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ARCHIVES FOR SEPTEMBER 03, 2009

LCDS to be plugged at World Climate Conference in Geneva
Guyana is to be represented at the high-level segment of the World Climate Conference at the Geneva International Conference Centre (GICC) in Geneva, Switzerland today and tomorrow.

The Conference is organised by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) of the United Nations.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, will deliver an address to the conference as well as co-chair one of the high-level plenary sessions with Mr. Paavo Vayrynen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland.

Scores of Heads of State and hundreds of Government Ministers are expected to participate in the Conference which is anticipated to attract the attendance of more than 2,000 participants. It is expected that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its potential impact on the global climate change agenda will feature prominently.

Under the theme of “Climate prediction and information for decision-making,” the World Climate Conference (WCC) will bring together Heads of State and Government, and Ministers and Heads of UN and other international organisations, as well as climate scientists, world experts in the provision and application of climate information concerned with the implications of climate variability and change.

The Conference also seeks to identify the essential elements of a global framework for meeting the future climate information needs of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the world heads to the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change in December.

Further, the major expected outcomes of WCC-3 are a conference statement identifying the needs for climate services and the current and developing capabilities and mechanisms for meeting these needs, and a declaration that will propose a strategy for developing climate services through establishing a Global Framework for Climate Services.

“Until now, the way that we deliver climate information to some sectors has been ad hoc. What we need is a formal system that all people can trust to access vital information that can save their lives and protect property and economies,” said Mr. Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which is convening WCC with the host country Switzerland and partners this week in Geneva.

“The Global Framework will enable such a formalised system, by boosting the observations and research we have available for monitoring the climate and then facilitating the creation of sector- and regional-specific products and services that will be readily available to all who need it,” Jarraud added.

“Extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions affect all of us, frequently resulting in humanitarian disasters and heavy losses,” stressed Hans-Rudolf Merz, President of the Swiss Confederation, host country of WCC.

“The objective of WCC-3 is to avoid such disasters, and to provide public authorities with the required tools – precipitation forecasts, hazard maps, early warning systems, and long-term environmental prospects. These forecasts have to be translated for decision-makers in their respective sectors like food security, water management, health care and tourism, for instance.”

“We are faced with an enormous, yet imperative, task – to lay the groundwork for all countries, all sectors, all people impacted by climate variability and change to take decisive actions to adapt to the changing landscape,” said Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Change.

“We can not only rely on individual projects or individual agencies to undertake this task. The international community needs to unite to make science-based information on climate available to all,” he reasoned. (GINA)

$2B roads network among Amerindian development plans
By Priya Nauth

SCINTILLATING’: Amerindian dancers entertaining the large gathering on Tuesday afternoon at the official launch of Amerindian Heritage Month.

PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that $2 billion will be spent on developing road access in the hinterland, as Government continues to make investments for improving the lives of Amerindians.

He made the disclosure in his speech at the Tuesday ceremony to herald the beginning of Amerindian Heritage Month 2009 in the Amerindian Village at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown.

The Head of State noted that, in many parts of the world, there is this view that indigenous people must become museum pieces and kept in “a historically intact state.”

But he said: “We can ensure that our indigenous people progress materially. They can dream big dreams for themselves and their children and yet, at the same time, we can create the conditions for the preservation of this wonderful culture.”

Mr. Jagdeo pledged that his administration will never impose on Amerindians any development model that is alien to Guyanese culture and said whatever is done to improve their livelihood would be done carefully and with their consent.

&#xWe respect the right of our Amerindian people to have choices. We have fought a very long time to give them choices and, today, Amerindian people can integrate in society and, at the same time, retain their cultural identity.

A section of the audience at the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month.

&#xSo, last year, when I spoke about the need to develop the village economy, it was out of recognition of some basic facts,” he recalled.

President Jagdeo said serious efforts have been made, since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) assumed office, to better life in the hinterland with the budgets for Regions One (Barima/Waini), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice) where most of the indigenous people live, having all grown phenomenally much more, as compared to the other regions.

But he admitted: “We have failed to dramatically improve income in these communities because of a few things and one major hurdle we have is the distance from the coast and logistics.”

President Jagdeo said each village must have food security and an activity or a couple of activities that are sustainable and can earn income all year round and provide opportunities for young people.

He said the pilot programme has started in 15 communities but that is not the end of it.

President Jagdeo revealed that, over the next two years, tens of millions of dollars will be spent on those communities, based on what the people in the villages think are sustainable and technical help.

NECESSITY

Prime Minister Sam Hinds and other PPP/C Members of Parliament at the launch.

He said, recognising the need to reduce cost of living in the hinterland, which is much higher than many parts of the coast, because of the necessity to fly things to those parts, the expenditure will see several roads being developed there.

&#xSo upgrading the road network in Regions One, Ten and in the southern part of Nine, going beyond Lethem and connecting Region Eight to Region Nine could all be very instrumental in not only shipping things out but reducing the impact on people,” President Jagdeo posited.

In additionally, he said: “We recognise that the time has come for these villages to have some form of electricity.”

President Jagdeo said the Government has embarked on a pilot project and close to 1,000 small solar units have already been distributed and, within four years, every household, among the 10,000 Amerindian households, will have one.

&#xWe are also working and we may have to, at some point in time, subsidise this, but, hopefully, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) will expand its services to bring not just voice but data access to at least central points in some of these communities, so that they can also plug into the future information communication technology revolution.

&#xI think that will take place in this country once we bring in new fibre optic cables and we reduce the cost of bandwidth,” he forecast.

According to him, “We all owe it to the people who live in these areas. For too long, the Amerindians have been left out of development.”

The Head of State said, over the past several years, the PPP/C Government has approached this with renewed commitment.

&#xThis is part of our pledge to these communities that we are going to work every single day to ensure that a child born in one of these areas has the same opportunity as a child born on the coast.

&#xI see national well-being as very important for us to deliver on all of these things. We have to keep growing our economy, we have to keep solving many of the problems that we face at the national level, having a vision for the future, getting our productive sector to be much more competitive globally,” he remarked.

Fast-tracking development in Amerindian communities
A GINA Feature

The new Jawalla Primary School, Region Seven.

Guyana, land of many waters, rightly named after its first inhabitants, the Amerindians, who account for more than five percent of the total population and occupy approximately 139 communities, is home for many tribes of Guyana’s first people.

The nine tribes inhabit rugged terrain in Guyana’s beautiful interior regions where Government has over the years worked diligently to transform and bridge the development gap to ensure that they have every opportunity to develop.

Since the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) came to power in 1992, the administration has remained committed to its objective to fully integrate Amerindians in the mainstream of society. They are now included in the national programme, as well as special programmes specifically designed to assist in diminishing the gap between the interior regions and the Coast.

They now have access to better health care, quality education, school feeding programmes, school uniforms, scholarships, potable water, improved transportation, agricultural development, and assistance for income generating activities.

Additionally, many communities now have legal ownership of the lands they occupy.

An Amerindian Development Fund was established, a Ministry established and a Minister of Amerindian Affairs appointed to collaborate with other Ministries and agencies to ensure Amerindians are included in the development process.

Government passed a new Amerindian Act on February 16, 2006, empowering Amerindians socially, economically and politically. The original 1951 Act became obsolete.

Before 1992, thousands of Amerindians had no birth certificates. The present administration, whose secure foundation was laid by the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, has changed this and today more than 20,000 indigenous people have been issued with birth certificates for the first time, while thousands more are being processed.

Amerindian leaders are being further empowered and 94 Toshaos were recently sworn in as Justices of the Peace. This initiative will ease the burden Amerindians have been facing over the years of having to travel to other communities in order to access to the services of JPs.

Government’s financial commitment
Over the years, there has been a steady increase in the budgetary allocations to the Ministries and this year Government earmarked over $488 million for Amerindian development.

The sum of $234M was made available for the period 2007 to 2009 for presidential grants with $160M earmarked for this year.

The presidential grants programme provides communities with the financial resources necessary to fund projects that aim to provide the required services within their communities and help to make them more economically viable. The projects include productive and economic projects ranging from expansion of village farms, eco-lodges, building dams, providing kitchen facilities for school feeding programmes, purchasing equipment and cattle rearing.

Transportation

Children in the hinterland accessing water via a hand pump.

A fraction of Government’s initiative to enhance the lives of the indigenous people includes transportation, and to this end, several all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were provided to the far off regions. This move has drastically improved transportation and economic activities in the interior areas, since due to the vast savannah lands and the distance between villages, travel was done mainly on foot and this took days.

Kato, Kopinang, Kamapang, Bamboo Creek, Kurukabaru, Taruka, Kamana, Itabac and Chiung Mouth in Region Eight; Karasabai and Karaudaranau Region Nine; and Matarkai in Region One have so far received ATVs.

Additionally, the cost for goods and services is expected to be reduced radically as Government continues to upgrade and maintain the roadways in its effort to make the transportation network more efficient. To this end, the administration is spending $148M to rehabilitate and maintain the access road from Linden to Lethem which is expected to be completed by year end.

This roadway links the coast to the border communities and would be the only major land link to be used by the heavier volume of traffic expected with the opening of the Takutu Bridge, slated for September 14.

Land titling
The Government of Guyana believes in equal opportunities for all Guyanese and is committed to improving the living standards of the more than 70,000 indigenous people.

Today, due to the concerted demarcation land titling effort, many communities have received titles to the land they occupy, while others have had their communities extended. Amerindians now have legal title for approximately 14 percent of Guyana’s territory.

On July 30, President Bharrat Jagdeo handed over four more land titles and four extensions.

Before a title is granted, a community has to be surveyed and demarcated. These measures assist greatly with encroachment by miners and loggers.

Government commenced the demarcation process in 1996.

