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Hours after moving into their new home
Family of three die of carbon monoxide poisoning at Parfaite Harmonie
By Telesha Persaud
SLEEPING with a switched-on generator inside their home which has no ventilation proved deadly to a family of three who were found on a bed yesterday at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.
Fifty-five-year-old Verby Garraway, her 27-year-old daughter Abiola Josiah, called ‘Abby’, and her six-year-old nephew, Orette Garraway (Jnr.), were reportedly poisoned after inhaling the carbon monoxide that emanated from the generator.
Reports reaching this newspaper indicate that the individuals on Monday moved to their new home in Parfaite Harmonie from where they formerly lived in La Grange.
A neighbour, Mrs. Osha Clarke, told the Guyana Chronicle that a thanksgiving ceremony was held at the house just after the family moved in.
According to her, the household decided to sleep with the switched-on generator which was kept in their bathroom, since the community does not yet have electricity.
However, the next day, Tuesday, she said the house was locked up all day and workmen who turned up to complete tasks on the building had to leave.
She said a number of persons also went by to drop off furniture but similarly had to leave after their calls went unanswered.
About 10:00h yesterday, Clarke said Police Officers turned up with relatives and broke one of the back windows.
They found the family dead and the bodies were taken to the Best Hospital Mortuary, West Coast Demerara.
Another neighbour, Mr. James Rodrigues, said that after the individuals moved in Monday, he expected to see them opening their windows the next day.
However, after the building continued to be locked up all day, he suspected something was amiss.
He said because the community is not electrified, most of its members would resort to using generators.
“What happened is very sad. We’re always happy when we see someone new moving in the area. We’re glad to have new neighbours and to know that the community is developing,” Rodrigues said.
Josiah was employed with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as an auditor, while her mother was an ex-member of the Special Constabulary.
Garraway was recently enrolled at the Genesis Early Childhood School, also on the West Bank Demerara.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odorless, tasteless, non-irritating but highly toxic gas. It is very difficult for people to detect when they are being affected by it.
At National Awards ceremony…
Best academic performers challenged to make better Guyana
By Vanessa Narine
THE Ministry of Education hosted its 13th Annual National Awards Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown yesterday, recognising schoolchildren for their academic successes.
Forty-two awards were presented to the best performers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); National Grade Nine Assessment (NGNA); Caribbean Secondary Education (CESC) in Junior Secondary Schools; Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CESC) in Senior Secondary Schools; Carnegie School of Home Economics Programme; Government Technical Education Examination (GTEE);Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) for Year One; Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) for Year Two; General Certificate of Education (GCE) at Advanced Subsidiary Level; General Certificate of Education (GCE) at Advanced Level; Most Improved Primary School; Most Improved Junior Secondary School; Most Improved Senior Secondary School and Best Graduating Student from Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the functions of the Office of President, said the achievements being recognised were examples of what every Guyanese could be.
“Not only students, but all Guyanese should be challenged to achieve similar levels of excellence,” he contended.
Mr. Hinds tasked the awardees with the job of making the Guyana that present developments are striving towards.
“This is the task for you but, more importantly, it is a task for all Guyanese,” he repeated.
Emphasising the importance of balance, he said: “Life is a total thing. We must do well is academics but also in other areas.”
Harmonising
Hinds said there is need for harmonising life and work at all levels, particularly at the national level.
Also addressing the gathering, particularly the best performers, was University of Guyana (UG) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Carrington.
He highlighted the need for need for students, especially, to be consistent, as it is only through that avenue accomplishments will be realised.
According to Mr. Carrington, a successful future is also dependent on three things, never stop learning, never stop sharing what you know and being resourceful.
He explained that, once an individual positions oneself to never stop learning, the person will be pushed from one success to another.
“Everything around you is changing rapidly, so you need to expand your knowledge and upgrade yourselves,” Carrington advised.
He pointed out that, by sharing what one knows, one’s environment is upgraded, ultimately being self-beneficial.
“Progress does not come from individuals but from the efforts of groups,” Carrington maintained.
He maintained that the speed of development will be increased if the knowledge is passed on.
“You must be part of the chain if you are to reap success,” he asserted.
Giving the charge to adopt resourcefulness as a character trait, he said; “Do the best with what you have and better will come.”
Carrington said being resourceful allows an individual to achieve much from little and, if resourcefulness becomes a habit, overcoming challenges will be a task that would be simpler to manoeuvre.
President Jagdeo leads Caribbean delegation in discussion with World Bank President
President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also currently Chairman of CARICOM, yesterday led a Caribbean delegation in a meeting with the President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick.
Addressing the meeting on behalf of the Caribbean Region, President Jagdeo advocated a new policy model to govern the engagement between the international financial institutions and the small vulnerable states of the Caribbean, recognising the long known peculiar development challenges faced by these countries. Against that background, he made the case for urgent additional flows of development assistance to be mobilised and disbursed to countries in the Region.
He also argued for special attention to be paid to relieving and restructuring the debt of the highly indebted vulnerable middle income countries of the region. In addition, he discussed with the World Bank President the climate change concerns of the Region.
The Caribbean delegation included the Prime Ministers of the Bahamas, Barbados, and St. Lucia. A number of senior officials of the Bank were also in attendance.
Yesterday’s meeting with President Zoellick followed meetings that President Jagdeo held earlier in the week with several leading figures in the international development community, including the President of the Inter-American Development Bank and the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
At all of these meetings, President Jagdeo has been advocating the case for additional support to be provided for the development efforts of the Caribbean. (GINA)
There has never been a disregard for the law – Attorney General
…in response to TCL’s application to CCJ charging Guyana of contempt
In response to Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) and its subsidiary, TCL Guyana Incorporated’s (TGI’s) application to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) requesting that the court hold the Guyana Government in contempt for failing to implement the Common External Tariff (CET) on cement from non-CARICOM (Caribbean Community) sources as ordered by the court, Attorney General (AG), Charles Ramson, issued a statement to the Government Information Agency (GINA) today, when he stressed that there has never been a disregard for the law within Government.
The AG explained that Government had willingly admitted that it was in breach of the rule requiring the imposition of the tariff on cement before the court, noting that there were extenuating circumstances as regional cement supplies, including the plaintiff, could not meet the needs of Guyana’s booming construction industry.
He stressed that it has been estimated that the country, over the coming year, requires 432,000 metric tonnes of cement to meet its demand, or 36,000 metric tonnes per month.
This demand, the AG explained, cannot be easily met by the regional producers. To highlight this point, he noted that the entire cement industry in Barbados could only supply 18,000 metric tonnes of cement per month, which is only 50% of Guyana’s demand.
Guyana’s efforts
AG Ramson was insistent that Government has always tried to remain within the confines of the law and had filed on June 30, before the court’s earlier ruling, an application with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), the body that rules on intra-regional trade matters, seeking a waiver of the CET on imports of cement from non-CARICOM countries.
However, he noted that Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, which have cement-producing companies, have objected to the granting of the waiver.
He further stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, will be attending a COTED meeting in Barbados today when this matter will be on the agenda.
The AG also indicated that Guyana had filed an application with the CCJ seeking an extension until December 31 of this year to follow the ruling of the court and a video conference on that application is expected to be held on October 14.
Asked whether this new application by TCL would have any effect on Guyana’s efforts to secure an extension, the AG explained that such an action is merely a tactic that seeks to unbalance an opponent in a legal battle (in this case, Guyana represented by its Attorney General).
He repeated that Guyana is only seeking to satisfy the cement needs of its booming construction industry, and is in no way trying to undermine the public’s confidence in the court, as a press release from TCL claims. Further, should Minister Rodrigues-Birkett be successful in lobbying COTED for a waiver of the CET, the matter would become moot.
Solemn ceremony commemorates Cubana air disaster
By Priya Nauth
A SOLEMN wreath-laying ceremony, to remember the 73 victims, including 11 Guyanese, who died in the 1976 Cubana Air Disaster, was held on Tuesday at the Cuban Embassy, on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown.
It was organised by the Embassy of Cuba in Guyana and Guyana/Cuba Friendship Society, in collaboration with the Guyana/Venezuela Friendship Society, to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the tragedy.
The 73 were killed when flight CU-455, en route to Jamaica, was blasted out of the sky by a terrorist attack shortly after takeoff from Barbados, on October 6, 1976.
Those on board the aircraft met their deaths in what was then the most deadly act of terrorism in the Western Hemisphere, using two time bombs variously described as dynamite or C-4.
The passengers were scheduled to fly from Guyana to Cuba via Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica.
At 17:24 h, nine minutes after taking off from Seawell Airport at an altitude of 18,000 feet the captain, Wilfredo Pérez Pérez radioed the control tower, saying: "We have an explosion aboard. We are descending immediately! We have fire on board! We are requesting immediate landing! We have a total emergency!"
The plane went into a rapid descent while the pilots unsuccessfully tried to return to Seawell.
All 48 passengers and 25 crew members died; 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five North Koreans.
The Guyanese were medical students Ann Nelson, Eric Norton, Rawle Thomas and Seshnarine Kumar, all aged 18 and 19-year-old Jacqueline Williams and Raymond Persaud. With them was the wife of the Second Secretary in the Guyana Embassy in Havana, Mrs. Margaret Bradshaw, 22, Sabrina Harripaul who was going to seek medical treatment and Gordon Sobha, Violet Thomas and Rita Thomas.
Notably, among the victims were all 24 members of the 1975 national Cuban Fencing Team that had just won all the gold medals in the Central American and Caribbean Championship, many of them teenagers.
Several officials of the Cuban Government were aboard the aircraft, too, including Manuel Permuy Hernández, Communist Party Director of the National Institute of Sports (INDER); Jorge de la Nuez Suárez, Communist Party Secretary for the Shrimp Fleet; Alfonso González, National Commissioner of Firearm Sports and Domingo Chacón Coello, an agent from the Interior Ministry.
Evidence implicated several Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) linked anti-Castro Cuban exiles and members of the Venezuelan Secret Police DISIP.
Controversy
Political controversy developed quickly when Cuba accused the United States (U.S.) Government of involvement.
Current Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Raul Gortazar-Marrero, speaking at the Tuesday commemoration, said 33 years after the tragic occurrence “we can ensure that injustice continues trembling for the energetic and virile people who cried that day of indignation and pain…”
“Today, 33 years ago, at the Cuban Revolution Square, the Cuban people laid off a few coffins carrying small pieces of human remains and personal clothing,” he recollected.
