Heritage Month begins...
Revised Amerindian Act to spur indigenous development
By Nivedta Kowlessar
A REVISED Amerindian Act is likely to be ready for Parliamentary perusal early next year, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues, reported yesterday.

The Government has had 40 consultations in 90 communities on the proposed legislation, which is being summarised for Cabinet's consideration, Rodrigues said.

The updating of the Act, last amended in 1976, started last year as a priority for the Amerindian Affairs Ministry. It is being handled by a technical committee comprising lawyers and representatives of the Ministry, Amerindian communities and organisations.

Rodrigues reported on the issue at the launching of Amerindian Heritage Month during a sweltering afternoon beneath the Umana Yana benab, an indigenous landmark in Kingston, Georgetown.

She said the critical issue of land titling will take "some time" to sort out as some want individual ownership and others, communal, and the Government would like to have "adequate consultations".

The Minister also said she was "concerned" about media reports of rape and sexually transmitted infections among Amerindians and urged those with "authentic information and evidence" to report to the Ministry.

In other developments, Rodrigues reported on a pilot project to incorporate the Wapishiana and Macushi languages into the regular school curriculum, and the issue of birth certificates to some 4,000 residents of north and central Rupununi. The Ministry is collaborating with its Health and Home Affairs counterparts to improve distribution.

Amerindians are also being trained by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to be Mines Officers, but Rodrigues said while many are concerned about mining in interior locations, education tops the list of priorities for the Ministry. As such, it has focused on strengthening the hinterland scholarship programme and hired more staff to work in the related department.

As more than 30 communities prepare to host Amerindian Heritage Month activities under the theme 'Igniting Our Indigenous Roots Amidst Change', Rodrigues said the usual "exchange of brotherliness" should continue year-long.

She noted that Guyanese have "much to learn about each other" and ought to "discard the negatives, appreciate the differences and identify the similarities."

Many, Rodrigues said, have taken Amerindians' shyness to mean their "ability to understand is retarded". But the first people to settle on this land had welcomed others and the country would not be the same without the "de facto protectors of its borders, she observed.

Rodrigues said the Government's policy is to ensure they are treated fairly, with equal opportunities for development, and the month of heritage celebration has been helping to increase their consciousness and pride.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, delivering the feature address soon after returning from a state visit to India, said it is "obligatory" for citizens to learn of their culture and exhibit such pride. But he urged that the national "preoccupation" be how to weave each section of the multi-ethnic society to create a "unique identity" as Guyanese.

While the month of September is set aside for evoking Amerindian pride, Mr. Jagdeo said it should also serve as a "periodic check" of national policies and interventions. "One of the key tasks of the Government is to set in place programmes to redress some of the imbalances of the country", he stated.

The greatest level of poverty resides in indigenous communities and the administration has targeted education as the way to tackle this. President Jagdeo assured issues affecting the Amerindian population, which has grown from 20,000 to 60,000 in recent years, are engaging the "full attention" of the Government.

He said the goal is to provide equal opportunities for all, and promised that the use of natural resources, an issue of critical importance to Amerindians, will be done sustainably.

The President also hoped the stalled National Protected Areas System can gain momentum, pledging that it will be a "good" one that will see Amerindians being trained to manage parks and the country's biodiversity.

Yesterday's programme featured greetings from Toshaos (Amerindian Village Captains) and performances by hinterland students.

An art and craft exhibition is being run until September 07 at the Umana Yana as part of the month of activities.
The revision of the Amerindian Act.

Popular businessman drowns at resort
--Diplomat narrowly escapes in vain attempt to save him
by Mark Ramotar
POPULAR businessman, Heimraj Singh, 40, also known as 'Hemo', died by drowning on Sunday while he and some friends were having an outing at the Baracara resort.

It is still unclear how Singh, the owner of a Duty Free Shop at Timehri (Duty Free Guyana Incorporated) and another business at Lot 14 North Road, Lacytown Georgetown, actually met his end, but from all reports, he died by drowning.

It is understood that Singh and some friends went on an outing at the Baracara resort on Sunday when tragedy struck. Reports suggest that although the water level was not high, Singh went out beyond a certain point in the water and ended up in a 'channel' where he was swept under by the heavy current.

According to the reports, the businessman called for 'Help!' seconds before he disappeared under the water. It is understood that his friends made desperate bids to save him but their attempts were in vain.

Reports also indicated that one of two Diplomats (Ambassadors) who was also in the water with him attempted to save Singh and he too was pulled under the water but managed to survive after others around offer assistance.

According to the reports, it was about 25 minutes after Singh disappeared underwater that his body was recovered by his friends who risked their own lives by diving down in the water in search for the businessman.

Relatives and friends said Singh was not married but claimed that he had a very active social life with lots of friends. Singh's parents, Baby and Cyril Patraj Singh, currently reside in Scarborough, Ontario Canada. It is understood that his siblings Kenneth, Sandra, Raj, Hemant and Satesh also resides overseas.

According to family members, Singh's body will be flown out of Guyana this afternoon en route to Canada where most of his immediate family are. Relatives said he will be cremated in Canada at a later date.

It is, however, understood that viewing of the body will at the Merriman's Funeral Home from 11:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs today.

Gas prices go up
--- dealers say acquisition cost responsible
By Shirwin Campbell
A slight increase in fuel is likely to have some rippling effect shortly affecting every sector of the community.

Yesterday amidst the back to school jostle, traffic crawling and numerous traffic jams, drivers were greeted with the news that there has been a trivial increase in the prices for gasoline and fuel, news that quickly trickled down to the passengers of mini buses and taxis.

A check at a Shell Service Station revealed that the price for gasoline is now around $109.80 and diesel is $82.60 a litre prior to this increase it was $99.10 and $82.10 respectively.

Mr. Charles Woon a Tai, Head of the Petrol Dealers Association, stated that acquisition cost is responsible for the price increase and will be reflected by all the service stations in Guyana.

