Education Ministry floats alternatives to flogging
- arguments for and against the rod put up at meeting
By Abigail Kippins
THE Education Ministry has proposed 30 alternatives to corporal punishment in schools in light of injuries students recently sustained after being flogged by teachers for misconduct.
Choices outlined yesterday by Chief Education Officer, Mr. Ed Caesar include:
** provision of trained counsellors and welfare officers to schools;
** encouragement of peer counseling and home visits by teachers;
** utilisation of the prefect/monitor system in all post-Nursery schools;
** field trips be organised to correctional institutions;
** establishment of school governments in the schools;
** more responsibilities be assigned to students;
** withholding privileges from children who default;
** involvement of parents more in the school welfare of their children;
** announcement of infractions at general assembly.
Caesar put forward the proposals at a meeting with school teachers, church members, concerned citizens and members of related organisations at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) in Georgetown. The meeting was organised to discuss alternatives to corporal punishment.
Caesar proposed that by Monday participants submit in writing any additions or disagreements to the proposed document before final decisions are made regarding the acceptable forms of disciplining students.
Last month, a young teacher was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam from his Cumberland, Canje home to assist in the investigation of injury to a child who was allegedly flogged. The elbow of the student was fractured allegedly during punishment with a ruler.
The Ministry of Education last month also launched a departmental investigation into the flogging of a nine-year-old pupil of Enterprise Primary School, Durban Backlands, Georgetown, whose collar bone was dislocated when a teacher beat her with a piece of bamboo.
"...of all the incidents reported, I don't think any one them related to the administering of corporal punishment in the way it has been stipulated by law and I want to stress that", Caesar said yesterday.
Other proposals advanced yesterday are demanding written or oral apologies from defaulting children; the institution of cost recovery for loss of or damage to property; admonishing defaulters; providing incentives for acceptable behaviour so that others may know; suspending defaulters; implementing supervised school/community services; educating parents; improving the physical facilities available to children and teachers; reducing the pupil-teacher ratio and adhering to it; introducing guidance and counselling at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
Sending warning letters to parents; detaining defaulters to do productive work; involving parents and children in the formulation of school rules; providing security guards for schools; organising special Parent Teachers Association (PTA)/class/form level meetings to deal with indiscipline; showing love towards children; teaching children and teachers about the rights of children and encouraging respect for those rights; recording and including on transcripts, acts of indiscipline and outstanding achievements; and making parents more legally responsible for unacceptable behaviour of children, are other proposals made.
"...I would be very upset if anyone concludes that there is a system in the school system permitting persons to whip left, right and centre...", Caesar told the meeting.
He, however, pointed out that contrary to the feeling in some quarters there are schools where head teachers ensure that what is stated in the law is adhered to.
Caesar recalled that a teacher approached him indicating that in some schools the actions of some students are unbearable and asked how teachers should deal with a classroom of children who do not appear to want to listen to them (the teachers) when they want to teach.
Asking for solutions, the Chief Education Officer said the teacher pointed out that when he speaks harshly to some pupils, their parents go to the school the following day and abuse him.
Not all the proposals put forward yesterday met with approval at the meeting since it was noted that the resources to put some in place are not readily available, especially in terms of counselling and making parents legally responsible for their children's behaviour.
Educators were also not all in agreement that the rod be taken out of schools and as such limited time was spent on discussing the alternative proposals since the discussion was centred on whether children should or should not be flogged.
Minister of the Gospel and educator, Ms. Elimor Jordan quoted the Bible in support of others who felt that students can go astray if not given a few strokes for misdemeanors.
She stressed that children have to be guided in the right way and have to be disciplined but noted that while the rod should not be taken away (as was done in North America), it has to be regulated so as not to fall into the category of brutality.
Pastor Winston Hassanah, Youth Pastor of Faith Assembly, Wortmanville, Georgetown, also quoted scriptures in support of corporal punishment.
Concerned citizen and TV host of `Parenting and You', Ms. Bernice Walcott added that children are not always compliant and will at times be defiant. She said if God's counsel be taken seriously in the ministry that the rod is not to be spared, children will fare better.
She felt there are many ways of reproof but the rod should not be substituted since children who are not disciplined for unacceptable behaviour can later get involved in criminal activities.
Mr. Conrad Plummer, Head of C.K Associates Inc., said he realised children have to be guided and the rod should be regulated, but pointed out that society is indisciplined and children in the schools are from that society. He said they take that indiscipline into the schools and it becomes the teachers' responsibility to get them to understand what is acceptable behaviour.
Plummer also stressed that instruments being used to flog students be examined since in many cases teachers use parts of trees, cords and other items that inflict injuries on children.
Reference was also made about how corporal punishment is administered in the schools since teachers take it upon themselves to beat students.
Ms. Yvonne Arthur, Coordinator Welfare Service, quoted the relevant excerpt from the Laws of Guyana 39:01, Part 12 Section 93-94:
"Whenever corporal punishment is administered, a statement of the nature and extent of the punishment and the reason therefor must be entered into a punishment book. All such entries must be made at a time the punishment is inflicted.
"For serious or repeated offences, corporal punishment may be administered by the head teacher or by an assistant teacher over 20 years of age and authorised by him.
"Whenever a head teacher authorises an assistant teacher to administer corporal punishment, it shall be administered in the presence of the head teacher and under his direction and on his responsibility.
"Corporal punishment for girls shall be administered by a female teacher or by the head teacher in the presence of a female teacher."
Caesar stressed that this law has not been changed and Mr. Andrew Kartick, Social Worker, Ministry of Education, added that "...nothing in this act shall be construed to take away or affect the rights of the guardian or the teacher of a child to administer reasonable and proper punishment to the child", as is stated in Criminal Law Offences, Chapter 8:01 Section 9.
However, Ms. Merle Mendonca, of the Guyana Human Rights Association, pointed out that the Criminal Act was compiled since the 1950s and later revised in 1974. Recent research is focusing in the direction that these acts were mainly formulated for the corrective institutions and seem to have, over time, incorporated themselves into part of the Education Act, she said.
"...you would agree that certainly these pieces of legislation are in conflict with the conventions of the rights of the child that a number of countries are signatories to", she noted.
She said the wellbeing of the child has to be protected and even parents are speaking against and are fearful of the measures taken in schools to discipline children.
"...we have to understand that it is not okay to beat the children whether in the home or in the classroom", she said.
However, Mr. Wilfred Success, teacher of West Ruimveldt Primary School in Georgetown, noted that some parents go to the school and ask for their children to be disciplined with the rod which they feel would more impact on the children.
He said in this regard, he realised that such forms of discipline come from the home.
Dr. Steve Surujbally, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, was also against corporal punishment in the school system.
He said the biblical allusions may not be substantial since phrases in the Bible are often used metaphorically. He added that the repercussions of violence in the classroom should be examined and that students cannot learn in an atmosphere of terror.
He said there are many alternatives to beating since morals and discipline are caught and not taught.
Teacher of the Winfer Gardens Primary School, also in the city, Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch, noted that things need to be done according to the law where senior teachers have the right to discipline the students as required.
"...in the school, society is mirrored and sometimes we pattern the North American society, for instance. I don't see that as a society to pattern; we in the Caribbean and Guyana in particular have our education system at such a level that when you went anywhere persons admire Guyanese for their brilliance", she said.
"...look at what is happening in our schools today, we have to do something. We have a list here but it is what we do with the list. We have to educate both the teachers and parents on this and we should look at studies which were done", she further proposed.
Mr. Frank Gordan, teacher at Queen's College and Mr. Phillip Duncan, concerned parent and Consultant, were also in support of corporal punishment in schools.
