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President Jagdeo tours Eccles Industrial Site
Expresses pleasures at value-added activities
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday visited several newly opened and nearly completed business places at Eccles Industrial Estate, East Bank Demerara and contended that he is satisfied with developments there.

The Head-of-State met owners, many of whom complained that their biggest challenge is the high electricity cost.

Managing Director of International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) Health Care, Mr. Lloyd Singh, claimed that the rates are too high. He said that his application for three duty free generators was turned down.

The businessman said he has invested some $290M in the company which will specialise in bottled water and pharmaceuticals. He plans to get going by year-end..

Mr. Seudatt Singh, whose company produces garbage and plastic bags, also complained that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) charges are out of his reach.

President Jagdeo pointed out that GPL does not pay any tax on fuel for electricity and said government has been helping at the retail end. According to him, 40 per cent of electricity generated by GPL, is lost through transmission and commercial theft.

He explained that the company needs to be more aggressive as people who do not pay should not get power.

Another complaint was from Mr. Jainarine Singh, owner of Rainforest Lumber Dealers who said he needs land to expand, but is experiencing difficulties in acquiring this.

Mr. Singh said there are vacant plots on the estate owned by other business people who are not using them.

“My sawmill is supposed to export some 70,000 feet of lumber per week to different Caribbean Islands, but I only have space to cater for some 40, 000. I need to expand.”

Singh said in so doing, he will also generate more jobs.

Managing Director of Technical Services Incorporated, Mr. Khemraj Brijlal, dealer in machine and fabrication and electrical engineering and Mr. Lakhram Singh of AMPI Industries, who is focusing on manufacturing and packaging pharmaceuticals, complained that finding skilled people is a problem.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Bibi Shakoor of Shakoor’s Trading Plant, which began operating last month, said the company has, so far, exported two containers of fish to China and Trinidad and Tobago.

She is concerned about the cleaning and clearing of canals surrounding the estate.

President Jagdeo also visited DeSinco Trading Packaging Plant and a furniture store, both still being constructed, the Ready-Mix Concrete Plant, Comfort Sleep and Sheik Hassan Printing.

After the visits, he said “I am pleased with what I see here, there are many value-added activities here.”

Acknowledging that the original intention of the estate was to expand economic activities and create jobs, among other things, President Jagdeo announced that a meeting will be arranged with GO-invest to find out why the business people were not getting duty-free generators.

Minister of Tourism, Mr. Manzoor Nadirand Advisor to the President on Investment, Mr. Maniram Prasad, were also on the tour.

Report crimes promptly – Police PRO advises
The Guyana Police Force has adequate systems in place to receive reports of crimes, and the Public Relations Officer (PRO) John Sauers is urging members of the public to report these incidents promptly.

“For us to operate to the best of our abilities, persons have to give us prompt and accurate information so that operations can get into gear to deal with the situation(s),” Sauers stressed.

Commenting on the latest criticisms of inadequate Police presence in the business community, the PRO said mobile patrols continue to ply strategic areas on a daily basis and this is coupled with plain-clothes police on the ground. Sauers noted that businesses also have to protect themselves as well, so that they are not caught in a ‘vulnerable situation.’

On August 8, members of the business community in Georgetown met with the Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix and other senior police officers at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

According to Sauers, several matters were discussed which included the establishment of police presence in certain sections of Georgetown; police response to reports of serious crime; congestion around the Stabroek Market; strategic deployment of patrols and sharing of information among members of the business community.

At the conclusion of the meeting it was recognized that there is need for a closer working relationship between the police and the business community in order to make the city more secure.

On July 21 last, Government launched a comprehensive five-year Drug Strategy Master Plan where President Bharrat Jagdeo, advised that waiver of duty and taxes on the importation of surveillance technology for legitimate businesses, is under consideration.

Over the years, Government has introduced a number of initiatives to curb the incidence of crime.

Police Officers have been involved in training, both locally and internationally, to upgrade the Force’s capacity for intelligence gathering, which is a key element in crime fighting. Government has also invested huge sums to improve water and land transport and communication equipment for the Police Force.

Government opted out of World Bank township project
- Stabroek News misrepresents issue
(GINA) The World Bank did not drop the secondary township project. Rather, the Government of Guyana opted out of the project, contrary to the front-page report of the August 7 edition of the Stabroek News.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing today cleared the air on the misrepresentation peddled by the Stabroek News.

The newspaper report states that the World Bank dropped a US$25M secondary township project, and that a scaled down version is likely to be funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), but the financing is still some way off.

The reason cited is that there is not enough room in the lending portfolio for this project. The World Bank had commenced preparatory work on the project but later realised that it was beyond the local portfolio.

However, Dr. Luncheon rebutted this statement, noting that this is a project abandoned years ago and an alternate has already begun.

“As far our engagements with the World Bank go, after spending close to US$1.5M in the latter half of the 1990s, that project was abandoned. Actually, Guyana withdrew that project. I can’t fathom, why in 2005, credible organisations would want to address a late 1990 abandonment as though it is something that happened only a year ago,” he said

Government’s success in achieving the CDB’s approval for the US$15.1M Secondary Township project should have been the basis for concerns, if it were true that the US$25M project with the World Bank was still on stream.

“Many people, some innocently, but some I suspect maliciously, would want to believe that there was a nexus, if one was approved, then it means that the other was rejected, as though there were two projects and the World Bank pulled out and the CDB came on board,” Dr. Luncheon said.

The HPS assured that Guyana withdrew the Secondary Towns project with the World Bank and it is the same project with the CDB that is on stream and will see development at Charity, Bartica, Supenaam and Parika.

“The secondary Towns project funded by the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank has been approved and implementation, particularly of the US$11-12M component of infrastructure work in those four areas would soon be started,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

The township programme is to support Government’s modernisation drive for Guyana. It is being undertaken even though the present Administration inherited more than US$2B in foreign debt burden of which it has managed to repay more than US$1B. This modernization thrust is being funded even at the time when Guyana is faced with US$200M fuel bill.

Other modernization projects, which are taking place across the country include the Ogle Airport, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the East Coast Demerara road, hotels, Convention Centre, the East Bank Demerara four-lane highway and the Skeldon Modernisation plan.

Charity, Supenaam, Bartica and Parika are earmarked for Secondary Township in the first phase while Mahaica/Mahaicony, Rosignol, Grove/Diamond and areas in Berbice are listed in the second phase.

It was pointed out that this decision was taken in 1997 and it is strange that eight years later the Stabroek News was flagging it as anew development. “It seems as if the Stabroek News is digging up old stuff for negative reports even if it is inaccurate” commented another government official.

25 volunteers here to boost teaching staff around the country
By Michel Outridge
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with World Teach U.S., yesterday welcomed 25 teachers from Canada and the United States during a ceremony at the Bain Gray Hall, Cyril Potter of Education (CPCE), Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The volunteers will be deployed for one year in Regions I, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10 where they will teach biology, chemistry, physical education and other subjects.

