Three families homeless after Kitty fire
By Michel Outridge
Three families, which amounted to some 15 people, were displaced yesterday afternoon as their wooden two flat house, which is located at Lot 127 Thomas Street, Kitty was razed by fire, which they claimed started from a faulty electrical wiring to the building.

Black smoke and water filled the air as many watched in horror yesterday afternoon as the Lot 127 Thomas Street house was completely razed by fire, which they suspect, started from a faulty electrical connection to the two flat building.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived on scene yesterday two fire tenders from the Guyana Fire Service coupled with dozens of fire men were desperately trying to save the building, which was engulfed in flames.

The house was razed within minutes but the nearby Emmanuel's Tabernacle, Kitty Assembly of God Church was saved along with the neighbouring houses.

According to a resident, Perry White, who assisted to lift an elderly woman from the upper flat of the burning house said that about 3:30 pm he noticed smoke coming from the top flat of the house and immediately realized it was fire and ran to help.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that he lift the woman who is about 85-year-old out of the house while it was engulfed in fire and managed to fetch some furniture out of the bottom flat of the house.

He said that the Guyana Fire Service responded within 15 minutes of the distress call and quickly doused the other surrounding buildings.

According to Rajesh Singh, 22, an occupant, he was at work emptying a container when he received the dreadful news.

The visibly shaken young man related that he was an occupant of the bottom flat apartment, which housed about 10 people.

He said that their losses amount to millions while he stood gazing at what was left of the house he lived in.

Samantha Da Silva, an occupant of the bottom flat apartment said that she had just stepped out about 10 minutes and there was no fire and shortly after heard that her house was on fire and ran to see all her worldly possessions up in flames.

"We did call many times for GPL to come and fix the faulty wiring to this house but they never came and today it has cost me millions in losses and I don't know where I will go," she cried.

The grief stricken woman related that all that is left standing is her satellite dish, which was clearly visible.

She said that some seven people occupy the apartment with her including two children and she doesn't know what is her next move since her husband is away at work in the interior.

According to Perry White, only an elderly woman was at home when the fire started but was unable to vacate the building unaided, she was rescued by him minutes after the building was up in flames.

Philip Smith, a neighbour told the Guyana Chronicle that he saw the roof of the upper flat of the building in flames and rushed to see how he could assist and managed to save a puppy, which was cuddled in the arms of a media personnel yesterday during the fire.

A large crowd had converged at the scene yesterday and many pitched in and helped the Guyana Fire Service to put out the blaze to other nearby houses.

Salt & Pepper invades downtown Stabroek with Food Court
..It is not the cost, but the purpose that is important - Eric Nicholas, franchise holder
GINA- Salt & Pepper has done it again, this time with the opening of a $30M Food Court in a three-storeyed building in the busy downtown area, at 14A Croal and Longden Streets, just opposite Demico House yesterday.

The Salt & Pepper Food Court, is the fourth such venture by Franchise Holders Eric and Thelma Nicholas of the Salt & Pepper subsidiaries - Salt & Pepper, Robb Street; Chicken House, Regent Street and Vreed-en-Hoop and Salt & Pepper, New York.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, currently performing the duties of President assisted petite Chelsea Nicholas in cutting the ceremonial ribbon for Georgetown’s latest giant food business which is complete with a diner, roti shop, soup section, and ice-cream parlour. It also offers a variety of pastries and provides employment for 50 persons

Mr. Hinds in his remarks, commended the franchise holders for “a brilliant idea” and making it a reality. He noted that the strategic location of the Food Court is not only convenient for customers, but serves to beautify the downtown area.

He remarked that the Food Court brings to mind the idea of an old poem “I want to build this country,” adding that in the context, the venture is seen as an important one as everyone wants a better life and a better Guyana.

But he added, few are prepared to invest the time and money to aid in the developmental process.

More than two decades ago Salt & Pepper opened its first doors in Georgetown and this latest venture Mrs. Nicholas said, was her husband’s idea. It is largely financed by the Salt &Pepper outlet in New York.

Asked about their reservations regarding investing in Guyana, Mrs. Nicholas remarked, “None at all. I believe that wherever people are, investment should be, and Georgetown has people.”

The God-fearing businesswoman who urged potential investors to make the step as Guyana has many possibilities, declared that her family has no fear that they will fail as “God is with us.”

She was high in praise of God for their success so far, adding that she and her family are confident “God will protect us,” in respect to the crime rate in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nicholas noted that it is not the cost of the building but its purpose that is important to him. In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA),

Mr. Nicholas reiterated that in addition to providing employment for persons, the venture will go a far way in enhancing the appearance of the Stabroek area.

The concrete building, which was in an unfinished state for years, was formerly owned by an overseas-based Guyanese, Victor Bourne, who is deceased.

Bandits heist $1M from West Dem filling station
By Michel Outridge
The Esso Filling Station at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, was broken into yesterday morning and robbed of over $1M in cash and equipment by five masked, armed bandits.

According to proprietor, Hansraj Ori, 52, he received a call from the Vreed-en Hoop Police Station about 3:00 am Thursday morning and was told that his business was broken into and robbed.

The man estimated his loss at over $125,000 in cash and in excess of $1 million worth of equipment; lube oil, generator, fire extinguishers, spare parts and other articles.

The bandits gained entry to the building by cutting the wire fence after emerging from two speedboats.

The night watchman, Rampersaud, was slapped and tied up by the bandits.

Rampersaud managed to free himself after they left and reported the matter to the police.