The diplomat said: “More than a million people, with tears in their eyes, dismissed that day in a symbolic way to our brethren, whose bodies were lying at the bottom of the ocean.”
Hernan Ricardo and Freddy Lugo, two Venezuelans mercenaries placed the explosives on the journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Barbados and returned to Trinidad where they were arrested and immediately confessed their participation, he said.
“Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, intellectual perpetrators of terrorist crimes, linked to the CIA from 1960, were arrested and subjected to a plagued tortuous process of irregularities in the midst of colossal pressures,” Gortazar-Marrero said.
He said the Venezuelan Public Prosecutor initiated the judicial proceedings against them for murder, manufacture and use of weapons of fire and making and carrying false documents.
“His dignified position raised violent reaction of the political mafia of the extreme right,” the Cuban Ambassador stated.
He said General Elio Garcia Barrios, President of the Martial Court, sentenced both terrorists to a prison term of several years and the Miami mafia avenged it with the shooting death of one of his children, in 1983.
Posada was rescued by the Cuban American National Foundation that sent $50,000 from Panama to finance the leak and he escaped on August 18, 1985, Gortazar-Marrero related.
“Today, the confessed murderer Luis Posada Carriles walks freely on the streets of Miami,” he noted.
Solidarity
“This act has been summoned as homage and tribute to the memory of our brothers and sisters who were killed in Barbados. But it is also an expression of solidarity with the thousands of people of the planet that had died because of terrorist acts,” the envoy stated.
He added: “That is why, as a day like today, we have the right to ask what measures will be taken with Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, responsible for the monstrous terrorist act of Barbados and demand that justice has to be done.
“Cuba will not dismiss in its struggle until justice finally has been done.”
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the Office of President said: “Today, it is with a great degree of solemnity that we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the bombing of the Cuban aircraft.”
He reminded that this infamous and cowardly terrorist attack took the lives of 11 Guyanese, six of whom were amongst the best scholars.
“73 innocent persons lost their lives in that attack and, today, we join with their families in honouring their memories,” Mr. Hinds told the gathering.
He said that dastardly act, aimed at the Cuban people “magnified the presence of terrorism in the Latin American and Caribbean region” but it took the international community three decades after to recognise that there needed to be a collective effort to condemn and counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and wherever it may occur.
“The Government of Guyana has supported efforts in this fight and, in this context, has joined in calls for the perpetrators of the bombing of the Cubana aircraft to be brought to justice,” Mr. Hinds said.
He said Guyana is still to erect a suitable monument but informed: “I am advised that a site has been selected at the University of Guyana. We think that such a location of students is an appropriate one at which to locate this monument and it is our hope that, by next anniversary, there will be an appropriate monument there.
“We want, today, to join, again, in paying tribute to the resilient spirit of the Cuban people who have continuously sought to rise above the external challenges to their development, particularly those brought about by the trade and economic embargo and efforts made to ostracise them from normal social and other economic intercourse in the Latin American region,” Mr. Hinds offered.
He stated that the Government of Guyana remains firm in its call for these sanctions to be removed and for Cuban to be fully embraced in all the activities of the hemisphere.
“As we join with the people and Government of Cuba in this commemorative event, we pledge our continued support and solidarity to them and commit to the further strengthening of the friendship and cooperation which we have enjoyed in our relationship with the Government and people of Cuba,” Mr. Hinds said.
History
Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Hamilton Green said the occasion symbolised what has happened throughout history where men “attempted to frustrate the efforts of those who fought for progress, justice and decency in our world”.
He expressed the hope that, next year, there would be a symbolic place and event to remember the Guyanese who died in the crash.
“I hope, therefore, that, as we leave the premises of this Embassy, we turn away, recognising that there is a continuum of intolerance, prejudice and hate in this country and elsewhere,” Green said.
“And I hope the young people, Cubans, Guyanese and others present, will dedicate the rest of their lives to ensure that what happened on October 6, does not happen again, because we will inculcate measures and a philosophy of love not hate, of cooperation and not dislocation and that we work together for peace in the world.”
Ambassador of Venezuela to Guyana, Mr. Dario Morandy also shared the sentiment that the Cuban air disaster is the worst terrorist act that ever happened in the Western Hemisphere.
He said Venezuelans are very passionate about this and, acknowledging that the persons killed were innocent victims, declared: “That is the reason why we are exercising a lot of pressure on the Obama Government that, if he really wants to struggle against terrorism, let him extradite Posada Carriles so that he can go to a court in Venezuela.”
President of the Guyana/Cuba Friendship Society, Mr. Samuel Abdool declared October 6 is a date “we will never forge”, being one of the most despicable and horrible events to occur in this hemisphere.
The country lost “aspiring young people whose dreams to become doctors” and other Guyanese citizens whose lives just vanished, along with 62 of Cuban and North Korean friends, the envoy remarked.
He called for unity to “continue our solidarity to call for justice” and bring an end to the situation.
Ministry urges employers to comply with Labour Laws
- Orders arrest warrants for errant employers
The Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Health and Safety Department has stated that after several unsuccessful requests from the department to meet with Universal Janitorial Contractorial Services’ Chairman and C.E.O. Mr. Eon Edwards, an arrest warrant was issued for Edwards and bail was set at $50,000 for failure to show.
This action was taken as a result of a complaint made by former employee, Rickford Connelly, for money owing to him by the company. The matter was subsequently taken to court, the Ministry said in a press release.
Representing Connelly, Attorney-at-law James Bond requested time for a meeting with the Ministry. A meeting was granted and the errant employer was ordered to pay $45,000 on charges of failure to produce wages records, failure to give notice of termination, and failure to pay in lieu of notice, the release said.
In a similar case, the Ministry of Labour represented two persons, Orin Parris and Dave Phillips, in charges against Tiger Woods Incorporated (TWI).
TWI also failed to meet with the Ministry on several occasions and bail was set at $40,000 for Anita Mohan, the company secretary. The matter was then moved to court and charges were made for failure to give notice, failure to pay in lieu of notice, and failure to pay severance allowance. The two employees were awarded $150,000 each.
The Ministry of Labour is now urging employers to comply with the Labour Laws and this would save time and money.
Over the years, the Labour Ministry has continued to vigorously pursue initiatives to ensure that workplaces become safer for employees. In March, the Ministry observed Occupational Health and Safety Month under the theme “Health and Life at Work: A Basic Human Right.” (GINA)
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With 17 confirmed cases…
Ramsammy announces imminent acquisition of H1N1 vaccine
GUYANA now has 17 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus but Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has assured that the vaccine for the disease will become available locally as soon as it is procured.
He said the Caribbean region, through Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), has been able to acquire 200 million doses of it.
Ramsammy added that, to date, this country has been making progress in dealing with the affliction.
“So far, of the 150 specimens we sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing, which confirmed the 17 cases, the majority continue to be linked to international contacts,” he disclosed.
Ramsammy said his ministry is making headway in the acquisition of the $8M piece of equipment to enhance DNA testing that would assist in earlier detection of H1N1.
The machine will facilitate tests of specimens on an open platform, meaning it has the capacity to identify a variety of things.
Ramsammy said a November deadline has been set for acquiring it.
Meantime, Guyanese are still encouraged to continue heeding safe hygiene practices as H1N1 is thought to be contracted in the same way as seasonal flu.
They should practice:
* covering the nose and mouth with tissues when coughing or sneezing and throw them in the trash after use;
* washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. (Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective);
* avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth as germs are easily spread that way;
* trying to avoid close contact with sick people and
* stay at home for seven days, if sick, after symptoms of the illness begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
H1N1 is a flu virus with symptoms similar to that of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Like with seasonal flu, as well, severe illnesses and death can result.
Flu viruses are spread, mainly by person to person, through coughing or sneezing by influenza patients.
Workshop to create change among disabled ends today
By Vanessa Narine
PARTICIPANTS in a four-day United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities workshop, ending today, are expected to be able to function as facilitators of change in their respective communities.
The forum was organised in collaboration with the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Guyana Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Guyana Council of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Those who participated were from Regions Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/ Mahaica), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
Themed ‘It’s about ability’, the programme was used as a platform to reflect where the Disability Movement was and is, as well as going in future, through the efforts of those who took part to become facilitators.
President of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Leon Walcott acknowledged there is much work to be done.
However, he lauded the progress that has been made, so far, in terms of advocacy, capacity building and more.
“At this stage, we have seen individuals and organisations in the Disability Movement being more vocal and more proactive,” Walcott said.
But he lamented what has become a sore point for discussion among stakeholders, the yet to be legislated Disability Bill developed in 2006.
Charity cases
“Without the legislation, persons with disabilities will continue to be looked upon as charity cases and we are not,” Walcott posited.
He admitted the playing field will never be level but said, at least with the legislation passed, they will be regarded with more respect than now.
Mr. Gregory Glasgow of CBR agreed the workshop will help in the creation of an enabling environment, so that persons with disabilities can contribute to all aspects of life in their communities.
Chairperson of the NCD, Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton concurred and pointed out that the agency’s vision for Guyana is one in which persons with disabilities can lead full and productive lifestyles.
Towards that objective, she said the NCD has put the focus on strengthening the capacity of persons with disabilities and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) to effectively and efficiently manage their own business ventures and advocate awareness and promote respect, protection and fulfillment of rights for all such people.
Hamilton lauded the organisers of the seminar and urged participants to work hard as they are being equipped to create the change to which stakeholders in the Disability Movement are looking forward.
One of those who facilitated the exercise was Ms. Miriam Rahali, Education Director of Victor Pineda Foundation, an educational non-profit organisation that promotes the rights and dignities of young people with disabilities.
She used a publication ‘It's About Ability’, which offers a detailed explanation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and was developed in partnership with UNICEF and the Victor Pineda Foundation.
GWI corrects Guyana Chronicle article
Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Nation’s supplier of water and sanitation services, wishes to respond to an article published in the Guyana Chronicle, dated Monday, October 05, 2009 and titled “Grass Fire destroys GWI pipes”.
Firstly, GWI wishes to advise that the destroyed pipes are not the property of Guyana Water Incorporated and the fire had no effect, whatsoever, on the performance of the sewerage system. The system is operating as per normal.
Lastly, contrary to the article published in the Guyana Chronicle, the area in which the incident occurred was not utilised as a storage bond for Guyana Water Incorporated.
Heritage Week opens with exhibition at National Museum
THE National Trust began Heritage Week observances on Monday, with an exhibition at the National Museum, Company Path, Georgetown.