Education
In the education sector, numerous schools, dormitories and other educational facilities were constructed under the PPP/C administration to ensure that every child is provided with an education, while hundreds of teachers are trained annually to deliver quality education.

Amerindian villages today boast secondary schools with trained teachers, many of whom are residents of those areas.

Every year, the intake of hinterland teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) increases and some teachers are allowed the opportunity of training via Distance Education Programmes.

Moreover, the number of Amerindians entering Guyana’s highest tertiary education institution annually, the University of Guyana, has increased considerably, while the number of students receiving hinterland scholarships has been augmented. Their performance has also perked up.

Government realises the difficulties facing parents and in its quest to eradicate illiteracy amongst Amerindians, implemented a school uniform distribution programme and a school feeding programme. The benefits of these programmes have been visible since attendance at schools has improved considerably.

This year over 7000 students from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 benefited from $15M of the $55M school uniform assistance programme.

Health Care
Over the past 17 years Government has constructed and rebuilt over 100 hospitals, health centers and health posts in the hinterland as part of its vision to improve the living standards of the indigenous people.

Over $100M was spent to build the Lethem Hospital, while several others have been rebuilt, including the Mabaruma and Moruca hospitals.

Doctors have been assigned to some health centers while Government has granted several hinterland students scholarships to pursue studies in medicine in Cuba. These will return to serve their communities after training.

Additionally, many Amerindians have been trained as community health workers, community dental therapists and nurses to advance health care in Amerindian villages.

Health Centres have been given radio sets to assist in times of emergencies and are provided with medical supplies on a regular basis.

These centres are equipped with Community Health Workers (CHW’s) who offer primary health care to residents. Vital equipment, among which are microscopes for Malaria testing, is available in almost every Health Centre.

Malaria has been a prevalent disease in hinterland communities. However, the Ministry of Health through the Vector Control Sector, has been working with communities to control the disease and there has been tremendous success in this regard.

Housing and Water
Government has made provisions to ensure that every remote village has access to potable water through the hinterland water strategy, under which over 100 new water sources were constructed to benefit 28,000 people at a cost of over $90M in Regions One, Four, Five , Six, Eight and Nine. Numerous boreholes have also been sunk.

Currently there are other ongoing projects to improve access to safe water, including the introduction of the bio-sand filters in areas where a good water source does not exist.

More than $70M will be spent soon on the provision of potable water for the hinterland areas. This will be used to drill wells, provide storage tanks, install solar systems and upgrade the distribution network.

The Housing Ministry has embarked on a $200M programme to establish 200 low-income homes in hinterland communities. This will be undertaken under the second Low Income Settlement programme. Various communities are being explored to establish these houses.

Culture
Recognizing the importance of the Amerindian people and their contribution to the society, Government has designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month, to highlight Amerindian culture and development and create a greater awareness of Amerindians.

Persons come from all walks of life to have a glimpse of Guyana’s indigenous people’s creations and unique culture, foods and drinks.

Geoffrey Da Silva appointed new Honorary Consul for Portugal

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett handing over the Exequatur to newly appointed Honorary Consul for Portugal Geoffrey Da Silva

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Geoffrey Da Silva yesterday took up an additional portfolio as Honorary Consul for Portugal in Guyana after being given the Exequatur from Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.

The handing over ceremony was held in the office of the Foreign Affairs Minister and Da Silva, in an invited comment, said he would use the opportunity to build stronger trade and investment relations between Portugal and Guyana.

Da Silva was Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry from December 1999 to March 2001, and Presidential Adviser on Governance at the Office of the President for one year from November 1998.

Prior to this, he served as Consul General in Toronto for Guyana, School Community Adviser on the Toronto Board of Education, and Supervisor with the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, in Toronto, Canada. (GINA)

GDF highlights Coast Guards role
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has made public the operating procedures of its Coast Guard Department. The GDF is providing this information for the general public, particularly vessel operators traversing Guyana’s waterways.

* Coast Guard is authorised to conduct law enforcement on all rivers in Guyana.

* Coast guard is authorised to enforce maritime safety regulations in all rivers in Guyana.

* Enforcement of safety regulations are to be conducted at departure and arrival points.

* Passenger vessels are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to enforce safety regulations.

* Passenger vessels carrying cargo are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to ensure safety regulations.

* Small fishing vessels are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to ensure safety and fishing regulations.

* Coast Guard operatives are not authorised to request or demand from vessel owners and operators rides, gasoline, money, fuel or any such item.

* Coast Guard is authorised to stop any vessel at any time if the vessel and its occupants are suspected of illegal actions.

* Coast Guard operatives must issue vessel owners and or operatives with a citation detailing the maritime offence and the time by which it must be remedied.

* Coast Guard must immediately hand over all items, if removed, whether under way or at a port to the police as evidence.

* Coast Guard must hand over all persons, if arrested, immediately to the police for further investigation.

* Vessel owners and or operators must report all Coast Guard infractions immediately to Coast Guard headquarters.

* Coast Guard operatives are to provide identification when requested by the public and Coast Guard operatives must have visible identification badges. (GINA)

As Heritage Month begins…
Amerindians get assurances on LCDS from President Jagdeo
By Priya Nauth
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is a development strategy before anything else and can help accelerate development of this country, including the indigenous communities.

He was addressing the audience at the start of Amerindian Heritage Month 2009 celebrations on Tuesday, under the theme ‘Securing Our Livelihood while Sustaining Our Cultural Diversity’, at the Amerindian Village in the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown.

Outlining some of the developmental plans and programmes for the hinterland, he said: “I see national well-being as very important for us to deliver on all of these things.”

“We have to keep growing our economy. We have to keep solving many of the problems that we face at the national level, having a vision for the future, getting our productive sector to be much more competitive globally and carving out a place in this competitive world, a world that, often, does not look out for small countries.”

The Head of State continued: “This is why I see the LCDS as very important for the future too.”

He said the money earned from the trade in forest carbon can help to accelerate development.

“It can catapult us forward…we don’t have to take the evolutionary path. We can, in a revolutionary manner, move our country forward quickly,” President Jagdeo maintained.

He said the LCDS is not the ultimate document.

“It just sets out broad outlines as to where our country will go. There are several other documents that are supportive of it that go into greater details as to how we will get there and I hope that you read those too. They show the opportunity that we have now because of climate change,” President Jagdeo said.

According to him: “It is an opportunity, I say, because it offers us the possibility of earning by preserving our forests. But it is also a big threat to our development if not properly handled.”

ADAPTATION
He disclosed that the adaptation needs just along the coast have been calculated at over a US$1B, excluding the river defences to be built or the droughts or floods that people in the hinterland face and the severe hardship that will continue to be faced from major weather variability.

&#xI hope that all of us will get involved. I have made it clear that the model is going to be built, again based on consultations and, like I said before, nothing will be imposed on any Amerindian community or your lands,” Mr. Jagdeo assured.

He said: “We made sure that, when we constructed the model, we excluded indigenous peoples lands and we excluded 10 per cent of our territory with the highest conservation value.”

President Jagdeo said he has made it clear to every toshao that, regardless of whether they opt in or not, their communities will benefit from whatever is compensated for, through the sale of forest carbon.

?nd if they opt in voluntarily and the community has to make that decision not the Government, every cent earned from the sale of forest carbon will go back to indigenous people and their development.

?ll in keeping with what I said at the very beginning about giving communities choices, not imposing any particular view,” the President stated.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Sukhai said there is positive acceptance of the LCDS.

She said it was expressed at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) General Meeting and qualified at the Executive Meeting that the Amerindians have to continue caring for their environment because, to them, land and forests are their life.

?xpressively, the Amerindians recognise that Government has provided them the opportunity to make their own voluntary consent to opt in and have frequently attested to advance the dialogue within their communities,” Sukhai said.

Is the end of West Indies cricket near?

When West Indians reminisce on the glories of the Caribbean’s major unifying force-cricket, it is so painful and sad for them to see its current state. In fact, no one would have dreamt that it would have deteriorated to such a pitiful level which makes one begin to think or wonder whether the end of West Indies cricket is near. However, we should all remain optimistic even though recent happenings do not offer much hope.

The West Indies have produced many of finest cricketers and teams to have graced the game who have brought immense and irreplaceable joy to the Caribbean and the cricketing public worldwide. The stylishness, aggressiveness, innovativeness and athleticism of our cricketers are unique and inimitable and have lighted up cricket fields for decades wherever they have played.

It was our own Joe Solomon who created history by creating the first tied test match in the1960-61 series against Australia in the most brilliant run out. He was just one among an illustrious list including, Sir George Headley, Sir Learie Constantine, Sony Ramadin, Alfred Valentine, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Garfield Sobers, Rohan Kanhai, Wes Hall, Andy Roberts, Malcom Marshall, Lance Gibbs, Sir Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kalicharran, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul etc.

When an eminent jurist, academic and Caribbean patriot such as Sir Shridath Ramphal cannot resolve an impasse between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) then the situation is definitely not a healthy one.

Sir Shridath himself has warned that West Indies cricket “without fundamental changes, is now likely to deteriorate further”.

He explained that 24 hours before the breakdown, he believed that “Agreement between the WICB and WIPA was at hand; and that he had actually invoked assistance of various kinds to make implementation of the Agreement feasible”.

“However, all that changed dramatically when one Party introduced an entirely new document and refused to negotiate on any other.”

It is difficult to blame any party for the current impasse because information has been very limited as to the fundamentals of the problem except that the players who have withdrawn their service have not been given a contract by WICB. The absence of information is not surprising because the WICB over the years has not been operating in a transparent and open manner showing contempt for the Caribbean public who simply love cricket and would go to extremes to turn up at cricket matches to support the West Indies, despite the long “drought” which the team has been experiencing. Players are dropped for inexplicable reasons without any explanations from the board but months or years after the Caribbean cricket loving public would hear through the grape vine that it was for disciplinary or some other reason. Many years ago one of our greatest, Rohan Kanhai, only became aware that he was not captain anymore when Clive Lloyd was announced as the new captain.

