Berbice Bridge contract signed
By Neil Marks
THE Berbice Bridge contract has been signed and a floating bridge across the river should be ready by the end of 2007, fulfilling an elections promise made by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic when it took office in 1992.

The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) announced yesterday it had signed an agreement with the selected contractor Rexroth Bosch/Mabey Johnson, a consortium of two European firms, to design and construct the bridge.

The contract sum was not announced, but in an advertisement in last Sunday’s Chronicle, BBCI put the project cost of US$38M. Investors in the Berbice Bridge are the Beharry Group of Companies, the Hand-in-Hand and Clico insurance companies, and the National Insurance Scheme.

The projected execution of the project is 18 months, and when completed, would mark the end of decades-long difficulties and inconvenience in crossing the Berbice River by ferry.

The bridge is to be built at a site just north of Rosignol, from D’Edward Village on the west to Crab Island on the east.

The consortium has already conducted several investigations of the site and has consulted with the Works Services Group of the Ministry of Public Works.

The 1.55 km long bridge will float on approximately 39 pontoons and will be anchored into the heavy sediment of the riverbed by a sophisticated off-shore tested anchorage system.

The high span of the bridge is 12m high and 40m wide to provide limited clearance for barge transportation, and a retractable gap of 70m will enable sea going vessels to pass through.

The deck superstructure of the bridge will be built with the Compact 200 panel bridge system, the most modern steel panel bridge technology in the world.

The system provides enhanced quality, strength, safety and durability with the surface of the bridge deck protected by a revolutionary and highly durable anti-skid layer.

The bridge will be put together in sections, with the side panel prepared and shipped by pontoon to the worksite.

Rexroth Bosch/Mabey Johnson was selected from a shortlist of three international firms who submitted technical and financial bids in response to the issue of tender documents in August 2005.

Rexroth Bosch, a US$43 billion dollar company based in Holland, with its headquarters in Germany, is the leading technology group in systems and engineering with operations in 18 lines of business worldwide. One of the company’s agents was involved in the rehabilitation of the retractor span on the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Mabey Group of Companies is a major British engineering organisation specialising in bridging, steel fabrication and construction products. The group is the world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of pre-fabricated modular steel panel bridges. These bridge systems are used worldwide for a variety of purposes.

Mabey and Johnson hold the exclusive and perpetual licences over the intellectual property rights of the company that built the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Poultry laboratory hailed as major boost for industry
By Chamanlall Naipaul

Consequently, Agriculture Ministry officials and representatives of the Private Sector all hailed the results as another step towards Guyana becoming an exporter of poultry products.

The Poultry Laboratory, located in the compound of the Ministry, on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, was officially commissioned yesterday after its establishment was jointly funded by Government, Guyana Poultry Producers Association (GPPA), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

USAID and CIDA contributed US$40,000 and Cdn$40,000, respectively, the stakeholders confirmed.

GPPA President Dr Patrick DeGroot disclosed that submissions from about a dozen poultry farms countrywide were tested last Monday and proved negative with respect to the presence of the virus that causes the bird flu.

He explained, however, that the equipment at the lab can only detect the existence of the virus, but does not have the capacity to determine any strain, and so the specimens will have to be sent to Trinidad or the U.S. for such determination.

DeGroot said the reason for the referral is because the cost of the requisite equipment is extremely high and prohibitive.

While acquisition of the lab is a significant step in paving the way for this country to become a poultry exporter, he admitted it would be difficult to say when that status would be achieved, as markets first have to be found.

Nevertheless, he assured that local poultry prices can compete with those of other producers within CARICOM, therefore the produce stands a good chance of penetrating the Caribbean market although he suspects there will be a tendency for individual countries to try and protect their own industries.

Mr David Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Bounty Farms Limited, one of the major producers locally, echoed DeGroot’s view but is optimistic that Guyana can penetrate smaller CARICOM member States like St Lucia.

A veterinarian in the Animals Division of the Agriculture Ministry, Dr Ariston Lyte, estimates that three million pounds of poultry meat can be exported from here monthly, once buyers are secured.

Acting Agriculture Minister Mr Harripersaud Nokta described the introduction of the laboratory as a forward move in Guyana’s preparedness to confront the various existing challenges and risks in the sector.

He said, with the global threat of avian influenza, Guyana must not be left behind in its quest to implement measures for rapid detection and to deal with any eventual outbreak of the fowl sickness.

Nokta agreed the laboratory is one such measure and a very important component of the Guyana plan in preparation for the monitoring and surveillance of livestock health.

He said that with Guyana now being self-sufficient in poultry products, it is imperative to target external markets and he gave the assurance of Government support for the Private Sector in the drive to become competitive and expand and capture new customers abroad.

Nokta remarked that it is the aim of both sides to make Guyana a better place to live, through the growth of industries, reduction of poverty and improved food security.

The ongoing discussions at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to improve trading by reducing and eventually totally eliminating tariffs will elevate the importance of non-tariff barriers as nations persist with attempts to protect their markets, the Minister observed.

Nokta added that Guyana must therefore be able to overcome these other barriers by making sure that its sanitary and phyto-sanitary procedures are up to international standards for facilitating access to foreign markets.

Alluding to the vibrancy and success of the organisation, he commended the GPPA for its initiative in helping to make the laboratory a reality.

Nokta also expressed Government’s gratitude to USAID and CIDA for their assistance in making the scientific facility a successful venture, and he committed the Agriculture Ministry to ensuring it functions at its optimum through sustainable means and becomes an important tool in the development of the livestock business.

Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry Dr Dindyal Permaul conluded that the laboratory is a movement in the direction of science-based development and an advance in the fight against bird flu.

Lack of hard intelligence stalls investigations into Sawh killing
LACK of hard intelligence is stalling investigations into the assassination of Minister Satyadeow Sawh, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said yesterday.

He said Government was “totally dissatisfied” with the investigations into the assassination one month later, but recognised that reliable information is not forthcoming.

He said poor intelligence continues to plague law enforcement agencies.

Minister Sawh, along with his Canadian siblings Rajpat Rai Sawh, Pulmattie Persaud, and security guard Curtis Robertson, were gunned down on April 22 at his LBI, East Coast Demerara home.

Referring to Government’s early pronouncement that Minister Sawh was assassinated by political elements, he said “hard information” is necessary to secure a prosecution, but this has dodged the law enforcement agencies.

The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force launched an intense campaign to restore law and order following Minister Sawh’s assassination as it marked a new high in a spiralling crime wave.

They have set up camp in Buxton, the East Coast Demerara village where heavily armed criminals are thought to be holed up.

Their operations are also aimed at recovering the 30 AK-47 rifles and five pistols which were discovered missing from Army Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna earlier this year.

Diesel price drops
THE price for diesel at service stations should not exceed $600 per gallon following the Government’s reduction of consumption tax from 17.5 per cent to 10 per cent.

At his weekly post Cabinet press briefing at Office of the President yesterday, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said that dieseline price has been reduced from $664 per gallon.

This follows the earlier April 20th reduction on the consumption tax on gasoline from 45 percent to 30 percent. Consequently, gasoline has been reduced from $846 to $809 per gallon, Dr. Luncheon said.

In addition, kerosene prices will also be reduced to $564 per gallon, down from $573.

Reputed wife held after drinking binge murder
A DRINKING binge involving a couple ended tragically Wednesday afternoon with the man being fatally stabbed.

Police said Sankar Ramsingh alias ‘Chick’ was murdered at his North Vryheids Lust, East Coast Demerara home about 14:30 h after he and his reputed wife were engaged in a heated argument over money.

The woman was in custody up to press time as Police continued investigations into the murder.

She was arrested after surprised neighbours, who were accustomed to Ramsingh and his spouse quarrelling, called Police when he cried out for help on being wounded.

The two, who had been living together for more than a year, were imbibing alcohol when she asked for some cash to replenish their beverage and he refused, Police said.

Ramsingh suffered wounds on the left side of his chest and left elbow and died before receiving medical attention.

His body is at a city mortuary awaiting post mortem examination, Police said.

Relatives of the deceased, in shock and deep mourning, yesterday confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the duo was always embroiled in loud and heated quarrels and fights.

Increased vehicular traffic from French Guiana on the cards
By Wendella Davidson

Indications are that nationals from that country seem willing to travel here frequently with vehicles, like their Surinamese counterparts, but are thwarted by Customs which view such travel now as a tax escape route.