The World Teach programme provides native English speakers who are college graduates as full-time, on-site overseas volunteers teachers (OVTs) for selected public schools in Guyana for the academic year to teach subject areas as assigned by the Ministry of Education and agreed to by World Teach.

World Teach is here to serve as resources for school principals, communities, and the Ministry of Education, to strengthen school systems, to improve education and to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, deepening the appreciation for other cultures.

According to Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr. Winston Brown, education is the hardware for development and in order for further improvement in the education sector, a comprehensive programme is needed.

He said after two years of diligent work, the joint programme was made possible to deliver quality education, especially in the hinterland areas.

He said World Teach has agreed to provide resources and will work closely with the Ministry of Education during the one-year programme.

Mr. Brown added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of Education and World Teach for a three-year programme and two more batches are expected next year and 2007.

Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education Secondary, Ms. Donna Chapman, said the batch of teachers will be taken care of as they boost our teaching staff.

She added that the Ministry of Education will absorb most of the cost for travelling for the volunteers and the programme is regarded as a very sustainable one.

Field Director World Teach, Mr. Nick Wexler, said the joint programme seems a very promising one from the start. He was here ahead of the teachers to make preparatory arrangements, and he was so impressed by the warmth of his Guyanese hosts that he thinks he will like the idea of spending a year here.

The ceremony culminated with a dance performed by the National Dance Company.

NEWS

Cabinet approves $221M in contracts
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon has reported that Cabinet has offered no objection to several contracts in the public works and health sectors.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing yesterday, Dr. Luncheon disclosed that Cabinet offered no objection to the sums of $33M and $188M for projects in the public sector, $33M for the preparation of a socio-economic study survey and public awareness programme within the institutional capacity building activities on Guyana’s sea defences, and $188 for the supervision of construction of about four kilometers of sea defences on the Essequibo Coast and West Demerara.

Dr. Luncheon also informed reporters that Cabinet offered no objection to US$1.5M contract for the architectural design and supervision consultancy for the construction of the new Linden Hospital.

Recently, a $3.6 billion contract was awarded to the Italian firm Gelfi Impressor and the local firm B.K International to execute massive sea defence works at Capoey, Taymouth Manor and Columbia on the Essequibo Coast and at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Hague and Blankenburg on the West Coast Demerara.

The project is being funded by the European Union (EU) and work is scheduled to begin next month.

The new state of the art US$8M Linden Hospital is to be built in Watooka near to the old Mackenzie Hospital complex.

The President noted that because of the age of the building which houses the Mackenzie Hospital, it is impractical to repair or expand it.

Minister Sawh makes another attempt to resolve cattle farmers’ row
(GINA) Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Satyadeow Sawh, on August 9 met members of two cattle ‘farmers associations’ in the Cane Grove Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) area over disputed savannah lands.

This has been the second attempt by Minister Sawh to resolve the issue of privatisation of part of the ‘Georgee Savannah’ aback of Cane Grove which is state owned to ‘Sundar Bhan Cattle Farming Association’, which represents 12 cattle farmers.

The Cane Grove Cattle Farmers’ Association which was granted permission to have its cattle graze on the lands, first met Minister Sawh at his office, and the association voted and agreed to the proposal to have part of the savannah privatised.

At that meeting 60 legitimate members of the association voted with 50 against and 10 for privatising the land.

Only three persons out of the 50 that voted against the proposal were present at yesterday’s meeting, which prevented the Minister from making a decision.

Minister Sawh also asked a representative of Sundar Bhan Cattle Farming Association of the benefits to be derived for the Cane Grove Cattle Farming Association, if part of the savannah is privatised. The response was that provision would be made for farmers to cut grass on their lands, provide feed, medical treatment, erect bridges and irrigate the savannah which is submerged under three feet of water.

Minister Sawh asked that all that was spoken of be put in writing, but the representative was reluctant. Nevertheless, the cattle farmers said that they are not in favour of what the Sundar Bhan Cattle Farming Association has offered as the savannah is better off the way it is, open to everyone.

The Sundar Bhan Cattle Farming Association plans to rare beef, dairy cattle and conduct aquaculture farming on the savannah lands. They also indicated that they have the necessary machinery and finance to construct infrastructure to drain the savannah.

Minister Sawh informed them that a decision cannot be made at the meeting but as soon as he meets both parties individually, he will decide.

Caricom’s state-of-the-art IT infrastructure
THE project of computerizing the new CARICOM Secretariat building involved the implementation of a state-of-the-art information technology infrastructure and new software applications, according to a release from the Indian High Commission disclosed.

The system includes the latest range of services desktops, notebooks, printers, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems and sophisticated applications.

The High Commission says the fully networked system was designed to facilitate CARICOM officials in coming closer to information technology through cables as well as wireless connectivity, with a facility to connect to the network in a secure way from anywhere in the world.

India’s decision to undertake the project was announced by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs at the first ever interaction between India and the CARICOM Foreign Ministries held over the sidelines of the Paramaribo CARICOM Summit, earlier this year.

The contract was then granted to TATA Infotech, one of the leading IT companies in India, who, with the help of the CARICOM project team, completed the system within the scheduled three months.

The release said the project is a symbol of India’s growing relationship with Caribbean states.

At the inauguration of the new CARICOM headquarters last Saturday, Secretary-General of CARICOM, Mr. Edwin Carrington accepted the new IT system from Indian Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Avinash Gupta.

At the Caricom open house, Mr. Gupta declared India’s strong commitment to strengthening the excellent bilateral relations it enjoys with Caribbean states.

He also expressed hopes that with the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the relationship between India and the Caribbean region will be further developed, and business communities in India and the Caribbean will take advantage of the new emerging opportunities which the further integration of the region offers.

He noted that preparations are underway in Port-of-Spain for organising the first India-CARICOM Economic Forum, which is demonstrative of the country’s intent of becoming a relative partner in the economic development of the region.

Parliamentary sub-committee looks into Chan’s Mining Company complaint
THE NATIONAL Resources Parliamentary Sub Committee yesterday held a meeting with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), theDefence Board and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to discuss a complaint brought before them by Mr. Wilmut Chan.

Chan, who owns Chan’s Mining Company operating in the Eteringbang in the Mazaruni , sent a letter to the Committee claiming that for the past year and a half, he has been denied access to his four medium-scale mining permits but has been paying money on a regular basis to the GGMC.

The meeting which took place in the Parliament Library, Public Buildings, Brickdam was held in the absence of Chan who is out of the country.

Head of the GGMC Mr. Robeson Benn told the Committee that the matter was being discussed by all parties involved and should not be brought to the public’s attention. However, this was not accepted by Chairman of the Committee Mr. Abdul Kadir and some of the members.

Benn added that the matter has been under discussion and July 13th was the date set for resolution, but this did not happen. . “There was not sufficient time, more time was needed for the matter to go through the proper channels”, Benn pointed out.

Chief of Staff Brigadier General Edward Collins said that the decision to stop the company from carrying out mining activities in the area hinges on National Security.