According to Gordan, youths cannot be allowed to feel that there is no penalty or consequence for their misdemeanors and Duncan said the need for God is being outgrown and stressed that God is needed for guidance but the teachers are responsible for students in the classroom and must maintain discipline with the rod.
Other unlawful practices in the school system also came up at the meeting.
GBTI considering low cost housing mortgage financing, credit for small farmers
by Stacey Davidson
THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) is in the process of facilitating mortgage financing for low cost housing, the bank announced yesterday.
"We are in discussion with the Ministry of Finance on the draft agreement to facilitate mortgage financing for low cost housing development", Mr. R. K Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank said at the opening of its US$686,000 Vreed-en-Hoop branch, West Coast Demerara.
"As soon as the governmental regulations are formalised, we would initiate a low cost housing programme of financing through our community banks", he said.
He also urged the Government to examine a similar agreement that would allow the bank to extend credit facilities to small farmers.
Sharma further noted that GBTI is interested in specific sector enhancements relating to the financial services sector for facilitating credit to small businesses and micro-enterprises and housing.
"We see ourselves as social partners with the Government in initiating and introducing relevant support mechanisms in the communities we serve to aid poverty alleviation", he stated.
He also urged the Government to focus on land policy to improve farmers access to land.
Accelerating the freehold titling process for small farmers, and making leases freely transferable will give them collateral that can be used to improve their access to credit, he explained.
Sharma indicated that it is the aim of GBTI, once the necessary support measures are established, to also initiate a rural lending programe by providing a window for concessionary financing to individuals and groups in housing and farming activities.
The bank's CEO is also of the opinion that with the Government's intervention and recognition, the institutional support mechanisms in the registration of collateral and realisation of security in the case of delinquent borrowers needs considerable strengthening.
He therefore urged a revisit of the legislative framework and the due process in this regard.
"The failures of the present legal system inhibit credit creation and ultimately economic development and it is the inefficiency of this process that pushes up the cost for borrowing".
"Urgent consideration must then be given to the possible establishment of a commercial court", Sharma suggested.
"It is hoped that these reforms and measures will be addressed to allow the financial sector to contribute fully to the process of economic growth and development that is so needed for the overall improvement of the quality of life of our people", he contended.
The CEO reiterated that it is the bank's wish to have all its branches in the various communities play an integral role in the development process and for residents to appreciate the GBTI network as part of their family, "providing the sort of direction that goes beyond the provision of banking services".
Sharma noted that as part of this process the bank will be hosting a series of workshops to sensitise communities in which it operates on effective micro-enterprise management covering such areas as the preparation and maintenance of accounting records, cash flows and financial statement presentation and an understanding of financing requirements and loan management.
He added that the bank's actions are a manifestation of "the true community spirit of banking where banks are obligated to foster a partnership with the communities they serve and of our commitment to be partners in their endeavours, helping them to develop and grow and improve their quality of life".
Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who formally declared the bank open, confirmed that the discussions concerning low cost housing development and land policy for farmers are "picking up".
"I am sure they (Ministry of Finance officials) will be quite ready to discuss with you the details for programmes to assist housing and farmers", he said.
According to him, this is one way "to get the economy going".
The Prime Minister said he is pleased with the investment programme of GBTI being demonstrated by the opening of the new branch.
He said that despite adversities in the country, progress was continuing.
Over the past few days, he said, persons have been returning to invest in the country.
One manufacturer is interested in setting up an assembly plant, Prime Minister Hinds noted.
"So, people are returning and it is our hope there will be stability in our country. There will be ease of comfort in our country that would attract people again to come and invest and contemplate being in Guyana as an easy place to live", he said.
The Prime Minister shared the same sentiments with GBTI officials concerning poverty in Guyana, and assured that "we are on common grounds on that question and I think that largely ninety per cent of our interest and ideas are read along the same lines".
"...there may be some differences in emphasis but we too are assured that the way to overcome poverty is to promote employment opportunities where our people can be productive, and we recognise that there must be an attractive environment", he indicated.
The Prime Minister pointed out that there are two economic challenges facing the country, and it is the duty of citizens to make industries more economically viable, "particularly as we contemplate various benefits, various preferred marketing situations coming under pressure and being lost".
"We have to proceed as rapidly as we can, so that the traditional industrial areas can survive on their own in a market situation", he stated.
The previous building which housed the bank was located on a temporary site, one building away.
The building was designed by Jaspal Bhogal Associates and constructed by Lange Ballast Contractors.
Visa racketeers on the hunt
- Police warn
THE Police yesterday warned that visa racketeers are on the hunt looking to fleece people of money by pretending they can obtain visas for them.
In a statement, Police reported there has been an upsurge in the number of incidents of con men "collecting money from persons under the pretext that they can obtain visas."
The Police advised citizens not to offer money to anyone who approaches them purporting to be in an official capacity or otherwise to provide visas.
"Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for these con artists and to report any such incident to the Police", the statement said.
Ramsammy announces national strategy on suicide
- July designated prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour month
By Mark Ramotar
HEALTH Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy yesterday announced that Guyana will be developing a national strategy for the prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour.
He said it is a proactive stance to put policies in place to effectively deal with a very serious public health issue, currently one of the top ten causes of death in the country.
Briefing reporters at his office in Brickdam, Georgetown, he said the Health Ministry, in its holistic approach to `health for all', has identified the issues of suicide and suicidal behaviour as important targets in a National Mental Health Programme.
Ramsammy said he has assembled an advisory committee, intended to be a continuous and permanent body, to assist in developing a national programme for suicide and suicidal behaviour prevention.
In May of this year, a study on suicide in Guyana titled "Shadow of Death, a Recent Study of Suicides in Guyana: Incidences, Causes and Solutions" was launched at the Hotel Tower in Georgetown. Ramsammy at that time pledged to "make something happen" in terms of putting into reality a programme to stem the cases of suicide.
He said yesterday that everything would be done to accelerate the process of formulating a policy, a draft of which has already been completed.
The advisory committee, he said, has agreed that this month should be reserved as a month during which Guyana will focus attention on suicide and suicidal behaviour and several activities have been planned.
Specifically, he said, the next few months will see efforts to develop a national strategy for suicide and suicide behaviour prevention; workshops on how to detect suicidal behaviour (these will be conducted for parents, teachers, priests and religious leaders and Police officers); establishment of crisis intervention centres in Berbice and at the Georgetown Public Hospital during 2001 and subsequently in other parts of the country.
According to Ramsammy, the overall goals of the programme are to reduce premature deaths due to suicide; rates of suicidal behaviour; harmful aftermath and the stigma associated with suicidal behaviour and the traumatic impact of suicide on family and friends. It will also promote awareness that suicide is preventable and train more persons in recognising mental health problems.
According to Ramsammy, studies have shown that suicides occur every month but peak in the months of August and September.
The Minister said too, that in spite of the constraint of time - this month being designated for a more focused attention on suicide and suicidal behaviour - and recognising the urgency of the matter, the committee decided that July, 2001 should serve to better launch its efforts.
And according to him, the menu of activities for the first `prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviour month' will be limited.
But even with the constraint of time, Ramsammy said several activities have been planned and these include the presentation of a report on suicide in Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).
Also on the cards are seminars on mental health with focus on suicidal behaviour; a march against suicide; stress management workshops; a series of lectures on substance abuse and suicides; and a series of television/radio and newspaper features.
With regard the suicide report, Ramsammy noted that the Regions Five and Six HIV/AIDS Committee prepared the document, which would be presented in the Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom on July 18.
Ramsammy said Ms. Murial Sandy and the Chairman of Region Five, Mr. Harrinarine Baldeo would coordinate the activity. The project has been supported by the United Children's Fund.
