Seized Polar beer saga:
GRA, Police at odds
By Wendella Davidson
CUSTOMS Officer, Keon Pryce, at the centre of a probe by the Police into the questionable release of a shipment of smuggled `Polar’ beer seized last Friday at Met-en-Meerzorg, West Coast Demerara, has surfaced.

The Police in a release Tuesday said they could not have located the Patrol Officer 11 attached to Customs Boat House and had launched a manhunt for him.

Sources told the Guyana Chronicle that Pryce was yesterday morning at the office of the Officer of Professional Responsibilities of the Guyana Police Force where he gave a statement.

According to the source, the statement has given a new twist to the incident, as Pryce, though acknowledging that he was at the Leonora Police Station in relation to the issue, denied that he uplifted anything.

The source added that due to a “grave” lapse, the Station Sergeant at the Leonora Station did not ensure that Pryce affix his signature as uplifting the vehicle and a Canter truck GJJ 4865 with the smuggled beer, and taking away the four suspects.

The suspects included the driver of the vehicle identified as Duean Boston, and Vijay Singh, 29, of Uitvlugt, also on the West Coast Demerara.

Police said the beer shipment was seized about 15:15h Friday at Met-en-Meerzorg by cops on patrol who had seen some articles packed in a yard and on closer examination found the smuggled beer.

Some cartons of the beers had already been loaded into the truck which was parked in the yard.

However, the saga began after the men with the truck and articles were escorted to the Leonora Police Station and after Pryce showed up, with Police saying he claimed he was there to uplift the seized items, the truck and the suspects.

The Police release Tuesday stated that a physical check of the beer was conducted in Pryce’s presence and he departed for the city under the pretext that he was escorting the truck with the beer along with the suspects.

Police said some of suspects sat in the same car that Pryce entered.

The source said the release was done on instructions from a senior in the Police Division and the truck and the men were reportedly intercepted along the way by some other Customs officers.

These, according to the source, were said to have been on duty in the Parika area and were told by a Police rank that some items had been seized by the Police and that the stuff and the men who were arrested were at the Leonora Station.

The Customs officers reportedly claim they were hiding in bushes in the vicinity of the station awaiting the vehicle and goods to be released.

However, no mention was made of their colleague who had left with the vehicle and questions are being asked whether he was not on the scene at the time the vehicle was intercepted.

Questions are being asked too about how the Customs officers who were not on the scene at the time of the seizure know that the vehicle and men would have been released, causing them to hide in the bushes.

The Guyana Chronicle learnt too that when the check was made at the station, it was recorded that 1,130 cartons of Polar beer were seized, while the report of the Customs officers claim they seized 800 cartons.

The seized beer shipment has reportedly been taken to a wharf in the city for safekeeping while the investigations are ongoing, and Singh, the owner, has been placed on $100,000 bail.

The Guyana Revenue Authority in a statement yesterday afternoon said the Police report on the seized beer excludes the controversial transaction.

GRA CONCERNED
The GRA said it is “concerned about the inaccuracies and irregularities” in the report issued by the Guyana Police Force as published yesterday in the Guyana Chronicle and Kaieteur News newspapers.

The Guyana Chronicle article, the statement noted, said the Police were “hunting a Customs Officer after a seized shipment of beer and several detained men disappeared.”

According to the GRA, reports from the Customs Enforcement Unit said that Enforcement Officials from the unit were on an operation on Hogg Island in the Essequibo River last Friday, where they seized three vessels containing Polar beer totalling 1,125 cases.

“Simultaneously, they received information that a Canter was held at the Leonora Police Station with a quantity of Polar beer”, the authority said.

It said a ‘low key’ enforcement team was immediately dispatched “to stake out and observe the operations” at the Leonora Police Station.

The Customs Officers, unknown to the Police were in the vicinity of the station looking on at the operations and observed that the Canter (GJJ 4865) was subsequently released from the Police station, the GRA said.

The officers, it said, followed the Canter and intercepted it at Anna Catherina, east of Leonora, where Duean Boston, alleged owner of Shemar Trucking Service, was held for questioning and later taken to Georgetown.

The GRA said that the Customs Officers, however, pointed out that there seemed to be some irregularities since when the Customs Enforcement official counted the cartons of beer, only 875 cases were loaded on the Canter, as against 1,130 reported in the General Property book at the Leonora Police Station.

The seized items are currently secured at a city wharf, it said.

The statement reported a Customs Enforcement Officer as saying that Vijay Singh claimed ownership of the smuggled beer and subsequently issued a report to the Customs Department in which he stated that his retailer, who was in negotiations with the Police at Leonora for the release of the goods, related that he had paid $600,000 to the Police there for the release of the Canter and the beer.

“This, the Enforcement Officer noted, seemed to collaborate with the observation by Customs Officers of the Canter and beers being released from the Police station,” the GRA added.

It said the Enforcement Officer further reported yesterday that the Police confirmed that the goods were not signed for nor officially handed over to the Customs, although there is standard procedure for operations of such nature in which files are specially prepared and in some cases sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who would normally forward the files to the Customs Enforcement Unit.

“It therefore begs the question, why was the standard procedure not followed by the Police in this instance?” the GRA quoted the Enforcement Officer as saying.

It said the Patrol Officer who the Police said they had launched a manhunt for, was yesterday assisting them with investigations at Police headquarters in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The GRA said he has also issued a statement to the Enforcement Department stating that he was on his way to a private engagement on the West Demerara when he saw a friend’s car parked at the Leonora Police Station and decided to find out what was wrong.

The authority said he also stated that his ‘friend’ asked for his assistance but he indicated that he could not assist since the situation was out of his scope of duty.