According to Collins, the Defence Board entered into contract with the Correia Mining Company (CMC) in 1999 as a means of developing the area for economic gain and the arrangement was one of convenience.

Subsequently, CMC sold to Chan who proceeded to carry out mining activities in the area, until he was stopped by the GDF.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds pointed out that the Guyana Defence Force claimed that the matter was one of national security and he did not see this as unreasonable.

He added that it is his understanding that the GDF is requesting a larger area to carry out its defence work.

Chairman of the Committee Mr. Abdul Kadir, after hearing the particulars of the matter, said “The wise thing for us to do is pause for a while and hope that within a reasonable time-frame, the matter can be settled amicably”.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds reiterated his position that the Government reserves the right to make a decision even in the face of disappointment to some of the parties involved.

The Committee made a decision for resolutions to be presented to the Defence Board two weeks after Mr. Chan returns to Guyana.

No one hurt in Trinidad explosion
An explosion erupted from a pile of garbage on George Street in downtown Port of Spain in Trinidad just after 11 hours yesterday.

No one was injured and there was no damage to property. The Police say the explosion was caused by a device similar to that on Frederick on July 11 last, just about a month ago, when 14 people were injured, a report from the Port of Spain said.

The Police brought out sniffer dogs after the explosion yesterday, and Army helicopters circled the area.

New Sophia Police station taking shape
Construction of the $32M Police station at ‘D’ Field Sophia is taking shape, and pillars to facilitate the two storeyed structure are now going up.

Preparatory work began late July and is being carried out by Miller Construction Company. The building which is scheduled for completion by year-end and would be built with concrete designed to have a maximum of seven cells. It will also house male and female barracks, and Traffic and Criminal Investigation Departments (CID).

Phase One of the Police Station entailed the foundation of the building and construction of part of the fence.

In 2003, a preliminary feasibility study for housing a police station at one of two possible locations in Sophia was done, where it was proposed that the station either be housed at location ‘A’ or ‘D’ Field, Sophia.

The logistics of access by residents of the community to the station and accessibility of ranks to other areas were also examined. Concerns have been raised over the many crimes that have been occurring in the area, and in an effort to curb them, police ranks have intensified their mobile patrols.

Government said this year it would strengthen the Police Force’s capability to fight crime and building new stations or renovating existing ones are part of the programme.

Recently, Cabinet has offered its no-objection to the award of contracts for the construction of Police stations at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice and Grove/Diamond.

Den Amstel dairy project progressing well
- Residents tell President Jagdeo during visit
The dairy project started by the Government of Guyana for farmers of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and neighbouring communities has been progressing satisfactorily.

This feedback was given to President Bharrat Jagdeo by residents when he visited Den Amstel on August 6. The President was on hand to visit the building that houses the barn for feed and bran sale.

"We started with selling 25 (bags) of wheat and 10 (bags) of bran just after the flood and now we are at 40 wheat and 20 bran. We are trying very hard to expand, but it takes time,” one resident said.

The dairy project building was constructed under the Poor Rural Communities Support Service Project (PRCSSP), which is an executing agency for Government projects. The funding comes from the Government of Guyana, the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The Dairy Centre is located at the end of the Clay Brick Road, Den Amstel and serves neighbouring Hague, Fellowship and Blankenburg as well.

Residents requested that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) repair the access road to the dairy bond, as the farmers have been, through self-help, erecting a fence and gates.

Chairman of the NDC, George Nedd said the Council will ensure it is done.

“It is a one-day exercise, providing that we get the weather. But the Council will get it done,” he said.

Two more Magistrates sworn in
(GINA) The local Judicial system has been further strengthened following the entry of two new Magistrates to serve in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and Region Six, ( East Berbice, Corentyne).

Former General Manager of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Fazil Azeez, and 25 year old Geeta Chandan, were sworn in to the ‘bench’ today. The Oath of Office was taken in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston.

Mr. Azeez will be serving in the West Demerara district while Ms. Chandan, daughter of former Magistrate Rohan Chandan, will be serving in New Amsterdam.

Ms. Chandan earned her L.L.B at the University of Guyana, before attending the Hugh Wooding Law School, University of the West Indies, in Trinidad and Tobago. She served for two years in private practice.

Mr. Azeez, who has a background in Mass Communication and International Relations, spent 12 years as a teacher and several years in the mass media before pursuing a career in law, at the Hugh Wooding Law School. He practised privately for three years.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, and former Chief Magistrate, Juman Yassin were also at the swearing in ceremony.

Justice Carl Singh urged the Magistrates to take their new profession seriously since they have entered the Judicial system at a time when it is under severe criticisms.

Guyana Girl Guides Association “weak, but able to improve”
FIELD Support Officer (FSO) of the Western Hemisphere of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Mrs. Grace Goede-Martina, has made several recommendations for improvements to the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA).

At a meeting with executive committee and council members Tuesday at the GGGA Headquarters on Brickdam, in the city, Mrs. Goede-Martina, who is visiting from Curacao, said the association is weak but able to improve.

She said at a recent Western Hemisphere Committee meeting, new methods and strategies were discussed after an assessment was done on the performance of member organisations.

The appraisal was carried out in the areas of educational programmes, training, membership, structure and management, relationship to society and finance.

According to her, organisations were graded in categories of A (strong and getting stronger); B (strong with some room for improvement); C (weak but able to improve) and D- (weak).

The local branch previously ranked D. But after ssome assessment, it was placed at C with the ability to improve in structure and management, finance and membership.

“As a full member of WAGGGS, membership of the GGGA has to be over 1,000 members. It is with sadness that we have seen the membership declining in the past years…we are aware that this decrease is due to various situations in the country,” Mrs. Goede-Martina said.

She explained that the issue of membership and recruiting members is very important, and called for more young women and girls to volunteer. Meanwhile, Field Support Officers will be visiting C and D countries to assist them in enhancing their services.

The GGGA has a mission to give opportunity to as many girls and young women of Guyana as possible, to develop their full potential in growth of character and decision making, and in the acquisition of skills.

President Ms. Joan Collins said the association’s mission is achievable, although the environment is far from ideal.

She said the association has dedicated members who are willing to guide young women, offering them strength and hope, and pointing out that the association has the tools to do “wonderful things” for them.

“The task is there, but we need young women and girls…there is so much hidden inside of them and we want to bring it out,” Ms. Collins said.

Others at the meeting on Tuesday included Chief Commissioner, Dr. Sara Gordon and past-president, Ms. Waveney Johnson.

Bartica’s Donna Chan wins $250,000 home theatre system
WHEN Donna Chan spun the big wheel in the Courts promotion, she had her heart set on the car. However, it was not to be and the girl from Bartica walked away with a home theatre system valued $250,000 instead.

Excitement was in the air on Tuesday afternoon at the Le Meridien Pegasus Poolside when furniture giant Courts held its prize-giving ceremony for the month of July in its ‘Courts Surprise- Every Prize is a Surprise’ giveaway.