The display was described as an initiative to sensitise, refresh and enlighten Guyanese about their rich social and cultural heritage, as well as the importance and significance of preserving relevant resources such as monuments, sites, objects, structures, buildings, landscapes and furniture for the benefit of both the present and future generations.
Viewers saw depictions of people and dress, rural village life, social heritage, recreational lifestyles, festivals and celebrations, monetary heritage, architectural elements, industrial heritage, sugar and rum industry, communication and transportation, urban landscapes and heritage erased.
Director of Culture, Dr James Rose, who deputised for Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, told the audience at the opening that heritage is everybody’s business.
“Preserving our heritage is, in essence, an attempt to preserve what is best about us,” he said, noting that the National Trust is the agency charged with the responsibility of protecting, preserving and promoting national heritage.
Rose said Georgetown has been blessed more than any other location with sites such as the 1763 Monument, the Umana Yana, City Hall and St. Georges Cathedral.
He pointed out, however, that, even though, those are in the city, they belong to the people of the country.
Rose warned that destruction is not a one off incident but is caused by neglect.
He said when memorabilia go they do not come back and instances of historical reconstruction are rare, not to mention exceedingly expensive causing a nation to become poorer.
Chairing the proceedings was Mr. Gary Serrao, Director of the Guyanese Heritage Museum.
He declared: “If we have nothing of our ancestors, we say to the world that we are ashamed of our past.”
CARICOM Member States are ripe for investments
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr Edwin Carrington, told a business forum in Mexico that with a functioning Single Market and a population of approximately 15 million, the Region stands ready to welcome business enterprises.
Speaking at a CARICOM-Mexico Business Forum in Mexico City last Friday, the Secretary-General explained in detail that the CARICOM Single Market has created a favourable climate for investment. He said Mexicans establishing a business in any CARICOM Single Market and Economy Member State would benefit from some key elements of the CSME.
These include Free Movement of Goods as well as the ability to make use of a number of trade agreements entered into which allowed goods substantively produced in CARICOM to have preferential access into many markets across the world. He also alluded to the free movement of skilled workers and capital as key elements of the Single Market which could benefit investors.
The Secretary-General said that the Community recognises the importance of private sector investments and is therefore going the distance to make the business environment a more conducive and facilitative one.
“In this regard, Member States are in the process of developing as part of the Single Economy a harmonised investment policy framework which would be designed to achieve increased flows of investments and improved competitiveness of the Region’s business sector,” Mr. Carrington informed. (CARICOM Secretariat)
Fire impedes development
- Section Leader Crawford tells school children at Fire Safety Fair
Activities in observance of Fire Prevention Week continued yesterday with an exhibition specifically targeting school children at the Diamond Community Centre Ground.
Taking the children through the exhibition, Section Leader of the Fire Prevention Unit, Shannon Crawford, said that fire prevention practices are encouraged all year long; however, these are intensified during the week that includes October 9.
Crawford explained that the importance of this week dates back to the “Great Chicago Fire” which occurred on October 9, 1871, claiming the lives of 250 people and destroying 17, 430 buildings, leaving 100,000 people homeless.
He emphasised the importance of fire prevention, noting that once the condition presents itself, a fire will start. “Fire has no respect, it impedes development and we cannot afford to let that happen in Guyana,” he said.
Crawford added that the Guyanese public is very reactive with regard to fire safety; as such, the Fire Service is trying to broach the subject in such a way as to make the public more proactive.
During the course of the week, Officers from various Fire Departments will be conducting drills, exhibitions and discussions on fire safety throughout the country.
Fire prevention is described as any precautionary measure put in place to obviate the outbreak of a fire.
This year, the week is being observed under the theme “Fire Prevention Needs Everyone’s Attention.” The first Fire Prevention Day was observed in the U.S. and Canada on October 9, 1911.
In Guyana, after the amendment of the Fire Prevention Ordinance, the Fire Service established a committee in 1974 consisting of members of the Guyana Fire Service to plan and execute a public awareness programme during the week. It has since been observed annually. (GINA)
Workshop told…
Tripartite HIV/AIDS workplace education programme could achieve more
By Shirley Thomas
THE ninth anniversary of the Guyana HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme was marked on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel, with the start of a two-day evaluation workshop that critically analysed progress to date.
The forum also involved brainstorming with the ultimate goal of finding ways to strengthen and develop the process.
It was organised by the Government of Guyana/International Labour Organisation (GOG/ILO) HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Programme and supported by the United States Department of Labour AIDS Workplace Education Pt and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (USDOL/PEPFAR).
Themed ‘Expanding Circles of Sharing and Learning’, the objectives were:
* to highlight the achievements and lessons learned from the programme, so far;
* to review the draft sustainability plan and identify gaps in it;
* to share good practices from the tripartite constituents and partnering companies and
* to identify strategies for filling the gaps and further strengthen the scheme.
Other stakeholders attending included from workplace education programmes established by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), Barama Company, Noble House Seafoods, Republic Bank, Property Protection Services and Digicel.
The tripartite partnership is a collaboration involving representatives of the Guyana Government, primarily through the Ministry of Labour, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI).
The GOG/ILO/USDOL/PEPFAR HIV/AIDS Workplace Education Project commenced on October 6, 2003, with the specific objectives of contributing to the prevention of the pandemic in the workplace, educating workers to play their part in protecting themselves and colleagues in the working environment and reducing the adverse effects on social, labour and economic development.
It has seen considerable progress over the nine years, said National Project Coordinator, Mr. Sean Wilson.
Tripartite partnership
He said, in 2003, 18 enterprises joined to collaborate with the tripartite partnership and the complement was strengthened with an additional 13 entities embracing 28,500 employees, in 11 local sectors.
Wilson said, of the 31 companies, 26 have signed memoranda of cooperation while 23 have adopted workplace policies.
He said all the enterprises have been actively involved in implementing HIV activities in their respective workplaces, at varying degrees.
But, according to him, the immediate aim is to increase the capacity of the ILO’s tripartite constituents to design and implement workplace prevention, education and behaviour change procedures and policies which address stigma and discrimination, among other issues.
He said, while it would seem that much has been accomplished, with stakeholders at all levels expending much energy to make the project a success, key amongst them at the tripartite level are concerned that much more needs to be done to appreciably reduce stigma and discrimination, still rife in society.
Wilson observed that, although some workplace education programmes are doing well and would be able to stand on their own, even in developing their own policies, others still need to work harder.
He concurred, with Programme Manager, Mr. Behrouz Shakhandeh, that persons in the workplace need to mature to the extent where they can see and appreciate that people living with HIV could still lead productive lives and should be given a chance.
However, Wilson is of the view that, as a country, Guyana is making the right move, aimed at having a more multi-sectoral approach towards HIV/AIDS education in the workplace.
“And that is certainly going to benefit us all, I think,” he added.
Other features of the education programme include a national youth empowerment programme conducted by the Ministry of Labour for out-of-school young people preparing to get into the world of work.
Through it, skills training which incorporates sexual and reproductive health is being addressed.
Dharmic Sabha to host “fabulous, creative and rich” motorcades
The Guyana Dharmic Sabha yesterday, announced that the organisation has a scheduled a series of “fabulous, creative and rich” motorcades along the entire coastal belt of Guyana for Diwali 2009.
A release from the Sabha stated that the Georgetown motorcade will be innovative in many respects and Guyana’s top artistes will be a part of the cultural programme slated for the L.B.I Community Centre Ground. The programme which features singing, dancing and a fashion show will be graced by President Bharrat Jagdeo who will deliver a special Diwali message along with Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud.
Persaud, according to the release, declared that the celebration will be the most colourful bearing in mind that it has broken all records in bringing together people from all walks of life. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the floats participating in the large and small categories. The first prize is $200,000 and a trophy, second $150,000 and a trophy, third $100,000 and a trophy, fourth $75,000 and trophy, fifth $50,000 and trophy and sixth $30,000 and trophy. All non winning floats will be awarded $20,000 for participating. Special prizes will also be awarded to floats in the commercial category, best overall design and best overall Mandir float.
The West Demerara motorcade will depart from Parika and Ruimzeight before converging at the Ocean View Mandir Compound on Friday October 9,for a stage show will be presented. Mohan Nandu, Dookranie Boodhoo, Rekha and Suchitra are the acts slated to perform.
Motorcades will be held at West Berbice and Upper Corentyne Berbice on Saturday October 10 which will feature stage shows that bring out the talent of young people I the area. The West Berbice motorcade will be moving from Bath Settlement Mandir whilst the Upper Corentyne motorcade will move from Crabwood Creek and Adventure before finally converging at Tagore High School ground. Motorcades will be held at East Berbice, Central Corentyne and on the Essequibo Coast at the Anna Regina Centre Ground on Sunday October 11.
The Sabha has promised that the East Berbice motorcade will capture the Diwali spirit in the whole of Canje and New Amsterdam including Palmyra, No. 2 and Canefield, with a programme being staged at the Canje Community Centre Ground. Another programme of songs , dance and fashion show is scheduled for the Albion Sport Complex where the Centre Corentyne motorcade will come to rest.
Chevron Executive Management Team pays courtesy call on PM
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the President, yesterday received a courtesy call from the Executive Management Team of Chevron West Indies Limited (Guyana) at his office, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.
The purpose of the meeting was to officially introduce the team which is visiting Guyana for the first time.
The team comprises General Manager, Retail, Commercial, and Industrial for the Caribbean, Central America, and the Andean Region, Mauricio Nicholls; and Area Sales Manager for the Caribbean, Ryan Oettinger.( GINA)
Shortage of judges limits hearing of criminal cases
Only 9 cases heard at June Session
By George Barclay
CASES appearing on the list for the criminal sessions are increasing.
But the shortage of judges has resulted in a limited number of cases being heard.
And, according to Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, S.C. , “ There is nothing that I can do about it.”
The situation is becoming worse at every session, leaving litigants wondering when their cases will be heard.
In the past years, when the sessions had a shorter list of cases, the authorities had put forward five judges to attend them. But today, when the number of cases to be heard has more than doubled, the number of judges available has dwindled from five to two.
And the prosecutors and defence lawyers are saying that they are receiving their lists late.
So much so, that Prosecutors before the Court complain to the judges that their lists only reach them on the afternoon before the opening of the sessions, and they are forced to ask for adjournments.
As a consequence cases before the assigned Judges, Justice James Bovell-Drakes and Justice Barrington Reynolds, would not be heard before next week, although the sessions opened on Tuesday.
Who is responsible for the late delivery of the lists?...No one seems to know.