The Customs Enforcement Officer said too that the Patrol Officer who was off duty “was involved in the issue in his own capacity since he is solely responsible for the operations at the Customs Boat House, and not authorised to carry out the business of the GRA in any other capacity.”

The GRA said the investigation into the Patrol Officer’s involvement is ongoing and the necessary actions will be taken, based on the outcome of the investigation.

It said it will continue to enforce the laws to its fullest capacity “in an effort to provide a level playing field for businesses and that any officer found colluding with businesses engaged in smuggling goods or any other irregular activity will be dealt with condignly”.

CWC security bills tabled in Parliament
By Neil Marks
HOME Affairs Minister Clement Rohee yesterday tabled three pieces of legislation to boost security for Cricket World Cup (CWC) in Guyana from March 28 to April 9.

The National Assembly will convene again tomorrow to debate and pass the bills, including one giving foreign security agents temporary attachment to the Guyana Defence Force, and affording them special protection under local laws.

Mr. Rohee will pilot the bills through their eventual passage in the House.

The Visiting Forces Bill seeks to give foreign officers working alongside law enforcers in Guyana the same powers that local officers enjoy. Some of the officers will be following specific teams from venue to venue.

India is sending two bomb disposal squads from the National Security Guards to work in the Caribbean during the tournament, and most of the top eight teams travel with security staff.

The Visiting Forces Bill is part of a raft of bills that seeks to give effect to decisions of a conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) concerning implementation of regional security during the hosting of CWC 2007. The other Bills are the Security Assistance (CARICOM Member States) Bill 2007 and the Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill 2007.

The Visiting Forces Bill seeks to provide for the civil courts in Guyana to have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction over members of visiting forces, and it authorises the Defence Board to order the arrest of a member of a visiting force or a dependant at the request of the officer in command of the Force.

After presenting the Bills in the House, Rohee said the visiting forces would interface and work with the security forces in Guyana. This Bill also allows members of visiting forces to possess and carry explosives, ammunition and firearms.

The Bill also seeks to exempt members of visiting forces from certain taxes and duties, including import duties and income tax, and exempts service vehicles, equipment and supplies of visiting forces from certain fees, taxes and duties.

Further, the Bill seeks to provide for a coroner not to hold an inquest and to adjourn an inquest if one was started if the deceased person has a relevant connection with a visiting force.

The Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill seeks to provide for the presence, activities, privileges and immunities of police forces of foreign countries and certain civilian personnel accompanying the forces during visits here during the staging of CWC 2007.

One clause in the bill seeks to provide immunity to the members of the visiting foreign police forces from civil and criminal proceedings in Guyana in respect of action taken by them in the course of their official duties.

The Bill seeks to empower the Commissioner of Police here to regulate the possession and carrying and use of explosives, ammunition and firearms by the members of the visiting police force. It also seeks to empower the Minister of Home Affairs to determine the functions of every visiting police force.

The Security Assistance (CARICOM Member States Bill) seeks to give the force of law in Guyana to the Treaty on Security Assistance among CARICOM members states arising out of a July 6, 2006 meeting in St Kitts and Nevis.

Among the objectives of the security assistance mechanism is to provide for expedition, efficient mobilization and deployment of regional resources in order to manage and defuse national and regional crises and to combat serious crimes.

Kites hampering GPL distribution system
THE festive season of Easter is some three weeks away and Guyana Power and Light (GPL) says its technicians have already begun to work over time to repair faults and damage to power distribution lines resulting from kites.

The repairs range from burst power lines, replacing blown transformers and transformer fuses, as well as having to repair damage to very “high” voltage transmission lines that transmit power to Georgetown from the Garden of Eden station on the East Bank Demerara, GPL said in a release yesterday.

The company lamented that despite years of imploring people to demonstrate good sense at Easter, by way of warnings and advisories, its technicians are stilling discovering damage to high voltage transmission lines in the vicinity of Sophia in eastern Georgetown, and Diamond and Mocha-Arcadia on the East Bank Demerara.

The lines carry 69,000 volts (69 Kilo Volts) of electricity and any major damage could affect power supply to the entire city and the East Coast, GPL warned.

And, while the company says it is ready to deal with any emergency, kite-related or not, it is appealing to parents to ensure that their children pay attention to the rule -- to fly kites in wide, open spaces.

The release added that Cricket World Cup has begun and GPL has done everything it could possibly do to deliver a superlative supply of power to the Providence Stadium, and to customers everywhere to enable them to view the cricket matches without interruption.

These include the installation of voltage regulators along the East Coast and East Bank corridors as a means of upgrading power quality.

Power distribution systems in those areas have seen major upgrading and a mobile Caterpillar set has been installed at the cricket stadium as a standby power facility, the company said.

It said a nerve centre at the stadium is also being powered by GPL and the team of the company’s technicians and engineers that has been working in tandem with the Local Organising Committee for CWC for more than a year, has assured that all systems are on the go.

National plan to protect orphans, vulnerable children unveiled
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has announced that, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), it is designing a National Plan of Action to protect orphans and vulnerable children from all forms of abuse.

The Government Information Afency (GINA) said it is an attempt to provide supplementary measures for the purpose, as children without the guidance and protection of their principal caregivers are often more at risk of becoming victims of violence, exploitation, trafficking and discrimination, as well.

GINA said five inter-linked strategies will be employed to achieve the objectives and assist in ensuring that the rights of the target group - to survival, development, protection and participation – are maintained.

The approaches include strengthening capacity of families to care and protect those targeted by prolonging the lives of parents/guardians, providing economic, psycho-social and child care support, promoting children’s participation in gainful activities and helping young people acquire skills, the agency said.

According to GINA, UNICEF has estimated that 300 million children worldwide are subjected to violence, exploitation and abuse, including the worst forms of child labour in communities, schools and institutions and during armed conflicts.