The promotion was launched in February and gives customers a chance of winning up to $20M in cash and prizes for the year 2005. Each month seven customers who would have shopped over $5000 are selected.

Yesterday’s seven were Donna Chan of Lot 38 Third Avenue, Bartica, Bonita Myles of Lot 24 Bel Air Springs, East Coast Demerara, Roy Mallay of Lot 75 West La Penitence Housing Scheme, Ulric Matheison of Lot 706 #1 Road Corentyne, Berbice, D. Singh of Lot 4 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, Jailall of Lot 18 Salim, Parika, East Bank Essequibo and Andrew Forsythe of Lot 114 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden.

For a chance to spin the wheel the seven persons were asked to bid on an Esther TV unit valued $36,999. Chan came closest with her bid of $35,000, spun the wheel and carted off the Home Theatre System. The other six persons received consolation prizes.

Other prizes up for grabs included a car, $250,000 worth of jewellery, and a trip for two to Shanklands.

In keeping with the tradition of giving back to customers, one lucky person receives a prize for paying monthly installments promptly. July’s winner was Ms. Althea Thegg.

Also, yesterday Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Mr. Michael Khan was presented with a cheque for $100,000 for the hospital’s pediatric ward from the proceeds of the Charity Shop.

The Charity Shop was opened on March 11, 2005 and receives donation of clothing, books, and household items that can be useful to others. The profits from the Charity Shop go towards various charitable organisations .
PRS consultation reveals positive impact on communities throughout Guyana
By Chamanlall Naipaul
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon says that the consultation process in relation to the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) has reaffirmed the positive impact of the PRS on communities throughout Guyana with calls for more services at the “grass root” level and greater monitoring of the outcome of proper spending.

Dr. Luncheon made this observation yesterday during his weekly press briefing and noted that the entire consultation process “resulted in a wealth of recorded information that will be used to “revise, amend and make corrections to the existing documents.”

He added that it will also be used to impact on the 2005 programme, as well as future programmes based on the lessons learnt in 2004.

He announced too that the consultation on the draft progress report of the 2004 implementation of the PRS concluded last Tuesday with discussions held with Members of Parliament.

In response to the contention of the main opposition party, the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) which had argued during the discussions that aid was not the way out of poverty, Dr. Luncheon pointed out that there is no doubt that aid in the form of grants and loans and pro-poor spending has resulted in the decrease of the poverty levels among large numbers of Guyanese.

He also asserted that aid has had a positive impact on poverty indicators such as equity in accessing goods and services.

The PNC/R, he said, should be familiar with the efforts of the Highly Poor and Indebted Countries (HPIC) in conjunction with their national and international partners to implement PRS as a way of getting out of the vicious poverty cycle.

“It has been of late a habit of the opposition to try to demean the administration from resorting to the international community for funding whether it is concessionary or grants. But the resort that they have sought to demean has been from the perspective that you cannot borrow your way out of poverty. There is ample evidence, both in our experience over the last two reports, that the pro-poor spending is and has been having demonstrable effects on those indicators of poverty-positive impact, not only in terms of the social sector, particularly with respect to the access of goods and services. Now we are moving into the provision of further services such as electricity. So there is no doubt that many of these pro-poor initiatives are financed somewhat by central government, but quite a bit from external financing through grants and loans, and that indeed pro-poor spending has moved large numbers of Guyanese from one category of poverty to a lesser poor state,” Dr. Luncheon argued.

To further bolster his arguments, Dr. Luncheon referred to a publication of economist Dr. Jeremy Sachs which advocated greater volumes of aid to help poor countries get out of the poverty cycle.

The 2004 Progress Report of the Poverty Reduction Strategy observed: “Consistent with the difficult economic conditions, poverty was pervasive in the 1980s. A survey carried out in 1971 by the Pan American Health Organisation found 38 percent of the population living below the poverty line. In 1988, Boyd found that about 65 percent of the population lived below the poverty line and in a World Bank Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) conducted in 1993, about 43 percent of the population was found to live below the poverty line. The 1999 Living Conditions Survey (LCS) placed the population under absolute poverty at 38 percent . Although different methodologies were used to calculate poverty, the trend seems to indicate that poverty is on the decline since the 1980 levels.”

EDITORIAL

Poverty reduction is everybody’s business
The Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Progress Report 2005 were aired in the National Assembly Tuesday with the Opposition PNC/R criticizing some areas of weakness, and conveniently disregarding the more positive aspects of the programme that could only be deemed successful.

That Guyana has moved from poverty levels which stood at over 80 per cent in 1992 to less than 40 per cent in 2004 is commendable indeed. And an achievement made in the face of serious challenges.

The present Administration came into office when the poverty level in Guyana was one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Essential food commodities were scarce, black marketing was still rampant and skilled resources were rapidly swelling an already considerable diaspora beyond our shores.

While poverty is a phenomenon that can be described variously, essentially it is a state of being in need of food, clothing, shelter and an adequate income.

One of the Opposition’s criticisms at Tuesday’s meeting was that the report does not include the household income and expenditure survey (HIES), a survey which was severely hampered by massive and sustained flooding experienced very early in 2005. The Administration has indicated its intention to look at this exercise in September, providing the preliminary results in July, 2006.

However, the success of its strategy is linked to other factors, including political stability and the contribution of the private sector.

Government’s response to poverty reduction has been significant. The provision of potable water, electricity and land for housing has improved the lives of thousands of Guyanese.The inflation rate has been stabilized, and so has the cost of living index.

Of course the devastating floods in January/February last and skyrocketing oil prices have wreaked havoc in some sectors, with some rescheduling having to be done to the national budget and the trimming of some programmes.

The slow response of some international donor agencies has also led to constraints.

And then there is the sugar industry’s modernization programme, a response to the European Union’s structural changes, and the Administration’s insistence on sustaining this sector and the thousands of jobs dependent on it.

Also, the search for alternative sources of energy is encouraging and is to be pursued.

While poverty reduction is the responsibility of Government , both the Opposition and the private sector are morally bound to throw in their lot in the exercise.

Poverty reduction is everybody’s business, and can only be realized if criticisms are constructive, and the programmes of all are designed to make a go of it, for reasons that are unselfish, with the welfare of the people in mind.

FEATURES

IN-THE-COURTS

Christianburg manslaughter trial….
Jury heard that accused was armed with a knife…
THE Demerara Assize jury trying the Christianburg manslaughter case yesterday heard that the accused, Shelly Harry, had been armed with a knife while her brother Oswald Harry was gesticulating and threatening to beat her.

The jury was told that after Oswald was prevented from attacking his sister on two occasions, he again rushed up her stairs for a third time, when he was stabbed by the sister while his hand was in the air about to inflict a blow on his sibling.

Oswald suffered a stab-wound in the chest and was rushed to the hospital where he died the following day, April 12, 2002.

State Prosecutor Miss Faith Mc Gusty is contending, through her witnesses, that while a family row was going on that day, the accused, on the platform of her house (known as the family property) was armed with a knife, indicating her willingness to retaliate if attacked.

