Jagdeo Initiative will ensure sustainable agriculture sector
The policies and programmes for the agriculture sector in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as set out in the Jagdeo Initiative, will ensure that the Region’s agriculture sector is given priority in order for it to become sustainable.

This was underscored by the Jamaica Minister for Agriculture and Land, the Honourable Roger Clarke as he addressed delegates attending a symposium on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Puerto Rico on Tuesday according to a press release from Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown.

The symposium is one feature of the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS).

The Minister informed that the Jagdeo Initiative, which is being spearheaded by lead CARICOM Head of Government for Agriculture, President Bharrat Jagdeo, recognised that there were several critical elements that must be understood if agriculture was to be sustained as a viable economic sector in the Community.

These critical elements are: agriculture is a business; agriculture is holistic, spanning the entire agri-product chain and with organic links to other productive sectors; the increasing importance of value-added food products and non-food products must be recognised; emphasis on national activities with sub-regional and regional activities included when they add value to national initiatives; the Initiative must build on existing actions to reduce duplication and be the Caribbean’s response to the mandates onto which countries have signed.

Minister Clarke stated that the Region attached a high level of importance to agriculture, adding that the Community’s agriculture policy was enshrined in the Revised Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

He pointed to Articles 56 and 57 of the Revised Treaty as articulating the Region’s agriculture/agri-business policy goals and strategic framework for policy implementation respectively.

“The mandates recognise, develop and establish the significant importance of agriculture in sustainable development in the Caribbean, and provide the framework within which agriculture must be repositioned,” said Minister Clarke.

The Jagdeo Initiative is a practical instrument to put in motion the Regional Transformation Programme on Agriculture (RIP) or its successor, the Caribbean Community Agriculture Policy.

The Initiative began in 2002 when President Jagdeo sought assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), in consultation with the CARICOM Secretariat for assistance in repositioning agriculture in the Region.

Following wider consultations, the first proposal outlining the Initiative’s vision, scope and focus and the process for its development was presented by President Jagdeo to The Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2004, which endorsed it.

Tents to house World Cup Cricket visitors
- Singh says 37, 000 expected
By Neil Marks
Thirty-seven thousand visitors are expected in Guyana for Cricket World Cup (CWC) early next year, but adequate accommodation continues to be a major challenge for the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The Committee is exploring the acquisition of tents to address this need.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LOC Mr. Karran Singh told reporters yesterday that a survey done by a United Kingdom firm has indicated the number of visitors expected in Guyana, but the total hotel rooms from the 30-odd hotels is a mere 1, 700.

However, he said the LOC is looking at attracting 5, 000 rooms from private citizens in the Bread and Breakfast initiative, for which the government has agreed to establish a manning secretariat.

Mr. Singh said facilities for the tented accommodation are being explored with the scouts’ association and Splasmin’s Fun Park and Resort.

He said the scouts could possible provide “:modest, cheap” accommodation for 3,400, while Splasmin’s could facilitate a similar number. Singh pointed out that the LOC would provide support towards this initiative.

He said the LOC had scaled down its Bread and Breakfast initiative because it was unable to manage the volume of applications received. However, he said this would change with the government agreeing to set up a secretariat to oversee this arrangement.

Hotels, guest houses and others that offer rooming facilities are in the process of constructing or upgrading their facilities, he stated.

He said a team from CWC recently visited, and was comfortable with Guyana’s arrangements for accommodating the thousands of visitors expected. He said the team was able to inspect three rooms prepared by Buddy’s, which is building a 250-room hotel adjacent to the Providence Stadium where the matches will be played.

TICKETS
Singh noted that the response by Guyanese to the application process for tickets has not been encouraging.

He said Guyanese might be sunk in the last-minute mentality, buying tickets too late and failing to understand that the application process is crucial if they are to see the matches here.

One person is eligible to apply for four tickets, but only two persons from one household can do so. In a situation where the demand for tickets outweighs the amount available, then a lottery system would be used.

He said many Guyanese too are caught up in the myth that the ticket prices are expensive, but he said this is not so. Tickets are available from US$25 or G$5, 000.

The application process for tickets ends on July 31. Singh is encouraging Guyanese to visit the LOC office on Middle Street, Georgetown, to enquire about the application process.

As regards seating accommodation, he said “arena” seats can be added at Providence. Further, he said if tickets are sold out and there are still those who want to see the games, the possibility of setting up “theme parks” is being considered.

In preparation for the event, some 5, 000 personnel in all sectors, “those who would have contact with people”, are being trained in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Singh stated. These would range from hotel workers to taxi drivers.

The LOC is looking at staging cultural shows before each game at the stadium and at Guyana’s participation in the March 11 opening ceremony in Jamaica.

One Guyanese gift shop, Calabash, has been named a Licensing and Merchandising agent for CWC 2007, and according to Singh, it has been encouraged to bring together small producers of art and craft.

“We want Guyanese people to know that we have their interest at heart,” Singh stated.

Canada to field Elections observers
The Government of Canada is the latest to commit to field elections observers in Guyana as preparations intensify for the holding of the 2006 Elections.

The Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, in a letter to the Government of Guyana, recently said “the Canadian High Commission to Guyana is pleased to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it will send observers for the 2006 elections in Guyana”.

The Canadian government is a part of the donor community which has provided the services of the Joint International Technical Assessors (JITA’s) for the elections. The JITA’s does continuous assessment of elections preparations.

Recently, the U.S. Government recommitted its support of the process.

“I reaffirm the U.S. commitment to support the elections process that GECOM is running. Steps are in place to ensure free and fair elections. All eligible and registered voters will be able to vote once. Domestic and international observers will be on the ground to verify this”. Out-going U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Roland Bullen made these comments at a recent occasion to observe the U.S. Independence Anniversary.

The CARICOM, Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS) will also be fielding electoral missions here, while the European Union has pledged finances for similar missions.

Four plead guilty to stealing power charges
Six persons were arrested and charged Saturday when the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Fraud Squad raided Block ‘C’ North Sophia.

They were heard in court on Monday and four of them pleaded ‘guilty’, according to Ms. Marjorie Chester, Public Relations Officer of GPL.

One person did not attend the hearing and the police are expected to take follow-up action.

The raid Saturday was part of GPL’s campaign to remove illegal connections from its networks. Those targeted were attached to the power distribution network in Lamaha Park. GPL found illegal wires dangerously routed through trenches and dense bushes, across grassy land, and through the Lamaha Conservancy on the way to Sophia.

Some were laid just beneath the ground across pathways, and others passed through residents’ backyards.

More than 400 illegal connections were cut down from the distribution network. The teams even found a quantity of GPL’s distribution cable, a quantity of which was stolen off the new network that was put up in Sophia last year under the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).