A cross border protocol and a MOU exist between Guyana and Suriname allowing for such travel, but there is no such agreement between Guyana and French Guiana, the source said.

Reference was however made to the integration in sports between the Guianas which sees participation by the three countries in the Inter-Guiana games, and according to the source, a MOU between Guyana and French Guiana is being viewed as a positive way of forging ahead with Guyana’s tourism initiative.

And while travel between Guyana and Suriname is favourable, the only problem is with the stretch of road leading from South Drain terminal which is expected to be tendered out in August.

The roadway which passes through a farming area and has to be constantly graded, especially during the rainy season when it becomes virtually impassable to vehicular traffic, now has a considerably weakened base and any slight rainfall leaves it soggy, the source said.

It was noted that the European Union had made funding available for the stretch of roadway to be rehabilitated since 2002, but no substantial work has been done so far.

The source further pointed out that while authorities in Paramaribo are more open to the ferry service, there appears to be no urgency on the part of the authorities in Nickerie, which is a separate state, to have the roadway rehabilitated.

They appear to be more interested in regularising the backtrack operations between Springlands and Nickerie which seem to be more lucrative to them.

The idea of a joint ferry service between Guyana and Suriname was first mooted in 1976 and after several delays, an MOU was signed in October 1977 between the two sides, resulting in the construction of a $233.4M state-of-the-art ferry vessel, the `MV Canawaima’, with the capacity to transport 20 passenger cars, along with cargo and people, in less that 30 minutes.

In addition, terminals were constructed at Moleson Creek on the Guyana side and South Drain in Suriname.

The vessel was commissioned October 31, 1998 and commenced operations on November 6, 1998.

Initially two round trips were made daily, but this has since being reduced to one. It is anticipated that once the access road at South Drain is repaired, the number of trips will again increase.

To date some 127,000 passengers travelled to Guyana and in excess of 13,000 vehicles were ferried here, while some 138,000 passengers are on record as having travelled to Suriname and in excess of 11,000 vehicles ferried there.

The only duty free shop in operation, ‘King’s Duty Free Shop’, is located at the South Drain terminal, although the same management has also secured the franchise to operate one at Moleson Creek.

Prior to the Canawaima being put into operation, a ferry service between Springlands and Nickerie, using launches, had been in operation for over 60 years, with the Peneux and Ho-A-Sjoe brothers being the first to establish the run.

Chairmanship of the Board as well as the staffing of the Canawaima is done on a rotation basis every three months between the two countries, and currently Suriname is in charge.

Kurupukari bridge repairs could be complete by Monday
- MMC
THE company contracted to repair the Kurupukari bridge along the road to Lethem, Rupununi, said it is working to complete the job by Monday, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported yesterday.

But Chief Executive Officer of Mekdeci Machinery and Construction Incorporated (MMC), Mr. Carl Morgan, who indicated the timeline to GINA, said bad weather and rising river level are posing threats to the completion of the $12M contract.

He spoke as Government assured the public that all efforts are being made to urgently effect repairs to the collapsed structure at a cost of $12M.

For the execution which started earlier in the week, Morgan said, even transporting the materials from the Demerara Timbers Limited factory at Mabura is very difficult.

Meanwhile, GINA said Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) Mr. Vincent Henry announced that the Regional Administration is arranging for a boat to be stationed at Kurupukari, by tomorrow, for aiding commuters travel until the overpass is repaired.

Henry pointed out that transportation of goods and services to the Region is proviving quite a hassle but said they are being supplied with basic items, the prices of which have risen as a result of transportation expenses now being incurred.  

He said, during a recent visit to the work site in company with President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Mr. Daniel Gajie, they observed that MMC had already assembled materials and  workmen.

According to Henry, prompt action was taken by Government because, immediately after the bridge collapse, engineers from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications went to the scene.

However, he expressed dissatisfaction that start of the actual work was prolonged.

Henry attributed the delay to the change in methodology as a result of the further damage done during the process of extracting the overloaded truck that caused the destruction on April 25.

GINA said, every year, Government allocates large sums of money to improve roadways and bridges in various parts of the country, including Region Nine. 

Ministerial teams to monitor irrigation systems
CABINET has appointed ministerial teams responsible for monitoring and reporting on the flood situation in various regions across the country.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon said that this is part of the effort to monitor the drainage and irrigation systems and flood control structures such as the sluices and conservancies in the May-June rainy season.

In addition, two committees headed by Acting Minister of Agriculture Mr. Harripersaud Nokta and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds have been re-appointed to monitor actual rainfall and the impact on affected communities, and the functioning of drainage and irrigation flood control systems.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues will be responsible for the Hinterland regions; Minister of Human Services and Social Security Ms. Bibi Shadick for Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford for Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Harrynarine Nawbatt for Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy for Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Mr. Anthony Xavier for Georgetown.

Cabinet offers no objection to contracted valued at $500M
A contract for the procurement of sensitive materials for this year’s general elections was among 13 valued in excess of $500M to which Cabinet offered no objection at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly press conference yesterday also announced that GECOM will benefit from the $5.6M contract for the provision of security services to their district offices and sub offices.

Other sectors to benefit from the contracts are water, education, housing and public works.

In the housing sector, contracts in excess of $458M will be awarded for the construction of roads, drains and structures at No.76 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), De-Groot-em-Klyne, Best foreshore and Plantation Edinburgh, Plantation Groenveldt; and the construction of infrastructure and services for the low income housing project at Westminster, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands).

Dr. Luncheon said that in the education sector, the Diamond Secondary school, East Bank Demerara will be constructed through the Basic Education Access Programme (BEAMS) to the tune of $368.8M.

In addition, contracts were awarded for the printing of primary school text books and readers.

For the supply and delivery of hardware and software for the customer management and billing system at the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) a contract valued $41.4M will be awarded, he said.

In the Public Works sector, no objection was offered to the construction of the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek Highway, Region Six, Luncheon added.

Two suspects arrested for separate armed robberies
POLICE have two men in custody as they investigate separate armed robberies which took place in Georgetown on Wednesday.

A press release said one suspect, from a Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara address, was apprehended as a result of quick action following the robbery of Paul Burnett, 32, of Gordon Street, Kitty.

The victim was attacked by three men, one with a knife, at Stabroek Market and his suspected robber, expected to be charged shortly, was held in a Charlotte Street house.

The release said Burnett was robbed of a $65,000 cellular phone about 23:45 h.

Another man, Brian Lord, 17, of Dazzell Housing Scheme, also on East Coast Demerara, was subjected to an attack by four men on Avenue of the Republic.

It happened about 19:45 h when one of the quartet punched Lord in the face and his accomplices relieved him of a cell phone and a wrist watch.

Lord was escorted to several places around the city before one of his assailants was nabbed in Regent Street and charges in that case are to be laid soon, Police said.

Williamsburg villagers complain about flooding
THE village of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, is again being affected by rising water from persistent rainfall over the past two weeks.

The situation has been blamed on a closed sluice box which would usually divert the excess accumulation to the town of Rose Hall, another part of Corentyne.

However, Rose Hall Town Clerk Selwyn Johnson told the media that the conduit which is opened at intervals cannot remain open for lengthy periods as Rose Hall is much lower than Williamsburg and would be inundated.

He explained that the flow into the township is normally pumped to a place aback of it but the pump is currently under repairs.

Johnson disagreed with some villagers that Williamsburg is being neglected but Trayadsh Dass, President of Sri Radia Gokula Chandra Mandir at Williamsburg Settlement, said the water level rose about ten days ago.

He said, apart from the blocked drains and unopened sluice box, the flowing off the land is hindered and, because of that, attendance by devotees at the temple has declined significantly.

Dass said at least 200 worshippers would regularly attend devotional services on any day but the circumstances have reduced that number to 90.

He claimed that the foundation of their $120M complex, that houses the place of worship, a guest house, four living quarters and a kitchenette that caters for daily feeding programmes, is constantly under water.

Meanwhile, mother of two minors, Amrita Johnny informed reporters that the water continually remains in their King Street, Williamsburg yards and several complaints to the relevant authorities have been to no avail.

Another resident, Meena Hamid, who has been living there for only eight months, said the surroundings have been flooded six or seven times since then.

Unclaimed Lotto $112M jackpot for ‘fantastic’ promotion
THE Guyana Lottery Company Limited yesterday announced that the unclaimed jackpot of $112,640,940 will be used for launching a “fantastic” promotion in June.