They are also affected by harmful practices such as child marriage and millions more, not yet victims, also remain without adequate protection, the UN agency reported.

The Human Services Ministry will be instrumental in establishing mechanisms to assure information exchange and collaboration of efforts with the relevant agencies through adequate monitoring and evaluation, GINA said, adding that the National Commission on the Rights of the Child will be strengthened, too.

The agency said, in 2004, a rapid assessment conducted by the ministry found that HIV/AIDS is a danger to the increasing vulnerability of children and that the loss of both or one parent is the highest contributor.

Bed and Breakfast programme closes with target achieved
THE Bed and Breakfast (B&B) programme, initiated in January 2006 to complement accommodation and hospitality services during Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007, has been officially closed.

At the closure, the facilitating Local Organising Committee (LOC) had recorded in excess of 2,030 registered rooms, some extending as far as Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) and Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), surpassing the initial 2,000 target, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

GINA said the rooms are in different categories, ranging from double or twin bedrooms with air condition, television and other amenities; locations within prime zones and reasonable proximity to the (Providence) stadium or those shared by the visitor and the proprietor, all providing breakfast.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Karran Singh told GINA that, from the inception, the LOC made a substantial input to create the link between the proprietor and the visitor.  

He said all accredited rooms have been inspected by assessment teams from the B&B Secretariat and a website was created to showcase them to visitors.

Proprietors also took advantage of the loan system offered by Scotiabank, official bank for CWC, for remodelling their homes while others prepared theirs in anticipation of receiving visiting relatives, Singh said.

He said proprietors who are still uncertain about the scheme can contact the B&B Secretariat or check its website for clarification.

Singh said, while offering a comfortable environment for visitors to Guyana during CWC, the B&B venture is also intended to allow Guyanese to share their hospitality.

GINA said the LOC facilitated the overall planning and execution of various facilities for CWC, including accommodation and hospitality, public relations and marketing, local government and civil society, transportation and communication, security, health and emergency services.
STANDARDS CORNER
GNBS Product Certification Scheme
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) conducts a Product Certification Scheme through which manufacturers are granted permits to mark their products with the National Standards Mark providing they are capable of meeting the requirements of the relevant Guyana standards on a continuous basis.

WHAT IS PRODUCT CERTIFICATION?
Product Certification is a procedure where assurance is given that a product or products conform(s) to specified requirements outlined in relevant standards. There are different types of certification, namely: first party, second party and third party certification. The GNBS Product Certification scheme is conducted using third party certification, where the producer’s claim of conformity is validated by a technically and otherwise competent third party (a body not controlled or under the influence of the buyer.)

PREREQUISITES FOR CERTIFICATION
Before certification can take its course, the following must be in place:

Relevant Guyana Standards

Available testing facilities

Adequate quality control systems

PROCEDURES UNDER THE GNBS PRODUCT CERTIFICATION SCHEME

(1) Granting of permit

This process comprises:

Application

Preliminary inspection

Audit, and

Approval

At the application stage, the client completes the application form and submits it to the bureau. If the application is successful, a preliminary inspection is conducted to determine the client’s capability of meeting the requirements of the scheme.

The client is notified about any deficiencies found and upon correction a final audit is conducted. The audit report is then submitted to the Executive Director of the GNBS for approval of the permit.

(2) Surveillance:

After granting the permit, surveillance inspections are conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure ongoing conformity. In this procedure, the inspection is planned, conducted and reported. Follow–up inspections are done if major non-conformances are highlighted.

(3) Renewal of permit

Permits are renewed on an annual basis upon request by the client. Usually expiry dates are affixed to permits which serve as a guide.

NB: During the renewal procedure the preliminary inspection stage is omitted.

HOW TO APPLY
Application to use the Standards Mark is voluntary

Pick up an application form from the bureau, complete it and return the completed form

Enquiries can also be made by contacting Mr. Rudolph Blair of the Conformity Assessment Department.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE CERTIFIED PRODUCTS:
Look for the GNBS standards mark which is the acronym GNBS in a double walled circle.
For further information, call on telephone numbers: 225-6226, 225-9013 or 227-7890

Questions on that CWC culture show
-- Missing links in great event    
By RICKEY SINGH
BRIDGETOWN -- High praise in the celebration of West Indian cultural creativity, as showcased by Jamaica on Sunday evening to officially launch the historic Cricket World Cup 2007 tournament will, deservingly, be sung long after the 51 games end on April 28 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Picturesque descriptions have been used by journalists and broadcasters who covered the momentous  three-hour 'high energy' presentation in the performing arts that featured much of the creative genius in music, singing and dancing which have long distinguished our region on the world stage.

Some may have been so overwhelmed by the fantastic show that television viewers around the globe had the opportunity to witness, that they may have overlooked the puzzling absence in a cast of over 2,000 performers, significant components that would have undoubtedly made it an even richer experience.

As one among the estimated two and half billion viewers the organisers and sponsors of CWC 2007 expected to follow the grand cultural show, as I did from my special vantage point at home in Barbados, questions kept cropping up in my mind.

As it was in the curious choice of "Mellow" as mascot for CWC 2007, good intention may have led also in determining West Indian Energy as the central theme for the event at the spanking multi-purpose stadium at Trelawny.

However, whatever the problems encountered in ensuring in the presentation an authentic fusion of the varying strands of our rich multi-culture of the "peoples who came" the gaps could hardly have been missed by more inquiring viewers.

Here was an historic moment to showcase to a captive audience of over two billion across the globe -- an audience that NONE of the nine Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) ever had, namely how our region, that's a microcosm of the word, celebrates its cultural diversity with awesome imagination and elegance.