The fraud squad and the accompanying crews took away loads of various types of wire, especially telephone cable which, engineers have confirmed, does not have the capacity to power certain electrical appliance and equipment.

The head of the Fraud Squad described one situation as ‘hair- raising’. He related that he saw ‘a virtual fish net of criss-crossed wires inside the canal that people were actually swimming in’.

Chester also indicated that a number of residents of Sophia expressed gratitude to GPL for ridding their backyards and pathways of potential hazards to the health and well being of their families. Some said that they were afraid to walk through grassy areas, afraid to cut the grass in their backyards for fear of coming into contact with live wires.

The illegal connection raid in Block ‘C’ Sophia and Lamaha Park was part of a comprehensive, on-going strategy intended to reduce the prevalence of dangerous, unauthorised connections to the power distribution networks, Chester said.

It is intended to rid the networks of illegal connections that often interfere with the quality of power reaching its customers.

She also said the campaign is designed to minimize the company’s technical and commercial losses, while creating a safer environment

GPL is also appealing to the people living in areas like Sophia where new networks were recently constructed under the UAEP.

They are required to produce a valid identification, the original land title or transport, and the certificate of electrical inspection.

They are also required to pay a capital contribution of $10,000 (this can be paid in 3 instalments) as well as a refundable security deposit of $5,000.

The company has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards persons who attach illegal wires to its network, and will vigorously pursue prosecution of all perpetrators, Chester warned.

Outgoing U.S. envoy calls on Speaker
OUTGOING United States Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Roland Bullen yesterday continued his farewell rounds when he paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Ralph Ramkarran in his Public Buildings Chambers, Avenue of the Republic.

Bullen told members of the media that yesterday’s meeting presented an opportunity for the two, who have always shared an excellent working relationship, to reminisce on the accomplishments of the past three years.

Commenting on his time spent in Guyana, Bullen said it contributed to the advancement of bilateral relations between the two countries in many key areas.

Bullen disclosed that he will be departing these shores this weekend and Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Michael Thomas will be acting as Charge d’Affairs until the new Ambassador arrives in mid August.

Mr. Ramkarran said that through relations with the United States, the National Assembly was able to improve its facilities and deliver a better service to the Guyanese people.

GPSU hosts another health awareness workshop
The GUYANA Public Service Union (GPSU) yesterday conducted its second one-day workshop on awareness and communication, with the focus on adult health issues.

The objective of the one-day workshop, at the union’s headquarters on Regent Road and New Garden Street, Georgetown, was to educate and create, in Public Service workers and their extended families, behavioural changes to improve their quality of life and work.

Dr. Ovid Isaacs, of the American International University, South America School of Medicine (AISM), yesterday spoke about cancer of the breast in both men and women.

He urged the women in his audience to have a medical check every month, to get friendly with their breasts and pay special attention to the nipples and their discharge.

Dr. Isaacs also elaborated on breast cancer in both men and women, and on self-examination techniques for detecting the disease.

Dr. Isaacs dealt too with prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction in men, cardiovascular disease, alcohol and HIV/AIDS.

IAC condemns terrorist bombings in India
THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) yesterday condemned the terrorist attacks on trains in Mumbai, India, which killed 140 persons and wounded others on Tuesday last.

“The IAC condemns all such acts of terrorism which result in the deaths of and injuries to innocent civilians anywhere on the planet, and in the destruction of public and private property,” the committee said in a press release.

The IAC sent its condolences to the Government and People of India and especially to the families of those who were murdered.

The survivors, who suffered physically and mentally, were wished a speedy recovery by the IAC.

It further called on the Indian Government to use its intelligence and law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice speedily.

President sends condolence message to India
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday sent a message of condolence to the Government and people of India following the bombings that killed nearly 200 people and injured hundreds of others in Mumbai on Tuesday.

On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, the Head of State extended sympathies to the families of those who perished and expressed the hope that normalcy will soon return to the lives of those affected.

President Jagdeo also condemned the “devious act” and hoped that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“This dastardly act has reinforced the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to combat terrorism and to bring to justice the perpetrators of such crimes that strike at the heart of humanity,” the message stated.

It concluded:“The Government of Guyana stands with the Government of India in forcibly condemning such criminal extremism.”

Bloated body of epileptic man retrieved
THE bloated body of 45-year-old epileptic, Jaikarran Singh, was fished out of a trench, a short distance from his home at Reliance, on Essequibo Coast, yesterday morning.

The discovery was made by villagers and Police have begun investigations into the surrounding circumstances.

Shivanie Singh, a daughter of the unemployed deceased, said he had not been at home all day Tuesday.

She cried as the corpse was being retrieved for conveyance to Sandy’s Funeral Parlour at Onderneeming, also on Essequibo Coast.

ACDA preparing for Emancipation celebrations in Essequibo
THE Essequibo Coast branch of ACDA (African Cultural and Development Association) has started preparations for Emancipation Day celebrations in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

An announcement from the Henrietta headquarters said the programme includes a grand candlelight parade from Damon Cross at La Belle Alliance to Damon Square at Anna Regina, starting at 20:30 h on July 31.

A libation ceremony and a cultural show will also take place the same night, to be followed with a 09:00 h August 1 religious service at the Henrietta location and a cultural extravaganza that afternoon.

The last activity in the series is an August 11 road race from Damon Cross to Damon Square.

INTERVIEW
ALANA ERNEST, Miss Guyana, talks to Miss Universe
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
My interests are many. Indoor and outdoor activities fascinate me. Cooking is one of my most enjoyed pastimes. Reading gives me great pleasure. When I am outdoor I partake in a good game of basketball or swim in my favourite creek.

Name one person other than your parents who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
Oprah Winfrey. Her life achievements are an inspiration. She represents success under pressure.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
My career ambition is to become a professional registered nurse and further my studies in medicine. I am currently studying at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised in Mahdia (the native Amerindian word for "Crab Wood"), a small village amidst the rainforest of Guyana approximately 200 miles from the commercial centre of Georgetown. Mahdia is nestled at the bottom of two of Guyana's spectacular mountain ranges, the Konawaruk and Ebini Ranges. Their peaks - the Mahdianna, The Eagle, The Flateras and the Toucan - are usually blanketed by mist where myriads of colours from the sun and the sounds of birds and other exotic creatures of the rainforest are a natural part of the awakening. This small village's economy is based on gold and diamond mining and logging. The commercial centre is usually busy with miners and loggers who come out for supplies and entertainment daily. My childhood was a simple one - as simple and uncomplicated as the village itself. My childhood activities included nature explorations such as forest rendezvous and frequent dips in the creeks and meandering streams. There were also constant visits to the mining areas to steal glimpses of miners at work.

What makes you unique and different from the other contestants?
I possess the uncanny ability to read and write upside down (opposite directions, reverse direction).