Ramsammy also said Professor Jansen, an overseas mental health expert, and a team of mental health workers will conduct a one-week programme on mental health, two sessions of which will be dedicated to the understanding of suicide and suicidal behaviour.
He said too, that one of the sessions would be with health professionals and the other with members of the public in Region Six. Local psychiatrist, Dr. Bhiro Harry will be an active participant.
The march against suicide has been organised by the Rotary Club in Corriverton, Berbice for Sunday, July 29. It will be followed by a symposium the same day.
According to Ramsammy, the symposium has been titled `Rotarians of Corriverton in Partnership Against Suicide' and Dr. Ragnauth of the Skeldon Hospital is coordinating the activities.
The stress management workshops will be held in Black Bush Polder, Canje and West Berbice and conducted in following months in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Four (Demerara/Mahaica).
Ms. Viole Speek of UNICEF and Ms. Sandy will coordinate the meetings.
Ramsammy also said the series of lectures on substance abuse and suicide will be conducted at the Arya Samaj Temple in Georgetown and coordinated by Harry and Mr. Francis Persaud.
The series of television, radio and newspaper features will be coordinated for the last week in this month.
Ramsammy said while it is a limited menu of activities, it is hoped that there will be a more enhanced programme of activities for the July, 2002 observance.
He also said the suicide rate in Guyana is `moderate' compared with that in some other countries. But, he said, the problem here is still a major public health issue that needs to be addressed.
Guyana's rate is around 16 persons for every 10,000 persons, while in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, for example, the rate is around 18 to every 10,000.
In some other countries it is even higher, he said.
West Berbice rice farmers prepare for sowing
RICE farmers in West Berbice have gladly welcomed the commencement of the MMA/ADA irrigation schedule and are now busily engaged in harrowing and levelling flooded fields in preparation for sowing.
An estimated 26,000 acres which had been ploughed but le ft idle up to early last week due to the shortage of irrigation water is currently being thus prepared.
This amount should bring the total production in West Berbice for this crop to approximately 35,000 out of a possible 51,000 acres, a reliable source said.
The problem with irrigation water means that some 16,000 acres of land will be left idle for this crop. Cultivation activities picked up momentum throughout West Berbice following the release of irrigation water from the MMA/ADA Conservancy late last week, an official said. “There is definitely going to be a big shortfall in
paddy production in West Berbice due to the recent dry weather,” he however added.
Officials of the MMA/ADA are urging farmers to conserve on water since projections are that there will be less rainfall as this month progresses leading to an even drier August month.
The MMA/ADA officials however assured farmers that the Conservancy has enough water for successful cultivation of paddy for this crop.
Prior to the release of water from the Conservancy last week only 9,000 acres out of a possible 51,000 acres of paddy had been successfully planted.
Twenty six thousand acres had been ploughed under dry conditions but could not have been prepared for sowing due to the absence of irrigation. Mr Aubrey Charles , Secretary to the Authority had
earlier explained that low levels of rainfall in months prior to June coupled with an over-extended irrigation period during the last crop had resulted in severe depletion of water in the Conservancy at the end of the last rice crop.
The MMA/ADA as a result had been unable to provide the much needed supplies up unto late last week. Charles said that the irrigation schedule which normally has a close down date will be extended to
facilitate farmers who had been forced to plant late because of irrigation problems, Charles said. Meanwhile, a source at the Hydrometereological Office of the Ministry of Agriculture said that a weather forecast for the next two months suggests that rainfall will be
less this month compared to June month and will be even scarcer in August. Dry weather conditions will predominate until early to mid-November. Rice farmers generally have up to mid-July for sowing of the autumn crop. A reliable source disclosed that farmers who sow later than this run the risk of losing their crops to the November-December rains. Farmers who had cultivated some 9,000 acres
in West Berbice prior to the release of water from the MMA/ADA Conservancy had done so using rainfall and by pumping water into their fields from some drains in the MMA/ADA’s Drainage and Irrigation network.(CLIFFORD STANLEY)
Food handlers seminar in West Berbice
THE Public Health Department of Region Five is holding an educational seminar for food handlers in West Berbice today.
A source in the Department said that the training is being conducted in collaboration with the Government Analyst Department in Georgetown with the aim of improving the quality and safety of food products produced by these persons.
The venue is the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. At least 60 including vendors, restaurant owners and manufacturers of processed products are expected to attend and to be briefed on topics such as food storage and related diseases and microbial and non-microbial contamination of food, with senior staff of the Region Five Department the Government
Analyst Department in Georgetown serving as Resource persons.
Participants will benefit from presentations with the aid of audio visual materials and are also expected to participate in group discussions on these topics and their on-the-job experiences with respect to safety in food production, the source said. The programme commences at 9:30 hours with opening remarks by Chairman of the Regional Health Committee and Regional Vice Chairman, Jalalodeen Baksh. (CLIFFORD STANLEY)
Claude Saul new President of Georgetown Rotary Club
ROTARIAN Mr Claude Saul was installed as President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown for the Year 2001-2002 at a ceremony last Friday at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel.
A release from the organisation said Saul stressed that every effort should be made by the bocy to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Government, development agencies and political leaders to raise the awareness of the roots of extreme poverty and to help expand opportunities for the poor.
Saul said the Club’s response to these challenges will be channelled into four avenues of service, namely in the areas of Club, Community, Vocational and International Service.
In the area of International Service, which was established to build goodwill, peace and unity among men and respect for human rights, one of the major projects to be executed for the year is the three-day Inter-Guianas Conference in November.
Saul said discussions are already underway among the clubs in French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana, and that a special committee has been set up to co-ordinate the Guianas’ plans and activities.
In addition, there is to be a ‘Youth Exchange’ focussing on the Caribbean and a World Understanding Dinner next February.
Among the Club’s more successful projects in the past year, according to Immediate Past President, Mr David King’s report were:
The model CARICOM Youth Summit Top Play Ball Skills Programme (which is a ball skills development programme for school children)
The World Understanding Dinner and The annual senior citizens Christmas party. King reportedly presented special presidential awards to Director of Community Service, Mr Peter Abdool; Director of International Service and Past President, Mr Dunstan Barrow, who is also Assistant District Governor; to Ms Heather Johnson Robinson on behalf of the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Secretariat.
The Rotarian of the Year Award 2000/2001 went to Barrow for outstanding performance and service above self for the year 2000/20001.
The Rotary theme for the year 2001-2002 is "Mankind is our Business" and, according to Saul, the initiatives that the Club will take and implement will be a recommitment to the wellbeing of humanity by strengthening the movement and addressing the important issues of membership development, Rotary's public image, Rotary education and training and club development and improvement.
President moves to the Court to strike out Elections petition
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday moved to the High Court to strike out the Elections petition brought by Veronica Delph, who is challenging the validity of the 2001 General and Regional Elections.
The President, who has been named a respondent by the petitioner is contending through his lawyer Mr Bernard De Santos, Senior Counsel (SC) that the Notice of Presentation of Election Petition dated May 14, 2001, purportedly filed pursuant to Section 8 of the National Assembly, (Validity of Elections) Act, Chapter 1:04 be struck out on the ground that it is null and void and of no legal effect.
The President is the representative of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic List of Candidates and the third named respondent.
The Attorney General Mr Doodnauth Singh under Article 163:2 of the Constitution sought and was granted leave to intervene in the proceedings.
He is associated with Mr. Anil Nandlall.
Leave was also granted Mr Roysdale Forde for the petitioner, to file and serve an affidavit in answer within seven days.
The Judge who held the hearing in open Court also granted leave to the applicant, if necessary to file and serve a reply within three days thereafter. Mr De Santos, who is associated with Mr Khemraj Ramjattan and Mr Sanjeev Datadin also filed a summons for a stay of execution, to ensure that the hearing of the Petition does not begin, until the hearing and determination of the summons before the Court.
