Bodies of crash victims airlifted to city
by Sharon Lall
THE bodies of the three victims in the Army aircraft crash were removed in a difficult operation from the mountain in Mahdia yesterday and flown by helicopter last night to Georgetown.
Thirteen soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on duty at Base Camp Ayanganna when the Bell 412 helicopter landed in the compound at 18:15 hrs (6:15 p.m.), did the ceremonial `turning out of the guards' to honour the dead.
They stood in neat rows and saluted as the bodies of GDF pilot, Captain Vickram `Vic' Nandan, his co-pilot Lieutenant Floyd David Gittens and building contractor, Ravindranauth Sharma were removed and taken by hearse to a city mortuary.
Nandan's younger brother, Ravi and Sharma's brother, Doodnauth, and friends were among those drawn closer to the helicopter, overcome by emotion when the bodies were being lifted into the hearse.
The GDF BN2 Islander crashed into the mountain Saturday morning and the wreckage was spotted Monday after an intensive search by the Army and private sector operators.
Commander Gary Best who headed the `Operation Hawkeye' task force, last night told reporters at Camp Ayanganna that the GDF successfully completed the extraction phase of the mission although it was a difficult exercise given the "rough terrain" in the jungle.
He announced that Nandan and Gittens will be given a military funeral with full rites.
"The Guyana Defence Force stands behind the families of the deceased. All benefits that will accrue to persons who lose their lives while in service will be (given) to the next of kin of the families."
He said the aircraft that Nandan was flying was "airworthy" and had "completed all its maintenance schedule."
He explained that the bodies had to be removed from the top of the Ebini Mountain, 4.5 miles southwest of Mahdia in "difficult (and) rough terrain".
"We had to cut an opening for the helicopter to go in and extract the bodies. The cutting and the opening of that jungle is what took time.
"There was no delay in any point of time in getting the bodies to Georgetown", he said. "The Special Forces troops had to climb the Ebini Mountain (and) get to the top, establish a landing pad for the helicopter (and) then establish an extracting site (for the) bodies," he said.
He added: "They (soldiers) had to go through rough terrain. The jungle is very hostile. The trees grow 150 to 200 feet high and that made the task difficult but we were successful and completed it."
He said investigations were continuing into the cause of the crash.
The bodies were found by a team of soldiers Tuesday and positively identified as the missing men.
The BN2 Islander they were in had broken into several pieces when it plunged through the jungle and slammed into the mountain, a few feet from the top, bursting into flames.
The remains of the aircraft were first seen Monday on the mountain at a height of 1,750 feet, the Army said.
Searchers in aircraft saw freshly burnt trees and pieces of an aircraft on the mountain side and the Army dropped members of its crack Special Forces near the site later Monday.
The ground team reached the wreckage Tuesday morning, confirming the three had died in the crash.
The Army said Nandan, Gittens and three passengers departed Timehri at 06:15 hrs on Saturday and arrived at Kato at 07:30 hrs.
It said the aircraft left Kato five minutes later for Mahdia, which is on the route from Kato to Timehri.
On a one-way charter flight from Timehri to Kato, Nandan and four other persons on the aircraft had a cargo that comprised building materials like zinc sheets and nails and some foodstuff that included eggs, the GDF said.
The `payload' of the BN2 Islander is 1,525 pounds.
Sharma, 33, from Adventure on the Essequibo Coast, had chartered the plane to take building materials from Timehri to Kato, near the border with Brazil in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).
He was contracted under the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) to build a nursery/primary school at Kato.
Accompanying him on the journey were two of his workers, Rawle Barton and Barton's uncle known only as `Patterson'.
The two workers disembarked at Kato with stuff like paint and cement which were onboard, Sharma's brother Doodnauth said.
Sharma is survived by his wife Arunie and children Gavin, age 13, Nadia, 11 and eight-year-old Lisa.
Nandan, 33, was from 41 Area `E' Ogle, East Coast Demerara and had his traditional schooling at Cummings Lodge Primary and Secondary School.
The Army said 29-year-old Gittens is survived by his mother, Verna Blenman and father Chilling Worth Gittens. He lived at 82 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
Ravi Nandan last night told reporters the Army had not said much initially until later when the family was informed that he was "burnt to death".
He said Nandan has an eight-year-old daughter, Amy and wife to whom he had been married for 13 years.
Ravi said he last saw his brother on Friday when he left to go to sleep.
He said he was an "excellent" person.
Also in the search were more than 40 persons, two Islanders from the private sector, a fixed-wing 206 aircraft and the GDF Skyvan.
Guyana to alert space agency about `rocket' pieces found here
by Mark Ramotar
MORE pieces of what are suspected to be debris from a rocket sent into space from the launch centre in French Guiana have washed up on the East Coast Demerara foreshore.
Local officials yesterday said they were alerting the authorities in French Guiana about the finds.
The Police, in a statement yesterday, said a resident of Buxton informed the Vigilance Police Station that three pieces of metal were seen at the Buxton foreshore.
The Police said they found two pieces of metal measuring 6 X 8 feet each and another piece measuring 2 X 4 feet.
Other parts suspected to be from a rocket launch were found Monday on the nearby Annandale foreshore.
Another piece of metal was also found on the foreshore of Wakenaam island in the Essequibo River but Police said it could not be ascertained if it is also a part of a rocket.
Director of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) Mr Jeffrey Pierre, yesterday said the department was investigating and up to yesterday afternoon it was still attempting to contact the launch centre in French Guiana.
He also noted that the CAD had received the reports that other pieces had been found.
"I can't say for certain if it's from a rocket...but it appears to be from a rocket," he told the Chronicle.
An official from the French Consulate in Guyana said he has informed the French Embassy in French Guiana about the reports that the materials may have come from the rocket launch centre in that French colony.
"We are not saying it's us and we are not saying that it's not us," the official said.
An official from the Foreign Ministry here yesterday said no official correspondence on the matter had been received.
The official, however, said that if the materials are from French Guiana, the Foreign Ministry here will obviously need to make contact with the French Government on the matter.
The official, however, cautioned that "things that are washed up (on the seashore) have all kinds of implications as to whether one can do anything at all...because it could have been out at sea for days and then washed up."
Other officials speculated the pieces could be from rocket launches far over the Atlantic Ocean from the base in French Guiana which eventually drifted ashore here.
English markings on a piece found Monday morning at Annandale stated `PROPERTY ARIANESPACE' and `CONTRACT - ARIANE'. There were also the letters `AR' and `EING' on the material.
Written on a small device on a part found at Buxton yesterday was "TECHNOLOGY ARIANE 5 BSA", "A5-DID-1K71-A-1700-RAU" and "PRELIM.ACC.DATE".
Also written on another small piece was "807755-01B".
A report said an Ariane 5 rocket was successfully launched December 19 from the European Space Agency launch centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
The rocket carried a British ASTRA 2D television satellite, a US GE-8 telecommunications satellite, and a Japanese LDREX experimental antenna, it was reported.