U.S. PEPFAR Initiatives in Guyana
By U.S. Ambassador Roland W. Bullen
In my term as the U.S. Ambassador to Guyana I have had the privilege of leading President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Guyana. PEPFAR’s multi-faceted approach to combating the disease, not only in Guyana but also globally is key to mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS and supporting those in need. The successes of this programme have truly impacted a wide cross-section of Guyanese society.

The staff of the U.S. Mission in Guyana works closely with partners and friends to implement Guyana’s visions for fighting HIV/AIDS. Six U.S. government agencies, along with our implementing partners Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention (GHARP), Francois Xavier Bagnoud (FXB), and Catholic Relief Services AIDS Relief (CRS), bring specialized expertise to positively impact health sectors within Guyana with a focus on the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS. These agencies and partners work in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Line Ministries, civil society, and the private sector. For obvious reasons our major partner has been the Ministry of Health and various departments therein. Thus, through PEPFAR, we remain committed to working with the National Strategies. This coordinated approach supports what is referred to as the Three Ones: One national strategy, one national coordinating mechanism and one monitoring and evaluating system.

A look at any of the PEPFAR partnerships demonstrates the positive impact of PEPFAR in Guyana. Since my arrival in 2003, these partnerships have increased and now involve groups from various parts of the country and all segments of society. These partnerships focus on treatment, care and education.

Knowing one’s HIV status is crucial. Almost 29,000 persons have received counseling and testing for HIV under the PEPFAR programme. Since October 2005, 4,600 pregnant women have received HIV counseling and testing and received test results as part of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme.

I am proud of the strides made to end stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS in Guyana through the PEPFAR programme. It was not so long ago that people believed that HIV could be contracted through a hug or a handshake. Through Public/Private partnerships with various local and international NGOs, education has increased, and people understand that the stigma once associated with HIV was misguided, and frankly, has no place in society. We are in the words of the good book "our brothers and sisters keeper."

U.S.-supported outreach programmes have informed participants about how HIV is contracted and the importance of receiving counseling and testing. The outreach programmes also let people know that there is treatment available if one is HIV positive. Since October 2005, over 35,000 participants have learned that abstinence and/or being faithful to one partner are two ways to protect oneself from contracting HIV.

Safe blood is an important part of any health system. Since 2003, through PEPFAR funding, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has been able to increase staff and ensure consistent supplies of life-saving equipment. The facilities now exist to not only test for HIV antibodies in blood, but to detect other infectious diseases such as syphilis and viral hepatitis. This is one step to help ensure safe blood for all Guyanese. In 2005, with PEPFAR funding, the NBTS began to upgrade facilities in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. In addition to upgrading blood transfusion facilities, this funding is used to provide training and education programmes, which continue today, for health professionals, health care providers and the public. By ensuring safe blood, we help to ensure that one of the methods of HIV transmission is stymied.

I believe that the numbers speak for themselves; the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has decreased; more people are being counseled and tested; and more people who are HIV positive are receiving life-changing treatment. What was once a death sentence is now treated as a manageable disease.

Through all of the successes, there have been challenges. A major challenge has been the need for human capacity and health care infrastructure that can provide patients with quality care. All of the AIDS drugs in the world are of no use, if they don’t consistently reach the patient.

In light of this, another strong partnership between PEPFAR and the MOH was to develop a partnership for Supply Chain Management. The programme is making significant strides because of the deep dedication of all stakeholders. The initiative aims at ensuring a healthy, robust, lifeline of continuous drugs and supplies that are safe, secure, reliable and sustainable.

PEPFAR was developed as a five-year, US$15 billion catalytic programme, intended to demonstrate that in partnerships with host nations, effective programmes for prevention, treatment and care are possible. In the last three years alone, the United States has dedicated over $45 million to the Guyana National response. 

Every day the U.S. and its partners are learning new best practices that are benefiting the entire world in the battle against HIV/AIDS. The U.S. will continue to use these lessons to guide us as we work in our partner nations to address the ongoing emergency, while simultaneously building capacity for sustainability. The key to sustainability is growth in the capacity of nations to lead and implement responses – which is clearly the focus of PEPFAR support.

Host nations are still in our infancy regarding fully sustainable programmes – and thus it is unrealistic to expect that the U.S. will be in a position to walk away in 2008. Continued U.S. resources will be necessary, but we will continue to focus these resources on support for locally-owned resources that Guyana can sustain in the future.

As I depart Guyana, I will take with me memories of the thousands of persons who dedicate their time and efforts to mitigating the effects of HIV/AIDS and supporting those in need. Their commitment and dedication have inspired me over the last years. I reaffirm the U.S. commitment to continue to support the people of Guyana in their efforts to prevent new infections and provide quality care and treatment to those Guyanese living with HIV and AIDS.

Assistance for security guard’s widow
Rehanna Haywood, the widow of the late Curtis Robertson, the security guard who was assassinated along with acting Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh on April 22 last, received a cheque yesterday following an appeal in the press.

Managing Director of Giddings Payday Pawn Shop, Paul Giddings, and his daughter, Jahteah Giddings, handed over the cheque to the guard’s widow, Rehanna Haywood.

Mr. Giddings told reporters that his daughter who lives overseas was browsing the internet when she came across the story and she was so touched by it she wanted to help.

He said she immediately telephoned him on April 30 and asked him to adopt one of the boys, but he told her it would be unfair to take one and leave the others.

They decided to support them by donating a substantial amount of money over a period of six months, running up to Christmas.

Mr. Giddings assured Haywood that her sons will be well taken care of for Christmas this year, and he urged other businessmen to assist the single parent and her children.

The businessman added that he is very concerned that the security guard was slain in the line of duty.

Curtis Robertson was on duty at Minister Sawh’s residence at 61-62 Earl’s Court, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara, when he was shot and killed.

Robertson, 37, of Lot 59 Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, was employed by Strategic Action Security for the past 10 years.

He was the father of seven children, ages one to 13.

Caribbean maps framework for tackling Alien Invasive Species
IF all goes well, Alien Invasive Species (IAS) such as the Hibiscus Mealy bug which destroyed, among others, okra crops in some CARICOM member states could well be a thing of the past in the Caribbean.

This could be the case as the Caribbean has mapped a policy framework for tackling IAS with the development of the Caribbean Regional Invasive Species Intervention Strategy (CRISIS) and the establishment of the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA), a release from the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, said yesterday.

The former is a framework for enhanced cooperation and effective actions to safeguard agriculture, fisheries, human health and natural resources against the threats posed by IAS, while the latter is an institutional framework for facilitating enhanced cooperation and effective actions to develop and strengthen national and regional agricultural (animal and plant health) and food safety systems in the context of trade facilitation.

News of this was delivered by Ms. Margaret Kalloo of the CARICOM Secretariat during a presentation at the 42nd annual general meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS).

