Cop killed in Buxton attack
A POLICE Constable was shot dead last night when gunmen opened fire on a mobile Police patrol in Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Constable 18043 Nandkumar Mohabir, of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was the fourth Policeman shot dead in attacks so far this year.

Police said gunmen opened fire on the patrol at about 18:25 hrs at Public Road and Brushe Dam, Buxton.

The patrol was going east on Public Road when the vehicle came under fire, a Police press release said.

It added that Mohabir, 25, who was the driver, was fatally shot.

Constable 18755 Surujballi, 24, attached to the Vigilance Police Station, also on the East Coast Demerara, who was a member of the patrol, received injuries when he attempted to escape the murderous gunfire, Police said.

The release said he was receiving medical attention.

Mohabir, also known as Ricky, was rushed to the St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Georgetown where he died shortly afterwards.

His death came as the Police and Army yesterday stepped up heavy joint patrols in Buxton and other parts of the East Coast.

Soldiers and Police manned roadblocks at several points along the East Coast highway and there were long queues of vehicles up to late last night.

Buxton residents said there was a heavy exchange of gunfire late into the night but at press time the shooting had stopped.

Police and the Army, however, maintained a heavy presence in the area.

The death of Mohabir is the latest in a series of brutal killings of members of the Police Force, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Prison Service since last April 20, following the daring and infamous February 23 escape by five dangerous criminals from the Georgetown Prison.

For last year since the jailbreak, the number of law enforcement officers killed was 13.

Mohabir was single and lived at 33 `B' Enmore Pasture.

His parents Rajendra, also known as Gap, and Chitreka Mohabir, reside in Canada.

Nandkumar was the last of four children.

Among those left to mourn are his two sisters Indi and Nado and a brother Rishi.

President points to significant landmarks in Guyana-China relations
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has said that Guyana has benefited in substantial measure from its relations with the People's Republic of China, pointing out that there are already significant landmarks to the beneficial results of this strong and healthy relationship between the two countries.

He also gave the assurance, while speaking at a banquet held at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown Tuesday night in honour of the visiting State Councillor of China Madame Wu Yi, that Guyana remains committed to working with the Government of China in the furtherance of global peace and human development.

"Your resourceful nation has made expertise available for the acceleration of our agricultural sector; the development of our textile industry; in the field of medicine; hydropower generation; fisheries; in the birth of the clay-brick industry and through many other forms of technical cooperation," President Jagdeo said.

In this regard, he told Madmane Wu, in response to a toast at the banquet, that Guyana "remains sincerely appreciative of the assistance received in these various sectors".

Mr. Jagdeo said this form of support is in keeping with the People's Republic of China's commitment to the principles of the Group of 77 and to the cause of South-South Cooperation.

Madame Wu and her 39-member delegation yesterday completed an official two-day visit to Guyana where they met President Jagdeo and several Government ministers and signed several agreements aimed at enhancing economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

On Tuesday, the Chinese signed four agreements with the Guyana Government, one of which entails debt relief worth about US$20M.

According to President Jagdeo, the signing of these agreements is continuing affirmation of China's commitment to aid developing countries.

"My country is particularly appreciative of the assistance granted in the form of debt relief (since) this will allow my Government to redirect resources to the constant and continuing battle to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of our people," he told Madame Wu, in the presence of senior officials of both the governments of Guyana and China, members of the Diplomatic Community and special invitees to the banquet hosted by Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Song Tao.

He said, too, that Guyana applauds the continued engagement of China with the Caribbean.

"The recently concluded inaugural meeting for consultations between the Foreign Minister of China and his Caribbean counterparts highlights the importance your government places on its relations with our region and the developing world as a whole.

"Guyana is pleased to have been a part of this meeting and remains committed to working with the Government of China in the furtherance of global peace and human development," the President assured.

The Guyanese Head of State also took the opportunity to "commend the astute leadership of China on your country's successful bid to host the World Expo 2010 which Guyana was pleased to support".

Ambassador Tao said Madame Wu expressed her gratitude to President Jagdeo and his Government for the warm welcome the delegation received during the visit to Guyana.

Mr. Jin Huibao, Third Secretary in the Chinese Embassy in Guyana also told the Chronicle yesterday that Madame Wu acknowledged the existing friendly relations between China and Guyana and hoped that this bond of friendship would only become stronger in the coming years.

Huibao also indicated that Madame Wu invited President Jagdeo to visit China this year.

"I am pleased to acknowledge your gracious remarks, Madame Wu, and to accept the cordial sentiments which you have expressed. I interpret them as reflective of the enduring fraternal relations between my country and the Government and people of the People's Republic of China," President Jagdeo responded.

"It will be my honour to visit the People's Republic of China towards the end of the first quarter of the new year and I am especially looking forward to meeting the leaders of your country in our search for new areas of cooperation," he said.

The President also proposed a toast to Madame Wu "to the good health of the leaders of the People's Republic of China; to the further strengthening of the bonds of friendship between our two countries; and to the prosperity of your esteemed people."

"It is to the credit of our nations that preceding structural global changes, and long before the economic dynamism of China had become apparent, we had established, nurtured and expressed a relationship founded on mutual respect and fortified by robust engagements at the political, diplomatic, economic and cultural levels," he said.

He said that happily, Guyana has the distinction of displaying the global foresight and political will necessary for establishing diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China 30 years ago.

"Let me concede that besides political and economic considerations, the establishment of friendly relations with your country was a natural and logical development propelled by the fact that 150 years previously the first set of Chinese immigrants made Guyana their home. They bequeathed a cultural legacy which today is woven into the social tapestry of our nation," the Guyanese Head of State said.

"Madame Wu, today we are able to identify examples of cooperation and point to mutually satisfying accomplishments. Beyond the friendship and cooperation which characterise our relations, our mutual desire to play our part in the fashioning of a just, equitable and peaceful world system has expanded our collaboration and further cemented Guyana/China relations," President Jagdeo said.

"Further, there continues to be remarkable coincidence of views between our two countries (which) allows Guyana to work with China in global fora such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and within the Group of 77 for our mutual benefit and that of the wider community of nations," he added.

'Route 41' minibuses to be rolling from 06:00 hrs today
-- Operators to demand $60 between Stabroek and South Georgetown; schoolchildren to pay flat fare of $30
By Jaime Hall
HUNDREDS of commuters were left stranded yesterday morning after a number of minibus operators on `Route 41' (South Georgetown) halted activities to press demands for fare increases.

The demand for fare increases was prompted by the recent hike in fuel cost. This fuel hike, in turn, has sent up operating costs, the drivers said.

About 60 minibus owners/operators converged at the 1763 Monument Square yesterday morning and held a meeting to decide on the new fare structure.

A spokesperson for the operators said their action was not intended to be a strike, but instead was an opportunity for them to meet and discuss the situation they faced.

With their 'Route 41' minibuses parked behind them, drivers and conductors agreed that beginning today, commuters should each pay $60 to travel from the Stabroek area to South Ruimveldt, while "short drops" to the East and West Ruimveldt areas would now be $40.

However, schoolchildren would only be required pay a flat fare of $30, a decision unanimously agreed upon by the minibus operators.

It was also agreed that the buses would resume operations today at 06:00 hrs.

This decision was taken after Mr. Hilbert Archer, Advisor to the President of the General Minibus Association of Guyana, announced that he was unable to meet Mr. Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

Archer said he was informed by Head of the Consumer Affairs Division within the Ministry, Mr. Clifford Zammett, that a meeting with the minister was not possible on Tuesday since Nadir had to attend Cabinet.

In a press release yesterday, the ministry said it recognises that the increase in the price for fuel has put a tremendous strain on the public transportation sector to maintain the present fare structure.

However, the ministry is asking operators of minibuses and hire cars to refrain from increasing their fares unilaterally. It is also advising consumers to inquire about the fares before entering vehicles so as to avoid any confrontation with the operators.

The minister is scheduled to meet representatives of the Minibus Association at 13:00 hrs today to discuss the fare issue.

At the 1763 Monument Square meeting, Archer advised the operators to go ahead and impose the new fare structure.

"We will go ahead with the $60/$40 (fare structure) with immediate effect and we will only go to the ministry tomorrow (today) as a formality. We don't want them to say that they have handed us the olive branch and we have refused," he told the gathering of minibus operators.

"We are resolutely on course because the gasoline price has increased," he said.

He pointed out that since the price for gasoline went up more than a week ago minibuses have been operating at a loss.

Posters with the new fare structure were printed and would be placed on each of the busses operating along the `41 Route'. This fare structure would be non-negotiable, Archer asserted.

He also urged conductors to advise persons who wish to board their vehicles that they should pay the increased fare.

"Buses do not make plenty money," one driver contended. He explained that over the past month, some auto dealers began re-possessing vehicles because the owners had failed to make contractual payments.

Archer attributed this difficulty in meeting payments to the current economic situation in Guyana, which was compounded by the recent hike in fuel prices.

The previous fare was $40.

Meanwhile, minibus operators from Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, who on Tuesday held a peaceful demonstration to back demands for an increase in fares, said members of the general public have been paying the $60 fare demanded.

President meets relatives of slain Policemen, businessman
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday again conveyed the Government's sympathies to the relatives of two Policemen and an East Coast Demerara businessman who were murdered recently by criminals.

These sentiments were expressed during three separate meetings at the Office of the President. Mr. Jagdeo met the families of slain businessman Basil Singh, 50, and slain Policemen Rayon Anthony Roberts and Colin Robertson.

Singh was murdered when bandits invaded his grocery shop and shot him in broad daylight.

The Head of State also met the wife of the late Constable Roberts. Sharon Roberts and her six children lost their husband and father when he was gunned down at a shop on Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

He was killed by three gunmen reportedly known by the Police, who have since issued wanted bulletins for them. Two of the men were recently released from prison.

The 32-year-old victim had 13 years, five months service with the Guyana Police Force.

President Jagdeo also met Robertson's mother and wife - Carol Hinds and Collette Robertson.

His wife is an expectant mother.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the meetings also sought to explore additional ways in which the Government can assist the families.

The relatives of the two Policemen will benefit from the existing welfare package including the one-million-dollar disbursement, while the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security will work along with Singh's families to see in what areas help could be offered, the agency said.

In Region Two…
Enough irrigation water available for rice
- says REO
THE Regional Administration in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) has admonished rice farmers on Essequibo Coast not to vandalise irrigation structures in their quest to access water for their cultivated fields.

Regional Executive Officer Nankishore Persaud said there is enough water in the irrigation canals and conservancies to service all 32,800 acres under cultivation.

He urged planters to cooperate with the Drainage and Irrigation Department, which is the competent authority to regulate and monitor scheduled supplies.

Lender sues other businessman for $9M
FELLOW businessman Deo Sankar has sued Abbisham Boodhoo, of Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, claiming $9M allegedly owed on a promissory note.

In a writ filed at the Supreme Court Registry Tuesday, the plaintiff is also opposing a first mortgage, in favour of Bank of Nova Scotia, on Boodhoo's property advertised in the Official Gazette.

The case is listed for hearing in the High Court on January 27.

Sankar claims it was orally agreed between himself and the defendant that, if the latter fails to honour any of the clauses in the agreement made on January 15, 2002, the entire sum borrowed will become due.

According to the plaintiff, $5M was to be paid on or before December 31, 2002, $2M on or before June 30, 2003 and the rest on or before December 31, 2003 but, despite numerous reminders and requests for payment after the $5M became due, Boodhoo refused, neglected and or failed to pay.

Sankar is also seeking, among other things, an injunction to prevent the mortgaging until the amount claimed is fully paid and a declaration that he is entitled to lien on the Vreed-en-Hoop place.

Ministry clears air on poultry disease report
THE Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock yesterday apologised for erroneously reporting this week that there was an outbreak of the New Castle poultry disease in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a release, the Ministry said it is in receipt of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report which confirmed that the outbreak is confined to California.

