President leaves for Brazil visit
--- highway link-up, sugar exports to feature in talks
GEORGETOWN (GINA) - PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo is scheduled to leave today for neighbouring Brazil, leading a high-level delegation for talks aimed at concretizing bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Guyana and Brazil are engaged in technical discussions to resolve outstanding matters relating to the Partial Scope Agreement they signed in June 2001. Delegations from the two sides met again in Guyana on May 5-6 this year.

According to a draft agreement, among the issues to be discussed, are amendments to Article 6 of the Agreement, where parties agree not to maintain or adopt new non-tariff measures or restrictions to trade in the products negotiated under the Partial Scope Agreement. This takes into account measures referred to in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1974 (GATT).

Under Article 8 of the Partial Scope Agreement, they will also agree that "restrictions" shall be interpreted as non-tariff measures of an administrative, financial, foreign exchange or any other nature, by means of which one of the Parties unilaterally creates obstacles to the imports of the other Party.

It could be recalled that 63 products from the original list of products put forward by the Brazilian Government were identified as 'sensitive products' by CARICOM.

Of the 63 products, 39 will attract Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rate of duty, 2 will attract a 100 percent preference level, and for the remaining 22 products, a preference rate of 15 percent will apply.

All arrangements for the signing and final ratification of the Amended Agreement were to be expedited and details of such actions communicated through diplomatic means.

It is possible that the agreement could be finalized during the President's visit.

Guyana's product list includes calcined bauxite, rice, sugar, bottled rum, copra, red peppers, plywood, canned Heart of Palm, wooden furniture, sawn lumber, PVC pipes, corrugated cardboard, paper towels, chemical paper, aluzinc sheets and a wide range of primary agricultural products.

On the Brazilian side, the list includes capital goods, such as, machinery and parts, building materials such as steel products, industrial equipment, medicines, new tires and electronic equipment.

Additionally, Guyana will be able to export annual quotas of sugar, rice and red peppers.

The aim of the Agreement is to foster bilateral trade flows through the exchange of tariff preferences between Guyana and Brazil, increase co-operation on trade matters, and participation of the private sector.

Other areas of mutual interest to Guyana and Brazil that are expected to engage President Jagdeo while in Brazil include collaboration on border communities, security matters including control in the trafficking of narcotics and illicit activities across the borders.

Interconnection between highways, including the completion of the Takutu Bridge and the Lethem/Georgetown road link, is also of primary mutual concern.

It has been acknowledged that the Police Co-operation Agreement, which was signed in Georgetown, in April 2002, is an important development in relation to enhanced collaboration between the security forces of the two countries.

This is also important for the successful implementation of the Partial Scope agreement.

Guyana and Brazil have extended mutual co-operation in the area of health. There is an on going malaria control programme.

Brazil had agreed to put in place modalities for the treatment of Guyanese patients with acute medical problems in Brazil under the 1989 Protocol of Intent and has reiterated its willingness to provide technical support to Guyana in the area of HIV/AIDS.

Guyana has indicated an interest in the System of Protection of the Amazonia (SIPAM) and System of Monitoring of the Amazonia (SIVAM) project.

The SIVAM/SIPAM project is a sophisticated plan conceived for monitoring the Amazon Region on the Brazilian side.

It utilises the monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum, control of the occupation and use of the ground, monitoring and control of endemic diseases and epidemics, identification and combat of illicit activities, monitoring and control of air traffic and support to control fluvial circulation.

SIVAM/SIPAM also supports research into the biodiversity of the Amazon forest and methods aimed at the sustainable development of the Region.

The Amazon forest extends to several countries including Guyana, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Suriname and French Guiana and covers an area of approximately 5 million square kilometres, almost the size of Australia or the United States.

The Amazon River is 6,868 km. in length. At its deepest point, the river reaches a depth of 120 metres.

The Amazon Basin is the largest freshwater reservoir on earth, containing almost one-fifth of the world's fresh water.

According to the Environemtnal Protection Agency of Guyana, the Amazon Region contains about one-half of all species found on the planet. These include about 60,000 species of higher plants, 2,500,000 species of anthropods, 2,000 species of fish, 2,750 species of reptiles and amphibians and 300 mamalian species.

Participation in the SIVAM/SIPAM Project could assist Guyana tremendously in the protection and sustainable use of its resources in the Amazon Region.

Regent Street accident...
Driver died after impact threw him into canal
A BUS reportedly speeding east along Regent Street slammed into a car at New Garden Street junction, throwing the driver into the canal and killing him in the process on Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident the zone 40 bus, operating the Kitty/Campbelville route was proceeding east along Regent Street at a fast rate when it hit the car, a white Toyota Corolla PEE 4624, which was traveling north across Regent Street along New Garden Street.

The force of the impact sent the car careening wildly in the direction of the canal adjacent to the Guyana Cricket Club.

The careening car crashed into the koker partially dislodging it in the process before coming to a sudden halt and deposited the driver into the canal. He was the sole occupant of the car.

According to reports received the driver of the bus left the scene of the accident and has not reported to the police up to press time, the owner of the bus however turned up at the scene of the accident.

A resident informed the Guyana Chronicle that he was alerted by a loud bang and rushed to the scene of the accident.

He recounted that the bus was parked on the Northern Carriageway east of New Garden Street a few feet from the place of impact and the car was perched on the edge of the canal on the northern side of Regent Street, east of New Garden Street hanging precariously over the trench and suspended by the koker.

He said that he observed several public-spirited citizens plunging into the trench and fishing out the driver of the car.

The resident said that they attempted to revive the man with artificial resuscitation several times before stopping a truck and rushing him to the Georgetown Hospital.

He was however pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Members of the traffic department turned up half an hour after the accident, a police source explained that they were delayed in coming because they were at the scene of another accident on the East Bank of Demerara.

The driver of the car was in possession of a handgun at the time of the accident. The weapon was removed from the driver's person by a senior police officer on the scene of the accident after it was discovered when the driver was being lifted out of the canal.

It was subsequently lodged in the Police Armory.

Police are investigating.


Two in fatal Craig accident remain hospitalized
Two persons are presently hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital after the Sunday morning accident at Craig, East Bank Demerara involving a minibus.

The route 44 minibus BGG 5013 toppled on the Craig Public Road on Sunday afternoon and killed 30-year-old Viswardeo Persaud and injured five of his friends.

Persaud of Lot 275 Grove Housing Scheme received the brunt of the impact. The top of his skull was completely scraped off, he was covered in blood, and his death was instantaneous.

Injured are Pramdeo Lalji, the driver, Deoram Ramsroop, Hariram Lalje and Devanand Chatterpaul and another passenger who was sustained minor injuries.

The driver of the minibus Pramdeo Lalji, 32 of Lot 32 Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara is hospitalized with severe head injuries, he also said that he is experiencing pains in his back.

He was vomiting blood yesterday when the Guyana Chronicle visited, many of his relatives who had gathered at his bedside were outraged because they claimed that Lalji had not received medical attention while lying in the hospital.

Lalji's condition worsen yesterday during their visit and they are contemplating his transfer to another hospital for treatment.

He said that he is still in a state of shock but grateful to be alive, he did not make a statement about the accident.

The father of one said he doesn't want to make any statements regarding the accident until he has fully recovered.

While Deoram Ramsroop, 23 of Lot 286 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara sustained injuries to his head and right leg with lacerations about the body.

Ramsroop was discharged yesterday.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that about 1:00 pm he was with five others traveling, after leaving a barbeque at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara when the accident occurred.

He related that he could not recall what happened because he was intoxicated at the time tragedy struck.

Ramsroop said that Persaud had asked for a drop home in the minibus, he was also at the barbeque.

Initial reports state that the minibus was approaching the Craig turn at a very fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of the minibus causing it to crash into the Grant Bridge.