The release added that during the presentation, she focused on CAHSFA and described it as being of great importance to the Region, given that the proposed agency with its broad mandate must play an integral role in strengthening National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Systems (NAHFS.)

She stressed that notwithstanding its pivotal role in safeguarding against the entry of invasive species into the Region, CAHFSA had some challenges which included funding, legislative and regulatory problems.

“The legal framework for the establishment of CAHFSA does not include provisions for enforcement authority.

This may appear as a major hurdle to execution of an IAS strategy, but given the process of decision-making and the provisions of the Treaty and CAHFSA for conflict resolution and other persuasive mechanisms for resolution within the Community, this may not necessarily be the critical constraint to execution,” Ms. Kalloo said.

Ms. Kalloo said, however, that at least one legislative initiative was being dealt with within the Community structure at the level of the Legal Affairs Committee.

NARI’s new role
The National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) is about to launch an important project that relates to food security.

Pushed from the spotlight by other topical issues seemingly of more immediate concern, among these being national elections and political manoeuverings and an uneasy peace, this project has been relegated to a low profile by both the print and electronic media.

However, a close look at the significance of the project and its objectives puts it in its true perspective, an initiative that is truly important.

The days when NARI was looked upon merely as ‘the agriculture station’, providing ducks and sheep to farmers, are no longer here. The institute has now moved to national involvement.

Over the past few years, NARI has been motivating farmers countrywide to introduce scientific farming techniques on their holdings, to improve both the quality of their produce and their yields.

“Wanton fertiliser usage is of the past. We need to apply what the plants want.” This from Dr. David Frederick, a NARI Senior Research Scientist.

The pilot project will focus on farming in Regions Two and Three, and aims at exploiting the physical and chemical properties of soils.

The project is being funded by the Poor Rural Community Support Service Project, and is being executed by NARI.

In recognition of the importance of sustainable soil usage to food security and environmental protection, the technique facilitates the transfer of improved technology for the preservation of soil fertility and optimising crop yields, according to NARI.

The importance of the agriculture sector to national development cannot be overstated.

The world is becoming more and more interested in organic food, and Guyana, with its comparatively extensive land space, is perceived as the potential food basket of the Caribbean.

This objective, though elusive, is not unattainable.

Our food-producing communities have recently taken quite a beating from flooding.

But our farmers are resilient.

We feel sure that, offered the opportunity, they will accept the rewarding challenge to produce enough to feed ourselves, the Caribbean, and perhaps others farther afield.

Man charged with Sunday night soldier murder remanded
POLICE have charged a man for the murder, last Sunday night, of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Compton Anthony Haynes (Jnr), on the Georgetown seawall in the vicinity of Sheriff Street.

The accused, Orrette West, 19, of Lot ‘J’ Tucville, East La Penitence, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday and was remanded to prison until August 17, when he will make his next appearance in another Court, to which the case has been transferred.

The 22-year-old victim, of Lot 10 Gordon Street, Kitty, also in the city, was fatally stabbed and two other GDF soldiers, Lance Corporal Corwin Arthur and Andrae Haynes were injured in the same incident.

Police reports said the uniformed men were relaxing at the crime scene about 23:55 h when an argument developed between Andrae Haynes and the alleged killer and the others intervened, resulting in a fight that ended tragically.

Robbery defendant refused, bail granted in burglary case
THIRTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Troy Smith, of Lot 108 Thomas Street, Kitty, was yesterday refused bail on a robbery with violence charge before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

The defendant was remanded to prison and his case was transferred to another Court for August 21.

Smith pleaded not guilty to the offence, particulars of which said, last July 8, in Georgetown, he robbed Aretha Chase of one pair gold earrings, one gold chain and one cellular phone, all valued $65, 500 and, at the time or immediately before or after, used personal violence on the victim.

But the defendant in a burglary case, Andre Samuels, 23, of Lot 252 Newtown, was allowed pre-trial freedom on a $75,000 bond until August 24.

In the same Court, Samuels changed his guilty plea and denied breaking and entering the office of Om Prakash Shivrak known as ‘Buddy’, last July 9 and stealing $189,767.

Police Inspector Maxine Graham, prosecuting, said Samuels had been employed as a ‘floor man’ at Buddy’s Pool Hall, on Sheriff Street, also in the city, when he committed the offence about 01:30 h.

Fiery accident car driver on causing death charge
WARREN Braithwaite, 27, of Lot 10 ‘B’ Tucville, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the fiery fatal accident on Agricola Public Road last Sunday.

Particulars of the July 9 offence said the defendant, who pleaded not guilty, drove PGG 2020 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the demise of Keith Giddings.

Giddings, 39, of Lot 234 Lamaha Park, also in the city, was riding a motorbike while Braithwaite was the driver of a motor car which were involved in a collision on the western carriageway of the new four lane road and, on impact, the two vehicles burst into flames, Police said.

The case will be called again on September 27.

Gibson habeas-corpus writ hearing tomorrow
THE hearing of an application by Elizabeth Gibson for a writ of habeas corpus in relation to her son, ex soldier James Gibson, who it is alleged has been illegally detained, is fixed for hearing tomorrow at the Demerara High Court, before Justice B.S. Roy.

When the matter came up for hearing on Monday, Counsel from the Attorney General’s Chambers Miss Martina Bacchus appeared for three of the Respondents – The Attorney General of Guyana, Director of Prisons and Director of Public Prosecutions.

Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Anil Nandlall appeared for the Number 2 Respondent, Magistrate Geeta Chandan.

Attorney-at-law Mr. Basil Williams, for the applicant, claimed that his client was being treated like a political prisoner and indicated that Gibson, who had exhibited bail in the sum of $450.000 for an alleged offence in 2003, was nevertheless remanded to prison.

The applicant is saying that her son’s fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under sections 40, 139 and 144 of the Constitution of Guyana have been and are likely to be contravened. As a consequence the Court has been asked to grant the following orders.

* A declaration that Magistrate Geeta Chandan of the Berbice Magisterial District is part of the Judicial arm of the State of Guyana.

* A declaration that the Magistrate’s remanding of James Gibson to jail on the 14th June, 2006, the 19th June, 2006, and the 26th June 2006 whilst he is on bail in the sum of $450, 000 is excessive, arbitrary, and oppressive, resulting in a breach of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by Articles 40, 139 and 144 of the Constitution.

* A declaration that the Magistrate’s remanding of James Gibson to jail on the ground that he was being detained on an arrest warrant purportedly issued by Magistrate Chandra Sohan on the 18th August 2003 when the charges against him on case jackets numbers 153/154 Police –v- James Gibson were already removed into the High Court by Order Nisi of Certiorari of 27th June , 2003, granted by Mr. Justice Jainarayan Singh, was excessive , arbitrary, unreasonable and oppressive, resulting in breach of his fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by Articles 40, 139, and 144 of the Constitution.