The watchman said that the robbery occurred shortly after 2:00 am yesterday.

A speedboat loaded with lube oil and other heavy equipment was recovered. It was still tied to the spot where the bandits cut the fence.

Ori said that in their haste for a speedy getaway the bandits abandoned the boat and were seen jumping the fence after an alarm was raised.

Several pieces of clothing, a pair of boots and other items were also found in the boat and the boat was taken to Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station as investigation is continuing.

The owner told the Guyana Chronicle that this was the 5th robbery he had endured in the 18 years he has been in business.

When the five other employees showed up for work yesterday morning they were in a state of shock.

"I am opening as per norm but I am greatly affected by this robbery. This same time last year I was robbed of millions. But this business is my livelihood, I must go on," said the man yesterday during an interview.

Guyana Nite set for tomorrow
By Chamanlall Naipaul
The buy local promotional event "Guyana Nite" is billed for this Saturday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground under the slogan "Made in Guyana, Grown in Guyana."

At a press briefing yesterday Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock and acting Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh said that over the years the promotional event has grown tremendously with increasing participation from local business entities and private business persons. And because of this the event had to be shifted from Thirst Park, where it was traditionally held since its inception, to the present venue, which has greater accommodation.

The event promises to be a spectacle because apart from the showcasing mainly of Guyana's agricultural-based products, there will be a family atmosphere with several games, rides, music and other forms of entertainment.

Several new products would be on show for the first time and the company Amazon Caribbean Limited, which produces organic Heart of Palm will be launching its organic pineapple chunks, while Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) which now has the most modern juice factory in the Caribbean will showcase its TOPCO line of products and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) will display its new packaged sugar Demerara Gold. Banks DIH will have a wide array of products including its variety of bread and products cereals a which have been finding markets in the Caribbean and C & F Meat Centre which has been involved in the organisation of the event since its beginning will have on board its traditional meats and meat products. Omai peanut butter will be another new local product that will be showcased.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) and Chairman of the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC), Geoff DaSilva stressed that the main message of the promotional event that must be communicated to the public is that the products is "100% Guyana and 100% quality" and that they should support local businesses.

Marketing Director of Banks DIH, George McDonald and Paul Fraser both said that their companies are proud to have been associated with Guyana Nite since its inception.

DaSilva disclosed that Sterling Products Limited has acquired state of the art machinery for the manufacturing of several types of margarine, which would be on display at the exhibition.

General Manager of NGMC, Nizam Hassan said in addition to the wide range of products from a large number of local companies that would be on display the NGMC would be disseminating information on marketing, preservation and post-harvest technology for the benefit of farmers, entrepreneurs, students and the general public.

As a result of the Guyana Nite promotions several local products have found markets in several Caribbean countries, notably Suriname, Antigua and Trinidad.

Another similar event is planned for the Essequibo during October and will be referred to as "Essequibo Nite."

Housing Minister impressed with Barama's model houses
GINA - Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Shaik Baksh, on Tuesday visited the Grove Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara to inspect two low-income model houses built by the Barama Company.

The Minister, after inspecting the houses, stated that he was pleased with the structures and hopes that Barama would soon 'build hundreds of houses in support of the Government's housing drive'.

Minister Baksh noted that there were about five developers in the Grove area already and urged more companies to come forward so that the rate of occupancy could increase in the housing scheme.

A representative of Barama, Mr. Lallram, explained to the Government Information Agency (GINA) that Barama is equipped with an excellent quality of 'hardwoods' including greenheart, and therefore the company feels that they could make a significant contribution to the Ministry of Housing's housing programme.

He further noted that the cost of the houses is quite reasonable and 'ordinary' people will be able to afford them.

The Barama Company, a Malaysian logging company, that deals with refining and exporting wood, recently embarked on the housing project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Water.

They are expected to hold talks with the National Bank of Industry and Commerce (NBIC) to finance the project, which will result in hundreds of low-cost houses being built in the Grove Housing Scheme.

Guyana in CARIFESTA's grand market
The Grand market at the Eighth Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA VIII), currently being observed in neighbouring Suriname, opened August 25 with approximately 30 booths on display by the participating countries.

Guyana has a special craft team comprising 36 members, which is participating in the Grand Market and Exhibitions along with members of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, a 12-member group, which will showcase the culinary art of Guyana.

The Ministry of Tourism, industry and Commerce also has two representatives who are expected to have booths in Paramaribo.

Each country will be displaying some of its local products until August 30. These include items such as clothing, craft, art and music.

There would also be fashion shows by Caribbean designers, cookouts, demonstrations of traditional medicine and musical entertainment.

Suriname's President, His Excellency, Ronald Venetiaan, said that the market is an ideal opportunity for the Caribbean community, (CARICOM) to meet each other in the spirit of one Regional Society.

Suriname's Vice President, the Honourable Jules Ajodhia said that the Surinaame organizers, together with their Caribbean counterparts, produced the Grand Market with the objective of promoting the talents and versatilities in the Region.

The Guyanese contingent, which comprises almost one hundred persons, left Guyana since Friday last to become familiar with their schedule of performances, since this was not confirmed at the time of their departure.

According to reports from Suriname, the Guyanese culture group is performing in an indigenous village, Albina, after which it would be performing in Nicekerie.

The Mari-Mari group from Sand Creek, Guyana, performed at the opening ceremony of the indigenous forum on Monday and was well received. They were scheduled to perform again yesterday, at the indigenous Albina Village.