Information on crucial issues to the cricketing public has always been a difficult proposition because of the reluctance or the disregard for the people of the Caribbean people by the officials of the WICB. And perhaps herein lies one of the main reasons which is responsible for the current state of our cricket and the impasse between the WICB and WIPA.

However, a burning question arises out of the impasses and that is whether West Indian players of the current era are the in the game primarily for money or apart from providing a livelihood they are there because of the pride, dignity and joy it brings to the people of this region. Unfortunately, many people, because of the attitude displayed by several players, are of the view that that they are there primarily for the money.

Whether the above is true or not the fact is that West Indies cricket is in a crisis and is at perhaps its lowest ebb since we entered the test arena in the late 1920s, but more importantly expeditious and decisive action is needed to salvage the sinking ship and avoid perhaps the greatest tragedy in the history of the Caribbean.

Cricket to the Caribbean people is like what football is to the Brazilians. In the words of Sir Shridath: "cricket is in our regional genes; it cannot be lost."

So a concerted effort by our political leaders and the people of the Caribbean is urgently needed to prevent a tragic blow to our history, dignity and pride.

The Observer
AFC’s actions must be questioned
An interesting letter captioned, “AFC not obligated to sanction the validity of the PNC election”, appeared in the Kaieteur News on September 01, 2009. The author, Mark Thomas, was responding to Dr. Randy Persaud’s article, “AFC in a Pickle”, which was published previously. Thomas, if at all he exists, noted that “…It is obvious that he (Randy) appears to be one of the confused individuals in the “smear camp” of the present administration. Randy has no evidence that the PNC has conducted a fraudulent election—it is “alleged”, not proven”.

It must be pointed out that Thomas referred to the Party based at Congress Place as the PNC. Should I believe that the Party has resorted to its original name which is infamous for intimidation and rigged elections? Maybe the question to be asked is who is Mark Thomas? Is he one of the “phantoms” Freddie Kissoon so often refer to? That aside, Thomas’ allusion to what senior members of the PNCR have accused the Party of with regard to electoral fraud as being alleged, is a blatant selective use of such terminology.

Randy was not at the Congress. Winston Murray, past Chairman of the PNC and its former Trade Minister, was. Van West Charles, the Party’s former Health Minister and son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, was. Aubrey Norton, former General Secretary of the said Party and current Member of Parliament, was. James Mc Allister, former Party Executive and former Member of Parliament, was. Many other high profile members of the Party were in attendance at that controversial Congress. Was Mark Thomas present? How did he know that the election was free from any form of skulduggery? Is Mark Thomas a member of the victorious faction at the Congress in question?

After reading his letter, I wondered if Thomas, by his own skewed logic, is implying that no rigging of elections took place under the brutal regime of the PNC during their term in Office? That’s not my focus here. History has shown that the extent of electoral rigging during that period may be unmatched in this part of the world. What is obvious is Thomas’ “hidden” defence of the PNCR and the AFC in his letter. These crony Parties have used the allegations which surfaced during the trial of Robert Simels to deliver a guilty verdict on government for their alleged involvement with Simels’ client, Roger Khan.

The allegations made during the trial were never proven. Despite this, the PNCR, the AFC and their colleagues in some sections of the media have spared no efforts to pronounce on government’s involvement with characters at the centre of the case. The PNCR and the AFC boycotted Parliament when these allegations were made. The said allegations against the government were given front-page coverage in the sections of the media alluded to, the Opposition media. The two Parties resorted to protest action and have since formed a joint alliance. They now operate as if they are one entity. The protests continue despite the dwindling few bearing placards proclaiming guilt on the administration.

Does the PNCR and the AFC have any semblance of evidence to support their spurious allegations? Do the protesters have evidence to support what they have written for them on their placards? The answer is a resounding NO. Notwithstanding this, these two Opposition Parties have ensured that their media cohorts take advantage of the allegations from the case and to wickedly use it to castigate the administration in an effort to destabilise the nation. The many misleading headlines and news stories have been damaging the good image of this now prospering country.

These politicians within the Opposition are unconcerned about the image of this country. A bad image can detract foreign investments and tourists. Investments and tourism lead to job creation and add to the vibrancy of this growing economy. These are issues that impact directly on the lives of the ordinary people. By extension, the actions of the PNCR, the AFC and their media associates are affecting the lives of Guyanese, including their own supporters. The world is still reeling from a global recession. Guyana, through prudent financial management under the PPP/C administration, has been spared the related impact of such global economic meltdown. This is to the credit of the President.

Mark Thomas, a name of which I have strong doubts of authenticity, has through his letter, clearly proven to be a part, if he is not already, of the “smear camp” of the PNCR/AFC. Why did he not question the actions of the PNCR/AFC when they, for political reasons, branded the government as being part of what was unproven in the case mentioned? Why, according to Thomas’ illogical reasoning, allegations against government equal guilt and for the PNCR, an allegation remains an allegation? Why did he not question what prominent members of the PNCR were accusing that Party’s electoral machinery of, prior to the said Congress?

These surfaced before Randy would have penned his letter. Why hasn’t Thomas questioned what Murray, Charles, Norton and others have related with regard to electoral fraud within the PNCR? Randy and others have exposed the relationship that has developed between the PNCR and the AFC. The AFC and its defenders, including Thomas, would prefer that its relationship with the PNCR remain hidden from the public. Only those with imbecilic propensities would lead themselves to believe the blatant union between PNCR and the AFC does not exist. This “bedroom cosiness” between these two cannot be disputed.

This explains why Thomas and his cohorts would try their utmost to disparage what the Randys and the Misirs and others would reveal through their analyses. This selectiveness by Thomas is in keeping with the synchrony shown by the PNCR, AFC and their media cohorts in castigating this administration premised on baseless allegations. In the letter by Thomas, he noted that “Randy must understand that the dignified leaders of the AFC are not obligated to sanction the validity of the PNC’s election”. How much more biased can he get? How can the AFC be described as “dignified” when they are in bed with a Party that has been guilty of rigging elections during its term in Office and is now being branded the same by its own members?

The AFC has demanded transparency and accountability from government. Why hasn’t it demanded the same from the PNCR? Why, according to Thomas, is the AFC not obligated to pronounce on the recent elections within the PNCR? This column is of the firm belief that if the AFC cannot pronounce on the PNCR’s elections, then they have no moral standing to solicit Guyanese for their vote. They have no credibility to demand anything of this government which has a proven track record of accountability as evident in the annual Auditor General’s report.

The membership of the AFC must demand that its leaders cease being hypocrites and hear the cries of Murray, Charles and the other prominent members of the PNCR. The public bluff by Thomas must not be encouraged. Guyanese at large must not let this obscene hypocrisy by the AFC continue. They must condemn the AFC for its hypocritical stance on political issues here. The international community must not allow the AFC to continue with this political sin. After all, they have demanded transparency from governments around the world. The Thomases, along with the PNCR and the AFC, would want the nation to be distracted from the lack of democracy within the halls of Congress Place.

Guyana is now free. The Press is now free. The Kaieteur News, not surprisingly has carried Thomas’ letter. That paper is free; free to accommodate the skewed writings of those such as Thomas and to give prominence to the PNCR and the AFC. In a free society like ours, people will not sit back and allow the vile and biased rants of the Thomases to go without a response.

PANDORA’S BOX
Kaieteur News abuses press freedom
CONDEMNING an entire organisation or community en masse for the actions of a few criminals and/or destructive elements is myopic and counter-productive, because every decent person is a potential victim of these social misfits.

And that is why it is imperative for decent and fair-minded Guyanese – across every divide, to take a just and unequivocal stand against the intransigence, dishonest, and anti-social conduct of those who would destroy the image and social, economic and infrastructural landscape in the country; even moreso, those who seek to use destructive methodologies to satisfy their greed and further their self-motivated causes, with the ultimate aim of their own aggrandisement.

There are persons in Government’s employ whom are dishonest. There are also some who are like square pegs in round holes – unfit for the positions they hold in the public service framework.

There are stone-hearted medical practitioners who care little for their patients and who are even cruel to their charges, as well as teachers who abuse the trust of students, parents, and the nation, and there are public servants who only care about the perks that go with the job but not about serving the public whose taxes pay their salaries.

Within the security service of any nation there are mavericks whose actions defame the organisations; but this is a reality of any Government in any country anywhere in the world.

And it is incumbent of a free press to highlight these instances of corruption and dysfunction of and by public officials.

It is also the duty of a free press to inform the public on crime and highlight criminal activities, be it whatever form it takes.

But in the interest of the Guyanese nation these reports must be factual and credible, and adhere to the basic principles of information-dissemination, instead of seeking to further the agenda of politicians whose sole motivation is to get into the corridors of power, even if they have to lay waste the resources of the nation, and destroy the amity and unity of the peoples of this land, who, without the instigation of the power-seekers, live everyday in harmonious co-existence with each other, with a great deal of love and caring for one another.

There is not-one who knows the history of this country can justifiably blame the Government for the escalation of criminal activity in Guyana.

The authors of the X-13 Plan are well-known; those who engineered the “Buxton Uprising” are walking freely in the land; the picture of the coffin of murderous thief, Linden ‘Blackie’ London defiling the pride of our nation by being draped with our national flag still hurts the soul, the championship and encouragement of criminals, and those who share in the spoils are documented and known to the entire nation, the tradition of election-rigging by the PNC is alive and kicking, so why is the collective opposition media cabal, including Kaieteur News silent on these issues?

Instead of attacking the President and the Government, Glenn Lall needs to sit back and take stock of the persons whom he employs, and decide if they are looking after his interest in sustaining a credible media house, or if they are motivated otherwise, with self-serving agendas, without caring that they are destroying the image and credibility of Kaieteur News.