An official at Shell Antilles & Guianas Limited Customer's Service Centre informed the Guyana Chronicle that the acquisition cost, was received through a tanker on Sunday.

The source explained that the invoice, which came with the tanker, had an increase in gasoline from Shell Trinidad.

That official was not in a position to disclose the reason for the increase in Trinidad and pointed out such information will be acquired from the management.

Efforts to reach management however proved futile since this country's representative and the senior functionaries were in a meeting.

The ESSO Service Station on Regent Street was selling gasoline at $108.50 a litre and diesel at $82.80. Prior to the increase it was $97.90 and $82.10, respectively, for gasoline and diesel.

ESSO in Bartica stated yesterday afternoon that they are awaiting a call from Head-office in Georgetown for information on the new price structure.

The prices at GUYOIL remains the same but GUYOIL stations have indicated to this newspaper that prices are likely to go up by this morning to match their competitors.

A source at the Guyana Energy Authority stated that according to their chart the increase is just "slight" nothing to be alarmed about, just 9 cents (US) more.

Mr. Joseph O'Lall head of GEA was unable to make any comments, since he was in a meeting.

Two arrested in wedding house murder
TWO men were in police custody yesterday assisting in investigations into the fatal stabbing of a 26-year-old man outside a wedding house at D'Edward Village, West bank Berbice, on Sunday.

Surujnath Moteelall, a guest at the wedding house, was walking across a narrow bridge on his way home when, about 02:00 hours, he was attacked by a man who stabbed him once in the chest and then ran away.

Friends and relatives rushed his unconscious body to Fort Wellington Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dhanwantie Moteelall, the dead man's sister, told Chronicle that eyewitnesses told her that her brother's assailant was a stranger to the area who had attacked him without warning or provocation.

She said that this suggested that his murder might have been arranged by persons in the village with whom the family has had an ongoing dispute, and she had reported these suspicions to the Police.

Other persons said that there had been sporadic scuffles among guests at the wedding house earlier in the night and the brutal 02:00 hrs attack on Moteelall may have been related to these earlier incidents.

A post mortem on the body revealed that Moteelall had died from shock and hemorrhage due to the puncturing of his heart from the single stab dealt to his chest.

Moteelall, who was self employed as a fish vendor and was popularly known as Tony leaves to mourn four siblings and his parents Elroy Moteelall and Dhanmattie Dindyal. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)

‘Preserving Our Cultural Heritage’
Scenes from Guyana Folk Festival 2003 in New York
THE just-concluded Third Annual Guyana Folk Festival in New York is believed to be the best overseas gathering of the sons and daughter of the ‘Land of Many Waters’ in recent times.

The activities began on Friday, August 29 and concluded on Sunday, August 31 after inspiring appearances by Guyana’s Head of State, President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was on his way home after a visit to India, and Opposition Leader and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform Mr. Robert Corbin.

During the weekend programme, 37 Guyanese stalwarts were honoured with the Wordsworth McAndrew Award at a special dinner and dance. There was also a roundtable conference in which academics and cultural exponents participated.

In keeping with the theme, “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage”, the programme of events featured such time-honoured traditions as the ‘Plaiting of the Maypole’, performances of folk songs and modern ballads by Guyanese composers; dramatic poetry and skits; and displays of handicraft made from Guyana’s indigenous flora and fauna.

Today we present glimpses of the marvellous three-day Guyana Folk Festival.

Region Nine prepares for Amerindian Heritage Day celebrations
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has been invited to participate in the September 10, Amerindian Heritage Day celebrations at St. Ignatius near Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). The President is expected to join Minister of Amerindian Affairs Mr. Carolyn Rodrigues in addressing the gathering in that community, which is this year’s Amerindian Heritage Village.

Heritage Day planners are expecting some 400 Amerindians and their leaders representing the Macushi, Wapishana and Wai Wai tribes of Region Nine to converge at the Wadapna benab at St. Ignatius to participate in the weeklong celebrations.

Senior Government officials, representatives and leaders from other Amerindian tribes outside of Region Nine, as well as local and international dignitaries have been invited to the participate in the festivities.

On Amerindian Heritage Day, President Jagdeo will present plaques to Amerindian individuals, who have made outstanding contributions in various fields in the Region.

Around midday, the Head of State and other guests would partake in a special lunch of Amerindian traditional food and beverages.

Other highlights of Amerindian Day 2003 at St. Ignatius will include an exhibition of indigenous handicraft and performances of music, dance, and other cultural items.

There will also be competitions in archery, traditional methods of making fires, cassava grating, cotton weaving and other popular activities, which will also feature on the week’s agenda.

The Minster of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms Gail Teixeira, is expected to formally kick off the Inter-regional male and female football competitions. This contest has become a tradition of Amerindian Heritage Month.

Minister Teixeira will also be guest of the preliminary presentation of the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant 2003 in Region Nine.

The Heritage Committee has set aside days for business sessions at which assembled local leaders and stakeholders of Region Nine will have an opportunity to be updated on developments through reports from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other agencies operating in the Region.

Organisations expected to participate in these meetings are the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Conservation International (CI) and the Carter Center.

Further, a status review is to be presented on the strategies in the agriculture and education sectors developed by Amerindian leaders and stakeholders of Region Nine. The strategies are seen as mechanisms to liberate the people of the Region from poverty.

These reports will focus on ongoing scientific research for improved yields in peanut cultivation in the Rupununi. The Beacon Foundation is spearheading increased rice cultivation in the Region’s savannah lands.

Both Ministers of Agriculture and Education are expected to address these sessions.

The Toshaos Council, the Vannessa Mining Company and the Iwokrama Rain Forest project will also present reports for discussion. (Terrence Boston)

GWI moves to stem water wastage
The Guyana Water Inc. has announced a radical programme to stem the wastage of water with immediate effect.