* A declaration that as a result of the above-named violation of James Gibson to jail on the ground of an arrest warrant purportedly issued by Magistrate Chandra Sohan was a breach of his fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by articles 40, 139 and 144 of the Constitution.

* An order of a Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Subjiciendum directing that James Gibson be released from such prison in Guyana forthwith.

* Damages in excess of $50, 000. 00 for breach of James Gibson’s fundamental rights.

James Gibson was one of two wanted former members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) flushed out of a house in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, early in June and detained in connection with the missing AK-47 rifles from the Army. He was passed through the Blairmont’s Magistrate’s Court on a 2003 charge of being in possession of arms and ammunition..

Gibson was taken to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on June 14 to answer the charge in relation to the offence allegedly committed at Rosignol on October 21, 2002, and the case was transferred to Blairmont.

Magistrate Geeta Chandan, before whom he appeared, remanded him to custody, pending a police report on the 2003 charges. (George Barclay)

Serial gang-rapists will have to shoot a nation
We were shocked to hear on the Prime News on Monday July 10 that alleged serial gang-rapists have threatened journalists and anyone coming forward – of course including their victims. It is shameful that we have reached a stage in our country where young men accused of heinous crimes can so brazenly threaten a nation! One does not have to look very far for criminal character or to see how this lot could bully, gang-rape and then turn around and torment their victims with the pornography.

We the undersigned fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, Guyanese citizens of all races, age groups and economic backgrounds hereby raise the voice of our nation. We stand up in support of the young girls and women victims. We call on the Government and Police for an immediate and effective investigation, measures that assure identity protection for the victims, adequate counseling and a safe environment for them to come forward.

It is illogical to expect the victims to stroll over to the Police, especially given the climate of threats. We believe Mr. Greene has enough material to start an immediate investigation. For example, Section 350 of the CLO Act outlaws selling, publishing or exhibiting an obscene matter. Justice not excuses, please!

Signed:
S. Mangal
J. Bulkan
Dr. R. Thomas
S. Ousman
P. Stuart
S. Tokohoro
S. Mahadeo
M. Hernandez
Dr. D. Singh
A. Arjoon
A. Roopsind
D. Albert
R. Albert
A. Williams
N. Singh
O. Van Lange
B. Quail
J. Singh
S. Azaire
M. Forde
A. James
I. James
D. Khan
M. Wong

C. Brown
A. Cummings
L. Brown-Webster
S. Persaud
C. Wong
R. Poonai
M. Cheong
P. Jardine
B. Bacchus
N. Bacchus
M. Van Sluytman
A. Forde
S. Chanderpal
S.H. Chanderpal
L. Sobean
D. Khan
S. Pooran
T. Pooran
S. Greene
F. Robinson
J. Ranfel
M. Lallmon
S. Thomas
A. Johnson
L. Fraser
N. Campus
R. Persaud
I. Chacon
D. Rampersaud
J. Anderson
A. Anderson
G. Ragubeer
L. Samaroo
D. Khan
D. Narine
W. Matthews
B. Samaroo
G. Samaroo
M. Rodrigues
D. Edwards
D.U. Edwards
B. Goppy
W. Roopchand
P. Bess
W. Maraj
C. Bobb
H. Alphonso
R. Daniels

H. Edwards
F. Mars
K. Romansindo
P. King
E. Yaw
E. Sills
D. Singh
C. Singh
C. Alphonso
J. Austin
B. Kissoon
P. A. Thorne
J. McDonald
F. Wali
W. Thomas
R. Henry
A. Mohase-Henry
M. Ramrattan
S. Singh
A.R. Cummings
R. Arjoon
E. Tyrell-Langevine
R. Bollers
K. Fredericks

Globalisation is here to stay
I AM writing about a group of people who have nothing better to do than talk and write about issues that are remotely related to the social and economic problems in Guyana. 

It’s all foolishness, of course, but these people have the audacity to invite the public to listen to them.

I’m referring to the letter from Randy Persaud, and the likely forum on “globalisation and distorted development”.  The writing is clumsy and lacks direction and then when I reached the end of the letter, I had to ask myself, “So what?”. 

Well, let me try to salvage what I could from the letter, and the first place to start is Randy’s anti-globalisation bias.  He writes: “The underclass has actually expanded since the mid nineteen eighties, and this, in my view, is directly due to globalisation.”  That’s very shaky ground to be standing on.

Whichever way you want to define “underclass”, we know these people when we see them: They are situated at the very bottom of the social bee hive and they have been systematically excluded from participation in economic life. 

The underclass long predate globalisation and exists in lands that hardly fit the labels capitalist, free-market, and market civilisation.  Even the closed communist countries in Eastern Europe had their spreading underclass, long before the mid-1980s.

Now, I do sympathise with Randy that “working poor” is a more accurate label than “underclass” in poor countries such as Guyana.

But to claim that Guyana’s economic plight, it's growing working poor, is directly the result of globalisation, is disingenuous or plain ignorant. Randy’s not saying that, to be sure, but I could just imagine a few speakers at the forum ranting aimlessly against free markets. 

I would kindly ask good countryman Randy to call off that forum but use his energies and intellect for better use.

And so I’m proposing to him the following: organise a forum on how Guyana may take advantage of globalisation to attract foreign investment, grow the economy and create jobs for its high school, college, and university graduates. Globalisation, love it or hate, is here to stay, and brings both threats and opportunities.  The papers for that alternative forum should focus more on the latter.

I would be happy to attend
T. YHIP

Our hair and nails grow, too
I refer to the article ‘Completely illogical’, July 11, 2006 by R.N. It is clear that this person misunderstood the information in the article. This was a research done by qualified persons and as he/she rightfully said he/she is not a scientist or doctor so why criticise.

Circumcision is the simplest of surgical procedures and is very economical as a preventative measure which is recommended by the researchers. Would it have been better if they recommended a high-priced cocktail containing foreign chemicals to your body?

Rather than trying to comprehend the findings of the researchers of well-developed nations, he/she quickly advocated his/her own opinions on grounds of his/her incompetence.

This individual further went on to say it was all part of nature for the genitals to have the foreskin- quite true. It is also natural for our hair and nails to grow- why then do we trim/shave our hair or cut our nails? Maybe we should use his/her ‘common sense’ to figure out what to do.
Narandra Lochan

Getting out of ‘Neverland’
Guyana seems to have trouble getting out of Neverland. 

In this land the right questions are never asked, answers given, nor lessons learnt. Why couldn't the round up of the small criminals take place long ago?

After well publicised numbers of arrests, how many are actually charged?  Where is the evidence that Mr. Felix has solved any of the major crimes or actually smashed the so called drug lords whoever "they" are?  