Police lament accusation claims
The Public Relations Officer, David Ramnarine, in a letter addressed to the editor-in-chief of Kaieteur News, yesterday stated that the caption "Vigilance police accused of beating store employees", on page three of the newspaper's Wednesday edition has not escaped the attention of the administration of the Guyana Police Force.

The release said that while they acknowledged the right of any individual or group of individuals to publicize matters concerning engagements with the police, they expect that those complaining/voicing their concerns would be considerate enough to afford the Guyana Police Force the privilege of addressing their concerns, even to the extent where it has to investigate its own ranks.

The Force has never shielded away from this responsibility.

The release further stated, that it is in this context that the complaints indicated their intention to your newspaper at paragraphs 15 and 16 thereof.

It added that suffice to say one of the complaints stated, according to your publication that "he has since filed a complaint with the Office of Professional Responsibility ...", which has since directed to the Editor that they have no record of such a complaint being filed.

None of the complainants have contacted the Public Relations Officer whether in person or by telephone since, Tuesday last.

The release noted that time and again grievances are publicized, when we call on those persons to assist us in our investigation they either do not come forward, take their own time to come forward or make a lot of excuses.

The PRO said in the release that nevertheless, they are proceeding apace with an investigation and ever since that matter was drawn to their attention last Tuesday, a Senior Police Officer at Divisional Headquarters, Cove & John, has been engaged.

He has made contact with the employer of the complainants who indicated that he would ensure his employees attendance at the station, yesterday.

Man granted bail after allegedly carting off hospital supplies
Owm Goatram, who allegedly stole a quantity of articles from the Georgetown Hospital, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday charged with break and enter and larceny.

Goatram, of no fixed place of abode, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge and will return to Court for trial on September 11.

According to the Prosecutor, Goatram broke into the Medical Outpatient Department of the hospital on August 25 and stole supplies with a total cost of $389,010. The items included 50 rolls of bandages, four rolls of plaster and two boxes of gloves.

The Court heard that at about 2:30 hrs on the day in question, the Security Guard on duty at the institution was alerted by a noise in the said department and decided to make a check.

His search revealed the articles missing. Soon afterwards, the defendant was spotted walking along the road with a bulky bag over his shoulder. He was in the company of another man.

Goatram was chased and arrested by the Security Guard. However, the accomplice ran away.

Goatram was placed on $75,000 bail.

Meadow Brook resident denies charges of robbery, burglary
Orin Gravesande, who appeared before the Court on charges of robbery with violence and burglary was yesterday remanded after he pleaded ‘not guilty’ to both charges.

Gravesande of 142 Meadow Brook Gardens allegedly robbed David Alston of articles with a total cost of $1,465. The items included a bottle of Dec Salt and six spoons, and the offence was reportedly committed on August 6.

According to reports, the defendant walked up to Alston while he was walking on Sussex Street, dealt him several cuffs and escaped with the victim’s bag.

Gravesande was arrested after the Virtual Complainant identified him to the Police.

The second charge stated that on August 25, the defendant broke and entered the home of Shief Manif and stole one videocassette valued at $45,000.

Gravesande is scheduled to return to Court on September 01.

Chain-snatcher gets three months
A 23-year-old man, who had promised the Court that he would desist from the practice of stealing, was given a three-month jail sentence yesterday on another charge of larceny.

Fallon Marks of lot 17 Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, admitted to Acting Chief Magistrate Ms Juliet Holder-Allen that on August 21 at about 22:00 hrs he stole one gold chain valued $40,000 from Carl Chowkai as the man was walking along the Avenue of the Republic.

The facts of the case stated that Marks walked behind Chowkai, snatched the chain and then proceeded to run. However, Chowkai, a Presidential Guard, had in his possession a gun, which he used to discharge three shots in the defendant’s direction.

The defendant then surrendered to a Police patrol that was in the area.

In the same Court, Burnell Bobb, (no address given), who was also charged with simple larceny, pleaded guilty and was fined $17,000 with the alternative of four months imprisonment.

The Police alleged that Bobb, who is a mechanic, stole one Power Master battery and one hydraulic jack both worth $40,000. The theft occurred on August 14 at 111Miles Mahdia, Potaro, and the items belong to Bobb’s employer Gerald Rawlin.

The facts of the case explained that on August 13, Rawlin, the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured his truck along with the items in his yard. The following morning the battery and jack were missing.

A search at the defendant’s home revealed the articles.

Ruimveldt man admits to stealing cash from vendor
A resident of Lot 510 East Ruimveldt admitted to Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday that he had stolen $4,000 in cash from a vendor in Camp Street on August 19.

Facts of the case stated that 34-year-old Ivor Grant visited a stall operated by Stephen Edwards around 10:00 hrs on the day in question and requested to have one bottle of drink. As Edwards, the Virtual Complainant, proceeded to get the drink, Grant grabbed the money, which was on a shelf in the stall, and began to run. An alarm was raised and the man was later arrested.

He was fined $5,000 with an alternative of two months imprisonment.

In the same Court, Earl Todd also known as “Bubbler” of Lot 322 West Ruimveldt, pleaded not guilty to larceny. He allegedly stole 50 food boxes, seven cases of drink and one case of lemonade, all with a total cost of $8,100.

Particulars of the charge noted that Prince Patterson, the Virtual Complainant, heard noises coming from his garage, where the articles were stored and upon inspection he saw the defendant, who managed to escape. Todd was later pointed out to the Police and arrested.