Because the winning ticket was not redeemed after 90 days (April 21 last was the expiry date), General Manager Ms Tracey Lewis said the company will utilise the money to launch the promotion in June with prizes worth more than $112M.

At a simple ceremony at the company’s office in the GPO Building on Robb Street, Georgetown, she said it was in the public’s interest “to know how the money is utilised”.

She recalled that the jackpot was won on January 21, 2006 but no one has come forward to present the winning ticket.

Lewis explained the lottery’s policy governing the presentation of the winning tickets by players for payment allows them 90 days from the date of the draw to redeem the ticket, and failure to do so would make that ticket an ‘expired ticket’ and thereafter ‘invalid’.

The company’s contract with the government, she said, indicates that “any amounts of unclaimed prizes will be used by CBN (the Canadian Bank Note parent firm) for special promotion of the games, such as additional prizes awarded for separate seasonal draws”.

The promotion will be held regionally so that everyone countrywide gets an opportunity to win a prize or prizes. It will be the biggest promotion in Guyana, with a total of 108 prizes which will range from $10M to $10,000, Lewis said.

The General Manager pointed out that prizes will be won weekly with the ‘BIG’ prizes being won at the end of the six weeks.

“We will also be ‘bumping up’ the jackpot after this jackpot has been won, which means that the next ‘new’ jackpot will start at $10M instead of the usual $4M.”

Lewis reminded all players of the importance of writing their names and addresses at the back of the lottery tickets after purchase, and to keep tickets in a safe place.

Prizes cannot be redeemed unless a valid ticket is returned to the place of purchase or the Guyana Lottery Company Limited offices, she added.

The jackpot is now $55M.

With Government input…
Baldeo boasts significant improvement in Region Five D&I
REGIONAL Chairman, Mr Harrinarine Baldeo, acknowledging the significant Central Government input, has boasted that the drainage and irrigation (D&I) system in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) has been considerably enhanced.

He told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that farmlands have been empoldered and internal drains linking the façade were excavated, particularly at West Coast Berbice.

Baldeo added that, during the floods last and this year, substantial work was done in the villages between Bath Settlement and Profit.

He said, currently, canals are being dug and embankments built by the four excavators deployed in the region, along De Hoop Branch Road in Mahaica.

In addition, work is ongoing at Yankee and Pandit canals while others earmarked for clearing are at Handsome Tree, Poor Fellow and Biaboo, Baldeo reported.

GINA said some of these canals were inspected last week by a team of officials led by Acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr Harripersaud Nokta, who also went to Mahaicony Creek, also on East Coast Demerara, where they all met members of the farming community and discussed various issues.

The farmers again mentioned a proposal they had previously made to dig a canal along the Right Bank of Mahaicony Creek to accelerate the flow of water but Nokta repeated his response about getting advice from engineers of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the Regional Administration, as well.

GINA said the NDIA experts paid a visit yesterday, in company with Baldeo, who explained that the path for the proposed waterway will exclude the flow around a right angle turn - at Devil’s Hole - which farmers feel is responsible for the slow drainage during high tides.

Baldeo said surveys are expected to be done by MMA/ADA before a determination on the possibility of establishing the new canal.

Le Ressouvenir residents form committees to help

Residents said they established the two committees in a bid to reduce the crime rate and to prevent any criminal activity in the area.

The development committee will seek to help residents meet officials or to raise funds for proper drainage, better roads and the correct disposal of garbage.

Chairman of the committees is Mr Sheik Munnusammy. Other members are Vice Chairman, Mr James Joseph; Secretary, Mr Hemanchal Singh; Treasurer, Mr Mohan Sukhu; Assistant Treasurer, Mr Parbudial Ramdial, and Assistant Secretary, Mr Leon Johnson. There are seven committee members.

The small village immediately south of the East Coast main road has about 35 houses with about 300 residents.

Munnusammy said he has been living there for 25 years and the residents have come together to try to make the community a better place.

“The thing that disgusts me the most is the lack of the collection of garbage in the area. The people that are living in front normally pay to get their garbage collected; but persons who are living at the back where the truck cannot come down, normally dump their garbage at the back of the alleyway, which in the past years was a street, now it’s a dumping site”, he said.

The current dump site for the people living at the back where the garbage truck cannot enter is now a trench and whenever it rains, yards surrounding the garbage site are flooded out.

When this occurs, residents would complain about the infestation of rats, mosquitoes, flies and roaches.

Villagers are seriously worried about this infestation and say they need urgent help for the removal of the garbage in the trench.

The committee members are expected to meet the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to have the garbage removed as early as possible to bring some relief to residents.

They also plan to raise funds to clean the area and build a playground for children in the village.

“This is a beautiful area to live in; it is just for us villagers to come together to make it a better place to live by making our surroundings clean and developing the area for the little ones who are coming up now. This committee is a good idea because it will indeed help us, the residents, in terms of security which we are lacking”, one resident said.

“Now with the policing committee we don’t have to be so much afraid because we now know that everyone will be looking out for one another. I believe every community should have a committee group since it helps a lot and everyone can benefit from”, he added.

On the verge of exporting poultry
SOME years ago, when Guyana had to import poultry meat and products mainly from the United States to satisfy local demand, it would have been unimaginable that in a relatively short period of time we would have reached a stage where we could become a major regional exporter of similar products.

Full credit must be given to the local private sector, despite many obstacles, for its sterling effort in bringing Guyana to the verge of becoming an exporter of poultry.

Also, as has been acknowledged, the late Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock and acting Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh had played an integral part in the rapid expansion of the local poultry industry.

While the “prophets of doom” only see the negatives in our society, the dynamic development of the poultry industry shows that there are still many patriotic Guyanese who are optimistic about the future of their country, and are willing to put their energies and make the necessary sacrifices to advance the developmental process for a brighter and secure future.

And the recent establishment of a modern laboratory to do testing of local poultry for the presence of the dreaded avian flu virus and other infections is indeed a pivotal step in preparing Guyana to become an exporter of poultry meat.

In fact, Guyana could have already become an exporter, but a key issue which is being raised by potential importers, particularly those in the region, is whether the local poultry industry can satisfy the international sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.

Now that Guyana has the capacity to do laboratory testing of poultry products, it is hoped that other “bugbears” will not be raised.

For despite the emergence of the CSME, there is still a strong tendency for many countries to seek to protect their “turf.”

The President of the Guyana Poultry Producers Association has already hinted that some countries may try to protect their own poultry industries but he has also made a suggestion in overcoming this hurdle by exploring the possibility of joint ventures between local entrepreneurs and their regional counterparts.

Now that a pivotal step forward has been made in preparing the local industry for becoming an exporter, the task ahead is for both the Government and private sector to embark on an aggressive marketing drive, for without adequate markets, the export potential would simply dwindle and lead to a stifling of the industry.

Having the product is only one side of the coin. Equally important is an effective and persistent marketing strategy which is an absolute necessity in an increasingly competitive international market.

It must be borne in mind that the domestic market is very small and is not growing because of migration. Therefore the future expansion and growth of not only the poultry industry, but all other industries lie in their ability to garner sustainable export markets.

Increased exports would obviously have a positive chain effect on the entire economy through the acquiring of more foreign exchange, stimulating growth and creating employment. Job opportunities are one of our major social problems.

Maybe another area the GPPA and the Ministry of Agriculture can look at to bolster Guyana’s poultry export potential is the setting up of local hatcheries. At the moment we import baby chicks from the United States.

This will save us valuable foreign exchange and could stimulate the development of another aspect of the poultry industry, allowing increased employment opportunities.

GT&T responds
“AS DIGICEL comes along…” is the headline of the editorial on Wednesday, May 17, as the Guyana Chronicle makes its contribution to the dialogue on World Telecommunication Day.

The editorial does have a few words to say on the theme for the observance ‘Promoting Global Cybersecurity’ but finds it more useful to review the services of GT&T after 15 years of operations.

What we do get, though, is not a review of the decade and a half, but a swift glance at work so far this year on the upgrading of the GSM network, the presentation of DSL, Internet Service to the National Library (we have, in fact, been supporting the Ministry of Education in a Computer for Schools programme) and the development of the remote area service.

We have said over and over again that anyone who is capable of making an objective assessment of GT&T’s performance, since its establishment in 1991, would acknowledge how it has transformed, developed and modernised the network.

The editorial, while indicating that Guyanese are appreciative of the company’s efforts, says that “there is evidence that what they offer is not enough.”