It will be intensifying a wastage reduction programme countrywide and inspectors will be spreading out across the country to conduct visits for defaulters from today, Monday, September 01 2003.

Customers are being cautioned that if inspectors find proof of wastage notice will be given to effect relevant repairs within five days, failing which water supply will be disconnected.

Some of the areas that will come under the scrutiny of the inspectors are;
* Taps running continuously.

* Defective taps/plumbing.

* Absence of at least a stand pipe facility.

* Leaking service connection.

* Dripping storage tanks

* Other

The announcement via press release justified this decision under Section 79 of Part XI of the Water and Sewerage Act 2002, which states that GWI has responsibility for preventing willful or negligent waste of water.

The company stated that it is currently faced with a situation where some one third of the water supply to customers is wasted and the campaign will address the wastage as part of its water management programme.

The release also pointed out that "customers are required to repair all faulty connections on their premises, this is, beyond the boundary or the fence, GWI has responsibility for all connections before the fence and in cases where there are water meters before the water meters."

The GWI is appealing for the cooperation of the members of the public in this venture noting that waste reduction has positive benefits for GWI and customers.

GWI currently owes Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) some $340 million for electricity supplied for the last three months.

It has been estimated that this could increase to $820 million by year-end at GWI 's present rate of consumption. GPL has warned the GWI that unless it honours this financial obligation the power company will cut off energy supply.

GPL is said to have inherited a debt of G$1.5 billion when the new management assumed control of the company.

Phone exchange shutdown hits West B'ce
TELEPHONE subscribers in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Exchange at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, were hard hit by a total shutdown of telephone services from 11:00 hrs Sunday to 12:15 hrs yesterday.

Sources at the GT&T disclosed that electrical damage to equipment at the Exchange caused by high-voltage, was responsible for the 24-hour shut down.

"Electrical damage was preceded by a loud explosion the cause of which was subsequently traced to high voltage from a transformer located near the building housing the exchange," an Official source said.

The source disclosed that the equipment was repaired during Sunday afternoon and yesterday morning and the service to the 640 odd subscribers in the Exchange, restored around 12:15 hrs yesterday. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Accidents aren't among the list of happenings resorts schedule, so even as we don't know exactly when death will strike, drowning or loss of life by any other kind of misadventure is the last thing management or patron of a resort expects.

At the same time, patrons have drowned at resorts so often over the past two or three years that the dream of leisure at tourist resorts threatens to become a nightmare if steps aren't taken by resort owners to prevent these deaths.

We were equally saddened last month when a two-year-old New Jersey child wandered away from her guardians and was found at the bed of a lake at a Soesdyke/Linden Highway resort, dead by drowning.

We do not have a ready answer. But we hope that bringing these tragedies to the fore will spur debate and preventive action.

Resort managements and parents, especially those with young children, should always keep in mind the hazards that a pool can pose.

Adults who take children to resorts where pools abound may assume that the danger of drowning occurs only when they aren't keeping an eye on those children. But a common scenario takes place when young children leave the company or protection of their parents or adult guardians without anyone realizing it. Children are drawn to water, not knowing the terrible danger pools can pose.

As we saw in the case of the New Jersey toddler, a young child can drown quickly and silently, often without any splashing or screaming.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has cited body part entrapment and hair entanglement as hazards contributing to child drownings at resort pools.

With this in mind, the Commission has provided what it describes as "sound recommendations" for parents to follow to protect and to educate their children about the dangers of drowning.

Resort owners will do well to get to a source or sources of relevant information on how to make resort pools safer for kids and teenagers.

There is also need to take steps to prevent accidents involving older people like Hemo Singh.

The key to preventing these tragedies is to have layers of protection. This ought to include placing barriers around pools or man-made lakes to prevent access. Resort owners should also consider the wisdom of using pool or lake alarms and having lifeguards closely supervising children - and being prepared in case of an emergency.

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to prevent drowning:

* Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high and installed completely around the pool. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of a small child's reach.

* If a resort forms one side of the barrier to a pool, then doors leading from the resort to the pool should be protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.

* A power safety cover - a motor-powered barrier that can be placed over the water area - can be used when the pool is not in use.

* Keep rescue equipment by the pool and be sure a phone is poolside with emergency numbers posted. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a lifesaver.

* For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured and locked, or removed when the pool is not in use.

* Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. CPSC advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.

With our resorts are becoming more and more popular, accident prevention should become a bigger priority as they prepare to welcome an increase of tourists and leisure lovers.

Another man charged with falsifying passport application
ANOTHER man has been charged with falsifying an application for a passport.

Deonarine Singh (no address given) appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday and pleaded not guilty to making a false declaration for the purpose of procuring a new travel document.

The defendant was put on $17,000 bail and is to re-appear in Court on September 29.

Police Inspector Gordon Peters, prosecuting, said Singh went to Central Immigration and Passport Office, at Camp Road, Georgetown, on January 7, 2003,where he applied for a Republic of Guyana passport and was advised to return on August 29.

Singh had denied that he previously made such a request but was confronted with two forms, bearing his name and photograph, in the quest, Peters said.

Two larceny defendants on bail pending trials
TWO larceny defendants were yesterday put on bail by Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, pending separate trials.

One of the defendants, 24-year-old Elton Nelson, of Lot 114 Thomas Street, Kitty, is charged with stealing a bed sheet, a towel and two hammers, all valued $9,500, from his employers, North American Resources Inc., last August 28.

His surety was set at $17,000 and his case transferred to Mahdia Court, in Potaro, for October 8.

The other defendant, Trevor De Souza, of Lot 11-14 Broad Street, Charlestown, also in Georgetown, is alleged to have stolen $1,000 from Sharon Salvador on August 31.

He secured his pre-trial liberty on a $5,000 recognisance and will be back in Court on September 17.

The virtual complainant was shopping at La Penitence Market, in the city, when the money was swiped from her purse but the thief was arrested with the booty, Police said.