It explained that the report has assured that several quarantine measures are in place to contain the outbreak in California.

In addition, U.S. Government agencies including APHIS and the Food Safety and Inspection Service will not issue certificates for the export of poultry products from quarantined zones. "This will protect the poultry resources of other countries," the release said.

It added that since there is no outbreak of New Castle disease in Georgia, the import of eggs/chicks into Guyana will not be affected.

In Guyana, routine vaccination is carried out for New Castle disease and as such, it is not of public health significance and local poultry meat/eggs are wholesome, the ministry said.

Emphasis placed on education and D&I in Region Three last year
GINA - Drainage and irrigation and education were given equal standing in the budgetary allocations to Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) last year.

Both sectors received a $29M allocation.

Education
In the last budget the Region received $29M for the education sector for works including:

* The construction of Nursery Schools at De Willem and L'Adventure.

* The construction of a pavilion at the Leonora Primary School play ground.

* The rehabilitation of the Met-en-Meerzorg Primary School.

$2.5M was allocated for the purchase of equipment for this sector including nursery chairs, tables, cupboards, desks and benches.

Drainage and Irrigation
This sector was also given priority since the communities are mainly engaged in farming activities. $29M was allocated for projects including:

* The damming of creeks at Hogg Island.

* The rehabilitation of the Kamuni Potosi canal.

* The expansion of a 4-line koker gate at Canal Number One.

* The extension of 'B' line koker gate.

Roads
The Region received $16M for road works, which include:

* The construction of community roads at Stewartville, Hogg Island, Den Amstel and De Kinderen.

Land development
The sum of $9M was allocated for the upgrading of roads in existing housing areas at Tuschen, Sarah Lodge, Cornelia Ida and Oku - Canal Number One.

The Region also received $4.5M for the purchase of one open-back vehicle for the health department and one slasher.

Bridges
$54M was allocated for:

* The construction of bridges at Goed Intent, Leonora, Zeelugt and Leguan.

Health
The Region received $17M for health projects including:

* The extension of a Physiotherapy Department at West Demerara Regional Hospital.

* The construction of a toilet block at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

An additional $6M was allocated for the purchase of equipment for all purpose stretchers, delivery beds, one dishwashing machine, one food processor, one six burner gas stove and surgical instruments. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)

Traffic Chief says...
Seat belts will reduce fatalities, major injuries
POLICE Traffic Chief, Superintendent Fred Wilson has said the seat belt law which became effective last New Year's Day is an effort to reduce road fatalities.

He said the Act, which applies to all drivers of motor vehicles, will help reduce major injuries.

"If you use the seat belt, in case of collision or when a vehicle comes to an abrupt stop, the wearer may receive minor injuries," Wilson stated in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

But he pointed out that seat belts do not avoid accidents.

Alluding to questions about why only the front seat occupants are required to comply, Wilson said: "It is the driver who has the responsibility for the passenger. The seat belt is a precautionary measure. When an accident occurs, it is the front seat occupants who are usually killed or seriously injured."

Asked about the implications for a passenger who does not want to wear a seat belt, he said the driver knows it is compulsory and, if a passenger is not cooperative, the driver has the right to refuse the passenger.

Speaking about the bend on the road in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy in Kitty, Georgetown, where a number of accidents have occurred, the Traffic Chief said there is a sign on the southern side of the roadway, warning drivers to slow down.

Wilson said investigations have proved that speeding is the cause of many mishaps which occur at that location but the Police will consider whether it is appropriate to put a 'sleeping policeman' (road hump) there.

He noted that access roads have humps but acknowledged that putting them on main thoroughfares would create problems.

Wilson maintained that, if drivers adhere to signs and are more cautious, accidents would not happen and lives would be saved.

He said traffic lights have been a grave concern to him and he admitted that some are not functioning, the result of them being "a little too old."

Wilson said, though, that his department is trying to maintain the system in the face of fluctuating electricity supply.

Urging all road users to exercise care and proceed with caution whenever a traffic light is not operational, he said there are plans to replace the old ones and put new ones at more intersections.

Cuba finds strong allies in Caribbean states
`It is also clear that the Cubans see the English-speaking Caribbean and CARICOM as a whole as an important ally to cushion the effects of the U.S. embargo' - Dr Keith Nurse, UWI lecturer
By Linda Hutchinson-Jafar
PORT of Spain, Trinidad -- Several Caribbean countries and Communist Cuba last month celebrated three decades of diplomatic relations which were forged and strengthened despite early threats of economic and other sanctions by the United States.

With Mexico maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with Cuba after the 1959 revolution and the Cold War affecting relations with other hemispheric countries, the opening of diplomatic ties with four independent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states in 1972 has been regarded as a significant development.

"Their recognition of Cuba at that time was a landmark in hemispheric affairs and as a driver for regional integration. The CARICOM countries saw Cuba at that time as the most developed country in the Caribbean (in terms of) health, education and welfare," said Professor Anthony Bryan, Director, Caribbean Studies Program, Dante B. Fascell North South Center at the University of Miami.

The four countries which opened diplomatic relations with Cuba are Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Barbados.

Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Felix Raul Rojas described the decision of Caribbean countries to extend relations with Cuba as a brave gesture of solidarity despite mounting pressure by the United States for the isolation of the Communist regime of President Fidel Castro.

"This valiant position of the Caribbean, this solidarity set a good example for the rest of Latin America that slowly began establishing relationships with Cuba. We respect the role the Caribbean played," the Cuban Ambassador said.

Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Affairs Minister, Knowlson Gift said with the exclusion of Cuba from the Organisation of American States (OAS), Caribbean leaders mounted a mission to Cuba to extend their friendship and out of this, diplomatic ties were formed.

"The gravity of Cuba's situation could not be under-estimated in the sense that when you are cut off diplomatically from the rest of the world community, you are virtually declared persona non-grata and nobody wants to deal with you.

"We saw ourselves in the Caribbean offering that bridge, that communication link between Havana and the rest of the world and the virtues of that bridging role were later appreciated by many sovereign Western governments," the Trinidadian foreign minister said.

In 1989, Cuba's diplomatic relations included nine other Caribbean states and by 2002, it had grown to 24 Caribbean countries.

Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Professor Norman Girvan said the establishment of diplomatic relations with the majority of countries in the region in the 1990s provided opportunities for the rapid growth of economic contact.

During the last decade, Cuba, a member of the 25-member grouping ACS, signed eight bilateral investment and economic cooperation agreements with Caribbean territories and one with the CARICOM grouping.

In a recent speech on Cuba, Professor Girvan said with the Communist country embarking on a series of economic reforms giving enterprises greater autonomy and the partial liberalisation of trade and investment, trade between Cuba and the Caribbean grew significantly, particularly in the mid-1990s.

In 1995, trade with the Caribbean amounted to US$655 million and in 1996, it reached $687 million.

Trade with the Caribbean in 1999 was $315 million.

Professor Bryan said Cuba was also valued for its relations with the socialist bloc at a time when several Caribbean countries that would later become a part of CARICOM belonged to the non-aligned movement.

As a result of the action by the four Caribbean states to establish diplomatic relations, Cuba was also able to develop contacts and economic and functional cooperation and membership in several regional organisations including the Latin American Economic System (SELA) and the Caribbean Multinational Shipping Corporation (NAMUCAR).

Professor Bryan also said Cuba gave priority to its relations with Jamaica, Guyana and Grenada because of the blatant anti-American positions taken by their respective governments at certain times during the 1970s.

After the Grenada Revolution in 1979 the U.S., however began, to take an increasingly tough position with Cuba, Jamaica, Grenada and Nicaragua because their actions were seen to be inimical to U.S. interests. But Reagan's Cold War emphasis on military interests in the hemisphere did not augur well for Cuba and its allies.

The U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983 polarised the Caribbean region and cooled relations with Cuba.

"U.S. condemnation of Cuban military support for the Grenadian People's Revolutionary Government and Nicaraguan Sandinista governments was followed by a serious disaffection of CARICOM governments from support for Cuba. The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) was Reagan's response to link the Caribbean and Central American economies to that of the U.S. and to isolate Cuba," Professor Bryan said.

In the following years, however, there was less pressure on CARICOM states to continue normal relations with Cuba especially with the end of the Cold War and with it the military or economic support of the former Soviet Union for Cuban military and ideological thrusts into the region.

Professor Bryan said with relations strengthening, the U.S. seems to accept that ties between Cuba and its Caribbean neighbours are logical as long as they do not appear to be contrary to the larger U.S. interest in the region.

"U.S. foreign policy is to maintain political pressure on Cuba but also to permit the building of bridges toward coexistence with Cuba," said Professor Bryan.

Giving an example, he referred to the decision by the Bush administration to allow the sale of foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals to help Cuba recover from the damage of Hurricane Michelle.

He said although CARICOM and other countries worldwide oppose the Helms-Burton Act that keeps the embargo in place, the U.S. is not going to let its official stand on Cuba jeopardise the goodwill of its other Caribbean neighbours with whom it is building alliances against real threats such as drug trafficking, uncontrolled immigration and terrorism.

Dr Keith Nurse, lecturer at the department of International Relations at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad said in the post-Cold War context, the strategic importance of the Caribbean with the exception of Cuba has declined in the eyes of the United States.

He said it also makes "perfect good sense" for the Caribbean to be strengthening its relations with Cuba which has emerged as an important economic player in tourism and a country for great investment opportunities.

"Many companies from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and elsewhere are moving into Cuba and the U.S. position on Cuba helps in this regard as it creates a space for investors to get into that market which otherwise would have been cornered by U.S. firms and closed off whatever opportunities for us.

"It is also clear that the Cubans see the English-speaking Caribbean and CARICOM as a whole as an important ally to cushion the effects of the U.S. embargo," Dr Nurse said.

There is also internal pressure on the United States by certain business groups and lobbies to bring an end to the embargo against Cuba since they are losing out on a sizeable market and other business opportunities that are going to the Europeans and Caribbean companies involved in the tourism trade.

But only the powerful Cuban-American lobby in Miami because of its political and financial support of Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his brother President George W. Bush seem to be keeping the tide from turning toward ending the embargo.

In the meantime, Americans are vacationing in Cuba, U.S. business exhibitions are becoming routine and influential U.S. legislators and public figures are taking familiarisation tours of the Communist country.

Oodles of fun on the trampoline
A youngster smiles gleefully as he bounces on the trampoline, which was one of the attractions for children and youth attending Sunday’s Main Big Lime. (Corwin Williams photo)

Guyana International Conference Centre:
Chinese team finalising concept-design
A NINE-MEMBER Chinese design team comprising specialist architects is in Guyana finalising the concept-design of the multi-million dollar, modern and state-of-the-art Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC).

The complex is to be built on a 50,000 square metres parcel of land at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

The GICC, which would cost some US$5M, and which would be funded mainly by the Chinese Government through a grant to the Guyana Government, would be located west of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat building which is under construction, and facing the Railway Embankment Highway.

A release from the Chinese Embassy in Guyana said the team, which arrived in Guyana on December 25, 2002, has been conducting a wide-ranging survey for the project, including local cost factors, availability of construction equipment and materials, geographic information, cultural heritage and history, among other things.

The visit of this design team was facilitated by the Exchange of Notes signed by the Governments of China and Guyana in September last year.

According to the embassy, the team is headed by Mr. Li Tuofen, China's Design Master and Chief Architect of China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute (CSADR).

The embassy said that CSADR is among the top three designing institutes in China and has undertaken many famous designs both abroad and in China, including the Zaire International Sports Centre which it designed in 1987 and which is still the largest sports complex in Africa.