Kelvin Boston, a relative who said that he had to prevent the deceased on two occasions from hitting his eldest sister during a row when five persons were against the accused, said he was not successful on the third occasion.

For according to him, “ Oswald rushed up the stairs to hit Shelly., and his up-raised hand was still in the air to inflict a blow when Shelly stabbed him with a knife that she had in her hand.

The accused Shelly Harry has pleaded not guilty and is being represented by Mr.Glenn Hanoman, Attorney-at-Law.

The hearing continues today before Justice of Appeal Miss Claudette Singh and a mixed jury.

Decision in Weithers Trafficking in Narcotic appeal today
NARCOTIC accused, Alaric Weithers, who has appealed against conviction and $20,000.00 fine with a 3-year prison sentence for trafficking in narcotics in 2004, will know his fate today when the Full Court delivers its decision at the Demerara High Court.

Magistrate Bertlyn Reynolds, on December 9, 2004, had found the defendant guilty with , on September 2, 2004, at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank, Demerara, trafficking in narcotic.

It was alleged that he was transporting and exporting three kilograms one hundred and eighty one gram of cocaine, an offence to which he pleaded not guilty. He was found guilty and sentenced as stated by the
magistrate who overruled no-case submissions by the defence.

At the hearing of the Appeal on Monday, Mr. Glenn Hanoman, for Weithers , argued among other things :

(a) The decision was erroneous in point of law.

(b) The magistrate misdirected herself in regard to the particulars of the offence as there was no evidence led to support the particulars viz, that the Defendant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport was trafficking in narcotics.

(c) The magistrate misdirected herself in regard to the burden of proof as she mentioned repeatedly of ȁthe shifting of the burden of proof” and has misconstrued the effect and the authority of Warner v. Metropolitan Police Commissioner (1968) 2 Aller 356.

(d) That the magistrate misdirected herself when she concluded that she could not speculate that someone put cocaine into Alaric Weithers’ suitcase during handling.

According to the Prosecution led by Miss Nyasha Williams, on Thursday September 2, 2004, the defendant Alaric Weithers, an outgoing passenger at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, bound for New York via Trinidad, was detained for enquiries relative to a suitcase.

After he had checked in and his luggage was being scanned, security personnel had detected unusual shadiness of objects within his suitcase, and sought to check them.

Three tins were found in the suitcase, two with the outward appearance of Fern Leaf milk and one with the outward appearance of Lalah’s Curry Powder.

On opening the tins, what appeared to be milk powder and curry revealed packets of suspected cocaine which were later proved to be cocaine by the Analyst.

The Full Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, constituted by Acting Chancellor, Chief Justice Mr. Carl Singh and Justice William Ramlal, will deliver its ruling this morning.

LETTERS

Access road repair – a good gesture
The recent allocation of $1.5M for emergency works to the Lethem access road is a welcome move by the Government. It is indicative of the importance the Government attaches to this country’s transportation sector.

In Region 9 (Rupununi) trade has increased over the years. This augurs well for our economic thrust.

At this juncture when Government is in constant consultations with various communities to facilitate development, Guyanese must recognise that their monies (revenue collected from taxes) are wisely spent.

The construction of the Georgetown/Lethem road is a very good gesture. It will afford cheap transportation of goods and services.

Therefore, in our quest to maintain the momentum of development, the Government should be applauded.
Martin Benn.

PRSPR – a bright future for all Guyanese
It is interesting to note that the Poverty Reduction Strategy Report (PRSPR) was recently presented at a special sitting of the National Assembly. This is a tangible manifestation of the Government to move this country forward.

Consultations on the PRSPR were widely conducted and the view of Guyanese were documented.

Despite criticisms by the main Parliamentary opposition, Government in its open-mindedness will examine carefully any misrepresentation with a view to making the report effective.

As Guyanese, we should very carefully think of the importance of this document. It is a stepping stone to a bright future for all.
Leila Ram

2005 –The historic year for youths
The year 2005 will be written indelibly in the Annals of History for the youths in Guyana.

It is this year that President Jagdeo initiated a programme which acts as a springboard for the youths.

The Vocational skills programme aimed at developing the latent talents in our young people must be viewed with pride.

Several thousands young people will now be trained in various skills- carpentry, welding, mental fabricating just to mention a few.

The President has indicated that there will be no entrance exams to these programmes which can debar potential candidates. This is a marvelous idea by the president, since there will be no valid reasons to cry discrimination.

I urge the youths to take up the challenge and work towards achieving the desired objectives.
Jenny DeFreitas

A promise kept good!
I am quite pleased to express my sentiments on the realization of the long awaited Unserved Areas Electrification Programme.

I recalled having a great deal of doubt when the Government announced a multi-million dollar electrification programme that will benefit thousands of families living in currently unserved areas. At that time I thought it was just a promise.

However, recently I have been travelling around the country and I have noticed the poles going up in several areas.

The stock pilling of electricity poles is a pleasant sight, as I can visualize the homes soon to receive lights. I can compare the days when I was a child and studied with little lanterns.

I am sure the housewives would be glad for extended hours to finish off their jobs.

I can clearly stand now and state my cheerfulness with the administration’s fulfillment of a promise and I anticipate that other promises will be realized.
Julian Mortague

Ongoing training essential for good management
The Guyana Prison Service has embarked on a training programme for Senior Administrative Staff.

This is quite a commendable gesture. The training is indicative of the quality of Administrators the Prison Service needs, to improve their skills and efficiency.

The management of the prison service is a key to good governance. It will help considerably to curb delinquency of inmates and also to provide on the spot decisions to improve the general welfare of the prison environment.

I suggest that such programmes be phased to further enhance management of the Prison service.
Susan Chen

Why was this abused
The recent announcement by the Recovery, Planning and Implementation Secretariat to close its operation is a good thing.

The Government in its wisdom created the secretariat to assist victims who suffered losses earlier this year following the January/February flood.

As a Guyanese I am appalled at the manner in which my fellow Guyanese responded to the grant aid package offered by the Government. Some have abused the system.

I urge those who have to uplift their cheques to approach the situation in an orderly and respectable manner.
Leila Ram

SPORTS

Guyana out of contention despite slaughtering St Lucia 97-0
… Barbados beat T&T 25-13
By Isaiah Chappelle
GUYANA slaughtered St Lucia 97-0 but remained out of championship title contention as Barbados beat Trinidad & Tobago 25-13 on the second day of the Southern Caribbean championship and Rugby World Cup qualifying series at the National Park, yesterday.

Winger Claudius Butts propelled Guyana’s onslaught with five tries producing 25 points, while captain Theodore Henry had two tries and six conversions to add 22 points.

Of the 15 tries, Richard Staglon scored two and one each went to Elbert Jemmott, Ryan George, Alwyn Etwah, Ryan Hinckson, Kevin McKenzie and Raul Cole who celebrated his birthday, too. And of the 11 conversions, George was on target with three, and Hinckson and Staglon one each.

