in the team’s 1-0 win over Fruta Conquerors.

In the Camptown versus Alpha United match, Alpha United’s Keron Solomon opened the scoring in the 5th minute, but 27 minutes later, Azumah Small levelled the score for Camptown.

One minute later, Small’s team mate Jason Williams doubled the team’s score.

Christopher Clarke then made it 3-1 for Camptown with a 45th minute goal and nine minutes later (54th), Lazon Lord added his name on the referee’s score sheet.

In the Flamingo versus Uprising match, Alpha McPhoy, Orlando Ricketts and Colin Waterman scored one goal each in the 18th, 55th and 58th minutes respectively, to secure Flamingo’s place in the semi-finals.

Steffon Walton and Nyron Joseph responded for Uprising in the 29th and 40th minutes respectively.

Oram ends New Zealand Test career
… to play on in short formats
JACOB Oram has announced his retirement from Test cricket but will continue to play one-day and Twenty20 matches for New Zealand.

Oram cited his ongoing injury problems as the reason behind his decision and he hoped that by cutting back his workload he would be able to extend his international career.

Oram, 31, recently returned home from the Champions Trophy in South Africa with a hamstring problem, the latest in a long and wide-ranging list of injuries.

His troubles have included back and foot worries and have limited him to 33 Test appearances over a seven-year career.

He had spoken in the past of the options available to him to prolong his career and he said his preference was to give up Tests rather than abandon bowling. Oram has now done just that, following the lead of another injury-prone all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

"The last few years have shown that my body cannot handle the strains and stresses that come with being an all-rounder, playing all three formats for up to ten months a year," Oram said. "For the sake of longevity I have had to make a decision that will decrease my workload, so I can concentrate all my efforts on the shorter forms of the game.

"The decision to choose limited-overs cricket over Test cricket has a lot to do with playing opportunities.

The Black Caps play a lot more limited-overs cricket than Tests, and there's also the opportunity to continue playing in world events such as the World Cup, World T20 and Champions Trophy, as well as the IPL."

Another factor was the impending arrival of Oram's first child, due next month, which will give him extra incentive to spend plenty of time at home.

Oram will remain on a New Zealand Cricket central contract and has his sights set firmly on the 2011 World Cup, although he said that ideally he would like to play for a couple of seasons beyond that.

On the Test scene, Oram scored 1 780 runs at 36.32 and collected 60 wickets at 33.05. A powerful and clean striker of the ball, Oram struck five Test centuries, remarkably each time in the first Test of a series, and his highest score of 133 came in a crushing loss to South Africa in Centurion in April 2006.

It was an innings that Oram described as both his best and his worst. "You know you're not looking as good as you would like," he said at the time, "and your feet aren't moving as well as you would like, and you're not hitting the ball where you would like. But 133 is damn satisfying."

Oram struggled to have as much impact with the ball and his peak came early in his career when he collected 4 for 41 against India in Hamilton in his second Test. It was as close as he ever got to a five-wicket haul and in his last five Tests he managed only one wicket.

Oram did enjoy spending some time in the top five of the ICC's all-rounder ranking list last year and he considered his bowling such a key part of his game that he was unwilling to give it up. He said he had attempted to delay as long as possible a decision about his future career.

"However in light of my latest injury at the Champions Trophy it has became clear to me that now is the time to sacrifice something to try and stay in the game longer," Oram said.

"I have really enjoyed my Test career and I leave that format with many fond memories. I would be lying if I said I had no regrets. However, these feelings were not powerful enough to make me reconsider this decision."

Justin Vaughan, the chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, said he understood Oram's decision. "Jacob has made a tremendous contribution to our Test team over the past seven seasons, and his experience will be missed," Vaughan said.

"But we fully understand the difficulties he's faced with injuries and we hope this decision will help him prolong his playing career with the Black Caps.” (Cricinfo)

Cremer creams Kenya as Zimbabwe secure 2-0 lead
GRAEME Cremer produced career-best figures with bat and ball as Zimbabwe secured a 2-0 lead with three matches to come in their ODI series against Kenya.