This was the 8th mission of the new generation Ariane 5 launcher, according to one report.
Public accountability critical
- President stresses
by Sharon Lall
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday affirmed his support for the reform of financial systems as phase two of the Guyana Economic Management Programme (GEMP-2) got under way.
GEMP-2 is a second phase 24-month bridging programme to further institutionalise budgeting reforms in the government public expenditure management system, officials explained.
President Jagdeo said he strongly supports the project since it can lead to better management and accountability of resources.
The GEMP-2 scheme over the next 18 months has funding of almost Cdn$2M, according to Director for GEMP, Mr Luc Ladouceur.
He told the Chronicle that unlike phase one, GEMP-2 is geared at more "diagnostic" and consultation-type work to spread the reform process across the government.
At a GEMP workshop at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Ladouceur said GEMP talks and paperwork started in 1996/1997 and the programme was initiated by the Government of Guyana in conjunction with Canada, the main funding agent for the programme.
However, as part of the proposed work plan discussed yesterday with government ministries and regional agencies, other donors should be included, like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The overall reform being looked at is three to seven years like in some modern countries, Ladouceur said.
"...The Canadian Government is prepared to continue (being) a partner in the quest for modern public finance management and we are lining up for a third (GEMP) phase...and will very likely continue to contribute the necessary funding to support the project," he pointed out.
GEMP-1 started by introducing programme budgeting in government institutions but there is further need to strengthen that approach to ensure that it reflects the objectives and priorities of the regime.
Speaking at the workshop, President Jagdeo said the GEMP-2 project should move forward rapidly and he thanked the Canadian High Commission in advance for the support Guyana will receive in the programme.
He noted that many of the systems of the past did not allow for "transparent management" of the public resources in the country, resulting in the government embarking on a programme which covered a number of areas, with support from Canada.
Work started in the financial sector and a Financial Institutions Act was passed after which this country had "one of the most modern pieces of legislation anywhere in the world", the President said.
That ensured that the financial systems are properly managed, he added.
"The rigid enforcement of that Act by the Central Bank led to a situation where we have managed to avoid some of the problems experienced by stronger countries (like Mexico, Brazil and the continent of Asia)," he stated.
"Today, we have some of the most sound financial institutions in the Caribbean largely because of the enforcement of the Financial Institutions Act," said the President, indicating that although the Act was pursued because of the "link between a healthy financial system and continued growth in the country", it did not have a lot of support.
Next, the system of privatisation had to be changed, he said.
A white paper was taken to Parliament outlining the process of privatisation and then a board was established that resulted in a public document which governs what is to be privatised and how this will be done.
"For the first time, we have representatives from three major areas in the country on the (Privatisation) Board: the Trades Union Congress, the Private Sector Commission and the Consumers Association so that (these) can be part of the decision of deciding what will be privatised...
"That inspired tremendous public confidence in the process," President Jagdeo said.
He said the Revenue Authority was not set up to "get rid of, or marginalise the (Guyana) Public Service Union" because the union on its own accord would still represent the members of the authority.
"It was designed (for) more efficient, modern-day management (in) the collection of resources and for greater accountability," he stated.
President Jagdeo said a range of problems that were in the system involving the type of information given for evaluation and faulty contractors, has since improved tremendously.
He said a few months ago it was brought to his attention that on past occasions, just three advertisements were made in one year for contracts to supply the government with goods and services.
However, instruction has now been given that every contract must be tendered except in certain circumstances.
The Head of State said Auditor General, Mr Anand Goolsarran has been examining contracts for the government to comment on them and improve on the systems used.
"Public accountability (is) key for any country to move forward," he remarked, stating that he was proud of the work done by Goolsarran and his Audit Department to help return the country to accountability.
When the public accounts of a country are not audited, citizens do not know how much money it has collected or expended, and whether or not the public debt has in fact grown, the President stated.
One of the expected outcomes of GEMP-2 is that the government's plans, programmes, budgets and estimates will increasingly reflect its priorities, and will provide improved information for effective decision-making, according to the draft GEMP work plan (2000/2001 and 2001/2001).
Another outcome is that the automated information systems that support programme budgeting will be monitored and strengthened where needed.
Thirdly, government institutions that are part of the core government planning and budgeting function are to be empowered.
GEMP-2 will continue to assist in the establishment of appropriate policies, procedures, manuals and guides to support programme budgeting reforms. And it will include related training to ensure that human resources are in place and can maintain and further the reform process.
Ladouceur said part of the session yesterday was to tentatively identify initiatives that would be part of GEMP Phase Three.
If acceptance from government officials is had a detailed work plan for GEMP-3 will be produced and released in August.
What could follow is an agreement between the governments of Guyana and Canada and more resources for the GEMP project.
Canadian High Commissioner, Mr Jacques Crete said GEMP is a Government of Guyana wanted intervention where Canada is its partner.
"We are committed to sharing resources and responsibilities in order to achieve GEMP-2 set goals...the GEMP team will do all that it can to ensure that this initiative is a true success," he said.
Cabinet approves repairs for Stabroek Market
CABINET has approved a $151M contract to a local contractor to repair the Stabroek Market in Georgetown, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon announced yesterday.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Pulandar Kandhi told the Chronicle that works would include repairs to the roof, construction of a sanitary block, installation of internal electrical system, rewiring the entire structure, which would mean the redistribution of electricity.
"We are optimistic that we can commence physical works by the first week in February", he stated.
Kandhi added that the contractor's name cannot be disclosed now, because the final documentation has to get the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) stamp of approval.
However, the designs and estimates have so far been completed.
The Permanent Secretary explained that this project is part of a major urban development programme to rehabilitate all municipal markets.
Other markets to be repaired under the first phase of the project include Wismar, Corriverton, Mackenzie, and New Amsterdam.
The contract for the latter was awarded to S.A Nabi and Sons, he said.
Mystery fire guts community centre
A COMMUNITY centre which was used for various purposes in Dennis Street, Turkeyen, went up in flames early yesterday morning.
The owner of the building, Mr Charles Fortuin told the Chronicle that he heard a loud explosion at about 1:30 hrs and immediately got up, and found the area clear.
He said he is mystified as to the origin of the fire, since there was no electricity in the building and no cooking took place there.
The owner said his son normally sleeps near the building but he did not sleep there Thursday night.
He estimates his losses at about $1.2M.
Fortuin added that he constructed the building for the community, and was to officially hand it over shortly.
The building was also used by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the recent registration of persons in the area.
'Be ambassadors for Guyana'
--Teixeira tells youths at launch of skills programme
by Abigail Kippins
MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture, Ms Gail Teixeira, yesterday urged a group of young people who have commenced training at the Sophia Training Centre, to be ambassadors for Guyana.
The Minister noted that the youths may have lost self esteem due to the hardships faced in terms of furthering their education. But she urged them to make the best of what is being offered at the present time.