Thank You Guyana
Yo see, long ago, life in this country-it wasn't easy.

Everyday yo woke up was a piece a plantain and a cup a black tea.

Boy a me gran modda and gran fada suffa terribly,

Them people use to stand up in lang line- just fo pease and flowa.

Them bin jus waiting fo de awa.

We now afraid a slow Faya, In 63 wata street bin full a blazing faya but no wata.

Them bin just waiting fo de awa.
But in 43 came that raging tiga-that mighty warria.

Mann him was strang and full a viga.

Mann him was ready to climb the highest towa- just fo Guyana.

Oow meh Guyana, yo wait lang and with nuff stamina,

Yo faithful, just like a broad.

Yo bin through nuff trilla, but it only mek yo stranga.

Yo mek me as a youth-prouddd a Guyana.

Yo give me nuff thing,

Thing that you didn't even give meh gran modda.

Yo give me light, yo mek me bright, yo give me phone, yo give me wata,

And oh, man na foget - yo mek sure yo give meh flowa .

A know, some a yo sons forsake yo and gaane to unseen land,

Nufff a them gane to uncle sam.

But rest assure Guyana,

Two in the race for top WICB job
THE West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced two candidates for the presidency of the regional body.

Retired Barbadian banker Teddy Griffith, 60, and Antiguan businessman Clarvis Joseph, 67, had received the necessary two nominations by Saturday night's deadline.

The West Indies board will elect a new leader on September 30 in Antigua to replace Wes Hall, who resigned for health reasons last month.

It was thought Guyana's Chetram Singh was favourite for the position after former Test leg-spinner Willie Rodriguez dropped out of the race in July.

But concerns were expressed over his suitability because of his bookmaking business, though he countered by pointing out that the business is legally registered.

Joseph, who received his first nomination from Jamaica, had served as the board's vice-president until he quit two years ago.

He had resigned along with then-president Pat Rousseau after the directors overturned their decision to dismiss team manager Ricky Skerritt.

He has also served in administrative positions for both the Antigua and Leeward Islands cricket boards.

Griffith, put forth by Barbados, played 25 first-class matches for Barbados and Jamaica during his 1954-1967 career.

Currently, he heads the West Indies board's marketing committee.

The West Indies Cricket Board represents Caribbean teams including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. (BBC Sport)

Jamaica crowned overall squash champions
GUYANA were dethroned by Bermuda in the Men’s team competition while Jamaica were crowned overall champions of the 14th Mount Gay Caribbean Squash Championship that ended on Saturday in Barbados.

The powerful Bermudans put away the Guyanese 5-0 in the final on Saturday while Jamaica defeated Barbados in both the Ladies’ and Veterans’ in the respective final matches in the round robin format, to wrest both titles and the overall crown from the hosts.

Jamaica amassed 21 points overall, Barbados 18.8, Guyana 16.4, Trinidad & Tobago 11.6, Bermuda ten, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) seven and Venezuela two.

The Men’s final was played in the order, 3, 5, 1, 2, 4. Guyana started bright when Robert Fernandes put down Thomas Sherratt in the first game 9-4, but the Bermudan came back in a close second game to win 10-8. From there he did not look back, winning the remaining two, 9-1, 9-2 and Bermuda romped home.

Sam Stevens next disposed of Regan Pollard in straight games 9-2, 9-2, 9-6, followed by Gary Plumstead in similar fashion over Maxim Weithers 9-7, 9-6, 9-6, effectively giving Bermuda the crown.

In the academic matches, Nick Kyme beat Shawn Badrinauth in four games, 10-9, 9-6, 8-10, 9-7 and James Stout defeated Julian Chin, also in four, 9-4, 9-3, 4-9, 9-2.

Bermuda earned ten points, Guyana eight, Barbados six, Jamaica five, OECS four, T&T three and Venezuela two.

In the morning’s play Jamaica’s Ladies’ team needed all five matches to dethrone Barbados. Dingle Spence gave Jamaica the first match, defeating Jenny Armstrong in straight games 9-5, 9-3, 9-4 but Michelle Hamilton lost to Tracy Roett in straight games 9-4, 9-1, 9-3, and Barbados levelled the tie.

Marlene West put Jamaica back into the lead, disposing of Karen Meakins in straight games 9-3, 9-4, 10-8 then Melissa Lue Yen lost to Lilianna White 9-5, 9-1, 9-2, putting Barbados in contention again. Karen Anderson defeated Sonia Perkins in the deciding fifth match 9-0, 9-1, 9-7.

Jamaica earned the top ten points in the competition, Barbados eight, Guyana six and Trinidad & Tobago five.

In the Veterans’ Team, Jamaica defeated Barbados 2-1. Ladies’ Over-40 - Gill Binnie beat Elizabeth Johnson 3-0 (9-5, 9-0, 9-5), Men’s Over-50 - Patrick Chin defeated Leon Truss 3-1 (9-10, 9-2 9-1, 9-8), Men’s Over-40 - Eddie De Pass lost to Nigel Griffith 0-3 (5-9, 0-9, 5-9)

Jamaica won that competition with six points, Barbados followed with 4.8, Trinidad & Tobago 3.6, OECS three and Guyana 2.4.

U.S. crush Argentina 106-73 to win gold medal
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters) - The United States crushed Argentina 106-73 to win the gold medal at the Americas Olympic qualifying tournament on Sunday.

Both teams had already qualified for Athens 2004 and they were joined by Puerto Rico after the host nation overwhelmed Canada 79-66 in Sunday's bronze-medal game.

"We just wanted to play the right way and show everybody we can play as a team," U.S. head coach Larry Brown told reporters.

"That's what was so neat about tonight. To watch that display if you're a basketball fan, I don't know how you couldn't appreciate that."

Among the highlights were Vince Carter's spectacular back-to-back slam dunks late in the first quarter.