Other members of the team include Jinfan Weng, Consultant/Chief Architect; Hongli Zhou, Chief Architect; Jin He, Senior Structural Engineer; Hong Wang, Engineer in Charge/Water Supply and Drainage Design; Dixian Liu, Vice Chief Architect/Electric System Design; Fei Ge, Senior Engineer; and Tingxue Zhang, Engineer in Charge.

The Government of Guyana has set up a body with members from different government agencies to work together with the Chinese design team.

The embassy said several rounds of discussions have been held between both sides.

It said, too, that the Guyanese team has indicated its appreciation to the scheme-design made by the Chinese team, and its expectations and requirements for the function of GICC.

The Guyanese side also provided some technical information that is needed for further design of GICC, the embassy said.

According to the modified scheme-design of the centre that has principally been accepted by both sides, the GICC shall be sited at Turkeyen on a parcel of land of about 50,000 square metres, west of the CARICOM Secretariat Building and facing the Railway Embankment Highway.

The GICC is to be divided into three parts in general layout planning - the "recessed front part is fountain square, followed by the open area in the middle and main body building of the conference centre in the rear", the embassy said.

It said GICC shall be a two-storied building with total architectural area of 3,550 square metres.

The centre of GICC would be an `octagon shaped' main Conference Hall with 386 seats in circular layout, and rising up to 32 metres high with an octagon cone-shaped roof, featured with acoustic control, light control, simultaneous interpretation and projector, among other things.

The Conference Hall would be decorated to meet the requirement of international conference halls with top grade and distinct characters, the embassy assured.

It said, too, that the GICC will have small to medium sized meeting rooms catering for different needs and would include a business centre, secretariats, kitchen, dining room and banquet facilities.

The architects indicated that the design of GICC shall take full consideration of the pleasant breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and the unique culture of Guyana being a land of many waters, the embassy said.

It added that the GICC building would have a modern appearance with the substantial part formed by the connection of a glass body on the main elevation, and traditional taste presented by two spacious and beautiful courtyards.

Agreement reached on pay hike for some UG staff
AGREEMENT on salary increases for workers at the University of Guyana (UG) who are represented by the University of Guyana Workers' Union (UGWU) was reached yesterday, a usually reliable source said.

It is understood that a five per cent increase retroactive to August 1, 2002 and a one-off payment of $11,600 were agreed to following the conclusion of negotiations between the administration of UG and the UGWU.

The UGWU represents non-academic staff and some categories of teaching staff at UG.

`Big Lime' customer wins home library
FOLLOWING a reading promotion drive, Miss Rattie Raghubansie, of Crown Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, has won a home library of 100 books valued more than $200,000 from the Guyana Reading and Research Centre (GRRC).

The venture is part of the ongoing literacy programme by GRRC to get more persons involved in reading under the theme, `Come On Guyana, Let's Start Reading!'

GRRC Director, Mr. Rupert Hopkinson, explained that for every book purchased during the `Big Lime' on Main Street, Georgetown last Sunday each customer had a chance to win the home library.

According to Hopkinson, the library that Raghubansie won includes 40 novels for young adults and adults, 35 books for children and 25 textbooks each covering a different subject.

The textbooks cover Nursing, Engineering, Management and Computer Studies, he said.

The winner's name was pulled out from 637 entries on Tuesday by Miss Odette John, a member of the centre.

Raghubansie, who had purchased six children's storybooks, will receive her prize on Wednesday at 15:00 hrs at the centre on Church Street opposite Austin's Bookstore.

Hopkinson explained that "in its quest to contribute to increased literacy in Guyana, the GRRC introduced the Home Library in October 2002 as an encouragement for people to purchase books at its Saturday yard sale".

The yard sale, which has some 3,000 books available at bargain prices covering a wide variety of topics, starts from 10:00 hrs.

It is usually a time when students, teachers, professionals and bookworms jostle each other as they take advantage of the many bargains available.

Hopkinson said that by mid-day the numbers would usually swell and the staff hard pressed serving the steady stream of persons making purchases.

He announced that the next drawing will be held July 27, 2003.

Anyone purchasing a book or books worth $300 or more from the centre or its yard sale will be eligible to participate in the next draw, he explained.

The lucky winner will also get a home library of 100 books, worth more than $200,000.

Mechanic shot in neck
A 31-YEAR-OLD mechanic, shot in his neck on Tuesday afternoon, was in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation yesterday.

Mark D'Andrade of Eccles, East Bank Demerara sustained a gunshot wound to his neck around 15:30 hrs on Tuesday at his place of employment - Mark Chandra's Auto Sales, also on the East Bank Demerara.

One of D'Andrade's friends said he was about to enter the work site when he heard him exclaim, "Boy look, I don't play with gun!" At that instant, a loud bang was heard and he rushed in to see D'Andrade slump to the ground, bleeding.

The victim was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery. However, the bullet is reportedly still lodged in his neck, and indications are that he may have to return to theatre.

Meantime, he has already taken seven pints of blood and is due for further blood transfusion.

A suspect is assisting Police with investigations into the incident.

Shot Constable remains in hospital High Dependency Unit
THE Rural Constable wounded when gunmen attacked the East Ruimveldt Police outpost in the city last Friday night was still a patient in the High Dependency Unit of the Georgetown Hospital yesterday, but not doing very well, sources said.

His condition was being monitored.

The victim, Rural Constable Philip Knights, suffered multiple bullet wounds to his left forearm and abdomen, among other places.

He was among four persons shot around 19:45 hrs when the gunmen opened fire on the building, then made good their escape.

The attackers were still at large yesterday.

Meanwhile, Constable Mark Latour who was on New Year's Night gunned down at the Arapaima Restaurant, Main Street, Georgetown, was yesterday laid to rest at his hometown Eversham, Corentyne.

The body was removed from the Lyken Funeral Parlour in Georgetown, at 08:30 hours for Berbice.

Latour was the first of four law enforcement officers shot for the year so far - three mortally wounded, and the fourth person - Rural Constable Knights critically wounded.

The other two ranks killed were Constable Rayon Anthony Roberts who was gunned down near his Bent Street, Georgetown home last Thursday, and Harold Duncan of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), who was shot and killed by gunmen who pounced on him as he entered his home in Cato Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara on Saturday night.

Roberts and Duncan are to be buried tomorrow - Roberts in Georgetown, and Duncan at Calcutta, Mahaicony.

Water shortage affects Coldingen firms
SEVERAL firms at Coldingen on the East Coast Demerara were forced to temporarily close operations following a water shortage in the area for several days.

One owner yesterday told the Chronicle that the nature of his business requires a lot of water and he was without for the past seven days.

He explained that he was forced to send his 18 workers home and was losing some $150,000 each day.

He said an engineer at Guyana Water Inc. at Melanie Damishana informed him that it was a technical problem and an official at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce had promised to look into the issue.

An official at Guyana Water Inc. at Melanie Damishana told the Chronicle there was a problem with the pump and it had to undergo repairs.

The water supply expected to return to normalcy by today, he said.

Kuwait official on Guyana visit
UNDER-SECRETARY of State in the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Kuwait, Mr. Bader-Al Mutairi yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President.

During their meeting key areas of economic cooperation in which Guyana and Kuwait can be engaged and the fostering of amicable relations were discussed, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

The Kuwait official was accompanied by President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Mr. Fazeel Ferouze, Chief Executive officer of CIOG, Mr. Moin Hack and Mr. Kenny Arthur of the Education Department of the CIOG.

According to GINA, Ferouze said the Under-Secretary's visit is a reciprocal one in response to the many he has made to Kuwait.

The late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan had visited Kuwait in an effort to develop relations and the visit by the Kuwaiti official is to build on that, he told the agency.

Al-Mutairi arrived in Guyana last week and is scheduled to depart this weekend.

This is manifest with the signing of four agreements on Tuesday aimed at enhancing economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

The agreements were signed on the first of an official two-day visit by a 39-member Chinese delegation led by State Councillor in the Government of the People's Republic of China, Madame Wu Yi.

It is worthy to note that although formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and China were established in 1971, there were different levels of relationships between the two countries since the early 1960s.

Many older Guyanese would recall the famous three yards for a dollar cotton prints from China which took the local market by storm. This "three yards for a dollar cotton prints" trade later led to the establishment of the Sanata Textile Mill at the Industrial Site at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, built with Chinese help and expertise.

It must be appreciated how relations between the two sides grew over the years. These ties have since blossomed into a very fruitful friendship between the two countries and their peoples. Testimony to this is the fairly large Chinese community in Guyana, the majority of whom are engaged in thriving food businesses.

It is also worth noting that the two countries held their relations together and further concretised these through the years of the communist hysteria, when China was given the "red" tag, and few countries had either the courage or the resources to stand up to the tremendous shibboleths.

The current Moco Moco Hydro project is another example of the close cooperation between Guyana and China.

The relations were nurtured over the years with the conclusion of several cooperation agreements including a Cultural Agreement, an Agreement on Inter-Ministerial Consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and China, an Agreement on the mutual exemption of visas, among others.

We wish to make special note of the agreements signed by the visiting delegation and Guyanese officials.

These agreements are: Exchange of Notes for Phase 11 of the construction of the Guyana International Convention Centre Project (total investment of US$5M). Agreement for a 20M RMB (renminby-Chinese Yuan) grant for economic and technical cooperation. Protocol on debt relief granted to Guyana for the following three loans, August 26, 1963 - 464,285 pounds sterling; September 18, 1963 - five million Swiss Francs; and April 10,1972 - 10 million pounds sterling, and an Exchange of Notes for the deputation of one table tennis coach, one martial arts coach and one interpreter to work in Guyana for a period of one year.

We wish to note the response by President Bharrat Jagdeo to a toast by Madame Wu Yi.

We believe that the President's response in short tells the story of a great friendship of two great nations and two great peoples, when he said: "let me concede that besides political and economic considerations, the establishment of friendly relations with your country was a natural and logical development propelled by the fact that 150 years previously, the first set of Chinese immigrants made Guyana their home. They bequeathed a cultural legacy which today is woven into the social tapestry of our nation."

"Guyana has been consistent in its support for the 'One China' Policy and I wish to assure you of my Government's unwavering and continuing support for this principle."

We believe that the agreements and the President's response are solid content that will point the way forward and certainly lead to stronger relations between the two countries, and the current visit by the Chinese delegation is a symbol of the existing strong and friendly ties between both sides.

Yet this important element is not given adequate attention in both public and private sector organisations. More often than not Management tends to be taken for granted. Many people believe that once someone has undergone some specialised training as an engineer, physician, accountant or technician, he or she can automatically manage an organisation. This is not only a fallacy but a fad on which many people thrive. Still there are some who believe that all you need is ‘common sense' to manage.

It should be pointed out that Management is a profession in its own right and is now recognised not only as an art but a science. It possesses a body of knowledge, skills, discipline and values that are geared to produce goods or services of an acceptable quality at a competitive price, which is market-driven. Failure to recognise this has led to gross inefficiencies such as bureaucratic delays, corruption, lack of market discipline, heartaches and loss of fortune, ending in bankruptcies. Just in the same way as a public servant or a private investor makes decisions on how best to utilise the resources available, a housekeeper or huckster has to use his or her knowledge and skills to manage a home or business in order to satisfy customers in a given situation. In this context we are all managers hoping to optimise the use of our resources.

One may very well ask what is the fuss about this concept or idea of management. What does the term Management mean? A simple definition of Management could be stated as the art of formulating policies and plans which are followed-up by the best mix of human and material resources to achieve goals and targets which have been previously set.

Some people say good managers are born; others believe that they are made. I am of the view that the latter deserves more serious consideration by all of us whether we are in the public or private sector or in a social or domestic unit. In this regard, it should be recognised that the making of a successful manager depends largely on Training. Not 'ad hoc' but systematic training, especially in view of the continuing loss of our managerial and other expertise through emigration over the last two decades.