"Even if life has been rough on you, it does not mean you must roll over...you have to fight back, grasp the opportunity at your disposal and make the best of it...you can still be very productive and creative citizens in the country," Teixeira told the youths.
The Minister was addressing the 36 participants and officials present at the launching of the Youth Entrepreneur Skills Training Programme.
It is the fifth such Technical Vocational Programme held, and the first for 2001. It commenced on January 15 and it is offering training in Catering, Office Procedures and Refrigeration skills.
Aimed at providing semi-skilled training to "vulnerable" and unemployed youths between the ages of 16 and 24 years who left school with little or no education, the programme will be completed on June 22 this year. By this time the youths will be able to pursue further studies, seek employment in either the public or private sector or start their own business.
"This programme is for you to use the best of your ability...we are not only dealing with your training but other issues that we know do concern you," Minister Teixeira assured the young people.
She noted that the Ministry is trying to focus on specific areas that would foster youth development providing youths, especially school dropouts and the less privileged, with the opportunity to acquire a higher level of education.
Teixeira, however, noted that while the Ministry of Youth and Culture is providing the training, the youths have to adopt the qualities that would make them better persons.
According to the Minister, in many countries, one of the biggest obstacles in the path of youth development, is the lack of self esteem which can be quite dangerous when the youths feel that there is no hope.
"This type of training will empower the trainees with employable skills and, as such, an opportunity to compete in the world of work and to build their self esteem," Senior Training Officer, Ms Tessa Stephens said in brief remarks yesterday.
Stephens said the youths can easily become preys to a society where there is illicit drugs, alcohol, unsafe sexual practices, violence and abuse.
According to her, the participants are drawn from single-parent families and socially-deprived backgrounds. Some are school dropouts, or orphans living with relatives.
Preference was given to girls and young women who are desirous of pursuing a technical career, she said.
While the youths are expected to master one or more skills in the chosen area of either Catering, Office Procedure or Refrigeration, complementary subjects such as Basic English and Basic Mathematics will also be taught.
Additionally, guidance and counselling sessions will be held and life skills such as valuing human life, family, attitudes, parent and parenting will be included in the curriculum.
"Discussions will be done on teenage dilemmas - illegal use of drugs, teenage sex, sexually transmitted diseases and their negative effects on life. Extra Curricular activities will include indoor and outdoor games," Stephens said.
She added that the Training Division of the Centre is also advocating that the trainees should go on field trips, and, if possible, to be exposed to work-study.
Escaping prisoners are on the decline
--Prison Chief
THERE has been a significant reduction in the number of escaping prisoners leading up to 2000, but it must be improved by the end of 2001.
This was disclosed by Senior Superintendent of Prisons and Staff Officer of Guyana Prisons, Poshanand Tahal while declaring open a two-day seminar under the theme: "Improved Supervision for Reduction of Escapes" on Thursday at the Prisons Head Office, Recruitment, Training and Research Unit, 46 Brickdam, Stabroek. Tahal observed that while the internal escapes (from within jail) were minimal, the external (from outdoor parties) had larger groups which were linked to deviation from the procedures. In some instances, actions of persons were tantamount to aiding and abetting escapees. He also added that some escapes occur because of a lack of knowledge by escorting ranks as regards their responsibilities.
The seminar targeted personnel involved in the supervision of prisoners at labour in outdoor parties. Its objective was to focus on reducing the incidence of escapes by prisoners and to equip participants with relevant knowledge and skills to manage the prisoners. Senior Superintendent Tahal said, "We take things for granted and fail to understand that prisoners are always a potential for escape." He informed the participants that the programme will make them aware of their responsibilities and to help them understand that at all times a prisoner is a potential escapee.
Officer in Charge of the Recruitment Training and Research Unit, Mr. Ulric Williams, told the participants that escapes are on a decline. In 1998, it reached a significant low of 23 escapes, while 1999 and 2000 had 18 for each of those years as compared to 1982 where the escape figure stood at 55. In 1995 there were 88 escapes and the Lusignan Prisons accounted for over half of that total.
Only five escapes last year originated from within the prisons.
"The escapes really came as surprises," he said, "since over 50 per cent of the escapees had completed over half of their sentences."
He pointed to one case where an escapee who was serving a five-year sentence escaped when he only had two more months to finish his sentence. In other cases, some prisoners were working in outdoor parties for months before they escaped.
Participants at the seminar came from the Guyana Prison Services, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force and the City Constabulary. Last year, the budgetary allocations of $42.2M and $343M were provided to prisons for capital and current expenditures respectively. The sum of $30M was spent to refurbish prison buildings. (Guyana Information Services)
D&I maintenance for Region Three on stream
REGIONAL Vice-Chairman of Region Three, Mr. Ramenaught Bisram, has said that the administration is making every effort to maintain the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) system during the current favourable weather condition. The Region Three administration has undertaken a phased programme of drainage and irrigation aimed at assisting farmers throughout the Region. Bisram said maintenance work has been earmarked for Leguan, Wakenaam, Hogg Island and West Demerara.
Emphasising the need for such works, Bisram stated that this is to ensure there is minimal chance of flooding should there be heavy rainfall. The Vice-Chairman also stressed the necessity of cleaning all irrigation canals in an effort to provide adequate water supply to rice fields.
He said seven miles of canals are being cleared on the West Bank of Demerara. This should be completed by the end of January. The administration intends to transfer the excavating machine to other locations to continue clearing waterways.
The clearing of the canals will enhance drainage for cash crops and sugarcane farmers in the Canal Polder, declared Mr. Bisram.
Drainage and irrigation systems are a vital component of Region Three infrastructure, which is a predominant agricultural Region. It has approximately 25,000 acres of lands available for rice cultivation; over 8,000 acres of sugarcane cultivation and over 70,000 acres of ground provisions, fruits and vegetables and other cash crops are being grown.(Guyana Information Services)
Workshop starts exchange of Caribbean cultural expertise
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms Gail Teixeira has admonished local performers not to be `copycats' but learn from the experiences of other Caribbean artistes and develop their own styles based on Guyana's cultural heritage.
She made the exhortation at the opening Thursday of a two-day calypso and steel pan workshop held in Carifesta Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
The symposium was organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Staff Association in partnership with the Ministry and BWIA for Guyanese practitioners and renowned Trinidian calypsonian Emmanuel Ector was guest speaker at the session.
He spoke about the history of calypso and his countryman, Wayne Bruno was scheduled to speak on the musical arrangement of it yesterday.
Teixeira observed that CARICOM is living up to its motto of unity and integration by sharing invaluable lessons through the undertaking which would help stimulate calypso in Guyana.
"Guyana is ready and anxious for these kinds of innovations and sharing among our countries," she affirmed.
The aim of the exchange is to further enhance the quality and rich culture of calypso and pan music and Teixeira said musicians, writers and other performers here have an exciting and challenging environment within which to work.
