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ARCHIVES FOR OCTOBER 28, 2009

British withdrawal from SSRP prompted by…
Guyana’s refusal of British request for ‘live firing’ at Amerindian border community
- Dr. Luncheon assures SSRP will be implemented at Gov’t expense

QUOTE:“It is tempting to believe that this about-face from the December 2008 joint agreement to what happened in the middle of 2009 might have been associated with some decision that the Guyanese Government made with request for training by the UK Special Forces, on a Western Border location with live firing to which the Government was unprepared to support.” – Dr. Luncheon

NEGOTIATIONS with the United Kingdom (UK) Government for a 4.9M pounds sterling security sector reform project have been abandoned by that Government.

However, Guyana remains committed to the reform of the sector although it will be at a different pace and funded by the Government.

The Press and Publicity Unit at the Office of the President late last night issued a brief statement on the situation, saying it has noted a report about the UK government’s withdrawal from the Guyana Security Sector Reform Project.

“This decision by the UK Government is believed to be linked to the administration’s refusal to permit training of British Special Forces in Guyana using live firing in an Amerindian community on the western border with Brazil and Venezuela,” the OP statement said.

And Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, in an earlier statement last evening issued via the Government Information Agency (GINA), said the decision is regrettable and noted the project itself had attracted media attention in the past.

Dr. Luncheon pointed out that from the trend of the negotiations, it was expected that there would have been approval and implementation.

He recalled that as late as December 2008, the two parties, the Government of Guyana and the Government of the UK, had agreed in Georgetown on a design that was submitted to the principals in the UK for their blessings.

In April 2009, Luncheon said “Guyanese were advised about the re-design that was unilaterally carried out by the UK when they submitted their response to our joint December 2008 submission”.

He said this design “violated the sovereignty of Guyana” and “it was drawn to the attention of the British High Commission here in Guyana and after efforts it was agreed that the government would submit its revised version of the British design”.

President Bharrat Jagdeo was involved in the revision of the document after which it was presented to the British High Commission in detail which outlined Guyana’s version of the model to be used to design and ultimately implement the Security Sector Project.

“Lo and behold, the President was involved in the discussion surrounding the new design submitted by the Guyanese team when he was informed that the project itself had been halted and the UK Government had provided him with information saying that they were not interested in pursuing an agreement with the Government of Guyana,” Dr. Luncheon stated.

He further pointed out, “It is tempting to believe that this about-face from the December 2008 joint agreement to what happened in the middle of 2009 might have been associated with some decision that the Guyanese Government made with request for training by the UK Special Forces, on a Western Border location with live firing to which the Government was unprepared to support.”

The Cabinet Secretary stated it is possible that the UK Government is not aware of Guyana’s commitment and emphasis on the vision of non-violation of the sovereignty of Guyana.

“Their insistence in installing in their design in April, (comprise) management features, seriously compromise Guyana’s ownership and when our new design re-established ownership that was more consistent with our notions of sovereignty, the plug was pulled. I started by saying it was regrettable; it’s unfortunate because our joint positions at the beginning was Security Sector Reform in its entirety was indeed in our best interest. Security Sector Reform will continue in Guyana, maybe at a different pace and the scope and the design will be different but the implementation of that will be from public funds from the Government of Guyana,” Dr. Luncheon said.

DDL set to commission state-of-the-art bottling plant
- exports to increase significantly with modernised plant
Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the leading manufacturer of wines and spirits in Guyana, is set to significantly increase exports of spirits with the commissioning of its state-of-the-art bottling plant at the company’s Diamond Estate today.

A press statement from the company said President Bharrat Jagdeo is scheduled to turn on the switch to the new bottling plant.

DDL’s Chairman, Dr. Yesu Persaud said DDL is very excited about the commissioning of the new plant.

“We are once again leading the way, not just among companies in Guyana but we are also leading the way for Guyana. DDL remains active despite the present downturn in the Global economy. The Group’s capital expansion continues as a demonstration of faith in the potential of the Guyanese economy and the rebounding of the global markets,” Dr. Persaud was quoted as saying.

The new modernised bottling plant is fully automated and will result in a doubling of existing bottling capacity. This will cater for the projected increased demand for the world renowned El Dorado branded products in the local and international markets.

The growth in the international market for El Dorado is one of the key drivers of the company's present capital investments.

Dr. Persaud added, “export demand for the world renowned El Dorado rums has increased and DDL will now be better able to meet the demand on the international market."

This fully automated plant is part of the DDL’s expansion project announced in June last year. The ongoing $4.5 billion expansion programme includes the state-of-the-art bottling plant, a multi column still and bio-methanisation plant.

Internationally acclaimed REDD expert congratulates Guyana on its LCDS model
- Dr. Martin Herold notes significant international interest and attention in the model
By Tajeram Mohabir
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed expert on Reducing Carbon Avoid Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), Dr Martin Herold yesterday underscored that a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is the right avenue to avoid an increasing carbon emissions profile and associated loss of forest as part of a country achieving its developmental objectives.

The co-author of the Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD) Source Book on REDD made the observation at the opening of a two-day workshop on developing a Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) System at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

Noting that he has seen numerous examples of countries that have generated significant emissions while transitioning to emerging economies, Dr Herold said he would like to “particularly congratulate Guyana for having taken steps to deviate from this pathway towards a more climate-friendly direction”.

“In this context, Guyana is on the forefront internationally and has generated significant interest and attention…including those countries willing to support Guyana in its efforts,” he lauded.

“I would like to particularly highlight the support given by the Norwegian Government that, for example, has helped to make this workshop happen,” said Dr Herold, who is Professor of Remote Sensing at Wageningen University, a leading European university in the Life Sciences in the Netherlands.

He pointed out that forests, as storehouse of carbon, play an important role for the climate system and as part of Guyana’s LCDS.

The management of natural resources and sustainable forests, the expert noted, is essential to achieve the REDD objectives.

“Forests are important for many reasons, carbon being one of them. However, it is understood that we can only manage resources well if we are able to monitor them and the human activities that alter them.”

“This is true for the case of REDD and a system for measuring, monitoring, analysis, reporting and verification of changes in forest carbon. Only if Guyana is able to proof and quantify (on the national level) that its’ REDD action had a positive impact on the climate, it will be fully eligible for achieving REDD credits,” Dr Herold underlined.

He said though there are existing forest monitoring capacities and experiences in Guyana, REDD participation requires a much higher priority to be given to MRV than national forest monitoring in the past.

He stressed that significant efforts for building MRV capacities are needed to allow for a full results-based compensation of the carbon offsets and crediting.

Dr Herold told the gathering, which included representatives from several government ministries, Conservation International-Guyana and the World Wildlife Fund, that proven and internationally accepted approaches exist here and the objective of the two day discussion is to further develop a road map for building a sustained MRV system within Guyana.

Starting with available data and capabilities, attention will be channelled during the discussions on defining what Guyana’s particular gaps and needs are for forest carbon monitoring.

Dr Herold is an expert in the field of remote sensing, and digital processing and modeling of geographic data as well as local and regional planning.

His recent technical activities focus on harmonisation and validation of land cover datasets, and studying the science-policy interface in the context of global change and evolving carbon markets.

THREE SUSPECTS HELD
- for murder of former Region Three Vice-Chairman
By Michel Outridge
THREE suspects are in police custody for questioning following the brutal murder of former Vice-Chairman of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Raminauth Bisram, at his Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara home.

The suspects are all males, and Police said two are from the area, while their accomplice resides in another village.

The duo belonging to the area was picked up on Monday night in the village.

Bisram’s naked and battered body was discovered in his home on Monday afternoon when relatives went to his residence to enquire of his whereabouts after calls to his phone went unanswered.

The police reported that Bisram, 55, of North Section, Canal Number Two Polder, was found at about 14:30 hours on Monday lying on the floor of his bedroom with suspected stab wounds.

A blood-stained kitchen knife was found next to the body, which is currently at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Bisram’s brother-in-law, Walter Mustapha, told the Guyana Chronicle that he became suspicious when Bisram did not answer the phone and he subsequently observed the back door ajar. He entered the house and saw the body lying in a bedroom.