Training should be viewed as a lifelong process through which all persons acquire, improve and use, in a working, social or domestic situation, their knowledge, skills and competences. The major objectives of Training are:

(1) To facilitate and encourage each employee or social worker to develop his or her capabilities to the fullest possible extent, bearing in mind the person's background, ability and aspirations.

(2) To ensure as far as possible that the development of the individual would coincide with the responsibilities within the organisation; and

(3) To promote the overall development of the individual and the organisation within the broad socio-economic development objectives of our country.

Training should be regarded as an investment and not as a luxury! Those organisations which recognise this principle are more likely to survive and prosper whereas those who overlook the need for training run the risk of being left behind or being wiped out in a world economy, which is rapidly being globalised. I often wonder how many organisations devote some time, funds and staff to identify training needs and organise appropriate programmes to meet those needs?

Furthermore, training should not be confined only to the deepening and broadening of knowledge and skills, but should also focus on the development of attitudes and the inculcation of values which are necessary for growth and survival in a competitive environment. What is the point of having highly trained personnel if they are not prepared to work as members of a team and learn to give and take especially in a society like ours where there are people with different historical and cultural backgrounds?

In my view the future of Guyana and indeed developing countries as a whole should not be built on wishful thinking or grand resolutions at international conferences for the transfer of resources from rich to poor societies -- though there is a strong case for this. A more reassuring approach would be through constructive and continual action to improve our technical and managerial capabilities to make better use of existing and potential resources. Such resources, especially human resources, are in fact, more abundant in developing countries than the developed ones. To ensure that the imbalance would change, emphasis in the 21st century should be placed on the development of people for development and not on political, academic or other dogmas and horse-trading.

A country can possess or be given the best economic or financial resources, but if that country does not make good use of its human potential - to manage effectively and efficiently - it will remain poor.

At Berbice Assizes…
Tearful widow testifies about murder of Chinese restaurateur
THE widow of a murdered Chinese restaurateur testified yesterday at the trial of Philbert Cush called Bhola, who is indicted at the Berbice Assizes for the unlawful killing of Young Min Fun on February 6, 1999.

The witness, Young Tong Wang, in tears, said she was sitting behind the counter in their restaurant at Number 47 Village, when the accused and two others entered the premises at 20:00 hours (8 pm) on February 5 and ordered four servings of fried rice and a similar number of beers.

Speaking through Guyanese-born translator Desmond Chow Yow, she recalled asking a friend, Su Zhain Jain, to serve the beverages and she proceeded to the kitchen to prepare the meal with the assistance of cook Jain Min Quan.

The woman said, while cooking, she saw another man walking from left to right in front of the eating place and, after the beers were served in the dining area, the accused and his accomplices, he armed with a gun, rushed behind the counter.

Young said, on seeing that, she fled through the back door and heard her husband screaming in English:”Thief man! Thief man!",

The witness said she heard a sound like a gunshot and she ran to the home of her landlady's brother, three houses from the scene and he followed her to Number 51 Police Station, where she made a report,.

Young remembered her husband being transferred from Skeldon Hospital, also at Corentyne to New Amsterdam Hospital, still in Berbice, where her husband succumbed from his injuries, in the operation theatre on February 6.

Earlier, another friend of Young’s, Dindyal Tribhowan said, when he arrived at the scene of the tragedy, he saw the victim, known to him for three years, lying on a bridge with what appeared to be blood on his skin.

Tribhowan said he transported the injured man to Skeldon Hospital and the patient was admitted there.

One of the sleuths who investigated the crime, Assistant Superintendent of Police Noland Hendricks said he met the accused and the driver of motor car PCC 8422 at Line Path, Skeldon, about 07:45 hours (7.45 am) on February 6.

He said he told the duo of the allegation and cautioned them but they remained silent.

Both were subsequently arrested and taken to Number 51 Police Station where Corporal Singh took them into custody.

Meanwhile, a voir dire (trial within a trial), to ascertain the admissibility of a caution statement attributed to the accused, will begin tomorrow.

It follows an objection to its tendering by Defence Counsel Adrian Anamayah after it was introduced through Corporal Rupert Singh.

Singh said he confronted Cush with the accusation at Number 51 Police Station, about 12:20 hours (12.20 pm) on February 6 and the prisoner elected to make a written testament which he recorded and Corporal Johnson signed as a witness.

The trial is continuing before Justice Winston Moore and a jury.

Probation Officer now based at Anna Regina
A PROBATION and Family Welfare Officer is now permanently based on Essequibo Coast to render service in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

A release by the Regional Administration said Mrs Irene Sooklall can be contacted in the Region Two Administrative Office at Anna Regina.

She will also meet the public at Suddie Magistrate's Court on Mondays and at the Charity/Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office on Thursdays.

Reports said her posting has been welcomed after many years without such a functionary in the Region.

Fuel cost increases affecting hire operators
THE steep increases in the cost of fuel has started to affect the hire of motor vehicles and speedboats in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

Some drivers of cars and mini-buses plying the Supenaam route told the Chronicle the high price of gasolene is adversely affecting their business.

They said commuters are not travelling as much as before and their income has been significantly reduced.

Gasolene is being sold at between $450 and $475 and dieselene at $390 per gallon while kerosene has moved from $260 to $310 per gallon on Essequibo Coast.

Secretary of Essequibo Coast Mini-Bus and Hire Cars Association, Mr Neshan Alli told the Chronicle they have not yet hiked fares but will be monitoring the situation closely for another week as they ponder the issue.

One gets bail in illegal gun, ammunition cases
TWO defendants in separate illegal gun and ammunition cases shared different fates yesterday when they appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen.

One of them, Euborne Inniss, 18, who pleaded not guilty to being in possession of a .22 bullet on January 4 while not a licensed firearm holder, was refused bail and remanded to prison until January 10.

The other, Vibert Alphanso, 33, of Annai, North Rupununi, was granted pre-trial freedom on a $55,000 bond.

He also denied the charge against him, which said he had an unlicensed 16-gauge shotgun on January 2.

Police, responding to a report that Alphanso had threatened to kill his reputed wife, said he revealed where he had the weapon hidden.

He will make his next appearance at Lethem Court, also in Rupununi, on March 3.

Charged with shoplifting medicinal tablets
A MAN charged with shoplifting medicinal tablets was put on $5,000 bail yesterday, after he denied the larceny allegation before Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen.

Dara Singh, of Lot 99 'E' North Sophia, is alleged to have committed the offence on January 7, earlier this week.

Police said he stole three bottles containing two different types of tablets valued $5,220 from Nigel's Supermarket, at Robb and Light Streets, also in Georgetown, but was apprehended by a security guard.

Singh’s case has been transferred to another Court for February 4.

Benschop further remanded
POLITICAL activist Mark Benschop, who is facing a treason charge, was further remanded to prison yesterday, by Acting Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen.

The prisoner’s next Court appearance is scheduled for January 17, by which time Magistrate Chandra Sohan, who is conducting the preliminary inquiry in the case, is expected back in the country.

Mrs. Holder-Allen said Mr. Sohan was still out of the jurisdiction yesterday, the day he had set for the continuation when the proceedings adjourned last year.

Benschop and Phillip Bynoe are jointly charged with the capital offence but the latter has eluded arrest on a warrant issued for him.

Particulars of the joint charge alleges that Benschop and Bynoe conspired together with others to forcibly and unlawfully enter Office of the President (OP) compound in Georgetown and were present and encouraged others, by word and conduct last July 3, to unlawfully storm the premises

Cellular phone thief jailed
PRINCIPAL Magistrate Krishendat Persaud has imposed a three months jail sentence on Mark Singh, 27, for larceny.

The prisoner, of Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice, pleaded guilty Tuesday to the offence.

Police Sergeant Fazil Karimbaksh, prosecuting, said Singh stole a $45,000 'Nokia' cellular phone belonging to Rafeek Alli.

According to the Prosecutor, the convict went to borrow $100 from the virtual complainant who left the instrument on a chair to go and get the money from a bedroom but returned to find Singh had gone and the phone missing.

Alleged wife beater on bail
DEXTER Saunders, 40, of Number Two, Corentyne, was ordered to post $15,000 bail when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Krishendat Persaud, in New Amsterdam Court, also in Berbice, on an assault charge Tuesday.

The unemployed defendant pleaded not guilty to unlawfully assaulting his reputed wife, Norville Carter, to cause her actual bodily harm.

Police said Saunders often beats the woman and was doing so again last December 28 because she wore a piece of garment with which he was not pleased.

Saunders has to be back in Court on January 31.

Object to slaughtering
I UNDERSTAND that the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG) has been objecting to the method of slaughtering by DIDCO whereby a machine is used to cut the necks of the chickens, as such, they deem the meat haraam but can they explain to the general public and the world at large about the meat which is also being slaughtered by a machine in Mecca during the Hajj Festival? Are they going to deem this meat Haraam? Or, are we going to hear that those millions making this pilgrimage are Non-Muslims?

I personally feel that there is more to this furore that meets the eyes.
NAZIM RAHAMAN.

Only GCIO authorized?
I HAVE been following the arguments in relation to Halaal meat and Farzana Abrahim's authority on determining who are Muslims, and am at a loss as to what is going on.

First of all, are all these writers trying to say that only the GCIO is authorised to determine what is halaal or Haraam? Who is Muslim or non-Muslim?

Well I pray that God forgives me as the chickens slaughtered by me after reciting the neeyat was not authorised by the CIOG. Also, Farzana Abrahim has not certified me as a Muslim.

May Almighty Allah help the mischief mongers and confusionists and let him be my judge.
SALIM HUSSAIN.

Amusing
I FIND the Kaieteur News Editor's Note of Wednesday January 8, 2003 under the letters it published sent by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) most amusing. It says that Kaieteur News received letters signed by Karen Vansluytman and Aubrey Persaud after pulling down the e-mail communication from the GPSU. It was not possible, the note says, to identify the authors at that point, as separate and distinct from the GPSU, as the Union intended, so the GPSU was identified as the author.

Let me state first, that the Union is not asking to be disassociated from the contents of the letter. It, in fact, stands squarely behind the thoughts expressed by Ms. Vansluytman and Mr. Persaud, 3rd Vice President and member respectively.

Secondly, the Editor's note reminds me so much of the story told by Guyanese writer, John Agard. Agard tells about this Guyanese writing from overseas and apologising in this letter to his Guyana-based relative for being unable to enclose any money because she had already closed the envelope.

Now, she could not have closed the envelope while still writing. Could she?

Just so with the Editor's note. If there was time for such an explanation in the note, there was adequate time to use the name of the author. Mischief thou are afoot.

Finally, I wish to state that regardless of what may be the motive of the Editor of Kaieteur News, the GPSU unapologetically would make its facilities and will facilitate any member of the union or the public who wished to contribute constructively to the nation dialogue.
PATRICK M. YARDE
PRESIDENT OF GPSU.

Don’t pay more
I am a concerned citizen who commutes each day to and from work, by mini bus. As a commuter I would like to know where is my say in all the atrocity that goes on with these mini buses. I was forced to put my opinions down in writing as I am appalled by such nonsense that goes on in our country today.

First it was the boom-boxes that should have been removed, when the traffic police attempted to do so, mini bus operators wreaked havoc in the city by protesting, slashing other buses tires which continued to work, and even abusing other drivers in the process. Then it was the seat belts they got upset about, which was for the safety for us passengers.

Now they want a hike in bus fare. They choose to strike due to the rise in gasoline prices. This is not an injustice done towards them, this is an international problem, and I'm sure they know the reason for this. What about the average man who uses his car to and from work. Is he supposed to go on strike too? This affects everyone not just the mini buses.

What about the injustice that is being done to us the commuters.