Chasing an imposing 264 for victory at the Harare Sports Club, Kenya put up a fight with David Obuya cracking a quick-fire 49 at the top of the order, but Cremer strangled their momentum with superb figures of 6 for 46, as Zimbabwe prevailed by 86 runs with 31 balls remaining.

After winning the toss, Prosper Utseya chose to bat first, just as he had done in Monday's first ODI, whereupon Hamilton Masakadza built on his career-best 156 in that fixture, with a coolly compiled 66 from 91 balls.

He added 77 in 15 overs for the first wicket with Mark Vermeulen, who was the first to fall for 32, and though the middle order wobbled to leave Zimbabwe awkwardly placed on 170 for 5 with 12 overs remaining, Stuart Matsikenyeri was on hand to guide the tail, finishing unbeaten on 71 from 70 balls, with two fours and two sixes.

The stand-out performer in the closing overs, however, was Cremer, who built up his confidence ahead of his bowling stint with a quick-fire 31 from 19 balls in an unbeaten eighth-wicket stand of 65.

His innings included three fours and was only the third time in 16 international innings that he had reached double-figures. The pick of the Kenya attack was the slow left-armer Hiran Varaiya, who claimed 3 for 38 in his ten overs.

In reply, Kenya started with some poise as Obuya and Rakep Patel added 57 for the first wicket. But Utseya struck twice with his off-spinners before Cremer crashed through the middle-order. His first victim was Obuya, caught by Elton Chigumbura for 49 from 51 balls, and he chipped away at regular intervals, with two of his wickets coming from the last three balls of his spell.

Spin accounted for all ten of the Kenyan wickets, with Ray Price pinning Nehemiah Odhiambo lbw, second ball for 1, before Utseya returned to deliver the coup de grace, as Peter Ongondo was stumped by Brendan Taylor for 1. The teams reconvene tomorrow for the first of three potential series decider. (Cricinfo)

Victoria through despite losing to Wyamba
DELHI, India (CMC) – Sri Lanka’s Wayamba scored a proficient 15-run victory over Victoria Bushrangers yesterday but were still eliminated from the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

Electing to bat in the Group D match at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Wayamba scored 118 for nine off their 20 overs and then contained the Australian side to 103 for four off their allotted number of overs.

Victoria, who had beaten Delhi Daredevils in their opening match on Friday, only needed to score 84 runs in the run-chase to guarantee their second-round spot on net run-rate and played watchfully to ensure the result that eliminated Wayamba.

Brad Hodge played a measured innings for the Victoria Bushrangers and stroked 44 not out off 52 balls with two fours and one six.

Andrew McDonald was not out on 27 with Hodge at the end, while pacer Chanaka Welegedara picked up two for 18 for Wayamba on the pitch that played low and slow and made batting difficult.

Earlier, an 81-run second-wicket stand between Michael Vandort (42) and opener Jeevantha Kulatunga (41) provided the backbone of the Wayamba innings which was stifled by diligent bowling from the Australian side.

Captain Jehan Mubarak (10) was the only other batsman getting to double figures as pacer Shane Harwood delivered fine bowling figures of three for 14 off four overs.

Man-of-the-match Harwood received solid support from other pacers Clint McKay (2-24), Andrew McDonald (2-28) and Peter Siddle, who conceded just 12 runs from his four overs while taking one wicket.

All three teams in the group had a win each to end with two points but the Daredevils topped the standings with a +0.700 net run-rate to lead Victoria (+0.136) and Wayamba (-0.87.

WAYAMBA innings
J. Kulatunga c McDonald b McKay 41
M. Udawatte lbw b Siddle 1
M. Vandort b McKay 42
M. Jayawardene c Blizzard b McDonald 3
J. Mubarak b Harwood 10
K. Lokuarachchi b Harwood 0
T. Perera c Quiney b McDonald 6
F. Maharoof b Harwood 1
R. Herath run-out 3
C. Welegedara not out 7
A. Mendis not out 1

Extras: (lb-3) 3

Total: (9 wickets, 20 overs) 118

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-85, 3-88, 4-99, 5-99, 6-99, 7-105, 8-108, 9-110.