For instance, the June Criminal Sessions came to a close this week with the Jail Delivery report on Monday to Justice James Bovell-Drakes who was told that there were some 105 prisoners at the Georgetown prisons awaiting trial at the October Criminal sessions.
Of 145 cases to be tackled at the June sessions in four months, between the two judges, Justice William Ramlal and Justice James Bovell-Drakes, who also have to do civil works, they could not reach further than completing nine cases between them for the entire Junes session.
The list before them for the June Sessions included 31` murders, 25 manslaughters, 15 causing death, 15 rape, and 23 for carnal knowledge.
As happened in the past, the October Criminal Sessions opened with the usual long list of cases and short list of judges. One hundred and fifty-three are cases to be tried by two judges; Justice James Bovell-Drakes and Justice Barrington Reynolds.
The list of 153 cases, includes 32 murders, 19 manslaughter, 17 rape and 22 for carnal knowledge.
Some of the defence lawyers complain that they too do not know which of their cases will be tried as they have not been notified. Senior Counsel, Mr. Bernard De Santos, who has cases at the sessions, noted, “I suspect that they hope to call the case with Dr Barry on Tuesday.”
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Boosting non-traditional agricultural exports
Historically Guyana’s economy has been agriculture-based and undoubtedly it will remain so for a very long time because of the large tracts of arable lands and volumes of fresh water it possesses. In fact, in the late 1950s and early 1960s it was regarded as the ‘breadbasket of the Caribbean’, but unfortunately with a change of government in the mid 1960s most of the advancements that were made in the agriculture sector were reversed and agricultural output began to rapidly decline because of the neglect to the sector and eventually this country became a net importer of food.
Agricultural output declined to the point where even chicken and eggs had to be imported apart from a whole host of food items which previously were produced in adequate quantities for local consumption including milk.
With respect to the latter milk production rose to such levels in the early 1960s that there was a need for the establishment of a milk pasteurisation plant which was established in Kingston but unfortunately it became one of those many victims of an ill-fated agricultural policy of a government which paid little or no attention to agriculture.
However, with the advent of the current administration there has been a renewed emphasis on the agricultural sector and every effort is being made to boost this vital area of the national economy. Consequently, many farmers who had abandoned their lands have now returned and as a result we have a seen a revitalised agriculture sector and this country once again being returned to the state of being an exporter of food.
And while a solid foundation for the sector has been re-laid, efforts are underway to diversify and to boost the non-traditional crops which have an enormous potential to become a major sub-sector and contribute significantly to our agriculture exports.
Already significant headway has been made in the export of cash crops, pineapples and other fruits, particularly to North America and several initiatives are underway to further boost this sub-sector.
On this score it was quite heartening to hear of the recent $198M consultancy contract with Italian-based company AGROTEC Spa. to provide health and food safety services under the Agriculture Export Diversification Programme (AEDP). The purpose of this programme is to see the establishment of services and institutions facilitating a sustainable rise in earnings from export of non-traditional agricultural output in the aquaculture, fruits and vegetables and livestock sub-sectors.
This is indeed a critical area because food and health safety go hand in hand and is of utmost importance to the international food market.
This is another significant step forward as the local agriculture sector consolidates its huge potential.
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The Observer
Rio 2016 can be beneficial to the continent
President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva of Brazil spared no efforts to conceal his jubilation after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced last week that the city of Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympiad. Lula spontaneously burst into celebration even before the word “Janeiro” could have been completed in pronunciation by the person making the announcement. Rio was good enough for Lula and the millions of Brazilians who celebrated.
The celebration was not confined to those residing in Brazil, but to those in the Diaspora, including those that reside here. It was extended to the millions in the continent of South America who joined in. They felt a sense of belonging. It’s the first time since the birth of the Olympics that the games will be staged in this continent. Over the years, Brazil has been impacting positively on the world economy and has become a major player on global issues. The Olympics in 2016 will further strengthen its global gains made over the years.
Many here who followed the developments prior to last week’s announcement, whilst ecstatic, did not express much surprise at the IOC’s decision. For them the decision was never in doubt. Their explanation was simple; the IOC could no longer ignore a continent which hadn’t hosted the games before. Some added this to Brazil’s increasing international stature. This was weighed against the fact that the other countries short-listed, the U.S., Japan and Spain, all hosted the games before, some more than once.
For Brazil not to have won the 2016 bid would have confirmed the belief by many that the hosting of what is considered the pinnacle of track and field, indoor and outdoor games, is confined to an elite group of developed countries. Of course, Brazilians would not want to envisage that the main reason their country won the bid is because this part of the world never hosted it. These proud sons and daughters of the largest country in South America and the fifth largest in the world would only accept that their land won because it was deserved due to its capability and its thorough and impressive bid. Nothing else would be accepted.
The IOC in a subsequent media event explained that the body doesn’t always take money into consideration when such bids are awarded. The insinuation is that the event in 2016 may not necessarily be a financially profitable one. Well, on behalf of my Brazilian friends, I would like to note that such a comment is not only premature, but uncalled for. I have no reason to doubt that Brazil will endeavour to present an Olympiad that will be the envy of the 2020 host and which will attract millions. The Chinese defied all odds, criticisms and political insinuations to present an Olympiad in 2008 that not only stunned the world, but was deemed the best ever!
Brazil, known for promoting the best Carnival in the world, will no doubt be inspired to try and surpass what the Chinese did in 2008. Here in Guyana, with the thrust to increase collaboration and trading with other South American countries, all must be able to embrace Brazil’s hosting of the 2016 games as being involved in the process. This kind of embrace is evident in Regional cricket where some countries are not physically represented by players who make up the team.
For years, some islands in the Region were unable to produce a West Indies test cricketer. Some still may have not done so. This did not deter the leadership and residents of these states from feeling a true sense of belonging to Regional cricket. The team is deemed to be representative of the entire Region. Whether, (given the current sad state of the Region’s cricket), some states will want to openly and proudly attest to a sense of belonging, is another story. What is important, it has been and is still a Regional team. This principle can be encouraged for the upcoming 2016 games in our Southern neighbour.
Over the years, relations between Guyana and Brazil have been fortified to the point where the Takutu Bridge now links the two countries. This has laid the foundation for vast increase in trade and travel and its related developments. President Lula has pledged further assistance for other developmental projects in Guyana. This is the fruit of President Jagdeo’s relentless pursuit to foster and expand relations with various countries around the world. Brazil has been no different. A large number of Brazilians reside here with some in business; the same for Guyanese in parts of our large southern neighbour.
2016 is seven years away. Brazil has much preparation to do for the hosting of the Olympics. There is no doubt that they will meet all of the IOC’s requirements. With the increased cordiality in relationship between Guyana and Brazil, and the improvement in infrastructure to facilitate easy travel, I am sure that many Guyanese will make their way to Rio come 2016. It may be via a long and adventurous road trip or by direct flights. This is not far-fetched, given the rapid development that continues here.
This is something to look forward to as the sense of pride Brazil feels continues to permeate across South America of which we are the only English speaking country. This may prove to be a great asset come 2016. The South American games in Rio will indeed provide vast opportunities for countries in its proximity. As we all bask in the glory that has befallen Brazil, it has given impetus and increased optimism that the games will one day reach the shores of Africa; the last remaining continent, barring Antarctica, to be afforded the privileged opportunity to host the most important and auspicious competitions on the planet. The next host city announcement has gotten more interesting.
STANDARDS CORNER
FUEL PUMP VERIFICATION: WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CONSUMERS.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) empowered under the National Weights and Measures Act of 1981 has been conducting a number of activities to ensure that there is equity in trade thus protecting consumers from some unscrupulous businessmen who set out to rob them with regards to weights and measures.
Because of stipulations set out in the Act, businesses using weighing and measuring devices in trade must submit their devices to the GNBS, for verification as is required once every six months.
A significant part of the Bureau’s mandate includes checking and verifying the accuracy of bulk meters and fuel pumps at filling stations countrywide, to ensure that fuel dispensed at the pump is within the acceptable tolerance levels as stipulated in the Regulations.
Since 1996, Officers of the GNBS have routinely conducted verifications at all petrol pumps at all gas stations. This exercise was carried out at all petrol stations for the first and second half of 2009 and over 3000 pumps were verified for fuel companies such as: Sol, Texaco GUYOIL, and privately owned stations.
If pumps are found to be under-delivering or over-delivering, the necessary adjustments are made and a protective seal affixed. This is to maintain the integrity of the process.
However, if a pump which has been sealed off is found to be tampered with, the operators or owners can face prosecution.
Further, if for one reason or another, a fuel pump is not functioning properly, and cannot be calibrated immediately, the Inspector would seal the dispensing nuzzle to prevent further usage of the pump until its accuracy can be verified.
The entire verification process is intended to protect both the supplier and the consumer. When a pump is over delivering fuel, the seller is being robbed; likewise, if a pump is under delivering, the consumer is being short-changed.
The Bureau of Standards, therefore, serves as an effective interface between sellers and consumers, thus ensuring fair trade and business practices and ultimately, protection for all. Consumers are advised to make purchases in metric and check the fuel pumps for the GNBS seal which is a guarantee that the pump has been checked for the corresponding period.
For further information on this subject, call the Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Telephone number: 219-0065 or 219-0069.
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Failure to recognise strides in the Rice Industry
The AFC’s recent statement on the rice sector in Guyana lacks ingenuity and several of the so-called proposals are a rehash of aspects of the Rice Sector Strategic Plan which is currently being implemented.
Long before AFC’s Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and his opposition cohorts proclaimed “involvement” in the rice sector, the very issues that they have now researched and are pontificating as ideas of their own to restructure the rice sector were being implemented at various levels through the Ministry of Agriculture and Guyana Rice Development Board.
The AFC’s statement is therefore a plagiarism of the IDB-sponsored 10-year strategic plan for the rice sector which is currently being pursued by the GRDB and this Administration. The many issues raised by that Party is irrefutable evidence that he is unaware of the dynamics of the sector and is therefore misguided on how to pronounce rationally on its future; or, as many of his ilk in the opposition seem to be doing, will-fully misguiding members of the public and more particularly, the thousands of farmers in this country, to score political points and secure their goodwill.
The rice sector of Guyana has many challenges indeed but efforts at both the national and sectoral levels are being vigorously pursued to increase industry efficiency and enhance its competitiveness.
The Ministry of Agriculture has been consistently publishing verifiable information in the media on the measures undertaken to improve and thereby enhance the economic situation of the sector.