Others in the legal line-up in the matter include Mr Ashton Chase, S.C. and Ms Pauline Chase for the Chief Elections Officer and the Chairman of the Elections Commission.
Among other things, the applicant is asking that the Notice of Security for costs dated May 14, 2001, purportedly filed pursuant to Section 8 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Chapter 1:04 be struck out on the ground that it is null and void and of no legal effect.
The President is asking that the petition be dismissed with costs to the third named respondent.
Further hearing was adjourned to July 25. (GEORGE BARCLAY)
Meeting on Indigenous Children
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs , Carolyn Rodrigues is in Quito, Ecuador where she is attending a two-day meeting on `“Indigenous Children.
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) - sponsored forum which begins today, aims to contribute to the development of public policies, which will guarantee the right of indigenous children, strengthen the identity of indigenous communities and develop interculturalism., according to a release from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
In the context of the upcoming ` World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination , Xeonophobia and other related forms of Intolerance’ and the `Special Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Children’, the event will play its part in contributing resolutions which can be incorporated in the Declarations these international meetings will produce., the release added.
Wanted by Police
A Police bulletin has been issued for Anil Swamidatt Sundar called Sundar Persaud, 22, of 29 Latchmi Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.
According to a Police release, Sundar is wanted in connection with an investigation into a case of `Obtaining Upon a Forged Document’ committed on a commercial bank.
Sundar is the son of Narinee Sundar and Seerace Sundar who reside at Macaw Village, East Bank Berbice.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of this man is asked to contact the nearest Police Station or call one of these telephone numbers: 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-9941, 226-1326, 225-3061 or 225-3650.
Five winners of Holy Rosary Scout raffle
MEMBERS of the Holy Rosary Scout Group pose with the five winners of the group’s raffle which was drawn on May 20, 2001.
According to a release from the group, the first prize of one electric kettle was donated by Insurance Brokers-Guyana Limited; the second prize of one table lamp by The Gift Centre; third prize of one electric kettle by Khanai’s Electrical; the fourth prize of one pedestal fan by Dr. Michael Seepersaud; and the fifth prize of one food hamper by Nigel’s Supermarket.
The funds raised from this venture, the group says, will be used to purchase equipment in order that they may be able to travel to Moruca in the North West District for their summer camp this year.
The objective of this year’s camp, the group says, is to form a scout group in the Moruca area.
Police recruitment exams Saturday
THE Police Force will on Saturday conduct examinations for prospective entrants.
The exams, to be held from 10:00 hrs, will be supervised by personnel provided by the Education Ministry, a statement from the Home Affairs Ministry said yesterday.
Examinations will be held at the following schools:
CORENTYNE
New Amsterdam Technical Institute;
Rose Hall Primary;
Bush Lot Secondary;
Tagore Memorial Secondary;
Corriverton Primary School
WEST COAST BERBICE
Rosignol Secondary and Fort Wellington Secondary
EAST COAST DEMERARA
Mahaicony Secondary; Helena Primary; Cove & John Secondary and L.B.I. Primary
GEORGETOWN
St. Stanislaus College
EAST BANK DEMERARA
Diamond and Timehri Primary
LINDEN
Linden Technical Institute
WEST COAST DEMERARA
Patentia Primary; West Demerara Secondary; Leonora Primary and Parika/Salem Secondary
REGION SEVEN
Bartica Secondary
ESSEQUIBO COAST
J.C. Community High; C.V. Nunes Primary and Charity Secondary
The ministry said interested applicants must produce academic certificates, if any, and their birth certificates, National Identification card or any other proof of identity at the examination centre.
Canal cleaning
EXCAVATION of the Cummings Canal in Georgetown, the first phase of a series of drainage works by the City Council, continued yesterday. The Council is assisted by prison labour and some $2.1M has been earmarked for the works. Here, a truck is being filled with waste from the canal, for dumping. (Mike Norville photo.)
BK International says quarry supply purchases based on quality, cost
THE contracting firm BK International Inc. yesterday pointed out that while it has the option to source quarry materials for the Bel Air/Mon Chosi sea defence project from any eligible country, it is buying quarry products for the scheme from Toolsie Persaud Quarries Ltd. and Baracara Quarries Ltd.
In a statement, it said it has more than 6,000 tons of materials on site for the project.
"The company will decide where to purchase such quarry supplies purely based on the quality and cost of the products," it said.
"It must be borne in mind that all projects have budgeted sums and prices are fixed, hence the sums cannot be changed," the contracting company added.
As such, BK International said it is currently unable to source quarry materials from Mazaruni Granite Products (MGP) Ltd. since its prices for quarry products are by far higher than what was budgeted for.
"...in fact they have proposed prices that are about double the usual prices for the materials, while the other quarries have maintained their prices for the quarry supplies", the firm said.
According to BK International, quarry supplies used in its projects meet and exceed all the stipulated requirements.
The company also said it "strongly rejects attempts to politicise this matter which is a simple issue about prices between a purchaser and a supplier".
Everybody's business
EFFORTS to beef up the numerical strength of the Police Force deserve the support of Guyanese.
Many have noted that for too long, numbers in the Police Force have been dwindling and/or the increased population has made it difficult for the Force to carry out its tasks effectively.
This perhaps manifests itself in, for example, the recent upsurge of crime in the country and the additional burden put on the Police to grapple with the situation.
The recent announcement by the Government that there will be a countrywide recruitment drive for the Force on Saturday, is timely and Guyanese in large numbers should take full advantage of this opportunity.
Once the Force is adequately staffed, this could lead to a dramatic decline in crime. This could also help reduce the workload on the current staff who have been working far too many hours without adequate rest, before being called upon to report for duty again.
Our lawmen and women who offer service and protection to the nation must be professional, and we support the entrance requirements, which include an interview and a written examination which will be invigilated by senior school teachers.
We also welcome the statement by Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj that the recruiting sessions will be at a number of schools rather than at Police stations, as was the practice in the past.
Most people agree that the new arrangement is more acceptable since the young would-be recruits will be assessed in a more comfortable environment.
The previous practice of doing recruitment sessions in the stations was perhaps a deterrent to many who aspired to joined the Force, and many probably shied away because of the chilling effects this had on them.
Policemen and women are currently receiving a better package than before and as long as the Force is adequately equipped with anti-crime facilities, the introduction of the new recruitment drive should position it, before long, to better cope with the scourge of crime.
The US$1M, which the Government has recently allocated for vehicles for the Force, should also lead to a more professional approach to crime with more vehicles and other equipment added to the present stock.
The society must support the Force in its efforts to solve the many unsolved crimes.
We feel that with the added strength, most of these crimes would be solved or investigated.
Minister Gajraj has stressed that crimes are not being "swept under the carpet" and that some would be solved soon.
The Government has in the meantime been making added provisions in the fight against crime.
As much as the authorities move to put the brakes on crime, Guyanese have to show their support for the drive.
Let the fight against crime be everybody's business.
All must be involved to remove this evil from society.
Absent witness stalls another Benschop trial
PRINCIPAL Magistrate Jerrick Stephney yesterday set a new date for the continuation of the trial of television talk show host Mark Benschop on a series of charges.
The defendant, now on HGP Channel 16, is charged with assaulting Police Inspector Kevin Adonis, obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest in May.
But,during the call-over yesterday, Corporal Denise Vigilance,prosecuting, reported that she was unable to proceed with the case because the next witness to be called is out of the country on his annual vacation leave.
Mr Stephney rescheduled the resumption for August 17 after the Prosecutor said she expects the man who has gone abroad to return shortly.