Bowling: Harwood 4-0-14-3, Siddle 4-0-12-1, McKay 4-0-24-2, McDonald 4-0-28-2, Holland 1-0-14-0, Hodge 2-0-15-0, Hussey 1-0-8-0.

VICTORIA innings
R. Quiney c&b Welegedara 0
B. Hodge not out 44
A. Blizzard c Mendis b Welegedara 6
D. Hussey b Maharoof 7
C. White c Perera b Mendis 11
A. McDonald not out 27

Extras: (b-2, lb-5, w-1) 8

Total: (4 wickets, 20 overs) 103

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17, 3-45, 4-68.

Bowling: Welegedara 4-0-18-2 (w-1), Perera 3-0-10-0, Mendis 4-0-21-1, Maharoof 4-0-19-1, Herath 4-0-10-0, Lokuarachchi 1-0-18-0.

Points: Wayamba 2, Victoria 0

Lambert axed from President’s Cup squad
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Six months after leading Jamaica to the regional four-day title, Jamaica’s selectors have axed Tamar Lambert from their 14-man squad for this month’s President’s Cup.

The 28-year-old was named in a provisional 18-man squad last week but failed to meet the final grade on fitness grounds, chairman of selectors Nehemiah Perry said Monday.

“We have a benchmark for fitness that we are using and we told all the players some time ago that they will not be selected if they fail to make that mark and unfortunately Tamar missed it,” said Perry, the former Jamaica and West Indies off-spinner.

The right-handed Lambert was Jamaica’s leading run-getter in the four-day tournament, amassing 759 runs in 12 matches.

His leadership of the side was hailed as one of the reasons for Jamaica’s success as they captured their second straight title in the league competition.

Despite Lambert’s success, Perry defended his panel’s decision, stressing that strong decisions needed to be made.

“The truth is that we have to change the way things are done,” Perry pointed out.

“We have been wasting time trying to get people to fit when we should be doing other things after a squad is selected. We have to set an example.”

Meanwhile, 23-year-old opener Xavier Marshall has been given another chance to fulfil his obvious potential, after being dumped for his poor form in the four-day tournament earlier this year.

He is one of several players with international experience in the strong squad which will contest Zone A of the October 29 to November 5 tournament along with Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands and Combined Campuses and Colleges.

Fast bowler Daren Powell has recovered from a groin strain to take his place in the squad but 20-year-old fast bowler Jason Dawes has been overlooked for the trip to Guyana.

Krishmar Santokie and Zeniffe Fowler join Lambert and Dawes as the players cut from the provisional 18-man squad.

Squad: Chris Gayle (captain), Brenton Parchment, Shawn Findlay, David Bernard, Xavier Marshall, Brendan Nash, Wavell Hinds, Carlton Baugh, Nikita Miller, Odean Brown, Jerome Taylor, Andrew Richardson, Daren Powell, Danza Hyatt.

Bishun and Sattaur steal spotlight in ECCB President’s Cup
AN unbeaten century from Yogeshwar Bishun, along with Brian Sattaur’s 94, was the spotlight in the latest round of matches, when action in the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) President’s Cup limited overs competition continued last weekend.

Bishun struck an even unbeaten 100 for LBI in their matchup against GAS XI on Sunday, after coming to the wicket with his team perched on 25-3 and took them to 264-6 from their 40 overs, while Sattaur’s 94 helped Lusignan A post 304-7 against LBI Sports Club B team.

Scores from the matches played on Saturday are as follows:

At LBI Community Centre ground, Lusignan Sports Club A defeated LBI B team by 181 runs in their matchup, after winning the toss and posting 304-7 with Sattaur (94), Surujpaul Deosarran (67) and Somnauth Bharrat 64 being the leading batsmen.