Yesterday he was placed on $4,000 bail and ordered to return to Court on September 11.

Alleged thief of nurses’ handbags granted bail
Dreyfus Charles, who is accused of larceny from two nurses of the Georgetown Public Hospital, attended Court yesterday to answer both charges.

According to the Police, Charles of Lot 3758 North Ruimveldt was seen leaving the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Hospital on August 26 carrying two handbags.

It was later discovered that a bag belonging to June Baird containing US$50 and G$3,000, and another bag belonging to Vanesta Bukles containing one umbrella, one bottle of deodorant, one tube skin cream and G$5,000, were missing.

Charles, who pleaded ‘not guilty’ to each charge, was granted bail in the sum of $7,000 by Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, and ordered to return to Court on September 11.

Retain place names that richly mirror our history
I READ with great satisfaction the Stabroek News Editorial of Sunday, August 24, 2003, "Statutes and Names."

The well-written article was not only instructive and timely, but also energizing. Every patriot should applaud the effort.

The D'Urbans, Victorias, Kingstons, King Georges and Carmichaels are all part of our history. What responses we have will depend on our intellectual strength, maturity and vision for a good Guyana.

Be that as it may, unhesitatingly I contend we should retain all of it. There has been an unhappy tendency in some quarters to erase, wholesale, aspects of our recent and not so recent experiences. This is unhelpful, and not necessary.

Some months ago, I asked our Engineer's Department to prepare a paper supported by maps to show streets and places that are not properly named or named at all.

Allow me to inform you that I have almost completed the preparation of a journal about Georgetown. Several individuals and institutions have been contacted to supply me with photographs and information, and the response has been encouraging. It is my view that our young people need to know the truth and all of our history.

This assignment will be completed this week, and the proposal is to invite citizens to offer suggestions about naming those places, by their streets, alleyways, canals, buildings or public open spaces.

Personally, I am opposed to renaming any place even though linked to slavery, indentureship or our colonial past.

As for the Queen Victoria statute, as a young enthusiast bubbling with the euphoria of independence, I was part of the group that advocated its removal. On reflection, it was a mistake and I welcomed its journey back by Mayor Compton Young.

I look forward to the media playing an active part to suggest names for the places to be named. In fact, the process can begin now and persons with ideas of places to be named can write directly to my office. Every suggestion will be considered.

My prayer is that all media personnel will take the lead in being responsible and play an important part in our society.

With renewed congratulations and looking forward to your involvement.
HAMILTON GREEN
MAYOR OF GEORGETOWN

Affix plaque to the Turtle Monument
Permit me to comment briefly on the Shell Co. logo recently attached to the "Turtle Monument".

One no longer "sees" the monument, especially at night, since one's gaze is involuntarily forced downward, attracted like a moth to a flame, to be "blinded" by the sheer garishness of the offensive signage.

Even though the Shell petroleum company deserves to be commended for its generous contributions to and its continued support of the Turtle Conservation cause, this brightly colored, iridescent sight is incongruent with the aesthetics of the monument, detracts from its message and reduces the sponsors from its message and reduces the sponsor's noble act of generosity to nothing more than a cheap advertising gimmick.

In due respect to the Shell Company may I suggest that a small plaque bearing the appropriate words of appreciation in recognition of the said sponsor be discretely affixed to the monument.

Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that while philanthropy is commendable, we should not forget the circumstances that make philanthropy necessary in the first place.
N. WALDRON

Integrity question: what about employee attitude, security?
On a previous radio programme, I heard Mr. Chetram Singh saying that he runs the Goodwood Racing Service with integrity and no one could fault him on that.

I tend to differ with Mr. Singh, who owns Goodwood Racing Service. First of all, if one were to enter Goodwood Racing Service on a daily basis one would be shocked at the service being provided to the punters.

Some of the problems there are: the tellers, whose place is to write the punters' bets, behave in a very rude manner; they're very insulting and abusive. Then there are also known pickpockets in the Racing Service carrying on their works on a daily basis. There's also a particular fellow who is seen threatening and harassing punters everyday when they go to cash their winning tickets that if he cannot get 20 to $100 he's going to beat them up. Or sometimes he would insult or embarrass them if he gets nothing.

This fellow is also seen and heard everyday picking trouble with the punters, threatening who he would "bore up" and whom he would "beat up." This is a serious situation for the owner to take off, because this fellow is going to kill someone or someone is going to kill him.

Security measures need to be put in place to get rid of the bad elements.

Now these tellers, management and Mr. Singh depend on the punters supporting Goodwood Racing Service in order to earn a living from that service. Or else it would have to be closed down.

Some of these points raise here will have to be dealt with, and urgently.
JACOB THOMPSON

An inconclusive piece of scholarship
Interesting as it appears, the letter entitled "Deconstructing Freddie Kissoon" by Dr. Vijay Puran in the Kaieteur News of August 21 is an inconclusive piece of scholarship. The immediate question is why Dr. Puran chose to publish his psychological findings on Freddie Kissoon in Kaieteur News and not Stabroek News and Chronicle which have web pages. Kaieteur is not available on the net.

Could it be that Dr. Puran was trying to avoid answering messy questions from his academic peers in the diaspora? For this reason, I would suggest he publish his thesis in the Chronicle and Stabroek so a healthy debate can begin.