Defence Counsel Nigel Hughes was not in agreement with the adjournment. He said Benschop is frustrated and has to attend other matters in different Courts.
“He has now become a resident in all the Courts and the Police are always not able to continue,” the lawyer commented.
Since the proceedings began on June 27, Adonis and two more Police witnesses,Constable Wyclife Nurse and Assistant Superintendent Simon McBean have testified about the occurrences in America Street, Georgetown,which led to Benschop being prosecuted for his intervention whilecops were engaged in an anti-crime exercise.
Benschop also faces trial on sedition and incitement to murder charges before another magistrate.
Community service or jail for stone thief
THE 38-year-old larceny convict, who was remanded overnight Tuesday on a stone theft charge, has been ordered to do 60 hours community service at Georgetown Magistrates’ Court compound.
Principal Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen imposed the non-custodial sentence on Earl Scipio for the offence to which he pleaded guilty.
He is to begin the work today and continue between 9am and 1pm every day for the next three weeks.
But,if he fails to complete the assignment, Scipio can face up to nine months in jail, the magistrate warned him.
Scipio was apprehended with a bag of stolen stone by a BK International Inc security guard on June 30.
One fined, other remanded in assault cases
ONE of two men, who faced separate assault charges yesterday, was fined $3,000 by Chief Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat.
Earl Taylor was also put on bond to keep the peace for one year after he admitted the assault on Princess King.
The other defendant, Solomon Fraser (no address given either) denied unlawfully wounding and causing bodily harm to Winston Lynch.
Fraser was refused bail and remanded to jail, pending a report on the condition of the virtual complainant who is still nursing a broken arm in hospital.
Police said Lynch suffered the injury on July 7 when he was involved in an argument with Fraser.
Forged documents cost $150,000
HIRDAYNAUTH Singh (no address given) was yesterday fined $100,000 by Chief Magistrate Paul-A-Fat for uttering forged documents.
The forger was also ordered to pay $50,000 Court costs after he pleaded guilty to the offences.
Police said Singh tendered a falsified job letter and a fake land title at the United States Embassy in Georgetown on July 10.
Magistrate says…
Remanded woman might have been wrongly charged
THE woman who was refused bail Tuesday on a charge of uttering a forged document might have been charged with the wrong offence, Principal Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen observed yesterday.
Before further remanding Eva Maria Hinks to prison, Mrs Holder-Allen commented that it was highly peculiar for a Guyanese citizen to forge entry stamps to show how long she spent in her native land.
“It is her right to stay how long she wants, because this is her own country. She is a Guyanese and should have no fear of overstaying her time here,” the magistrate pointed out.
Defence Counsel Raphael Trotman also asked what would have been the defendant’s motive for forging the documentation and argued that she had been wrongfully accused.
Police are alleging that Hinks was an outgoing passenger to Antigua on July 8 when it was discovered that she had false imprints in the travel document.
However, Trotman said Hinks arrived here at Christmas time when the airport is usually extremely crowded and a mistake could have been made by an overworked immigration officer.
Mrs Holder-Allen ordered Hinks to be back in Court on July 13 when her passport will be properly examined.
At Demerara Assizes…
Judge rejects depostiions of absent murder case witnesses
JUSTICE William Ramlall yesterday rejected the deposition of another absent witness in the Cane Grove murder case at the Demerara Assizes.
It was the second such attestation, in two days, that State Prosecutor Paula Gilford was attempting to put in evidence,saying the deponents are out of the country.
The judge refused to accept both statements by Police Constable Rawle Daniels and Kharbarran Boodhoo.
The Chronicle had inadvertently reported yesterday that the testament by Daniels was deemed admissible.
Senior Counsel Bernard DeSantos,for the Defence,is also now objecting to Gilford leading additional evidence from apathologist and the judge has decided to conduct a voir dire on the issue.
It will be the fourth such smaller trial since Milton Persaud alias `Powder Milk’ was indicted for the unlawful killing of Raymond Latchman called `Spade Man’ at a Cane Grove,East Coast Demerara bar-b-que on January 30, 2000.
The case continues today.
Fisherman gets three months for stealing dried snapper
A West Berbice man who was described as having a weakness for salted fish was on Monday jailed for three months for stealing dried snapper .
It was Gopaul Harrynarine‘s second prison sentence for stealing dried and salted fish within the past eight months.
Before Magistrate Kumar Doraisami at Blairmont Court, Harrynarine, of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice admitted that he had recently been released from a six-month prison sentence for stealing salted banga mary.The dimunitive Harrynarine who claimed to be a fisherman by profession begged the Magistrate not to send him back to prison.
He said he could not explain why he was always getting into trouble over dried fish. He promised that he would never do it again.
After remarking that Harrynarine seemed to the kind of fisherman who seemed to prefer catching fish on land rather than in the water, Magistrate Doraisami told him that he would give him a break by sending him to jail for three months rather than the 12 months for which he had qualified himself as a second offender.
The magistrate warned the convict that he would not be so lucky
the next time . Prosecutor Police Inspector Paul Kawall told the
Court that Harrynarine stole two salted snapper fish worth $6,000 from a drying rack in the yard of another fisherman, at Welcome Street Rosignol early on the night of July 14.
Police who investigated the theft later the same night caught Harrynarine with some of the fish still in his possession.
This had been the case on his previous conviction for salted banga mary last year the Prosecutor said.(CLIFFORD STANLEY)
Make-believe passengers
I HAD a bad experience travelling with a mini-bus to Linden earlier this month.
Bus drivers lie to the passengers and put people into the bus to indicate they have passengers to make others join the bus.
After waiting for two hours on July 3, the people they had sitting in the bus I was in to make it look full, came out and we were still waiting for two, three more passengers.
The sad part of it is that they are even using children in this.
In our bus they had a woman and two children sitting to make it look full; they were dressed as though to travel but ten minutes before the bus left, they came out and were standing on the sidewalk.
The authorities must look into this problem and take the necessary measures to correct it.
JOVITA HARRAH
Beef or cattle?
I REFER to an article in the Stabroek News of July 5, 2001 headed `Suriname eyeing Guyana cattle for import'.
As a cattle farmer, I would like to know what the Surinamese Director of Agriculture Research is really interested in when he stated that Suriname is interested in importing cattle from Guyana.
When asked how soon Suriname intends to import beef from Guyana, his answer was tomorrow.
As I know it, cattle means live animals and beef means the carcasses of cows.
As for myself and a lot of other cattle farmers, we have agreed that if shipping live animals is encouraged, we will be losing all the by-products from these animals and most of all Guyanese officials will not be able to control the cattle smuggling, as the minister rightfully said.
Again, we will be opening ourselves to rustling and smuggling across the border. There is small-scale smuggling of cattle and horses from Guyana and Suriname.
Another point is that the Research Director says that they are slaughtering 240 head of cattle per week (about 1,000 per month) - the population of cattle and people must be two times that of Guyana.
If as stated Guyana were to ship 200 head of cattle per week to make up Suriname's quota, within a year Guyana would not have any beef of consequence to export.
If Mr. Surujballi is so interested in having Guyana exporting beef, he should seek assistance from the Government for the cattle farmers to have abattoirs or one abattoir in a central location that meets the standards; then the farmers would be able to get full value for their cattle.
Statistics show Guyana slaughters about 200-250 head of cattle per week for local consumption.
HARRY PERSAUD
No exaggeration
CONCERNS regarding marauding groups of youths who rob and injure innocent people on the streets of downtown Geogetown are no exaggeration.
And it is also no exaggeration that members of the public are simply scared to render assistance because these criminals carry all sorts of weapons on their person.
I was recently in the Lamaha/Hospital bus park when seven youths surrounded an East Indian man and relieved him of his possessions. There were several persons who watched the incident but no one went to the victim's assistance, or even voiced a protest.