The man explained that he immediately exited the house and summoned the police.

Mustapha pointed out that Bisram lived alone since his four children and wife reside overseas. He is of the opinion that the victim was attacked by someone he knew because he opened the door for the assailant, who eventually murdered him.

Neighbours said they did not hear any noise coming from the house because the house is secure and sealed.

Relatives said that the body bore a gaping wound to the right side and that his intestines were protruding.

He also had slashes on his head and neck, and multiple stab wounds about the body.

The only thing that was disturbed in Bisram’s house is a suitcase which was lying next to the body. It was ransacked, with its contents strewn on the floor.

When domestic violence ends in death…
PROSECUTING THE OFFENDERS
A GINA feature.
WHEN the 19-year-old woman peered into her parents bedroom, nothing prepared her for what she was about to see.

The teenager recalled being aroused by a loud scream and the voice of her 35-year-old mother yelling her name.

“I climbed on the vanity and then on the ledge to see over in my parents’ bedroom and I peeped over,” she said.

According to her, her parents were under a mosquito net on the bed and her father’s hand was folded into a fisticuff.

“I saw my dad with his left hand on her stomach and he was moving his right hand in a cuffing motion to her chest. I began to scream and he opened the bedroom door,” she recalled.

She said she ran outside and saw her father in the living room with a long kitchen knife rushing towards the front door before disappearing into the night.

The daughter said she attempted to summon relatives but the phone was disconnected and someone had removed the battery from the cellular phone.

The girl’s mother had been stabbed 13 times on November 4, 2003 after she got out of bed to answer a male caller.

The accused killer tried to persuade the jury that his wife was stabbed during a fight over a knife she kept beneath her pillow but the masterful manoeuvers of the prosecution, led by Attorney-at-Law Satyesh Kissoon, successfully convinced the jury of his guilt.

The fisherman was convicted of the murder and sentenced to death by hanging.

Like her story, there is record of many fatal domestic violence cases that have ruined families and destroyed lives.

But Government’s continued efforts in utilizing resources to bring the perpetrators to justice can unite with time and a sense of closure to heal these wounds.

The Guyana Police Force, through the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been exhibiting tact and skill in capturing perpetrators and building a strong case that would help to prosecute the offenders.

Over a two-year period, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has recorded at least 15 fatal domestic violence cases that resulted in successful conviction or jail time for the accused person.

On April 4, 2005, the partially-burnt and decomposing corpse of a 34-year-old insurance company employee was discovered in a cemetery behind her home.

Expert police investigators scoured the scene for clues and skillfully preserved evidence that would later result in victory for the State.

The woman’s 39-year-old husband was subsequently convicted of the killing and condemned to die after former State Prosecutors Melissa Yearwood-Stewart and (now Magistrate) Faith McGusty convinced the jury of his guilt.

The prosecutors led evidence to show that the man had clubbed his wife to death with an axe-handle after an argument over their two young children.

“I saw blood rushing from her head and I realised I had given her a fatal blow. I move her and took her downstairs. I decided I would take her around the back and cover her then I went back upstairs to clean the blood,” the man eventually admitted to police.

In another brutal domestic violence spat, a butcher was accused of slashing his wife’s throat, cutting open her stomach and severing her wrists on December 28, 2003.

He had tried to deceive the court into believing that he was clueless as to how the woman came by her injuries. The man initially said that he lost consciousness during a fight with the woman and could not say who harmed her.

However, the prosecution led by Attorney-at-Law Leron Daly, secured the compelling testimony of the man’s 10-year-old foster son, who was an eyewitness to the crime.

Owing to excellent prosecuting work, the 40-year-old man received the death penalty after a 12-man jury found him guilty of the crime.

Another man, who received the death sentence, was accused of sneaking into the unlocked apartment of the mother of his four children and sticking a knife into her neck.

Domestic violence that resulted in death has also escalated between siblings as documented in a 2005 case where a brother was accused of killing his sibling over a farmland feud.

State Counsel Dionne Mc Cammon also related to GINA one of the murder cases she did which emanated from domestic violence.

This man was accused of stabbing to death the mother of his four children behind a nursery school in the village where she lived. The man was the last person to be seen with the woman before she died although no one saw him actually committing the act.

She said there were not very many challenges in her case since the accused person placed himself at the scene in a confession to police. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

In 2006, an animal hunter escaped the gallows after the jury found evidence of the lesser count of manslaughter. This 27-year-old man was accused of killing his 14-year-old ex-girlfriend and her 19-year-old live-in partner after a bitter triangular affair.

He had killed the couple with a single shotgun blast. He was sentenced to a total of 36 years imprisonment and had issued a brief apology to the relatives of the victims.

On the night of July 6, 2003, a 56-year-old cane-harvester slit the throat of his foster son from ear to ear after the lad threatened to evict the accused from their home. Four years later, in 2007 the man was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years for the crime despite raising arguments of self-defence.

The prosecution, led by State Prosecutor (now Magistrate) Judy Latchman, told a different story of bullying and brutality suffered at the hands of the killer. Latchman led evidence that the accused was stealing cash belonging to the victim’s mother with whom he shared a six-month relationship.

The accused, who was asked to leave the house, returned under the pretext of assembling his belongings, suddenly whipping out a cutlass and mauling the young man.

Eyewitnesses say that the killer had been sharpening a cutlass earlier in the day while other witnesses recalled seeing the victim stumbling out of the house with blood streaming from his head.

There are very few instances where women are the perpetrators of domestic violence but on January 11, 2004, a nursery school teacher added to these statistics. Her 30-year-old reputed husband, a dental technician, died from a stab wound compounded by blunt trauma to the head after a beating with a rolling pin (popularly called ‘belna’).

The 26-year-old woman, described during the trial as emotionally dysfunctional, was accused of killing her husband over custody of their three children. Although the woman tried to convince the jury that she had reacted to some degree of provocation, Former State Prosecutor (now Magistrate) Omeyana Hamilton managed to secure a seven-year prison term.

And on February 23, 2001, another woman was implicated in the beheading of her two-month-old baby.

After the testimony of several witnesses, the 32-year-old woman confessed that she had indeed paid a vagrant $500 to decapitate the child and conceal the petite corpse beneath some floor boards.

The woman tried to trick the jury into believing that she was suffering from a severe maternal condition known as “Postpartum Depression”.

However, an alert Former Prosecutor Nadeen Singh secured the testimony of a psychologist who revealed that the woman was suffering the irreversible effects of a brain injury.

The psychologist said that he examined the accused and diagnosed her with “Organic Brain Syndrome” (OBS) a condition which was dissimilar from Postpartum Depression. She was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for her role in the killing.

In 2006, a US-based Guyanese who returned home and killed his wife over a property dispute was also sentenced to 15 years in jail after confessing to the crime.

In an effort to put these perpetrators behind bars, Government has increased support for legal help, as well as shelter to be used as refuge.

Government is also insistent that service providers such as the Police and social workers must work to ensure the domestic violence Act is properly and effectively implemented.

PPP again debunks AFC claim
- on ‘ridiculous’ Region 10 parliamentary seat issue
THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has responded to the issue of a parliamentary seat for Region 10, raised once again by the small splinter party – the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The PPP, in a press release, said the AFC has made “the ridiculous statement” that they would be attending Parliament selectively due to what they claim as the AFC seat being given to the PPP.

“We had to correct such a statement at a press conference on November 24, 2006, but the AFC continues to repeat a falsehood in the hope that, if done repeatedly, it would be believed,” the statement said.

The Party, in its release, stated that after the counting of votes at the place of polls the result of the elections was declared by the Acting Returning Officer.

The statement said that declaration showed that the AFC received three thousand, one hundred and sixty six (3,166) votes and the PPP three thousand, one hundred and eighty nine (3,189) votes.

The declaration was signed by all counting agents of political parties present and also by GECOM on the evening of August 28, 2006.

The release continued that the AFC made no objections, nor did they call for a recount, as is provided by the law.

It said on August 31, 2006, the Chief Election Officer made his declaration based on the count at the place of polls, certified by the agents of political parties and the GECOM officials.