Now as an employee are we expected to go out there and strike too for an increase in salary, in order to pay our extra twenty dollars? If we do, would we be given any satisfaction?

Why twenty dollars more why not five or ten dollars? Why twenty? Anyone who uses public transportation knows what goes on in some and most of these buses. A fifteen-seater bus never really carries fifteen passengers, they carry more like twenty two to twenty three passengers, and if they happen to be only school kids, they pack them all together like sardines in most of these buses. And as much as some passengers protest against such lawlessness we abide with it, or most of us would not be allowed a seat on the bus.

What about the boom boxes that should have been removed? Early in the morning when you want to just start your day off with serenity and peace you are bombarded with the nonsense they play in their buses. And most of the time they drive right past your stop as the music is so loud they cannot hear you properly.

How can we as Guyanese citizens allow such nonsense to continue and not voice our opinions, and why is the Government or the traffic department not looking into the operation of these buses, which causes the lives of hundreds each year. They need to be out there taking a closer look at what goes on during a rush hour.

As citizens of Guyana we need to take a firm stand and not allow such lawlessness to continue. Do not board an overloaded bus. The government needs to get buses and have proper rules and regulations installed.

I am calling on all passengers not to pay any increase in bus fares.
S.P

Love and togetherness experienced was unbelievable
The Christmas season has come and gone and we are now in the New Year, 2003. My New Year's hope is for peace, togetherness and love which have been demonstrated by Guyanese during the past holiday season.

It was truly unbelievable to walk the streets of Georgetown and witness the atmosphere of true togetherness experienced and showered by all Guyanese as they went about their usual Christmas walks. Every one of us, for that moment, seem to have forgotten about the crime problems and the ultimate effects these circumstances bring. We were all simply enjoying the festive season to the best of our abilities.

Shop owners and customers alike were truly at peace with the calm and serenity present in the air.

The lack of those horrible squibs, which every year would usually terrorise the streets in the down town area, did wonders for our nerves and soul.

Further, imagine, shopping until the wee hours of Christmas morning. Never before have I experienced an event such as this in Guyana. We are on the move.

The love and togetherness experienced was unbelievable. I hope all Guyanese noticed that we have the willingness and also the ability to come together. So let us Guyanese show that to the rest of the world.
Sabrina Edwards

My wish for 2003
2002 has come and gone and the New Year is upon us and our major focus should now be on the achievement of betterment in all the good we seek to accomplish in the upcoming months.

2002 was a year that made us realise our true potential of togetherness and peacefulness as a people. Further, it was demonstrated that we all want the same outcome of peace and development for our country and ourselves. We have to rally together. We owe it to our children and ourselves to make Guyana a peaceful and prosperous country.

We have proven that we can do it, so let’s continue to try. Let us not make a few criminal-minded elements in our society hold us to ransom. Our society needs to take back our country from these persons by working in collaboration with the security forces. Remember, the security forces are working for us and the least we can do is give a little assistance.

For this year I would like to see the entire batch of public servants acting as ‘persons put there to serve the people of Guyana’ and not as ‘the people of Guyana serving them’. The Public Sector Reform Programme and their annual salary increases are steps in the direction of change, which the Government has covered. Now we need the attitude of these public individuals to also become reformed.

A high level of professionalism needs to be attained in this sector. We should see them making an effort to render assistance to the people they were put there to serve wherever and whenever they can. In other words, an attitude of caring and concern must prevail. The respective unions can play a part in sensitising public employees about professional and unprofessional behaviours in the work place.

The levels of productivity by the public servants should be a focal point of the unions. As such, when the various unions bargain on an annual basis for increases, workers should also show that they deserve this increase. Thus the level of productivity and work conduct should act as an incentive for increases, as well.

We Guyanese as a whole should pursue that which will make us better persons and overall better citizens of our dear country towards the final aim of achieving economic development.
Adriana Sampson

Looking good Guyana
Guyanese everywhere have started a new trend, in keeping with the
newly introduced Seat Belt Laws. Everyone has started to get strapped in and I must say that it is quite a good sight.

Driving down Regent Street at peak hours you can see almost everyone wearing his or her seat belts quite comfortably. There was some opposition but persons have accepted the inevitable and have seen the benefits of their actions.

We are getting to the point where we can compete with the developed countries and persons migrating shortly or hoping to travel around the world will be able to travel comfortably since they would have already been grooved into the habit.

I encourage everyone to continue wearing his or her seat belt, since it is a good precaution.
Sailendra Persaud

A back door strategy for power?
There has been much talk of ‘shared governance’ during the past few months, which quite frankly, is nonsense.

Why should the PPP/C have to consider such a move? Did the PNC/R offer such an option to the PPP/C when they were at the helm?

The PPP/C was not given a say in any decision that was made so why the big hullabaloo over such a suggestion? And anyway how can the PPP/C consider shared governance and work for the good of the country when the PNC/R is trying rather furtively to divide the nation?

When the PNC/R contested the last elections I am sure that the party would have considered the terms of engagement before taking the step, so why are they still trying to get into power when they failed to win the elections?

Win some, lose some, accept and move on. If you keep looking backwards all the time then you would not be able to see where you are going.

It is a new year and everyone has made his or her resolutions. The PNC/R should reform themselves and then maybe the option of shared governance could be seriously discussed.
Angela Persaud

Ease pressure on commuters
A few minibus operators on mainly the East Coast Demerara are demanding $20 more on the fare from Georgetown to certain villages on the Coast, especially Vryheid's Lust. Another few are trying to raise the fare from Beteverwagting to Georgetown. They are blackmailing commuters by withholding their services. This is unfair.

Why can’t they hold the strain for a few days? And what strain are we talking about? One in which they gain all the benefits of employment, without paying income taxes and NIS deductions.

Every time gasoline goes up a bit they seek to raise fares. However, when the price goes down again, they somehow conveniently neglect to lower the cost of transporting commuters.

Additionally, Government has more than once cushioned the effects of rising petroleum prices, but there is a limitation to how much they can subsidize the fuel industry.

What I would like to ask these minibus owners is how much gross earnings do they receive monthly and what percentage of taxes have they paid for last year or any other year for that matter. How do they intend to compensate the Government and people of Guyana for usage of the roadways, bridges etc?

Instead of trying to kill their commuters every time there is a whisper of an increase in fuel cost, they should seek to compensate their country for benefits they receive on a daily basis. Because as I understand it, the average owner receives between $6000 to $10,000 daily. And this does not include employment cost.

These owners/operators must understand that most commuters are working people who are compelled to pay income tax under the P.A.Y.E. system.

The Venezuelan crisis will not last forever. Oil prices will decrease in the near future when the crisis is resolved.

I am asking minibus owners/operators to ease the pressure on commuters. Do not increase your fares. You are far better off than thousands of workers who use your services.
Sabrina Edwards

Guyanese are Fortunate
I hope Guyanese will stop condemning the water sector in Guyana. It was reported that Guyana has been rated fifth among 147 countries in terms of the provision of water. Although the United States of America is so rich it was placed at the 33rd spot.

Guyanese should realize how fortunate they are to get potable water. Indeed there are communities that need a better service, but we have come a far way and people should be thankful to this Government.

People that are old enough will remember the days when dray carts and buckets were used to fetch water over long distances. The hardship is over and people should be patient because everything cannot be done at the same time.

It is obvious that Government is making a huge effort to improve the water sector, so people should cooperate and pay their water bills.
Lynette Persaud.

Nonsensical letter
Roger doesn’t always stay at home as he must have attended Hoyte’s funeral at Public Buildings to write his nonsensical letter in Stabroek News of Tuesday, 7th January, 2003 headed “ The crowd was showing its disapproval of the government.”

First of all, he claimed in his letter “ the PPP’s 12 years of neglect” when they have been in office for only 10 years. It seems he must have forgotten that the PPP was deprived of two years of legitimate rule after the 1997 elections owing to the unruly behaviour of the same supporters of the PNC - that would have made it twelve.

Secondly, he claimed that people representing the legitimately elected government, such as President Jagdeo, Mr. Ramotar and Minister Gajraj and others had excited the animosity of the crowd by their presence at the ceremony.

I would like Mr. Roger More to explain to myself and readers what excited the animosity of the crowds at the ceremonies at the Seven Ponds when these people mentioned by him were not present there.
I look forward to a written reply, thanks.
Haseem Seyad

Progress at Corriverton
Corriverton has indeed come a very long way over the years and continues to develop and progress.

The Town Clerk has reported recently that the area has not only attracted more business houses, but also has a new housing scheme and Primary school over the past year.

Among other accomplishments are improvements to the drainage network at Rampoor, Queenstown and Springlands, the upgrading of carriageways as well as the building of 15 additional garbage receptacles. A tractor and other necessary equipment have also been acquired.

In the first phase of the Urban Development Programme major roadways at Main Street, Rampoor and the Coop Road at Skeldon were built with concrete drainage systems and revetments costing $83 million.

The Municipal Market was rehabilitated and also extended at a cost of $90 million to hold more vendors.

However, a major problem is to collect arrears in rates and taxes of over $20 million, which of course is holding back more developments. A concerted effort will have to be made to collect these arrears and encourage those who are up-to-date to remain so.

Such progress must be applauded and encouraged at Corriverton and at all other Municipalities, Townships and Villages.
Timmy Anderson

Bernard for leader
I feel that we need a more level-headed and mature type of individual such as Deryck M. Bernard to take over the leadership mantle of the PNC/R.

He has indeed been associated with the PNC for a long while and besides that he has not so far as I recollect been involved in any sort of public political confrontations and has been restrained in expressing his views and opinions.

At this time especially when there needs to be some form of dialogue and compromise and civil exchanges of views, it may well be that Mr. Bernard can lead this process.

It is also possible too, I think, that his colleagues would rally around him and lend the necessary support to rebuild the positive contacts with the grass roots and have the community groups functioning which the leadership had indicated had lapsed and that they are in the process of correcting.

We have to move forward for the good of all of us and we should consider if Mr. Bernard is not the right person at this part of our party’s and country’s history to assume the leadership of our party.
Rovin Suklall

Don't go to Zimbabwe, Blair tells England team
LONDON, England (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair heaped pressure on cricket authorities yesterday to stop the England team playing in Zimbabwe but insisted he had no power to prevent them going. Ministers will meet officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today to discuss their dilemma over World Cup matches being staged in Zimbabwe but the government's wishes are already crystal clear.

``We have expressed our view very clearly that they should not go but as with the decision over the 1980 Olympics, it is not within our power or ability to order people not to go,'' Blair told parliament.

``We have made it quite clear to the cricket authorities that we believe that it is wrong that they should go. I hope they take account of that advice.''

Former premier Margaret Thatcher urged British athletes to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Her plea fell largely on deaf ears.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to host six of the 54 matches in the World Cup tournament being staged mainly in South Africa from February 9 to March 23. The Australian government has also raised concerns about playing there.

The ECB has been put under increasing pressure to boycott the match England are due to play in Harare on February 13, following President Robert Mugabe's controversial land reform programme, which opponents blame for the country's deepening economic crisis and food shortages.

Several England players, including captain Nasser Hussain, and ECB chiefs have said that if the decision to boycott the Zimbabwe game is a political one then it should be taken by the government, not a sporting body.

The government will be represented by Sports Minister Tessa Jowell and Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos at today's meeting.

Officials said another ECB wish, for compensation should they agree to pull out, is unlikely to be agreed to.

Bodybuilding Federation to launch CAC 2004 homecoming
ON Sunday, the Bodybuilding Federation will be launching its CAC 2004 Homecoming in New York. That event will take place at the XGDF Association Hall in South Ozone Park, Brooklyn, and will be attended by the GABBF president Yale Holder, general secretary Donald Sinclair, with assistance from Ministry of Tourism volunteer Amanda Seecharran. The Toronto launch will take place in May during the Independence week celebrations in that city.