Why is the finger pointed at the civilian officials when all reports seem to say that Roger Khan was dealing with the police and foreign officials? Who stopped Mr. Felix from investigating government involvement, if any, in wrong doing?

Guyanese should demand an outside investigation of Mr. Khan and his activities with all parties identified, so we could learn the full story instead of listening to rumours.

Finally, when will businesses and individuals learn that the best security requires secrecy and planning on how to avoid being totally taken by surprise with their assets conveniently placed to be stolen? 

Just curious. Are the five guards taken by surprise in a recent robbery still working as security?
Augustus

Guyana, USA emerge as Under-19 rugby pool winners
By Isaiah Chappelle
GUYANA and the United States of America (USA) emerged winners of their respective pools in yesterday’s fixtures of the GT&T Tropical Rhythm Under-19 Rugby World Cup qualifying series at the National Park.

The hosts and Trinidad & Tobago played to an exciting 0-0 draw, the score line belying the intensity of the competition, while the USA beat Jamaica 45-3.

Guyana and the USA will next clash on Saturday for a place in the finals of the Under-19 Rugby World Cup to be staged in Belfast, Ireland, next April.

The final day of play will begin with third-placers Barbados and the Cayman Islands meeting at 13:00 h, followed by second-placers Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago facing off at 14:30 h.

Guyana fought hard and the ball was mostly in Trinidad & Tobago’s half, despite being at the receiving end for most of the whistle.

The visitors, awarded a penalty as early as the second minute of play, chose to kick from 18 metres but it was no good.

Three minutes later, full back Satesh Samaroo got the ball from the 22-metre line, raced down the left wing, passed to winger Rayon Seales, but the referee deemed the move a forward pass.

However, Guyana were guilty of getting into the ruck late and T&T gained possession only to lose again. One good break by the locals came just past half hour of play, when outside centre Dane Parks and winger Seon Edwards kicked the ball forward on the run reaching the 22-metre in T&T half, only to have the whistle against them.

Parks displayed tremendous grit, playing with an injured leg, limping along. He was not one of the two substitutes.

Close to the final whistle, T&T’s Joshua Pascal was banished to the sin bin, but Guyana did not enjoy the advantage in numbers for long, with captain Randel Keiler being flashed a surprising yellow card, too.

Both Guyana and T&T beat Barbados to tie on five points, but the hosts’ victory was 27-0 and T&T’s 17-0; Guyana claimed the top spot of the pool.

Earlier, the USA downed seven tries, scored two penalty kicks and two conversions, while Jamaica made good one penalty kick amidst protest from the bench of unfair refereeing.

The USA were awarded a penalty within three minutes of play and Nate Ebner made good from 20 metres out. Robert Wolfgramm followed that with a try in the tenth minute, lunging through a small opening after a scrum from five metres out.

Five minutes later, Jamaica were awarded a penalty and Smithan Tapper made good the kick for their three points. But shortly after, USA gained another penalty and Ebner again was accurate.

Zack Test got the second try for the USA, a controversial one. A series of play took the team to about two metres away from the line, Jamaica stole the ball but the player lost possession and surprisingly, the referee blew for a try.

Ebner, however, finished a nice piece of passing to the right from the centre and he downed the ball close to the flag. The USA led 23-3 at halftime.

The second half produced four tries, the first coming about 12 minutes after the resumption, when Hamesh Roberts collected the ball at the left, about five metres away from the try line and raced forward to score. After another five minutes, Shawn Pike completed a build-up consisting of a series of rucks.

A beautiful piece of passing on the run along the right wing was nicely completed with Simon Kinet racing from ten metres out for the try, after 20 minutes.

Jamaica interrupted the run with a penalty but their kick was no good, and after about half hour in the half, they lost two players -- to the sin bin -- who came off spitting foul language.

The USA wrapped up victory with a nice finish. From a ruck close to the line, Lopeti Wolfgramm collected a right pass and raced forward to down the ball. Ebner made good his second conversion.

With that victory, the USA ended with six points to top the pool, Jamaica ended with four, and the Cayman Islands two.

CAC team off to Junior championship
GUYANA’S athletics team departed for the Central America & Caribbean (CAC) Junior Championship to be staged in Trinidad & Tobago from tomorrow to Tuesday next.

Coach Raymond Daw said the ten-man team was large in terms of Guyana’s participation.

He said he was not totally satisfied with the preparation which was affected in a major way by the weather.

“We had to resort to the road and tarmac of the National Park for training.”

Daw, however, said he was confident that top distance runner Alika Morgan, sprinters Rondel Adams and Monica Roberts should medal.

Six athletes left here, Morgan and USA-based sprinter Dax Danns joining the touring party in the host country.

Morgan will compete in the 1500 m and 3 000 m and Danns in the 100 m and 200 m.

Distance runner Dennis Horatio will compete in the 5 000 m and 10 000 m events, sprinter Rondel Adams will run in the 400 m, and middle distance Ryan De Peazer in the 800 m, 1500 m.

Field competitor Shenelley Bowen will throw the Shot Put, Javelin and Discus, sprinter Monica Roberts will compete in the 400 m and middle distance runner Carlissa Atkinson in the 800 m and 1200 m.

Amanda Hermonstine is the manager.

Carew not interested in continuing as Windies selector
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, (CMC) - West Indies selector Joe Carew has declared that he is no longer planning to continue in that job.

Trinidad and Tobago's Carew, the convenor of selectors on the last panel, submitted to his local authorities that he is pulling out of contention for the panel.

"Joey Carew has notified the president of the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), Deryck Murray, that he is withdrawing his nomination for the post of West Indies selector for the upcoming term," the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced in a press release yesterday morning.

The West Indies selection panel's two-year term ended last month -- June 30 -- and a new panel is to be installed at a WICB meeting in Barbados today.

The TTCB had nominated Carew for the next term, but he indicated that after careful consideration he has decided to withdraw.

Carew has been involved with West Indies cricket for the past 25 years, having previously represented the West Indies as a player and served as a selector of both the Trinidad & Tobago and the West Indies teams.

He played 19 Test matches and was vice-captain of the West Indies team at home in 1971-72.

Carew has been West Indies selector during the periods 1977-1979, 1985-1987 and 1998 to this year June.

The selection of the West Indies team has taken the spotlight recently after pronouncements by team captain Brian Lara during the home series against India.

Lara asked for different bowlers during the recent Test series defeat (0-1) at home to India, but was not granted his wish.

Former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts is among three new candidates for the selection panel -- the others are fellow Leeward Islander Derick Parry of Nevis and Dominican Lockhart Sebastien.

They are expected to join the incumbent Gordon Greenidge and Clyde Butts as contenders on a panel to serve for the next two years.