Notwithstanding however, due regard must to given to and appreciated that rice is the world’s staple so its production and trade are ultimately governed by the uncontrollable factors of climate and the political dictates of a very inflexible international commodity market.
Therefore, it is more productive for all involved, whether farmers, millers, exporters, input suppliers, service providers and a whole gamut of others, to be engaged in constructive and logical discussion rather than impregnating the minds of the public with political propaganda.
Through this approach, the rice sector has made tremendous strides over the last fifteen (15) years after decades of PNC state-controlled decadence and mismanagement. Apparently, AFC’s appearance in the dailies as a saving grace of the sector will enhance the current position of rice farmers, but really, the only beneficiary of his plagiarized utterances is he and his impractical self.
If the check boxes were to be ticked then all the issues raised by the AFC would have been addressed over the past years but like all other traded commodities, rice is no different.
Of the 550 million tonnes of rice produced globally every year, only a minimal 4-5% is traded. But whilst this may be insignificant, Guyana is one of a handful of countries that is a net rice exporter.
As such, the industry’s participation in the international market is necessary but the conditions of entry and access are non-negotiable, at best, because of the negligible 0.007% space Guyana absorbs, albeit in preference-giving segments of the market, namely Caricom and Europe.
Therefore, political popularity and farmers’ hoodwinking by the AFC would not resolve issues of a global nature. The approaches and interventions currently being pursued by this Administration are probably most-suited and relevant to addressing the needs of farmers and future of the rice sector.
Interventions of enhanced research capabilities, reduced yield gap, vertical and horizontal diversification, institutional strengthening, infrastructural enhancement in drying and storage, port development and continued and improved D&I services are at the forefront of the rice production agenda to support farmers as they grapple with the constraints of climate change and international competition.
A point to note is that this year rice production will be the highest in Guyana’s history. Isn’t this a sign of much progress and the results of strategic planning and action?
For more information AFC’s Ramjattan is urged to contact the GRDB or Ministry of Agriculture where the Rice Sector Strategic Plan, EU feasibility study, Rice Competitiveness Project Completion Reports, etc would be made available for his perusal and reference.
JAGNARINE SINGH
General Manager
Guyana Rice Development Board
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Success of President’s climate change initiatives would benefit the nation
AS expected, there have been many criticisms of President Bharrat Jagdeo’s efforts in relation to the global fight against the effects of Climate Change and although the Copenhagen date is still some way off, people are already predicting failure for the Head of State.
What our President has been doing successfully is to create awareness and to show how small states can play a major role in the fight. President Jagdeo’s effort all along has been an unselfish one, and if Guyana is successful, and I say Guyana since it is something that affects the country, then the entire nation stands to benefit. It won’t be a case where ‘Jagdeo’ would be benefiting from this situation.
Considering where Guyana has come from and the progress it has made during the last 10-12 years, we can all rest assured that the development in the future will be on a wider scale in all areas.
Guyana through prudent management has progressed from being bankrupt to being able to witness fast paced and extensive development which is an indication that Guyana can be successful in convincing those who determine the policies that countries should be compensated for their role in maintaining standing forests.
If we have been able to come this far on the little resources that were available then can you consider what the development of Guyana would be in the future if resources are made available through the LCDS? It would be unimaginable.
There are people out there who are touting failure even before the event has happened. Is it that they want to see Guyana fail at the Copenhagen meeting and if so then am I to believe that by extension they do not want to see Guyana develop?
L. EDWARDS
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Simply saying the government is bad gives voters no assurance
TOO many Guyanese seem to be bitten by the "R.I.C.E" virus. Racism, Incompetence, Corruption and Egotism are the symptoms of this virus. The "One Guyana" slogan seems to mean different things depending on party affiliation. Voters must have clear choices at election time. An opposition party should show by its plans and performance while in the Assembly that it can provide clearly better leadership than the present government.
If the opposition shows that it can not only oppose but support or propose good policies, then it could be measured against what the current government is proposing or doing. Simply, saying that the government is bad, therefore offers no assurance to voters that the opposing party can do better. Under these circumstances, people prefer the devil they know than the one they do not know. The opposition must do a lot better if we are to get the best governance possible.
N. AUGUSTUS
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Guyanese are sometimes unbelievable
GUYANESE are sometimes unbelievable. They want and clamour for better things including services from government and when the time comes for that to happen, some try to make it difficult. Government has been pushing to improve the electricity supply since the population has increased over time and people have moved to other areas increasing the housing spread. While Guyana’s development plans for improvement of the electricity sector is already underway, the installation of electricity cables along the railway embankment at Lamaha is pivotal to this improvement.
For decades people have squatted on that land along the canal, and over time there have been efforts to have them relocated, everyone has moved to house lots given to them by Government as an amicable solution to the problem; everyone but K.P Thomas.
For someone who is affluent and cognizant of the need for the improvement in the sector, why is he hesitant to move when everyone along that stretch has been long gone?
A regular landlord usually has a hard time in getting troublesome tenants off his property and would eventually have to seek recourse at the courts, which is a long process. Government has gone through the process and has on several occasions given notices to KP Thomas for their removal, but even so, with everyone else living along that block having to move doesn’t it stand to reason that they would have to move as well, given the location and the running of the electricity cables?
This shows that regardless of what Government tries to do in terms of development, it will run into occasional glitches in the form of people who deliberately set out to foil Guyana’s development plan. Now that Government has moved to take action after giving notices for so long, people would want to criticize, but any Government has the right of compulsory acquisition and can take back the property since it is needed for use in the development of one of the sectors which will benefit all Guyanese.
Just look at the situation with the Berbice River Bridge, when the land was needed along the route, residents were relocated and compensated so that the development plans could move ahead smoothly. In this day when land is affordable and easier to acquire, why would a construction company make it so hard to move from a plot of land that was never theirs to begin with? They are not only defying the Government on this but are showing defiance against development for the Guyanese people!
K. JOHNSON
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Padang will again rise from the destruction
I have visited Indonesia about 12 times in the last five years and every time I have gone there, there is so much to learn and see. I usually make one trip every time I visited, lasting about two weeks to Padang, West Sumatra, in this beautiful country. Each time, I am there, I am engaged in all sorts of conversations, even discussing, when the next big earth quake would hit Padang, as was forecasted. No one seemed to have any details, citing the fact that the Government along with its’ Japanese counterpart, have installed high tech alarm systems, of any impending earthquake and or tsunami. However, on Wednesday of last week, these systems did not sound an alarm.
Padang, a relatively prosperous port city with a population of about 900,000.It lies on a coastal plain backed by mountains. The West Sumatra government does not allow night clubs, no bikinis on the beaches and no liquor to be consumed. It adheres to Islamic laws. Its’ beaches are clean and safe. There is no gun crimes as citizens all over Indonesia are not allowed to own guns. One feels very safe in Padang. Transportation is relatively dirt-cheap and gas sells nationally at $0.45 US per litre. Living costs, including grocery, fresh meat, fish and vegetables are very affordable. It has a state- of- the- art International Airport which hosts about 40 flights per day.
It is a home to the Minangkabau ethnic group, whose traders spread its traditions, - including their famed spicy food - as they settled across the country. Padang Makan as it is called is a national favourite. The menu is plentiful, mouth watering and satisfying.
The city also lies on one of the world's most active fault lines, making it vulnerable to the earthquakes and tsunamis that have become an increasing concern to residents in recent years. Where I usually stay, is about 300 meters from the Indian Ocean. Although this city is hot and humid, I never needed air-conditioning, as I enjoyed the same fresh breeze of the Indian Ocean as I am used to in Guyana.
It is a city that is used to smaller earthquakes but no recent ones that have created wide spread destructions as this one.
The streets of Jaunda and its’ surroundings, are laced with huge businesses and serve as the epicenter of banking and commerce in Padang. It boasts a population of close to 900,000 and has the finest universities, including law, medical and engineering faculties. Many thousands of Malaysian students study there.
In most government offices in Jakarta, courts, hospitals and engineering companies, one would find the majority are graduates from universities in Padang. It is one of the few good learning centres in Indonesia.
Padang is important to Indonesia and is also a point of transit for European
surfers. It is an unspoilt city.
Culturally, it is known for the unusual matrilineal system of the Minangkabau, whereby inheritance passes from mother to daughter.
Padang women are seen as being particularly forthright and powerful and they exercise these rights to the fullest. These women are shrewd and powerful business people. They excel in all types of businesses.
It’s sister city, City of Buttinggi, on the other end of West Sumatra, boasts as the capital where all S. E Asian Royalties, Datuks and Datins, originate from.
The region also has strong literary and musical traditions, though it is Padang's spicy cuisine that has perhaps won most renown as the city's traders set up restaurants across Indonesia.
It typically consists of hot curries and other dishes served up in dozens of small bowls.
The area's most important businesses include textiles, cement, palm oil, rice, sugar, oil refineries and rubber. Transport across the province was reported to have been affected by the latest earthquake. Now everything is at a stand still. Roads are still impassable.
Despite the hundreds that were killed and the thousands of homes and businesses destroyed, Padang will again rise from the destruction to again be a bustling city.
MOHAMED MOBIN
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
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Guyana is not the only country with negative happenings
THE Peeping Tom column of October 5, ‘A button and a flyer’ asks that persons forget about notions about a third term for President Jagdeo which is being used by some as a smokescreen to deflect attention from the real issues.
Peeping Tom credits every bad thing that has happened under the PPP/C for the past 10 years to President Jagdeo including the crime wave, the massacres, the performance of the economy and the 2005 flood.
I wonder if Peeping Tom expected a magician instead of an economist for a President. No human being has control over natural disasters nor can they control the minds of others. It irks me when persons speak of things that have happened in Guyana making it seem as though these things are unique to our country and that only because we have this Government that these things are happening.
Government did what it could to solve the crime problem and today after a period of difficulty, things are significantly better which is much more than we can say for some of our neighbours. Look at the crime rate in other Caribbean countries. Those countries are still grappling with their problems for over such a long period.
We have had massacres but that is not unique to Guyana. Look at the Columbine High school massacre of April 20, 1999 in the United States of America, where 12 students and a teacher were killed and 21 others were injured while three were injured while attempting to escape before committing suicide. That was dubbed the fourth deadliest school massacre in the history of the United States after the 1927 Bath school disaster, the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre and the 1966 University of Texas massacre.