"I think we played good basketball, I think we played team basketball for being together only 21 days," Carter said. "That says a lot."

Tim Duncan led all scorers with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

"Defensively we worked through screens and their offence wasn't working smoothly," said Duncan, "and offensive rebounds, we pounded the glass and got second shots."

Ray Allen had 13 points and Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O'Neal and Carter had 12 each.

Emanuel Ginobli and Lucas Victoriano led the way for Argentina with 16 points each.

STIFLING DEFENCE
Earlier, Puerto Rico played stifling defence and were boosted by a triple-double from 40-year-old centre Jose Ortiz-Rijos.

Canada shot 34 per cent compared to 47 per cent by Puerto Rico.

"I'm glad we accomplished our mission," Puerto Rico head coach Julio Toro said referring to the Olympic berth. "It required a lot of hard work but we made it."

Canada's top player, Steve Nash, shot 22 per cent and missed all four three-pointers he attempted.

"I thought Puerto Rico did a very nice job, especially early in the game, establishing good inside play that we really had no answer for," Canada head coach Jay Triano said.

"I thought they played a solid defensive game from the beginning."

Ortiz-Rijos led all scorers, going 10-for-18 for 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Elias Ayuso had 16 points, including three three-pointers

Paris championships burst into life
By John Mehaffey
PARIS, France (Reuters) - After a slow start in oppressive heat, the Paris world championships burst into life in cool autumn weather over the final weekend.

A series of desperately close track races on both days were further embellished by J.J. Johnson's anchor leg in the men's 4x100 metres relay to retain the title for the United States on Sunday.

Before the championships began, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) released a working document stressing the importance of promoting the sport's big names.

The twice Olympic 1500 metres champion Sebastian Coe, who was elected to the IAAF's ruling council, acclaimed Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj as probably the best middle-distance runner ever. But, said Coe, his children would not recognise the four-times world 1500 champion.

Other IAAF members deplored the absence through injury, illness or retirement of some of the great names of the recent past, including triple Olympic champion Marion Jones who took the year off to have a baby.

The ninth world championships did lack the dramatic confrontations of the past, such as Carl Lewis versus Ben Johnson over the 100 in 1987 in Rome or the Lewis-Mike Powell long jump competition in Tokyo four years later.

But it did feature some excellent races, starting with the women's 10 000 on the opening Saturday where Berhane Adere led compatriot Werknesh Kidane across the finish line.

CHANGING OF GUARD
The men's 10 000 on the following day represented a changing of the guard when double world cross-country champion Kenenisa Bekele defeated Haile Gebrselassie in a clean sweep for the Ethiopians.

Neither Adere nor Bekele was able to complete the 5,000-10,000 double but the championships proved a success story for one of the world's poorest countries.

Ethiopia finished third in the medals table behind the United States and Russia with three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Their African rivals Kenya collected only a silver and a bronze before Sunday's final day when 18-year-old world junior cross-country champion Eliud Kipchoge outsprinted El Guerrouj and Bekele to win the 5 000 metres.

Earlier in the day former world record holder Catherine Ndereba won Kenya's first gold in the women's marathon.

The United States resurrected their championships on the final day when Johnson overhauled Britain's Dwain Chambers in the final metres to anchor the Americans to victory.

Wins in the two 4x400 metres relays followed to give the United States a total of 10 gold medals.

But any championships in which the U.S. do not win the men's 100 gold are regarded as a qualified success only by the Americans.

Defending champion Maurice Greene was injured in the semifinals and world record holder Tim Montgomery finished out of the medals.

PETULANT
Former American champion Jon Drummond withdrew from the championships after a petulant display following disqualification in the second round of the men's 100 metres.

The title went to Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis, whose time of 10.07 equalled the slowest in the 20-year history of the championships.

Kelli White became the first American woman to win the 100-200 double, but she may lose both gold medals this week after testing positive for a stimulant after the 100 final.

The drug, modafinil, is not yet on the banned list but the IAAF is likely to rule that it is sufficiently like present prohibited substances to warrant disqualification under their rules.

White has denied taking any performance-enhancing substances and said she used modafinil to treat a medical condition.

Another embarrassing drugs controversy involving the Americans emerged during the championships when the Los Angeles Times said 400 metres champion Jerome Young had tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in 1999 but had then been cleared to compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Young denied ever committing a doping offence.

``It was very depressing to see none of our 100 metres guys place in the final,'' said 400 metres bronze medallist Tyree Washington. ``Then seeing Kelli execute in the 100 and 200, then that controversy, it was getting depressing.''

But USA Track & Field chief executive Craig Masback remained upbeat about the overall performance.

``It really sets us up for next year,'' he said. ``Ultimately in our world the Olympics are the big thing.

GRFU head thanks sponsors of U-16 championships
AFTER a good performance in the West Indies Under-16 Tens rugby championships last Saturday, Guyana now turn to the Southern Caribbean Under-19 World Cup qualifying series billed for Trinidad & Tobago on September 23.

President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Kit Nascimento disclosed that the national governing body was halfway in raising the required funds for the tour, with the Office of the President contributing some $500 000.

Another $240 000 came from the Paul Keens-Douglas show staged by GEMS, but the GRFU still has a challenging task of raising the remaining funds for the trip.

Nascimento was high in praise for the “tremendous support” the GRFU received in staging a successful championship.

Nascimento extended thanks to main sponsors, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Banks DIH Limited, the former providing the trophies and medals, and the latter, the infrastructure, ice, water and drinks.

The GRFU head also thanked the National Parks Commission for working with the rugby body to make the ground and its immediate surrounding “one of the best” in the Caribbean.

Gratitude was also expressed for the contributions received towards the food bar, operated by the GRFU during the championships. Support came from Ricks & Sari, AH & L Kissoon, Shell Camp Street, Bounty Farms, M&S Mattai, A Gafoor & Sons, Bakewell, Didco, Christine Ward and Dia Persaud.