On resuming duty, it said, the Returning Officer subsequently made another declaration which showed that the AFC got three thousand, one hundred and eighty eight (3,188) votes and the PPP three thousand, two hundred and seventy three (3,273) votes.

The Chief Elections Officer wrote all the parties that contested the elections during the first week of September informing them of the results, the release said.

It added that he then requested the parties to extract names from their respective lists for Parliament and the Regional Democratic Councils.

According to the release, on October 20, 2006 the Chief Elections Officer published the official results of the persons elected, and he also repeated the results, which were sent to the parties in September 2006.

It said in November 2006 an undated document, with the words “Returning Officer” defaced (scratched) started to make the rounds and claimed that the AFC received three thousand, three hundred and fourteen (3,314) votes, compared to the PPP’s three thousand, two hundred and eighty two (3,282) votes.

“It is on this basis that the AFC started to make its claim for the seat. It should be noted that they said nothing at the time the votes were counted. Their counting agent signed off on the statement of poll and they made no call for a recount,” the release said.

The PPP release added: “It is therefore downright dishonest for the AFC to be making statements that they were wrongfully denied the seat. The PPP is also appalled that Trotman, a lawyer by profession, would have been making such statements, even though the matter is being heard in the courts in a petition filed on behalf of the AFC.”

It continued, “The clear intention seems to be to compromise or influence the outcome of those proceedings and we are forced to return to this due to the falsehood and misinformation emanating from the AFC.”

A business's main purpose is to create a customer
The announcement by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) that it will soon be implementing several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of service to customers and developing better relations with them is most welcome and commendable.

Indeed, one of the trouble spots with respect to GWI has been in this area and it is good to see that the utility company is coming with creative and innovative ways of improving its quality of service.

It should be the aim of all service providers to constantly review the quality of service they provide with the intention of continuously improving it.

The “Camp Resolution” initiative recently launched is an excellent one as it provides officials the opportunity to interact directly with customers and address their concerns on the spot thereby cutting out the “red tape” and saving customers having to travel back and forth to have problems rectified.

One of the irritants which has caused customers much headache has been inaccurate bills and it is heartening that GWI has recognised this, but more importantly is taking steps to remedy this problem. In this regard it has embarked on “Read it Yourself” pilot projects whereby customers will be able to read water meters themselves and this will definitely eliminate one source of conflict between GWI and its customers.

Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali alluding to this problem noted: “……there has been a lot of difficulties in terms of estimated and actual readings. What we have found is that our inability to do 100% reading, greatly affects our billing system. That is, in a lot of cases, we actually do estimated billing and this creates conflicts between the customers and GWI.”

He added: We are introducing another initiative where we will take a pilot area, and for the next three months we are going to do 100% reading. This would give us a fair understanding of the consumption patterns of that pilot area. We will then initiate a programme where the customers will read their meters themselves and report that reading to GWI and the billing and payment are then generated as the read it yourself initiative.”

This he explained would help to prevent collusion between customers and meter readers; improve efficiency; creating confidence in the billing system thereby sustaining a healthy relationship between GWI and its customers.

This is certainly the correct path the utility is taking and shows that its management is thinking in the right direction and is placing its fingers on the right buttons.

The importance and relevance of quality customer service is becoming increasingly evident in today’s competitive world and therefore service oriented businesses have to keep pace with changes.

According to the Communications Workers of America in today's information-based service economy, where success depends on being "customer focused," the number and importance to organisations of customer service professionals is growing.

Nationally, more than 3.3 million women and men work as customer service and sales representatives in virtually every industry. Job titles include customer service representative, airline reservation and customer service ticket and gate agent, account executive, account representative, newspaper advertising sales representative, telemarketing representative, technical support representative, and eligibility and claims specialist in the public sector.

Customer Service - The Importance of Quality Service

James A Karl in his article Customer Service - The Importance of Quality Service points out:

“A business's main purpose is to create a customer because it is basically the consumer who essentially determines what a business is. Although it is significant to provide time and effort on how you are going to improve your products and services, it is still the customers who establish the future success of a business. Therefore, consumer service enhancement is very important if you would want your business to prosper.”

“Customer service is a key factor in achieving business success. It can either make or break your business. This is the reason that the entire business plan, marketing strategies, sales and profits will solely depend on its impact on the customers. Essentially, you are in business to generate revenue through selling your products to people who are in need of these services. These people want to discern if your products will be able to make their lives much easier.”

The “backer’s” back’s against the wall
The Parrot in its last squawk squawked about the humour that sometimes emanate from the Assembly House where Critchlow stands “guard” on its lawns down in GT.

The comedy which is often performed by the “residents” of the western half of the House, can rival “Saturday Night Live”, Leno and Letterman. I wonder why local shows of similar concept have not been attempted. Hmmm. There is so much “material” that can be harnessed into hilarious entertainment packages.

Not that what comes out of the House is not “belly full o’ laffs”. It’s just that people don’t want to spend sometimes six hours looking for the “presentations” that evoke vociferous hilarity.

In television language, “packaging” can “cut to the chase”. First it was “Scottie” from the Alliance with a front. Now, it’s Debbie with a “back”. It is no coincidence that “Scottie” and Debbie are doing things in opposite; “front” then “back”. After all, they are part of the Opposition.

According to them boys who got six hours to spare to watch the “presentations” pun “Ain’t-Seeing”, this “backer” girl likes to “front-up” she self and heckle those from the eastern side of the House. Apparently she is so accustomed to heckling, that it is automatic every time she hears something from the eastern side. She even heckled when Uncle Bob was congratulated for his re-selection, sorry, re-election and when snack-time is announced. De boys dem seh she is a seasoned heckler; Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

The heckling now get she into trouble. As usual not wanting to listen to what the eastern side is saying, she heckled the wrong thing whilst Uncle Ashni was “on de floor”.

He was at the time “singing” praises about how the exemplary and professional services of local law enforcement is needed over in T & T for the upcoming Summit with the Queen.

Not Jamzone or Guyana MISSing World; the Queen from our colonial past. Our law enforcement ladies and men came in for plenty praises when Hurricane Ivan tek he “eyes” and “pass” Grenada destroying the Isle of Spice in the process and when World Cup Cricket was held in the Region in 2007.

They did so go good that the Bajans “beg” fuh dem to provide security for the finals. A special plane was chartered. The benches were removed from the Bajan airport when the plane landed and replaced after the return journey. The removal of the Bajans’ benches was not only testimony to their first-time genuine welcome of Guyanese, but indicative of the high esteem our boys and girls in green and blue were held. Simply put, these boys and girls did us proud. So Uncle Ashni was in order to state that a contingent is needed in T&T next month.

Up comes, on cue, Debbie “the backer” heckler saying that these hard-working boys and girls may bring the country into disrepute. Her comments confirms that she don’t listen and is unaware of the achievements of these guys. Imagine the “backer” talking about disrepute! What happened when she and the other “backer” turned their backs on a bank that had GLOBEal trust? This trust led to mistrust and many people lost their hard-earned dollars and cents! This bank with the “backers” in front, collapsed before the financial crisis greeted Obama. Its collapse was unrelated to a global financial collapse.

How did it fall? What happen to the people money? The people heckled the “backers”, but to no avail. One “backer”, Debbie, ended up in the front chairs of the western half of the House whilst the other continues to enjoy life’s “blessings”. How can this female “backer” possess the “balls” to accuse those who have done us proud of bringing the country into disrepute? The Party that the “backer” represents brought shame and bankruptcy to this land. How come she can now “point a mouth” and heckle those who have achieved high standards?

The ladies and men in blue and green must reject the “backer’s” ridiculous comments. Their superiors must do the same. Gary is the “best” man to demand an apology from the “backer”. Uncle Ashni is right to ask for her to be disciplined. If this is to proceed, the Parrot would love to see how she will “back” out. De boys dem seh that Uncle Bob will support Uncle Ashni’s discipline call. He recalls how Debbie wasn’t too enthused with him before the last CONgress and was a part of Uncle Vincent’s camp. She had heckled him, Uncle Bob that is!