Where, for instance, was ANY reminder of the indigenous peoples whose history is a foundation pillar of today's Caribbean Community? If it were too costly to have even a token contingent from Guyana where some eight Amerindian tribes constitute the third largest ethnic group, Belize is not far away from Jamaica.

Was either Guyana, Belize, Dominica, or St Vincent and the Grenadines approached for support?

And why the second largest ethnic community of CARICOM -- the East Indians -- was relegated to a mere fleeting dance performance that could hardly have made any impact in a crowded field of rich, pulsating reggae and dancehall musical presentations?

Where was the legendary "Calypso King of the World", the "Mighty Sparrow"? Was he invited and regretted his participation?

More strangely, whatever happened to the only "original music" of the 20th century --according to the experts on music -- the steel pan? Not a steel orchestra in sight for that memorable occasion.

Grateful as we all must be for the ever-shining collection of cultural icons whose performances made that "West Indian Energy" three-hour show the very great occasion it was, there needs to be some explanation for:

Example, why there were no representation of the culture of the Amerindian people; just an after-thought token presentation of East Indian culture with a fleeting dance; no steel pan orchestra; no Mighty Sparrow...

It may be tempting to heap criticisms on the host country's Local Organising Committee (LOC) until time is taken to speak with its representatives.

In so doing one can learn of the CARICOM states, foremost being Trinidad and Tobago, that had featured significantly in early preparatory arrangements for support in important areas for pan music, carnival bands and the East Indian cultural component (along with also multi-cultural Guyana) but failed to deliver.

Late decisions to avoid participation in the CWC 2007 cultural show by some countries contributed to some of the problems that had to be hurriedly overcome.

A classic example was one that led to the token East Indian cultural input. Thanks to the creativity of the local organisers, they improvised with the group of beautiful female dancers, of varying ethnic origins and also the relevant music.

To have the Caribbean on show for that historic inauguration ceremony for CWC 2007 required collective involvement of the talents and creative imagination of more than the host country.

Much of that were, thankfully, on display.

But what of the problems, the lapses the shortcomings that could have been avoided to have made it a richer experience in the celebration of our unity in diversity?

Stabroek News Managing Director gets U.S. award
MRS. Doreen DeCaires, Managing Director of the Stabroek News newspaper has been awarded the United States Women of Courage Award.

The U.S. embassy here yesterday said that during a March 8 ceremony in Washington, Condoleezza Rice announced the Secretary of State's Award for International Women of Courage to recognize women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and advancement. 

The embassy said the Guyana honouree of the Women of Courage Award is Doreen DeCaires.

U.S. Ambassador David M. Robinson will present an award certificate along with a letter from Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky to DeCaires tomorrow, the embassy said.

DeCaires has also been Vice-President of the Beacon Foundation charitable organisation for 25 years and up to recently was Chairman of the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation board.

Secretary Rice in her statement said that through this annual award, the U.S. will honour the courage of extraordinary women worldwide who have played transformative roles in their societies. 

She said: “The enfranchisement of women can no longer be a simple aspiration.  Women are essential agents in bringing about change and an often overlooked resource in the preservation of human security, in overcoming transnational dangers, and in managing threats arising from tyranny, trafficking, poverty, and disease.  Achieving the United States' mission of advancing democracy, prosperity, and security worldwide is not possible without the empowerment of women.  If women cannot participate in the political process, there can be no real democracy. If women are deprived of economic opportunity, development is crippled.  If women are not educated, they cannot pass knowledge to their children, and there is no true security for the next generation.”

Rice said this is why the U.S. is committed to sustained efforts to improve the political, social, and economic standing of women everywhere.

British High Commissioner addresses students on Commonwealth Day
BRITISH High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler Monday addressed students and teachers of Marian Academy in Georgetown as part of Commonwealth Day activities and presented sports equipment and books to the school.

Commonwealth Day is observed annually on the second Monday of March. The theme for this year is `Respecting difference, promoting understanding'

The British High Commission said that in his address to more than 700 students, Mr. Wheeler noted that Commonwealth Day is about recognising that we are all part of a family of nations committed to the common principles of equality, justice and democracy. "There are 53 countries spread throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and the Pacific with a population of over 2 billion people."

The High Commission said he congratulated the school for its focus on Commonwealth Day and encouraged students to describe to one another their experiences in other Commonwealth countries and to find out about the different cultures of the Commonwealth, but above all, they should have fun.

The activity started out with a procession of the flags of Commonwealth states that were drawn and coloured by the students. The message by Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon was read by Meshach Pierre, a student of the school.

Clemwood head teacher’s quarters to be reconstructed
THE head teacher’s quarters at Clemwood in Upper Demerara River will soon be reconstructed, the Regional Administration Office of Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) has reported.

It said Regional Chairman Mr. Julius Faerber, Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Nandlall Ramkissoon and Regional Engineer, Mr. Patiram Ramlall visited the area last Saturday.

Faerber stated that the existing wooden structure is beyond repairs and following discussions with the Head teacher and residents, it was agreed that a flat two-bedroom concrete building would be erected, the office said.

The Regional Chairman also assured residents that the new building would be completed before the new school term begins in September.

The office said residents who called for an extension of the primary school building were told that the possibility would be explored during this year.

It said residents of Santa Mission, another settlement which falls under the purview of Region Three, are also calling for a new concrete structure to house the Santa Mission primary school.

The new proposal of an 80’ x 30’ two flat concrete structure is engaging the attention of the Region Three administration, the office reported.

Minister Persaud hears Pomeroon farmers’ litany of woes
POMEROON farmers regaled Agriculture Minister, Mr. Robert Persaud, with a litany of woes at a meeting on Monday.