Within the army there are decent persons who are not open to corruption.

Many members of the Police Force have laid down their lives while pursuing their mandate of providing security for this nation, there are many wonderfully-caring medical practitioners who serve humanity with love and dedication.

The majority of teachers are committed to inculcating an education and good values in their charges.

Within the general public service there are some very nice persons who provide service to the nation with courtesy and efficiency.

They cannot pay, or be defamed, for the intransigence of members of their sectors or organisations.

So within every sphere of endeavour in the nation the decent persons and personnel must speak out and highlight the nefarious activities of their associates – sparing no-one, and media houses must be their voice.

But the reports must not be fabrications to satisfy personal grudges and self-motivated agendas.

Sensationalising the news by publishing misrepresentations of facts or outright untruths in order to attract advertisements from clients from persons who may themselves be disgruntled with the Government, or to sell newspapers, or to generate distrust in the Government in order to foster the agenda of political opponents is not the hallmark of a credible media house.

While one would like to give Glenn Lall the benefit of the doubt and suggest that he is being misled by his employees and advisers, one knows that Glenn Lall is a streetwise person, who wields absolute control over his operations.

He needs to take stock of the people who are ostensibly supporting him and think about their motives.

The AFC lost credibility and support from many persons who had been victims of PNC atrocities by aligning themselves with that party in protest actions against the Government, especially with phantom allegations, because a lot of decent persons in this country, especially those who were victims of criminals, do not have the same perception of Roger Khan and the so-called Phantom Squad as Kaieteur News and several other opposition media houses do.

And Kaieteur News stand to lose advertisement from business houses, not because of what the President has rightly said about that newspaper, but because it is seen to be espousing the rights of criminal elements who have laid waste many businesses and derailed the investment momentum of many others.

Even the great USA has crime, corruption, social ills, economic downturns, but no-one tries to pull the Government down because of these societal realities.

Why does Kaieteur News not correspondingly highlight the positive things that are happening in this country? Or why does it attempt to derail the initiatives that could eventuate in positive outcomes for this nation by publishing negativities about the Government’s initiatives and strategies to restore prosperity and provide enhanced lifestyles for our nation – such as the President’s LCDS?

President Bharrat Jagdeo’s initiative is being hailed and applauded worldwide, yet Glenn Lall and his cronies in and out of the media world, especially the opposition cabal, are hell-bent on derailing the momentum of this initiative which has put our country on the map and which could fructify in much benefit for our nation.

Every action triggers a reaction, and the anger against Kaieteur News’ scurrilous and totally unjustified attacks on Government’s attempts to provide essential services to the various communities in the country is the reaction of hard-working persons who struggle within every sector to serve their country with commitment and integrity, while taking into consideration that we are a developing country with financial constraints, only to have self-motivated persons and opposition media houses accuse them of dishonest conduct – such as re-used material that have been verified by the country’s civil engineers as having met the requisite standards for construction purposes being deemed “sub-standard” materials.

Substandard by whose definition? Why does the Government employ professionals to make informed analyses about a given situation when a hack can dismiss their evaluation with the flick of a dishonest pen?

Only millionaires like Glenn Lall can afford to discard perfectly good materials that highly-qualified and experienced civil engineers have decided fit the requisite criteria for purposes of construction, even if it is re-used materials.

The average Guyanese knows that it is good sense to minimise overhead costs so as to achieve as much as is possible within the parameters of constrained finances.

Kaieteur News has lost its credibility, because its news reportage has become suspect.

While their hate-fest is directed at the President and his ministers, Government is not comprised of President Jagdeo and members of the cabinet, but of thousands of Guyanese who work with commitment and dedication every day to build systems and infrastructures for this nation; so misrepresenting the actions of the Government is not merely an attack of President Jagdeo and the ministers of the government, it is also an attack on the employees of the state, ordinary Guyanese whose concern is not about who is head of the country, but about performing their jobs to the best of their ability.

And these are the persons whose characters Kaieteur News and the opposition cabal impugn on a consistent basis by regurgitating their litany of lies and misrepresented situations.

In their zeal to discredit Guyana’s President and cabinet, and to topple the PPP/C Government, the opposition pack is in full cry – and Kaieteur News heads them all.

Any intrepid reporter would jump on such a story
THE Guyana Chronicle story titled, “Thousands attend crusade led by Canadian evangelist” (Sept 2nd) is truly phenomenal, in more ways than one.

The report says “Some sick people who attended the services claimed they were touched by God and healed. One man went on the stage with crutches but walked off without them. . .” These are all truly earth shattering events. Indeed, the Essequibo Coast and the island of Wakenaam must be truly fantastic places.

Why are people still flocking to Lourdes in France for miracles? Clearly Wakenaam is where it’s at!

I do consider it rather unfortunate that the writer (note, I did not say reporter) did not bother to get the names of those sick persons who were healed, nor even their medical histories. (The "miracles" at Lourdes are usually investigated).

What were these Guyanese cured of? Were any amputated limbs regrown? Did anyone blind from birth gain his or her sight? Have all these sick then instantaneously cured persons seen their doctor since their miraculous event? What is the level of their education in that, can they accurately describe what illness they were medically diagnosed as having?

Have they contacted the Guinness Book of Records for the fastest recovery ever witnessed?

The man who entered on crutches but left with a brisk walk, what was his name? Where was he from? Why was he on crutches? Was there a broken leg? Does he have x-ray imaging files? Was his foot in a cast? Did any hospital or private doctor provide the crutches?

Any intrepid reporter would jump on this story. In any part of the world investigative reporting on such events, if they are real, is Pulitzer Prize winning material.
JUSTIN de FREITAS

Repugnant insult against Amerindians from Stabroek News
I refer to a news item in the Stabroek News newspaper in Guyana ("Residents Query Benefits of Marudi Mt.Gold Mining, September 1, 2009)" about a recent Town Hall meeting called by the Environmental Protection Agency to give the residents of the Aishalton and Karaudamau communities an opporunity to air their views on a proposed gold mining operation in the Marudi Mountain area.

This outreach effort shows the grassroots democracy at work and the concern of the Guyana government for the interests of the Amerindian people and Guyanese in general.

The writer of the article made an effort to give a well rounded story, though only those making criticisms from the floor were given prominence. What of others who may have made constructive comments in their overall appreciation of the project?

Foreign investment in Guyana can be productive and useful to the country if well controlled. The fact that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is being ordered before any permission is granted is a start in the right direction in this instance.

What I am concerned about is the opening paragraph of the story which read in part "...the limited skills of residents of the South Rupununi were underscored (as their representatives’ spoke on their behalf)."

Limited skills? Really? I find this most insulting to the Amerindian people from a newspaper like Stabroek News which poses itself as "serious." The writer may be inexperienced but surely the editor responsible should have taken out this repugnant aside about part of the Guyanese family whose rich civilisations over the years must always be respected.

In places like Canada where there are indigenous (Amerindian) communities, the newspaper would have had to issue an apology. The paper would have been censured and probably fined by the relevant national Press Council which monitors breaches of professional media misconduct.

Guyana needs a properly constituted Press Council to deal with the atrocious violations of journalistic ethics and professional practices, including the sensationalising of crime which occurs in any country, we see daily in the Guyana media.

Notwithstanding the deep media culture and the existence of many professional media practitioners in Guyana, there is also a need to consider the establishing a Registry of Journalists to make sure that those practicing this profession are suitably equipped to serve the public's needs. Poorly researched and skewed media reports can do damage to national interests similar to some physical health problems. That is why responsible and democratic government’s world wide must always have proper media monitoring agencies in place. This is in addition to state run entities which show guidance and give a true perspective of what the government is doing on the people's behalf.
NORMAN FARIA
Barbados

No quick fix to police, army problems
I agree with letter writer Mohamed Khan that there is "No quick-fix to police, army problems." The heads of security forces should be questioned more and made accountable for the services’ performances. The government needs to create an independent investigative unit to support the work of the Police Complaints Authority. Perhaps, it would be better if civilian prosecutors are used instead of police prosecutors for Police court cases.

The Defence Board should be more involved in monitoring GDF complaints and disposition. It is best that the services are not the sole investigators of themselves. As stated it is the minority that stains the majority. The GoG have a responsibility to ensure that the security services are carrying out their duties effectively, fairly and in a transparent manner, this is not political interference but ensuring their accountability.
N. AUGUSTUS

It was inconsiderate to close Immigration Department on a working day
HOW inconsiderate for the Immigration Department of the Guyana Police Force to shut their doors for the entire day, on a working day to say the least, to have fun in the sun at their sports. That office in Georgetown is jam- packed with people from all over Guyana on any given day so I can imagine the huge turn out last Friday at the passport office. I guess the police are not sensitive as to the huge sacrifices that are made by citizens to get to the Georgetown office very early from all across Guyana with monies being spent for this.

Furthermore, more than two years after the launch of Machine Readable Passports (MRP’s) in Guyana, why can’t such services be streamlined at the various regions throughout Guyana? This will ease the suffering and confusion faced by many persons after leaving their far- flung homes to visit the main office in the capital. I will never forget my ordeal in February of 2008 after leaving my home at 2am to reach the passport office to apply for an MRP.

So, why couldn’t the police have their sports on a Saturday or Sunday? This madness must stop. This is not normal at all. You can’t just close up the passport office—the main office—for one entire day, when massive crowds gather there every working day to apply for passports and uplift same, not to mention other important business. The people of this country depend on the passport office for such service and I believe it is only fair to provide the service continuously without any interruptions such as the police sports.

I think the police are having it too good in this country while other public servants like teachers and nurses always come under pressure from the government and the people of Guyana.

The police has its plate full with things to do to regain the respect and confidence of a nation of people who are quite dubious and skeptical as of the motive of the police force in this country—if it is to brutalise, murder and rob innocent Guyanese or to serve and protect the nation.