What is the evidence?

“There are still communities unserved by landlines”. The simple fact is that we have moved from 13,000 phones in 1991 to over 113,000 today; that is installing an average of over 6,500 phones each year in the towns and villages across the country.

Again we need to remind ourselves that there exists a strong relationship between a country’s average income level and its level of telephone penetration.

Believe me, Guyana’s teledensity almost doubles that of countries at the same level of (under) development.

We are still to reach some communities, but with the resources available we have considerably reduced the number of unserved. (Digicel, as you know, wouldn’t contribute to this landline service).

We do have a universal access policy in which we make public call boxes available even in the more remote areas as the editorial pointed out.

“Then there is overcrowding of the cell phone platform”. Again we have publicly acknowledged the problem and we have shared with our customers information about the investment we are making in upgrading the equipment and acquiring additional sites so that the service could be improved by the end of July.

What most disappoint us are the paragraphs about GT&T technicians demanding money from customers to speed up the process. It is an insult to our dedicated, hardworking staff.

We have rigidly imposed regulations within the company which frown upon such activity and which threaten the severest disciplinary action. We invite any customer, who is asked to pay any staff member other than an official cashier, to make a report to us.

The parade of negatives about GT&T is a too thinly veiled attempt at the promotion of Digicel. As the editorial says “the entry of another telecommunication company on the local scene will be good for the consumers.”

We must be careful, though, how we raise the expectations when we promise so much about something we know so little about.
TERENCE HOLDER
DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER
(PUBLIC COMMUNICATION)
GT&T

Cuban doctors for Mahdia
THE Ministry of Health is happy that the Guyana/Cuba Project “Mission Miracle” has generated interest and appreciation.

I write this in reply to Ms. Anita Paul’s letter in the Stabroek News dated 18th May 2006.

Ms. Paul is requesting that the Cuban ophthalmologists be sent to Mahdia. She indicates that poor people in Mahdia cannot afford a fare to travel to Georgetown.

Mission Miracle was introduced by President Bharrat Jagdeo in response to the need of such patients and, more specifically to liquidate the backlog of cataract.

Yes! The Cuban doctors can be sent to Mahdia. This is already planned.

Since the commencement of this Cuban eye care project in July 2006, the doctors have been sent to several hinterland locations. Their last visit was last month to Kamarang, Upper Mazaruni River in Region Seven.

They have already visited Lethem, Aishalton, Bartica, Annai, Karasabai, to name a few. Similarly, they have visited coastal areas such as Linden, Kwakwani, Kuru Kururu, Leguan, Enmore, New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Skeldon, Mahaicony, Wales, Rosignol, Fort Wellington, Mahaicony, Helena, Mahaica, Laluni.

This screening activity which commenced in July 2005 has resulted in some 20,000 Guyanese patients being screened for cataract and other eye diseases. Over 2,000 of these patients have been sent to Cuba for eye surgery, namely cataract.

Every week, the Ministry of Health sends 40–50 patients to Cuba for eye surgery. Patients return from Cuba with one to two weeks supply of medication and are given at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport appointment dates to have follow up treatment at the Eye Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Initially, Mission Miracle provided three Ophthalmologists who left Guyana after several months of hard work and have been replaced by two other Cuban Ophthalmologists who are based at the Eye Clinic of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The Miracle Mission doctors are available daily at the GPHC to screen new patients and provide follow up management to persons returning from Havana.

This month the Mission Miracle was expanded to include an additional two Optometrists who will be screening patients of the Miracle Mission Project and prescribing spectacles. The prescriptions for these spectacles are being sent to Cuba where spectacles will be manufactured and returned to Guyana on the schedule flights which bring back patients from Cuba weekly.

All of the services provided by Mission Miracle are TOTALLY FREE of cost. FREE TRANSPORTATION is provided to and from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for patients selected to go to Cuba for eye surgery.

The Ministry of Health recognises difficult circumstances of persons living in remote areas such as Mahdia.

To mitigate this the Ministry of Health sends Immigration Officer and clerical staff with the Cuban Ophthalmologists whenever they are deployed to any location outside of Georgetown.

This is aimed at facilitating patients who do not have passports. That is, this allows even people without passports to travel to Cuba and benefit from surgery.

Further the GOG gives a small “pocket piece” to each patient travelling to Cuba for surgery.

The Miracle Mission with shortly visit Moraikobai and Santa Mission. Visits to Amerindian settlements in the Upper Mazaruni such as Paurima, Waramadong, Jawalla are planned for June.

Ms. Anita Paul and other persons in Mahdia will in the next few weeks be able to benefit from the Guyana/Cuban Operation “Miracle Mission”.

The Ministry of Health would like to recognise the support given by the Immigration Office, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Persons interested in more information on Miracle Mission can contact the Regional Health Services office at 225–1638.
B.S. RAMSARAN
DIRECTOR, REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
MINISTRY OF HEALTH

A scheme to help
I AM inclined to wonder how undemocratic the PNCR can get when it seeks even to criticise the creation of employment opportunities.

I refer to the recently launched Community Support Drainage and Irrigation Programme which was condemned by the party as an employment alternative.

In effect, the programme is intended to give an incentive to residents who execute drainage and other services at an individual, group or community level.

Does the PNC want persons to sit idly by in the face of rainfall and wanton garbage disposal in our drains and canals?

The answer to that question may surprise many.
DENZEL KING JR

Separate them
AS A worker, it is hard to identify with the cause of the Guyana Public Service Union, since it is too involved with politics.

I agree that workers’ conditions and salaries leave much to be desired, but how can the union say so and then team up with the PNCR at its recent rally?

I understand that both the GPSU and the PNCR see the government as their opponent, but the approach taken by both groups to address concerns should be done separately.

Even if the union members have political persuasions, they are not to let these determine the union’s direction.

The union wants more money for its members, but on the other hand it supports the PNCR’s calls for street demonstration.

In Guyana we have all come not to trust the politicians when they say ‘peaceful’ protest because it rarely ever is.

So if the businesses are affected, where would the country’s wealth be generated from? How would the jobs be created?

If people can’t work, how would they spend?

The union needs to rethink its position and find alternative approaches to deal with these issues.
ANDREW WILSON

Check the lights
I WISH to compliment the Government of Guyana for the excellent road and lights provided to the residents of Mahaicony, Dundee area.

I am a resident of Dundee-Mahaicony and we are happy and proud of the infrastructure provided which has enhanced the lives of the residents, in terms of security and comfort.

I, however, must complain that we Guyanese build and erect the best of infrastructure, but we are unable to maintain it.

Since the installation of lights, two at Dundee ceased to function for the past six months. No one has investigated nor attempted to have them repaired.

It is unfortunate that we cannot utilise the investment made for the purpose intended.

I trust that authorities will verify this as soon as possible.
AZAD ALLI

Why was `Buffy’ deported?
AS A self-exiled Guyanese, who is very interested in the affairs of Guyana, I read the Internet version of this and other Guyana publications daily.

Thanks for giving people like me the opportunity to gain first hand of what is happening in Guyana.

To add my ‘little bit’ I wish first of all to ask a couple or more questions, and secondly, to make some observations.

(1) Why was ‘Buffy spirited out of the country so quickly? This man who was found in a house with other men under suspicious circumstances, who it is alleged was a bodyguard of someone, whom it is alleged, is a drug ‘king pin’.

This man, who through fraud obtained a Guyana passport with an assumed name, surely should have been kept for further questioning by the police regardless of the crime that he is wanted for in his native Trinidad and Tobago.

Is there something more to this than the authorities want us to know? Or is it for economic reasons that he was extradited to Trinidad and Tobago?

(2) In reporting the discovery of two vehicles in a secluded area, the Guyana Chronicle incorrectly described one as being a ‘Lexus Jeep’. As far as I am aware, there is no such vehicle as a ‘Lexus Jeep’; ‘Jeep’ is the trade name of another vehicle manufactured by one of the big three United States of America auto manufacturing companies.

The vehicle in question, as is all such types of vehicles, is officially classified as an SUV (sports utility vehicle).

This may be a frivolous observation; but reporters are educators, and should do more research when preparing an item of news, especially one which might be read throughout the world.
GARY ALEXANDER

All employment agencies have problems
IN REFERENCE to an article in yesterday’s edition of a newspaper, “Fear among guards,” in which I was quoted in a discussion with a journalist, I also said that all agencies have problems with recruitment that include the Police, the Army, etc.