A disciplinary opportunity now presents itself and Uncle Bob will want to capitalise, with full benches. His front-bench “backer” is providing too much “material” for comedy, not forgetting his bruised ego when Uncle Vincent’s camp was up. Having a memory like an elephant, Uncle Bob will be relentless for disciplinary action even if he turns out to be this week’s provider of hilarious material in the House. Anybody knows Ron Robinson, Chow-pow or “Jumbie’s” number. They seem to have six hours to spare! Squawk! Squawk!

Whispering Mabel
Mabel notes the apparent enthusiastic optimism that has greeted the announcement of a US$18.8M rice deal with Venezuela and while she is also happy about this welcome transaction, there is something that worries her and asks the question whether these is in place an official system to monitor the successful preparation and effective shipment of the rice, in particular the wholesomeness and the need for Caracas to complain about the out-turn of any of the shipments. Meticulous attention is demanded to ensure full satisfaction of the buyer. Mabel is being cautious because of her long experience with the vagaries of the rice market.
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The U.S. ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ advocating grouping has inquired whether personnel from the Office of the President can extend any help in their efforts of getting President Obama to resolve the issue in their favour.
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The matter is in the hand of Kwame, who will respond.
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Mabel is asking whether the media has taken a conscious resolve to downplay or suppress the need to push for appropriate and timely action be taken against the alleged abhorrent act by the Guyana Teachers Union President Colwyn King. Why the silence and why the eagerness to get after Kwame?
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The most significant news recently was caused by the intervention of Finance Minister on the monopoly by GT&T in Parliament. This monstrous exclusiveness has really become overbearing and must cease. The earlier the better, says Mabel.
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Aunt Hetta in Toronto called to express how exceedingly proud she was over the overwhelming enthusiasm created by President Jagdeo during current dialoguing with university gatherings. Keep it going fresh

Standards Corner
How to Buy Upholstered Furniture
Whether it is a sofa or loveseat or a chair or a chaise, beauty and comfort are the criteria for selecting upholstered furniture. Fabric plays a very important role in the beauty of upholstered furniture. Besides this, there are three basic parts of the furniture piece to consider before purchasing and they are: the frame, the supporting foundation, and the padding or cushioning. Below are some suggestions for buying upholstered furniture.

The frame
The frame should be made from high quality kiln-dried hardwood. It is necessary to go for kiln-drying process as it keeps the wood from cracking or warping. Today, frames are also made of steel, plastic, laminated boards or a combination of materials. The frame should follow the contours of the furniture and should not depend only on padding to achieve the shape.

The Joints
Look for joints in the furniture piece that are either glued or screwed into place. See that they are properly fixed. Avoid blocks that have been stapled into place.

The Deck
The bottom of the seating area, underneath the cushions is the deck. Cheap sofas use interwoven straps which are fixed to the frame, while expensive ones have the straps fixed to springs placed around the perimeter. The best sofas are those which build the deck with springs.

Frame support
Support on the frame is provided by webbing, sling straps, or springs of various types. They are used to providing great comfort, support and durability and better the quality of the springs used, the more the comfort is. Make sure the back of the piece has springs in it, too.

Cushioning
Cushioning forms the next layer and is very important for ultimate comfort. Cushions are made from cotton or polyester fiber, foam or down. It is to be noted that denser the foam, the heavier it is and more durable. Better-quality foam usually has a density rating of 1.8 to 2.5. With respect to the cheaper furniture, the cushion is filled with polyurethane foam while more expensive furniture have high comfort, high resiliency foam, which provides extra fluffiness. Always remember that cushions grow softer with time, and hence a floor model will have softer cushions than the piece you ordered when it was new.

The Cover
For outer beauty, it is your choice. Basically, there are two types of fabrics, for upholstery - naturals and synthetics. As a rule, synthetic fabrics are more durable, colour-fast and cleanable. Run your hand over the fabric to determine its durability. Tightly-woven fabrics or heavy fabrics will stand up to wear and tear better. Fabrics like satins, brocades or damasks are very delicate, and are not recommended for regular use. Leather, available in a rainbow of colours and a range of styles, is today one of the most popular upholstery materials. The choice for upholstered fabric is just unlimited. But then, this also depends on your taste in the colours, patterns and textures and of course your lifestyle and budget.

A quick recap: Checklist
* Frame is sturdy.

* Wood used for making frame is properly dried.

* Frame doesn't creak or wobble.

* Frame sits properly on the floor.

* Frame and corners are well padded.

* Seats are comfortable.

* Backs are free of hard spots and bumps.

* Seams and welts are straight.

* Patterns and stripes match at seams.

* Patterns are centered.

* Cushions are resilient and fit snugly.

* Covered in tightly woven, durable fabric.

* Mechanisms on recliners work smoothly.

* Metal parts are smooth with no sharp edges.

* In each position, dual purpose seating is well balanced.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) urges importers and manufacturers of furniture to ensure that quality pieces of furniture are made available to consumers especially as the anticipated shopping season approaches and the demand for products increases. Consumers, on the other hand, need to carefully examine every piece of furniture they intend to purchase for possible defects and buy from reputable dealers.

Unbelievable people would try to paint Guyana only with negatives
I find it unbelievable that people would try to paint Guyana as a country where nothing good ever happens, when we can all see that this is not so. Not only internally do we gain recognition for the good things that are happening, but also internationally through so many reports that are done by international organizations.

The recent Worldwide Reporters Without Borders press freedom index ranks Guyana at 39 out of 137 which is a vast improvement over last year’s ranking of 88. In the space of one year, Guyana has improved by nearly 50 points putting us in a better place when it comes to press freedom and freedom of information.

In fact, Guyana ranked higher than France which scored 43 and Italy at 49. I am quoting these two countries because they form part of the G8 group of countries, the eight richest countries in the world. The fact that a small country like Guyana can achieve so much, when taking into consideration the reality of Guyana’s history and the work that had to be put in by Government after inheriting a dictatorship, it is astounding that we have placed so well in the report.

We should all be honest enough to recognize the good and as the saying goes, give jack his jacket.
S. MOORE
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Co-op Society have not held elections in 11 years
FOR two long members of the Devonshire Castle Land and Saving Co-op Society have been calling on the region’s Co-operatives Officer for a general membership of the Society for the Annual General Meeting for the society election.

This co-op society did not hold any AGM for the past 11 years and there are four highly dishonest persons who called themselves committee of management without the knowledge of the society members where they continued to breach the society rules and regulations 18 – 22 of the society’s constitution.

After becoming a member in July 2004 I have seen highly corruption practices taking place by the four non-functioning members who fabricate different forms of malpractices in every system that are corrupted.

In the Devonshire Castle Society Constitution there are 73 rules called regulations under chapter 326 of the laws of Guyana since co-operative falls under the Ministry of Labour and some 98 per cent of the society members has no ideas and are unaware of the society 73 rules causing the four non-functioning members to manipulate the society assets.

On Saturday January 20, 2007, at the Walton Hall Nursery School the Minister Mr. Mansoor Nadir and the former Chief Co-op Development Officer Mr. Clive Nurse hasinstructed the Society chairman and the Region Two Co-operative Officer to put the society books and records in order for auditing and for the Society’s election. Both of these men put a blind eye and a deaf ear on the minister’s request. Recently in a surprising statement the Region 2 Co-operative Officer has presented a report to members of the Region Two sub-committee of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Local Government and Co-op that the Devonshire Castle Co-op Society is not functioning and there are no records. Minutes, ledger, files, receipts, etc although several members are in receipts for digging and paying for burial fees etc.

Recently, a private contractor has received a Court Order against the four non-functioning members for breach of agreement signed by the four unknowingly by the Society members.

Now again the four sold the Society’s land to one of the four member son for a little pittance without the society members knowledge.