It was reported that the minibus flipped over three times, crashed into a mango tree and then plunged into a nearby trench

According to reports, the occupants were all hurled from the vehicle, Persaud landed on his head and one of the minibus wheels rode over him.

Lalji and Ramsroop were rushed to the GPHC along with the others.

However, three of the six were treated and sent away.

So great was the impact the minibus almost folded in two and was towed away to Grove Police Station.

Deportee issue with US still not settled
… Government awaiting response on MOU
by Wendella Davidson
THE Government of Guyana (GOG) is awaiting a response from the United States Department of State to the re-submitted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses in detail the conditions of return by deportees to this country.

The Americans in response to an initial MOU, dealt exclusively with only matters relating to the return of the deportees and ignored the social and legal issues.

They also failed to address the issue of providing the deportees with some opportunity to access resources they had in America and was accessible to them, which the Guyana Government had raised, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said in an invited comment to the Chronicle.

He noted that while the Government does not believe that their engagements with the Americans would stem the influx of deportees being returned here, stringent efforts are being made to implement the MOU, including the clauses they feel would go a far way towards ameliorating the conditions of the deportees.

According to Dr Luncheon, many deportees have shown how uncharitable the decision and the timeframe within which the decision to deport them was given effect, has been.

Also, many have shown that the possibility exists, whereby through drawing on resources available to them in North America, their involuntary stay here will not be as difficult and onerous as is presently.

On November 20, 2001, 14 deportees, the first and largest batch of deportees to have landed here at that time, arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport from the United States of America (USA), under tight security.

Five Days later, another batch number 15 were also returned. In both instances the deportees all of whom have served time in US jails for varying offences, were transported on a specially chartered aircraft.

Their return followed a concerted effort by the Guyana Government to have them positively identified as Guyanese nationals. The failure to met a deadline set by the US, resulted in a ban placed on the issuing of US non-immigrant visas to Government officials and their immediate families.

The ban was lifted subsequently.

Since 2001, there has been a steady flow of deportees being returned here.

Last year too, following extensive discussions between officials of the Guyana Embassy in Washington and the US Department of State, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it was in receipt of detailed information pertaining to the entitlements of deportees.

This included that persons being deported, with the exception of those whose assets were seized in connection with a criminal conviction may transfer their assets from the United States to Guyana.

The information forwarded by the US Department of State stated too, that deportees can receive Social Security retirement and disability benefits. However, for wives, widows and children of deportees to receive dependent and survivor benefits in Guyana, the deportees had to be living in the United States for a minimum of five years.

The eligibility for Social Security benefits requires a minimum of 40 quarters of covered work. Individuals are normally eligible to obtain their benefits when attain the age of 67 years.

USAID donates $156M in milk for school children
Shawnel Cudjoe and Kester Thompson
Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc yesterday donated ten containers of non-fat dry milk valued G$156,698,320.00 to the Ministry of Education and Municipal Health Centres at the organization's Festival City Complex, which will then be distributed to school children across Guyana.

Mission Director of USAID/Guyana Dr. Mike Sarhan said that the "donation is a symbol of the US Government continued interest in responding to the needs of those most vulnerable members of a developing country's population, including Guyana".

He noted that for years, Food for the Poor Guyana Ltd has been a worthy and responsive partner and they are looking forward to the continuation of the strong relationship between Food for the Poor and the US Government in providing food and other assistance to and cooperating with the Guyanese people.

According to Public Relations Manager of Food for the Poor, Ms. Vanessa Singh, this was just another example of the ongoing interest that the American Government have in Guyana.

The milk will be distributed free of cost to over 900 schools throughout the ten administrative regions of Guyana with the aim of boosting the Ministry's National School Milk Programme.

Ten additional containers of the milk will be given to Municipal Health Centers and Day Care Centres in Georgetown, which targets pre-school children who are under weight.

The donation of 327 metric tons of milk is made possible from the first batch of twenty containers from the United States Department of Agricultural, under the Food for Progress Programme, which awarded Food for the Poor a grant of 2400 MT of non-fat dry milk for the next three years.

Food for the Poor is seeking to effectively serve children, through schools and health centres, who's nutritional and food security needs make them a vulnerable component of the population.

Similar donations would be made on a monthly basis for the duration of the program, which ends in 2005.

Giving thanks was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr. Ganga Persaud who said that he hoped the donation would enhance the needed supply of milk that the school already has.

He noted that the Ministry's goal is to increase the number of students attending school and to increase the nutritional intake of the children attending school.

Varqa Foundation hosts another successful workshop
THE Varqa Foundation of Guyana recently concluded yet another successful National Training Workshop in its ongoing ‘On the Wings of Words’ education programme.

A release from the Foundation, said that over 300 enthusiastic teachers, community members, and parents attended the three-day seminar, which was conducted at the School of Nations from July 14 to 16, 2003.

Topics such as ‘Spiritual Education’, ‘Power of the Holy Word’ and ‘Caring Communication’ were presented to participants during the morning sessions.

In the afternoons, the workshop focused on the mechanics of reading. These were conducted at the pre-reading, initial reading, remedial reading and skill development levels.

The release said that funding for the books and materials used in the workshop came from CIDA Gender Equality and the Guyana Book Foundation.

The next ‘On the Wings of Words’ training workshop will be hosted in October of this year.

RACE, ETHNICITY, AND THE MEDIA IN GUYANA
PREM MISIR, Ph.D.
People entering the media field in Guyana need to understand the social
context of the society on which they will report. Interpretations
grounded in an understanding of social contexts tend to be objective, reliable, valid, and fundamentally fair. One of the dominant characteristics of the Guyana social context is the perception of racism and racial
discrimination.

Therefore, a major thrust among media operatives is to examine the
Societies multiethnic character historically and contemporaneously on the media.

Media in a Position of Dominance
A good grounding in the multiethnic character of the society, both historically and contemporaneously, will enable us to examine the media
role and its involvement in presenting distorted communication. The media, today in Guyana, can be viewed as the central nervous system of society. The media occupy a position of dominance in our culture and politics, as never seen before. The media houses are ubiquitous, and could well be on the way to saturate Guyanese lives. Media houses play a daily role in attempting to influence the governing process in Guyana. Every day, the media evaluate the Government's performance. These daily evaluations aspire to inform and mobilize Guyanese continuously. If they are successful in these efforts, then they are managing public sentiment. Clearly, too, there are professional biases among journalists, for they tend to have preference for items that spotlight recognizable patterns of race and ethnic conflict, action, and drama. The reported items, generally, have a visible and distinct protagonist.

The media as a socialization agent The media, acting as an agent of socialization, help to form a person's identity. This process is achieved through a person's contact with the 'media culture' that presents a large frame of reference. A person's identity is an emerging consciousness. Consciousness refers to internal cognitive and emotional awareness inherent in each individual that mainly arises from learning experiences (Real, 1996:38). In the media, the person creating the media message conceives of it in the messenger's own consciousness. The media message is, then, transferred via a medium to become an experience in the consciousness of the receiver. The person, conceivably, could develop a distorted consciousness and social identity when media reports are consistently biased. In this case, the Individuals personal construct views the world with an inaccurate lens.

As a socialization agent, the media have to mirror the society. Are
the media really objectively and accurately reflective of Guyanese society
in the area of race and ethnic relations? Do they interpret race conflicts in the context of class stratification? The answer is no. Most electronic and some print media present biased and extreme media messages consistent with their particular political party affiliation or sympathy, without regard to objectivity and fundamental fairness.