It’s going to take a long time to achieve this.
LEON J. SUSERAN

Is it not time that the 2006 promise is met?
IN January 2006, our government promised a forum at which representatives of our overseas communities would be brought together to discuss and chart a more structured relationship with the Diaspora.

Vishnu Bisram recently not only listed a host of Guyanese committed to the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) but also pointed to some of the benefits that such an organisation brings.

Evidently, among us there is belief in this kind of organisation, and we seem to have sufficient experience to manage a Global Organisation of People of GUYANESE Origin.

Is it not time that the 2006 promise is met?
FAIYAZ

Those who forget the past are condemned to live it
WE are witnessing a new dispensation and calls for justice and fair dealing within the government services and what should be the contribution of those who are issuing snippets of Guyana’s history. The Guyana Times newspaper is calling for Freddie Kissoon to say all he knows about the history of Guyana’s past. We have read that those who forget the past are condemned to live it. So it is good that we be reminded of the past so that unsavory aspects can be eliminated and not followed.

Members of the Central Executive Committee of the PNC have been selected and among them are Mr. Hamilton Green and Dr Faith Harding. Can Freddie tell us or remind us of the part played by Dr Harding on Election Day, in the afternoon, outside the Election Commission offices in Croal Street, Georgetown. I have been told that Freddie has video of the proceedings.

Freddie has also knowledge of how a young Afro-Guyanese woman was making a living to maintain her four children. She used to visit government departments and sell her goods. She had visited the Ministry of Mr. Green in Homestretch Avenue, and whilst there she was shot to death by one of the employees there. The lady was Rose Ann Barrow. If Freddie cannot remember Mr. Hamilton Green may remind him and us because he was present in the building when the woman was killed.

Let us put all these historical facts in the open and consider whether they contributed in the making of Guyana, in Freddie’s terminology, “failed State.”
ALIM BAKSH

Failures are the hallmark of Corbin’s leadership
Robert Corbin was re-elected leader of the permanent opposition party, the PNC. What a tragedy for its members and supporters! Shame on both Corbin, and those blind adherents who fraudulently usurped the leadership, through rigging and massive fraud, observed by the delegates and members. Corbin and his lackeys are not the PNC, and should remember that the supporters who were denied admittance to the Congress are the main players, come 2011.

Those members who allowed their emotions to take precedence over reality are shameless and selfish. If Robert Corbin has an iota of decency, he would not have reneged on the promise he made at the last congress. Losing the last elections by such a wide margin, coupled with the loss of Linden, his hometown and the party’s stronghold, Corbin, should have disappeared into oblivion. Instead he barefacedly and he shamelessly took the party on a path of total destruction.

Hopeless and frustrated they remain under Corbin’s watch. It is the worst leadership the PNC has experienced since its birth. The lucrative package for the Opposition leader is forthcoming and he wants to be the first recipient of such a package.

Mr. Winston Murray and his team have to let history repeats itself. The PNC is the creature of a split and if that’s the way to go then so be it. Mr. Editor, you may have observed that I fail to include the Reform in Corbin’s PNC. This component was deliberately excluded because it doesn’t matter to Corbin and his pensioners who do not possess the ability to attract young and energetic Guyanese to its fold.

Cammie Ramsaroop of the old guard is new Chairman of the party. What can he bring to his party, except total and complete destruction.

Guyanese should not be influenced by Mr. Corbin’s speech. Of course Guyanese at home and abroad are interested in his stepping down as leader. Mr. Murray possesses character and charisma. Corbin is wide awake in a dream when he said Guyanese expect a revival of the PNC. Yes, but not with his ineffective and inefficient leadership.

The transition of leadership should have taken place after his poor showing at the last election. Who must trust a man whose word is not his bond? I do not know of any success that he spoke about. Failures are the hallmark of Corbin’s leadership.

Mr. Corbin seems to have an affinity for money as he made mention of Van West hard earned cash. If Richard did not learn anything from his father-in-law, he surely must have learnt to protect and secure it and not to invest on expired goods. Kads Khan’s experience should not be his.

The PNC will never be the force it was not under Robert Orlando Herman’s leadership and those expired and mutilated executives he has presented to this nation.

It is time for all Guyanese to arise from their slumber and rally behind selfless and committed leaders with vision of hope and unity for a bright future. It is our children and their children future which is at stake.
UMAR SAIED

The people are interested in real matters
SO many persons are writing and engaging in irrelevant conclusions these days. All these persons and some of the newspapers and the television stations seem to forget one thing. For many years, even before the 2002 jailbreak, innocent persons, mainly people of East Indian descent, were being robbed, beaten, raped and killed. Before the 2002 jailbreak East Indian people were targeted and many lost their lives. Between 2002 and this year, many East Indian and other decent Guyanese were also robbed, beaten and killed. Many young women were raped.

None of these persons seem to matter to these newspapers and some of the television stations. The commentators, such as Freddie Kissoon, seemed to have lost all reasoning as they attack the government. They remember all the criminals who were killed by the police and they treat all these criminals as freedom fighters. But they forget what the real injustice was. But the families and innocent people who lived in fear have not forgotten.

Politicians have picked up pickets and they are trying to mobilise support among the Guyanese people to promote confusion. These are the same politicians who cannot today persuade Guyanese to join them in their protest. These are the same politicians who decided since they could not mobilise people to come to the streets to march, the people will come to City Hall. The grand sum of 25 persons came which included the more than a dozen of the same politicians. They spoke loudly, but they spoke to themselves.

I remember it was the same set of politicians who called the bandits freedom fighters. I remember they once draped the coffin of the infamous criminal Blackie with the Guyana flag.

They heard something at the trial in New York and they have charged, tried, condemned and sentenced Minister Ramsammy to death. Could you imagine these people walking the streets and calling the minister names and calling for his death? But none of the newspapers or the commentators or the politicians has told the people Minister Ramsammy did not break any law.

But the same trial also accused Eddie Collins, the former head of the army, and the army of supplying guns and ammunition. In addition, the same source indicated that the army helped to remove the bodies of the missing cane cutters from the front of Buxton to the back. If this is true then this is a major criminal offence. Is Freddie Kissoon interested? No, he is not. This does not bother him. Does it bother the newspapers and the television stations? No, because they barely reported this and have forgotten it. Does it bother some politicians? No, they can’t be bothered because they are not interested in the truth. They clearly intended to misinform and mobilise people to create disruption in the country.

The Ministry of Health building was burnt by arsonists. The police uncovered the plot. The newspapers and the television stations should be very interested. They barely reported it and they have since ignored the story. Some politicians keep misinforming people that Minister Ramsammy burnt the building.

They should all be ashamed. Mr. Corbin, Mr. Trotman, Mr. Ramjattan, Volda Lawrence and all of them should hang their heads in shame.

The Guyanese people are not stupid. They know who the bad people are really. You see they don’t care to know about any laptop. They want to know where the bandits got the guns and ammunition from. We want to know who killed the cane cutters and who hid the bodies. They want to know who were behind Minister Sawh’s murder. Finally, they want to know the politicians who used to go to the railway embankment to talk to the criminals and treat them as freedom fighters.

They understand why Mr. Corbin, Mr. Trotman, Mr. Benchcop, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Witter want to distract people’s attention and address only certain issues. But it is time they know that the people are interested in real matters like the ones above.
TROY TYRELL

Is quantity of schooling a driving force of economic growth?
IN recent years, a number of critics have questioned whether the quantity of schooling really is a driving force behind economic growth. Some argue that even though there might be a correlation between growth and school attainment, there may simply use portion of their wealth to buy more schooling. Others insist the estimated effects of education on growth are sensitive to the parameters of the underlying statistical analysis, and that it is difficult to distinguish among alternative estimates. Still others argue that the underlying model assumptions lead to very different implications about the schooling-growth relationship. Finally, some point out that the estimates of the effect of schooling on growth differ significantly from what would be expected from the highly positive microeconomic relationship between individual earnings and schooling-possibly reflecting the failure to use education in socially productive ways.

While these studies raise legitimate concerns, their message should not be misinterpreted. First, commonly available measures of school attainment are likely to be very imperfect measures of the human capital that is relevant to growth.

Several authors have shown that a number of the research anomalies disappear when measurement issues are dealt with. Moreover, these authors do not even directly address what is perhaps the most important measurement issue: variations in cognitive skills and measured quality that have been highlighted by recent tests show that the knowledge at a given level of schooling completion in some countries. These measurement problems are reinforced by simple recognition that qualitative skills reflect more than just formal schooling, including family input, cultural norms, health, and other factors.

Second, human capital is important, but it is not the only thing that governs the functioning of an economy. There is no question that basic features such as developed system of property rights, limits on the amount of governmental intrusion through taxes and regulations, and the openness of labor and product markets have an enormous impact. Pushing more school attainment on an economy unable to use it productively is unlikely to have positive effects.

What are the policy implications? Clearly, human capital can be built up by providing more schooling, but policies that fail to consider the quality of schooling risk expanding quantity without truly expanding human capital. Likewise, development policies that fail to take into account the overall structure of economy are likely to expand school attainment with little measurable improvement.
SHERWOOD CLARKE

Surprised that people still have superstitious beliefs
I was encouraged to file this complaint by Mohabir Anil Nandalall, Attorney-at-Law and Member of Parliament. I am a born Guyanese back home after 36 years and I am surprised to see Guyana is left in the dark ages with many or most of its citizens still very superstitious with the belief in bacoo, jumbie and other things of that nature.

I witnessed the following incident. What in the beginning I thought to be an altercation turned out in my opinion to be someone in need of medical attention but instead was held, beaten, and choked in the mud on the ground at Splashmin’s Jamzone on Sunday 30 last.