Nascimento had special thanks for the media for “excellent coverage” of the international event.

Americas Cup softball final Haniff, Mandolall spur Canada I to victory over Guyana
(From Frederick Halley in Toronto)
LED by two astonishing innings from former national middle-order batsman Zaheer Haniff and former national Under-19 player Rovendra Mandolall, Canada I registered a stunning two-wicket triumph over Guyana in the final of the inaugural Americas Cup softball tournament which climaxed here on Sunday.

Set 144 for victory, after the Dharam Persaud-led Guyana XI had scored 143 for eight in the final, played at Ellesmere Park, Scarborough, Canada I achieved victory with one ball to spare when Shazam Baksh hoisted the fifth delivery of the final over from Peter Persaud over the bowler’s head for six.

Amid much drama and before a colourful Sunday afternoon crowd, the home team needed three runs off the final over with Haniff and Baksh at the crease.

Persaud sent down a wide with his first delivery, much to the consternation of the Guyana supporters.

However, the Guyanese muffed a golden opportunity to probably win the game when Rabindranauth Parasnauth spilled a ‘dolly’ at long-off off the rampaging Haniff.

Baksh failed to score off the next three deliveries as the tension rose, but the strongly built left-hander ended the game in brilliant fashion off the next ball.

Canada, who were earlier routed by Guyana for 45 in a preliminary round match of the five-team tournament, again seemed destined for a disastrous batting performance as they stuttered to 48 for four, losing the wickets of Yadram ‘Lara’ Bhoj (0), Hemnarine Chattergoon (one), Terry Mathura (11) and S. Aftab (six).

Skipper Mandolall responded as if possessed, clouting five massive sixes, all over midwicket, in a cameo knock of 30, adding 43 with Aftab in a mere four overs.

Mandolall eventually perished in the same midwicket region, brilliantly caught by Asif Ally off Rabindranauth Parasnauth.

There was however no respite for the Guyanese as Haniff took over where Mandolall left off, treating all the bowlers with total disdain as he marshalled the lower-order. Canada I suffered a setback, losing three wickets as they moved from 91 for five to 108 for seven before Haniff found a useful partner in Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkaran, the pair adding 31 for the eighth wicket, with the former dominating proceedings.

By the time Balkaran departed for eight, only four more runs were needed for victory.

In the end, Haniff was left undefeated on 55, which contained six towering sixes and a four while Baksh had eight.

Rabindranauth Parasnath claimed three for 36 from five overs, Mahendranauth Parasnath two for 13 in his five, Javed ‘White Boy’ Ally two for 26 and Asif Ally one for 20.

Inserted to take first strike, the Guyana innings was built around a fine 51 from wicketkeeper batsman Muniram Karran, whose innings included two fours and two sixes.

Extras contributed 33 while Vicky Dhanraj (12), Javed Ally (12) and Asif Ally (10) were the only other players to reach double figures.

Chattergoon took two for 23, Baksh two for 30, Pradeep Singh one for 21 and Balkaran one for 24.

Unbeaten before the final, Guyana had earlier cruised to their third consecutive win during the morning session when they crushed Canada II by seven wickets.

Set 105 for victory, Guyana reached the target in the 15th over with Rickey ‘Babulal’ Deoarine blasting an unbeaten 52 and Mark Bobb 22 not out, the two featuring in an unbroken stand of 87 in 10 overs.

Deonarine, who was voted MVP of that match, was also a recipient of a special trophy from Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall, Bourda Market. His knock included six sixes.

The Guyanese had started the three-day tournament in a blaze of glory on Friday, destroying Canada I batting for a paltry 45 runs in 16.1 overs. Haniff (13) was the only batsman to reach double figures.

The destruction started with the first ball of the innings when Mahendranauth uprooted the stumps of Hemnarine Chattergoon. They never recovered and at one stage were 29 for nine before a last wicket stand of 16 took them to 45.

M. Parasnath finished with three for 11, Asif Ally two for seven, Javed Ally two for 13 and Lakeram ‘Mike’ Singh one for eight.

Javed Ally, who was later to become the most sought after player in the tournament, effected two masterful run-outs, fielding at long leg.

Guyana lost one wicket in recording a nine-wicket win.

In their next match, Guyana defeated the West Indies Softball Association (WISA) I of New York by 30 runs on Saturday.

Taking first strike, Guyana made 131 for eight in their allotted 25 overs with skipper Dharam Persaud hitting a top score of 29 with one six and a four. R. Etwaru took three for 14.

WISA I replied with 101 all out in 22.2 overs with Gary Singh hitting an unbeaten 34. Javed Ally bagged five for 19.

The Guyanese also recorded a narrow nine-run win over WISA II.

Batting first, Guyana made 138 for nine in 25 overs with Asif Ally slamming 33 with three fours and a six and Peter Persaud 17. Ian Ellis got two for 20 and G. Chattergoon two for 35.

WISA II were bowled out for 129 in 24.5 overs with Balkaran making 31, Knights 27 and Ellis 21.

There were two wickets each for Javed Ally, Rickey Deonarine, R. Parasnath and M. Parasnath for eight, 11, 27 and 29 runs respectively.

The tournament, which was well organised by the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), saw one century being recorded, with Canada II batsman Ramcharran Singh being run-out off the final delivery of his team’s innings for 103.

Singh’s innings was however in vain as Canada II went down to Canada I by 37 runs in a high-scoring game.

Spurred by 61 from Hemnarine Chattergoon, 49 from Yadram Bhoj and 45 from Mandolall, Canada I made 225 for four in their allotted 25 overs, the highest score of the tournament.

Canada II were left high and dry on 188 for three when their overs ran out with Singh’s hundred being the dominant factor. He struck seven sixes and the same number of fours.

Carib Beer 40 Overs League
Two teams benefit from hat-tricks to reach quarterfinals
KENDALL’S Union and Number 71 have become the latest teams to reach the quarterfinals of this year’s Carib Beer 40 Overs League second division cricket competition in Berbice. Both teams benefited from hat-tricks to come out as winners in the play-off matches.