Media making wrong decisions - media distortions
The media sometimes commit Type I and/or Type II Errors (Medler and
Medler, 1996:175-177). Type I Error is a wrong decision made to reject a
statement of no relationship or no difference among two or more factors. In
effect, a conclusion is made that a difference or relationship among the
factors exists when in fact it does not. Type II Error is a wrong decision
made to accept a statement of no difference or relationship between variables, concluding that no difference or relationship among the factors exists when in fact it does. An example relevant to Guyana is where the media houses are regularly committing Type I error. This particular Type I Error refers to an erroneous conclusion drawn where ethnic conflict between Africans and East Indians is determined as being nationwide. If this were so, then all multiethnic societies are racially unstable because they have this countrywide ethnic conflict. This is not the case, since many of these countries are relatively stable as evidenced by their high levels of social and economic development. The U.S. as a multiethnic society is a good example of relative stability. Pockets of institutional racism and discrimination are ever present and, of course, they have to be
addressed. But pockets of institutional racism are not tantamount to a nationwide racial divide and ethnic conflict.

Let's explore the Type I Error through this notion of Guyana having
nationwide racial divide between Africans and East Indians, in order to
demonstrate media distortions. Numerous political commentaries claim
that racism is rampant in Guyana, and the elected People's Progressive Party (PPP)/Civic Government only represents East Indian interests. The
People's National Congress (PNC) party claims that the 1997 elections were rigged, and as such, refuses to acknowledge the PPP/Civic Administration, including the President. The political commentaries claim, too, that the PNC represents African interests. What has emerged since the last elections, say the commentaries, is a sharpened polarization of the two races - Africans and East Indians. Allegations of racism constitute the main theme of these political commentaries. Undoubtedly, racism is alive and well in Guyana as it is in most multiethnic societies. But is such racism equivalent to a nationwide racial divide producing nationwide ethnic conflict violence?

Guyanese across racial and class lines are concerned with having stable
employment and job security, rising real wages, access to quality and
affordable health care, quality education, and child care, strategic
areas where discriminatory practices can be sought. The evidence does not support the view that nationwide discrimination encroaches on each of these institutions, to the point where Africans are treated in an inferior
way, or East Indians are denied rights on the basis of their race. In
education, both Africans and Indians have comparable rates of high school attendance, high school graduation, and access to higher education. With regard to jobs, Africans are conspicuous in the higher echelons of the public service to which they have traditionally gravitated. Inadequate access and quality health care are found throughout the society to which both poor Africans and East Indians are vulnerable.

In the pursuit of eliminating racism and ethnic conflict, a key indicator is
racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is an act of unfair treatment directed against a person on the basis of that person's perceived racial characteristics. Invariably, a person who suffers racial discrimination is
perceived by the discriminator (individual, institutions) as someone
who is inferior due to his/her race/ethnicity. Racial discrimination has to
be identified and measured, in order to demonstrate the extent of racism
in Guyana. The level of discrimination can be identified through an
indicator called 'socioeconomic status' (SES). SES is a combined index score pertaining to education, income, and occupation. If Africans are the
victims of large-scale racial discrimination, then they would have a
lower SES, compared to East Indians, at each class level. Again, if East
Indians were subject to considerable discrimination, then their SES would have been lower than that of Africans at each class level. But this is not the case for both groups. In fact, Africans and East Indians have comparable SES, since they are well represented in each class division.

Media commentaries, in alluding to racism in Guyana, must provide
evidence as to how the two major ethnic groups are affected by racism and discrimination when they have comparable SES. However, institutional discrimination does exist in the corridors of some institutions, and these have to addressed by the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) Administration. But given the comparable SES of both Africans and East Indians at each class level, the media characterization of Guyana being racially polarized on a nationwide scale, is a gross distortion, and therein lies the Type I Error. The 'letters' section in Stabroek News is a case in point.

Stabroek News' letters - a case study in media distortion Stabroek News continues to give space to the incessant finger pointing between the two major ethnic groups in Guyana. Invariably, with hindsight, ethnic history can be interpreted to support a particular position, without any grounding in scientific scholarship. This is socially irresponsible, as this finger pointing while merely an exercise in intellectual rhetoric, possibly serves the newspaper's purpose of fanning the flames of hatred. In this futile intellectual bravado, each party to the dialog wants to win his/her argument.

This approach smacks of a zero-sum power game where a person always
wins at Someone's expense. Pro-East Indian commentators want to present a positive side to their argument, and Africans have a similar goal. This is certainly not the process for enhancing race relations in a multicultural society.

Finger pointing, historically, is a popular activity among ethnic
extremists. Of course, they are found on both sides of the ethnic camps.
Guyanese from all walks of life must reject this extremist line, as it is
inimical to social development. Stabroek News allegedly seems to be
playing one ethnic group against the other in the same way the imperialists divided these two ethnic groups.

Stabroek News does this very well by allowing space to anxious opportunists and ethnic extremists, in order to lay the groundwork for ethnic and political instability. In so far as these finger pointing exercises
persist, the Guyana society will be perceived as being unstable. This
appears to be the goal of Stabroek News. In effect, ethnic extremists are

quite functional for Stabroek News. Whatever travesty might have been
committed by both groups, let's not remind each other as to which group
has the highest score on perversion. What really is anyone's motive for
wanting to determine who scored the highest in human atrocities?

The ethnic scorecard perspective is applied here. For instance, for a few days in any week, letters present a particular ethnic viewpoint, and
the score at that time may be 2-0. In the other days of that week, letters
will now represent another ethnic perspective, and so the score at this
point may be 2-4. The scorecard panorama is unnecessary, and most of the time the letters present redundant data. This approach certainly cannot contribute to progressive race and ethnic relations.

However, we need to understand the social context in which some outrage
of inhumanity occurred. Let's not forget that the entire framework for any abomination, was socially engineered by external forces. The hands of both major ethnic extremists in Guyana are stained with the blood of inhumanity to man and hatred of fellow Guyanese. Ethnic extremists are peddling their brand of racist pollution, and Stabroek News is a tremendous facilitator. Of course, the newspaper may say that this is what free speech is all about. But such public discourse must be conducted within the norms and parameters of social responsibility
In determining content for public dissemination, the good of the society must supersede any individual's self-interest and opportunistic
tendencies. Guyana is a multicultural society that regresses amid such
inappropriate public dialog. Guyana is a pluralist society based on mutual respect among the many ethnic groups for one another's cultures. Ethnic extremism pollutes this healthy pluralism and advances racial hatred. The finger pointing debate fails to understand the social construction of the
ethnic landscape. Significant intra-ethnic differences prevail for both Africans and East Indians. Ethnic extremists seem unable to perceive these changes in 'Indianness' and 'Africanness'. Their sterile debate can only see ethnic groups as static. In another context, Anna Maria Arias of Hispanic magazine would classify this finger-pointing debate as, "It's stupid. There are more important issues we should be talking about" (Bennett, 1993:A10).

In this multiethnic society, panethnicity has appeared. Panethnicity
is the growth of solidarity among ethnic subgroups. Coalition of different ethnic groups to promote a cause in the interests of a specific region would be an example of panethnicity. Fundamental cultural differences among East Indians themselves are predominantly highlighted by East Indian ethnic extremists, in order to show strength in the Indian diversity. But they use a sterile method to assess 'Indianness', and, therefore, cannot see the emerging panethnicity among East Indians. Some African ethnic extremists also promote significant variations among Africans, and so are unable to visualize, too, a creeping panethnicity among Africans. In effect, ethnic extremists' perceptions pertaining to the ethnicity of Africans and East Indians are not similar to the perceptions on ethnicity held by both Africans and East Indians Solidarity within East Indian and African subgroups reduces the potency of ethnic extremism, and therefore, produces an opportunity to improving race and ethnic relations. Ethnic extremism thrives on the cultural differences within a particular ethnic group. Some have been exploiting this situation
in the name of free speech. However, panethnicity within each ethnic
subgroup has the capability to reduce the spread of ethnic extremism,
the dreaded social disease.