These were killings in schools involving school children and here we had people who were hard core criminals in many cases carrying out these dastardly acts. Many deportees who spent years in other countries perpetrating crimes of unspeakable nature who were sent back to unsuspecting Guyana and Government had to work to deal with the situation that arose afterward.
The flood of 2005 could not have been prevented by President Jagdeo; it was caused by heavy rainfall over a prolonged period of time. No government would have been able to prevent it. Bigger countries with significantly more resources have the same problem. Earlier this year there were floods in Brazil displacing 300,000 while swollen rivers in Columbia caused trouble and killed several people.
The United States of America often has flooding and even up to last month we have seen pictures of flooding in Atlanta. So the flooding issue does not just affect ‘little’ Guyana but also the developed countries with resources to spare.
If it wasn’t for President Jagdeo’s prudent management of the economy then Guyana would have been worse off like other small states which are trying to struggle with the effects of the financial crisis that has affected the world resulting in so many companies closing and so many being jobless.
CARMEN JOHNSON
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Freddie refers to those who oppose him as “Jumbies”
MY response to Freddie Kissoon' captioned "How does Mr. Jagdeo feel about this? KN Sunday Oct -04- 09 is that he is proving more and more on a constant and daily basis how doltish he is.
I will now pose one simple question for the high and mighty Freddie Kissoon to answer.
Can he show any one where T. King ever highlighted a single achievement of President Jagdeo?
I bet he can't and won’t be able to show any such thing in my writings.
So what he does instead?
He reverts to calling people names like "Jumbies" because they oppose his daily trash.
Well Freddie that is ok with me and many like me to be referred to as “Jumbies.”
I am an unseen "Jumbie" where no one is afraid of me unlike him who can hurt a lot of people with his constant daily trash talk.
You see, the seen "Jumbies" are the ones who on a daily basis just trash talk for talk sake.
Are you not the "Seen Jumbie" that is calling the PPP and its President an "Elected Dictatorship"?
I just pointed out to him where an Elected Dictatorship worked wonders for the tens of thousands of Guyanese as opposed to the installed and unconstitutional dictatorships.
Now he is vexed so he calls others "Jumbies".
He must first learn to read and understand what he is reading before he responds.
You are never too old to learn Freddie.
You are not supposed to get vex when others point out your dotish contentions.
Take it like the big man you are.
T. KING
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What is wrong with letters favourable to the government?
HAVING read Freddie Kissoon’s column of October 6, I have realised that he keeps saying the same thing over and over again with regard to the letter columns of the newspapers and what he feels are phantom writers.
My question to Mr. Kissoon is what is wrong with people writing letters to the newspaper which are considered to be favourable to the government?
I think that given Freddie’s current beliefs and feelings; we all know how changeable this fellow is; only letters which are anti-government in nature would be acceptable for print.
However I believe that everyone should be allowed to voice their opinions, just as Freddie has his column, the people have the letter columns to make their views known, whatever that may be.
M. GRANT
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Once seemingly invincible super-power now ranked below many countries
HOW mighty are fallen! Although it is sad to see, this is also a reality check for people who always feel that America is the best and would do anything to get there. How the Today, the United States, which was once one of the best places in the world, has fallen to rank 13 on this year’s United Nations human development index.
The super-power once seemingly invincible is now ranked below countries like Norway, Australia, Iceland, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Switzerland and Japan among others. And this year’s index was based on data from 2007 and does not take into account the impact of the global economic crisis.
I have also read about the World Bank commenting on the US dollar losing its position as the world’s predominant reserve currency. There is already talk that the euro is a respectable alternative to the dollar and it is believed that its acceptability could grow. The WB President even went on to say that the US is losing its pre-eminence along with other wealthy nations and faces a loss of influence on the international economy.
We have seen the closing down of several prime US business entities which have resulted in staggering losses in terms of employment. Many people lost their jobs as a result of the economic crisis which has hit those countries the hardest and the crisis is not at an end.
Guyana is luckily not affected by these external shocks due to prudent management of the economy by the Government. Guyana has been thriving despite the economic problems affecting countries and Guyanese can testify to the fact that their lives have not been negatively impacted by those external problems. Policies and programmes implemented by this administration have been working to ensure that the Guyanese people receive the necessary push to develop and prosper.
Am I to think that since the US Government has been unable to prevent all these things it should be asked to resign? I am asking this because in Guyana, as soon as things go a little off centre, people call for the administration to resign.
D. RAMLALL
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Good things indeed come to those who wait
GOOD things indeed come to those who wait and I am on cloud nine with Rio De Janeiro been awarded the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympics Games. It's basically a drive over the Takutu Bridge.
In neighbourhood friendship, warmest congratulations are extended to the Brazilian Ambassador and the people of Brazil for this amazing achievement and it is one that represents the entire continent of South America which Guyana is very much part of and which I am very proud of.
This being the very first time that the Olympic Games will be held in the tropics, I also believe that it should work in favour of the athletic ambassadors of Guyana. So, get going with the first gear preparations.
Oprah, The Obamas (Chicago), Tokyo and Madrid, eat your hearts out. This is South America's calling to the world to shine.
T. PEMBERTON
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Moore signs lucrative deal with TR International Boxing Promotions
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Guyana’s world-rated bantamweight boxer Leon Moore has signed a lucrative two-year promotional contract with the Asia-based Top Rated International Boxing Promotions in Bangkok, Thailand.
Currently holding a world ranking of No.6 with the World Boxing Council (WBC), Moore is expected to have his first bout with his new promoters in Thailand in mid-November.
“A few of their promoters came to the Caribbean and saw him fight and they had the best offer for promotional rights for Leon,” Carwyn Holland, Moore’s manager told CMC Sport yesterday.
His contract with TR International, Holland says, is set to earn Moore fight purses of up to US$30 000.
“He will be fighting for purses between US$10 000 and US$30 000 with this contract.”
Top Rated International holds television rights for the popular HBO network and the deal with Moore carries TV rights for the entire Caribbean and parts of South America.
Holland retains managerial control of Moore and says the deal is designed to steer the gifted 30-year-old towards a shot at the 122-pound World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-bantamweight crown.
“It’s a two-year deal with an agreement for four fights per year, which will include a world title fight under the WBO,” Holland added.
“I am (still) his manager, they are just promotional,” Holland stated.
Already the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) champion, Moore added the World Boxing Association’s FedeLatin, FedeCaribe and North American Boxing Association (NABA) belts to his log last month with a victory over Colombian Mauricio Pastrana in Guyana.
Moore, the only English-speaking Caribbean-based boxer with a World Top-10 ranking, is scheduled to leave Guyana on October 21 for a three-week camp in Thailand where he is scheduled to face Japanese boxer Kenichi Yamaguchi in a non-title bout in mid-November.
Moore boasts a solid record to 25 wins (22 knockouts) against two losses, and Yamaguchi, undefeated in his last 13 fights, has 15 wins (4 knockouts) against one loss and two draws.
That bout is earmarked as a warm-up for Moore before he faces the highly ranked Sod Looknongyangtoy, of Thailand, who is ranked No.5 in the world by the WBO.
Looknongyangtoy is unbeaten in his last 16 fights and his ring record stands at 42 wins (18 knockouts) against two losses and one draw.
TR International’s target for Moore is the WBO title, currently held by Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel Lopez.
As part of the contract, Holland has negotiated that one of Moore’s four annual bouts in the contract will be staged in the Caribbean to ensure that his international appeal can be used to help boost professional boxing, which is struggling in the region.
“We wanted to make sure the deal benefits the Caribbean. Leon is our brightest star so if we should send him off it would leave us without any real star here and we would have to build someone else. That’s why I pushed for a deal like that.
“The next time he fights in the Caribbean, it could be in Guyana, Barbados or St Lucia,” Holland stated.
Moore aims to become the fifth Guyanese man to win a world boxing title, after Andrew Lewis, Wayne Braithwaite, Vivian Harris and Gairy St Clair
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner calls for salary cap
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has called for the introduction of a salary cap in football at a conference in London yesterday. Warner railed against the big clubs amassing large debts.
"A salary cap should be introduced to allow for a more level playing field among clubs. Otherwise, smaller clubs will never be able to compete with high-spending teams," Warner said.
"In the Premier League, four clubs have been dominant over the past decade and those clubs will continue to be the dominant forces until doomsday under the present system."
Warner also said clubs must send money back to the countries where players originated.
"Clubs should invest at least 10 per cent of the earnings of their players from the territories in which they were contracted.
These funds should be used specifically for the development of grassroots football and the development of homegrown players." (Goal.com)
Neal and Massy cricket ...
Fudadin and Hicks hit half-centuries as RHTWSB book place in final
By Calvin Roberts in Anna Regina
(Compliments of Breeze and Gizmos and Gadgets)
BERBICE zone champions Rose Hall Town Windies Sports Bar (RHTWSB) booked their place in next Saturday’s final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Neal and Massy nationwide first division competition, when they defeated North Essequibo by 75 runs in their national semi-final match at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground yesterday.
RHTWSB won the toss and, opting to take first strike in sunny conditions, raced to 66 without loss from 8.4 overs, before settling for 249-7 thanks to the batting of Assad Fudadin (88), Delbert Hicks (50) and Royston Crandon (44). Bowling for north Essqequibo, Suresh Persaud took 2-25.
In reply, North Essequibo failed to rally around the batting of Navin Bahadur who made a resilient 45 decorated with two fours and a similar number of sixes, as they were bowled out for 174 from 38.3 overs, thanks to Michael Cummings (3-35) and Royston Crandon who returned to claim 2-33 with the ball.
When RHTWSB batted, the 25-year-old Hicks, who made his national debut in Guyana’s final game of this year’s West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s Cup four-day competition against Barbados, and Renwick Batson (10) treated the opening bowlers of North Essequibo with scant respect, posting 66 for the first wicket.
Hicks started things with a drive through extra cover off Persaud, followed by a sweep shot for four and a pull over backward square leg for six off successive deliveries from national Under-15 medium pacer Mark Tyrell, with the latter shot raising his team’s 50 from 5.3 overs.
A sedate-looking Batson got into the act with a four over midwicket before he picked out North’s skipper Elroy Stephney at extra cover with a lofted drive off Vishwanauth Lall but his demise brought Fudadin to the wicket and, along with Hicks who took 42 balls and struck five fours and two sixes in his 50, was caught by Rajeev Manickchand off Stephney at extra cover.
The show began for the small gathering of North Essequibo supporters, when West Indies limited overs batsman Royston Crandon joined Fudadin and with some audacious drives and pulls, they added 83 for the third wicket from a mere 7.1 overs.