However, a petition has been sent to President Jagdeo, Minister Robert Persaud, Minister Manzoor Nadir and Chief Co-op Officer Mr k Jabbar for their intervention since this land was put aside by the society for a drying floor.
POORAN PERSAUD
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What is wrong with rice farmers being paid on time?
SOME of us are fortunate to have a nice job that pays well and we can afford the wonderful luxuries of life and more so sit in Parliament, the highest office of this land, and instead of making decisions or supporting decisions that will be beneficial to the people of Guyana, come up with some of the worst ideas and debate it as if it would bring with it any good.

But I guess this is where tax payers’ money goes and they have to sit there and say something in opposition so that people can actually know that they are working. But the public is wise . We too know what is good for us or not. We are the ones who have to toil in the soil to make ends meet. We are the same rice farmers who contribute almost the highest to the agricultural GDP. We might not have Law Degrees or PhD’s, but we are not illiterate either.

I was appalled by the statements made by Mr. Ramjattan at the sitting of the National Assembly where the Minister of Agriculture announced the amendment to the Rice Farmers’ Act to have farmers paid on time. Now tell me Mr. Ramjattan, what is wrong with rice farmers being paid on time? This might not affect him, since his pay comes up to date every month but it surely affects us, since we have no other means of income. So, for the sake of the rice farmers of this country, please don’t jump up and make statements just because you are being paid to oppose. Sit and think it through.

I do hope that this letter of concern reaches the eyes of Mr. Ramjattan and that the next time he jumps up to make decisions; he should remember that this is not his house business, but the concern of a nation. Since his party is called Alliance for Change, I hope he can change for the better. And to the rice farmers of this country, I call on you to fully support the amendment to the Rice Factories Act so that we can all receive our payments on time and continue to improve the rice sector.
SHAMSHUDEEN KHAN
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An IMC should be appointed to manage the city
PRESIDENT Jagdeo is favourable to the idea of replacing the City Council with an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to manage the city. That will depend on if Robert Corbin, the Opposition Leader, agrees to it. Corbin makes it quite clear that he does not think that is the way to go.

Robert Corbin and the PNCR will never agree on anything that will bring positive changes to the people and the country. They will agree on things that will benefit them. An Interim Management Committee will definitely bring improvements to the city. This will definitely boost the city’s image and action by the government to act in times of crisis.

Local government elections will be held next year. If the PPP/C government can clean up the city and do some infrastructural works ahead of the elections then its showing at the poll will increase. Corbin and the PNCR do not want this.

Over the years Guyanese have witnessed the PNCR’s oppositions on any project the government had undertaken. The PNCR opposed the building of a new sugar factory at Skeldon, the National Stadium at Providence, the Berbice Bridge, and now against the low carbon development strategy. The PNCR even ran into problems with Winston Murray when he supported President Jagdeo stands against the European Union sugar protocol.

If any right thinking Guyanese should follow the PNCR’s interest he would see that it lies in the support for criminals, get people from abroad to condemn the government, oppose government plans to better the lives of Guyanese, spread race hate, racial discrimination, boycott, more fyah, slow fyah, make the country ungovernable, shut the country and protest marches.

President Jagdeo should act in the interest of the people even if it means going to Parliament to remove the City Council and the incompetent City Council he must do it.
We want the President’s action.
BALDEO PERSAUD

WICB President’s Cup Sarwan exudes confidence on eve of opening game
By Calvin Roberts
SKIPPER Ramnaresh Sarwan was brimming with confidence ahead of Guyana’s opening match in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s Cup limited overs match against the Leeward Islands at the Enmore Community Centre ground today.

In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport during his team’s practice session at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) yesterday, Sarwan thinks that home advantage will weigh heavily in Guyana’s favour, despite their poor showing in last year’s tournament.

“We are playing at home and we are aware of the conditions at certain venues and that, along with the availability of our senior batsman in Shivnarine Chanderpaul, would help give us the confidence we need heading into this tournament.”

Whilst expressing his eagerness to go out there and play first class cricket for his country, the 29-year-old Sarwan bemoaned the poor practice facilities that were made available to the team who began preparation for this tournament a few weeks ago.

“When you look at some of the venues made available to us, the home team in this tournament, it leaves us to wonder if we are from another planet. With all due respect to the clubs, more needs to be done by them when their facility is being used to prepare a national team.

Even the national stadium, the fastest drying cricket venue in the Caribbean pitch was wet when we went there to practise on Monday, 48 hours before the tournament began and that is ridiculously poor and unacceptable,” said Sarwan.

Nevertheless, he complimented his side for the mental toughness they displayed despite being faced with such difficulties and called on them to be stronger as they head into the competition, faced with the task of bringing home the bacon for their country.

Guyana, who will be hosting the tournament for the third consecutive year, will be going into their opening round match against the Leeward Islands on what is expected to be a slow batting track at the East Coast venue, but lightning fast outfield.

Bishoo over Nagamootoo
When asked to comment on the selection of young Devendra Bishoo over the experienced Mahendra Nagamootoo, the right-handed middle order batsman who has scored over 11 000 runs from 183 first class matches at an average of 39.98, believes that the latter’s bowling performances of recent has earned him the shot.

“Bishoo has come on leaps and bounds over the past year, doing a splendid job, taking wickets for either his team or country and, taking nothing away from Nagamootoo who has given yeoman service to the country over the years, something we have to acknowledge and appreciate, Bishoo has earned his call to represent Guyana in the limited overs version of the game.”

The Guyana XI will be chosen from Sewnarine Chattergoon and Travis Dowlin who are expected to open the batting, with support from Chanderpaul, Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Christopher Barnwell, Dion Ferrier, Delbert Hicks and Esaun Crandon.

The bowling will be led by Crandon, Barnwell and Trevon Garraway, with worthy support from Bishoo and left-arm orthodox spin bowler Veerasammy Permaul, with amicable support from Deonarine, Royston Crandon and even Chattergoon, if needed.

The Leeward Islands team will be led by Stephen Liburd and includes Runako Morton, Gavin Tonge, Kieran Powell and Lionel Baker, all players with experience at the highest level, having represented the West Indies.

Add Codville Rogers, Justin Athanaze, Anthony Martin, veteran all-rounder Wilden Cornwall and the hard-hitting Chesney Hughes to the fray, and certainly the work of Sarwan and his troops has been cut out for them in this fixture.

Weather permitting, the game is set to commence at 09:15 h under the guidance of umpires P. Nero and L. Abraham, with D. Holder performing the duties of third umpire. Patrons can witness the game at a cost of $500.

Teams for the Guyana/Leeward Islands clash will come from:

Guyana: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Travis Dowlin, Royston Crandon, Esaun Crandon, Christopher Barnwell, Dion Ferrier, Delbert Hicks, Assad Fudadin, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Trevon Garraway.

Leeward Islands from: Stephen Liburd, Codville Rogers, Kieran Powell, Runako Morton, Tonito Willet, Wilden Cornwall, Gavin Williams, Elsroy Powell, Gavin Tonge, Justin Athanaze, Anthony Martin, Chesney Hughes, Jahmar Hamilton and Lionel Baker.

T&T, Jamaica clash in feature match of WICB President’s Cup
DEFENDING champions Trinidad & Tobago and regional four-day title-holders Jamaica will clash in the feature match of the opening round in the WICB President’s Cup limited-overs competition today at the Providence stadium.

For the first time ever in a regional competition, four matches will be played on the same day with hosts Guyana set to face Leeward Islands at Enmore, Barbados to face the Young West Indies at Bourda Oval, and Combined Campuses & Colleges to battle Windward Islands at Everest.

Interest in the tournament is high since all of the senior players have been mandated to play in order to be eligible for West Indies selection.

The Jamaica squad has 11 West Indies players. They include Dave Bernard Jr and Nikita Miller, who were part of the recent makeshift regional team, and today’s game against T&T should be a keen tussle.

The Trinbagonians exhibited great solidarity in the Champions League Twenty20 in India, and with no less than nine players with West Indies experience in this side should start as one of the tournament’s favourites.

T&T, however, may not be at their best, since they may still be suffering the after-effects of jetlag, following their long trip back from India, a brief stopover at home on Monday, and a late-night trip to Guyana last night.

They’ll need to be at their best, since the Jamaicans would be looking to bring them back down to earth, and T&T would have to find a way to stop Chris Gayle.