While Stabroek News may claim that they are facilitating free speech by
disseminating all ideas, their constant presentation of ethnic extremism in the letters' section, defies the boundaries of reasonableness,
fundamental fairness, and an irresponsible understanding of race and ethnic issues. Therein lies the media distortion. How can Stabroek News claim to be an objective conduit for the distribution of all ideas when some of those ideas inaccurately, unfairly, and aggressively promote Indianness to the detriment of Africanness and Africanness to the disadvantage of Indianness, within the social context of a multiethnic society?

This line of thinking by Stabroek News, apparently, smacks of a promotion of hate speech. Those who defend the letters' section of Stabroek News, due to lustful political blinkers, may not be able to see the ethnic hate that is churned out daily. Or maybe they do! Extremists' arguments in favor of these hate writings are also not surprising because Stabroek News provides a convenient site for these misguided people to spew their literary filth in the public sphere. The concepts of freedom of speech and freedom of the press are not absolute, for they have to be activated within the parameters of the law and the normative rules of society. The lack of media protocols and a code of conduct generally, can correct some of these media distortions The criticism made of Stabroek News is not that the newspaper fails to allow the inclusion of normative free speech, but that it promulgates 'ethnic and extremist' materials which assault the dignity and humanity of both major
ethnic groups in Guyana. A content analysis of the letters included,
based on the scientific method, will almost certainly reveal findings that do
not reject the assertion of its inaccurate, unfair, inflammatory, and
degrading presentation of the history and culture of Africans and East Indians. Let Stabroek News put this claim to the test by assembling competent behavioral and social science researchers, to conduct such a study. Indeed, Stabroek News will be obligated to fund this research program! This study will definitively support the claim of media distortions in the letters' section of Stabroek News.

Striving for undistorted communication
Media should contribute to nation building by helping to produce a society with undistorted communication. The purpose of this kind of media
presentation is communicative understanding (Ritzer, 1996:155). The
media can achieve communicative understanding through a process of consensus. Consensus itself is reached through discourse, but only when four types of validity claims are recognized by media houses. These are:
· The media presentation is understandable.

· The media statements are true, that is, media houses are presenting
reliable knowledge. ·The media house itself is reliable. ·The media houses have the right to make these statements, provided that the other three claims are met However, Guyanese, since the December 1997 national elections, have witnessed various forces that prevented this consensus from unfolding, resulting in a high volume of distorted media communication.

Freedom of speech & freedom of the press
The concepts of freedom of speech and freedom of the press are not
absolute, for they have to be presented within the law and the normative rules of society. Article VIII of the Charter of Civil Society for the

Caribbean Community stipulates that there should be freedom of expression and access to information. But the exercise of this right requires special duties and responsibilities, and may be effected subject to reasonable restraints for the public good, as may be rationalized in law in a democratic state. Prime Minister Basdeo Panday remarked "I do not
believe that freedom of the press includes the untrammeled right to publish
lies, half-truths and innuendoes about anyone" (Speech in Parliament, 1998). Even the most liberal Western democracy requires restrictions on these two fundamental rights. The U.S., as one of these liberal Western
democracies, has strong statutory measures to deal with 'hate' speech and other racist 'bias' acts.

Responsible reporting The Herdmanston Accord alluded to the creation of a new environment in which conflict resolution can be effected with agreed procedures by both major parties, without the use of accusatory language and distorted communication that may inflame the political context. Media houses must be required to present responsible reporting, for their role is significant in contributing to progressive race and ethnic relations. Responsible reporting requires objectivity, accuracy, and fundamental fairness.

Multiculturalism, a Key to Guide the Media
The history of the Caribbean has shown the biased role media houses
have played in reporting and analyzing race conflicts vis-a-vis invariably
and covertly supporting ruling political parties, especially those parties
that thrive on inflaming racist sensitivities. Sometimes the media do it
under the guise of promoting free speech. In addition, media houses usually present the notion of racism and discrimination unlinked to class.

Using this perspective will not bring real solutions to race and class
conflicts. In so far as any dominant ethnic party attempts to assimilate the other ethnics to its value system, the race politics will endure. The media

by bolstering this evil brand of politics, can only add credibility to this sinister development. Those harnessed with political power in the
Caribbean must ensure the sustenance of other people's cultures, and therefore focus policy agenda on the principle of multiculturalism. Effecting such policies would not only develop a culture of trust, but would obliterate the need for race politics. In this scenario, the media would have no choice but to use the idea of free speech in the name of multiculturalism. The Caribbean has remained and functioned at or below the poverty line for far too long, largely as a result of the mistrust fostered among ethnic groups in each class category. Government's policy frameworks grounded in real multiculturalism will carry positive seeds for the creation of a nation. Individual Caribbean societies will not become real nations as long as its politicians continue to dabble in race politics. Governments with assistance from media houses will have to provide leadership in the promotion of multiculturalism.

63,000 acres of paddy sown in Region Five
CULTIVATION of the paddy autumn crop in West Berbice and Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) is nearing completion.

An official of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) said that farmers had sown 36,000 acres out of a targeted 40,000 acres in West Berbice, and 27,000 acres out of a targeted 28,000 acres in the Mahaicony/Abary area last weekend.

The figures indicate a total of 63,000 acres sown out of a targeted 67,000 for the Region.

The source disclosed that sowing is slowing down and should be completed within the next two weeks since those who sow later than this could run the risk of harvesting during the November/December rains with resultant losses.

The source disclosed that maintenance of the crop is however proving to be a major problem for some farmers particularly those who have received late payments or no payments to date from sales to millers for the spring crop.

“Some people have had to reduce inputs to the crop such as fertilisers because they did not have the cash in hand to purchase adequate quantities,” the source said.

The source said that despite the satisfactory acreage sown, the situation brought about by late payments by millers might cause some problems for the quality of the paddy to be harvested from late August/early September. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)

Water supply fully restored to West Berbice
--Says GWI
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has reported that water supply had been fully restored to West Berbice following disruptions and low pressure, which had adversely affected residents earlier in the month.

The mechanical pump on the well at Number Seven Village, West Coast Berbice, had broken down earlier this month forcing GWI to close its operations pending repairs.

The well at Kingelly, which was also affected by mechanical problems, had been closed at the same time causing low water pressure and, eventually, a cessation of water supplies in several villages.

Divisional Manager Mr. Asquith Hamilton said that GWI had replaced pumps at Number Seven Village and Kingelly and water supply had returned to normalcy by late last week. (CLIFFORD STANLEY).

Auditions for Carifesta completed
GINA - Auditions for Guyana’s contingent to this year’s Carifesta to be held in Suriname next month have been completed.

The final two auditions were held in Regions Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is moving to complete preparations for Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean’s gala cultural event.

To this end, the Ministry is short-listing the number of participants for one month of training, after which the contingent will depart for Suriname on August 21.

“We are going to be ready,” Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Teixeira assured at a recent meeting.

The Ministry is also planning to have performances along the route to Suriname in order to give the artistes more opportunities to rehearse their presentations. And provided that there is enough time, there will be a special presentation in Nickerie for the Guyanese community there, the Minister explained.

A number of bands will also perform at nightclubs among other places during the weeklong programme of activities in Suriname. Video displays are also planned and the Ministry is encouraging agencies and media houses to participate.

Several craft proprietors are also expected to be in Suriname to display and promote their products.

Ms. Teixeira, however, acknowledged that the plans would require a lot of work and finance, but she is optimistic that the private sector would come on board to give support.

The objective of Carifesta is to showcase Caribbean culture and sharing of cultural identities of the Caribbean territories. The theme of the event is “Cultural Diversity”.

Guyana hosted the first Carifesta in 1972. Over the years, Carifesta has been staged in Jamaica in 1975, Cuba in 1979, Barbados in 1981 and Trinidad and Tobago in 1992 and 1995.

Head of CFPA here for anti-AIDS training talks
Dr. Tirbani P. Jagdeo, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA) is visiting the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) during this week to discuss a project to fight AIDS through training and education among Guyanese youth.

According to a release from the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), the project is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), which also supports a number of other projects in Guyana.