Apart from electricity and telephone services, the planters requested that the government construct roads along both banks of the Pomeroon River and a bridge across it, to link the two sides, for transporting produce to Charity on the Essequibo Coast.

They lamented that the cost of water transport to Charity has become very expensive and recalled that a Pomeroon road project had started several years ago but was halted abruptly.

The farmers said they are willing to give up portions of their land holdings to make way for the roadways which would boost development in every part of the riverain area.

Persaud replied that their proposal seems very good but said the government would have to look at factors including expenditure.

However, he said he would ask his Cabinet colleague, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn, to examine it.

Recent acquisitions aid Immigration readiness for CWC
- Vyphuis
THE local immigration authority is confident that systems are in place, at several pertinent areas, to recognise illegal activities that may affect Guyana’s security arrangements as it prepares to host Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007.

Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Senior Superintendent of Police George Vyphuis told the Government Information Agency (GINA): “I am proud to say that we are ready.”

“All our systems are in place and are working very well. We will make Guyana proud.”

According to GINA, Vyphuis said, judging from several exercises that were conducted, it is clear that the Immigration Department is ready, citing the recent Rio Group Summit, during which there were no hiccups, as an example.

He said, on January 12, officers of the Immigration and Customs departments were trained in the mechanics of the advance passenger information and CARICOM visa systems, trafficking in persons and smuggling, among several other issues that may arise from the influx of visitors.

Vyphuis said finishing touches are being put to the arrangements at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

He explained that signs, directing passengers to the various serving areas, including the Single Domestic Space (SDS), have already been erected and travellers, especially those coming for CWC, are assured of hassle-free immigration processing.

GINA recalled that, on January 31, the National Assembly of Parliament passed four Bills to collectively provide legislative support for enhanced security and hassle-free movement within the newly established SDS.

Vyphuis said his department is now adequately equipped to detect tampered passports, after receiving 20 ultra violet (UV) fluorescent lamps and a similar number of magnifying glasses from the United States Government.

He said the work of immigration officials, in detecting forgeries at Guyana’s main port of entry and departure, will be made much easier with the acquisitions.

The UV light is the standard technology being used worldwide to detect fraud, Vyphuis confirmed and said, in addition to that, the U.S. Government also donated several pieces of literature, flyers and brochures included, for the purpose of education on fraud detection.

Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee has expressed satisfaction with the security readiness of Guyana for CWC, GINA stated.

Roads, D&I the focus in Region Three
ROADS and drainage and irrigation (D&I) have received the largest budgetary allocations under the 2007 capital works programme in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), in line with the infrastructural development focus in other regions.

Consequently, Regional Chairman, Mr. Julius Faerber told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has undertaken to refurbish and build several roadways.

He said those include roads at Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen, Leonora, Stewartville, Goed Intent, Sisters and La Grange, at a cost of $44M.

The sum of $33M will be spent on D&I work, for the excavation, construction and maintenance of related structures at Farm, Canal Number One Polder, Zeelugt, Leguan and Wakenaam, Faerber said.

He said bridges will be built, including at Ruby Backdam, Karia Karia, Phoenix, Leguan and Hamburg, Wakenaam, with a total of $11.5M.

The Chairman said a substantial amount has been earmarked to develop the social sectors and health will be complemented with the construction of a clinic at Belle West, an x-ray department at Leguan Cottage Hospital and a satellite outpost at Tuschen, all costing $22M.

Faerber said that expenditure excludes $4.5M budgeted for the procurement of an automatic tissue processor for West Demerara Regional Hospital.

That machine is designed to rapidly process tissue samples in laboratories by removing water and replacing it with paraffin wax, at optimum speed to minimise damage caused by dehydration and shrinkage, he explained.

In the education sector, Vreed-en-Hoop Primary and Leguan and Stewartville Secondary schools will be extended and a primary school building is to be erected at Santa Mission, all with $29M.

Faerber said, presently, Greenwich Park Primary is under construction and should be completed in about two months, with $65M funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to accommodate 900 pupils.

The edifice will boast an administrative block, offices for a headteacher and staff, a kitchenette, library, computer room and modern sanitary blocks and the furniture and equipment as well as other educational facilities will cost $5M.

Faerber said the land and water transport programme will be enhanced with the procurement of a tractor, a boat and an outboard engine for $10.6M.

In addition, improvements to the infrastructure in several housing schemes will be funded from a $19M allotment for land development, he stated.

West Berbice CDC introducing hydrophonic method organic farming
CANADA-BASED Caribbean and African Self-Reliance

International (CASRI) is assisting Trafalgar/Union Community Development Council (CDC), at West Coast Berbice, to introduce greenhouse/hydrophonic organic farming.

The intended beneficiaries of the CASRI assistance, being given in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), said it would be used for demonstration and commercial purposes.

Apart from production to be utilised commercially, the main aim of the project is establishment of a micro cultivation to educate and encourage people to adopt the demonstrated forms of agricultural practices.

CASRI International Director, Mr. Franklin Harvey said his organisation works actively with partners in the Caribbean and Africa and peoples of their heritage, in Canada, the Americas and Europe, to promote self-sustaining and equitable development among themselves.

“We are about helping people and communities to build themselves up from the ground, about people taking initiatives, taking responsibility for making things happen and having the courage to make things happen, even against all odds, to transform their places of livelihood and their lives,” he explained.

Harvey said CASRI also intends to get at least one school in Region Five

(Mahaica/Berbice) to have a similar production centre after the current venture is accomplished.

IICA Representative in Guyana, Mr. Cromwell Crawford said the agency is fully supportive of the West Berbice scheme because of the role it can play in helping rural communities to produce their own food.

He said he has previously seen hydrophonic or soil-less farming methods practised in Puerto Rico and became convinced that the methodology can be replicated to enhance food security at the household and community levels locally.