The Jamaica captain is the most destructive limited-overs batsman in the world, and if he gets going on the lightning fast outfield and flat track, the T&T bowlers will find themselves under plenty of pressure.

Brenton Parchment, Wavell Hinds, Danza Hyatt, Shawn Findley, Xavier Marshall, Carlton Baugh Jr, Bernard, and the solid Brendon Nash give Jamaica a strong batting line-up.

In Jerome Taylor and Andrew Richardson, the Jamaicans also have two of the best fast bowlers in the region.

Darren Powell has enough international experience to make him a force at this level, while Bernard with his steady medium-pace, left-arm spinner Miller, and leg-spinner Odean Brown should relish the sluggish Guyana pitches.

With their confidence high, and Adrian Barath and William Perkins in good limited-overs form, T&T can also post a massive total, especially if the Bravo brothers, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, the Ganga siblings, the pugnacious Kieron Pollard, and Navin Stuart get going.

Ravi Rampaul will be looking to continue his fine bowling from the CLT20, while Stewart and the spin attack of Sherwin Ganga, Dave Mohamed, and Samuel Badree will hope to utilise the slow surface.

At Bourda, the YWI will look to their captain Andre Creary and 17-year-old Barbadian batting prodigy Kraigg Brathwaite to lead their batting with support from others like hometown boy Trevon Griffith.

But their bowling will also face a tough challenge against the “big boys” as the YWI prepare for next year’s Youth World Cup in New Zealand.

Barbados will recall their previous match against the YWI, when they bowled them out for 19 and won handsomely.

At Everest, Windwards – under new captain Darren Sammy – will look to get the better of the CCC – under the incumbent West Indies captain Floyd Reifer.

Both teams will be looking to make an impression in the competition, and a victory would be a sound start.

Squads:
Barbados (from): Ryan Hinds (captain), Sulieman Benn, Tino Best, Rashidi Boucher, Jonathan Carter, Nikolai Charles, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Alcindo Holder, Carlo Morris, Martin Nurse, Kemar Roach, Dwayne Smith, Kevin Stoute.

Combined Campuses & Colleges (from): Floyd Reifer (captain), Ryan Austin, Khismar Catlin, Romel Currency, Simon Jackson, Kavesh Kantasingh, Kevin McClean, Gilford Moore, Kjorn Ottley, Nekoli Parris, Omar Phillips, Gavin Wallace, Chadwick Walton, Kurt Wilkinson.

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

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (from): Daren Ganga (captain), Adrian Barath, Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Sherwin Ganga, Imran Khan, Dave Mohammed, William Perkins, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Lendl Simmons, Navin Stewart.

Windward Islands (from): Darren Sammy (captain), Miles Bascombe, Deighton Butler, Craig Emmanuel, Andre Fletcher, Donwell Hector, Rawl Lewis, Garey Mathurin, Mervin Matthew, Nelon Pascal, Liam Sebastien, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile.

Young West Indies (from): Andre Creary (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nelson Bolan, Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Yannick Carriah, Akeem Dewar, Shane Dowrich, Nicholson Gordon, Trevon Griffith, Kirk Harris, Patrick Harty, Jason Holder, Keon Joseph, Evin Lewis, Yannick Ottley, Dalton Polius, Kejel Tyson, Kelbert Walters, Jomel Warrican. (CMC)

Ganga gives Gayle the thumbs up
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Daren Ganga has shunned suggestions that he should captain West Indies to Australia next month, and has given Chris Gayle a vote of confidence.

Ganga’s reputation has been enhanced in the last two weeks, as he led his native Trinidad & Tobago to the runners-up spot in the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 which ended in India last Friday.

Several regional and international figures have weighed in on the debate on the position of West Indies captain, and have identified the T&T captain for the position.

“I know that there have been calls for me to be captain of the West Indies, and it is a job that I would be very honoured to do,” said Ganga, when the Calypso Warriors returned from India late on Monday.

He said: “As I have said before, my focus these days is T&T’s cricket and doing the best for my country.

“I am also working very hard at my game to get myself involved in international cricket again, and would take it from there.”

Ganga – like several other key West Indies players – have thrown their support behind the embattled Gayle for the position of captain.

“I think that Chris has the support of many of the players,” Ganga said. “They have come out and stated their support for him.

“I personally think that he has done a good job as captain of the West Indies team, and I will also like to give him my full support.”

West Indies tour Australia at the end of November, and the West Indies Cricket Board is set to name a captain in the coming week.

Praise for T&T from the Caribbean Community
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is the latest body congratulating Trinidad and Tobago’s cricketers for their exhilarating performance at the Champions League Twenty20 championship in India that landed them the runner-up spot and US$1.3 million.

In a press release Monday, CARICOM extended “hearty congratulations” to T&T and said their appearance at the tournament revives hope in West Indies cricket.

“The exhilarating performances rekindled hope in West Indies cricket and reminded spectators around the world of the panache associated with West Indies cricket at a time when the game in the Region is traversing a difficult path,” CARICOM said in the press statement.

Proving to be the surprise team of the tournament, Trinidad and Tobago reeled off upset wins over reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Deccan Chargers and England’s Somerset to top Group A before defeating NSW, the eventual champions and the Eagles (South Africa) in the Super 8 round.

The Caribbean T20 champions whipped South Africa’s Cape Cobras in the semi-final before losing a rematch with NSW in the final and CARICOM believes T&T’s performance in India proves that cricketers in the West Indies can match the world’s best.

“The team’s accomplishments demonstrated that our cricketers can more than hold their own with the best in the world given the fact that most of the other teams in the tournament comprised proven players at the highest level of the game.

“The consistency, discipline, team work and leadership displayed are a tribute to the team, its management and the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and are a fine example of what can be achieved when these elements are blended together,” CARICOM said.

T&T’s 41-run loss to NSW in last Friday’s final was their only defeat in the entire tournament and CARICOM said they made the Caribbean proud.

“Captain Daren Ganga and his men have certainly made West Indians proud once again of their cricketers’ prowess and for that alone they deserve our praise and thanks,” the press release concluded.

The once powerful West Indies, who ruled world cricket from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, have suffered declining standards for over a decade now and are near the bottom of the world ratings – at No.8 in both Test and One Day International (ODI) rankings.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) have also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago’s cricketers.

WICB salutes women’s T20 triumph in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CMC) – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has applauded the West Indies Women’s Twenty20 International series triumph in South Africa.

Rebounding from their hard-fought 2-1 series loss in the One Day International (ODI) matches, West Indies registered back-to-back wins against the South Africans in the T20 series Sunday and Monday for a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match schedule.

“On behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and cricket-lovers of the Caribbean I wish to congratulate you on your outstanding performances in South Africa,” the WICB president Julian Hunte stated Monday in a message to the Caribbean side.

“This series victory on foreign soil is a very good achievement and is a positive step ahead of Women’s Cricket in the Caribbean. It clearly shows that you have the ability to perform at the highest level as you showcased your God-given talent,” Hunte added.

The 17-year-old rookie Shemaine Campbelle’s three-wicket performance set up a six-wicket victory on Sunday and the 21-year-old vice-captain Anisa Mohammed produced a career-best five for 10 on Monday that propelled the Caribbean side to a superb win.

“After losing the One-Day Series, you demonstrated true resilience and rebounded in a meaningful way to get the better of the South Africans in the T20 matches. I urge you to keep up the good work and continue to play with determination and passion as you make your supporters proud,” Hunte said.

The West Indies take their winning 2-0 lead into the last T20 match today before returning home to prepare to face touring England in a six-match series in St Kitts next month.

West Indies and England will play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals at Warner Park from November 4-12.

“As you look forward to the upcoming six-match series against England on home soil, next month, I urge you to continue to hard work and show the same level of commitment and dedication you have displayed in South Africa,” the WICB president said.

Line and Length to broadcast WICB President’s Cup tourney
… Ambrose and Harper part of commentary panel
By Calvin Roberts
AS they did three years ago, Barbados’ Line and Length Incorporated will once again be carrying to cricket-lovers around the Caribbean, live radio coverage of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s Cup limited overs tournament which commences today in Guyana.