I am at a loss to understand the overall conclusion. I confess I am not learned enough to understand it so I beg for intervention from more scholarly brains. My humble mind tells me that he sees Freddie Kissoon as a unique departure in Guyanese political tradition. With his brilliance and fearlessness, Freddie could make a difference to Guyana's political culture but Freddie has serious psychological problems which he must overcome if Guyana is to see him as a key to the future.

The psychological stumbling block in Freddie's life is that he is living out his painful past. Freddie then has to undergo psychoanalysis. Once he overcomes the painful experience of his childhood, he can be the bright spot in our troubled land. This is how I read Dr. Puran's analysis of Freddie Kissoon. I request to be proven otherwise if this understanding of mine is wrong.

I don't have a problem with a number of conclusions in Dr. Puran's article. Any reading of Freddie Kissoon, any insight into his past, reveal a strong activist role in multi-racial politics, passion for the plight of the poor and determined effort to speak out without fear. But is this the agenda that motivates Freddie Kissoon at all times? Puran focuses on the reasons which he sees lies in the past of Kissoon. Had he adopted a less psychological approach, and devote more time to political judgment, he would have arrived at additional conclusions. Freddie Kissoon is also driven by the politics of failure. A large section of his thoughts are pushed by the politics of exclusion of the WPA after 1992.

My point is that the traumas of a painful past merge with the emotional disappointment of post - 1992 Guyana to produce what we know of Freddie Kissoon. My point then is that Dr. Puran only produced half of the picture of Freddie Kissoon. I am not going to dispute Dr. Puran's articulation of Kissoon's secluded, introverted life which derives from rejection syndrome. Dr. Puran argues this convincingly supplying proof for his contention from Freddie's past. Herein lies his explanation as to why Freddie preys on the weaknesses of UG. According to Dr. Puran, Freddie has always faced rejection at UG beginning with his student days. I don't disagree. But this is only half the picture.

There is another factor at work here and this is connected to my theory of the politics of failure. In other words, I am filling in the part that Dr. Puran has left out. Freddie Kissoon's emphasis on the wrongs found at UG stems from what he sees as the betrayal of the PPP of him at UG. If Dr. Puran is a close watcher of the thoughts of Freddie as he leads us to believe then he would know this because not only does Kissoon write about it, but he displays extreme emotions on the subject. The topic of the University of Guyana is a constant theme in his Kaieteur News column. Freddie feels that he has been excluded from any consultations about changes at UG and this is a betrayal of his struggle at UG, since he was a student right through his lecture status; that the PPP allows reactionary forces to oppress him at UG and those same forces had excluded PPP leaders from UG when the PPP was in opposition. And as Peeping Tom, the pen name columnist at Kaieteur News wrote, Freddie feels that people like him deserved a house lot at the UG site that is now a housing scheme for PPP supporters whom Freddie would see as having done nothing for the PPP when the PPP was in power.

Dr. Puran's assessment of Freddie Kissoon is surely refreshing just as he, Dr. Puran, finds a popular, and influential social activist is surely welcome. But his fault is that being a psychologist (I don't know, I'm assuming Dr. Puran is) and being an admirer of Freddie, he allows the closeness and fondness to affect his overall conclusion. A person has to have a personal grudge against Kissoon in order not to appreciate his long-standing commitment to freedom in Guyana. And believe me, I do. But as Kissoon himself would argue, academics must be objective. I await Freddie's response to all that has been written on his politics and psychology so far.

Kissoon could never be accused of a tired pen.
S.K.S KARRAN

TCL Under-19 final at Bourda…
Maraj, Ramdin hit half-centuries in T&T’s 228-7
By Naz Yacoob
TRINIDAD and Tobago Under-19 cricketers, led by half-centuries from skipper Denesh Ramdin and vice-captain Tishan Maraj, made a solid start against the Windward Islands in the final of the TCL West Indies Youth Cricket Challenge three-day competition.

At the end of an extended first day’s play at the GCC Bourda Oval, T&T, bidding to become the first team to score the double, closed on the competitive total of 228 for seven. Aaron Ragoonath is not out on 15 and Vishnu Narine six.

Spinner Delroy Charles (4-70) was the best bowler for the Islanders.

Maraj (73) and Ramdin (58) posted their second-century partnership of the series, with an opening stand of 116 in 165 minutes.

Both batsmen were scoring their second fifty of the tournament to add to their centuries against the Rest of Americas.

Maraj innings spanned 207 minutes and 170 balls and contained seven fours and one five, while Ramdin’s knock lasted 165 minutes and 134 balls and included five fours.

The two were well supported by a cameo little innings from Jonathan Augustus (39) in 63 minutes and 61 balls and was fashioned with five fours and two sixes.

He was stretchered off the field and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for precautionary X-rays. His condition was viewed as serious.

Earlier, the Windwards skipper Liam Sebastien won the toss and inserted T&T, after rain delayed the start of play by 75 minutes.

T&T played the same team that defeated Barbados in the semifinal at Wales.

Ramdin and Maraj made a slow start against the Windwards’ bowling attack and went to lunch on 12 without loss.

On the resumption, both batsmen opened up in front of a reasonable crowd, which included chairman of the West Indies senior selection panel, Viv Richards.

Ramdin, who is the leading batsman in the series, was first out minutes before tea, when he was caught by Luke Browne from Edwards’ bowling.

At tea, T&T was nicely placed on 137 for one.

However, after the break there was a middle-order slump as T&T slipped from 137 for one to 165 for four, losing the wickets of Maraj, Petrock Nicholas (6) and Lendl Simmons (18).