After about 30 minutes I reported the incident to the front office where I found a lone female. I told her there was a sick person out back being choked, punched, kicked, brutalised and held on the ground in mud and water by about eight other men. They stated that he was possessed by jumbies, baccoos etc. And seeing the ambulance there from Davis Memorial Hospital, I personally thought they should be notified of this sick person. I thereafter returned to the rear where I observed two EMTs approached the crowd when a female told them not to go because the sick person was possessed by ghosts and jumbies, etc. To my astonishment these so-called professionals turned and left just like several members of the Police Department (about six).

I was so annoyed and in awe, I immediately approached a female police and demanded she do something for this poor sick person. Her statement to me was and I quote, “In Guyana a person family has the right to refuse medical attention”. I then asked her where was the proof that these were indeed family members, seeing they were swimming and only had trunks on. With that she walked away with me behind her to a room on the ground floor marked medical post. This is the same room the hospital EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) came out and returned. In there were about eight female police members. After voicing my concerns and stating the lack of professional attention from both the police and EMTs, I was told to leave by a thin, light complexion, female officer wearing glasses.

Thirty minutes later, the female from the front desk came with two big guys in plain clothes who promptly told them to leave. At that point the eight or so persons lifted the man by his hands and legs taking him to the parking lot or nearby bush. This man was brutally abused for about one and a half hours.

At 3:15 to 3:30 pm I reported the incident to a Mr. Tyndall whom I’m told is a prosecutor. The person in charge, Mr. Ramnarine could not be found anywhere.

I believe this atrocity must be brought to the attention of public officials and members of the public.
P. RAWLINS
Concerned Guyanese

President Jagdeo disappointed at outcome of mediation talks
CHAIRMAN of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed his disappointment at the failure of the mediation talks between the West indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) which was held under the guidance of former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal.

Prior to the mediation exercise, President Jagdeo had met and held lengthy discussions with both Julian Hunte and Dinanauth Ramnarine who are the respective heads of the WICB and WIPA separately and collectively, at which point the mediation exercise was agreed upon.

The statement issued by the Office of the President reads:

I am disappointed to learn of the failure of the WICB and WIPA to reach an agreement in the cricket mediation talks, but I am not wholly surprised.

When the mediation under Sir Shridath Ramphal was agreed upon with me on 21 July 2009, it was in the context in which WIPA made all their players available and I understand this is to be the basis of a return to normalcy in team selection.

The members of the WICB did not disclose to me or to WIPA that they had already selected a ‘B” team for the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

The President later apologised for the omission, but the damage had been done hence the mediation was weakened from the start.

Now, it seems that the mediation has been the victim of the same spirit of the WICB insistence on getting its own way whatever the consequences for our cricket.

CARICOM Governments will have to consider what next to do to save West Indies cricket, and West Indians, everywhere, from still further humiliation.

I thank Sir Shridath for his effort, and await his further report.

Coach confident President’s XI will be double victorious
By Calvin Roberts

Lennox Cush and Mahendra Nagamootoo take a break during their team’s practice session at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence yesterday. (Photograph by Calvin Roberts)

COACH of the Ramnaresh Sarwan led President’s XI team which opposes the Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo led CARICOM Superstars XI in two Twenty20 games tomorrow and Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, Mark Harper has expressed confidence in his team coming out victorious in both matches.

“We have a good team that is well balanced with players who are capable of attacking the bowling if the need arises and with two quality spinners in Lennox Cush and Mahendra Nagamootoo who bowled exceedingly well for Guyana in the Stanford T20 tournament, this team can very well come out on top at the end of the day.”

Harper who took time out from his team’s first practice session at the venue yesterday further stated, “Yes this is 20/20 cricket which is instant cricket so you have to play control but at the same time, aggressive cricket and it is with this in mind, along with the composition of this team makes me confident that they will be victorious in both matches.”

The two matches are being organised by a group of businessmen who calls themselves the ‘Friends of Cricket’ committee and carries a purse of G$1m to the winner of each game respectively.

The 51 year- old Harper, who is the older brother of former West Indies all rounder and Coach Roger Harper, believes his batting line up can get any total thrown at them by the opposition tomorrow night.

“Our batting lineup consists of senior players in the caliber of Sewnarine Chattergoon, Narsingh Deonarine and skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan who are all West Indian players capable of destroying any bowling attack on their day.”

He further stated, “When you add fast rising all rounder Christopher Barnwell, the talented Esaun Crandon along with Leon Johnson, Imran Khan, Steven Jacobs, Darwin Christian and Nagamootoo who is no rabbit with the bat to the fray, I see a team that is capable of getting any total thrown at us after our 20 overs in the field.”

When quizzed on the time the team trained together, having completed their first session yesterday at the venue, Harper was not fazed by the short preparation time, even though much more time would have been appreciated.

“They have played together and against each other at various levels before, hence they know what is expected of them at this level. They are accustomed to each other’s game, with a few players complimenting each other game, so it would be easy for them to gel in such a short time.”

Harper was not a willing partner to disclose his bowling tactics for his opponent’s batting line up which consists of Gayle who is known as a destroyer of bowling attacks around the world, Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo, but did not rule out the option of Cush starting the new ball with one of the fast bowlers, as was evident in the Stanford tournament.

“We don’t want to disclose our trumps before the game is played, but the possibility of Cush starting the new ball with one of our fast bowlers is an option which the captain will have the final say on tomorrow. But with Nagamootoo in the fray, anything is possible.”

“In a nutshell, we have a good team and once we get it right, then there is all possibility we will be victorious at the end of the two matches. Cricket is played in the middle and the team that plays the better cricket on the day will be the victors and I know that team is the President’s XI” said Harper.

Meanwhile, Nagamootoo who is the regional record holder for most wickets was a late inclusion into the President’s XI squad, while the Caricom Superstars have also drafted in two more players.

Chanderpaul up for two ICC awards
… Kemar Roach nominated for emerging player
MUMBAI, India, (CMC) – Prolific batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has earned two nominations and young fast bowler Kemar Roach is up for the “Emerging Player” award for the 2009 LG ICC Awards in Johannesburg, South Africa next month.

The two are among six West Indians appearing on a long list of nominees for special awards at a glittering ICC function slated for October 1 to coincide with the ICC Champions Trophy 2009.

Chanderpaul, the 2008 ICC Cricketer of the Year, gets a repeat nomination for that category and the left-hander is also up for the One Day International (ODI) Player of the Year.

Roach, who made headlines for West Indies in their troubled series against Bangladesh, is among eight players nominated for the Emerging Player award

Chris Gayle, also with two nominations, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Stafanie Taylor are other West Indians appearing on a long nominations’ list, which is expected to be shortened in the coming weeks.

Gayle and Dwayne Bravo have nominations for the Twenty20 Performance of the Year.

The 35-year-old Chanderpaul is among 14 nominees for the Cricketer of the Year award, with Indians Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir, Andrew Strauss, who led England to Ashes victory over Australia this summer, New Zealand’s Danny Vettori and Sri Lanka’s Tillakaratne Dilshan also on the list.

Chanderpaul and Gayle are joined by the likes of Dhoni, England’s Andrew Flintoff, Pakistan’s Umar Gul and India’s Yuvraj Singh for the top ODI player, and Sarwan is the lone West Indian in the nominations for Test Player of the Year, for which Dilshan and Dhoni are also included.

The 21-year-old Roach, who cemented a place in the West Indies team when top flight players boycotted the West Indies home series against Bangladesh earlier this year, was a standout performer for the Caribbean side in both Tests and ODIs.

He bagged a six-wicket haul (6-48) with a hostile spell in the second Test in Grenada and led the wicket-takers in the series with 13 at 17.61 runs apiece.

Roach claimed a series-leading 10 wickets in the ODIs at 16.20 apiece.

His rivals for the “Emerging Player” award include New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s Jesse Ryder, and the Australians Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Philip Hughes.

Gayle and Bravo are up for the T20 performances at the WT20 in England in June – Bravo taking four for 38 and scoring 66 not out off 36 balls against India during the WT20 at Lord’s and Gayle for hitting 88 off 50 balls against Australia at The Oval.

All-rounder Taylor, the leading West Indies player at the ICC Women’s World and WWT20 tournaments this year, is among 15 nominees for the Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

The long-lists of nominations were made by a five-man ICC selection panel chaired by former West Indies captain and current chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee Clive Lloyd.

The panel also includes former players such as India’s Anil Kumble, Mudassar Nazar of Pakistan, Bob Taylor of England and New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming.

The individual player awards will be selected by an academy of 25 highly credentialed cricket personalities from around the world. The academy includes a host of former players and respected members of the media, representatives of the Emirates Elite Panels of ICC Umpires and ICC Match Referees.

The nominations from the Women’s Cricketer of the Year were decided after a committee of former players, current administrators and journalists created a long-list. The award will then be voted for by a separate 25-person voting academy.

Fernandes remains just outside world’s top 100
LONDON, England, (CMC) – Guyanese squash ace Nicolette Fernandes, without an appearance on the international pro-circuit in recent months, remains just outside the top 100 in the latest women’s world squash rankings.

The September ratings for the Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) released Wednesday, shows Fernandes at the same rating of 103rd she held in the August rankings.

The 26-year-old, who recently captured the Caribbean title in the Cayman Islands, has not played a major tournament on the international circuit since the Cayman Open in May when she lost in qualifying to the American Latasha Khan.

Fernandes has been using 2009 as her comeback year after a career-threatening knee problem that sidelined her from the pro-circuit for almost two years and plunged her below 200 in the world rankings.

On the back of some solid results during the first month of her comeback in March, Fernandes had made a huge leap from 215th to 113th in the April ratings.

She was ranked 115th in May, 104th in June and 101st in July.

Fernandes defeated several top-100 players while reaching the semi-finals of the Eindhoven Open and the final of the Swiss Open in March.