She emphasised the importance of keeping calypso competitions at children's level as they will take the music into the next generation.
"Guyana is ready and anxious for these kinds of innovations and sharing among our countries," the Minister remarked.
President of the sponsoring Association, Ms Anya Thomas confirmed that the seminar is the first of its kind here.
However, similar ones, on costume building and wire bending amongst other expertise, will be held in this country, too.
CARICOM Secretariat Deputy Programme Manager for Culture, Ms Carol Lawes pointed out that the Region has to depend on its culture because that is what makes its inhabitants distinctive and special.
She agreed emphasis must be placed on the development of cultural pursuits, saying it also brings together people living in the Caribbean.
Lawes said a lot of work is being done in the cultural industry and persons are pushing to have copyright laws enforced throughout the Region.
The Jamaican national urged calypsonians to be organised and press for what they want while heeding the necessity to have their music aired in the Region.
Lawes said the exposure would allow performers to shine once their music is of the finest quality.
"For the music to find its rightful place, it needs to be heard," she maintained.
Lawes said efforts are being made to get radio stations, with the prompting of governments, to play more local music on the regional airwaves. (AMANDA WILSON)
Islamic Academy launching today
THE Ibn Sina Academy, hailed by coordinator Haseeb Yusuf as Guyana's first Islamic academic school project, will be launched 10:00 hours today at Lot 307 East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
A release said it is being spearheaded by the Council of Islamic Academic Education, a subsidiary of Guyana Islamic Trust, in response to the pressing need echoed by Muslim parents for a secure, conducive and Islamic environment for the intellectual and moral development of their children.
The launching is expected to lay the foundation for the construction of a three-storey complex with modern facilities to accommodate more than 400 students, at an estimated cost of $50M.
The release said the building is scheduled to be completed by August and classes will commence in September.
Teaching in Arabic language at the General Certificate of Education `O' level and a Certificate in Islamic Studies accredited to external sister institutions will be offered, in addition to the regular curriculum and guidelines established by the Ministry of Education, the statement said.
Proving its worth
THE recently commissioned $15M night shelter for the homeless in Georgetown this week began taking in its first set of the destitute.
About 35 cold and hungry persons took up places at the shelter and were provided with dinner and a bed in which t o sleep.
For them, as they related, "It was a dream come true", and many told harrowing stories of their escapades and encounters while exposed to a crude life on the streets.
For many of them, being beaten by adults and pelted with bricks by children in the streets was the norm, but sadly, there was no one to whom they could seek recourse.
Recounting past experiences, one young man who had suffered at the hands of many while living out in the streets said: "In our state, nobody would listen to us. But thank God, this is the beginning of a better life for us, we don't have to sleep out in the rain with people pelting us again."
The group which comprised men, school-age boys and a few women could scarcely contain their emotions.
They are from various backgrounds, each with a sad, but interesting story to tell.
Some told of being rejected and ejected by family members; some admitted they were victim to some sort of addiction; while others still, seemed not to even understand why they were out on the streets.
But even the less vocal ones nodded and expressed their appreciation to the government for making them once more experience a sense of belonging, and feeling cared about.
Their first menu was fried rice and chicken in-the-rough and a beverage drink.
Social workers who, over the past weeks have been in constant touch with them, telling them about the facility and urging them to take it up were heartened at the response.
They said that some of these persons who usually operate in groups were still somewhat sceptical -- not being sure what lay in store, and were awaiting the nod from their group leaders before taking up beds at the shelter.
But they are optimistic that in time a lot more will come forward to make use of the facility.
They noted that those who were first, were evidently impressed, and felt that pretty soon the word would get around.
The institute has a bus which will pick up the destitute persons in the evenings, and have them shower and be given a meal before taking up their beds.
In the mornings they will be given a hot-pack breakfast, then taken back to the streets where they will spend the day.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Mrs Indra Chandarpal whose brainchild the Night Shelter is, was on hand to welcome the first set.
Noting that their rehabilitation will have to be a slow, gradual process, she said that the ministry will not attempt to take their freedom away from them, but will allow them to exercise a choice.
The facility is clearly proving its worth and we again salute the minister and her band for making it a reality.
Utterly impossible idea
by Kit Nascimento
WHEN President Jagdeo invited PNC leader, Desmond Hoyte, to meet with him some 34 days ago to discuss the governance of our country and to settle on an election date, along with the WPA's Rupert Roopnaraine and TUF's Manzoor Nadir, the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The meeting was reported as cordial and constructive. It resulted in agreement to have a Parliamentary All-Party Committee further pursue discussion on the options for governance that the President and opposition leaders considered at their 90-minute meeting.
The collective national hope was that the parliamentary parties would find consensus.
It was a vain hope. They have not.
Much of the confrontational and dangerously volatile rhetoric that preceded the President's intervention has subsided, but, nevertheless, the parties have separately reiterated their original positions.
The PNC holds fast to its position that the government must leave office on January 18. It has proposed a wholly impractical, utterly impossible idea of an interim government, somehow to be agreed upon in what is now eight days time.
The PPP has repeated its intention to remain in office to conclude the process of the Herdmanston Accord, the election date having changed from January 17 to March 19 because, and only because, the Chairman of the Elections Commission has so advised.
On that point, at least, there is no dispute.
The President, with his party's support, has, however, volunteered a prescription for governance limiting the government in the pre-election period to not passing a budget and to not introducing new legislation, not taking any foreign policy initiative, not entering into any new contracts and not making any new major appointments without consulting the opposition, should it become imperative to do any of those things.
A not unreasonable position.
The President has already shown good faith in postponing the appointment of a new Chancellor at Mr Hoyte's request, in spite of pressure from the Bar Association to do otherwise.
But the Parliamentary All-Party Committee is no more.
Once more there is a standoff between the two major parties. Yet again, the nation is left dismayed and in doubt to face the possibility of further confrontation and instability.
The hostile rhetoric and immovable positions are returning. We do not need this.
We do not want this. It must not happen.
It is essential that, in the days preceding March 19, we must remain on course as the Herdmanston Accord required, to hold a free, fair and credible election in a stable environment devoid of any threat to a peaceful election.
In spite of a December 28 press release from the PNC/Reform rejecting as `absurd' the PPP/Civic remaining in office after January 17 while imposing voluntary restraint on its actions, unofficially and informally the PNC has indicated that it will accept the PPP/Civic continuing to govern, providing that there is a documented guarantee of a code of conduct binding the government.
A not unreasonable position.
In spite of the standoff, there is, therefore, still an opportunity for agreement.
The two major parties are not that far apart. The Parliamentary Committee served a purpose.
Regardless of who wins the forthcoming elections, Bharrat Jagdeo and Desmond Hoyte have a prior duty and commitment to their constituencies - they must guarantee us a peaceful election.
Both these men, we know, while holding differing views on how best to govern our country and while contesting for our vote to have the right to do so, are at one in caring for their country.