Both Simmons and Nicholas were dismissed to poor shot selections.

Augustus and Ragoonath then revived the innings with a 37-run fifth-wicket partnership, which ended when Augustus was run-out in a terrible mix-up with his teammate.

Charles then dismissed Ravi Rampaul (10) and Rishi Bachan (0) with consecutive balls with the score on 216 as the Windwards clawed their way back into the game.

But Ragoonath and Narine saw out the remaining overs in semi-darkness before accepting umpires Eddie Nicholls and Clyde Duncan’s offer of light.

Second day’s play starts at 09:30 hrs.

T&T 1st innings

T. Maraj c James b Emmanuel 73

D. Ramdin c Browne b Edwards 58

P. Nicholas c Frederick b Charles 6

L. Simmons b Charles 18

J. Augustus run-out 39

A. Ragoonath not out 15

R. Rampaul c James b Charles 10

R. Bachan lbw Charles 0

V. Narine not out 6

Extras: (b-1, lb-2) 3

Total: (for 7 wkts, 83 overs) 228

Fall of wickets: 116, 137, 147, 165, 202, 216, 216.

Bowling: Mervyn Matthew 6-4-3-0, Nelson Pascal 11-1-30-0, Earvin Frederick 4-0-11-0, Liam Sebastien 20-4-52-0, Asa Edwards 6-0-25-1, Craig Emmanuel 11-1-34-1, Delroy Charles 25-9-70-4.

Smart Touch professional boxing…
Matthews aiming for knockout
HOMETOWN hero “Classy” Cassius Matthews will clash with Keith “Crusher” Thomas for the vacant Junior Welterweight crown, tonight, on the Smart Touch Promotion title card at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Linden.

Some 38 rounds of action are expected on the card, both professional and amateur bouts, in this the third card promoted by former National Welterweight champion, Dillon Carew, in the mining town. It is the second boxing event for this year staged by the promoter.

Matthews is aiming to get his first National title in the professional ring, with a knockout as the two pugilists meet for a third time in their professional career.

But Thomas holds the advantage, having claimed victory in 1998, their second encounter. The first meeting was declared a draw, but many fans still hold the view that Matthews won the bout.

The main supporting bout brings together Orlan Rogers, known as the “Pocket Rocket” and Mark “Pitt Bull” Dummett in bantamweight clash, over six rounds.

Rogers admitted that his opponent would be a tough one to get past, but promised that it would be a hectic affair. Rogers however is a busy fighter, who overcame the taller and more skillful Shawn Pile in the previous card staged by Smart Touch in June.

But Dummett is a boxer who had beaten the best in the Caribbean in amateur ring, copping Best Boxer titles at both the Carifta (junior level) and Senior Caribbean Championships, before stepping into the professional ring on Boxing Night, 2000, with a debut victory. He has not looked back since.

In the now popular female clash and a must on local professional cards these days, Pamela “Grenade” London and Geraldine Cox will meet in a four round catch weight bout.

London makes her professional debut, saying she has no respect for Cox and is sure she will be a future champion.

In the amateur division, boxers from Michael Carryl’s Gym and Young Lions match skills in all-Linden showdowns.The first gong will sound at 19:00 hrs.

Five lifters issued with international licences

The executives of the Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association (GAWA) presented the five with the cards on Wednesday at Olympic House.

The recipients are General Secretary of GAWA Deion Nurse, Sean Cozier, Colin McKoy, Subrina Pestano and Alethea Joseph-Letlow.

According to GAWA, Pestano and Joseph-Letlow are the first in the female arena to be presented with these licences and they are expecting continued good work from them.

The five are now eligible to referee at any IWF-sanctioned event anywhere in the world, but for major events such as the Olympics, the governing body only uses Category One referees.

Nurse noted that the names of the five were sent up to the IWF for approval along with their performance results on the local scene.

The cards were uplifted from the president of the IWF Tamas Ajan at the Pan-American Games in the Dominican Republic earlier this month.

The accreditation of the five now brings the total number of international referees in Guyana to seven.

Joseph Lee Lam and Aubrey Smith are the other two, with the latter being a Category One referee.

In order for the five to become Category One referees they will be required to undergo theoretical and practical examinations as set by the IWF.

Meantime, the association is making preparations to send a five-member team to the World Masters Championships to be staged in Savannah, Georgia, in the USA.

The championship is billed for September 2-9.

Those named are June Bell in the 35-39 age group division in the 69kg class, with Subrina Pestano 45-49 age group, 69kg class and Altehea Joseph-Letlow in the 35-39 age group, 75+ kg class.

Colin McKoy will be the coach and also contest the 40-44 age group in the 62kg division and Deion Nurse as a lifer/manager also in the 40-44 age group. He will compete in the 77kg division.

The athletes have all been exposed internationally and are expected to give a good account of themselves.

Carib Beer 40 Overs League Second Division Cricket…
Bush Lot and Skeldon through to quarterfinals
BUSH Lot Sports Complex of West Berbice and Skeldon Community Centre are the latest teams to reach the quarterfinals of the 2003 Carib Beer 40 overs League second division cricket competition in Berbice.

Both teams created upsets on their way, with Bush Lot knocking out Albion Community Centre and Skeldon Community Centre getting rid of the defending champions, Rose Hall Town Bakewell in their respective quarterfinals.

In the one played at Bush Lot Ground, Bush Lot Sports Complex defeated Albion Community Centre by 12 runs in the match that was reduced to 35 overs.