The project, which is entitled “Fighting AIDS Through Education” (FATE), is being implemented in 11 Caribbean countries including Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and the Eastern Caribbean.

During his visit, Dr. Jagdeo will meet with the staff of GRPA, members of the National AIDS Committee (NAC), school authorities in Berbice, and other individuals and youth groups to discuss the project.

The basic area of the project is to motivate young Guyanese to adopt attitudes and behaviours that would protect them from contracting HIV. It also hopes to strengthen the capacity of health professionals to provide sensitive youth-friendly services to Guyanese youth.

CIDA hopes to support this project for three years.

The Executive Director of GRPA, Mr. Frederick A.S. Cox feels that this project will help to complement the work that is being done among young people in Guyana and the Caribbean in relation to HIV/AIDS.

“It is therefore envisaged that we will see evidence of behaviour change among our youths with respect to their sexual activity. CIDA must be commended for its support to our fight against HIV/AIDS and it is hoped that other regional and international funding agencies will follow their example,” Mr Cox said.

Present, past staffers showcased at GTV bashment
GUYANESE from all walks turned out on Sunday at the National Parks Thomas Lands Stadium for a grand ‘Bashment and Fund-Day’ organized by GTV Channel 11, the country’s only state-owned television broadcasting company.

The gala event which was all part of the television station’s 10th anniversary observances, featured games, merry-go-round, a variety of food and drinks from local and international fast food business houses, and beverage companies.

Singing, dancing and a fashion parade of ‘Queens’ from recently-held local beauty pageants were also part of the activity, at which the high point was appearances by past and present GTV personalities to showcased their talent on stage.

Popular Stereo Sonics and the Shakti String Orchestra spiced up the occasion with musical entertainment, and there were too, performances by Nazima Dance Group and the Congo Nyah Band, which entertained the audience with the rhythm of African drumming.

Several government officials including Minister of Education Dr. Henry Jeffrey and Adviser to the President on Empowerment Mr. Odinga Lumumba were present.

GTV’s General Manager, Mr. Mohamed Sattaur told the Chronicle that event was a fund-raising one, andproceeds would go towards three charities, the Kids First Fund, the Mahaica Children’s Home and GTV’s Needy Childrens’ Fund.

Children under 8-years-old were admitted free of charge to the Bashment and Fund-Day.

He said that the success of yesterday’s event would play an important part in GTV’s plans to have it hosted annually, and too it’s decision to have the bashment staged in other parts of the country.

“This is certainly the launch of a new phase in the operations of GTV. We decided that we need to take a more proactive role in community and public interest projects that would benefit the Guyanese Society,” Sattaur added.

Speaking with the Chronicle before the event got rolling yesterday, Bashment Committee member Ms Wendy Hermonstine said, “this is basically an event for the staff of GTV in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the company as a state broadcasters.”

The event she added was also geared to give the public an opportunity to interact with the faces they constantly see on television.

There were previous problems in staging the ‘bash’ in terms of dates and venue due to the inclement weather committee members reported.

It was first scheduled for June 1 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown with planned shows in Berbice and Essequibo, but due to the inclement weather, the Committee made a decision to shift it to the National Park stadium.

The Bashment Committee, which is headed by Ms. Wendy Hermonstine and comprises committee members Mr. Mohamed Sattaur, Neaz Subhan, Candida Telles, Dale Johnson, Cordel McLure, Nazim Hussain, Sean Devonish, Hansraj Manbodh and Desiree Baldeo is running with the strap-line - ‘When you buy a ticket, you’re supporting a worthy cause’.

Schoolgirl, 13, missing since Wednesday
A THIRTEEN-year-old schoolgirl has been missing since Wednesday, July 23, 2003. She is Malika George of Golden Grove Village, East Coast Demerara.

According to relatives, Malika left her grandmother’s residence at Golden Grove carrying her schoolbag containing several items of her belongings. No one knows, or can recall, what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Malika is a student of the Golden Grove Primary School.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Malika George is kindly asked to contact the nearest Police Station, or call ‘Troy’ on telephone number, 625-5755.

GINA reports…
Policy consultations continuing but women are better off
THE Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) of Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security and the National Commission on Women (NCW) recently completed consultations on the National Policy for Women in Hogg Island, Essequibo River, WAB Administrator Hymawattie Lagan reported.

She said, in the process, she updated the islanders on Government’s commitment to improve the lives of women and NCW will promote gender issues and act as an adviser to Government on related issues.

WAB and NCW previously consulted in Georgetown and Berbice and Ms Lagan said they received favourable responses in those places.

They plan to continue in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).

Lagan told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that, during the consultations, women raised concerns about education and training, better health care and capacity building and recommendations coming out of the exchanges will be used to draft a new policy.

The objective would be to improve the status of women and the quality of life in the entire society, she said.

Lagan said quality of women’s lives has improved significantly over the last few years and there is now more support for them and their families, with annual training, a greater number in Government and additional counselling facilities.

GINA said Ministries of Health, Labour, Human Services and Social Security and Housing and Water have implemented a number of programmes and policies to make the lives of women better.

Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security continues to address women issues in rural and urban areas and has established Regional Women’s Desks targeting their interests.

Through its Difficult Circumstances Unit (DCU), a large number of women, especially single parents, receive financial and food support.

The Ministry has also provided millions of dollars to purchase uniform material and textbooks for needy schoolchildren.

In addition, approximately 300 health centres were established and rehabilitated countrywide, to make it easier for women especially.

According to GINA, at the end of 2000, there were 141 health posts, 119 health centres and 20 district hospitals while the prevention of mother to child disease transmission and several other immunisation programmes are ongoing.

GINA said baby friendly initiatives have been implemented and beastfeeding promotions are continuing.

Ministry of Housing and Water has distributed 50,000 house lots over the past 10 years and developed basic infrastructure, such as roads and drainage in housing schemes and made arrangements with banking institutions for persons in need to access small loans for building homes, GINA said.

Just a few weeks ago, the country emerged from a 15-month reign of terror in which criminals, invariably referred to by sympathizers as "freedom fighters" or "resistance fighters," killed scores of people, including 22 police officers.

Some politicians, arguing that Guyana could not move forward without reckoning with the past, called for inquiries into police behavior during the crime spree. So President Jagdedo, relenting in discussions with Opposition Leader Corbin, initiated the amendment of Article 197 (A) of the Constitution to allow for approval by Parliament of a Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC).

The role of the DFC is to document any abuse of authority that the police, or individual officers, might have exhibited in their attempt to curtail the spurt of bloodshed, robberies, rape, kidnappings and carjackings that punctuated the crime wave.

Since, as a government of all the people, the administration has acceded to opposition requests for a statutory body to probe law enforcement practices, the same must hold for crime survivors. That is, even as the opposition gropes for answers to perceived police excesses, Government must set up a commission to delve deep into the alleged involvement of individuals and organizations responsible for fueling the engine of crime.

Satisfying the demands of victims without deepening divisions that might have led to the upsurge of violent crimes in the first place must be one of the human rights challenges that the government must meet.

The task isn't going to be easy. Yet the mission is clear.

In South Africa, where a Truth and Reconciliation Commission began public hearings in April of 1996, the focus was on restitution, not retribution. In Rwanda, where the International War Crimes Tribunal began its prosecutions, also in April of 1996, the aim was to track down and prosecute the leaders of the 1994 genocide in which almost a million people died.

As in Rwanda and South Africa, Guyana's DFC is seeking to uncover the truth. But so also must inquiries into the crime spree by those who were allowed to perpetrate it and those who festered and sheltered the bandits who directly committed the atrocities. Inquiries must also track the millions of dollars in cash and jewelry that the criminals took from their victims.

Of course, not everyone agrees. Some question the merit of trying to unearth the past. 'Why not let the dead rest in peace?' they ask.

The answer, we believe, is two-fold.