Under the slogan "Come for the championships; Be part of the adventure" the CAC 2004 Homecoming will be promoting an exciting week of 'events for every taste' with the focal point being the 2-day CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships at the National Cultural Centre. The week of events will include the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships finals, the Region's best fitness displays, a gala local cuisine banquet, visits to Resorts, an El Dorado shopping experience, a soca night-cruise, trips down memory lane and a host of other events.

The Bodybuilding Federation sees the 2004 Championships as bridging the world of sports and tourism in Guyana. While the event provides a window for the Guyanese public and the Region's elite male and female bodybuilding and fitness athletes, it also offers the opportunity for tours, shopping and services.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has honoured its financial commitment to the Bodybuilding Federation, while the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana have been providing important promotional material for use in local and overseas promotions.

The CAC 2004 Planning Committee has already begun discussions with a number of participating hotels with a view to offering athletes and supporters the most attractive accommodation packages for the week in 2004.

Dialogue is soon to begin with a major commercial bank regarding the latter's status as the Official Bank of the CAC 2004 Championships. Very soon also, the Official Airline of the CAC Championships will be announced. This airline will have claim over the transportation of athletes and officials for the CAC 2004 event.

So far North American Airlines has made a financial contribution towards the CAC 2004 Championships and has provided discounted fares for the officials attending the New York launch. Meanwhile Tropical Mist of Banks DIH will enjoy status as the Official Water of the CAC Championships.

A key figure in the planning at the New York end has been Hugh Ross, holder of the New York Masters title and guest-poser at FLEX NIGHT 2001. Hugh Ross has been assisted by Gary Tim and Lennox Ramsey. Planning at the local end is being spearheaded by a planning committee comprising Donald Sinclair (chairman), Yale Holder and Jay Small.

Sponsorship row could end up in court
By Tony Lawrence
LONDON, England (Reuters) - A sponsorship row threatening India's participation in the cricket World Cup might end up in the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

After earlier talks stalled, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is working to break the impasse with India by January 14, the deadline for players to sign their tournament contracts.

Sources close to the negotiations said this could mean the sport's world governing body calling on the Indian cricket board to take the long-running wrangle to CAS, a highly respected independent body set up to rule on sports disputes.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, the head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the central figure in the dispute, resigned last month from the ICC's World Cup contract committee, set up to solve the issue, before calling for independent mediation as the only way forward.

The World Cup, involving 14 teams, is due to be officially launched on Feb. 8 and will run until March 23.

The sponsorship issue dates back several months and almost led to an Indian player-boycott of the Champions Trophy limited-overs tournament in September.

The ICC, in trying to protect its official event sponsors from 'ambush marketing', ordered players to freeze their advertising contracts with rival companies.

India's top players, who earn far more from advertising than from playing, rebelled arguing they were not consulted and that the ICC had no right to sell their image rights. Their stance won the backing of other players around the world.

The ICC offered a series of compromises that quelled the rebellion and ensured that all teams took part in the Champions Trophy.

The same issue, however, has flared up again in India, where the Indian board's shifting position has created further confusion.

Dalmiya signed up to the World Cup contract in March but is now supporting his own players in opposing it.

While presenting himself as a champion of players' rights, however, he rejected an ICC move to give them more representation at the end of last year and has also been reluctant to deal with a newly established players' association in India.

Dalmiya says he fears the Indian board could face legal action -- either from event sponsors if India fails to field a full-strength team at the World Cup, or player sponsors disgruntled that they have has to suspend existing agreements during the tournament.

13th staging of Kashif & Shanghai Football Festival
Years of hard work blossom …
By Isaiah Chappelle
THE thirteenth staging of the Kashif & Shanghai Christmas Football Festival was the proving ground for both the organisers and the finalists.

Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major saw that their years of work had now really blossomed into a fully established and accepted event, while the Fruta Conquerors and Western Tigers defied critics by reaching the top.

Also, the large turnout for the final on New Year’s Day at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground signalled the maturity of football fans, particularly in Linden, as they came out in numbers despite two city teams clashed for the coveted title, with the Fruta boys finally getting their hands on the winners’ trophies.

The crowd swelled beyond the capacity of the stands with people standing closely together between the stands and the fence. The organisers said it was a smaller attendance than last year’s for the Linden/Georgetown final between Netrockers and Swiss House Victoria Kings, the eventual winners.

Some persons attending last year’s final said the crowd at the 13th final was as big or even bigger, but whatever the real size, the turnout was huge, perhaps over 10 000.

That attendance probably cemented the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation’s reputation as being the organisers who have staged the country’s biggest sport event, involving just local sportsmen.

Although there were loopholes, like the late whistles to kick off play, generally, excellence permeated the championships.

And judging from the last crowd, it is clear that people will now turn out to see the matches, regardless of which teams are on the field, because they now have the confidence of seeing top quality play, once it is a Kashif & Shanghai event.

One of the biggest achievements of this tournament was introducing the event to Berbice. And the response was stupefying. It was the best leg of the series. Despite the big crowd, everyone remained behind the low fence. And both matches were exciting. A bigger turnout is already being anticipated for the next Christmas Day leg there.

Most matches were keenly contested, some so close that the win could have gone to any team. And of course there were the upsets. Stewartville shocked Linden when they knocked out three-time champions Topp XX. They had set the stage by first disposing of Thomas United.

The quality of competition is one positive result from the four-year association with the Guyana Football Federation, whereby clubs must put themselves in a position to attract invitation to participate.

However, two areas have not matured over the years - that of refereeing and announcing.

One referee in particular, issued eleven cards, including two red, which probably showed he had poor control. The said referee had another poor performance at the GFC ground, Bourda. Yet he was carrying the whistle at Blairmont, while a referee with a FIFA badge was on the sidelines as a fourth official. In fact it was that FIFA referee’s last duty in the tournament, having carried the whistle just twice, although there are only three male referees with FIFA badges, while a woman wears the other.

Certainly something was amiss in appointing officiating personnel for matches. Was it that there was a small core of referees and assistant referees who were favoured to get in on the incentives the tournament offered, thus they got appointments regardless of performance? Whatever the reason, the resulting performance could tarnish the tournament.

The use, or more appropriately the misuse, of the public address system has been a bugbear for years, and has not improved. The announcers annoy more than they inform. Imagine a call was announced for a person to go and collect a meal or that a person must report here or there. Those calls are in house matters and should not be for the attending public.

Announcers need to be trained professionals. They should recognise redundancy, like in the credits to sponsors - Banks DIH Limited, Ministry of Sports, Government of Guyana, Western Union Money Transfer, etc. Surely, one easily spots the redundancy in the example. They must also do the announcing at intervals and not continually and should not talk during the playing of the FIFA anthem. An anthem is an anthem.

There are some other small details that need to be rectified. In staging any event, there would be a core of people who all workers need to recognise on sight so that they are not hassled unnecessarily.

One sensed the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation has established their reputation when a past critic agreed to be on the work team. He turned up in suit to do his duties, albeit inefficiently, denying the media the usual courtesies extended in the past tournaments.

The coverage given by the media, also, indicated that the Kashif & Shanghai Christmas Football Festival is on the national calendar of events and is worth attention. That speaks volumes since many do not have bona fide sport sections. Gone are the days when just the two main dailies presented the tournament to the public. But those new practitioners have to learn that setting up equipment, especially for television, has to be done several hours before the start of matches, and the organisers must insist that it is done.

Finally, despite the harsh economic reality in the country, the organisers were again able to attract sponsors to inject money into the tournament. That’s the biggest indicator that the tournament is truly established as a worthy event to fund.

Osmond Jeune to be laid to rest tomorrow
FINAL rites for former National goalkeeper, Osmond Jeune, will be performed tomorrow at the Victoria Community Centre ground.

Jeune passed away on the last day of last year, after suffering several months from the Guilian Barre Syndrome, a viral disease that has a crippling effect on the body.

The goalkeeper was serving with the senior national team when he became ill and never recovered. He received treatment in Trinidad & Tobago and shortly after his return home he went to Suriname where he passed away.

Jeune was a leading figure in the Swiss House Victoria Kings that attracted national attention during the 1998 Kashif & Shanghai Christmas Football Festival when they reached the final. They lost to the Trinidadian professional team, Doc’s Khelwalaas, but clinched the title in the 2001 tournament.

After the directors of the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation heard of his illness, they visited him at home, finding that he was already paralysed but still had full control of his faculties. They were in the process of staging the Osmond Jeune Super Sizzler benefit tournament to raise money for his treatment in the Twin Island Republic. He needed some US$11 000 for the full treatment.

The directors acted immediately and handed over some US$3 000 for treatment in Trinidad & Tobago, hoping to recoup the sum from the tournament. The Ministry of Health chipped in with another US$2 000.

It is not clear whether Jeune had all the money for full treatment because the competition suffered huge gate losses from poor attendance due to the bandit attacks that prevailed around that time.

Jeune’s body arrived home yesterday and is at the Sandy’s Funeral Home, Chapel Street, Lodge. It will move to his residence at Victoria, East Coast Demerara, where family viewing will take place from 10:00 hrs.

The body will then be moved to the Victoria Community Centre ground for public viewing from 11:00 hrs. The service will begin at 13:00 hrs, after which the body will be interred at the Victoria cemetery.

Guyana Football Federation will provide transportation for former and current national footballers to attend the funeral. The bus will leave the National Gymnasium at 12:00 hrs. (Isaiah Chappelle)

Racing authority holds meeting January 19
THE Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) will hold its first meeting for this year on Sunday January 19 at 11:00 hrs at the Grand Stand of the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Corentyne.

Among matters on the agenda are: review of the performance of the Authority for 2002; treasurer's report; revision of the classification list; insurance coverage for jockeys riding at meetings under the rules of the Authority; fixing racing dates for 2003; holding of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of jockey Narine Samaroo also known as Santa, as a result of an accident which took place at the race meeting of the Georgetown Turf Club on December 15, 2002. Following the inquiry a statement will be issued by the Authority. There will also be election of officers-bearers for 2003.

The executive of all horse racing clubs (whether affiliated to the Authority or not), horse owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms and persons interested in horse racing are invited to the meeting and would be allowed to express views and/or criticisms which they feel can assist the Authority in improving its performance and for the improvement of horse racing in Guyana, a release from the GHRA said.

Kishan Bacchus XI set challenging task
KISHAN Bacchus Construction Inc. XI were set a challenging task of scoring 150 for victory in their allotted 25 overs. They begin their reply at 16:00 hrs today, chasing the 149 for four made by King’s Jewellery World XI at the Diamond Community Centre ground yesterday.

The feature Over-40 match, being contested between the two teams for a winning trophy, is being played over two days with only one side batting on each day.

Yesterday’s play was highlighted by a fine opening partnership of 110 between Ramotar Bissoon and Fitz Clarke who slammed 54 and 51 respectively while Jai Sankar was undefeated on 22 when the overs expired.

Hardat Singh (eight) promised much with a towering six but failed to go on while John Pyneandy failed to worry the scorers.

Shiv Raghubar was the best bowler for Kishan Bacchus XI, claiming two for 23 from five overs.

Ganga to lead T&T in regional tournament
By Naz Yacoob
PORT of Spain, Trinidad - Former West Indies youth cricket captain and chairman of this country’s senior selection panel, Dudnath Ramkessoon, said that Daren Ganga was an automatic choice to lead Trinidad and Tobago in the upcoming regional four-day tournament.

And yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control ratified the appointment of the West Indies Test batsman, Ganga, as captain of the national senior team that will take part in the regional series, which starts on January 31, with Trinidad and Tobago against Guyana at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre.