Bush Lot won the toss, battled first with the opening pair of Rajbanie Hemraj and Karran Ganesh putting on 39 for the first wicket. Sattaur was involved in a 50-run third-wicket stand.

Bush Lot reached 265 for 7 in their 35 overs with Harricharran 40, Hemraj 35,Ganesh 27, Salim Sattaur 24, and Philbert Kellowan 23. Bowling for Albion, Doodnauth Lallbeharry took 3 for 16 and Tavendra Pooran 2 of 27.

When Albion responded they lost an early wicket at 19, but Suraj Sahadeo and L. Lachigedo put on 24 for the third wicket before Ganesh removed Sahadeo, triggering a collapse to 102 for 6.

Shastri Persaud and Suraj Paltoo then did well to put on a very valuable 38 for the seventh wicket but with Ganesh picking up two more wickets, and two run-outs affected, Albion fell short at 158 all out in 34.4 overs.

For Bush Lot, Karran Ganesh took 4 for 19 and Philbert Kellowan 2 for 18.

Over at the Skeldon Ground, Skeldon Community Centre recorded a five-wicket victory over Rose Hall Town Bakewell.

Rose Hall Town batted first and after collapsing to 78 for 5 through some fine bowling by Menard Wilson, they never really recovered and were eventually bowled out for 112 in 34 overs with Michael Hicks top-scoring with 29. Bowling for Skeldon Community Centre, Rahaman Yacoob took 4 for 11 from 6.2 overs and Menared Wilson 4 for 23 off 8 overs.

When Skeldon began their response, they benefited from an opening stand of 28 runs between Peter Grimes and Rahaman Yacoob. However, right arm leg-spinner Phillip Sampson picked up 3 wickets to reduce them to 36 for 3.

Garvin Washington and Tureshnauth Nakhul steadied the ship by putting on 44 for the fourth wicket before Sampson struck again. Washington nevertheless held on to see Skeldon through to 114 for 5 in exactly 35 overs. He ended on 36 not out, while Grimes made 26.

Bowling for Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Phillip Sampson took 4 for 25 from 8 overs.

Loco Motion through to semis
THE Loco Motion male team made their intentions known, of taking the Banks Brewery Hockey Festival title, after qualifying for the semifinals.

After claiming two wins earlier, they defeated a Bajan team, Hot Shots, by 4 goals to nil, while drawing another. Alan Fernandes, Wayne St. Jules and Aderemi and Askofu Simon netted the goals.

The GCC/Old Fort combination had earlier battled to a 2-2 draw with Slough of England, Wednesday evening.

Phillip Fernandes scored both goals for the Loco Motion team.

Loco Motion will also be participating in the mixed team competition.

No word has reached Chronicle Sports on the progress of the Everest Hikers teams or the Police team.

Big showdown expected for Kennard horse racing meet
OVER fifty horses have registered for the Kennard’s Memorial two-day horse race meet, billed for this weekend at the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne.

Tomorrow, Lucky Coin, Senorita and Cheap Trick have been named as favourites for the G1 and Lower race over 7 furlongs, which has been sponsored by Big D and Silvie’s Variety Store. Other races carded for the day are the L and Lower over 5 furlongs, the F1 and Lower, J, H1 and C3 and Lower over six furlongs.

The C3 and Lower event is the feature event on day one with $90 000 being the first prize in the DDL-sponsored race.

On Sunday, the other feature event in the C3 class is again sponsored by DDL and has a first prize of $120 000, while other races carded will be for F1 and Lower over one mile, K and Lower over 6 furlongs and the I and H1 and Lower over 7 furlongs.

The two-day meet will start at 13:30 hrs daily.

National Under-13 football kicks off today
THE De Sinco Trading National Under-13 Inter-association football championships kick off today at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Sports Club ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The first matches of the two-day group matches are fixed for 10:00 hrs involving teams in Group A.

Georgetown ‘A’ will clash with East Bank Demerara in one encounter and East Coast Demerara will come up against Berbice in the other.

Then at 14:00 hrs, East Coast will meet East Bank and Georgetown ‘A’ will take on East Coast.

Group B fixtures start at 11:30 hrs, with Georgetown ‘B’ facing Essequibo in one match and Upper Demerara meeting Bartica in the other.

And from 15:30 hrs, Upper Demerara will come up against Essequibo and Bartica will clash with Georgetown ‘B’.

The round robin fixtures continue tomorrow at the same venue with two matches for each group.

Group B match will start at 08:00 hrs to facilitate Bartica and Essequibo having an early start back home. Essequibo will meet Bartica in one game and Georgetown ‘B’ clash with Upper Demerara in the other.

In Group A, play will start at 10:00 hrs, with Berbice facing East Bank and Georgetown ‘A’ meeting East Coast.

Matches will be 60 minutes long in the group stage and the two winners will advance to the semifinals.

White clinches first U.S. world double
… Pittman upsets Russian favourite
By John Mehaffey
PARIS, France (Reuters) - Australian hurdler Jana Pittman provided the upset of the world championships yesterday after Kelli White had clinched the first U.S. world 100-200 double.

White became only the third woman in the 20-year history of the championships to win the sprint double, a feat beyond even triple Olympic champion Marion Jones, who is not competing here.

Pittman overhauled world record holder Yuliya Pechonkina, after the Russian had appeared to take an insurmountable lead, to win the women's 400 hurdles title.

The victory was similar to her compatriot Debbie Flintoff-King's in the same event at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and more than adequate compensation to the Australian team for Dmitri Markov's failure to retain the men's pole vault title.