The Eindhoven Open was her first appearance on the WISPA circuit since the Qatar Open in April 2007.

Fernandes won the WISPA Most Improved Player Award in 2006 and had attained a personal best world rating of No.27 in May 2007 before knee surgery and rehab stalled her career.

Malaysia’s Nicol David retains the No.1 spot in the September ratings ahead of American Natalie Grainger, while Australian Natalie Grinham stays at No.3 ahead of her sister Rachael Grinham.

There is no change to the Top-10 since the August ratings.

Women's International Squash Players Association (WISPA) Rankings – September

1 Nicol David (MAS)
2 Natalie Grainger (USA)
3 Natalie Grinham (AUS)
4 Rachael Grinham (AUS)
5 Alison Waters (ENG)
6 Jenny Duncalf (ENG)
7 Omneya Abdel Kawy (EGY)
8 Madeline Perry (IRL)
9 Laura Lengthorn-Massaro (ENG)
10 Shelley Kitchen (NZL)
103rd Nicolette Fernandes (GU

U.S Open tennis
Safin bids farewell to the 'zoo', Venus prowls on
By Pritha Sarkar
NEW YORK, (Reuters) - The grand slam stage became a poorer place yesterday when Marat Safin walked out of the Flushing Meadows for the last time with a final wave to his adoring fans.

Never again will spectators at the four majors capture a glimpse of the brilliance or entertaining antics of Safin after the 2000 champion bowed out of the U.S. Open in the first round following a 1-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 defeat by Austrian Jurgen Melzer.

While the Russian, who will be retiring at the end of the season, quietly made his way towards the exit, Venus Williams skipped into round three with a 6-4 6-2 win over fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Safin and Mattek-Sands may see their names go up under the 'loser' banner Wednesday but at least they were spared the fate of India's Sania Mirza, who was on the receiving end of a dreaded 6-0 6-0 drubbing by Italian 10th seed Flavia Pennetta.

With over a billion Indians following her every move on the tour, Mirza can expect her performance against Pennetta to be analysed to the nth degree back home but the 22-year-old offered no excuses.

"I wasn't thinking, 'I'm playing such horrible tennis.' She had an answer for everything. That's something you just have to deal with and move on," Mirza said following the 50-minute, second-round blowout under sunny skies at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

"If she plays like that, she's going to win the Open."

Former world number one and 17th seed Amelie Mauresmo was also left red faced when she was thumped 6-4 6-0 by Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak.

For Safin, however, there will be no more chances to add to his two grand slam crowns.

In a topsy-turvy career spanning 12 years, Safin's mantra has always been to expect the unexpected.

Whether winning a title in grand style, smashing rackets by the truckload or dropping his shorts on court after conjuring a spectacular winner, the one thing Safin can never be accused of is being boring.

Asked to sum up his abiding memory of Flushing Meadows, he quipped: "Here first few days it's like a zoo. It's like a million people running around, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grandmothers, so many people. That's pretty much annoying."

Safin might have been eager to escape the zoo but fellow 29-year-old Williams was determined to prowl around Flushing Meadows for a few more days.

Less than 48 hours after coming within three points of defeat, Venus and her heavily strapped left knee enjoyed an easier workout against Mattek-Sands.

"I was moving pretty good and I try not to focus on my body and put that out of my thoughts," said Williams, the 2000 and 2001 champion.

Williams's knees will not be the only ones under scrutiny Wednesday as Rafael Nadal steps out for his first grand slam match in more than three months against Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

The last time Nadal competed at a major, his four-year French Open reign was ended in the fourth round at Roland Garros and then his season went into freefall as tendinitis in both knees forced him out of Wimbledon.

Chanderpaul’s century puts Durham ahead
WEST Indies Test batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul used all his experience and skill to compile an unbeaten 117 as LV County Championship Division One leaders Durham built a first innings lead of 98 against Somerset yesterday at Chester-le-Street.

Needing to win to have any chance of maintaining a title challenge, the visitors reached 41 for no wicket in their second innings before bad light, then rain, ended play.

Only Liam Plunkett with 32 and Dale Benkenstein (30) offered any support to Chanderpaul when he resumed on 49 with the score on 110 for three.

Durham had slipped from 161 for three to 166 for six and were still eight runs adrift, but Plunkett played some fine back-foot shots through the off side as he contributed 32 to a stand of 69.

Chanderpaul added only 27 runs in the morning, but when Arul Suppiah's left-arm spin was introduced he lofted a four wide of long-on to move into the 90s and wasted no time in moving on to his century.

On 97 he was beaten by Peter Trego, but two balls later he drove his 12th four through the covers to complete his century off 193 balls.

Bad light rather than saturated run-ups was the only concern at Old Trafford on, as 56.1 overs were bowled in the first two sessions of Lancashire's match with Sussex.

After the uproar over Tuesday's abandoned Twenty20 international between England and Australia, it will come as cold comfort that the LV County Championship Division One fixture was able to go ahead.

Some time was lost in murky conditions on day one but the hosts were able to move to 131 for five at the interval.

Veteran batsman Mal Loye made 58 before falling to the miserly Ollie Rayner, while Dwayne Smith picked up two wickets for the visitors.

Rain ensured a truncated day's play across the country in LV County Championship Division Two.

Surrey reached 96 for one against Gloucestershire before bad light and rain prevented any action after lunch on the first day of the match at Bristol.

Home captain Alex Gidman won the toss, but Surrey got off to a good start thanks to a partnership of 70 from openers Michael Brown and Jonathan Batty. After Brown fell lbw to James Franklin for 37, Championship debutant Arun Harinath (18 not out) and Batty (39 not out) batted with few alarms until the premature close.

Elsewhere, just 13.3 overs were possible at Grace Road in the match between Leicestershire and Glamorgan,

The hosts reached 32 for one in that time, Matt Boyce managing only a fourth-ball duck before bad weather struck.

At Derby, former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones hit a dashing century, with 12 fours and a six, as Kent moved to 232 for five before they too were forced from the field.

Steffan Jones returned three for 29 as the pick of the bowlers.

Overs were also lost at Northampton, where the hosts Northamptonshire left Middlesex 189 for five after 48 overs.

John Simpson (45no) and Dawid Malan (39) held together the visitors' innings after two early breakthroughs for Johan van der Wath left them on 21 for two.(Eurosport).

WICB and WIPA to pursue arbitration after talks crash
By Adriel Richard
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Officials of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) will now pursue arbitration, following the break down of mediation talks aimed at solving the long-running dispute between them.

WICB Vice-President Dave Cameron disclosed at a news conference on Tuesday at Kensington Oval that the failure to find a solution to the dispute follows 10 days of tough negotiations - under mediator Sir Shridath Ramphal – throughout the month of August.

“No agreement could be reached at the conclusion of the mediation process, and the next option that is provided under the dispute resolution clause of the Memorandum of Understanding and Collective Bargaining Agreement with WIPA is arbitration,” said Cameron.

“What is keeping us apart? Fundamental to the issues is that we have an MOU and a CBA by which we have been operating, and the players have changed essentially how they want to be represented, and viewed in commercial terms.”

He added: “But we are saying to the players that while we accept, and may accept what they are suggesting, there is a process for it. We have had agreements in the past, let us continue to operate under those agreements, negotiate new agreements, and we shall take into consideration all that has been proposed.

“The reaction has been, ‘accept us now without contracts, and let us play while we determine the best way forward’. Well, we have done this long enough, and that approach is unacceptable.”

Mediator Sir Shridath Ramphal had been in discussion with the feuding parties since last month and had indicated that he had set month end as the deadline for reaching a solution.

The dispute, arising out of issues over players’ contracts, resulted in the top West Indies players boycotting the recent home series against Bangladesh, and missing out on the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for later this month in South Africa.

Part of the problem has also stemmed from the creation of the West Indies Players’ Management Company which now controls the image and intellectual property rights of many of the leading West Indies players.

“This is at the centre of the issue,” said Cameron. “WIPA is demanding that this company is now introduced into our negotiations.

“We do not know anything about this company. We do not know the shareholders. We do not know the directors. We do not what is their status. We do not know what is their intention. So before we can work with any company, all of this has to be cleared up.

“In the agreement, they are now suggesting that previously the WICB got a royalty-free licence to use its players to play cricket, and be photographed as a team. It’s been suggested now that WIPMC be paid a fee for such.”

Cameron also disclosed that the contentious playing contracts which have also been a source of dispute have not been modified for the last three years by the WICB.

“The only modifications have been at WIPA’s request, but we have not requested any modifications,” he said.

“The only thing we have negotiated from year to year is the sums offered to the players, so we are not asking for anything more from the players than we have gotten in the past.

“At every juncture, we have said, ‘sign the contracts, let’s proceed to the next step, get whatever issues they are arbitrated or mediated upon, and if you are entitled to more, we will make this available to you’.

He continued: “For years, we have always been putting a bandage over what’s been happening, and each time, we have been giving and giving and giving.

“Then our own stakeholders tell us we have not been strong enough about running West Indies cricket. At some time, we had to take stock of this, and move forward.”

Cameron emphasised the WICB was saddened – like many others – that the best players were not available for West Indies to choose from for the ICC Champions Trophy.

“We still view them as our players, and we want the players association, but we want to be able to sit down and negotiate terms, and we do not want to do it with 99 or 100 players across the Caribbean,” he said.

“So it is in our best interest to have one body representing them. But right now, we view the players in the light of having taken bad advice. We believe they are not advised of all the issues, and that they do not receive all of the information. If they speak to us, we will be more than willing to share it with them.”

Cameron indicated that the revolting West Indies players were available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy, but they were not eligible for selection.

“The squad terms for the Champions Trophy have to be signed, and again we issued it to WIPA on their behalf, and we have had no response,” he said.

“The players who have been selected, signed those squad terms, and are therefore eligible for selection.”