Coordinator of the CDC, Mrs. Sandra London said she made the contact with CASRI through her involvement with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

But she eventually obtained support for the CDC from CASRI on the basis of initial contacts.

CASRI and IICA have been meeting members of the CDC in recent weeks and work on construction of the greenhouse and related facilities should begin at Trafalgar within a week, London said.

GRDB stages field day on new commercial varieties
THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) recently staged a mini field day, to share, with farmers, knowledge on the growth characteristics of some new varieties now available for commercial production.

About 70 planters, from Regions Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica/Berbice) attended.

They were taken to plots at Handsome Tree, Mahaica River, on which six species were cultivated, late last year, to determine their performance in riverain conditions.

The cultivation was done by volunteer Handsome Tree farmer, Mr. Jeenarine Maraj, in collaboration with GRDB extension staff.

The programme began with a welcome and, during the formal session, the group was informed of the results from trials and taken on a tour to observe the matured plants which were ready for harvesting.

General Manager of GRDB, Mr. Jagnarine Singh gave welcoming remarks and Regional Vice-Chairman of Region Five, Mr. K.P. Deokarran also spoke under the chairmanship of Mr. Bissasar Chintamani, GRDB Regional Supervisor for Extension and Quality Control in Region Five.

The closing speech was by Mr. Mangal Ramphal, General Council member of the Rice Producers Association (RPA).

Plant breeder at Burma Rice Research Station, Dr. Mahendra Persaud gave a briefing on the observed outcome of the experiments, among them the grain and milling yields of each variety and other supplementary data, such as maturity dates, resistance to blast disease and seed dormancy periods.

Maraj spoke about the cultural and agronomic practices he employed in the cultivating and husbandry through to the pre-harvest stage.

Persaud, Mr. Leroy Small, Chief Scientist at Burma and technical officers, Mr. B. Bisnauth and Mr. S. Sookram also supplied additional facts while in the field.

At the end of the day, one of the organising officials said many of those who participated admitted they were in a better position to evaluate the types planted and decide which one would give them the least trouble to cultivate and yield the most per acre.

Bogus ‘Lux’ for sale after brand name removal
A CONTAINER with 150,000 bars of counterfeit ‘Lux Beauty Soap’ will be sold locally after the bogus brand name is removed from the boxes, wrappers and the product itself.

The disclosure was made yesterday by Mr. Nick Hart, representative of Unilever Plc, who said it was the result of a court order that followed a legal action his company had filed.

Hart warned, though, that the merchandise is of poor quality and a health risk to users.

He said the consignment was the centre of dispute since it arrived at the John Fernandes Terminal, on Mandela Avenue, in Georgetown.

It was sent to Guyana by a manufacturer in China to a local importer and it had been the subject of litigation.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of DeSinco Trading Limited, Mr. Frank De Abreu said they discovered the soap is an imitation of what his company is the sole distributor.

He said they have been investigating the importation for the past two years and is pleased to have finally made the discovery.

De Abreu appealed for assistance from the relevant authorities to crack down on similar imports through which rip-offs are being proliferated on the local market, depriving consumers of quality goods.

He said the name of the importer is being withheld until further investigations.

Conserve water
-- GWI stresses
GUYANA Water Incorporated is calling on its customers in Georgetown to conserve on the use of water since the current prolonged dry season has resulted in a marked drop in the water level in the Lamaha Conservancy, as well as at its Shelter Belt.

Water Leakage Manager, Mr. Aubrey Roberts yesterday said the regular operating level at the Shelter Belt is 53 feet, but during last week that figure dropped considerably to 49 feet.

However, with a bit of rain over the last few days it is now about 52 feet, he told a news briefing at GWI headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown.

Stressing the importance of economising in the use of water at this crucial juncture, he urged that wherever the washing of pavements and concreted yards and large surfaces becomes necessary, sound judgement be exercised.

Roberts also made an appeal for persons to report any broken water mains or other form of water wastage, noting that about 150 mega litres of water treated and distributed by GWI daily goes to waste.

Supporting the need for water conservation, Corporate Secretary, Mr. Nasir Bacchus said this approach is extremely important to the GWI as it helps to reduce operational costs in many ways, particularly in the company’s electricity consumption.

He said the benefits of water conservation gained by GWI are passed on to consumers by enabling the entity to ensure that all customers receive an efficient and reliable service at all levels of their business dealings with GWI.

On this note, Bacchus reminded customers of the importance of paying their water promptly. “In doing so you will provide GWI with the necessary means, not only to detect and repair leaks and broken mains in your distribution systems, but will assist us also, in our ongoing effort to improve the provision of our service to a standard which you as consumers deserve…”

World Water Day will be observed on March 28, and as part of the activities to mark its observance, GWI will be hosting several events aimed at educating consumers countrywide, on the need to conserve water.

Among them will be competitions and “Give Away” promotions to be launched today, for consumers paying their bills at any of GWI’s Customer Service locations.

Traffic lights installation advances
CASTING concrete blocks and installing poles for traffic lights at critical junctions around the city are expected to commence today, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Engineer of the Work Services Group (WSG) Kadri Paris told the agency priority will be given to completing critical intersections before Cricket World Cup (CWC) to make the roads safer and easier for travel during the busy period.

However, he said, the project was never intended to be completed for CWC and has a completion date at the end of April.

The traffic lights project is being done under a US$2.1M scheme that entails installing about 50 traffic lights in Georgetown and its environs. It is being carried out by CMS Traffic Systems Limited, an Indian firm and local contractors, GINA said.

Preparatory civil works by GAICO Incorporated, a local firm, have been ongoing for several weeks, the agency reported.