In the match played Number 66, Kendall’s Union defeated Number 64 Fighting Marines by three wickets.

Number 64 Fighting Marines won the toss, batted first, and with their top order batsman Edward Hope and Videsh Seelall contributing 27 and 29 respectively, they did well to reach 87 for 4 in the 22nd over. However, it was then that Kendall’s Union medium pacer Rudolph Baker took his hat-trick that broke the back of the Number 64 batting to reduce them to 95 for 7.

With Vikram Jaimini and Charran Singh putting on 21 for the eighth wicket and Joseph Etwaroo scoring 15 not out, they managed to reach 137 all out in 29.2 overs. Bowling for Kendall’s Union Rudolph Baker took 3 for 7, Albert Budhu 2 for 25 and Hanif Khaleel 2 for 33.

Kendall’s Union, in reply, had a start of 26 from Surkissoon and Aaron Baker in 4.3 overs and then another 30 from Surkissoon and Albert Budhu in 5 overs before Surkissoon fell for 28 at 61 for 3.

Budhu continued, and he and Rudolph Baker did well to add another 58 in just 10 overs, with Baker being run-out for 28 and with Hassan Seegobin taking 2 quick wickets, they slumped to 119 for 3 to 124 for 6.

This was however too late and even though Seegobin took another one, Kendall’s Union reached 139 for 7 in 27 overs. Albert Budhu top-scored with 31 while bowling for Number 64 Fighting Marines. Hassan Seegobin took 3 for 27 and Joseph Etwaroo 2 for 28.

Meanwhile, at the Mibicuri ground in Black Bush Polder, Number 71 had a comfortable 99-run win over Mibicuri.

Winning the toss and batting first, Deopraksh Ramdat and Manouram Vincent put on 42 for the first wicket before Vincent fell for 22. Ramdat continued and with support from Shazam Lallmohamed, he helped steer Number 71 to 169 for 8 in 35 overs. Deoprakash Ramdat top-scored with 54 and Shazam Lallmohamed 26. Bowling for Mibicuri, Samaroo took 2 for 27 and D. Persaud 2 for 41.

When Mibicuri began their response, they immediately ran into trouble with pacer Fadir Rupram picking up two wickets. A run-out was effected and they were soon 14 for three. They slipped to 4 for 21 and 11 more runs were put on for the fifth wicket. Leg-spinner Bheem Singh then took his hat-trick to reduce Mibicuri to 32 for 7.

It was only through H. Persaud with 10 not out and S. Sankat 11 that they were able to reach 70 all out in 20 overs. Bowling for Number 71, Bheem Singh ended with 4 for 18 and Kadir Rupram 3 for 22.

Ganesh to captain Berbice Under-17s
AFTER running off a two-day trial match at the Rose Hall Welfare Ground in Canje, the Berbice Cricket Board of Control selection committee shortlisted a squad of twenty-two cricketers from which the final fourteen will be chosen to represent the Ancient County in the upcoming Post Office Corporation Under-17 Inter-county cricket competition.

Karran Ganesh has been reappointed captain for the third consecutive year, while Vemen Walter, has also been reappointed manager for the third consecutive year while Adrian Amsterdam will carry out the duties of coach.

Those named are:
Karran Ganesh (captain, Abdel Fudadin, Jeremy Gordon, Gajanand Singh, Richard Ramdeen, Neville Joseph, Wasir Hossain, Rajiv Ivan, Norman Seegobin,

Jason Leitch, Karamchan Shivdial, Lomeshwar Nauth Jitlall, Andrew Williams, Raid Alli, Looknauth Hossain, Royden Gray, Tavendra Pooran, Kevon Edwards, Maxwell Georgeson, Raiz Kassim, Anil Soloman and Sameer Khan.

The abovementioned players will be at the Rose Hall Welfare Ground in Canje from today.

The competition, which is a two-day affair, is scheduled to start on Friday and Saturday (September 5 and 6), with the first match involving Demerara and Essequibo. Berbice’s first match will be against Essequibo from Monday September 8.

China fires starters' gun on sponsor race
By Jonathan Ansfield
BEIJING, (Reuters) - Beijing launched its race for firms hoping to sponsor the 2008 Olympics yesterday, predicting record interest from multinationals wanting to enter China and Chinese firms looking to global markets.

IOC president Jacques Rogge and Beijing Communist Party boss Liu Qi turned keys carved like square-holed Chinese coins at a televised launch pitched to 600 corporate VIPs, unveiling a globe-like sphere spinning out images of sporting glory.

Officials gave no revenue estimates, but they oozed confidence the plan will cover Beijing's $1.6 billion operational costs, a fraction of the $37 billion budgeted to build infrastructure and beautify the city.

``For many of China's new brands and leading companies, the Games will provide a unique international platform to showcase themselves to the world,'' said Rogge.

``For leading global companies, the Games will open the gates to the most important market in the world.''

The IOC already has signed nine of 12 so-called 'TOP' sponsors backing the Beijing Games worldwide, including Coca-Cola, General Electric and Visa.

Chinese firms are also among those negotiating with the IOC to complete the front row of sponsors shelling out tens of millions of dollars, marketing chairman Gerhard Heiberg revealed.

``There are very interested parties in this, also for joining the TOP programme, so we hope that in the not-too-distant future we will have some results,'' he told a news conference.

WAY OVER
The 2000 Summer Games in Sydney reaped $400 million from national sponsorships, which unlike TOP fees go predominately to the hosts, chief games coordinator Hein Verbruggen said.

``We have expectations that we will go way over that here.''

Local officials, mindful working class Chinese see the event as a source of national pride but doubt the expenditures will benefit them, have been careful not to flaunt the predicted windfall.

``We hope that our revenues can be a little greater than Sydney,'' Beijing vice-mayor Liu Jingmin added.