Guyana were across the try line within three minutes of play, with Jemmott downing the first try and Staglon converting for a seven-point start. Butts scored the second and third tries, but George was the star of the first half, converting the Butts’ second try, and one by Henry. He then scored a try and its conversion. Etwah closed the first half tries and Hinckson made good the conversion for Guyana to lead 40-0 at the break.

The second half belonged to Butts and Henry, but Staglon scored the first try in the half. Then Henry scored the conversions from tries by Butts, Hinckson, his own, Staglon and Cole.

Guyana passed the 82-0 mark that Trinidad & Tobago had registered against St Lucia, with a try by Staglon, some 33 minutes into the second half, moving from 78-0 to 83-0. Henry was good with the conversion.

Everyone was elated with Guyana’s performance, but became deflated as Barbados outplayed Trinidad & Tobago to grab championship honours, defeating the two strong teams with just St Lucia to face, which should be a formality.

Barbados registered their first set of points in six minutes of play, with Antonio Gibbons finishing a superb piece of running on the right wing from the 22-metre line. He received a neat one-hand pass at the ten-metre line and raced home for the try.

It was until the 38th minute that Trinidad & Tobago registered three points from a penalty taken by Brent Barry, but two minutes into injury time, Barbados matched it with one of their own by Stuart Copeland to take the halftime leading 8-3.

Barbados increased the lead to 15-3, within a minute into the second half with a try and a conversion. Dominic Peters had a quick break on the right and down the ball, with Copeland making good the conversion.

Nine minutes in, Trinidad & Tobago were awarded a penalty and Barry was accurate but Carlton Mitchell replied with a try four minutes later and Barbados increased the lead to 14 points, 20-6.

Thirty minutes in, Barbados took the game beyond Trinidad & Tobago with a try by Jamie Vernon, reaching 25-6.

Trinidad & Tobago began fighting back, but too late, managing a try and conversion just in the 40th minute, with Kirk Quashie getting the five points and Barry the two, reducing the score to 25-13.

Injury time followed but no more points materialised and when the final whistle sounded, Barbados began to celebrate, with the championship title in their clutches. They meet St Lucia in the first match on Saturday, while Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago will battle for second place.

Guyana’s technical director Noel Adonis said Barbados had their game plan and stuck to it.

“They had no outstanding players, but they made up with experience. Their pack was well drilled and the three-quarters protected the ball and allowed the forwards to get it back. Then they were down on the field for the physio, while getting oxygen.”

Adonis said Guyana did what they had to do, winning St Lucia by a huge margin.

“They responded well to what was asked. But that was not enough. We should have won our first game. We were depending on Trinidad & Tobago to do our work for us and they were not up to scratch.”

There were some positives in Guyana’s performance in youth players Christopher Singh, the National Under-18 captain and his deputy Rondell Keiler.

Technical director Noel Adonis beamed: “We got a lot of good individual talent. The youngsters coming into the game were more attuned to the 15s game. Chris was excellent (as the fly-off). His follow-up was perfect. He distributed the ball well.

His reading of the game and anticipation were admirable, not only his initial play but also following up to continue into the second and third steps of play. Rondell was also at a high standard. It augurs well for the future. These are players for the future.”

GCB disappointed at Lloyd’s non-selection
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is extremely disappointed in the fact that former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd failed to gain the support of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in his attempt to give further service to the development of the game in the region.

Lloyd lost in a bid to become Vice-President of the Board and to head the Cricket Development Committee, when the majority of the members expressed preference for the incumbent, Val Banks, at the WICB’s meeting in Antigua last weekend.

According to a release from the GCB, it is the view of their members that with Ken Gordon, a non-cricketing administrator, already assured of the Presidency, greater consideration should have been given to the need for the availability of knowledge and experience of International cricket at the helm.

The release continues that in the circumstances in which regional cricket finds itself, advantage should have been taken of an offer by one of the game’s stalwarts, who was prepared to make a difference for West Indies Cricket which has meant so much to him.

The GCB hopes that the disappointment and frustration which Lloyd would feel at this time will not diminish his interest in the game in the Caribbean and that he would continue to make his considerable talents available to Guyana and the West Indies in the future.

The release concludes by saying that despite these deep disappointments, the Board remains fully committed to West Indies cricket and is preparing to collaborate fully with Gordon and his team in the enormous challenge that lies ahead to restore West Indies cricket to its former glory.

Sripal keeps Guyana in contention with five for 49
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) - Off-spinner Jason Sripal kept Guyana in contention for a place in the final with an impressive bowling display against Trinidad and Tobago on the second day of final round action of the TCL Group West Indies Under-19 Cricket Challenge at the Sion Hill Playing Field yesterday.

Sripal captured five wickets for 49 runs off 24 overs with five maidens, as Trinidad and Tobago struggled to 170 for nine in their second innings, an overall lead of only 179 with one wicket remaining.

This was after the Guyanese resumed on 114 for seven chasing the opposition' s first innings total of 133, and fell short at 124 all out.

Trinidad and Tobago's left-arm spinner Dane Teelucksingh was the leading wicket-taker with remarkable returns of six for 31 off 17.3 overs with seven maidens.

He was well supported by West Indies youth left-arm spinner Rishi Bachan, who grabbed two for 19 from 13 overs.

Guyana's opening batsman Richard Ramdeen, who retired hurt on 41 overnight, resumed his innings and added only two before Jeewan Ramroop caught him in the deep off Teelucksingh's bowling.

With a slim lead of nine runs, Trinidad and Tobago went to lunch on 15 for one, but on resumption, they lost wickets steadily in the face of intelligent bowling from Sripal, and fast bowler Ryan Hercules, who finished the day with figures of three for 30 off 14 overs.

Opener Marlon Barclay who made 45, and some lower-order flourish from Bachan with 43 and first innings top-scorer Kieron Pollard (26), rallied the T&T team's innings to near a 200-run lead at the close of an extended day's play.

Guyana, with their in-form captain Leon Johnson, will aim to bat out the entire day today to deny Trinidad and Tobago a place in the final.

A draw would take Guyana to the final, but Trinidad and Tobago need an outright win to qualify.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1st innings 133 (K. Pollard 74; D. Wallace 4-14)

GUYANA 1st innings (o/n 113 for 6)

K. Deosarran c Barclay b Pollard 1

R. Ramdeen c Javed Mohammed b Teelucksingh 43

G. Singh c Narine b Teelucksingh 38

L. Johnson lbw Teelucksingh 16

J. Sripal c Barclay b Narine 2

D. Wallace c Pollard b Teelucksingh 1

A. Williams c Pollard b Teelucksingh 2

D. Jacobs b Bachan 3

V. Permaul c Barclay b Bachan 0

R. Hercules not out 4

J. Gordon lbw Teelucksingh 0

Extras: (b-1, lb-5, w-2, nb-6) 14

Total: (all out, 58.3 overs) 124

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-107, 3-108, 4-110, 5-113, 6-113, 7-114, 8-119, 9-122.