At a simple press briefing held in the conference room of the Princess Hotel (formerly Buddy’s) at Providence, co- director and leading cricket commentator in the Caribbean, Andrew Mason, said his entity was tasked with a difficult job of broadcasting four different matches in one day.

“Last year we were challenged to do three matches per day and this year is no different, apart from the fact that we have four matches to broadcast but thanks to the local commentators here in Guyana, we are able to execute such a task with less difficulties,” said Mason.

Mason, who along with broadcaster Barry Wilkinson manages the Line and Length show, further expressed his delight with the progress being made so far with the setting up of the commentary panel for this tournament, of which former West Indies cricketers fast bowler Curtly Ambrose and all-rounder Roger Harper form a part.

In his opening remarks, Wilkinson informed those gathered including former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd and national skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan (who stated that his time has passed to lead the regional side), that the WICB, along with Ansa McAl through its Carib Beer brand, Foam soap powder and Giftland OfficeMax, has subsidised the cost of broadcasting the commentary.

Lloyd took the time to congratulate the duo for their exemplary work in taking cricket to those who are unable to make it to the venues and urged those in charge to ensure there are clear calendars whenever such tournaments are being played in the region, as it gives cricket fans the opportunity to see all the region’s talent on display.

“Players realise the importance of what they have to do and it is with that in mind, I want to urge those in authority to organise tournaments of such nature when our calendar is clear. This is possible now, as the players will be vying for a place on the squad to tour Australia, but that aside, we need the cricket-loving public to see their stars and the talent we have available to them on show,” said Lloyd.

Sarwan, who informed the gathering that he did a lot of reflections during his recovery period from the shoulder injury he sustained just after being named West Indies skipper, is looking forward to the tournament, where he hopes a high standard of cricket will be displayed throughout the tournament.

Marketing Officer of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)), Ramsay Alli, also stated to the gathering, that after carrying out inspections to the venues which will be used for these games with president of the GCB Chetram Singh, he is comfortable that all is well at same.

“All venues are fully prepared including the Albion Sports Complex (ASC), of which questions were raised with regards to certain areas. I must say that a significant amount of work was done on these venues and after accompanying Mr Singh, who is the chairman of the venues committee, we are pleased with what we saw.”

Alli further stated that the semifinals and final will be given extra promotional attention by the GCB who is being paid US$17 000 per match by the WICB, while localised promotions are presently taking place in the Corentyne area, with regards to Guyana’s match against Barbados on Friday at the ASC.

“We want to make the semi-finals and final a party affair, hence the GCB’s marketing committee has undertaken the responsibility of marketing same to the best of our ability, given that there is not much time to do so between the final preliminary round match and the start of the first semifinal.

However, we will journey on to ensure cricket fans have a grand time at these three matches which will be played at the Guyana National Stadium under the lights, therefore there will be no restrictions in terms of coolers and other stuff, but stringent security will be in place” said Alli.

Chigumbura floors Bangladesh
DHAKA -- Elton Chigumbura impressed with ball and bat as Zimbabwe handed Bangladesh a crushing five-wicket defeat in the first One-Day International cricket match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here yesterday.

The 23-year-old man-of-the-match took three top order wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 186 and then scored a brilliant 60 off 50 balls to seal the victory for the visitors with more than 15 overs to spare.

Zimbabwe were down at 90 for five, with most of their top batsmen back in the pavilion, but Chigumbura and Stuart Matsikenyeri notched up an unbeaten 99 partnership on the sixth wicket to take them one-up in the five-match series.

"That partnership got us through," said vice-captain Hamilton Masakadza, who led the side for the better part of the match after captain Prosper Utseya suffered a freak ankle injury while celebrating a catch.

Chigumbura said he exploited early movements on the wicket after his captain won the toss and elected to field and was confident his team would easily chase the Bangladesh total if they could play 50 overs.

"I know that if we got a big partnership, we will easily win," he said.

Bangladesh's chances for a decent total vanished after they lost six wickets for 62, with Chigumbura removing dangermen Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Ashraful and Chibhabha dismissing captain Shakib Al Hasan - all edged to the wicketkeeper.

Mushfiqur Rahim played a lone hand in the lower order, scoring a steadfast 56 while medium pacer Dolar Mahmud hit a quick-fire 41 off 30 balls coming to bat at number 10 to give the hosts' total some respectability.

Bangladesh, who won 15 of their 19 matches and beat Zimbabwe 4-1 in an away series in August, seemed to have staged a comeback into the match in the eighth over when left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak snapped up three wickets in his first over.

Pacer Rubel Hossain got rid of in-form Masakadza and Dolar Mahmud picked off Charles Coventry, who equalled Sayed Anwar's highest one-day score in August, to push Bangladesh back into the match.

But Matsikenyeri (47) and Chigumbura held their nerve against some quality spin and smashed the pacers to guide the visitors home. Chigumbura celebrated his 12th 50 (46 balls) hitting six off Bangladesh captain Shakib.

The two sides meet at the same venue in their second one-day match tomorrow. (Yahoo Sport)
BANGLADESH innings
Tamim Iqbal c Taibu b Chigumbura 5
Junaid Siddique c Matsikenyeri b Chigumbura 0
Mohammad Ashraful c Taibu b Chigumbura 20
Raqibul Hasan run out (Chigumbura/†Taibu) 16
Shakib Al Hasan c Taibu b Chibhabha 13
Mushfiqur Rahim c Taibu b Jarvis 56
Mahmudullah c Price b Chibhabha 4
Naeem Islam c Coventry b Price 21
Abdur Razzak c Utseya b Cremer 3
Dolar Mahmud c Masakadza b Jarvis 41
Rubel Hossain not out 0
Extras: (lb-5, w-2) 7
Total: (all out; 46.5 overs) 186
Fall of wickets1-0, , 2-5, 3-41, 4-56 , 5-58, 6-62, 7-115, 8-124 (Abdur Razzak), 9-178, 10-186 (Mushfiqur Rahim)
Bowling
K M Jarvis 8.5-1-43-2. E. Chigumbra 8-1-27-3 (2w), C J Chibhaba 8-0-28-2, P Utseya 4-1-15-0, R W Price 9-0-31-1, A G Cremer 9-0-37-1

ZIMBABWE innings
H Masakadza c Raqibul Hasan b Rubel Hossain 10
CJ Chibhabha lbw b Abdur Razzak 26
BRM Taylor lbw b Abdur Razzak 0
T Taibu b Abdur Razzak 0
CK Coventry c Abdur Razzak b Dolar Mahmud 32
S Matsikenyeri not out 47
E Chigumbura not out 60
Extras (lb 1, w 10, nb 3) 14
Total: (5 wickets; 34.4 overs) 189
Fall of wickets1-39, 2-39, 3-39 , 4-54, 5-90.
Bowling: Mahmud 5-0-26-1 (1nb, 1w), Hossain 8-0-59-1 (2nb, 3w), Al Hasan 10-0-49-0, Razzak 8.4-1.36-3 (1w), Mahmudullah 1-0-6-0 (1w), Islam 1-0-7-0, Mohammad Ashraful 1-0-5-0

Stables in overdrive mode for RCMTC race meet
STABLES across the country are in the overdrive mode leading up the Ryan Crawford Memorial Turf Club’s final race meet for 2009 season.

According to reports, trainers and grooms are fine-tuning their animals for what is expected to be an exciting day of races that will include four feature events for two and three-year-olds as well as `C’ Class horses, as well as four other races.

Beverage giant Banks DIH has committed itself to sponsoring three of the four feature races, while communications Giant Digicel has already handed over the sponsorship cheque valued $200 000 to the organisers for the other feature race.

The Colin Elcock stable will be fielding a number of top class West Indies-bred horses as they seek to cart off the top prizes in the feature races.

Earlier this month, The Message from the Elcock stable won one of two feature races that were staged at the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club, while the Crawford stable won the other with Night Cresendo.

While Night Cresendo raked in the Digicel-sponsored $250 000 first prize money, The Message made her owner $350 000 richer.