This will be the 23-year-old Alescon Comet player’s first stint as this country’s four-day captain, but according to Ramkessoon, Ganga has served his apprenticeship, when he led Trinidad and Tobago in last year’s Red Stripe Bowl series, and the West Indies ‘A’ team on their tour of England and Canada last season.

A former Trinidad and Tobago captain, Ramkessoon, said that Ganga did a reasonable job as captain in the 2002 Red Stripe Bowl tournament, and commanded the respect of the entire team, which included former West Indies Test captain, Brian Lara, past Trinidad and Trinidad skipper Richard Smith, and Test players Mervyn Dillon, Marlon Black and Dinanath Ramnarine.

“Ganga has been looked at by the regional selectors as a future captain, hence the reason he was appointed to lead the West Indies ‘A’ team to England and Canada,” Ramkessoon said.

“He is obviously talented and has excellent leadership qualities.”

Ramkessoon noted, that Ganga has gone through all the major development programmes in the region, and this stint as captain is the result of the TTCBC and the West Indies Cricket Board investment.

Newly appointed manager of the Trinidad and Tobago senior team said that Ganga is the most appropriate person to lead the national side at this time.

“It is just a natural progression in his career,” Khan stated.

One of the West Indies five standbys for next month’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya, Ganga will be seen in action tomorrow, when he leads South in the annual Gerry Gomez Memorial Classic against North at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Ganga, Lara and Dillon have received permission from the WICB to play in the four-day classic, and will join the remainder of the West Indies squad in the training camp in Antigua on Monday.

On Tuesday, the left-handed Lara trained at the Indoor Facilities at the Oval under the supervision of West Indies Test selector, Joey Carew.

ENGLAND
N.Knight c Katich b Thornely 13

O.Shah c MacGill b Mail 127

R.Irani lbw b Thornely 39

P.Collingwood run out 3

I.Blackwell b Katich 7

A.Hollioake run-out 53

J.Snape b Mail 15

R.Key run-out 1

J.Kirtley not out 4

M.Hoggard not out 0

Extras: (b-5, lb-3, w-4, nb-5) 17

Total: (eight wickets, 50 overs) 279

Fall of wickets: 1-55, 2-122, 3-134, 4-142, 5-247, 6-262, 7-271, 8-275.

Bowling: Bollinger 10-0-60-0 (nb-4, w-2), Whitney 6-1-44-0 (w-2), Bradstreet 10-2-47-0, Thornely 10-1-30-2, MacGill 4-0-30-0 (nb-1), Katich 7-0-49-1, Mail 3-0-11-2.

AUSTRALIA
M.Slater b Hoggard 0

B.Haddin b Hoggard 28

S.Katich b Blackwell 36

J.Cox lbw b Hollioake 49

M.Waugh not out 108

G.Mail not out 37

Extras: (lb-11, w-12, nb-4) 27

Total: (four wickets, 46.3 overs) 285

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-62, 3-86, 4-200.

Bowling: Hoggard 10-2-60-2 (nb-1, w-1), Anderson 10-1-49-0 (nb-2, w-4), Kirtley 8-1-38-0 (nb-1, w-2), Blackwell 5-0-25-1, Snape 3-0-24-0 (w-4), Irani 5-0-48-0, Hollioake 5-0-24-1 (w-1), Knight 0.3-0-6-0.

Mark Waugh leads Bradman XI to win
BOWRAL, Australia, (Reuters) - England World Cup discard Owais Shah and former Australia batsman Mark Waugh made centuries as Waugh's Bradman XI beat the tourists by six wickets in a one-day match yesterday.

Shah belted 127 from 154 balls as England scored 279 for eight in their 50 overs. Shah, who hit nine fours and two sixes, was out in the 48th over as England scored 91 runs in their final 10 overs.

But the total proved inadequate, Waugh's side reaching 285 for four with 21 balls to spare in fading light, with the captain hitting 108 not out including a six to close the match at the Bradman Oval in Bowral.

Waugh, 37, retired from international cricket after he was overlooked for the first Ashes Test against England two months ago.

He made his century in 92 balls with four sixes and seven fours, reaching the milestone with a six over extra cover.

Waugh shared a 114-run stand with Tasmania's Jamie Cox, who made 49. Wicketkeeper-opening batsman Brad Haddin made 28 and former Test batsman Simon Katich hit 36 for the Bradman XI.

Greg Mail (37 not out) helped guide the locals to victory, sharing an unbeaten 85-run stand with Waugh, who was part of Australia's 1999 World Cup-winning side.

Earlier, Adam Hollioake was run-out for 53 off 38 balls after sharing a fifth-wicket partnership of 105 with Shah.

Shah was named in England's provisional World Cup squad of 30 but was not included in the final 15 for the tournament starting in southern Africa next month.

The match was a tribute to Australia's peerless batsman Don Bradman. Born in Cootamundra in New South Wales in 1908, Bradman was raised in Bowral, 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Sydney. He died aged 92 in his Adelaide home on February 25, 2001.

Bradman scored 6 996 runs in 52 Tests at an average of 99.94, an unrivalled cricket record.

England will play Australia in a triangular series one-day match in Hobart on Saturday.

NEW Zealand
S.Fleming c Dravid b Nehra 19

N.Astle lbw b Khan 0

M.Sinclair b Khan 0

C.Harris lbw b Khan 1

C.Cairns b Srinath 25

S.Styris b Nehra 13

B.McCullum b Kumble 35

A.Adams c Kaif b Ganguly 35

D.Vettori not out 16

D.Tuffey b Srinath 4

S.Bond lbw b Kumble 0

Extras: (b-4, lb-7, w-3, nb-6) 20

Total: (all out, 42.4 overs) 168

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-3, 4-48, 5-51, 6-92, 7-140, 8-158, 9-167.

Bowling: Srinath 10-2-24-2 (w-3), Khan 8-0-30-3 (nb-1), Nehra 9-1-38-2, Kumble 9.4-0-38-2 (nb-4), Ganguly 6-0-27-1 (nb-1).

INDIA
S.Ganguly c McCullum b Tuffey 0

V.Sehwag c Fleming b Styris 45

D.Mongia b Bond 2

S.Tendulkar lbw b Bond 0

R.Dravid c McCullum b Styris 7

Y.Singh c Harris b Vettori 54

M.Kaif c Fleming b Adams 1

A.Kumble hit wkt b Adams 2

Z.Khan not out 34

J.Srinath not out 1

Extras: (nb-2, w-16, lb-5) 23

Total: (for eight wickets, 44.2 overs) 169

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-19, 3-24, 4-66, 5-91, 6-114, 7-116, 8-160.

Bowling: Tuffey 10-2-40-1 (nb-2, w-4), Bond 10-0-34-2 (w-9), Adams 9.2-0-47-2 (w-3), Styris 9-1-29-2, Vettori 5-1-14-1.

Zaheer guides India to first win of series
By Geoff Young
WELLINGTON, NZ (Reuters) - Pace bowler Zaheer Khan made decisive contributions with both bat and ball to steer India to a long-awaited victory in the one-day series against New Zealand yesterday.

Zaheer followed up his three for 30 with an unbeaten 34, scoring the final runs with five overs to spare in their two-wicket win. New Zealand lead the best-of-seven series 4-1.

The home side were bowled out for 168 in 42.4 overs, India replying with 169 for eight.

Zaheer, who rode his luck during an innings full of aggression, added 44 for the eighth wicket with Yuvraj Singh (54), who hit a well-crafted half-century before falling to Daniel Vettori with nine runs needed for victory.

Zaheer paid tribute to the fine innings by Yuvraj and some good advice from Srinath after his partner fell.

``He told me we were in no hurry and not to do anything silly,'' said Zaheer. ``We just pushed for singles and got a four, which took the pressure off, but it was certainly nice to hit that winning run.''

Opener Virender Sehwag hit a speedy 45 but he was the only other Indian to reach double figures. Sachin Tendulkar, making his debut in the series after recovering from an ankle injury, fell for a duck after being trapped leg-before by Shane Bond.

``Everyone is very happy in the dressing room we have finally won a match on this tour,'' Zaheer said.

``We've been trying very hard and have not been able to deliver. We thought it was just a matter of time and with two matches to go we feel it will be a moral victory if we can beat them twice more.''

New Zealand recovered from a torrid start after they lost their first three wickets for just three runs.

Zaheer was the chief destroyer, removing Nathan Astle and Mathew Sinclair off successive balls for ducks in his first over, then sending back Chris Harris leg-before in his next.

``I enjoyed bowling on that wicket,'' Zaheer, who was named man-of-the-match, said. ``The ball was doing a lot and it certainly helped me.''

A middle-order rally gave the New Zealand innings some momentum, with contributions from Andre Adams (35), Brendon McCullum (35) and Chris Cairns (25), playing his first one-day international since pulling up with knee problems in the first Test against England a year ago.

``We had the chance to get to 200 but those partnerships were ended just at the wrong time for us,'' New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said.

``We didn't deserve to win today,'' he said. ``Batting first was not wise ... then with the bowling we conceded too many extras. Twenty-three extras could have been the difference between winning and losing, so there are a couple of disciplines we need to address.''

ECB in no-win situation before World Cup talks
By Kate Holton
LONDON, England (Reuters) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is in a no-win situation when it meets with the British government today to discuss England's participation in a World Cup match in Zimbabwe.

If the ECB agrees with the government and boycotts the February 13 game in Harare England will forfeit two points and lose millions of pounds. But if it chooses to play the game it could be accused of endorsing Robert Mugabe's leadership.

The ECB has been put under increasing pressure to boycott the match, following Mugabe's controversial land reform programme, his hardline tactics against opponents during his March re-election victory and food shortages that have left his country close to starvation.

Several England players and ECB officials have said that if the decision to boycott the Zimbabwe game is a political one then it should be taken by the government, not a sporting body.

But while the British government has said it is strongly opposed to England playing in Harare, it has also maintained that it cannot make the final decision.

``We cannot order the ECB not to go to Zimbabwe, but we have asked them not to,'' Foreign Office minister Mike O'Brien said in a statement. ``The final decision must rest with them.

DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES
``Our opinion is clear. Given the abuse of human rights and the dire circumstances of the people of Zimbabwe, it would be wrong to play a game of cricket there.''

The International Cricket Council (ICC) says it has a contingency plan to move games away from Zimbabwe, almost certainly to South Africa, but still intends to play there after an inspection of the country said players would be safe.

The government will be represented by Sports Minister Tessa Jowell and Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos in today's meeting.

Zimbabwe is scheduled to host six of the 54 matches in the World Cup, which is staged in southern Africa from February 9 to March 23. Australia, India, Pakistan, Namibia and the Netherlands are also scheduled to play in Zimbabwe.

ICC president Malcolm Gray has said England would face a one million pound ($1.60 million) bill if they do not play the fixture and the financial cost could mount if the Zimbabwean team chose to pull out of a planned England tour next year.

The ECB has said it wants a decision from the government and will press for compensation if it meets the government's wish to boycott the game.

``We wish to discuss a wide range of issues with the government, including compensation,'' an ECB spokesman said. ``But it is important to retain a good working relationship with the government and the agencies that they support.''

FINAL SAY
The ECB said that if a firm decision is not made at today's meeting, a 15-man ECB management board would have the final say.

The ICC has steadfastly defended its decision to stage the matches in Zimbabwe despite the deteriorating political and economic situation there.

``In administering cricket we can't take into account whether one government has a bad relationship with another government,'' ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said. ``We can't be swayed by these sorts of considerations.

``We can only make our decision based on cricketing considerations and sporting considerations. We have 84 member countries that have come under all sorts of political regimes.''

Of the other five countries scheduled to play in Zimbabwe, only the Australian government has spoken out against playing there and said it would consider contributing to the cost of switching the games.

Both India and Pakistan said they had no problems about playing in Zimbabwe.