Bowling: Javed Mohammed 4-2-6-0, Ramroop 6-1-16-0, Pollard 4-1-9-1, Narine 14-1-37-1, Bachan 13-4-19-2, Teelucksingh 17.3-7-31-6,

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 2nd innings

M. Barclay run-out 45

A. Bharath b Hercules 3

Jason Mohammed c Johnson b Hercules 2

W. Perkins c Singh b Hercules 0

Javed Mohammed c Johnson b Sripal 15

D. Bennett st Jacobs b Sripal 7

K. Pollard c & b Sripal 26

R. Bachan c Ramdeen b Sripal 43

S. Narine st Jacobs b Sripal 7

J. Ramroop not out 8

D. Teelucksingh not out 6

Extras: (b-5, w-2, nb-1) 8

Total: (for 9 wkts, 77 overs) 170

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-17, 3-17, 4-57, 5-69, 6-89, 7-125, 8-139, 9-156.

Bowling: Gordon 13-2-36-0, Hercules 14-3-30-3, Wallace 8-2-19-0, Sripal 24-5-49-5, Permaul 10-1-19-0, Williams 6-2-10-0, Johnson 2-1-2-0.

Bajans pressing for outright win against Jamaica
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) - The remarkable all-round efforts of wicketkeeper/batsman Jabbar Niles and fast bowling all-rounder Javon Searles, put Barbados in a winning position against previously unbeaten Jamaica in their TCL Group Under-19 match at the Arnos Vale Ground yesterday.

When play resumes on today’s final day, title-holders Jamaica will be fighting, to avoid defeat and losing the chance to get to the final, as they are 27 runs in arrears with only six second innings wickets standing.

Niles and Searles came together for Barbados on 80 for six after losing overnight batsmen Nicolai Parris (14) without addition to their overnight score.

Niles (59) and Searles (48) compiled a pivotal seventh-wicket partnership of 110, which gave Barbados the impetus they badly needed and allowed them to reply to Jamaica's flimsy first innings 110 all out, with a relatively solid 216.

When Niles was caught and bowled by off-spinner Andre McCarthy, he had batted for 229 minutes with one six and one four to his credit.

Along the way, he survived two chances to the wicketkeeper, but he remained undaunted.

Searles, naturally aggressive, batted sensibly in a knock that lasted 165 minutes and included one four.

Leg-spinner Alton Beckford, varying his flight well, was the most successful bowler for Jamaica with six for 43 off 28.4 overs.

Faced with a deficit of 106 runs, the Jamaicans again started disastrously and yet again the combination of Niles and Searles came into play.

First, Searles had opener Zeniffe Fowler neatly taken behind by Niles for zero and later in the evening he returned to grab the crucial wicket of captain Jamie Trenchfield, also caught by Niles for 26.

In the interim, left-arm spinner Steve Pinder also showed his worth, accounting for the wickets of opener Damien Ebanks for 17 and Nickoy Samuels, again caught behind by the jubilant Niles for nine.

At the close, Jamaica were facing a very steep uphill battle and once the weather holds, it will take exemplary middle and lower order batting by them to deny Barbados victory.

JAMAICA 1st innings 110 (A. McCarthy 38; K. Roach 4-17)

BARBADOS 1st Innings (o/n 79 for 5)

O. Phillips c wkp. Scott b Bulli 1

N. Grazette lbw b Sitcheron 0

J. Carter c Fowler b Beckford 28

M. Trotman lbw b Gopie 2

O. Kellman c Sitcheron b Beckford 21

N. Parris lbw Beckford 14

J. Niles c & b McCarthy 59

J. Searles c Simpson b Beckford 48

N. Charles c Samuels b Beckford 3

K. Roach c Fowler b Beckford 10

S. Pinder not out 6

Extras: (b-14, lb-4, w-2, nb-4) 24

Total: (all out, 95.4 overs) 216

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-9, 3-43, 4-66, 5-69, 6-80, 7-190, 8-198, 9-199.

Bowling: Sitcheron 9-1-28-1, Gopie 13-3-31-1 (nb-2), McCarthy 24-3-47-1 (nb-1), Bulli 18-5-39-1 (w-1), Beckford 28.4-13-43-6 (w-1, nb-1), Simpson 3-0-10-0.

JAMAICA 2nd innings

D. Ebanks c Searles b Pinder 17

Z. Fowler c wkp Niles b Searles 0

N. Samuels c wkp. Niles b Pinder 9

J. Trenchfield c wkp. Niles b Searles 26

A. Gopie not out 12

J. Scott not out 3

Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-1, nb-1) 7

Penalty runs 5

Total: (for 4 wickets, 41 overs) 79

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-25, 3-34, 4-68.

Bowling: Searles 8-1-14-2, Roach 8-1-22-0, Pinder 12-6-16-2, Kellman 6-5-2-0, Charles 7-3-15-0.

Windwards still in good position against Leeewards
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) - Despite losing five second-innings wickets cheaply, the Windward Islands were still in a commanding position in their third round TCL Group West Indies Under-19 cricket match against the Leeward Islands at Arnos Vale Two yesterday.

After dismissing their opponents for 147 in reply to 261, the Windwards closed the second day on 121 for five for an overall lead of 235 with five wickets in hand.

At stumps, the Windwards' sixth-wicket pair of captain Earven Frederick (26) and Donwell Hector (20) were engaged in an unbroken partnership of 61 after coming together with the total on a precarious 60 for five.

Fastbowler Chad Hampson was once again the pick of the Leewards' bowlers with two for 11 from 12 overs.

The Windwards, who began their innings after lunch with a lead of 114, were never allowed to get on top of the bowling, as Hampson -- bowling two six-over spells -- kept them in check.

He removed Heron Campbell (1) through a good diving catch by Justin Athanaze at slip and Russell Emmanuel (11) well caught by Colin Hamer short on the leg-side.

The Leewards' attack then ripped through the Windwards' middle-order to leave them in serious bother, before Hector and Frederick came to the rescue.

Earlier, the Leewards, who resumed on 36 without loss, ran into early trouble through the loss of openers Javia Liburd (28) and Kieron Powell (10) by the time the score had reached 44.

It was a steady procession to and from the pavilion for the Leewards batsmen who assumed the style of trying to hit the ball out of the ground.

Javal Hodge who hit 34 with four fours and one six, and Dillon Skellekie, whose 30 included three fours, both batted for well over an hour and looked committed to their team's cause.

They were however unable to rally their side to an unlikely first innings advantage as leg-spinner Haniff Alexander (4-36) and pacer Kevin James (3-24) combined to give the Windwards a handsome first innings lead.