They can and they must find common ground to peacefully conclude the process their respective parties entered into when Herdmanston was signed on January 17, three years ago.
It is for the President now to meet with Desmond Hoyte, in my view, just the two of them and together place the national interest above all else. (First broadcast on GTV 11)
Defendant in sacrilege case remanded
A MAN accused of sacrilege was refused bail Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat.
Gavin Pillay, 25, who is charged with attempting to steal articles valued $150,000 from Holiness Tabernacle in Duncan Street, has been remanded to prison until January 24.
Police said the defendant, of Lot 191 Garnett Street and Republic Avenue, Newtown, also in Georgetown, was apprehended by the caretaker, Tricia Patterson, when he was leaving the place of worship with his booty last Sunday night.
Pillay denied the allegation.
Garment thief gets two years jail
VENDORS Arcade seller Arnold Bishop enlisted the help of 25-year-old Sean Lawrence to fetch his merchandise last week Thursday.
But the goods never arrived at the city destination, Chief Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat heard Tuesday.
Lawrence admitted stealing the garments worth $452,000 and was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the theft.
Three fined for `back track' offences
CHIEF Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat, on Tuesday, imposed fines on three men who admitted involvement in `back track' (illegal migration) offences.
Two of them, Mohammed Shafeek, 38, of June Street, Annadale and Krishmall Racktoo, 31, of Mahaicony, also on East Coast Demerara, will each pay $130,000.
Shafeek was arrested last Sunday when he presented a Canadian passport with the name Casim Alley to an immigration officer at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.
His monetary penalty included $30,000 costs and Racktoo was similarly penalised.
The latter left Guyana for Barbados legally but, on his arrival there, he presented a forged American passport.
Police said he had made arrangements with another man to take him to the United States.
The third man, Gosai Rudranauth, 28, of Good Banana Land, Canje, Berbice, has to pay $70,000, including $20,000 costs for uttering forged documents.
Rudranauth was an outgoing passenger to Barbados when he tendered a travel document with false immigration stamps.
Imprisoned for Christmas Eve Day assault
JAMES Bernard, 40, of Friendship, East Coast Demerara, fractured the jaw of Milton Barnwell in a Christmas Eve Day assault last year.
Chief Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat was told of the incident Tuesday when he sentenced Bernard to one year in jail for inflicting bodily harm on the virtual complainant.
Bernard pleaded guilty to the offence.
Wife to stand trial for husband's murder
SANDRA Bisnauth, a 29-year-old housewife of Belvedere Settlement, Corentyne, has been committed to stand trial for murder at the Berbice Assizes.
Magistrate Chandra Sohan signed the committal warrant and remanded her to prison Tuesday, at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the charge.
Nine witnesses testified at the pre-trial proceedings in Albion Court where Mr Sohan ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against the prisoner for the unlawful killing of her husband, Jagdit Bisnauth.
The victim, a 26-year-old mini-bus conductor and father of three, was fatally stabbed with a knife on April 13, 2000 in the village.
He died the following day while a patient in New Amsterdam Hospital.
Police said the stabbing followed an argument over the alcohol drinking habit of the deceased.
Two more depositions in brothers manslaughter case
MAGISTRATE Elizabeth Hinds took two more depositions yesterday at the continuation of the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the manslaughter charge related to the death by electrocution of Joaquin brothers, Don Romeo, nine and Don Carlos, eight.
One of the witnesses, at Sparendaam Court, was Shawn Barnwell, a grade one electrician employed by Guyana Power and Light (GPL) at its Victoria station, also on East Coast Demerara.
The other was Detective Corporal Clensford Burnett, who is attached to Police East Demerara Divisional Headquarters at Cove and John.
In the case, Mohan Lall called Lall, 60, of Lot 19 Triumph, another East Coast Demerara village, is accused of electrifying the fence surrounding his mango orchard and causing the boys to be electrically shocked to death.
Before the adjournment to tomorrow, Lall was again refused bail and remanded to prison.
Bourda thieves get six months, one week sentences
CHIEF Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat yesterday imposed a six months jail sentence on Michael Gaymer for breaking and entering Bourda Market in Georgetown, with intent to commit a felony.
The prisoner was arrested after he could not give an explanation for being between stalls after the gates had been closed on January 4.
Another convict, Troy Smart (no address given either) was sentenced to one week in prison for stealing candy from a nine-year-old boy.
The same Court was told that Mignon McGarrell had left her son alone in her Church Street, Bourda stall when Smart, 31, stole chewing gum, mints and a cigarette lighter from him on January 9.
Smart was apprehended after an alarm was raised.
Two testify about Gaumont Hotel killing
THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the manslaughter charge that followed the Gaumont Hotel shooting last year continued yesterday.
Two more witnesses testified about the tragedy in which Martin Assanah, 31, was killed on October 13.
The depositions were given by Lance Corporal William and Corporal Stanley Campbell, both from Brickdam Police Station, also in Georgetown.
Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer Antonio Paul is charged with the unlawful killing.
He remains on $100,000 bail and the pre-trial proceedings will continue on Monday, January 15.
Establish satellite centres
I KNOW Guyana has a longstanding problem with lack of public transportation and many other services.
On a recent visit, I was appalled to see high school students weaving and bobbing in the Stabroek Market area, the maelstrom of vehicular traffic, pedlars and hustlers in their endeavour to find transportation.
My attention was also drawn to students standing dangerously on a main highway - the strip between Georgetown and Plaisance as late as 9.00 p.m. - flagging down transportation to get home.
With the deplorable conditions of some main roads and the lack of concern for the lives of innocent citizens when some operators of mini-buses disregard every rule in the book of driver education, is it any wonder that there are so many vehicular fatalities?
The lives of students are in grave danger and my heart goes out to them and their parents.
Why can't communities or local governments unite and raise monies to purchase vehicles dedicated to student transportation or establish satellite centres for the A+ schools?
Education is a priority in any country and should not be placed on the back burner, especially for Guyana which at one time was considered a leader in education for the region.
These students are future leaders of the country and should be given easy access to their education.
M. ROSEN
Big problem
TOUTING is a very big problem in Guyana.
In Canada taxis are first come, take the passengers and so on.
Guyana should take a look at this system.
EX-TAXI OWNER
Bad smells
THE authorities at the Guyana Power and Light company should look into the matter of unpleasant odours surrounding their offices where customers go to pay their bills.
It is not fair for people taking a break from work to sit or stand in a long line with smells enough to make them unconscious.
What kind of an unhealthy environment is that?
Should customers feel happy to go there or disgusted?
UNHAPPY
Muscle flexing
THE People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) won the 1997 general elections.
The December 15 elections results were known to each political party, through their polling agents immediately after the polls were closed.
Hugh Desmond Hoyte's response in refusing to accept the elections outcome was not because he primarily disagreed with the results, but because he wanted to continue as leader of the People's National Congress (PNC).