An Indian man pulled up in a vehicle and shouted at the thieves, one of whom promptly pulled a cutlass from his pants leg and brandished it at the man who hastily drove away.
More police patrols are needed on the streets of Georgetown.
BRIAN CAESAR
Revealing interview
THE Allan Fenty interview with Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis on CARICOM Day evening was quite revealing.
I would like to zero in on just one of many aspects that interested me. It deals with the status of the Congress Place compound.
The only answer Mr. Lewis had to be pressed about is when or whether he would send his ranks into political parties' headquarters to investigate issues.
With regard to Congress Place, Lewis cautiously conceded that he would only send his men there if they were appropriately armed.
Why is this so? What is implied here?
The question further arises: is Congress Place the political location which intelligence sources list as an alleged safe haven for the post-elections criminals?
Could we not assume that the stepped-up strident PNC demands for the Commissioner to step down is related to potential exposes by him?
Perhaps the Commissioner needs to be more explicit and forthcoming with his revelations.
With all the cards on the table, the public would more easily be in a position to identify the villains of our piece/peace.
Who's more likely to benefit from clever accusations - the Commissioner or Congress Place?
VIEWER
Heed Nehru's advice
THE letter headed "Faith and science are usually mutually exclusive" by Mr. Nikhil Ramkarran (SN 7.7.200l) is a well thought out argument about the incompatibility of blind faith and reason.
However, a more accurate caption would have been "Religious fundamentalism and science are mutually exclusive."
Modern religious thought finds it easy to reconcile faith with scientific progress. On the other hand, fundamentalists, those who literally believe what they think is "God's word" are in danger of becoming "exclusive" in a progressive society.
These days, many theists hold that there are two realms of knowledge which are not necessarily in contradiction and which could work together to help produce a complete understanding of reality.
These modern Christians say the Bible does not concern itself with the details of the physical world; such matters fall under the power of human reasoning and experiences, to experimental sciences and philosophy.
The other realm of understanding involves matters of spirit which falls under the Church's domain of divine revelation.
In many instances faith and reason do not clash.
Many scientific discoveries do not contradict the Hindu faith but rather, in various ways, endorse the principles of Hinduism which were being practised for ages before the formation of Christianity.
The modern Roman Catholic Church, the largest of Christian denominations has also realised that science and faith need not be "mutually exclusive."
The head of the Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope John Paul II feels that "a tragic mutual incomprehension has been interpreted as the reflection of a fundamental opposition between science and faith. The clarifications furnished by recent historical studies enable us to state that this sad misunderstanding now belongs to the past."
The Pontiff made these comments in reference to the Church's age old controversy with the erstwhile astronomer, Galileo Galilei.
Galileo died in 1642 after being imprisoned for life by the Church because he taught the Copernican doctrine which placed the sun and not the earth at the centre of things. The Church's belief at that time, as expressed by Cardinal Robert Bellarmine was that, "God fixed the Earth upon its foundation, not to be moved forever."
Three hundred and fifty seven years later, in 1992, Pope John Paul said, "the theologians who condemned Galileo did not recognise the formal distinction between the Bible and its interpretation. This led them unduly to transpose into...faith a question which in fact pertained to scientific investigation."
In urging Christians to embrace science the Pope said that, "it is a duty for theologians to keep themselves regularly informed of scientific advances in order to examine if such be necessary, whether or not there are reasons for taking them into account in their reflection or for introducing changes in their teaching."
It should be clear by now that religion and science are not mutually exclusive except to overproud scientists, irrational religious fundamentalists or
Catholics who are ignorant of the teachings of their own church.
The Vicar of Christ, Pope John Paul also went on to explain how the faithful can use science to refine their faith.
Quoting St. Augustine he said, "if it happens that the authority of sacred scripture is set in opposition to clear and certain reasoning, this must mean that the person who interprets scripture does not understand it correctly. It is not the meaning of scripture which is opposed to the truth but the meaning which he has wanted to give to it. That which is opposed to scripture is not what is in scripture but what he has placed there himself, believing that this is what scripture meant."
In other words the Pope is saying that evolving scientific thought can be used as a mechanism for grasping the ultimate enlightenment of God's truth.
Forward-looking Christians, unlike fundamentalist Protestants, understand the need to face change in the same manner as science. They understand that while religious principles may be eternal, the expression of those principles needs continual development to reflect advancing knowledge.
Centuries ago the philosopher and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The religion that is afraid of science dishonours God and commits suicide."
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, speaking to the Proceedings of the National Institute of Sciences of India in 1961 said, "It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people...Who indeed could afford to ignore science today? At every turn we have to seek its aid...The future belongs to science and to those who make friends with science."
Living in a country poised on the threshold of modern development I believe that we cannot afford to ignore the advice of Pandit Nehru.
LUTCHMAN GOSSAI
`Cops' not considered acceptable
THE word "cops" is considered derogatory and an insult to the Police Force.
It is not considered acceptable in Western developed countries.
As a Secondary School Teacher in Canada 30 years ago, I made reference to the word "cop" and one of my students whose father was a Police officer corrected me and I never forgot my little "faux pas".
For example your news stated: "In order for cops to be effective in gathering info...", the Minister of Home Affairs stated that: "cops were not doing their best..."
Journalists play an important role in terms of acceptable language.
"Cops" may sound chic but it jars the ears especially when we wish to stress the professionalism of our Police Force.
R. LACHMAN
IDS probe needed
While I would not go as far as to label Dr. Clive Thomas and Dr. Ian McDonald as "misguided" nor would I dare dismiss their contributions to the ongoing discussion on globalisation; I do share the view expressed by Mr. Mike Singh in his letter entitled "There should be dialogue with business professionals and academics" (S/N: 09/07/01).
In particular, I firmly support his recommendation that the government and the private sector need to encourage a high-level research initiative in economics for Guyana if the country is to survive in the global economy.
From my knowledge we already have a research institution in Guyana, that is responsible for such an initiative.
This institution is the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) of the University of Guyana, which is essentially responsible for formulating policies in the field of development studies.
However, the problem with the IDS is that it is not functioning at the moment, and as a matter of fact this seems to have been the case for the past several years.
For instance the IDS has not published any research work for the past seven years.
Moreover the multi-disciplinary Transition Journal of the IDS, which featured innovative work of scholarship and policy in the field of development studies was last published on the 26th January 1997.
What is disconcerting is that this institution receives funding from the Government yet it has failed to fulfill its responsibility.
I believe the reason for the IDS neglecting its responsibility is that the institution is too enthralled in consultancy services from which it solicits very lucrative rewards.
Since we cannot afford to allow this situation to continue indefinitely, I will therefore venture to encourage the government to investigate the activity of the IDS which has certainly failed to fulfill its mandatory obligation to our country for some time now.
In addition, the government should also take whatever steps are necessary to revamp this research institution because the work of the IDS is certainly critical for our very survival as a country in this new age of globalisation.
As an aside, whatever happened to the work of the Presidential Commission (of which the IDS was a part) that dealt with the reformation of the University of Guyana?
To date, the recommendations made by this commission have not been implemented even though this was to have been done since 1996.
KRISHNA LALL
Crime must be dealt with forcefully
THE aftermath of the March general elections has tragically deteriorated in the escalation of crime and violence in Guyana.
It appears as if nefarious forces are at work, joining hands with muggers, arsonists and murderers, in diligently executing well-planned robberies and violent crimes.
Are these barefaced acts of crime being conducted to destabilise the Government and keep the country at siege in a state of fear and unrest? Is there a political underground movement attempting a coup?
The Government and people have to make a strong and concerted effort to curb crime and violence before it gets out of control. It's becoming a cancer in our society and we have to stop it!