Guyana emerge as biggest Caribbean movers in new system…
T&T new No.1 among major changes in CFU rankings
ZURICH, Switzerland, (CMC) - FIFA World Cup participants Trinidad and Tobago are the new Caribbean Football Union (CFU) number one team amidst major positional changes in the latest ratings released yesterday.

World governing body FIFA has implemented significant revisions in its rankings procedure and while T&T's Soca Warriors have displaced Jamaica at the top, Barbados and Grenada have tumbled out of the CFU's top-10, making room for Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.

FIFA's new system places more weight on certain international matches and one other important change to the calculation of the ranking is that it will no longer take into account the last eight years of results but only the last four.

On their World Cup Finals debut, Trinidad and Tobago lost to England and Paraguay after holding world top-25 Sweden to a draw, and they dropped 17 places down FIFA's world list to No.64.

But Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, who have led the CFU ratings for the past few years, plunged a whopping 32 places down.

The Jamaicans, who lost heavily to England (0-6) and Ghana (1-4) in two World Cup warm-up matches in the past month, are now rated 78th, down from 46th in the last ratings in May.

Cuba retain third in the CFU although they fell 16 places down to 96th.

There is no other Caribbean team in FIFA's top-100.

Guyana emerged from the new system as the biggest Caribbean movers, hiking 31 places up to 131st on the world list, making them No.7 in the CFU.

Antigua and Barbuda also enjoyed a huge ratings boost - moving from 160 - 15 places to 145th and ninth on the CFU's list.

Barbados, who were fifth in May's CFU rakings, slid 33 places down to 152nd in the world and they are now 11th in the CFU, and Grenada, who also lost their regional top-10 spot, are now No.159 in the world - down four places - and 12th in the CFU.

In the CFU's new-look top-10, St Lucia are up from sixth to No.4 after climbing 16 places up to 115th on FIFA's list, and Haiti are now No.5 after slipping 17 places on FIFA's table to 123rd.

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) are No.6 in the CFU with a world rating of 129, and the CFU's top-10 is completed by Guyana at seventh, St Kitts and Nevis at No.8, Antigua and Barbuda, and Suriname, who retain 10th spot with an eight-place climb up FIFA's list to No.150.

CONCACAF (Confederation for North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) giants USA and Mexico were unable to make the top frame at the World Cup Finals in Germany and suffered significant slips on the world list.

Mexico dropped from fourth to 18th and the USA dipped to 16th, down 11 places.

Third in the CONCACAF rankings behind Mexico and the USA are Honduras at 38th in the world, followed by Costa Rica (45th), Guatemala (53rd), Canada (54th), and Panama (59th), with Trinidad and Tobago being CONCACAF's seventh-ranked team and Jamaica at No.8.

Dethroned world champions Brazil keep their No.1 rating, ahead of new world champions Italy, who climb 11 places up the ratings following their fourth capture of the World Cup.

Argentina are rated third, followed by beaten World Cup finalists France, then England at No.5.

CFU Rankings - May 2006 (world rating in bracket):

1. Trinidad & Tobago (64)

2. Jamaica (78)

3. Cuba (96)

4. St Lucia (115)

5. Haiti (123)

6. St Vincent & the Grenadines (129)

7. Guyana (131)

8. St Kitts & Nevis (136)

9. Antigua & Barbuda (145)

10. Suriname (150)

11. Barbados (152)

12. Grenada (159)

13. Bermuda (160)

14. British Virgin Islands (168)

15. Cayman Islands (175)

16. Netherlands Antilles (176)

17. Dominica (183)

18. Dominican Republic (186)

19. Puerto Rico (190)

20. Bahamas (193)

21. Aruba (196)

21. US Virgin Islands (196)

21. Montserrat (196)

21. Turks & Caicos Islands

Crowe attacks ICC over 'chucking'
NEW Zealand great Martin Crowe has attacked the International Cricket Council (ICC) for being too lenient on bowlers with suspect actions.

The ICC introduced a new law two years ago allowing a 15 degree straightening margin into bowlers' actions.

"If by the naked eye a bowler is clearly chucking, he should be chucked out," said Crowe, who was giving the annual Cowdrey Lecture at Lord's.

"To straighten your arm from a bent position is a massive advantage."

Crowe, who scored more than 5 400 runs in 77 Tests, also made a thinly-veiled reference to Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan, whose career has been plagued by allegations of chucking.

"Having been pinned in the head by chuckers over 15 years, having been bowled first ball in a Test by a certain Sri Lankan bowler, I've had more than enough of this aspect of the game," said Crowe.

"This is cricket's Achilles heel. If the umpire believes he has seen a throw then he should, as part of the laws of cricket, be allowed to no-ball it or at least report it.

"The law was fine 10 years ago. Now it simply gives room for the laws to be bent."

Crowe also criticised the continued inclusion of Zimbabwe and Bangladesh on the Test rota.

"Test cricket is without question being undermined by continuing to allow Bangladesh and Zimbabwe to play Test cricket," he said.

"Bangladesh have played a staggering 44 Tests, for one win, over just six years - they simply aren't going to make it.

"The game is too ruthless in all respects for the top nations to allow Bangladesh to step up.

"Let's face it, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are being kept on the international stage for political reasons - what hypocrisy from the ICC that argues that politics should not come into the sport."

Crowe, however, has left himself open to charges of double standards because it took New Zealand 26 years and 44 Tests to register their first win. (BBC Sport)

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif ruled out of first Test
… England wait on Hoggard
By John Mehaffey
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Pakistan lost a third paceman on the eve of the first Test against England starting at Lord's today when Mohammad Asif was ruled out with an elbow injury.

Asif, who took 17 wickets on the recent two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, joins Shoaib Akhtar (ankle injury) and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (groin) on the sidelines after a cortisone injection failed to ease the complaint.

"He hasn't reacted properly to an injection so he will be out," coach Bob Woolmer told reporters.

Woolmer said opening batsmen Shoaib Malik, who also had a cortisone injection for a similar injury, was doubtful for the first match in the four-Test series.

England will wait until the last minute before deciding whether swing bowler Matthew Hoggard is fit after a freak injury last Saturday required six stitches in his bowling hand.

The hosts have already lost half of the pace attack who were instrumental in the Ashes win over Australia last year.

Simon Jones is out for the season with a knee operation and all-rounder Andy Flintoff will miss the first Test because of a heel problem. Their first reserve James Anderson is also out of action with a back injury.

England captain Andrew Strauss told a news conference yesterday the management team would give Hoggard as long as possible to recover from the injury sustained when a team mate trod on his hand during warm-up exercises.

CONFIDENT INZAMAM
"At this stage we are giving him as long as possible to prove his fitness," Strauss said. "He had a useful workout in the nets today."

If Hoggard's run of 32 consecutive Tests comes to an end England will field an attack in which only Steve Harmison, who is himself returning from injury after missing the Sri Lanka series with sore shins, will have more than 15 Test wickets.