Calling PNC supporters to the streets constituted 'muscle flexing' to demonstrate that he still had the capacity to mobilise the PNC rank and file. In his judgement, the ongoing street protests added credibility to his leadership.
Hoyte knew that two successive electoral defeats and growing inroads made by the PPP/Civic in Region Four, a PNC traditional stronghold, could spell the end of him as leader of the PNC. The December 15 aftermath was publicly perceived, then, as Hoyte's last stand.
The PNC's refusal to accept the results was further weakened by the international observers' approbation of the electoral process. The international observers validated the integrity of the election results.
The organisations included the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth Observer Group. The Electoral Assistance Bureau (EAB) was the local observer team.
Mr George Jones, IFES Director of Programs for the Americas and a former U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, praised the Guyana Elections Commission (GEC) and its Chairman Doodnauth Singh. He said "Chairman Singh and the GEC are to be commended for their professionalism and success in holding an election of which all Guyanese should be proud."
The IFES team applauded many aspects of the election process, including accuracy of the voter lists; clearly defined secret voting procedures at each polling station; and the non-intrusive presence of security personnel at each polling station. The 8-person IFES team unanimously concluded that the December 15, 1997 elections results were clean, orderly and peaceful.
The OAS had 28 elections observers representing 10 countries. Head of the team was OAS Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Christopher Thomas. In a press statement, he said he was "satisfied that the elections commission worked with great care and attention to assure that all citizens of Guyana were given an opportunity to cast their vote."
The December 1997 elections results were supported by the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and El Salvador, through their representatives at the OAS.
Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi led the 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group. This group definitively stated, "As a result of our observations on polling day, we concluded that the voters were freely able to express their will." The Commonwealth Observers applauded the GEC on their preparations for the elections.
The EAB recruited and trained 1,100 local observers for the elections. In an interim statement, the EAB declared that "the procedures employed at the polls reflected impartiality...voting was done in an unrestricted manner, with the secrecy of the ballot not being compromised."
The EAB enforced the integrity and transparency of the elections, thus, "EAB considers the results of the count observed at the polling places as having represented the will of the Guyanese voters...December 15 was undoubtedly the best polling day witnessed in the past three decades, and was an election of which all concerned could be proud."
James Foley, Deputy Spokesman for the U.S. Department of State, congratulated Guyanese on the success of the elections. He added, "We note with satisfaction the improvements that were made in the electoral process in Guyana. We congratulate the independent Elections Commission and the non-governmental observers and organizers whose presence helped ensure the transparency of this process."
Further, the U.S. Department of State 1999 Country Report on Human Rights Practices indicated that Guyanese voted in free, fair, and nonviolent elections in December 1997.
CARICOM had remained silent for 24 years, as the totalitarian regime exploited the last vestiges of human dignity of the Guyanese people. It certainly was encouraging in 1998 to receive CARICOM's intervention at a crucial juncture in our history, as democracy was given a new lease of life.
CARICOM's intervention via the Herdmanston Accord came in the wake of sporadic street violence confined to only a few streets in Georgetown, and coming, too, on the heels of the December 1997 election results. The two main parties (PPP/Civic and PNC) reached a settlement through the Herdmanston Accord and, later, the St. Lucia Statement.
The Herdmanston Accord, inter alia, made provisions for the conduct of an independent international audit, to be administered by CARICOM. CARICOM, subsequently, concluded the audit, declaring that the results were free and fair.
The audit, also, did not uncover any padded voters' lists in favour of the PPP/Civic, or any other political party. The Leader of the Minority Party later called for an audit of the audit.
It is worth noting that former CARICOM Chairman and former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir James Mitchell, said that the 5-year term of the Guyana Government should not have been reduced, given that the CARICOM Audit of the 1997 national polls determined that the ballots were reasonably free from contamination.
Clearly, the December 1997 national election results were reliable and valid, given the intense scrutiny exercised over the elections process through international and local observers, political party agents, the verification process from which the PNC representatives walked out, and the CARICOM audit.
While few administrative glitches occurred, these, however, were not sufficiently significant in themselves to alter the final outcome of the election.
Some racist and misplaced broadcasters arrogantly call daily for the PPP/Civic to demit office on January 17, 2001. If they really are journalists, they should know, too, that Hoyte refused to accept the results of the CARICOM Audit, by calling for an audit of the audit.
The Herdmanston Accord states that "The Parties to this Accord will accept the findings of the first stage of the audit as binding upon them...in the first stage, an urgent review of the due process of the count on and after 15 December 1997 (including the role of the Elections Commission) to be completed within three months of 17 January 1998 with a view to ascertainment of the votes cast for the respective political parties..."
The Leader of the Minority Party, clearly, did not accept the audit results as required by the Herdmanston Accord.
Given the results and the audit findings of the December 1997 elections, we cannot, then, seek to change the elections rules with the view to altering its outcome to one's advantage where a defeat becomes converted to a victory.
The burden of creating a new environment in the spirit of the Herdmanston Accord must firmly be placed within the work parameters of broadcast and print journalists, especially in an age of sophisticated information technology.
Poor journalists make for a poor environment!
PREM MISIR
King likely for second round Busta match
WEST Indies fast bowler Reon King could be in the Guyana team for the second round Busta Cup match against the Leeward Islands which begins tomorrow in Antigua.
King, who missed the opening game in Barbados, after travelling to Trinidad for a CT scan on the foot he injured during the West Indies tour of England, is not yet cleared to play but the prospects are good.
This is according to Guyana Cricket Board president Chetram Singh who said the operation in Trinidad was incomplete, so the young fast bowler had to go to Barbados for a further scan. Singh said King was scheduled to see Dr Winston Field at 16:00 hrs yesterday after which, if passed fit, he would join his Guyanese team-mates in Antigua today.
The GCB head said reports out of Trinidad indicated that King would be given a clean bill of health.
After favouring the injury for some time, King finally pulled out of the Guyana team during the 2000 Red Stripe Bowl campaign. The man considered the brightest bowling prospect in the region had however, made himself available for the Busta Cup after recuperating and the scan is seen as a precautionary measure by the West Indies Cricket Board before getting him back into competitive cricket. (Donovan Matthews)
Volleyball retreat at Shanklands
THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) will begin its 2001 programme with a two-day retreat, organised in conjunction with Shanklands Eco-Resort, this weekend at the latter's Essequibo River location.
Among the areas to be covered during the packed programme, which begins Saturday and concludes Sunday, are Administration, Development, Marketing, Coaching Refereeing and Sports Tourism.
Also on the agenda will be the discussion of a special invitation to Guyana, from the CSV (the governing body in South America, to participate in the senior male tournament in Venezuela later this year. If Guyana participate it will be the first time since August 1997 in Columbia.
The GVF had taken the bold initiative to be excluded from the CSV calendar of events for three years in order to concentrate on the raising of the technical skills of players, strengthening its financial position and promoting stronger links with Suriname and French Guiana through the three-way Inter-Guiana tournaments.