One, as Newsweek noted in analyzing the line between justice and revenge in the Rwanda/South Africa investigations, is because "violence and repression are often built on a fabric of lies and secrets. Exposing the truth about atrocities can redeem not just the victims but also the whole society."

Two, getting to the bottom of it all would reiterate Government's no-nonsense approach to thwarting attempts by those who relish subverting the rule of law and fomenting disregard for lawful authority.

In another sense, however, the truth of who was behind the crime wave may not be enough for those who've been traumatized by the scourge.

Apart from redemption and compensation, they may want their repressors brought to justice. "There can be no peace without justice," according to M. Cherif Bassiouni, the UN former chief investigating war crimes in Yugoslavia. "When people feel aggrieved, they cannot reconcile."

Admittedly, investigations and/or trials have their own dangers.

What we're after is the institutionalization of a process of accountability, like the Disciplined Forces Commission, that will serve as a credible deterrent to crimes against humanity.

At Berbice Assizes…
State-appointed Defence Counsel for wife murder case
JUSTICE Claudette La Bennett yesterday, again, adjourned the wife murder case at the Berbice Assizes.

The further adjournment, to Wednesday, is for the State to appoint a Defence Counsel for accused Conrad Jonas.

Jonas, who is indicted for the unlawful killing of his wife, Vanessa, on July 7, 1998, fired Senior Counsel Marcel Crawford last Friday.

After telling the judge he had terminated the services of Crawford, the prisoner had also requested time to retain another lawyer.

It is unusual for an accused person to dismiss counsel at that stage of the trial and Justice La Bennett reported the development to Chief Justice Carl Singh.

The case for the Prosecution, being presented by State Counsel Yohhahnseh Cave, is that Jonas fatally stabbed the victim following a domestic altercation.

Man detained after Berbice fatal accident
POLICE have detained a 28-year-old man in their investigations of the fatal accident in which Dudley Simon, 39, was killed on the public road in Stanleytown last Saturday.

The victim, a vendor at New Amsterdam ferry stelling and of Lot 39 Stanleytown, in Berbice, was pronounced dead on arrival at New Amsterdam Regional Hospital after being struck by motorcycle CC 9610.

An eyewitness said, when the motorcyclist swerved, apparently to avoid approaching bright lights from an opposite direction, one handle of his machine hit the pedestrian Simon and threw him to the ground.

The victim suffered head and other injuries and was taken to the hospital in an unconscious state.

Three months imprisonment for jewel thief
PRINCIPAL Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday sentenced Mark Welch to three months imprisonment for larceny of a $7,500 gold chain.

The prisoner stole the jewel from pedestrian Holly Robertson while she was at the junction of Camp and Church Streets about 4.30 pm on July 26.

After pleading guilty to the offence, the convict, of Lot 2 Drysdale Street, Charlestown, also in Georgetown, had begged the Court to be lenient with him and promised to turn from crime.

Coroner begins summing-up in ‘Blackie’ inquest
CORONER Melissa Robertson-Ogle has begun summing-up the evidence to the five-member jury sitting with her at the inquest into the deaths of notorious criminal Linden London alias ‘Blackie’ and his companion Rhonda Forde.

At the start yesterday, the Coroner dealt with the testimony of eight of the 24 witnesses who testified at the inquiry.

Mrs. Robertson-Ogle summarised what was attested to by Dawn Dover, Gerald Hackett, Dexter Dubisette, Eon Pool, David Clarke, Fitzroy Warde, Wycliffe Mc Allister and Steve Merai.

London and Forde were killed in a joint Police/Army operation at Toucan Suites, Eccles, East Bank Demerara, on February 9, 2000.

The Coroner will continue the summary today.

Two jailed for separate thefts in Berbice
NEIL Parmanand, 24, of Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice, was jailed for six months last Friday, for larceny from a dwelling house.

Principal Magistrate Krishendat Persaud imposed the punishment on him in New Amsterdam Court.

Police said the prisoner had been entertained by the virtual complainant, Jailall Byroo, from whose house he stole an $80,000 gold bangle on July 19.

Parmanand had been a guest at Byroo’s home before the theft was discovered and the booty recovered from the place where the thief lived at Heathburn, at East Bank Berbice, too.

Selwyn Jackman nicknamed ‘Dingo’, 30, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, also by Magistrate Persaud the same day.

The mini-bus conductor (no address given) admitted stealing a rear view mirror valued $8,500, property of Patrick Manns.

Manns had parked motorcar HA 4168 on the public road in Rose Hall, Corentyne, another part of Berbice, from where the convict was seen removing the fixture on the vehicle last July 14, Police said.

Magistrate orders whipping, too, for $4.5M robber
PRINCIPAL Magistrate Krishendat Persaud has ordered that convicted thief Herman Frazer alias ‘Sito’, 20, receive five strokes.

The prisoner, of Port Mourant Hospital Doctors’ Quarters, will get the whipping while serving a five-year jail sentence imposed on him last Friday in New Amsterdam Court.

Frazer, who has previous convictions, pleaded guilty to robbing a woman of cash and jewels in a $4,536,300 robbery.

Police Sergeant Fazil Karimbaksh, prosecuting, said the virtual complainant, Zainamoon Rampersaud is a vendor who sells at Rose Hall town arch, another part of Corentyne, Berbice, where she was pounced upon last July 21.

The Prosecutor said Frazer and an accomplice, who is still large, robbed the victim, at gunpoint, of a bag containing 594 pieces of jewellery she was to sell, a digital scale and other things.

Accused drug trafficker refused, larceny defendant granted bail
AN ACCUSED drug trafficker was refused while a larceny defendant secured bail before Principal Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday.

Michael Degoias, of Lot 47 Second Street, Better Hope, who pleaded not guilty to having trafficked 205 grammes of cannabis (marijuana) on July 24, was remanded to prison until August 4.

He makes his next appearance at Sparendaam Court, also on East Coast Demerara, next August 4.

James Fowler called ‘Tractor Man’, 47, was ordered to post $50,000 surety after denying theft from his employer, Aubrey Rodney.

Police Inspector Gordon Peters, prosecuting, said Fowler was employed by Rodney in his North West District dredging operations when the former stole seven ounces and 11 pennyweights of raw gold, worth $423,920, on July 21.

The Prosecutor said Rodney gave chase after the fleeing Fowler but gave it up when the latter whipped out a gun and threatened to kill.

The case has been transferred to Matthews Ridge Court for August 5.

Sonia Jerrick murder trial--
Accused Cop sought gasoline to clean weapon
By George Barclay
POLICE Constable Junior Mc Kenzie, who is facing trial at the Demerara Assizes for the murder of Natasha Jerrick called ‘Sonia’, had asked a resident for gasoline to clean the weapon used in the shooting incident.

This was told to Justice of Appeal Ms Claudette Singh and a mixed jury at the High Court yesterday. The Prosecution had alleged that after the shooting incident between October 22 and 23, 2001, the accused had replaced the missing bullet in the service revolver and had later begged a resident for gasoline to clean the weapon.

Hewburn Boucher, one of two witnesses brought to Court on Bench warrants issued by Justice Singh last week, testified yesterday that early on the morning of October 23, 2001, the accused in Police uniform visited his home in Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara and begged him for gasoline.

Witness said that he withdrew about a quarter bottle of gasoline from a motorcycle and handed same to accused, who said that the said quantity of gas was sufficient for the purpose for which it was wanted.

Under cross-examination by Mr Williams, witness denied a suggestion that he made up the story about the accused asking him for gasoline, because he wanted to get even with the accuses who once caused him to be arrested for committing an offence.

In laying the foundation for the reception of the deposition of the late Detective Sergeant Harry Kooseram, State Prosecutor Ms Candace Raphael called on Detective Corporal Michael Kingston, who testified that Kooseram has since died. Witness also said that he had witnessed the post mortem and attended the funeral of Kooseram.