The 24-year-old Fudadin who had struck Lall through extra cover for four during his partnership with Hicks, was a bystander at the other end when Crandon hit Navin Bahadur for three sixes, including an inside out shot over extra cover in the 28th over, which cost North Essequibo 23 runs.
Crandon also struck Uvindra Balgobin whose eight overs went for 64 runs back over his head for a six, before he was run-out by wicketkeeper Abdool Salim, when his attempt to take a cheeky single to cover failed for a well-played 44, which took 38 balls to compile and was decorated with four sixes.
His elder brother and skipper of RHTWSB Esaun Crandon (28) strode to the wicket to join Fudadin who posted his 50 with a six over backward square leg off Balgobin from the 67th delivery he had faced and they added a further 67 from 7.3 overs before a collapse took place for the visiting team.
Esaun Crandon struck Stephney back over his head twice for a six and four off successive deliveries, before he was caught and bowled by Punraj Singh in the 37th over, a dismissal which saw three wickets including Fudadin’s, falling in the following over.
Jason Sinclair (0) was caught by Lall off Persaud from the first ball and when Fudadin lost his leg stump to Lall two deliveries later, followed by the wicket of Ravi Narine (0) who went via run-out, RHTWSB moved from 234-4 to 238-7.
All told, Fudadin faced 87 balls and struck five sixes and three fours in his 88 and resilient batting from Eon Hooper and Khemraj Mahadeo who were unbeaten on seven and five respectively, saw them to 249-7 from their 40 overs, even though Persaud ended with 2-25 from four overs.
When North Essequibo, who defeated South Essequibo in the Essequibo zone finals began their reply, they got a rousing start from openers Navin Singh (14) and Salim (16) who posted 22 for the first wicket from 6.4 overs.
Singh batted like a batsman possessed, treating national fast bowler Esaun Crandon with little respect, when he pulled him through midwicket and backward square leg for four, followed by another which was exquisitely struck through extra cover off Batson.
He lost the battle when Esaun Crandon had him caught by Michael Cummings at mid off from a delivery which slowed up on him after hitting the track, after he was struck for the second four in the seventh over.
Salim and Bahadur added 16 for the second wicket, before the former, who struck Batson for two fours through extra cover and forward square leg respectively, holed out to Eon Hooper in the deep cover position off Cummings which left North Essequibo on 38-2 in the 11th over.
Bahadur got into the act by hitting Narine over midwicket for six, much to the delight of his teammates while new batsman Lall, displayed his ability to hit the ball over the top, with a maximum over midwicket and a four from successive deliveries off Cummings.
Lall attempted to bite off more than he could chew from the bowling of Narine and was caught by Mahadeo on the cover boundary when he attempted to hit the same bowler out of the ground, leaving his team on 81-3 in the 18th over.
Bahadur continued to soldier on for his side who were looking to record an upset victory over their more illustrious opponents, with a six over midwicket off Narine who had him caught by Sinclair on the deep midwicket boundary for a fighting 45 made off 47 balls and included two fours and an equal number of sixes.
Apart from Stephney who struck one four and a six in his 22 before he was stumped by Hicks off Cummings and Suraj Sookdeo who made 16, no other batsman from the Cinderella County team reached double figures, as RHTWSB marched on to face their counterparts Albion Sports Club in the final next Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, in a day/night fixture.
Deonarine spurs Albion into Neal and Massy one-day final
… Malteenoes beaten by 48 runs; Cush’s good display fails to save MSC
NARSINGH Deonarine stroked a classy 92 to set up an easy 48-run victory for Albion Community Centre against Malteenoes in their semi-final of the 2009 Neal and Massy National First Division Cricket Competition played yesterday at the Albion Community Centre ground.
The left-handed Deonarine, who played four Tests and five One-Day Internationals for the West Indies, hit eight fours in a wonderful display of batsmanship to ensure Albion reached a challenging 203 all out in 39.4 of their allotted 40 overs after they were precariously pace at 46 for four at one stage.
Off-spinner Orvin Mangru with three for 35 then conspired with leg-spinners Davendra Bishoo and Sewnarine Chattergoon to dismiss Malteenoes for 155 in 37.1 overs.
Albion’s win has now ensured an all-Berbice day/night final on October 18, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, since Rose Hall Town Windies Sports Bar (RHTWSB) also overpowered underdogs North Essequibo in the other semi-final.
Only Dion Ferrier with a composed (55), a knock spiced with three fours and a six, and former Guyana all-rounder Lennox Cush (44) were the only Malteenoes batsmen to show some fight against the Albion spinners on a good batting track.
The pair featured in a fine third-wicket stand of 68 after joining forces in the third over with the Demerara Zone champions struggling on 16 for two in the third over.
Mixing solid defence with timely aggregation, Ferrier and Cush kept Malteenoes in the hunt by carrying the score 84 in the 21st over, but a splendid catch by Jonathan Foo at long on to see the back of Cush ensured that there was no turning back for the home team as thereafter wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
Apart from Mangru, Bishoo had two 26 and Chattergoon two for 31, while there was also a wicket each for medium pacer Doodnauth Lalbeharry and off-spinner Deonarine, costing 15 and 24 respectively.
Earlier, it was Deonarine and Ranga Lachigadu who save the day for Albion after they were invited to take first strike in sultry conditions and in front of a fair-sized crowd.
With Sewnarine Chattergoon (17), Harrinarine Chattergoon (9), Veerasammy Permaul (0) and Jonathan Foo (2) all back in the pavilion by the 13th over, the men from the capital city were with their tails up but an excellent 107-run fifth-wicket partnership between Deonarine and Ranga Lachigadu (35) saw the Corentyne side recovering nicely.
Steven Jacobs was the pick of the Malieenoes bowlers with four for 29 and was well supported by fellow off-sinners Lennox Cush with two for 22 and Ferrier one for 45.
Pakistan, India kept apart in 2011World Cup group stages
ENGLAND have been drawn against India, West Indies and South Africa in their seven-team group for the 2011 Cricket World Cup in the Indian sub-continent.
Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Ireland complete Group B, while world champions Australia are in Group A alongside New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya make up the other sides in the 14-team tournament.
India will host 29 of the tournament's 49 matches, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will share the other 20.
Bangladesh capital Dhaka is due to host the opening ceremony on February 18.
Pakistan had been scheduled to host a number of matches, but were stripped of co-hosting rights because of security problems in the country.
Fierce rivals India and Pakistan have been kept apart in the group stages, while Australia, who have won the previous three World Cups, will face neighbours New Zealand, whom they beat by six wickets in the final of the Champions Trophy on Monday.
Organisers have revised the format of the tournament following criticism about the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, with the number of teams cut from 16 to 14 as well as 49 matches in all compared to 51.
The two groups of seven for the 2011 World Cup are also in contrast to the four groups of four before a Super Eight stage in the six-week long competition in the Caribbean.
"We're already certain that it will be shorter. You can be sure that we at the ICC had learnt from past mistakes," said ICC president David Morgan.
"I mean there is no doubt that the ICC World Cup in the Caribbean was unsuccessful in some aspects.
"We've learnt from that and I think that it's not worthy that we've now staged three highly successful events - 2007 and 2009 - World Twenty20 and now the Champions Trophy in the same years."
ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat added: "We're on record as saying that we acknowledged that 2007 might have been longer than desired. So we want to take a week off, if not more."
Cricket World Cup groups:
Group A: Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada, Kenya
Group B: India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands. (BBC Sport)
Gayle confirmed as captain for President’s Cup
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s cricket authorities have confirmed West Indies batsman Chris Gayle as captain for the WICB President’s Cup later this month.
Gayle, the estranged West Indies captain, was one of 18 players named to prepare for the tournament which runs from October 28 to November 5 in Guyana.
The 30-year-old left-hander was one of the elite Windies players who opted not to make himself available for the Bangladesh series here in the Caribbean earlier this year, as a contracts dispute raged between the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players Association.
As a result, Gayle and the top tier players were overlooked for the recent ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa where a makeshift Windies side lost all three of their matches.
Gayle has led the Windies for the last two years, after taking over from the injured Ramnaresh Sarwan in 2007.
David Bernard Jr, who broke the ranks with WIPA and represented the Windies against Bangladesh, is expected to be appointed vice-captain.
Brazil Under-20 eliminate Uruguay 3-1
BRAZIL Under-20 ended Uruguay U-20’s dream of making it to the final of the U-20 World Cup in Egypt with a 3-1 win.
Brazil started the match the better side of the two and picked up a deserved lead after about 20 minutes.
The Uruguayan defence allowed Vasco da Gama attacker Alan Kardec too much space in the area and the young forward slotted home with confidence to make it 1-0.
The Brazilians kept on dominating and doubled their lead only minutes later via Alex Teixeira. The Vasco da Gama youngster was left unmarked on the edge of the box and had no trouble beating the Uruguayan goalie from close range after a brilliant run down the right wing from Douglas.
Uruguay did their utmost to fight back, but they were hit on the counter-attack by the Brazilians at the half-hour mark. Three Brazilians charged forward after Uruguay lost possession and Alex Teixeira got possession after good work from Kardec. Teixeira cut inside to go by his opponent before curling the ball in the top corner with a left-footed strike.
Jonathan Urretavizcaya handed Uruguay a lifeline about ten minutes before the half-time whistle. Abel Hernandez failed to beat Brazil shot stopper Rafael with his shot, but the forward was alert to pick up the rebound before setting up Urretavizcaya.
Hernandez came close to making it 3-2 in the dying minutes of the first half, but his powerful header was not far enough towards the corner to beat Rafael.
Former Milan starlet Tabare Viudez entered the pitch at halftime and the gifted midfielder tested the Brazilian glovesman with a low shot after about 50 minutes after a good individual move. However, Rafael was not troubled too much and picked up the ball with ease.
Alex Teixeira kept on causing the Uruguay defence all kind of trouble after the break and the winger only just missed the target with a placed shot after being set up by Paulo Henrique.
Minutes later, Alex Teixeira went by a number of opponents before giving a brilliant through pass for Giuliano. The latter left the Uruguay goalkeeper behind with a nice individual move, but the referee misjudged the situation and blew his whistle for offside.
Once again Alex Teixeira should have decided the game after 83 minutes of play after a brilliant through pass by Giuliano, but the attacking midfielder was denied by Uruguay goalie Martin Rodriguez.