Jamsheer Khan and Randy Ramjit grabbed two wickets each for LBI B who were bowled out for 123, even though the veteran Raymond Karim hit an even 50 and Ramjit an unbeaten 42, as Danny Sukhram grabbed three wickets and Deosarran two for Lusignan.

At Rockaway, LBI A defeated the home team by 134 runs in their encounter. Batting first on winning the toss, LBI A reached 275 before they were bowled out, with contributions from Khemraj Jaikarran (52), Virjanand Singh (39) and Javed Campbell an unbeaten 32.

Devendra Deonarine and Calvin Sukhraj grabbed three wickets each for Rockaway, who were bowled out for 141 in reply, with Sukhraj returning to make 52 and Zameer Alli a quick-fire 20 against the bowling of Indrajit Singh who took 4-10 while Campbell and Virjanand Singh supported with two wickets each.

On Sunday, LBI A were on their way to recording another victory over the lesser known GAS XI, when the heavens opened up and interrupted their march to victory.

Winning the toss and taking first strike, LBI A were in some trouble at 25-3 but thanks to Bishun’s unbeaten even 100 and Parmanand Persaud who made 50, they added 102 for the fourth wicket and with Nizam Khan, who also made 50, steered their team to 264-6.

Brothers Eon and Devon Thomas took two wickets each for GAS XI who were in deep trouble at 75-8 in the 20th over when rain stopped play with only Anand Persaud offering resistance to the bowling of Virjanand Singh who took 4-12 and Nizam Khan 3-8, with his 20.

Ghana to face Brazil in Friday’s U-20 final
GHANA are through to the U-20 World Cup final for the third time after a tense 3-2 victory over Hungary yesterday.

Two goals from Dominic Adiyiah and one from Abeiku Quansah saw the Black Satellites through.

The Hungarians answered with second-half goals from substitutes Marko Futacs and Adam Balajti.

Ghana will now play Brazil in the final on Friday.

Just as in their quarter-final against South Korea, Ghana looked to have won the game but then allowed their opponents back in to set up a tight finish.

The Black Satellites opened brightly and took advantage of desperately poor Hungarian defending to take the lead in the ninth minute.

Captain Dede Ayew showed persistence and courage in chasing a seemingly lost cause, getting round the defence and touching the ball towards goal just as he fell.

Adiyiah made sure by bundling the ball over the line to score his seventh goal of the tournament.

The goal did nothing to improve Hungary's form, with stray passes and weak tackles exemplifying their play.

Ghana in contrast began to play with the strength and precision and took a 2-0 lead on the half hour.

Adiyiah coolly nodded home his and Ghana's second goal from Samuel Inkoom's cross from the right - no more than the Black Satellites deserved.

Adiyiah, Osei and Ayew all had chances to extend the lead before the break but it remained 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Hungary at last were creating some pressure but their opportunities came to nothing until the 72nd minute.

Andras Simon found substitute Futacs who shot home from close range, watched by a static Ghana defence.

Andras Gosztonyi should have levelled it just moments later when, with time to spare, he fired a curling shot just over the bar and suddenly it was Hungary who were in the ascendancy.

The Black Satellites eased the pressure in wonderful style when substitute Opoku Agyemang fed Quansah on the right and his powerful shot rocketed off the underside of the bar to make it 3-1.

But Ghana again conceded shortly after scoring - as David Addy was turned by Balajti who then finished well.

But the Black Satellites held on and will play Brazil in the final.

Alan Kardec's second-half goal put Brazil into the final with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica yesterday.

From a cross from Bertucci, Kardec scored in the 67th minute, swinging high to shoot past Costa Rica goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado at close range.

The Brazilians - four-time tournament winners - struggled to gain the advantage.

Costa Rica fielded five defenders against Brazil, determined to avoid a repeat of their 5-0 defeat on September 27 when the teams played their opening match.

Brazil coach Rogerio Lourenco said he was more concerned with yesterday’s result than the quality of the game. (BBC Sport)