While China landed the Games despite a poor human rights record, yesterday's launch showed that foreign brands are now prepared to be associated with the authoritarian country.

``That's really a thing of the past,'' said Bruno Nunes, secretary of the organising committee for the 2005 East Asian Games in Macau. ``China is such a huge market.''

Verbruggen, however warned that while Chinese officials would do their best to protect Olympic logos from piracy: ``perhaps it is a little difficult for authorities to see to it that it is put into practice.''

Rogge also warned the number of local tie-ups would be limited when partnerships go on sale later this year to prevent the Olympics from being ``over-commercialised'' in a nation where private money is saturating a once state-driven economy.

But, Fang Hongbo, vice-president of Chinese white goods maker Midea, said the opportunity to be associated with the Olympics seemed too good to pass up.

``We are looking at how to realise plans to internationalise,'' said Fang, who said exports of their appliances reached 500 million yuan ($60.41 million) in 2003.

``The Olympics are big and we have a lot of desire to participate.''

Bangladesh more confident but Pakistan eye series sweep
MULTAN, Pakistan, (Reuters) - Bangladesh captain Khaled Mahmud hopes his side can build on their improved performance at Peshawar for the third and final Test against Pakistan which starts in Multan tomorrow.

Although mercurial Pakistan will be expected to complete a clean sweep in the series, Bangladesh were heartened by their display in the second Test, where they earned a first-innings lead for the first time in 23 matches.

``The Multan Test is very important for us,'' Mahmud told Reuters yesterday. ``We want to overcome the mistakes we made in the first two Tests and play much better cricket here.

``We will try to be positive.

``We were in the driving seat in Peshawar after two and half days, but then we let ourselves down in the second innings. Shoaib Akhtar also got back his rhythm and clicked for Pakistan. That was the deciding factor between both teams.''

Apart from taking a first-innings lead, Bangladesh also celebrated their highest Test batting partnership -- a second-wicket stand of 167 between Habibul Bashar and centurion Javed Omar -- plus their first hat-trick.

Part-time leg-spinner Alok Kapali took three for three to leave Pakistan 66 runs behind the touring side's first innings total of 361, but all that was later undone by Shoaib's raw pace and reverse swing as the home team regained control.

``They (Bangladesh) have proved worthy opponents,'' Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said after the second Test. ``They have shown improvement despite their limited resources.

``In Peshawar, we were lucky that Shoaib Akhtar got into his rhythm at the right time and helped us win the match.''

A bonus for Bangladesh is that Pakistan will be without Shoaib for the final Test in the series, as the fast bowler has rejoined English county Durham.

TEAM BOLSTERED
However the home team will be bolstered by the recall of experienced batsman Younis Khan and world-class off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.

Pakistan, who won the first Test in Karachi by seven wickets and the second in Peshawar by nine wickets, will be determined to complete their first series whitewash at home since 1997.

``It is all about motivation,'' said captain Latif. ``We have taken the series, but we made mistakes in them (the first two Tests).

``I think we are a much better side than Bangladesh and we will be looking for a win by a margin which confirms this difference.''

Both teams arrived in a baking-hot Multan from Rawalpindi yesterday.

Bangladesh do not have happy memories of the central city, having folded to Pakistan inside three days in the Asian Test Championship, staged here in August 2001.

Five batsmen scored centuries for Pakistan in that match.

Since then, very little has changed in terms of results for Bangladesh, who are still seeking a first Test victory after 22 defeats in 23 matches.

Teams:
Pakistan (from): Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif (captain), Saqlain Mushtaq, Umer Gul, Shabbir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Farhan Adil, Salman Butt, Asim Kamal, Yasir Ali, Mohammad Khalil.

Bangladesh (from): Khaled Mahmud (captain), Khaled Mashud, Javed Omar, Hannan Sarkar, Habibul Bashar, Rajin Saleh, Mohammad Ashraful, Alok Kapali, Mashrafe Mortaza, Alamgir Kabir, Mohammad Rafique, Manjural Islam, Sanwar Hossain, Tapash Baisya, Anwar Hossain.

Black Pearl start with 2-0 victory
BLACK Pearl football club started the Guyana Football League’s (GFL) division one President’s Bowl on a positive note over the weekend at the Farnum ground, Subryanville.

The club claimed a 2-0 victory over homesters Northern Rangers through Terrence Edwards in the 16th and Royburn Clarke in the 32nd minute of the group ‘A’ clash.

Play in the competition continues today with Alpha United and Eastveldt battling in group ‘B’

Kick-off time is 16:15 hrs.

Meanwhile, the final preliminary match in the GFL Under-18 tournament will also be contested today at the GFC ground, Bourda.

Group leaders, Fruta Conquerors, with nine points from three matches come up against Eastveldt who are on six from a similar number of matches at 15:30 hrs.

Conquerors are already assured a place in the semifinals by virtue of a superior goal difference of +19, while Eastveldt if they are to advance will need to have victory by a seven-goal margin.

Eastveldt have a goal difference of +2.

The semifinals will be contested on Thursday from 15:30 hrs at two venues, with the final fixed for the GFC ground.

Grove Hi-Tec, Banks record victories
GROVE Hi-Tec Reform and Banks DIH Sports club were victorious as play in the 2003 Banks Milk Stout-sponsored East Bank Football Union (EBFU) knockout competition opened Friday last.

Grove in the opening action edged past the East Bank Pacesetters 2-1, with Damian Bacchus and Orson Francisco scoring for the former and Marvin Goodman for the latter.

In game two, Banks trounced Agricola Red Triangle 3-nil with the goals being scored by Michael Oie, Devon Forde and Jermaine Mentore.

Play in the competition continues tomorrow with a double-header. Soesdyke Falcons will come against Houston Stars at 17:30 hrs while YMCA International clash with 2002 league champions Mocha Champs at 18:45 hrs.