Opening GFF/NSL matches set for GCC
THE world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground will be the venue for this Sunday’s opening matches in the FIFA/CONCACAF sponsored Guyana Football Federation (GFF) organised National Super League l tournament.

Originally, the Guyana National Stadium which is well known to be the fastest drying venue in the Caribbean, was scheduled to host the opening matches in this inaugural tournament which was launched last Sunday at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel, but due to the unavailability of another international team to face Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, the GFF had no alternative but to change the venue, to which they apologised for any inconvenience caused.

With the final four challenging each other for the best share of the G$2m which the GFF will be looking to source from sponsors and corporate Guyana, action in this tournament ,which according to president of the GFF Colin Klass can turn out to be a professional league, should be sizzling.

In Sunday’s opening match, East Coast’ Victoria Kings will face Rosignol United from 17:00h with Sunburst Camptown and three times Georgetown Football Association (GFA)Cellink Plus Premiere League champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United facing each other in a heated clash from 19:00h.

The action continues the following Sunday, with five matches being played around the country, including the Blairmont Community Centre ground, where Rosignol United and Buxton United will clash from 16:00h.

At the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden, another double header will be the order of the day, as football fans in the mining town witnessing Bakewell Topp XX, the most decorative team in the Kashif and Shangai annual tournament, and Bartica’s Liquid Gold clashing from 18:00h.

The feature match which kicks off at 20:00h pits Milerock and Sunburst Camptown, while at the Uitvlugt and Guyana Defence Force(GDF) grounds respectively, Seawall United and Alpha along with GDF and Victoria Kings will clash from 16:00h.

New Zealand snatch dramatic T20 win over Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, (Reuters) - New Zealand snatched a dramatic three-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international yesterday.

Sri Lanka restricted New Zealand to 141 for eight and looked to be cruising to victory when opener Tillakaratne Dilshan blazed 57 from 28 balls including eight fours and two sixes.

However, the tourists engineered a sudden batting collapse with all-rounder Jacob Oram claiming figures of three for 33 from his four overs.

Captain Daniel Vettori was also instrumental with a miserly spell of spin bowling in the middle stages of the run chase, taking two for 11 from four overs.

"To lose the game after Dilshan's knock was inexcusable," Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara told reporters.

"It was a great pitch but we lost too many wickets and were not able to build the kind of partnerships you need," he added.

Earlier, Ross Taylor top-scored for New Zealand with a stylish 60 from 45 balls including five fours and a six.

Martin Guptill provided support with 29, the pair adding 53 runs for the third wicket.

Pace bowler Lasith Malinga claimed two for 21 and was the most successful Sri Lanka bowler.

The second and final T20 match takes place tomorrow.

NEW ZEALAND innings
B. McCullum run out 9
J. Ryder c Bandara b Kulasekara 13
M. Guptill c Kapugedera b Bandara 29
R. Taylor c Kulasekara b Mathews 60
J. Oram c Kulasekara b Mendis 8
N. Broom not out 5
P. McGlashan run out 1
K. Mills b Malinga 7
D. Vettori b Malinga 0
I. Butler not out 0

Extras (b-3, lb-3, w-3) 9 Total (eight wickets, 20 overs) 141 Fall of wickets: 1-14 2-26 3-79 4-117 5-126 6-127 7-136 8-136

Bowling: Kulasekara 4-0-21-1, Malinga 4-0-21-2 (w1), Mathews 2-0-19-1, Mendis 4-0-25-1, Bandara 4-0-25-1 (w1), Jayasuriya 2-0-24-0 (w1)

Did not bat: Shane Bond

SRI LANKA innings
T. Dilshan c Ryder b Butler 57
S. Jayasuriya c Bond b Mills 1
M. Jayawardene run out 3
K. Sangakkara c McCullum b Vettori 13
G. Rupasinghe lbw b Vettori 15
C. Kapugedera b Butler 3
A. Mathews c & b Oram 21
N. Kulasekara c Broom b Oram 12
M. Bandara c B McCullum b Oram 7
L. Malinga not out 4
A. Mendis not out 0
Extras (lb-2) 2

Total (nine wickets; 20 overs) 138

Fall of wickets: 1-22 2-43 3-67 4-75 5-85 6-109 7-122 8-133 9-133

Bowling: Bond 4-0-27-0, Mills 4-0-36-1, Butler 4-0-29-2, Oram 4-0-33-3, Vettori 4-0-11-2.

Bolt says he is not ready for legendary status yet
By Antonia van de Velde
BRUSSELS, (Reuters) - Usain Bolt is already a triple Olympic and world champion but he will not rest until he believes he has achieved the status of an athletics legend, the Jamaican said on Wednesday.

"I'm getting to be a legend. I don't consider myself a legend yet," the 23-year-old sprinter told reporters as he prepared to race in the 200 metres at the Golden League meeting in Brussels on Friday.

"I think after the next Olympics and other world championships, if I do extremely well in those I'll consider myself a legend. I want to be a legend, I want to make sure I get my M3 (BMW car) and all those other fast cars."

Last month Bolt smashed his own 100 world record when he clocked a remarkable 9.58 seconds at the world championships in Berlin.

The 6-foot-5 (1.95-metre) Bolt briefly tested the new surface in Brussels and said he was hoping to set a new track record.

"My body got a bit tired and I didn't get much time to rest but I am feeling much better than in Zurich (last week)," he said.

Bolt won the 100 in 9.81 seconds in the Swiss city on Friday but complained of tiredness after running the final leg of Jamaica's winning 4x100 relay.

Brazil stay top of FIFA rankings, Mexico climb again
BERNE, (Reuters) - Brazil stayed top of the FIFA world rankings as the top three remained unchanged in August while Mexico continued their climb up the table as they enjoy a revival under coach Javier Aguirre.

Brazil, who beat Estonia 1-0 in a friendly last month to extend their unbeaten run to 17 matches and notch their ninth successive win, are followed by Spain in second place and Netherlands in third.

Mexico moved up six places to 24th after beating the U.S. 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, their second win over their neighbours in as many months. The U.S. are 11th and remain the CONCACAF region's highest-ranked team.

Australia, the best-placed team from the Asian confederation, climbed two places to 14th, their highest-ever position. Ivory Coast, Africa's top team, dropped two places to 20th.

The FIFA world rankings are based on performances over the last four years. (last month's positions in brackets)

1. (1) Brazil
2. (2) Spain
3. (3) Netherlands
4= (5) Italy
4= (4) Germany
6. (6) Russia
7. (7) England
8. (8) Argentina
9. (10) Croatia
10. (9) France
11. (12) U.S.
12. (11) Greece
13. (14) Serbia
14. (16) Australia
15. (13) Switzerland
16. (15) Denmark
17. (17) Portugal
18. (22) Czech Republic

Mayweather eyes opportunity to add gloss to his career
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The chance to embellish his unbeaten record will be uppermost in Floyd Mayweather's mind when he takes on Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in their hotly anticipated welterweight fight in Las Vegas this month.

Mayweather has not fought for nearly two years but believes he will be in prime condition when he returns to the ring from retirement for the September 19 clash over 12 rounds at the MGM Grand.

"It's very important for me," American Mayweather said during a conference call on Tuesday of his bid to maintain an unblemished career record of 39-0 with 25 knockouts.

"I am just happy to say that I'm going down as a Hall of Famer and it's extremely important for me to go out there to perform well and dominate.

"I've got to go out there and be smart, be intelligent and listen to my uncle Roger," he added, referring to his coach Roger Mayweather. "If I do that, we will come out 'A' okay."

Mayweather, who has not fought since his 10th round stoppage of Britain's Ricky Hatton in a WBC welterweight title bout in December 2007, felt his opponents always held one advantage.

NO PRESSURE
"When you go out there with an undefeated record, there is no pressure on these fighters because they have nothing to lose," the flamboyant 32-year-old said.

"If Marquez gets beat in 12 rounds or he gets knocked out, they are still going to love him in his country because he had the chance to face the best. They will say: 'You lost but you lost to the best.'

"But in the U.S. it doesn't work like that so we have to work that much harder to stay on top. If I win, it's normal. If a guy gives me a tough fight or even comes close to winning, that's abnormal. Everybody expects me to dominate."

Mayweather, a five-division world champion who is already accepted as one of the greatest boxers of any era, shrugged off suggestions he might be ring-rusty after his 21-month absence.

"I don't think a two-year layoff is going to affect me," he said. "I feel fast and strong and my timing is there. We are in the gym every day and we are looking very sharp.

"I feel the same way as I felt before I left. Actually I feel a little better. I think the break helped because I haven't had a break since '87 so my body had a chance to heal. I feel really good."

Mayweather said he would not underestimate the challenge posed by Marquez, a Mexico City native who has a 50-4-1 record with 37 knockouts.

"He is Mexico's numero uno," he adde

“He's one hell of a fighter with over 50 wins and champion in more than just one weight class. Believe me, Marquez is not going to lay down.

"There's going to be blood, sweat and tears on September 19."

President meets victorious junior squash team

President Jagdeo congratulates each member of the victorious junior squash team. In this photo, he is seen congratulating junior player, Ashley Khalil.

PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday welcomed the victorious Guyana squash team to the Office of the President where he congratulated them on their fine performance at the recently concluded regional tournament in Barbados.

“The President was very happy about it. He congratulated everyone individually. We are very grateful that he spent time talking to us. It was quite comfortable for all of us. We enjoyed it very much,” Carl Ince, the team’s coach said, after the meeting with the Head of State.

This is the fifth consecutive year that the junior team has been successful at the regional tournament and Ince was confident that the Guyana team was not going to become complacent and is aiming to repeat their victory next year.

Next year, we have to defend the title once again for the sixth time. We just have to do what we always do. Do our best, and train hard. Most of them are very disciplined and training is not a problem,” Ince told the Government Information Agency (GINA)