Indeed, the hospitals have problems recruiting staff, as do the private schools, the Public Service, the Mayor and City Council, and the Ministry of Education.

Security services also have problems like other private and state entities, especially at times of crisis.

Money could be an incentive for all, attracting people into any department.

I believe if the Policeman’s salary is a minimum of $50,000 monthly take home, better people will apply. The same goes for security guards, teachers, and Police service, etc.

The current crime trend does create fear in anyone, in every field of endeavour.

The whole nation lives in fear at this time not only security guards.

Believe it or leave it.
ROSHAN KHAN

PNC's Joseph Hamilton sues AG, Chairman Elections Comm., et al.
Claiming Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2006 is unconstitutional
PEOPLE’S National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive member Joseph

Hamilton has filed a 10-day writ against nine defendants, seeking to knock down the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2006 and to prevent GEC Chairman Steve Surujballi and Gocool Boodoo from acting as Chairman and CEO respectively of the Guyana Elections Commission.

Apart from Surujballi and Boodoo, other defendants named are the Attorney General, Commissioners Moen Mc Doom, Keshav Mangal, Mohamood Shaw, Haslyn Parris, Lloyd Joseph and Robert Williams.

The writ has been issued by Mr. Rex Mc Kay, S.C., Mr. Miles Fitzpatrick, S.C. , Mr. Keith Massiah, S.C. and Mr. Basil Williams, on behalf of the Plaintiff.

The nine declarations sought by the plaintiff, include declarations to the effect that the Constitution (Amendment) Act No. 24 of 200 is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void, contravening the provisions of the Constitution.

The plaintiff is also asking the Court to declare that such an amendment of Article 61 of the Constitution is ineffectual and not valid in law without a corresponding amendment of Section 69 to permit a period of one month to elapse between the holding of a general election and the first session of Parliament.

Also a declaration that no valid general election can be held in pursuance of the Constitution subsequent to the 2nd day of August, 2006, following the dissolution of Parliament on 2nd May, 2006.

The Plaintiff is also seeking an injunction restraining the second defendant (Surujballi) from purporting to act as the Chairman of the Elections Commission for Guyana by himself his servants and /or agents and / or by persons under his direction and / or control in relation to, or in any manner whatsoever from conducting the next or any general election in or for Guyana fixed for any date subsequent to the 2nd day of August, 2006.

Also an injunction restraining the third defendant, Mr. Boodoo, from purporting to act as the Chief Elections Officer, by himself, his servants or agents or by persons under his direction and / or control or in any manner whatsoever, in respect, and / or from conducting the next or any general election in or for Guyana fixed for any date subsequent to the 2nd day of August, 2006. (George Barclay)

Motions against Felix, Greene, Collins
- Rulings further postponed by Judge -
JUSTICE William Ramal, who was expected to deliver rulings yesterday in relation to submissions on constitutional motions made to him by lawyers representing Police Commissioner Winston Felix, Deputy Commissioner Henry Greene and Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff Brigadier Edward Collins, has further postponed these.

On April 27 last, the judge, instead of ruling had called a closed door meeting to discuss a motion wherein the Judge was asked to recuse himself.

It had come to light the same day that the lawyer who filed the recuse motion had withdrawn the matter.

The judge nevertheless said that he would consider the matter as well as the other matters before him, which he promised to rule on yesterday.

But according to lawyer Mr. Glenn Hanoman, representing the Commissioner, “Yesterday the judge said that notwithstanding that the motion asking him to recuse himself was withdrawn, he nevertheless could not overlook it. As a consequence the judge has decided not to recuse himself, and to adjourn all the matters before him. These matters would be heard on June 5, 7 and 14 respectively.

The motions before the judge included one from Ricardo Rodrigues, requesting that the Commissioner and his Deputy be committed to prison for contempt of court for ignoring an order by the judge, and another order calling on the Chief of Staff to show cause why he and the GDF boss should not be prevented from occupying premises at Bel Air gardens, Georgetown, owned by the Rodrigues.

Another motion is by the Deputy Commissioner, through his lawyers Mr. Rex Mc ay, and Mr. Neil Boston, seeking to overthrow the judge’s nisi order on the grounds that it was erroneous in law.

During yesterday’s hearing, lawyer Hanoman was asked whether he would withdraw the contempt motion] against the GDF, since he reported that the men had vacated the Bel Air house.

Hanoman decided that he was prepared o go ahead since the summons was not related to the getting off the property, but rather to the flouting of the judge’s order to vacate the premises, which order was rejected.,

Accused in pools game murder case remanded
TWO men charged with a murder over a game of pools were remanded to prison yesterday, when they appeared before Magistrate Chandra Sohan at Albion Court, Corentyne, Berbice.

The prisoners, Navin Raghoo and Joshua Harpaul, both of Rose Hall Town, are accused of unlawfully killing Ramraj Sankar, of Nigg Settlement, another part of Corentyne.

The victim succumbed to injuries inflicted on him in a confrontation outside that followed an argument while they were all playing in a Chinese restaurant at Rose Hall, last April 24.

The case will be called again on May 23.

Police charge four with Eversham gun robberies
POLICE have charged four men with robberies committed at Eversham, last February 3.

John Perreira called Freddie, 28, a cane harvester and Garfield Gray alias ‘Township’ both of Alness, Sohna Busjit nicknamed Maxie, 20, of Letter Kenny and Samuel Fraser also known as Charlie, 17, of Liverpool, all Corentyne, Berbice villages, are alleged to have robbed Mitchell Cadagon at gunpoint, of jewellery valued $552,000 and $8,000 cash.

Magistrate Chandra Sohan remanded Perreira, Busjit and Fraser to prison when they appeared at Albion Court, Corentyne, yesterday but he issued an arrest warrant for Gray who was absent.

Another joint charge said the quartet, also armed with guns, relieved Rita Bhola of $15,000 cash.

Busjit alone faced a separate charge, particulars of which accused him of robbing Devika Singh of $800,000 cash, gold jewellery worth $208,500 and a $1,000 wrist watch, while being in company with others on November 19, 2005.

The cases have been transferred to another Corentyne Court, at Number 51, for May 24.

Meten-Meer-Zorg murder trial opens
Fisherman Thom and Fish Girl, alleged killers
DEFENCE Counsel in the Meten-Meer-Zorg murder trial, Mr. Hukumchand, yesterday told the Court that one would see from his questions and answers relating to eye witness Damion Allen, under cross-examination, that the witness had been discredited.

A mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday heard the story about a man whose neck was almost severed , causing his death on June 25, 2003.

Eye witness Allen had testified that he was present when the injury was inflicted with a cutlass, but under cross-examination he gave different accounts.

Facing trial for the murder of Elnaton Janathan Wessels, called ‘Ellie’, are Safraz Rahim, called Thom, a fisherman, and Gaitree, called ‘Fish Girl’.

They pleaded not guilty and the trial is continuing before Justice Dawn Gregory-Barnes and a mixed jury of eight men and four women.

Under cross-examination by Defence Counsel Mr. Hukumchand, a prosecution witnesses said that the deceased was the aggressor that day and was under the influence of liquor when he hit out at the accused with a cutlass. The blow had missed its target and connected to a post. During a struggle that followed Ellie was fatally injured.

State Prosecutor Miss Nyasha Williams promised to lead evidence to satisfy the jury that the accused fisherman and Fish Girl were responsible for the death of Ellie.

Here we go again…
A Gayle force 123
… Windies still bow to India

Dravid, in the now familiar role of opening in the shorter form of the game, made a stroke-filled 105 off 102 balls as India chased a target to 252 to achieve their 17th consecutive rain-chase for the loss of five wickets off the penultimate ball.

It was Dravid's 12th century in One-Day Internationals and it included 12 fours and two sixes before he gave a catch to long-off from seamer Dwayne Bravo when a further 43 runs were needed from 37 balls.

Mohammed Kaif, who added 123 in 21.1 overs with Dravid for the fourth wicket, took India home with an unbeaten 66 despite failing to score a run in the 47th over from pacer Jerome Taylor.

Bravo then created further tension by having the big-hitting Mahendra Dhoni caught at long-on in an eventful 48th over that cost 12 runs.

India required 12 runs from the last two overs and a boundary early on paved the way for their victory in front of several of their fans.

The visitors were set on their way by an opening stand of 56 in 9.5 overs between Dravid and Verinder Sehwag before West Indies pulled things back in the middle of the innings.