Incidentally, both horses were ridden by one of the top jockeys around, Kevin Paul.

Paul will, however, have to be ever vigilant come November 1 as there are a number of other top Class `C’ and Lower horses that will be vying for the top prize this time around, including Great Memories and Jumbo Joy.

Like The Message, if Paul is given the mount on Night Cresendo, he will have to look out for Top of the Line and Pixie Fire.

Upsets can be the order of the day in the other events as well, since word is that most of the horses expected to be on show are performing exceptionally well in their gallops, so turfites can anticipate a thrilling day of races at the Alness, West Coast Berbice facility.

Among the other horses expected to be on show are: Bad News, Alphabet, Baby Boy, President Junior, Romeo, Gray Boy, Channel Boy, New World, Wonder Lite, Miss Bounty, little Spike, De Gump, Clear Victory, Channel Boy, Rum Till I Die, Delmur Gold, Coconut Boy, Little Panie and Kavinci.

Beepat’s Scorpions 7th annual All-Star weekend launched
By Storme Moore
THE Beepat’s Scorpions basketball club announced the launch of their 7th annual All-Star weekend during a press conference that was convened at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday.

The event, which has been known as the Supligen All-Star Weekend, will be held on November 7 and 8 and will come under a different title as Supligen, who is the original sponsor, has not signed on for this year’s hosting.

The event has, however, attracted the interest of a number of big corporations. Digicel, Beepat’s through their Brunswick brand of sardines and Ansa McAl through their Tropical Rhythms brand name have all pledged their support to this year’s venture.

Warren Williams, who is the vice-president of the Beepat’s Scorpions, promised a bigger and better All-Star weekend for this year because of the magnitude of sponsorship being poured into the event, “This year promises to be better than the years before because of the influx of sponsors,” he said.

Digicel and Ansa McAl, who are first-time sponsors, expressed their pleasure to be on board for such an initiative. Sherwin Campbell, Marketing Representative for Digicel, said that though this is his entity’s first involvement, they are looking forward to a successful event. He said that through this effort Digicel is looking to mould the talent of the local basketballers.

Anjeta Hinds who represented Ansa McAl said that her company is always proud to sponsor sports and they are doing so under their Tropical Rhythms brand name because of the correlation with the healthy aspect of sporting activity. She concluded by saying, “Ansa McAl is happy to support the young men and women who seek betterment through sports.”

Alicia Badu was present on behalf of Beepat’s and she expressed their pleasure to be a continuing supporter of the All-Star weekend.

Coach of the Beepat’s Scorpions, Vijai Panday, said that a lot of novelty features have been added this year. The Crowd Hot Shot is one such activity that will take place and special mention was also made of the $100 000 half-court shot. He also said that there will be a lot of promotional activities and giveaways. He also revealed that Trinidadian Basketballers are expected to be a part of the festivities.

In the Linden/Georgetown showdown, the Senior Shootout and Dunk-out competitions and the Junior All-Star game will take place on Saturday, November 7, and the Junior Shootout and Dunk-out and the Senior All-Star game will take place on Sunday, November 8.

South Australia `Redbacks’ sign Afridi
SOUTH Australia has continued the nationwide trend of high profile recruiting for this season's Twenty20 Big Bash by adding explosive Pakistani hitter Shahid Afridi to its squad.

Afridi will replace Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis as the Redbacks' international recruit and will join the likes of Dwayne Bravo (Victoria), Chris Gayle (Western Australia) and Lasith Malinga (Tasmania) in the Big Bash competition which provides the two Australian entrants to the lucrative ICC Champions League.

New South Wales was recently victorious in the inaugural event held in India between domestic teams from Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, England, India and South Africa and pocketed US$2.5 million.

"We narrowly missed out on finals last season and these signings are definitely a boost to our quest to qualify for the Champions League this year," SACA High Performance Manager Jamie Cox said.

"I have made no secret of the fact that I view the Big Bash competition as the most commercial on the domestic calendar and the inaugural Champions League also provides fantastic opportunities for young players to showcase their skills on the world stage."

Afridi has made his name as an aggressive Pakistani right-handed all-rounder, was player-of-the-tournament in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 and has featured in 24 Twenty20 internationals with a strike rate of 147 and best bowling figures of 4-11 against Holland.

Afridi has played 285 one-day internationals with strike rate of 110 and has taken 264 wickets with a best of 6-38.

Aged just 16, he scored what still remains the fastest ever one-day international century from just 37 balls (including 11 sixes and 6 fours) against Sri Lanka. (Cricket Australia)

Murray wants T&T to refocus
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Deryck Murray is calling on the national cricket team to refocus, as they left last night for the President’s Cup in Guyana.

The national team arrived home at Monday night from India, where they finished second in the Airtel Champions League, losing to Australian champions New South Wales Blues in the final.

They have been relaxing yesterday with family and friends before jetting off at 21:50 h for Georgetown, where they will begin their defence of the WICB President’s Cup against Jamaica today.

Murray said the players need to regroup quickly and go again.

“The players need to refocus and get over the euphoria of their great tour to India. However, they need to keep that momentum gained up there to help them in the President’s Cup,” the TTCB president said.

“They need to come down to earth and start focusing on this new format of the game and the new conditions they would face in Guyana,” Murray added.

The former West Indies wicketkeeper added that although jet lag from the long flight would affect the players, he was confident that they can overcome that obstacle in time for the opening match.

“The jet lag would affect the players but as athletes they would have ways to combat it. What they would have needed to do is sleep on the plane from the moment they left India.

Also they would have been required to drink a lot of water to keep themselves hydrated and do certain exercises to avoid muscle stiffness.”

T&T squad - Daren Ganga (captain), Adrian Barath, William Perkins, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Dave Mohammed, Navin Stewart, Sherwin Ganga, Samuel Badree, Imran Khan.

Kandamby, Kaushal Silva get Test call-ups
By Sa'adi Thawfeeq
TWO uncapped players, left-hand middle-order batsman Thilina Kandamby and wicketkeeper-batsman Kaushal Silva, have been named in Sri Lanka's Test squad for the tour of India starting next month.

Another major change in the 16-man line-up for the three-Test series was a recall for left-arm fast bowler Chanaka Welegedera after a two-year absence from the senior side. The notable absentees are opener Malinda Warnapura and middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera.

Kandamby has made it to the Test squad on the strength of his exceptional one-day form. Since his recall to the one-day side last year, Kandamby has been one of Sri Lanka's consistent performers scoring 618 runs from 17 ODIs at an average of 44.14 including five half-centuries.

Silva is highly rated by captain Kumar Sangakkara, who once said that it was the presence of the world's best Test wicketkeeper in the side, Prasanna Jayawardene, that was keeping Silva on the sidelines. A left-hand middle order batsman Silva has been a prolific scorer for Sinhalese Sports Club in the domestic circuit and captained Sri Lanka A against Pakistan A early this year.

Welegedera, 28, played his only Test against England at Galle in 2007 where he took four wickets for 76 and was hailed as the likely successor to Sri Lanka's most successful fast bowler, Chaminda Vaas.

However, Welegedera failed to live up to the high expectations and faded out of contention until last season when he came back strongly with some inspiring bowling performances for Wayamba in the provincial tournament to stake a claim for a place in the Test side.

Welagedera also gets a nod in for the two Twenty20s along with hard-hitting Chintaka Jayasinghe and Kaushalya Weeraratne and all-rounder Muthumudalige Pushpakumara. For the five one-day internationals, fast bowler Dilhara Fernando has been recalled.

Tests: Kumar Sangakkara (capt.), Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Thilina Kandamby, Prasanna Jayawardene (wkp.), Kaushal Silva, Chanaka Welegedara, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis.

Twenty20s: Kumar Sangakkara (capt./wkp.), Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Kaushal Weeraratne, Ajantha Mendis, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Chanaka Welegedara, Thilan Thushara, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera.

ODIs: Kumar Sangakkara (capt./wkp.), Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedara, Tilina Kandamby, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Mathews, Thilan Samaraweera, Sanath Jayasuriya, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Ajantha Mendis.