Another Prosecution witness to testify yesterday was Ms Suzan Trotman, who stated that she was present at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Brassington Reynolds, when Detective Sergeant Kooseram testified in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) involving the Police versus Junior McKenzie for murder.

The State Prosecutor had made application for the deposition of the late Kooseram to be read to the jury yesterday, when Defence Counsel Mr Basil Williams, objected. He argued that the proposed evidence would not take the Prosecution’s case any further, and would in fact be more prejudicial than probative.

Last Friday, the Court heard that in his confession statement, Mckenzie had said, ”The shooting was accidental”.

Constable Delroy Whyte told the Judge and jury that about 1.15 p.m. on October 23, 2001, he witnessed a caution statement being taken from the accused Mc Kenzie, in which he (the accused) related among other things, that the shooting to death of Sonia, was an accident, and that he did not intend to harm her.

According to Whyte, the statement was taken by Sgt. Kooseram (now dead). He also said that at the time when he was called to witness the document, the statement had already begun and although he had signed as though he had been present from the beginning that was untrue.

Witness said that he did not hear Kooseram issue the caution to the accused.

In the statement, Junior Mc Kenzie, who had taken up duties on the very day at Clonbrook Police Outpost, had said that he and other Policemen had left the station that night and went to a shop at Ann’s Grove, where they began drinking Guinness. While they were there, a girl came up by the name of ‘Fine Thing’. She spent a short time with them and then left.

Mc Kenzie, who was armed with .38 revolver from the Station, also said that he was walking along the Cove and John public road, when the weapon which was fitted in his left side waist fell to the ground.

The statement by the accused went on to say that Natasha picked up the gun and said to Mc Kenzie, “Do you want me to shoot you?”

Accused said that on hearing this he grabbled the gun and there was a scuffle. At the same time, Constable Golding, who was there came from behind and pulled him back causing the gun to go off. Consequently, Natasha fell wounded and the gun again fell to the ground.

Constable Golding then picked up the gun and gave it to Constable Nicholson. They took different routes back to the Clonbrook Outpost, Mc Kenzie said, pointing out that the others had preceded him.

According to him, on reaching Clonbrook, he observed that Golding had the gun and had placed it in the Arms Cupboard.

Accused said that about I p.m. he left the Outpost and went to Cove and John where he collected a .38 round of ammunition from Constable Christopher. He returned to the Outpost and placed same in the .38 revolver as a replacement for the round that went off accidentally.

Accused also said in his statement that he had collected gasoline from a man who cleaned the gun.

Accused ended his statement by saying, “Me no go for do it. It happened accidentally.”

Another witness testifying Friday was Constable Eroy Williams of the Tactical Services Unit, for whom a warrant of arrest had been issued by the judge last week.

He said that he was on duty on October 22, 2001 at the Outpost when he handed over the shift to Constable Mc Kenzie.

He had also handed over a .38 revolver with 12 rounds, and a F.M. Rifle with 17 rounds to Constable Mc Kenzie. He had handed over, too, the key to the Strong Box to Mc Kenzie.

Williams said he then left the Outpost for the market square at Ann’s Grove. He went into the shop and bought a Guinness stout and started to drink. Later, other Policemen including Constable Mc Kenzie joined him. They began drinking.

Sonia joined them later and Mc Kenzie bought a bottle of milk stout for her.

In answer to defence counsel, Mr.Basil Williams, witness said that they were having a good time that night, but denied a suggestion that all of them left the Outpost together that evening and that he was telling an untruth when he said that he had left alone, leaving the station manned by others.

Witness also admitted that he has no explanation for giving inconsistent evidence at the Preliminary Inquiry and the High Court.

The hearing continues today.

At the Court of Appeal--
Matthews Ridge man freed of manslaughter conviction
THE Guyana Court of Appeal has freed Mohan Basdeo of Matthews Ridge of a manslaughter conviction and an eight-year prison sentence.

On July 8, 2002 a High Court jury had found Basdeo not guilty of the murder of Pradeep Balkaran, but he was found guilty of manslaughter.

Basdeo, who was represented by Attorney-at-law Mr. Arif Bulcan, appealed against the conviction and sentence.

Last week, the Appellate Court, constituted by Chancellor of the Judiciary Ms. Desiree Bernard and Justices of Appeal Ms Claudette Singh and Mr. Ian Chang, allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence.

Ms. Jo-Ann Barlow represented the Respondent at the Court of Appeal.

At the hearing of the appeal, Appellant’s counsel Mr. Arif Bulcan submitted eight grounds of appeal.

Chief among them were that the learned trial judge erred in law by allowing the depositions of Winston Douglas and Derick Thomas to be read in evidence under Section 95 of the Evidence Act, Cap. 5:03 of the Laws of Guyana; failing to put the appellant’s defence properly or adequately to the jury; and that the summing-up was fundamentally unbalanced and unfair.

Pradeep Balkaran was stabbed to death during a blackout period at a disco at Matthews Ridge on June 26, 1995. There was a dispute between Balkaran and Basdeo over who had shone a torch in the other’s face. (George Barclay)

Too many liquor restaurants in the country
I AND others am most disturbed with the increase in legal and illegal liquor restaurants. Off-License Liquor Stores and Beer Gardens opening in this country through the backdoor process, where corruption is evident, is responsible for most of the liquor businesses mushrooming, resulting in our youth being involved in the consumption of too much alcohol.

The consumption of alcohol by our youths is wrecking the social fabric of our society, which could be substantiated by recent news media reports, print and electronic. While persons under the influence of alcohol engage in family brawls, domestic disputes, serious cases of wounding and even murder - a waste of precious human resources.

It has been disclosed that among the contributing factors for the mushrooming of these liquor businesses is that the standard procedure is not followed in acquiring the licenses but by the back door corruptible method. The standard procedure in a nutshell is that an application must be made to the respective NDC'S along with a building plan for consideration. If approved it would then be taken to the Ministry of Housing for approval where a fee is paid.

The officers would investigate the applicant's application after which a report will be submitted to the board at the Ministry for consideration. If approved an approval letter is then issued to the applicant to be taken to Customs & Excise Department for inspection of the premises, in case of Liquor Restaurant. The Magistrate acting in accordance with the liquor Ordinance Law would have to visit the Premises to observe and certify that it is fit for such a business to operate after which approval is then granted.

These procedures however have not been complied with since there is a man from the East Coast who claims to be a licensing Officer operates in collusion with some members of the Customs & Excise Department issuing licenses to many persons for them to operate these businesses. These businesses could be found operating in close proximity of Gov't offices and places of worship. In Enmore for instance a Beer Garden opened recently opposite a Police Station while a back door Liquor Restaurant has opened about a week now two doors away from the Beer Garden. Neighbors are disturbed from the loud music and expletives - obscene language by patrons emanating from this business, which is a stone's throw from the Police Station.

The NDC's claimed that most times they do not approved the application for these businesses, yet the owners end up obtaining licenses - from the Customs & Excise Department and License Revenue Office, Smyth Street Georgetown.

We, the parents of our youths are saying that since the corrupt have a love for quick blood money, then we are calling on President Jagdeo to put a cease order immediately on the approval of any additional Liquor Restaurant, Off License Liquor Store and Beer Garden license until a public investigation is completed, in view of arresting the corruptions operating in these Government entities, after all it is our children's' future that is being destroyed.

Mr. President we appeal to you, we need to go back to basics for the granting of Liquor Restaurant, Off License Liquor Store and Beer Garden Licenses. In the Colonial era when moral standards were very high licenses for these businesses were approved according to the population of the community.

For example in Enmore and in many other areas along the East Coast where predominantly Indo Guyanese population resides there is evidence there are many of these businesses already existing and many more have mushroomed through the back door method. There is no need for any addition of such type of businesses.
L. SINGH

Do something about airport courtesy, please!
I ARRIVED in Guyana on 9th July 2003 at 9:20 pm after a short overseas trip and after clearing Customs and Immigration my party reached me at the airport terminal. We proceeded to his vehicle in the parking lot. I was carrying one small carry-on and a brief case as my luggage.