Left-arm fast-medium Ian Bradshaw led the fightback by grabbing the wickets of Irfan Pathan and Yuvraj Singh before his figures were spoilt at the death by the audacious Dhoni who belted 18 off 11 balls at a crucial stage.

Bradshaw finished with two for 40 off nine overs and Bravo had two for 50 off 8.5 overs.

Dravid's hundred had matched the effort of West Indies opener Chris Gayle's 123 off 130 balls that lifted the hosts to 251 for six off 45 overs after they were sent in following a delayed start of an hour because of rain.

Gayle, who motored to his first fifty off 46 balls before playing responsibly over his second half-century, belted 18 fours and two sixes in reaching his 12th century in One-Day Internationals.

He featured in useful partnerships with Runako Morton (23), captain Brian Lara (35) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (18) against an Indian attack in which veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was the most impressive with figures of one for 34 off nine overs.

West Indies launched their effort with an opening stand of 87 in 13.4 overs before Morton edged a catch to wicket-keeper Dhoni off pacer Ajit Agarkar, who later removed Gayle with a low catch to mid-wicket in the 40th over.

Agarkar finished with two for 38 off nine overs.

After Harbhajan Singh claimed Ramnaresh Sarwan for two when the batsman was lbw attempting a sweep, Gayle and Lara added 82 in 14.3 overs before the captain gave a low catch to cover off pacer Munaf Patel.

Gayle departed after adding 46 with Chanderpaul who was well caught by Verinder Sehwag at long-on.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Innings

C. Gayle c Dravid b Agarkar 123

R. Morton c Dhoni b Agarkar 23

R. Sarwan lbw b H. Singh 2

B. Lara c Kaif b Patel 35

S. Chanderpaul c Sehwag b Pathan 18

M. Samuels run out 10

C. Baugh not out 12

D. Bravo not out 0

Extras (lb-15 nb-6 w-7) 28

Total (for 6 wickets, 45 overs) 251

Fall of wickets: 1-87, 2-94, 3-176, 4-222, 5-233, 6-248

Did not bat: I. Bradshaw, J. Taylor, F. Edwards

Bowling: I. Pathan 9 - 1 - 50 - 1 (nb-2 w-4), M. Patel 9 - 1 - 48 - 1 (nb-3 w-1), R. Singh 7 - 0 - 45 - 0 (w-2), H. Singh 9 - 2 - 33 – 1, A. Agarkar 9 - 0 - 38 – 2, V. Sehwag 2 - 0 - 22 - 0 (nb-1)

India Innings

V. Sehwag run out 22

R. Dravid c Taylor b Bravo 105

I. Pathan c Morton b Bradshaw 1

Y. Singh c Samuels b Bradshaw 12

M. Kaif not out 66

M. Dhoni c Morton b Bravo 18

S. Raina not out 7

Extras (lb-8 nb-4 w-11) 23

Total (for 5 wickets, 44.5 overs) 254

Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-62, 3-86, 4-209, 5-233

Did not bat: A. Agarkar, H. Singh, R. Singh, M. Patel

Bowling: F. Edwards 9 - 1 - 50 - 0 (nb-1 w-4), J. Taylor 9 - 1 - 56 – 0, I. Bradshaw 9 - 1 - 40 - 2 (nb-3 w-2), D. Bravo 8.5 - 0 - 50 - 2 (w-5), M. Samuels 6 - 0 - 34 – 0, C. Gayle 3 - 0 - 16 – 0.

Result: India won by 5 wickets

Sir Viv says Lara's appointment a commercial move
NEW DELHI, India, CMC - Sir Vivian Richards says Brian Lara's appointment as West Indies captain is a commercial move in view of next year's Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.

"While the hosts are busy using this (India tour) as a dry run for the game's biggest showpiece, West Indian cricket continues to spring one surprise after the other," Richards said in a syndicated column in India, yesterday.

"The latest one has been the choice of Brian Lara as captain. Clearly, it is a decision prompted by commercial considerations, keeping in mind the World Cup.

"It is also a decision that might last only till that tournament, and chances are that Lara's appointment was not a very popular decision among the players."

Lara, 36, was appointed captain for a third time last month after Shivnarine Chanderpaul resigned the post, citing a need to concentrate on his batting.

The West Indies Cricket Board overlooked younger contenders like Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle, arguing that Lara was the best choice for the post based on his experience.

Lara has scored 11 294 runs in 124 Tests and is the most experienced player in the young Windies side.

Chanderpaul led the squad for a year without achieving a single series win in Tests or ODIs.

Germany takes strong anti-racist stance for World Cup
By Mark Trevelyan
BERLIN, (Reuters) - Germany pledged, yesterday, to take a tough stance against xenophobia at next month's soccer World Cup and dismissed a warning that black fans risked attacks in some parts of the country.

"I think during the world championship everyone can feel safe, wherever he will be in Germany. We are prepared," Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told reporters.

"No one who would try to make attacks on foreigners, people of colour, will succeed."

He was speaking a day after a former government spokesman said non-whites should avoid parts of Brandenburg, the former east German state surrounding Berlin, because "they would possibly not leave there alive".

A German-Ethiopian man was beaten into a coma last month by attackers in Potsdam, Brandenburg's capital, in an incident which ignited a public debate about racism.

German far-rightists plan to demonstrate in support of anti-Israeli statements by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when Iran play Angola in the eastern city of Leipzig on June 21.

It is still unclear whether local authorities will permit the rally. Schaeuble said the government would use all available legal means to prevent the World Cup being exploited.

"I think whoever will try to abuse the world championship for political means will fail, especially extremists of the right wing," he said.

Leipzig is the only one of the 12 World Cup venues in former communist eastern Germany, where far-rightists draw their strongest support.

Germany officials see the 32-nation sports festival as a chance to present their country to the world as welcoming, open and tolerant, and never tire of repeating the tournament slogan: "A Time to Make Friends".

German soccer chief Theo Zwanziger told a pre-World Cup conference in Berlin: "We Germans would like to show we are patriots but not nationalists."

"The German soccer association will take a very decisive stand against any kind of racism and xenophobia. We will not tolerate it. We will keep our eyes open. The creeping poison of racism can be very, very dangerous."

Asked to elaborate, Zwanziger told Reuters: "It's an enduring problem...Go to our stadiums, look what sort of things go on, what kind of banners, what kind of songs are sung.

"I can't say that at the moment we are free from racist ideas, not just in Germany but in the whole of Europe...I don't think we have a situation where we need to get excited, but we need to watch out."

Independence Three Stage road race…
Wheelers journey to Corriverton for first stage
By Isaiah Chappelle
THE country’s top cyclists will depart for Corriverton, this morning, for the first stage of the annual Independence Three Stage cycle road race sponsored by the National Sports Commission (NSC), which will have an international flavour.

Transport provided by the NSC moves off from the Department of Sport on Main Street at 9:30 h.

Organiser National Coach Hassan Mohamed, yesterday, told Chronicle Sport that 48 riders had registered by the Wednesday’s deadline, but more competitors were expected from overseas. He recalled that 66 cyclists faced the starters for the first stage last year.

Four riders should be coming from Trinidad & Tobago, five from Suriname and St Maarten-based five-time champion Dwayne Gibbs who indicated he would compete again.

Gibbs announced his retirement from the meet, last year, immediately after capturing his fifth title.

His first race was in 1995, and the following year he rode away with his first title, and every one after that, up to 2002. Andrew Reece won in 2003 and Trinidad & Tobago-based Stephen Mungroo in 2004.

Gibbs claimed his fifth crown last year, without winning a stage and announced his retirement.

“It is time for me to leave it to the younger guys,” he declared then.

Now the veteran roadster told Mohamed that he would be taking part in this year’s meet, with the organiser stressing that Gibbs won the country’s most prestigious cycle race five times.

That turn around may not be surprising because Gibbs had assessed his fifth title as the easiest he won explaining that he only had to ride hard in the first stage and sit back in the remaining two legs, whereas in the other years, he had to ride hard in all three stages.

Last year was historic because the cyclists and officials became the first official users of the newly constructed Mahaicony Bridge. It was specially opened for the race. Warren Mc Kay had the honour of leading the first bunch across the bridge.

The bridges linked new parts of the road from Rosignol to Georgetown, cutting the 110 kilometre old course to 96 km. Teenager Alonzo Greaves, then 16 years old, set the course record for the new second stage.