The man at the helm of the GVF all this time was Reggie Bhagwandin who resigned on January 1, 2001. His position was taken by Lieutenant Commander John Flores of the Coast Guard.
Hooper says return has nothing to do with money
By Ezra Stuart
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CANA) - The usually ice-cool Carl Hooper had his feathers ruffled by a Barbadian caller who claimed on a radio call-in programme here this week the enigmatic all-rounder only returned to the West Indies because things didn't work out for him in Australia.
The 34-year-old Hooper, who has come out of retirement seeking a recall to the regional team, is captaining his native Guyana in the West Indies' Busta Cup first-class series.
Confronted by the caller about his reasons for making himself available for Test selection again after retiring in 1999, Hooper reacted angrily, admonishing the caller and making it abundantly clear he doesn't play cricket for money.
Speaking on Voice of Barbados radio call-in programme Tell It Like It Is Sports Monday night, Hooper said his return to the Caribbean has absolutely nothing to do with money or things not working out for him in Australia.
"A lot of people think that I came back to the West Indies because things didn't work out in Australia. I want to say this to you, there was a guaranteed offer from South Australia to play state cricket for South Australia if I wanted to and the money was decent," Hooper said.
"I've never played cricket for money. I just want to make this clear because a lot of people are just running their mouth up.
"It's irritating. This is annoying me. There was an offer to play state cricket. I can make a living outside of West Indies cricket. I've never played cricket for money," Hooper continued.
"If I played for money, you know what I would have done, I would have stayed in it. I would have gone to the (1999) World Cup (in England) because at the end of the day, it is not like if I wasn't selected to go to the World Cup. I was selected," Hooper added.
"I want to make it clear to you that I know that for as long as I am fit, I can stay and keep my place in this West Indies side and this is at the time that I retired," Hooper said.
Hooper also told the caller not to "believe everything that you read - that things didn't work out in Australia."
"That is utter nonsense. People just read a lot of stuff in the newspaper and you sit on the roadside corner and talk, I mean that is a lot of `crap'. That's `crap' you are talking," an angry Hooper said. Hooper also defended his record at the Test level after another caller described him as "a miserable failure".
"I always try to give of my best, whether bat, bowl or field. People might want to consider me a failure, that's their opinion. At the end of any cricket game, I like to look at the game and say: what did you contribute?
"Did you get some wickets, did you get some runs? Did you have a partnership of 70, 80, a hundred, whatever it might be, I like to be a part of it," Hooper said.
"That's one of the reasons why I worked hard to become a good slippie (slip fielder) so that when I am not bowling, I can be somewhere where I can be in the action, taking a couple of catches or something like that," Hooper noted.
"That has always been my aim. I would love to have a better record but it hasn't turned out that way but at the end of the day, I am happy for what I did for West Indies cricket," Hooper said.
"I know that there are a lot of people out there who think that it is not enough. It never will be enough for them but it's enough for me. Maybe, a few changes here and there but I suppose you can't want everything in life," declared Hooper.
Former National cricketer Dolly Lokanan dies
FORMER national female cricketer, Mahadai `Dolly' Lokanan, played her last innings. She passed away Tuesday afternoon at her residence in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, after a short illness.
At the time of her death at age 47 years, Dolly Lokanan, as she was publicly known, was employed in the National Sports Commission's Department of Sport as a coach for female cricket.
Lokanan was first employed in that capacity when the Department of Sport was within the Ministry of Education, serving for more than a decade.
The late coach enthusiastically pursued her goal of promoting cricket among the fairer sex, focusing on schoolgirls as she worked to a tight and demanding timetable to offer technical training to schools in Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara.
On her own steam, Dolly would secure sponsorship for the tournaments which climaxed a period of training. The tournaments served to maintain interest, while it was also used as a yardstick to assess how much was learnt in the training sessions.
In a NSC release, Director of Sport Neil Kumar stated: "Dolly was a dedicated, committed and conscientious coach who promoted female cricket throughout Guyana. She could be classified as a pioneer of female cricket in the country."
Coaching was an extension of Lokanan's almost lifelong love for the game.
In her youthful years, the April 5, 1953-born actually donned whites to represent Guyana at female cricket, both at home and in Trinidad and Tobago in the seventies, performing with distinction.
"Her passing has left a void in the promotion and development of female cricket in Guyana," Kumar declared.
Dolly leaves to mourn two grown sons, Ramsaroop Sukhdeo known as Rakesh, 28, and Adityiah Sukhdeo known as Ado, 23.
Chronicle Sport joins the cricket fraternity in extending condolences to relatives and friends of the late National female cricketer.
Triangular series will be close - Waugh
By Greg Buckle
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australian captain Steve Waugh said yesterday the triangular series against West Indies and Zimbabwe would be closer than expected.
On the eve of his 300th one-day international, Waugh said both touring teams were improving while Australia, who have just completed a 5-0 Test series sweep over West Indies, knew there was "more scope for surprises in one-day cricket".
"It certainly is a game that evens up the skill level," Waugh told a news conference ahead of the series opener between his team and West Indies today.
"There is no guarantee we are going to win every game but if we play to our ability the other sides are going to find it hard to beat us."
The struggling West Indies will be without veteran fast bowler Courtney Walsh, who is resting from the tournament to prepare for a five-Test series against South Africa starting in the Caribbean in March.
Walsh, 38, is six wickets away from becoming the first bowler in cricket history to take 500 in Tests.
West Indies, who have three additions to their squad in batsmen Laurie Williams and Sylvester Joseph and fast bowler Cameron Cuffy, have been lifted by a rare win when they beat Australia A by four wickets in a one-day match in Adelaide on Tuesday.
"It was the first significant victory we've had on tour," captain Jimmy Adams said the news conference. "Hopefully yesterday will be a turning point for us."
With fast bowlers Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie struggling with back and hamstring injuries, Australia have unveiled Nathan Bracken, a left-arm paceman, for his international debut.
Shane Warne, who missed the Test series against West Indies after breaking a finger early in the season, returns for the triangular tournament.
Pace bowling all-rounder Heath Streak, the captain, and batsman-wicketkeeper Andy Flower, are the key figures in a Zimbabwe side in buoyant mood after beating New Zealand 2-1 in recent limited overs series.
"Our confidence is up after our success (in New Zealand) but we know this is a big challenge," Streak said.
Zimbabwe play Australia A in a warm-up match in Brisbane tomorrow and start their triangular campaign against West Indies on Saturday, also in Brisbane.
NBIC Under-19 cricket
Poonoo returns remarkable figures of 14 for 14
GUYANA and West Indies Under-15 off-spinner Hemant Poonoo returned match figures of 14 for 14 as Albion Community Centre beat No.9 Warren by an innings and 189 runs in the NBIC Under-15 cricket competition in Berbice.