In yesterday's Chronicle, Roman Catholic Bishop Benedict Singh, in his Letter to the Faithful, most appropriately addressed this very troubling problem.
He wisely prompted the government and the people of Guyana to take "decisive action" in response to the "high levels" of crime and violence in the country.
Bishop Singh's letter eloquently spoke volumes of the nature of crimes that were perpetrated. He boldly stated:
"These are inexcusable horrors which ought not to have happened. While persons of all races and classes suffered from the violence of the past months, one can also discern in many cases a pattern of targeting select section of the population."
"The response to this instability has to be forceful but humane. It calls for a collective response from all, not the least of whom are our politicians who in no small way contributed to the tragedy that beset the nation".
These wise words of Bishop Singh need to be taken seriously by all Guyanese.
The nature of crime and violence has insidiously crept into our society and is now threatening the welfare of everyone.
Inaction or indifference does not offer any remedy to this problem.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, acknowledged the levels of crime is "climbing rapidly" in Guyana, and President Jagdeo has already solicited help from Scotland Yard for assistance to combat crime.
The Government should also seek help from the United States based on their ability and expertise in using surveillance technologies to fight criminal activities.
This as an enormous problem. With external help and immediate action the increasing wave of crime and violence can be stopped.
The Government and people must work together in restoring peace and stability to the country.
DEEN AMEERULLAH
Stewart in the clear
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, (Reuters) - Former England captain Alec Stewart has been cleared of all match-fixing allegations after an inquiry found there was no evidence to support them, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday.
The investigation, carried out by the International Cricket Council's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), had looked into accusations that the wicketkeeper had received money in 1993 from an Indian bookmaker in return for pitch information.
Stewart denied the allegations. ECB chairman Lord MacLaurin said: "Lord (Paul) Condon's Anti-Corruption Unit has undertaken a very thorough investigation into the allegations made against Alec Stewart and has concluded that there exists no substantive evidence justifying proceedings against Alec in relation to this matter. The matter is therefore closed".
Last November, Indian bookmaker Mukesh Gupta said he had paid Stewart 5,000 pounds ($7,030) for information during England's 1993 tour of India.
Stewart denied all allegations of accepting money, although he has said that he might have met Gupta socially.
"I am obviouly pleased it has all been cleared up," Stewart told Sky Sport on Wednesday. "It has gone on for eight months and there has been a lot of publicity on front and back pages."
"The things which have been said have not been nice, but I am a pretty strong person.
"The ECB have been very supportive and so have the public," Stweart added. Last month Stewart met Condon, a former London police chief
appointed to lead the ICC inquiry in corruption, following complaints from the ACU that the Surrey player was avoiding the meeting.
In the meeting he again denied the allegations and made available his financial records for the period involved. Wednesday's statement included detailed results of the ACU's inquiry and its conclusions, written by Gerard Elias QC,
chairman of the Discipline Standing Committee. It said that Gupta declined to make a statement or help with the inquiry in any way and that there was no independent evidence confirming, supporting or corroborating the allegation.
"The Board's Discipline Committee can give little credence to allegations which the maker is unwilling or unable to substantiate," Elias said.
"I express satisfaction that the matter has been exhaustively examined and that the "international dimension" to the enquiries, which would not have been within the jurisdiction of the Board to investigate, has been pursued with all vigour.
"It is appropriate to use this opportunity to reiterate the Discipline Committee's absolute determination to root out any element of corruption within the game in the United Kingdom, and to bring forward any admissible evidence which is brought to its attention for full and proper examination.
"Anyone found to have been involved in corrupt practices will inevitably face the most severe penalties."
LIFE BANS
Accusations of corruption and match-fixing have been rife in the game in recent years with a string of high-profile international players being punished for their involvement.
Last year former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje was banned for life for his part in match-fixing while Australians
Shane Warne and Mark Waugh were fined in 1995 for giving pitch
information to bookmakers, although the affair was kept secret until 1998.
Several Pakistan Test players, including former captains Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and top batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, were censured and fined last year while Salim Malik was banned for life.
Former India captain and national hero Mohammed Azharuddin was also given a life ban following an extensive investigation.
Condon's first report in May this year concluded that corruption had been present in the game since the 1970s and was still present. The report, which heard that some 1999 World Cup matches had been fixed, complained of a conspiracy of silence.
Condon made 24 recommendations to reform the ICC which were
accepted by the organisation in June this year.
WEST INDIES first innings 191(N. McGarrell 47; D. Mutendera 3-41)
Zimbabwe 1st innings 128-9 decl. (H. Masakadza 35; R. King 3-22)
West Indies 2nd innings 457-5 decl. overnight (C. Gayle 259 no)
H. Masakadza st Jacobs b Ramnarine 38
G. Rennie c Jacobs b King 1
G. Whittall lbw b McGarrell 45
D. Viljoen c Jacobs b King 50
S. Ervine c Jacobs b Stuart 25
M. Nkala lbw b King 0
G. Brent c Jacobs b Ramnarine 7
C. Delport c Jacobs b Ramnarine 4
P. Strang not out 81
D. Mutendera b Stuart 34
D. Hondo b Stuart 10
Extras:(lb-6, w-3, nb2) 11 Total:(all out, 88.1 overs) 306
Fall of Wickets: 1-1, 2-73, 3-109, 4-153, 5-153, 6-162, 7-170, 8-178, 9-292.
Bowling: King 16-5-42-3; Stuart 13.1-3-49-3 (nb-2, w-2); Ramnarine 29-7-98-3; Hinds 2-0-14-0; McGarrell 20-3-75-1, Samuels 5-1-11-0; Gayle 1-0-1-0; Chanderpaul 2-0-10-0 (w-1).
Windies thrash Zimbabwe President’s XI by 214 runs
By Marcus Prior
HARARE, (Reuters) - West Indies saw off some dogged low order resistance to win the opening first class game of their tour of Zimbabwe yesterday, defeating a Zimbabwe Cricket Union President's XI by 214 runs.
West Indies declared their second innings overnight on 457 for five wickets - a lead of 520 - with Chris Gayle remaining unbeaten on a career-best 259.
They then dismissed the President's XI for 306, one hour into the final session.
When the home side slipped to 178 for eight half-an-hour before tea, victory looked a formality.
But a ninth wicket partnership of 114 between Paul Strang and David Mutendera forced the tourists to dig deeper than they might have expected, to clinch victory.
West Indies' cause was not helped by a deepening of their injury problems as neither strike bowler Reon King nor leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine was able to bowl in the final session, both suffering from back strains.
Mutendera was eventually clean-bowled by Colin Stuart for 34 and the game was wrapped up when Stuart bowled Douglas Hondo for 10, leaving Strang undefeated on 81. He faced 89 balls and hit 12 fours and a six.
Earlier, Guy Whittall (45) and Hamilton Masikadza (38) batted confidently in adding 71 for the second wicket after Gavin Rennie was caught behind off King for one.
But despite a fluent 50 off 83 balls, including eight boundaries, from Dirk Viljoen, the tourists looked in control.
Whittall was trapped in front by Neil McGarrell, while 17-year-old Masikadza showed great promise for the second time in the match before he was stumped by Jacobs off Ramnarine.
Viljoen and Sean Ervine frustrated the tourists for 45 minutes after lunch, but West Indies' patience was rewarded when Viljoen drove loosely at King and edged to Jacobs.
Captain Mluleki Nkala followed three balls later for a duck, leg-before-wicket.
Jacobs then picked up three more catches, Gary Brent (7) swinging wildly at Ramnarine, Ervine (25) trying a similar shot at Stuart and Colin Delport (4) undone by a perfect leg-spinner from Ramnarine.