Greaves, also, placed second in the third stage, behind another teenager Marlon Williams, then 18 years old, and eventually was eighth overall, a position he hopes to better in this meet, having contended that he had stiff competition to win the race.

Nineteen-year old Williams is the favourite to cart off his first title, having emerged the Caribbean’s leading distance rider from the recent West Indies versus the Rest of the World meet in Trinidad & Tobago.

But Jude Bently was runner-up to Gibbs, last year, clocking seven hours five minutes 21 seconds behind Gibbs who set a course time of 7:05:15 hours. And Bently had high level international exposure at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and is now a very likely candidate to take the top prize.

Also, Warren Mc Kay who was at the Commonwealth Games, too, Wayne De Abreu and Toney Simon rode consistently, to each clock 7:06:15 hour to place third, along with Trinidadian David Alves. They, too, should be in strong contention for the title, along with Junior Niles who won the first stage, last year.

The stages are truly set for a great Independence battle over 261 kilometres.

Sizzling b’ball tourney bounces off tonight
…Colts, Sonics clash in feature opener
By Faizool Deo

With the APV Mini Van door prize and dazzling fashion ideas to be released, along with hard fought games, the Bounty Colts Basketball Club venture is expected to sizzle from tonight.

In the night’s opening game from 19:00 h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Bounty Colts will clash with Devastators in the third division opener.

Eight teams from each division will be competing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with the top two battling it out in a best-in-three final.

The senior teams are Courts Pacesetters, Beepats’ Scorpions, Legends, Bounty Colts, Ravens, Eagles, Nets and Pepsi Sonics, while the third division line-up are Colts, Sonics, Pacesetters, Ravens, Scorpions Disciples, Eagles and Devastators.

First-division winners will pocket $200 000, while the second place side will collect $150 000 and third $100 000.

The winner of the third-division competition will collect $30 000 while the runners-up will receive $20 000.

SHOOTING FOR WHEEL
The crowd prize makes the competition spectacular, with the organisers teaming up with Auto Supplies Company to give away a 2005 Suzuki APV Mini Van and every play night the ticket stubs will give patrons a chance to shoot for the car.

At the official launching yesterday at the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) head office in Thomas and Church Streets, tournament organiser Trevor Rose told the media that the drawing would take place on the semi-final night and one lucky person would shoot from the half court line for the vehicle.

The lucky individual will get one shot and if he or she misses then on the first night of the-best-in three final another drawing will take place.

General Manager of Auto Supplies Patrick Koo said that invested the car into the competition to showcase his vehicle and to help to resuscitate the game.

Also present, was popular businessman Peter Ramsaroop one of the major sponsors of the competition who told the media that basketball was a great game and that he was seeking a way to help contribute to its development.

Every other night will be Ladies Free Night starting from the opening, tonight, but it ends at 20:00h. Ladies will, also, get a chance to ‘wine’ for cash.

Top designer Michelle Cole, a member of the organising committee said that each night, four girls would be selected to take part in a “tiny winee” dancing competition to win $5000 and move on to the grand finale to compete for $10 000 and a Motorola Razr cell phone costing about $75 000.

GABA president Chris Bowman said that there was no problem sanctioning to the tournament since Bounty Colts was one of the association’s foundation clubs.

The competition continues tomorrow night with Sonics and Eagles clashing in the third division game, before Albert Bentick Open League winners Courts Pacesetters tackle the Legends.

In Sunday night’s fixtures, Ravens take on Scorpions in third division action, before Ravens tackle Eagles in a senior clash.

West Demerara Independence football…
Warrior clash with Achievers in opener
UITVLUGT Warriors and Young Achievers clash in the opening match of the Studio 2000 Independence Cup football competition in West Demerara from 18:00 h, today.

In the other match of the opening double header at the Den Amstel ground, Beavers meet Pouderoyen from 20:00 h.

Eight teams are divided into two groups of four, to play each other in a round robin format and the top two teams will advance to the semifinals.

Group A comprises Uitvlugt Warriors, Den Amstel, Met-en-Meerzorg and Young Achievers, while Group B has Pouderoyen, Crane, Beavers and Stewartville.

In Sunday’s fixtures, Stewartville will take on Crane in a Group B match-up and Den Amstel clash with Uitvlugt Warriors in a Group A game.

James sends winning pass…
Cavs register stunning victory over Pistons

James scored 32 points and had five rebounds and five assists, including one on his pass under the basket to Gooden, who converted to give Cleveland a 3-2 lead over the two-times defending champions in the Eastern Conference series.

The Cavaliers head home for Game Six today with a chance to eliminate the Pistons who have now lost three games in a row for the first time this season.

"Once again tonight we found a way to win," James told reporters. "This (the Pistons) is a great team, we knew they were going to make runs especially on their court but we won the ball game."

James says the Cavaliers will take nothing for granted, noting that the Pistons have overcome series deficits the past two years on the way to winning back-to-back East titles.

"They've been down before, we have to continue with a great effort back in our house on Friday and try to win a game," James said.

"It doesn't mean anything if we don't win the last two games. It doesn't mean anything at all. One thing we have to do now is protect home."

SCORE TIED
Detroit's Ben Wallace missed two free throws in the final minute with the score tied 84-84 and was 0-for-7 from the line in the game. Making one of the shots would have given Detroit the lead for the first time since the second quarter.

It was Detroit's first loss at home this post-season but coach Flip Saunders remains confident his team can bounce back.

"It doesn't mean the series is over," Saunders told reporters.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown was just relieved to get the victory and the series lead.

"What a game," Brown told reporters. "I tell you what, that's a very good basketball team, the Detroit Pistons.

"The thing that I liked about our guys is that I thought we had poise down the stretch. We stayed as poised and composed as possible in a situation like this."

Donyell Marshall added 14 points and had 13 rebounds for the Cavs, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Tayshaun Prince had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Pistons, while Chauncey Billups added 17 points but fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Richard Hamilton had 15 points for Detroit, and Rasheed Wallace had 10 points and nine rebounds in just 22 minutes due to foul trouble.

"We definitely played tight tonight," Prince told reporters. "They made defensive plays when they had to tonight and we weren't communicating well."

Cleveland shot just 38 percent from the field, while the Pistons shot 43 percent but made 17 turnovers.

Norway referee admits error in Champions League final
OSLO, (Reuters) - Norwegian referee Terje Hauge has admitted making a mistake by blowing too early for a foul by Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and denying Barcelona the opening goal in Wednesday's Champions League final.

"I must admit that I was a little early out with that whistle but I was terribly focused on what was happening," Hauge told yesterday's Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang after Barca were crowned European champions with a 2-1 win in Paris.

"The keeper took the man and the whistle blew without my using any time to see where the ball rolled next," he said.

Hauge blew for a foul in the 18th minute after German keeper Lehmann, who was immediately sent off, brought down Barca's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o on the edge of the penalty area.

Forward Ludovic Giuly thought he had given Barca the lead when he put the loose ball into an empty net but Hauge had already given a free kick before dismissing Lehmann.

"It was a bit of an unlucky situation, but I must stand for what I did. I should maybe have waited and waited, but that's how things are for a referee today," added Hauge.

He had come under fire from Arsenal captain Thierry Henry and coach Arsene Wenger after the match at the Stade de France for favouring the Spanish champions. Wenger was particularly incensed about Eto'o's equaliser, which he claimed was offside.

The day before the match Hauge's compatriot Ole Hermann Borgan was replaced as a linesman for the final after posing for a newspaper picture wearing a Barcelona shirt. His "thoughtless and stupid" gesture caused uproar in the British press.

Shoaib Akhtar included in preliminary Pakisatan squad
KARACHI, (Reuters) - Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was included, yesterday, in a preliminary squad for this year's England tour after undergoing knee surgery.

The selectors also recalled pace bowler Mohammad Sami in a squad of 21 who will attend a training camp from May 25.

"All the players will have to prove their fitness in the camp before being considered for selection," Pakistan board official Saleem Altaf told Reuters. The final squad will be announced on June 9.

Shoaib, 30, has been out of action with a knee injury since February. He underwent knee surgery in Australia and also suffered a stress fracture in his back.

Sami was dropped during the home series against India.

The selectors have called up uncapped wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider and recalled opener Taufeeq Umar who last played in March, 2005, against India in Kolkata.

Altaf said Asif, Rana Naved and Afridi were exempted from attending the first phase of the camp as they were playing county cricket in England.

Squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq, Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Faisal Iqbal, Shahid Afridi, Bazid Khan, Asim Kamal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Danish Kaneria, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Asif, Rao Iftikhar, Mohammad Sami, Umar Gul, Zulqarnain Haider.

Ganguly set for spell with Northamptonshire
MUMBAI, (Reuters) - Former India captain Saurav Ganguly will join English county Northamptonshire next month as a temporary replacement for Australian batsman Chris Rogers.

"I just want to go out there and play cricket," Ganguly told Reuters by telephone from Kolkata on Thursday.

Frozen out of the national side in February, the 33-year-old Ganguly is due to arrive in Britain on June 15 ahead of his five-week stint in English county cricket.

Northamptonshire had shown considerable interest in the left-handed batsmen to stand in for overseas player Rogers, who has been called up for Australia A duty from June 26 to July 29.

"Ganguly is our first choice replacement," Northamptonshire's chief executive Mark Tagg was quoted as saying on the club's Web site.

"A player of his stature and experience would be a great asset to the club, particularly during the Twenty20 Cup (played though June)."

This will be Ganguly's third stint in county cricket after spells at Lancashire in 2000 and Glamorgan last season.

The country's most successful test captain, Ganguly was sacked as skipper, replaced by Rahul Dravid, and dropped last October after a row with coach Greg Chappell.

Indian selectors effectively ended Ganguly's international career earlier this year when they opted for youth in the squad during the home series against England.

Ganguly scored 5,221 runs in 88 tests and led the side to a record 21 victories as test captain before lost form and injury problems cost him a place in the team.

He tallied 10,123 runs in 279 one-day internationals.

England's Walcott will be youngest player at World Cup
LONDON, (Reuters) - England's Theo Walcott will be the youngest player at the World Cup finals in Germany, FIFA said, yesterday.

Tunisia's 40-year-old goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel will be the oldest player at the tournament which starts on June 9.

The 17-year-old Walcott's call-up was a major surprise with the striker yet to start a first team game for Arsenal. Walcott could become the youngest player since Pele in Sweden in 1958 to score a goal at the finals.

Boumnijel, should he feature for the North African side, will become the fifth oldest player in World Cup history behind Cameroon's Roger Milla, Northern Ireland's Pat Jennings, England's Peter Shilton and Italian Dino Zoff.

One hundred and two of the 736 players registered by the 32 teams in the finals play in England.

Ullrich and Basso dominate Giro time trial
By Stephen Farrand

Ullrich won the stage in a time of 58 minutes 48 seconds to take his first victory of the 2006 season. Basso was second 28 seconds adrift but strengthened his grip on the overall race lead.

The 28-year-old CSC rider now leads Spain's Jose Gutierrez by 2:48 and Ukraine's Serhiy Honchar is third at 3:24.

All his Italian rivals for overall victory are further behind. Paolo Savoldelli is now fourth at 3:26, Damiano Cunego is eighth at 6:54, Gilberto Simoni is ninth at 7:13 and Danilo Di Luca is 10th at 7:33.

Basso was pleased with his performance but refused to say he had already gained enough to win the Giro.

"It's nice to have performed so well but we're only at the halfway point of the Giro," he told reporters.

"I've got a lead and that's comforting but there is still a long way to go and a lot of tough mountain stages to come.

"Everything has gone well so far but I'm keeping my feet on ground. I'm not trying to be modest but when you lose an hour on one stage like I did last year, you are always ready for the worst.

"I'm going to the race one stage at a time and will say I've won when we reach Milan on May 28."

Ullrich is using the Giro as preparation for July's Tour de France. His early season was affected by a knee problem but his stage victory showed his season is now back on track.

"I'm very happy with my ride. I was second fastest at the intermediate time check and so I decided to go 100 percent to try and win," he said.

"I'm riding the Giro as training for the Tour de France. There are stages were I'll give 100 percent but there are other stages were I'll save myself for the Tour.

"I can't win both the Giro and the Tour but I like the Giro and I'm happy to have won a stage. It shows I'm on the right track for the Tour."

The Giro heads north today with a 171-kms road race stage from Livorno to Sestri Levante.

Italian tax police search Juve offices, players' homes
By Paola Italiano
TURIN, Italy, (Reuters) - Italian tax police searched the offices of soccer champions Juventus, already reeling from allegations of match-fixing, and the homes of two of their top players, yesterday.

Police entered Juve's HQ as part of an investigation into the club's dealings in the transfer market and also visited the homes of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, an investigative source told Reuters.

Transcripts of telephone conversations of Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi discussing the signings of the two players have been published in Italian newspapers. Neither Ibrahimovic nor Cannavaro are under investigation by authorities.

Magistrates have placed Juve's chief executive officer Antonio Giraudo and Moggi, who resigned last week, under investigation on suspicion of false accounting relating to the club's transfer dealings.

Legal sources said police had seized documents relating to the club's signing of players from foreign teams. The search warrant cited suspected irregular payments outside the terms of the players' contracts, an investigative source said.

The search warrant also cited a possible irregular payment to Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam, which signed a 16 million euro deal with Juventus in 2004 transferring Ibrahimovic to Juventus, an investigative source said.

"We are not worried," Luigi Chiappero, a lawyer for Juventus said. "These are documents that we have always made available to judicial authorities."

Ajax officials could not be reached for comment.

"I've never had an illegal contract," ANSA news agency quoted Cannavaro as saying.

PERSONAL RESIDENCES
The investigative source said that police were also visiting the personal residences of Moggi. Juventus denied Giraudo's home had been visited.

Investigative sources in Naples said the police had visited the home of Moggi's son Alessandro as part of a probe into the operations of his soccer management company GEA World.

Juventus shares closed down 9.2 percent at 1.3360 euros, against a 0.58 percent dip in the overall market.

The club, winner of the Italian league title for the second year running on Sunday, has lost more than 40 percent of its market value since May 9, before the board resigned, and is now worth about 165.7 million euros ($213.7 million).

Juventus faces possible relegation to Serie B if its officials are found guilty of attempting to influence the outcome of matches.

The telephone transcripts showed Moggi discussing referees with the man responsible for refereeing appointments in Italy.

The country's referees association said on Thursday it had provisionally suspended all the referees under investigation.

TURIN INVESTIGATION
Juventus said earlier this week that Carlo Sant'Albano, chief executive of the Agnelli family's holding company Ifil which controls the club, would be put in temporary charge of Juventus at a board meeting set for today.

The Turin investigation is one of several to have rocked Italian football this month.

In Naples, 41 people including officials of several clubs, referees and Football Federation executives are under investigation for suspected match-fixing.

The president and vice-president of Italy's federation resigned last week and it was put under emergency administration.

Administrator Guido Rossi, the 75-year-old former head of the stock market regulator, spent 2-1/2 hours with Naples magistrates on Thursday.

Judicial sources said that the meeting had discussed how and when investigators would pass on documents to the federation.

Officials from six-times European champions AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina are also under investigation by magistrates.

European soccer's governing body UEFA needs to know by June 5 the list of clubs who will play in next season's two European competitions. There are concerns a federation investigation into the telephone taps will not be completed by then.

A UEFA spokesman said it was ready to listen to any application for an extension from the Italians when the executive meets in Scotland on Monday.

The draw for the qualifying rounds take place on June 24.

Blatter boosts World Cup coverage in Bangladesh
DHAKA, (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has intervened personally to more than double the coverage of next month's World Cup in soccer-crazy Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi journalists, originally granted only four accreditations, asked Blatter to help when he visited their country to open last month's AFC Challenge Cup and they have now received six extra passes to cover the tournament.

Millions of soccer fans in Bangladesh stay up late at night to watch World Cup matches on television, and newspaper circulation rises as the country's 140 million people look for news of their favourite teams.

"It's really encouraging for us. The presence of increased numbers of Bangladeshi journalist at the tournament will help soccer fans in the country to know more about their favourite teams," Anwarul Haq, general secretary of the Bangladesh Football Federation, told Reuters.

Badminton tourney opens at Saints
SCHOOL players will clash in Singles competition staged by the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) at the St. Stanislaus College from tomorrow at 10:00 h.

Boys and girls from the upper and the lower school can enter.

Already for the year, Queens’ College and the Bishops’ High school have held successful competitions, as the GBA aim to use this year to spread the game at the junior level.

Some junior players from those tournaments represented Guyana at an Easter tournament in Suriname last month.