It said Paris explained that there was a delay in the shipment of equipment from India but all materials have been procured to complete the project on schedule.

Traffic lights will be installed at the junctions of Camp and Lamaha streets, Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Church and Main streets, the East Coast Highway and Courida Street, the East Bank Highway and Eccles access road, Mandela Avenue and Hunter Street, and Ogle Airstrip Road and the Railway Embankment road.

The contract for these works was signed last November between the Ministry of Public Works and Communications and CMS Traffic Systems Limited.
The project is an initiative of the governments of Guyana and India.

Police probing death of baby
POLICE were last night questioning a 13-year old boy, his mother and grandmother, about the death of his 15-month old baby sister at their home at Nonpariel, East Coast Demerara.

Residents said the boy was usually left at home to care for his baby sister while his mother and grandmother sold eggs at the Stabroek Market in Georgetown.

Sources said police are looking into reports that the baby may have died from suffocation.

Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control (Amendment) Bill passed
By Neil Marks
A $150M LABORATORY will begin testing Guyana’s fruits and vegetable varieties for purposes of quality control in two months time, Minister of Agriculture Mr. Robert Persaud said yesterday.

Minister Persaud made the announcement when he piloted the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control (Amendment) Bill through its passage in the National Assembly, ensuring Guyana’s accession to the Rotterdam Convention, which among other things addresses the concerns of farmers, agro-processors and agricultural exporters about the importation of severely hazardous and persistent pesticide formulation into Guyana.

Persaud said the laboratory will eliminate the need for Guyana having to send samples for testing in the Caribbean and the United States. The laboratory is located at the National Agricultural Research Institute at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The legislation which was passed in the House gives the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board the responsibility for making arrangements and providing facilities for controlling the export of pesticides and toxic chemicals.

The amendment also makes provision for all pesticides and toxic chemicals exported to be certified by the board and that an application for such a licence may be made to the board and should be accompanied by the prescribed licence fee.

These amendments will provide the basic requirement for Guyana to accede to the Rotterdam Convention and enable implementation of the obligations of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.

Persaud said Guyana needs the convention because it represents an important step towards ensuring the protection of citizens and the environment.

“It will save lives and protect the environment from the adverse effects of toxic pesticides and other chemicals.” He said it would assure importers of agricultural produce that Guyana does not use hazardous pesticides in Guyana and thus open new markets for local produce.

He said the convention establishes a first line of defence against future tragedies by preventing unwanted imports of dangerous chemicals.

Opposition Member of Parliament Mr. Everall Franklin expressed concern that certain chemicals which are allowed under the convention but banned in some countries can have adverse effects on a person’s health, but Persaud was quick to point out that Guyana has a list of such items which are prohibited.

He said the convention provides Guyana with the power and authority to decide which chemicals it wants to receive and to exclude those it cannot manage safely.

In addition, he said the convention extends to Guyana the ability to protect itself against the risks of toxic substances and raises global standards for protection of human health and the environment;

According to Persaud, the convention would enable Guyana and other participating countries to monitor and control the trade in very dangerous substances and ensure obligatory detailed information exchange between countries on hazardous chemicals and pesticides allowing informed decision-making on the national use of such chemicals.

Under the convention, if a country agrees to import chemicals, it promotes their safe use through labelling standards, technical assistance, and other forms of support. It also ensures that exporters comply with the requirements, Persaud stated.

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, Dr. George Norton in his presentation urged that the functions of the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board be extended.

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan of the Alliance For Chance (AFC) urged that the capacity of the board be increased to allow testing of toxic chemicals that come into the country. He also urged that there be a public education campaign targeting farmers, so that they know of the chemicals seeping down to them.

As an importing country the national control authority - Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board – has to ensure that importers, exporters and users are informed regularly of all notifications and responses received and proposed by Guyana under the convention.

The National Authority will also be required to apply uniformly all notifications and decisions to any exporting countries and to all domestic manufacturers of the notified chemicals.

Persaud said Cabinet approved in December of the proposal to amend the Act and for Guyana’s accession to the Rotterdam Convention.

CWC Minority Report
A FEW months ago, it was verboten almost to mention anything negative or even too critical regarding Guyana’s preparations for hosting the CWC 2007 Super Eight matches – it was virtually guaranteed that the stadium would be ready, the city would be clean, the visitors would come in droves, there would be adequate accommodation, and the West Indies would have trounced all their opponents.

Today, even as the green light has been given for Guyana’s hosting of its scheduled matches, some red flags are popping up.

While some of these have been noted recently in the press, yesterday’s article in this paper “Guyana last lap for CWC”, confirms that all may not be well come the end of this month.

The most remarkable of revelation concerns the accommodation for the visitors.

Over the past year, Guyana’s accommodation industry has seen an unprecedented boom in construction. Yet there is no way that the existing hotels, including those with little work left to be done, can accommodate some “20-30,000 cricket fans”. In light of this fact, it is curious that only a small fraction of the registered bed and breakfast rooms have been booked.

Then there is the element of poor ticket sales. While the “cultural mentality” of Guyanese may be a factor in the lack of sales of the cheaper tickets, the socioeconomic reality of Guyana – where the cheapest ticket represents a decent chunk or all of the average monthly paycheque – can also be a likely factor as well.

And supposing that Guyanese are tardy in purchasing their tickets – why is it that the tickets are not being booked by overseas visitors?

Taken together, the two elements of unsold tickets and unbooked rooms seem to indicate that the actual number of arrivals may be less than projected.

Finally, there is the question of preparation. Surely for an event some two years or more in the making, 48 hours is not the sort of window period that can be construed as comfortable.

It is true that a successful hosting of the CWC matches has the potential of bringing unheralded positive recognition for Guyana – this is something our minuscule tourism marketing budget cannot do and which a sprinkling of annual international reports makes more difficult with each passing year.