Speed has said that any teams refusing to play in Zimbabwe because of safety concerns could get a special dispensation from the ICC under which teams could share match points with Zimbabwe even if they did not turn up.

``Each request would be looked at on an individual basis,'' an ICC spokesman said this week.

``If there was a serious deterioration in safety then that would affect all the teams but if one team pulls out and the others agree to go then that would be a different matter.

``That governing body would need to justify their decision.''

Parreira to coach Brazil for third time
By Brian Homewood
RIO DE JANEIRO, (Reuters) - Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led Brazil to their fourth World Cup triumph in 1994, was named coach of the world champions for the third time yesterday.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also named Parreira's former assistant Mario Zagallo -- national team coach in his own right for three World Cups -- as technical director.

The 59-year-old Parreira, who also coached Kuwait at the 1982 World Cup and Saudi Arabia at France 98, will leave club side Corinthians to replace Luiz Felipe Scolari, who steered Brazil to their fifth world title at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Brazil had been without a long-term coach since the departure of ‘Big Phil’, who resigned in August and is now the coach of the Portuguese national side.

Parreira, who coached the national team in 1984 and from 1991 to 1994, had repeatedly complained about the pressures involved in the job and made it clear he was unlikely to sit in one of sports' hottest seats for a third time.

But he thought again after having lunch with Teixeira at a Rio de Janeiro golf club on Tuesday.

``I changed my mind and accepted the offer,'' Parreira told a media conference at the CBF headquarters. ``I couldn't turn it down.''

``I have changed my plans and my life in the last 24 hours. It's a privilege to be chosen to coach the biggest team in the world, the only team to have won the World Cup five times.''

Parreira's first match in charge will be a friendly away to China on February 12.

His main target will be to make sure Brazil qualify for the 2006 tournament in Germany and keep up their proud record as the only country to have played at every World Cup.

Under new rules, the reigning champions no longer gain automatic qualification to the next competition and so they must negotiate the South American qualifying competition, which is due to start in August.

Brazil have often found the qualifying tournament more difficult than the finals themselves.

Parreira, who never played football professionally, first coached Brazil in 1984 but resigned after a disappointing run of results.

LACKLUSTRE
He was reappointed in 1991 and, despite much criticism about his team's allegedly lacklustre style of play, led his side to victory at the World Cup in the United States three years later.

``The situation in 1991 was different,'' he said. ``Brazil had not been champions for over 20 years and the pressure was unbearable for everyone. It was 24 hours-a-day suffering.

``The situation now is lighter, more easy-going.''

Parreira once again showed his credentials last year as he led a modest Corinthians team to the brink of a domestic treble.

His side won the Rio-Sao Paulo tournament and Copa Brasil in the first half of the year and were beaten by Santos in the final of the Brazilian championship in December.

Parreira's departure is a blow for Corinthians, who in February begin their attempt to win the South American Libertadores Cup for the first time.

Brazil have played two games since the last World Cup. They lost 1-0 at home to Paraguay in August, with Scolari still at the helm, and beat South Korea 3-2 in Seoul on November, when Zagallo was called out of retirement as a ``tribute''.

Zagallo was ecstatic yesterday after being brought back as technical director at the age of 71, describing the decision as divinely inspired and promising the ``Hexacampeonato'' -- sixth world title -- in 2006.

``Life doesn't belong to us, God guides us,'' said Zagallo after the appointments were announced by CBF president Ricardo Teixeira.

``The president was spiritually enlightened in 1994 when he choose Parreira and myself to take charge of Brazilian football.''

``Now, God has guided the head of the president again.''

Zagallo led Brazil to their third World Cup triumph in 1970 and helped them to fourth place in 1974 and to the final in 1998 when they lost to France.

``Everybody says that Germany are favourites in 2006 but, if you look at the technical capacity of German football and of Brazilian football, I think we are on the way to the Hexa. We are good enough to win the title,'' he said.

Australian Open may move to March
… Growing player discontent and fierce temperatures cited
By Clare Lovell
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Growing player discontent and fierce temperatures in Australia in January could force the first grand slam of the tennis season to move to March.

In a clear sign that tennis bosses were taking notice of concerns expressed by former champions Andre Agassi and Martina Navratilova, International Tennis Federation (ITF) president Francesco Ricci-Bitti said the Australian Open could be shifted so all four grand slams take place in a seven-month period.

``Melbourne comes right at the start of the season. It's a highlight that comes too soon,'' Die Welt quoted Ricci-Bitti as saying yesterday, five days before the start of the 2003 tournament.

Players complain the Australian Open starts too soon after their brief close season in December so players are ill-prepared for one of the most important tournaments of the year.

Ricci-Bitti said the ITF was talking to the ATP, which organises the men's tour, about moving a couple of U.S. tournaments to make way for a later Australian Open.

``This way the players could gradually build up to the first highlight of the season,'' Die Welt quoted him as saying.

Agassi, a three times Australian Open champion, said a later start would ``give us more chance to relax in what you could call the off-season and it would allow for a better build-up and for better tennis at the Open.''

BLAZING HEAT
Players currently finish the season early in December usually indoors in northern winter then, after three weeks, race to the blazing heat of the southern summer for two weeks of warm-up tournaments before the first grand slam starts.

Last year's runner-up Marat Safin said tennis players had the shortest holidays in sport.

``In every other sport ... they have time to recover, vacations with their families and time to prepare themselves for the next season,'' the Russian, ranked third in the world, said.

Unlike some of his colleagues, Safin, who won the Davis Cup final on December 1, stands up well to soaring temperatures.

He reached the final in Melbourne last year playing in temperatures of 45 Celsius and yesterday braved similar heat to progress at the Sydney International. But he did say afterwards it was so hot he could not even think.

Former world number one Navratilova believes the Australian Open is downright dangerous.

``It could take someone dying before things will change but I firmly believe the Australian Open should be put back a month until at least February,'' the American three-time former champion wrote in the Australian newspaper this week.

Navratilova stopped playing at the Open after it moved from grass to a synthetic surface at a brand new stadium in 1988.

``I would have loved to have kept playing here but it's too hot in January,'' she wrote.

The tournament was moved to make it more attractive to players unused to grass and because officials had warned organisers that the old stadium at Kooyong was not up to grand slam standard.

GRAND-SLAM RHYTHM
The three other grand slam tournaments run at intervals through the northern summer and a move to March would allow the Australian Open to step into rhythm with them.

The French Open starts at the end of May, Wimbledon at the end of June and the U.S. Open at the end of August.

A March date would allow players more time to prepare for the Davis Cup team competition - this year's first round starts 11 days after the Open - and television companies might welcome an easing of the logjam of top flight sport in Australia during January.

Ticket-sellers and sponsors might object to a later date, however, as the Australian summer holidays will be over by March with children and students back at their studies and spectators less likely to take time off work.

The Australian Open has always been a bit of a problem to schedule. In the days before easy jet flight many players from Europe and the U.S. preferred to stay at home rather than undertake the lengthy journey so soon after the Christmas holiday period.

The tournament was switched to December in 1977 for eight years, even starting in November briefly for the women, to encourage top names to turn up.

It has been settled in Melbourne only since 1972 before which it was staged in several different states.

But wherever it is held on the Australian continent in January high temperatures are almost guaranteed.

As Safin said yesterday when high winds added to the scorching temperatures in Sydney: ``If you can play in this kind of weather you can play anywhere.''

Muralitharan is world's best bowler - Ponting
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia’s one-day captain Ricky Ponting believes Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is the world's best bowler and playing against him is largely guesswork.

Batsmen had to fend off Muralitharan, who is due to make his comeback from a hernia operation in today's match between the two countries, while trying to score heavily from the other Sri Lanka bowlers, Ponting said.

``Who knows?'' said Ponting yesterday when asked how his batsmen would handle the 30-year-old.

``I think just knowing how important a player he is for their side, you negate him as much as you can and try to score off the other bowlers,'' Ponting told reporters.

``The world's best bowler coming back into any side is going to help them, probably more so for Sri Lanka. They really feed off him and run off him.

``He might be bowling very well and back into his stride tomorrow. If he is it's going to be very hard for any of our batsmen to get on top of him.''

Rated by Wisden Cricket Monthly last month as the best bowler in Test cricket history, Muralitharan's presence will give a boost to the side, especially as he is the fourth leading wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 297 victims.

Without Muralitharan, Sri Lanka have lost all three of their triangular series matches against Australia and England and suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Australia A on Tuesday.

No team have lost their first three matches and qualified for the final in the triangular one-day series in Australia since the competition started in 1979-80.

``The last few days he's been bowling a lot,'' Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya told reporters of Muralitharan's progress.

``He has (been) the match-winning bowler for Sri Lankan cricket and he can do lots of things to change a match. When he comes to the team it's a big difference.''

Hotshot Bryant sets two NBA bests
LOS ANGELES, Calif., (Reuters) - Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said he found an ``incredible rhythm'' to break two NBA scoring records on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old scored nine consecutive three-pointers and 12 overall in the 119-98 defeat of Seattle SuperSonics.

``It wasn't like the basket was so huge,'' Bryant told the Lakers' official website.

``I just felt an incredible rhythm. And the calmness, it wasn't like I was rushing or anything like that, it just felt really calm and just felt like if I shoot it, I am going to make it.''

Lakers led 37-32 before Bryant hit his first three-pointer with just over five minutes left in the second quarter.

He then made his next five shots from the arc to help the Lakers to a 60-45 halftime lead, before nailing his first three three-pointers in the third quarter to break the NBA mark for consecutive three-pointers in one match.

``The only way I could stop Kobe from scoring was taking him out at the end of the third quarter,'' said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

``That was perhaps the greatest streak shooting I think I have ever seen in my life.''

Bryant, who had never before made more than five three-pointers in a game, netted his 12th in the final quarter to break the record for three-pointers in a game, set in 1996 by Dennis Scott of the Orlando Magic.

Sir Everton says WI can win World Cup
CRICKET legend Sir Everton Weekes believes the West Indies have the players to go all the way in the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking in Barbados on Tuesday, Sir Everton said the return of Brian Lara to the team could be a key factor in the West Indies success at the prestigious tournament, which bowls off February 9 in Cape Town.

“We have a good chance of winning,” said Sir Everton, who turns 78 on February 26. “If we can bowl out teams for anything under five runs per over we have a chance of winning matches. With (Brian) Lara and (Carl) Hooper we can get five an over. The bowlers must make sure they don’t bowl ten for 60, and stay in the 40 to 50 range.

“The batting will look after itself - and now we have Lara that will strengthen it as well,” added Sir Everton, one of the legendary Three Ws.

“Unfortunately, once Lara is available one of the younger batsmen will have to stand down, but once he (Lara) is available he should play in as many games as possible.”

Lara returned to the side after a four-month layoff as he recovered from “suspected hepatitis”. He came down with the illness after making a brilliant century in the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka and missed the subsequent trips to India and Bangladesh.

The West Indies bowl off the competition against South Africa, these two having been grouped in Pool ‘B’ with Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Kenya and Canada.

Sir Everton noted that the recent good showings in the One-Day series in India and the victories in Bangladesh had placed the West Indies on the right footing.

“We seem to be now seeing the potential of the younger players,” said Sir Everton, who made 4 455 runs in 48 Tests, including 15 centuries. “Two young players (Ramnaresh) Sarwan and (Marlon) Samuels, now that they have hundreds, their appetite for big scores should be opened.”

Samuels, the tall, stylish Jamaican who turned 22 three days ago, recorded his maiden first-class, Test and One-Day centuries in India, while Sarwan, the polished Guyanese, also 22, made his first Test and One-Day tons in Bangladesh.

“The One-Day game is more suited to Samuels than Sarwan, but both are very good players who seem able to adapt. These two can become top-class players. They just have to work hard at their game,” Sir Everton said. (Barbados Nation)