On our arrival at the vehicle, four men accosted me and requested to load my luggage into the vehicle, a service I did not need. I was harassed, abused verbally and intimidated by the men; there appeared at this time three children - not more that twelve (12) years of age - begging, and when I refused I was abused by them with a variety of profanities.

I went to the airport on 18th July 2003 to collect my wife and my children, who arrived at 8:00 pm. And again I had to face the same fate as on 9th July 2003.

We are promoting "Tourism", but could the authorities hope to develop this sector with the type of harassment passengers have to face?

May I ask why passengers have to lug their baggage into the car park? Why can't we learn form other CARICOM countries? You travel to Trinidad and your party will collect their vehicle from the parking lot and pick you up in front of the airport. Same happens in Barbados and in Jamaica, to mention just a few. These departures are all done orderly, whether it's a taxi or private pick-up.

We have to be different - or indifferent? Will someone do something with the nuisance as well as allow for passenger pick-ups at the airport terminal building, as is obtained elsewhere in CARICOM?

Please save us the embarrassment.
MOHAMED S. ALLY

Fuel smuggling must be curbed
The problem of dealing with the smuggling of fuel has long been called for by legitimate dealers and importers who pay their duties and consumption and income taxes and then have to compete with the illegal competition presented by smugglers.

Besides robbing the revenue of the country, these smugglers create many dangers in the transporting and storage of fuels and the quality of the products, which they sell, are said to be substandard.

We note in the media that the Government has set up a team to probe this smuggling of fuel and they are expected to make their report in due course, which will have many benefits for the safety and quality of the products for the consumers.

Also, no doubt, the smuggling of other items is likely to be reduced.
Yours faithfully,
Emily Motilall

Poultry rearing open to all
In all my days, any Guyanese youth or adult who wanted to 'mind fowl' could do so easily and readily and reap the rewards - earning cash from the sale of the birds and eggs or using them in the household.

According to the PNC/R now it has become a project, probably with feasibility studies and the employment of consultants to hear them describe what they call the Buxton Poultry Project.

The PNC congratulates these young people who they say had only wanted an opportunity to contribute to their self-development and that of the nation. So what was keeping them back all the time? The PNC?
Yours faithfully,
Melanie McAdams

Vaughan to lead England as Hussain resigns
By Tony Lawrence
BIRMINGHAM, England, (Reuters) - Nasser Hussain resigned the England captaincy after the drawn first Test against South Africa yesterday, saying he felt stale and arguing that the team needed to have more fun under a new leader.

The shock decision was announced by England chairman of selectors David Graveney at a post-match news conference at Edgbaston.

Hussain will be replaced by Michael Vaughan, who had already taken over the one-day team from him and led England to victory in the recently concluded triangular series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.

``I just feel it's time for a change,'' said Hussain, who will continue in the England side as a specialist batsman. ``Michael Vaughan has shown in the last few months that he is a very capable leader.

``I think there are some young lads in there who will play under him and the last thing they want is a tired leader.

``I have been thinking about it since the World Cup, to be honest. It's not a knee-jerk reaction, I've been thinking about it for a while.''

Hussain, 35, stepped down as national one-day captain after the unsuccessful World Cup campaign in South Africa this year before leading England to a 2-0 series victory over Zimbabwe.

But he had said he wanted to continue captaining at Test level in the hope of breaking the England record for Test wins.

DECISION PROMPTED
He conceded his decision had also been prompted by watching Vaughan captain the one-day side in his place during the recent triangular series.

``Vaughnie and the boys seemed to enjoy those one-dayers,'' the right-handed batsman said. ``My style of captaincy has been about aggression and I believe you have to give them a kick up the backside now and then.

``After seeing a young side enjoy themselves so much and have a different style of captain, it was very difficult on my first day back to be something different ... it had moved on a bit.''

South Africa captain Graeme Smith responded by saying he knew something was wrong with England during the game at Edgbaston.

``They (England) were a touch quieter than I expected. I don't know what caused that. Probably that was because they were on the back foot all the time.

``This could be a big breakthrough for us -- it will definitely put a bit of pressure back on Vaughan.''

Hussain took over from Alec Stewart as captain in 1999, getting away to a bad start when his team lost a home series to New Zealand.

INSTILLED GRIT
But he soon instilled his own grit and determination into the team, who recorded their first series victory over West Indies since 1969 as well as winning difficult away series in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

That run of victories, said Hussain, would be one of his personal highlights.

On the reverse side, there were also two heavy losses in the Ashes series against Australia.

In total, he captained England 45 times with 17 wins, 15 defeats and 13 draws. Mike Brearley won 18 Tests for England while Peter May held the record with 20.

``It's time for a change,'' Hussain said. ``There's only so many times you can go to the well in terms of digging deep for your team.

``I've tried to play these mental games but I found myself out there on Thursday and I wasn't quite the captain England needed. I wasn't quite on the boil.''

Hussain, who was named in an unchanged team yesterday for the second Test at Lord's starting on Thursday, said he wanted to continue playing Test cricket.

Unlike Vaughan, however, his batting position is not guaranteed. He made one and 23 not out in the first Test, while Vaughan made 156 and 22.

``Basically I just want to think about being a batsman, picking my bat up and going out and batting.

``If I am good enough, I will stay in the England side,'' he added. ``If not, someone else can do it.''

Sweet Sixteen football ...
Lanferman shoots Uitvlugt/Warriors into semifinals
By Isaiah Chappelle
SHERWIN Lanferman was again the star that shot Uitvlugt/Warriors into the semifinals of the Sweet Sixteen knockout football tournament at Uitvlugt Community Centre ground on Sunday.

In the first quarter-final, reigning undisputed National champions, Fruta Conquerors, crushed Pele 6-0 to book the other semifinal place.

But the Uitvlugt/Warriors and Beavers encounter lived up to expectations, producing a most exciting encounter, with Uitvlugt/Warriors needling Beavers for a 1-0 victory, Lanferman registering the lone and winning goal.

The victory margin belied the intensity of game that had supporters swearing and invading the touchlines and were so engulfed in the action that a shower of rain during the second half failed to dampen their spirits.

At halftime the game was deadlocked 0-0, with Uitvlugt/Warriors getting the edge in attacks to goal. But five minutes after the resumption, perhaps too late, Beavers introduced National Under-20 player and National Under-23 selectee Anthony Harding.

The team stepped up the pace and began to control the game as they did against Stewartville when they shocked the more seasoned team to reach the quarter-finals.

Harding went close to scoring, when he took a free kick from about 30 metres. The rocket shot beat the goalkeeper but crashed onto the crossbar of the southern goal.

In the counter-attack, Uitvlugt were also awarded a free kick and the shot, taken from about 25 metres out, in similar fashion, rebounded off the crossbar into play again.

But Harding was busy and he raced with the ball right of centre, reached the top of the box, but the diagonal shot zoomed past the last post.

Lerone Jacobs was also busy for Uitvlugt, racing with the ball just forward of the halfway line. He drew the goalkeeper nicely, but the defence covered the flat shot to deny the goal.

Then five minutes from game time, Uitvlugt raided down the right flank. Lanferman at the left, collected the pass from right, controlled the ball and in one smooth movement, fired to goal, beating the goalkeeper. The crowd response was thunderous.

Uitvlugt/Warriors will now meet the winner of tomorrow’s encounter between Den Amstel and Pouderoyen.

Earlier, National midfielder Neil Hernandez and Devon Forde hit a double each for Conquerors’ victory, with National striker Anthony Abrams and Quacy Watson contributing one goal each.

Abrams tucked in the first goal when the match was just 12 minutes old, then Hernandez blasted his double, the first goal in the 34th minute and t