WINDWARDS 1st innings 261 (R. Ettienne 65; C. Hampson 3-27)

LEEWARDS 1st innings (o/n 36 without loss)

J. Liburd c Pascal b Alexander 28

K. Powell c Hector b James 10

A. Powell b Fletcher 9

D. Skellekie lbw James 30

J. Athanaze lbw Pascal 8

J. Hodge c Fletcher b Alexander 34

O. Peters c Fletcher b James 3

J. Taylor lbw Alexander 8

C. Hamer lbw Alexander 0

C. Hampson c Pascal b Ettienne 3

T. Warde not out 0

Extras: (lb-5, b-6, nb-3) 14

Total: (all out - 58.1 overs) 147

Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-44, 3-63, 4-92, 5-111, 6-117, 7-134, 8-134, 9-147.

Bowling: Pascal 9-2-35-1 (nb-2), Fredericks 10-3-15-0, James 16-5-24-3, Alexander 14-3-36-4 (nb-1), Fletcher 4-1-6-1, Polius 5-0-20-0, Ettienne 0.1-0-0-1.

WINDWARDS 2nd innings

H. Campbell c Athanaze b Hampson 1

R. Emmanuel c Hamer b Hampson 11

L. Francois lbw Skellekie 18

A. Fletcher b Athanaze 1

R. Ettienne lbw Peters 8

D. Hector not out 20

E. Fredericks not out 26

Extras: (b-21, lb-10) 31

Penalty runs 5

Total: (for 5 wickets - 45 overs) 121

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-36, 3-47, 5-60, 6-60.

Bowling: Hampson 12-7-11-2, Hodge 8-4-8-0, Athanaze 10-1-20-1, Peters 6-2-7-1, Skellekie 8-2-24-1, K. Powell 1-0-9-0, Hamer 2-0-6-0.

Beck and Braithwaite for DKP card
CLEVELAND, Ohio, (CMC) - World-rated Caribbean boxers Wayne Braithwaite and Owen Beck have signed to appear on the Don King Productions (DKP) September 3 fight card at the Gund Arena.

Guyanese ‘Big Truck’ Braithwaite, on the comeback trail after being dethroned by Frenchman Jean-Marc Mormeck of his cruiserweight world title four months ago, will tackle Panama's Guillermo Jones in a cruiserweight eliminator, while Jamaican Beck faces the Arizona-based Sergei Liakhovich, who is originally from Belarus.

Braithwaite, with a ring record of 21 wins (17 knockouts) against one loss, and WBA Fedelatin champion Jones will battle in a cruiserweight eliminator, and Beck's clash with Liakhovich is a battle of world top-10 heavyweights.

Braithwaite, who became Guyana's second world boxing champion - after Andrew Lewis - in October 2002 when he stopped Italian Vicenzo Cantatore in 12 rounds for the World Boxing Council (WBC) title, is currently ranked as the number two contender by that body.

The bouts are preliminaries for the Showtime TV card that is headlined by World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super-welterweight champion Daniel Santos facing former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight king Jose Rivera.

Beck boasts a ring record on 24 wins (18 knockouts) against one loss and Liakhovich has 22 (14 knockouts) also against one defeat.

"This fight is going to be good. I am bringing fireworks. Training camp has been good, and I feel most confident," Beck said at a press conference launching the card.

"I will definitely walk out with a victory. If the people want to know what Owen will bring, I can guarantee a knockout. This fight is a big challenge, but I am looking ahead to fighting a bigger fight against a bigger name," added Beck, who is originally from Negril on the Jamaican west coast.

Williams-Darling happy to make more history
By Alison Wildey
HELSINKI, Finland (Reuters) - Tonique Williams-Darling made history for the second year running when she won the 400 metres yesterday to earn a first individual world track title for Bahamas.

Williams-Darling fought off a determined challenge from American Sanya Richards in torrential rain, clocking 49.55 seconds to add the gold medal to the Olympic title she won in 2004.

Richards was second in 49.74 and defending champion Ana Guevara of Mexico third in 49.81.

"To be able to pull off the Olympic title and then pull off the world championship title, it's an historic moment for me and the Bahamas," the 29-year-old told reporters.

"It lets the world know we're here. We've always been up there in the sprint events and this just confirms it a little bit more," added Williams-Darling, whose Athens victory was her country's first individual athletics gold in a global event.

Richards went off quickly and was level with Guevara at the first bend. She had a slight lead coming off the final turn but Williams-Darling maintained her form and powered through to the finish.

Williams-Darling, who won a share of the Golden League jackpot in 2004, knelt down on the track and mouthed the words "thank you" before wrapping a Bahamian flag around herself.

"I'm really, really happy right now," Williams-Darling said.

"You don't get these victories too often. I tried not to panic out there, I just wanted to do my own race and I knew that I'm usually strong in the final straight as I was today."

Richards' silver was her first individual medal at a major championships but the 20-year-old was unhappy to miss out on gold.

"I'm really disappointed," she said. "I think I could've won, I know I could've won. I think I ran the first 200 too fast then when I went to concentrate on my kick I didn't have as much as I had earlier this year. I guess I ran out of gas."

Richards, who has the world's fastest time this year, won gold in the 4x400 relay at the 2003 world championships and last year's Olympics.

Clay wins decathlon gold to deny Sebrle
By Alison Wildey
HELSINKI, Finland (Reuters) - American Bryan Clay won the decathlon at the world championships yesterday to deny Roman Sebrle of the only major title he has never held.

Clay scored a total of 8 732 points over the 10-discipline, two-day competition, setting personal bests in the shot put, 400 metres and javelin despite some appalling weather.

Olympic champion and world record holder Sebrle of the Czech Republic trailed by just 14 points overnight but faded on the second day to finish on 8 521.

Hungary's Attila Zsivoczky grabbed the bronze medal with his performance in the final event, the 1500 metres, for a total of 8 385.

"It was just a great competition that I had with Roman. It's always great to beat the king," Clay said.

"Many events could have gone wrong today but everything went my way. Roman on the other hand had some problems.

"I've been second (in the past) with Roman finding a way to win. Now I think I've learned from him how to do that myself."

Clay, who was runner-up to Sebrle at last year's Olympics, sealed victory with a personal best of 72 metres in the penultimate event, the javelin. Sebrle was way down on the 25-year-old with a top throw of 63.21.

Although Sebrle was some 14 seconds quicker than Clay over 1500 metres it was too little too late.

"I think I won the silver rather than just lost the gold," Sebrle said. "It was a very tough competition and Bryan was just too strong.

"The first day was really good for me but the second day was very bad. Maybe I celebrated too much after the Olympics as I missed two or three months training," said the 30-year-old who added he planned to defend his title at the 2008 Beijing Games.

In the first of yesterday’s decathlon events, the 110 metres hurdles, Clay clocked 14.43 seconds in a strong headwind to win the heat with Sebrle finishing fourth.

The American then launched the discus to 53.68 metres while Sebrle, 30, recorded two no-throws and could only muster a best effort of 46.85.

Clay also came out on top of Sebrle in the pole vault competition, clearing 4.90 metres in wet and windy conditions to his rival's 4.80.

Sebrle also won the silver at the 2003 world championships behind Tom Pappas of the U.S., who did not compete in Helsinki because of injury.