New date for Georgetown Turf Club meeting
A NEW date has been set for the second horse racing meet staged by the Georgetown Turf Club at the Mocha Arcadia course.
The meet was postponed because of the inclement weather over the past four weeks. The weather now seems to be improving and the organisers have set the new date for the meet for July 22, a Sunday.
Eight races are carded for the day with three feature events for the B1 & Lower, the two-year-old maidens and the derby for five-year-olds.
Over $1.5 million in prize money will be at stake with 60 horses already registered to gallop for top honours.
20 shortlisted for hockey series
THREE sisters are among 20 female hockey players shortlisted to continue preparing for a Goodwill series involving Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago and Bermuda in August in the Twin Island Republic.
These players are the Sutherland sisters - Sonia, Carolyn and Urica, Thi Fernandes, Tricia Fiedktou, La Toya Fordyce, Michelle Moore, Amalya Clarke, Aisha Belgrave, Amande Lowe, Wendy Boodhoo, Sarah Sylvester, Esther Ward, Jessica Xavier, Melissa Rodrigues, Marisha Rodrigues, Rochelle Bell, Maria Atkinson and Yohance Alexander.
The squad went into training about a month ago with 35 players. The present number may be broken down to 16 if enough funds are not available to take all 20 players on the tour.
Training continues at the National Gymnasium because of the inclement weather.
Razzaq heads for Lord's
MIDDLESEX have pulled off a coup by signing Pakistan all-rounder Abdur Razzaq as their overseas player for the next two seasons.
The 21-year-old can bat anywhere in the top six, but opened the batting for the first time in Pakistan's victory over England at Old Trafford earlier this summer.
He is also a wicket-taking seam bowler, who took a hat-trick in a Test against Sri Lanka at Galle last year.
"He is a magnificent addition to our squad and the club are very excited at obtaining his
services for the next two years," said coach John Emburey.
Razzaq has so far scored 479 runs, with a best of 100 not out against England at Faisalabad last winter, and taken 26 wickets in 14 Testappearances.
He has been a regular in Pakistan's one-day side since his debut in 1996, with 1,419 runs
and 116 wickets in 84 matches, and played in the 1999 World Cup final at Lord's.
DOUBLE SIGNING
"Once I knew of their interest, Middlesex was the only place I wanted to go," Razzaq
commented. "The prospect of playing at Lord's for such a county as Middlesex is a dream come true."
He will be joined by left-hand batsman Sven Koenig, who has agreed a three-year contract with the county.
He was the leading batsman in South African domestic cricket during their 2000-01 season, with an average of over 63.
The Durban-born left-hander is eligible under European Union regulations because he has an Italian passport. (Extracted from BBC Sport).
Durham dethrone Cup kings
DURHAM demolished Gloucestershire's remarkable cup record with a three-run win in a nail-biting finish.
Gloucestershire had won the Trophy for the last two years and had not lost a match in a
one-day knockout tournament since 1998.
But an all-round display by Durham, who held their nerve at the death, ended Gloucestershire run and avenged their defeat in the B&H Cup defeat earlier in the season.
But 20-year-old spin bowler Graeme Bridge earned the man-of-the-match award with a
spell of 3-44 in his 10 overs.
Bridge only learned he was replacing injury victim Nicky Hatch at 10am yesterday morning.
And he made the most of the opportunity by snaring Kim Barnett, Jeremy Snape and Jack Russell.
A competition-best from Durham captain Jon Lewis ensured holders Gloucestershire were set a challenging 232 to continue their defence of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy beyond the fourth round.
DASHING START
The 31-year-old, whose previous highest score in 13 matches was 24 not out, made an unbeaten 65 in circumspect fashion, hitting just two fours in his 99-ball innings.
Youngsters Nicky Peng and Danny Law provided a dashing start, playing their shots in the early overs, the latter particularly savage on anything full. Law eventually fell to James Averis and in the next over Peng went in Mark Alleyne's first over of the day.
Australian Martin Love had looked in imperious form having hit Averis for consecutive boundaries, but he mistimed a drive to Matt Windows at cover in Mike Cawdron's first over.
Paul Collingwood continued the healthy rate of scoring in the first half of the innings with six fours in his 51-ball 38.
From 118 for four in the 24th over, Lewis and Michael Gough added 52 to consolidate the innings.
Averis knocked over the tail at the death to finish with four for 42 as Durham were dismissed for 232 in the final over. Dominic Hewson and Kim Barnett got Gloucestershire off to a solid start with an opening stand of 66. Matt Windows held the Gloucestershire innings together, striking three fours to score 56.
But the Durham bowlers took a stranglehold on the game as Gloucestershire lost six wickets for just 50 runs.
All-rounder Danny Law took 3-51, snaring Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne after he had scored just seven runs.
Gloucestershire were still in the hunt but their tail-end could not manage to squeeze out the winning runs from the last few overs. (Extracted from BBC Sport).
Thorpe boosts England as selectors mull captaincy
By Bill Barclay
LONDON, (Reuters) - England batsman Graham Thorpe is to see a specialist today optimistic that he is finally getting over the calf injury which has dogged him for six weeks.
Thorpe, who is hoping to be fit for the second Ashes Test against Australia which starts on July 19, was badly missed by England in their crushing defeat in the first Test at Edgbaston by an innings and 118 runs.
"The anti-inflammatory medication I'm taking seems to be working and the calf is feeling a lot freer than before," Thorpe said in his personal column on the Channel Four website.
"I will be seeing a specialist on Thursday and then I'll
know what my chances are of playing in the next test. "As things stand now, I know the problem has improved over the past few days - and that's the first time that has happened since I suffered the injury last month.
"The past six weeks have been doing my head in and I'm desperate to get back out there playing again. Every morning I wake up hoping the injury will feel better and finally that is starting to happen."
Thorpe is also a possible candidate for the England captaincy in the absence of Nasser Hussain, who has been ruled out for three weeks with a broken finger.
But having played so little cricket the selectors are unlikely to land the Surrey left-hander, who has captained England before, with the added burden of leading the team in the second Test at Lord’s.
Former captain Mike Atherton, 33, and fellow opener Marcus Trescothick, an ex-England Under-19 captain, are the leading
candidates, according to chairman of selectors David Graveney.
So far, only fast bowler Darren Gough has said he would like to lead the side at Lord's. Wicketkeeper and former captain Alec Stewart has ruled himself out of the running. A spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Wednesday a decision on the captaincy was not imminent but was expected later in the week.
The appointment could well be for more than one test because
Hussain, whose little finger was broken by a ball from Jason Gillespie on Sunday, is not certain to be fit for the third test starting on August 2.
The 25-year-old Trescothick, who has made a big impression in his 12 Tests so far, has been recommended for the job by former England coach David Lloyd and the Somerset batsman believes he is ready for another step up. "I am pretty sure I could handle the pressure," Trescothick told BBC radio. "But until such time as someone wants to talk about the situation with me, I'll just concentrate on my batting.
Flying Ace Mineral Water cycle race Sunday
THE Flying Ace Cycle Club of New Amsterdam will stage its annual 50-mile Mineral Water cycle road race on Sunday.
The race gets under way at Crabwood Creek and proceeds to Main and Chapel Streets, New Amsterdam, for the finish.
The race is open to all cyclists countrywide and among those expected to participate are Dwayne Gibbs, Tyrone Hamilton, Shaka Whyte and Berbicians Gregory Madray and Carl Outar.
Prizes will be awarded to the first six finishers, the first four juniors, first three veterans and first three upright wheelers.
Presentation of prizes will be made by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Berbice representatives.
Here, Berbice DDL manager Mark Chinapen (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Flying Ace coach Randolph Roberts.