As she had in the earlier rounds, Pechonkina got away quickly, settled into her stride pattern and appeared to have the victory sewn up as the field went into the straight.

But the Russian, who broke Kim Batten's eight-year-old world record this month, tied up badly on the home stretch and Pittman seized her opportunity by moving up to her shoulder on the final barrier before surging away to win.

``I knew the eighth hurdle was her weakness so I really sped up over the seventh hurdle and I nailed the eighth better than I have ever nailed a hurdle in my life,'' she said.

``She was miles ahead at 200 metres but that's just the way she runs. I knew I had a lot of strength in the last 100.

FREEMAN DEDICATION
Pittman dedicated her victory to Olympic 400 metres champion Cathy Freeman, who announced her retirement this year.

``She did so much for our sport and I love the fact I am filling her shoes. Everybody said 'will you be the next Cathy Freeman?' Hopefully, I am moving in that direction.''

Pittman said she thought Pechonkina had shown her lack of competitive races.

``I don't think she expected me to come up next to her and when I did she didn't fight at all,'' she said.

White was clearly superior to the rest of the field in the 200, clocking 22.05 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year, in her eighth race of the championships.

Russian Anastasiya Kapachinskaya came through fast in the final strides to take second place ahead of 100 metres silver medallist American Torri Edwards.

White, showing the strain of a demanding championships, said she felt both sick and tired.

``I'm not feeling very great right now. Before the race we were all very nervous, but you've got to learn to get over that,'' she said.

In another upset, Italian Giuseppe Gibilisco increased his personal best by eight centimetres to clear 5.90 metres and win the men's pole vault gold medal.

Gibilisco, who works with Sergei Bubka's former coach Vitaliy Petrov, failed twice at 5.75. He gambled by reserving his third attempt for an ultimately successful clearance at 5.80.

``That was a bit scary,'' he said. ``But after I cleared 5.80 I knew I had a chance to win it.''

Alpha United, latest team to record victory
ALPHA United recorded a victory over Western Tigers who have suffered their second consecutive defeat as play in the Guyana Football League’s Under-18 tournament continued last Wednesday at the GFC ground, Bourda.

Led by strikes from Leon Grumble in the 5th minute, Mark Batson the 12th and Kenroy Pilgrim in the 60th, Alpha defeated Tigers by a 3-1 margin.

Dellon David tucked in Tigers’ lone goal in the 45th minute but was later red-carded for violent conduct.

Colin Clarke of Alpha suffered the same fate as both teams ended the match with ten players.

Play in the competition continues today with two matches at different venues.

Simultaneously at 15:00 hrs, Camptown entertains Alpha United, while Eastveldt and Fruta Conquerors take to the GFC ground.

Meanwhile, the GFL President’s Bowl Division One Qualifiers kicks off this afternoon at the National Park ground and the Police Sports Club ground at 16:15 hrs.

Charlestown United tackles the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the National Park while Police will have the home advantage against Eastveldt.

Two more matches are billed for tomorrow as play in the competition continues.

Some twelve teams have registered for the tournament, which will be played on a round robin basis in the initial stage with the teams being divided into two groups.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage.

Young not bothered about doping claims
PARIS, France (AFP) - Newly crowned world 400 metres champion Jerome Young said he was not concerned about the revelations in the Los Angeles Times that he had won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympics despite having failed a drugs test prior to then.

The 27-year-old American was allowed to run in Sydney after he was cleared on appeal by an internal inquiry following his testing positive for the steroid nandrolone in 1999 and went on to win gold in the 4x400m relay having run in one of the heats.

However, Olympic and track and field officials were unhappy that they had not been informed.

Young, though, said he wasn't going to worry about the story.

"It doesn't bother me," said the Jamaican-born runner, who became a naturalised American in 1995.

"I just want to put it all behind me."

Young, who, until Tuesday, had never fulfilled his obvious talent, finishing fourth and fifth in two previous world finals, said it was of little interest to anybody save the press.

"Only the media are talking about it. I certainly don't want to talk about it and I am just here to enjoy the world championships," he said.

Young could well win a second gold here, as he will head up the powerful 4x400m relay team in the first round of heats tomorrow.

IAAF ponders new rules after Drummond incident
PARIS, France (Reuters) - New rules to avoid a repeat of the Jon Drummond incident that disrupted the world athletics championships on Sunday are being considered by the sport's world governing body.

The American sprinter halted competition for nearly an hour as he refused to leave the track when he was disqualified for a false start in the second round of the men's 100 metres.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said yesterday that a clearly defined procedure is needed to make sure such an episode does not happen again.

Among the measures considered was to remov the blocks immediately from the lane of a disqualified athlete.

Removing the athlete's name from the start list and making sure the announcers in the stadium clearly explained the rules and the screens did not show footage of the incident would also help, the IAAF said after its council meeting.

The starters could also be asked to avoid disqualifying more than one athlete at the same time, said the ruling body.

Jamaica's Asafa Powell was disqualified along with Drummond in the same 100 metres heat on Sunday when they both set off the sensors in their blocks.

Drummond, 34, lay on the track, argued with officials and attempted to return to his blocks in scenes unprecedented in either world championships or Olympic Games.

The American withdrew from the world championships on Tuesday and was then officially disqualified by the IAAF.

The IAAF has opened an investigation into the behaviour of Drummond and an American team official who allegedly advised the athlete not to accept his disqualification.