The referee had no choice but to award Uruguay a spot kick after dangerous play from Souza inside his own area. However, Rafael pulled off a world-class save to deny Hernandez from 12 yards. (Goal.cpm)
Inaugural Champions League T20 starts today in India
ENGLAND'S Sussex Sharks and Somerset Sabres are gearing up for the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 which starts today in India.
The pair qualified as winners and runners-up of the Twenty20 Cup.
Twelve teams from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka will play 23 games with US$6m (£3.63m) up for grabs.
The first Champions League was due to take place last year, but was postponed following terror attacks in Mumbai.
The opening match pits Royal Challengers Bangalore - with whom England batsman Kevin Pietersen spent time during this year's Indian Premier League - against South Africa provincial side Cape Cobras today in Bangalore.
The newly formed competition features teams from across the world, who succeeded in their domestic Twenty20 competitions, with IPL champions Deccan Chargers in Group A with Somerset Sabres and West Indies side Trinidad & Tobago.
The Sabres, captained by Australia's Justin Langer, include Marcus Trescothick who is touring abroad for the first time in three years after quitting international cricket in 2008 because of depression and anxiety attacks.
The 33-year-old former England opener, named 2009's most valuable player for 2009 by the Professional Cricketers' Association, is hopeful of impressing overseas and coping with his medical condition.
"I can only try. It's a big competition for the players and for the club. I have got to try to make it happen," said the left-hander who hit 56 from 32 balls in the Twenty20 Cup semi-finals and 33 in the final defeat by Sussex.
The Sussex Sharks are going for a one-day treble this season, having won the Twenty20 Cup and Pro40, and face Australians New South Wales Blue, who include Brett Lee and Simon Katich, and South African Diamond Eagles in their group.
Sharks captain Michael Yardy said: "I've been to India six times and I know what it’s about. It's a totally different culture but it is something to embrace and I think the lads will take it on."
The 12 teams are divided into four groups of three, with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the second phase, where there are two groups of four. The top two teams from those groups will qualify for the semi-finals.
England all-rounder Paul Collingwood had been provisionally selected to play for his IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in the two-week tournament but has withdrawn because of a torn buttock muscle.
The 33-year-old is Delhi's third international to pull out in the past week, following injuries to South Africa's AB de Villiers (back) and New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori (hamstring).
The withdrawals could see England one-day batsman Owais Shah play a prominent role for the Daredevils, who are still awaiting approval for former Australia star Glenn McGrath as Vettori's replacement.
Although not as lucrative as the IPL itself, players on the winning side of the Champions League Twenty20 are expected to pocket US$80 000 (£50 000).
The inaugural champions will receive US$2.5m (£1.57m), which is split between the club or franchise and their playing staff.
English county side Middlesex had qualified for last year's tournament after winning the Twenty20 Cup last July, before the postponement in November resulting from the terror attack in Mumbai.
Group A: Deccan Chargers (India), Somerset Sabres (England), Trinidad & Tobago (West Indies)
Group B: New South Wales (Australia), Eagles (South Africa), Sussex Sharks (England)
Group C: Royal Challengers Bangalore (India), Cape Cobras (South Africa), Otago (New Zealand)
Group D: Delhi Daredevils (India), Victoria (Australia), Wayamba (Sri Lanka). (BBC Sport)
Aussies take out five in a row
CRICKET Australia yesterday congratulated Ricky Ponting and his team after it improved on its formidable recent record in ICC ODI events – three successive ICC World Cups and then the second successive ICC Champions Trophy.
CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the win - the 10th in the last 11 ODI matches Australia have played – was also a tribute to the depth of talent in Australian one-day cricket.
“To cement our world number-one ranking by winning this world championship after losing critical players such as Brad Haddin, Nathan Bracken and then Michael Clarke to injury was a great effort by the group, and is an encouraging sign for our imminent series against India and the summer ahead here in Australia,” he said.
“We often say that Australian interstate cricket is the toughest domestic cricket in the world and clearly, the Ford Ranger Cup, which starts again this Sunday at the WACA, with a Retravision Warriors game against the XXXX Queensland Bulls, is continuing to produce talented players capable of stepping up and succeeding at international level.”
Sutherland also noted that the rejuvenated, shorter and tighter Champions Trophy format had been a success and showed that 50-over international cricket still has plenty of life in it when packaged and presented appropriately.
“I had the good fortune to see one of our matches when I was in South Africa for last week’s ICC Chief Executive Committee meeting, and I congratulate the ICC and host body, Cricket South Africa, on their collective efforts in pulling together an action-packed tournament that was enjoyed by millions of fans around the world.” (CA)
Action ongoing in BFA Coca Cola Senior League
… wins for N/A United and Monedderlust in goal spree
ACTION continued in the Berbice Football Association’s (BFA) Coca Cola Senior League at the Blairmont Settlement ground when current league leaders New Amsterdam (N/A) United hammered the home team Barzilla FC by nine goals to none in a match up that could be billed as the demolition of the Adams brothers.
Leading scorer Adrian ‘Garnett’ Adams slammed 6 goals in the 50th, 60th, 80th, 84th, 85th and 87th minutes to take his personal tally to 15, while his younger sibling, Leonardo scored a double in the 38th and 39th minutes, Kelvin Joseph accounted for the other in the 41st minute. At halftime N/A United had already registered two goals.
At the No.5 playfield Monedderlust FC delivered a resounding 13-0 whipping to Strike Force United in the only match of a scheduled double-header, which was cut to 70 minutes due to atmospheric problems. Seon Watts opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Alwin McDonald then slammed in two of his four goals in the 18th and 23rd minutes.
Henry Watts made it 4-0 at halftime with his first of four in the 32nd minute. Watts went on to score in the 36th minute as McDonald completed his other two in the 40th and 48th minutes. Watts wrapped up his tour with his 45th and 53rd-minute strikes. Kenson Lindey augmented the thrashing with goals in the 44th, 55th, 63rd and 67th minutes.
Real Union received a walkover as Scotsburg could not make the 14:00 h schedule.
The BFA’s Coca Cola Senior League will continue this Saturday October 10 at the Scotsburg CDC ground and at the Mahaicony CDC ground with three match-ups. First on the card is the first of two double-headers that will be played at the Scotsburg ground, Barzilla FC will meet the Pistons United on the field at 14:00 h.
Then at 16:00 h Scotsburg United will come up against league leaders New Amsterdam United in the featured match. Mahaicony ground will be in simultaneous action as the match-up between Mahaicony United and Strike Force United will also take off at 16:00 h.
Strauss hopeful of KP touring South Africa
ENGLAND captain Andrew Strauss is confident star batsman Kevin Pietersen will be fit for this winter's tour of South Africa.
Pietersen has not played since having an operation to repair a damaged Achilles tendon in July following the second Ashes Test against Australia. England had hoped Pietersen would be fit for the recent ICC Champions Trophy, but the 29-year-old was ruled out of the tournament after a setback in his recovery.
"The information we have got at the moment is that he is getting better quite quickly now," Strauss told BBC Radio Four. "We are very hopeful he will be making the trip to South Africa, hopefully playing some part in the one-dayers and then a full part in the Test series."
He added: "That is great news for us. We have sorely missed him and the sooner he is back the better."
England are due to name their squads for the South Africa tour today.
They will begin a series of two Twenty20 internationals and five one-day internationals in November before playing four Tests in December and January.
Strauss added: "The tour to South Africa is going to be a particularly testing one.
"They beat Australia in Australia and are probably the number one team in the world at the moment. That is going to be a huge test for us and one we are very excited about.
"Once we have finished in South Africa we will have a good gauge as to where we are as a side and how much we still need to improve.” (Eurosport)
England need Beckham to boost World Cup bid - Warner
CONCACAF head says England not making most of its attributes
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, England (Reuters) - England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup is falling off the pace and needs help from David Beckham, CONCACAF president and FIFA executive member Jack Warner said yesterday.
But England bid chairman Lord Triesman said his group were merely heeding Warner’s previous advice to take a “listening approach” following the mistakes of the failed bid for the 2006 tournament when England’s approach was criticised as arrogant.
England are among 10 bidders for 2018 but Warner said the country was failing to take full advantage of its attributes and that the likes of Spain and Russia were making a strong early impression.
“England has the best infrastructure, the best league, the best history in the world and when I see all these things I ask why they are not doing better,” Warner said at the Leaders in Football conference at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge yesterday.
“They don’t have a divine right to hold it but I feel they (the bid committee) don’t exploit their attributes, they are not lording it over their opponents.
“My colleagues are saying the people coming to them are lightweight. They need to be creative and innovative. I would take David Beckham for example and make him my ambassador. He has that stardust.
“Some of the guys who have to vote do not know the people on the England bid committee - but they know Beckham, they know Michael Owen.”
South Africa host the next World Cup in 2010 with Brazil staging the 2014 event.
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
FIFA will decide the 2018 host in December 2010 but Warner said the last six months before that were irrelevant as the executive members would have made their minds up by then.
“People say it’s a marathon - give me a break, this is a 100-metre sprint, they need to get moving.” Warner said.
“I was in Rio last week and the name on people’s lips (for 2018) was Spain and then Russia. “I’m not even sure what those countries are doing but I do know what England are not doing.
“I have nothing to hide, I am giving advice to England - I’m not saying I’m voting for them - I’m saying if they don’t get their act together they will lose.”
Warner was particularly impressed with a piece of “ambush marketing” delivered by the Australia and Qatar bids, who presented bags and bid documents to delegates at yesterday’s conference - with nothing in sight from England.
“I love what Australia did this morning,” he said. “But if I was running the England bid I would have been more aggressive, I wouldn’t have allowed them and Qatar to have a bag here.
“People are looking at these sort of things and asking questions.”
Triesman, however, dismissed the criticisms and said his group was working to its own timetable.
“What’s interesting is that initially Jack’s advice was not to repeat what happened in the bid for 2006, a touch too arrogant, maybe,” Triesman told reporters.
“We took the decision to not be in the face of people but that it was better to get to know the 24-man committee. We have done a lot of listening and we don’t regret it.
“We have probably developed a better reputation around the world that we had during the 2006 process.”
FA chairman Triesman said Chicago’s surprise first-round failure in last week’s 2016 Olympics vote perhaps suggested that relying on a “stellar figure”, in their case U.S. President Obama, was not the way to go.
“I haven’t run into anyone from FIFA saying ‘where’s your Nelson Mandela?’” Triesman said.
“We deliver our bid book in May and there will be an acceleration in the process as the current season develops. We’ve got 14 months to put the things we are learning into operation.”
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