Poonoo claimed six for seven and a competition-best eight for seven as Warren fell for 18 and 13 in their two innings. He also hit 41 which, along with 61 from Alvin Gobin, helped Albion to 219 for six declared.
Also performing well with the ball was Kildonan's left-arm spinner Tamesh Ramessar who claimed five for 16 and seven for 11 against Whim National, and five for 12 and six for 22 against Alness. Tucber Park `B' medium-pacer cum off-spinner also claimed seven for 23 against Tucber Park `C'.
Half-centuries were also scored by national Under-15 captain Karran Ganesh, of Bush Lot Sports Complex, Patil Jairam of Achievers and Ryan Girdharry of Kildonan.
Scores:
At Albion: Albion Community Centre beat No.19 Warren by an innings and 189 runs. No.19 Warren 18 (H. Poonoo 6-7, D. Bishu 4-2) and 13 (H. Poonoo 8-7). Albion 219 for 6 declared (A. Gobin 61, A. Zid 38, S. Khan 29; H. Khalil 3-72).
At Whim: Whim National beat Kildonan on first innings. Whim National 96 (A. Thakurdeen 25; T. Ramessar 5-16, R. Matheson 4-18) and 28 (T. Ramessar 7-11, C. McKenzie 3-7). Kildonan 53 (A. Thakurdeen 3-7, B. Baijnauth 3-22).
At Kildonan: Kildonan beat Alness by an innings and 89 runs. Kildonan 163 for 9 declared (R. Girdharry 66, R. Harry 40; A. Park 3-26, D. Moore 3-37). Alness 32 (T. Ramessar 5-12, S. Velloza 4-6) and 42 (T. Ramessar 6-22, O. Jones 3-14).
At Berbice High School: Tucber Park `B' beat Tucber Park `C' on first innings. Tucber Park `C' 54 (R. Williams 7-23, J. Gordon 2-2) and 27 for 3. Tucber Park `B' 133 for 4 declared (V. Deonarine 39, A. Goodman 28; H. Arjune 3-16).
At Paradise: Achievers beat Paradise on first innings. Achievers 188 (P. Jairam 67; K. Fraser 3-26, S. Whinfield 3-25). Paradise 58 (I. Khan 3-11, P. Singh 3-12).
At Bush Lot: Bush Lot Sports Complex and Achievers failed to reach a decision in their drawn match. Bush Lot 191 (K. Ganesh 66, M. Harilall 26 n.o.; C. Nurse 4-27, A. Narine 3-17). Achievers 109 for 9 (O. DeFreitas 36, I. Khan 28; B. Etwaroo 6-48, K. Ganesh 3-20).
At Rose Hall, Canje: Rose Hall Community Centre beat East Canje by an innings and 6 runs. East Canje 16 (J. Sanmogan 4-4, R. Ramdeen 2-2) and 36 (R. Ramdeen 5-7, F. Hussain 2-7). Rose Hall Community Centre 58 (R. Ramdeen 35 n.o.; G. Hassan 3-9, R. Gossai 2-6, V. Barrath 2-12).
BCBC names sub-committees
THE various sub-committees of the Berbice Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) were named Sunday when the recently elected executives held its first meeting at Charlotte Street, New Amsterdam.
Seepaul Sampat, Rohan Chandan, Arnold Sukhraj, Mark Lyte, Hubern Evans, Sam Suchit, Mursaline Bacchus and Angela Hanif were appointed to serve on the executive committee of the board while Roy Baijnauth, Randolph Mitchell, Keith Foster, Malcolm Peters, Carl Moore, Vemen Walter, Anil Beharry, David Black and Suchit will be the BCBC's representatives on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). The alternatives to the GCB are Chandan, Sukhraj, Lyte, Sampat, Bacchus, Hanif and Evans.
Keith Foster was reappointed Chairman of the Competitions Committee with Walter as Secretary, while Moore, Black, newcomer Leslie Solomon and a representative of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association form the rest of the committee.
Albert Smith was retained as Chairman of the Selection Committee with the other members being Michael Hyles, Suchit, Adrian Amsterdam and Sampat.
The Board's Fund-raising Committee will be chaired by Black with Evans, Beharry, Sukhraj, Sampat and Hanif as the other members.
Mitchell will head the Cricket Development and Training Committee which comprises Foster, Chandan, Sukhraj, Hyles, Hanif and Latchmenarine Singh.
Meanwhile, Moore was reappointed the Board's Public Relations Officer with Peters doing the duties of Marketing Manager until a suitable candidate could be found.
Abrams' double propels Wortmanville into semi-finals
NATIONAL Under-23 striker, Anthony Abrams, hit a double to propel Wortmanville into the semi-finals of the X-Games 2000 Inter-ward indoor five-a-side football tournament, beating Laing Avenue 3-2 in the remaining quarter-final at the National Gymnasium, Tuesday night.
Abrams registered the first goal within ten minutes of the game, but that lead was negated by Jermaine Alleyne who also hit a double in a losing cause.
The game remained deadlocked until about a minute to half-time when Alleyne completed his double and Laing Avenue led 2-1 at the break.
Then five minutes after the resumption, Troy Lambert finished a cross from the left flank for the equaliser and the match was deadlocked again, until the game time.
And two minutes into sudden death extra time, Abrams struck the Golden Goal to take Wortmanville into the semi-finals.
Wortmanville were due to take on Tiger Bay in the semi-finals last night at the National Gymnasium. Alberttown were matched against Lodge Housing Scheme in the other semi-final.
The final is set for Saturday night.
Fruta Conquerors emerge as most offensive team
CHAMPIONS, Fruta Conquerors, scored the most goals in capturing the Mayor's Cup a second consecutive time.
With four goals in the tournament, the Fruta boys were the most offensive team. They also conceded just one goal, thus were the most defensive line-up, sharing that achievement with Santos whom they beat in the final which was decided by sudden death penalty shoot-out.
A total of 19 goals were registered in the ten matches played in the competition, with 12 being scored for and seven against, averaging 1.9 goals per match.
Four matches were decided by penalty shoot-out, including the final. Play occupied 855 minutes.
The organisers have extended public thanks to the sponsors, National Pride Money Transfer for the $300 000 first prize and Amazon Chemicals for the runner-up prize of $100 000.
More gratitude was extended to Banks DIH Limited, GT&T, Western Union Money Transfer, Kwality Super Centre, Omai, Beepat, Guyoil, Demerara Tobacco, De Sinco, Graham's and Humphrey's bakeries, Dr George Norton, Dr Phillip Da Silva, COURTS, Keishar's, Anral Shipping, John Fernandes, Laparkan, Cummings Drug Store, Hutsonville, Car Care, Ming's Services, Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club, Guyana Football Federation, National Referees Committee, Georgetown Football Club and the media houses.
Special mention was also made of the 11 clubs who participated, the gate management, and fans and spectators.
In a release the organisers stated: "Without your inputs the competition would not have been so joyful to organise."