Pakistan have moved ahead of England into second place in the world rankings after winning their last three series in a row, including a 2-0 victory over England late last year.

"The one thing about them in the winter was their unpredictability," said Strauss.

"They can turn the match around in one session. We can't afford to relax, we have got to be on top of our game at all times.

Inzamam told a news conference his team had the belief and confidence to beat England.

"The team is coming up," he said. "We will be trying hard. It is hot weather here which is good for us. These boys are very confident, the team is confident.”

I'm sorry but no regrets - Zidane
ZINEDINE Zidane has apologised for his headbutt on Italian defender Marco Materazzi in Sunday's World Cup final.

But the French legend does not regret his actions, alleging on television that Materazzi provoked him by insulting both his mother and sister.

"It was inexcusable. I apologise," said the 34-year-old Zidane. "But I can't regret what I did because it would mean that he was right to say all that."

Materazzi responded by denying he said anything about Zidane's mother.

"I didn't mention anything about religion, politics or racism," said the Italian yesterday.

"I didn't insult his mother. I lost my mother when I was 15 years old and still get emotional when I talk about it.

"Naturally, I didn't know that his mother was in hospital but I wish her all the best.

"Zidane is my hero and I have always admired him a lot."

Zidane was sent off for head-butting Materazzi in the chest in the second period of extra-time in the final in Berlin.

The Frenchman claimed he had been provoked by the Italian and appeared on French TV station Canal Plus yesterday to explain his actions.

"It was seen by two or three billion people on television and millions and millions of children were watching," he said.

"It was an inexcusable gesture and to them, and the people in education whose job it is to show children what they should and shouldn't do, I want to apologise."

Asked what had caused him to react so violently, he said Materazzi had directed some "very hard words" at him.

"You hear them once and you try to move away. But then you hear them twice, and then a third time," said Zidane.

"I am a man and some words are harder to hear than actions. I would rather have taken a blow to the face than hear that."

Zidane, who retired from football after Sunday's final, also called for Materazzi to be punished for his part in the incident.

"We always talk about the reaction, and obviously it must be punished. But if there is no provocation, there is no need to react," said the former Real Madrid and Juventus player.

"Above all it was a very serious provocation. It was an inexcusable gesture but the real culprit is the person who provoked it.

"Do you imagine that in a World Cup final like that with just 10 minutes to go to the end of my career, I am going to do something like that because it gives me pleasure?"

Since the incident, rumours have run rife about what Materazzi said to get such a reaction from the Frenchman.

There were claims the Italian had called Zidane a "terrorist", but in Tuesday's edition of the Italian newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport, Materazzi said: "It was the kind of insult you will hear dozens of times and just slips out on the field.

"I didn't call Zidane a terrorist and certainly didn't mention his mother. I did not bring up Zidane's mother; for me a mother is sacred."

Zidane, who was born and grew up in Marseille, is the son of Algerian immigrants and has suffered taunts about his heritage throughout his football career.

The two players initially clashed in the Italian penalty area before words were exchanged.

Materazzi said: "I held his shirt, for only a few seconds. He turned towards me and scoffed at me, looking at me with super arrogance, up and down.

"He said 'if you really want my shirt, you can have it later'. It's true, I shot back with an insult."

Zidane said he planned to defend himself in the FIFA investigation into his sending-off.

He also confirmed that he would not go back on his decision to quit the game.

"This is a decision I have made and I will not go back on it," he said. "This is definite. I will not play again.” (BBC Sport)

National Twenty20 squad enter final phase of preparation
MEMBERS of the Guyana squad have recommenced their preparation for the current Allen Stanford Twenty/20 regional cricket tournament in Antigua.

The camp is boosted by the presence of a trainer and nutritionist provided by the Stanford group. There will be a lecture on nutrition by Joanne Keaveney at the Ocean View International Hotel today from 13:00 h.

In addition to that, the trainer will take the national team through a fitness drill at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall today and tomorrow from 15:00 h to 18:00 h. They will continue sessions on Saturday from 09:00 h to 11:00 h. The camp is expected to conclude next Monday.

The national squad, under the leadership of Ramnaresh Sarwan, is scheduled to depart on July 19 before they collide with Montserrat on July 21 in their opening campaign.

Pakistan's successful run in England
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Pakistan have not lost a series in England since 1982, a record unmatched by any other Test-playing nation

Following is a brief summary of the four series played in England since Imran's Khan's 1982 side narrowly lost 2-1.

1987
Imran had brought discipline and order to a bunch of disparate individuals who often spent more time feuding with each other than fighting the opposition. After a career-threatening shin injury he had re-established himself as the world's premier all-rounder. An athletic and hostile fast bowler, whose classical batsmanship had flourished under the responsibilities of captaincy.

Both of the first two Tests in a damp, cool summer were drawn with little more than 20 hours play possible over the 10 days. Imran, who had strained a stomach muscle early in the tour, did not bowl in the first Test and did not push himself in the second.

In the third at Headingley, he was back to his irresistible best, taking three for 37 and seven for 40 as Pakistan won by an innings.

Imran took six for 129 in the first innings in another draw at Edgbaston then played a leading role as Pakistan batted England out of the fifth Test at the Oval. Javed Miandad struck 260, Salim Malik 102 and Imran was run-out for 118 in Pakistan's first innings of 708. England captain Mike Gatting, dropped five times, ensured the draw with 150 not out.

Result: Pakistan 1 England 0.

1992
Imran had played a decisive innings as Pakistan defeated England to win the World Cup in Melbourne before pulling out of the ensuing tour with a shoulder injury, ending the career of the greatest cricketer to represent his nation.

His withdrawal mattered little. Imran's apprentices Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had learned from the master and they devastated England with reverse swing at high pace.

The series was acrimonious from start to finish. Pakistan were unhappy with the standard of the umpiring and elements in the British tabloid press accused the Pakistan bowlers of tampering with the ball.

Their accusations were misplaced. Wasim was the finest left-arm pace bowler in history, generating high pace and violent movement in the air and off the seam from a short run with a high action.

Such was his versatility that he could bowl with equal effect over or around the wicket. Waqar, a magnificent sight as he sprinted to the crease, unleashed lethal inswingers with a low-slung action.

After a decade of short-pitched violence from the West Indies' pacemen Pakistan had brought a new dimension to Test cricket.

Miandad proved a shrewd and canny captain and averaged 60.66 with the bat while Malik topped the averages with 81.33.

Result: Pakistan 2 England 0.

1996
This time Wasim was in charge of another team of all the talents who again outplayed the hosts in a three-Test series.

Mushtaq Ahmed, a bouncy leg-spinner topped the bowling averages, and wicketkeeper Moin Khan was the leading batsman with an average of 79.00.