CWC offers the opportunity of the mass conversion of not only tens of thousands of foreign cricket fans, but to millions of viewers as well, to the beauty we have to offer here.

It is also true that the potential direct socio-economic impact would be tremendous.

If we were to assume that some 20,000 fans were to spend on average US$1,000 each on food, accommodation, transportation, entertainment et cetera, that would amount to a US$20 million injection into the local economy within that two week period.

And the long term benefits, provided that the visitors enjoyed their stay, wouldn’t be too bad either.

That said, the simple fact of the hosting of the event cannot be seen as a panacea for the very problems associated with it.

It is perhaps time that, our best hopes and expectations notwithstanding, we are presented with a detailed minority report on the status of Guyana’s preparation of CWC 2007.

Tenant refused injunction over removal from Gafoors Mall
DESIGNER, entrepreneur and consultant Eric Benjamin, who filed an action over his removal from Gafoors Houston Mall, was yesterday refused an interim injunction against Gafoor Industries Ltd.

The ex parte application was made by attorney-at-law Mr. Joseph Harmon but the judge also heard arguments by Senior Counsel Mr. Moen McDoom, for the defendant, before ordering that the summons be served on the company to involve both parties.

McDoom was granted leave to file an affidavit in answer by April 19.

In his filing, Benjamin alleged that, in 2006, he entered into a written contract with Gafoors that was to be effective through January 31, 2007.

The arrangement was to rent a cubicle, unit 118, in Gafoors Houston complex, at a monthly rate of US$140 or its equivalent in Guyana dollars.

But he claimed he was removed from the premises following his protestation over the payment of 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) in December, as requested by the Marketing Manager.

Benjamin said he has been prevented from entering his office in the place to conduct business or even to speak to his clients.

Apart from the injunctive remedy, he is seeking:

* damages in excess of $50,000 for breach of the agreement;

* $50,000 damages for breach of quiet enjoyment of unit 118 on the middle floor of the mall and

* a declaration that his constitutional right to free movement, provided for in Article 148 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, has been violated by Gafoors.

Judge rules tomorrow in ‘Red Cake’ murder case
THE voir dire (trial within a trial) in the ‘Red Cake’ murder case at the Demerara Assizes ended yesterday and Justice James Bovell-Drakes reserved his ruling to tomorrow.

In the dock is Raymond Semple alias ‘Bundo’, who is indicted for the unlawful killing of Joseph George nicknamed ‘Big Hand’.

The smaller trial started after State Prosecutor Donelle Harding attempted to tender an alleged confession to which Defence Counsel Vic Puran objected at the opening.

The case for the Prosecution is that George was killed on February 15, 2005, following a row over a piece of Red Cake.

Returned migrant faces 2001 burglary charge
A DEFENDANT charged with a 2001 burglary appeared in court, for the first time yesterday, before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

The long delayed appearance was because Troy Green, 26, of Lot 64 Howes and Adelaide Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, had migrated to French Guiana and only returned last Sunday, Police said.

The allegation against Green is that he broke into the house of Shane Small, at Lot 109 D’Anrade Street, Newtown, also in the city, on March 6, 2001, when he stole jewellery, two wristwatches, a cellular phone, $65,000 cash and other articles all to the total value of $1,391,000.

Defence Counsel Sonny Sarawan said Small is the uncle of the defendant and it is possible he would have a change of heart and not proceed with the case.

But Small, who was in the courtroom, gave no such indication and Green was put on $75,000 bail to face trial on April 24.

Man accused of shooting at cops remanded
TREVOR Alfred, 35, of Lot 308 North East La Penitence, Georgetown, has been charged in connection with the January 17 shooting at policemen at Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday, it was alleged that the accused and others unknown unlawfully and maliciously discharged loaded firearms at Police Constables Kester Cosbert and Cecil Adams.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Maxine Graham, prosecuting, said the indictable charge followed an incident in which the cops were attempting to arrest several persons including Alfred, who fired guns at them.

The case was transferred to Providence Court, also on East Bank Demerara, where Alfred will make his next appearance on March 21.

Another gun case defendant before the same magistrate, Marlon Alleyne, 39, of Lot 6 Henry Street, Wortmanville, in the city, too, was also remanded to prison.

He pleaded not guilty to four charges which said, he, on March 10:

* had a .32 ‘Rossi’ revolver and three .32 live rounds of ammunition without being the holder of licences and

* at D’Urban and Henry Streets, unlawfully assaulted and made use of threatening language to Keith Hughes
Alleyne has to be back in the same court on Friday.

Duo charged with killing bull to steal carcass
POLICE have charged two men with killing a bull to steal the carcass.

Deonarine Deochan and Anthony Evans (no addresses given) appeared before Magistrate Chandra Sohan yesterday, at Fort Wellington Court, West Coast Berbice, where they pleaded not guilty.

Particulars of the offence said they wilfully slaughtered the branded animal, belonging to Deonarine Ramkarran, intending to commit the larceny last January 3.
They were each put on $25,000 bail until March 29.

Pathologist describes injuries on disfigured child murder victim
GOVERNMENT pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh yesterday described in detail the injuries he found on the victim in the child murder case at the Berbice Assizes.

He was testifying at the trial of Peter Collins, who is indicted for the murder of his daughter, six-year-old Samantha Robertson.

The witness testified to examining the partially decomposed body after a voir dire (trial within a trial), surrounding challenged statements, was interrupted.

In his testimony, Singh said the corpse measured three feet seven inches and was dressed with a pair of white shoes, a white dress and a blue and white panty pulled down to the ankle.

He said the remains were beginning to decompose and was bloated with lost hair and facial features.

According to the witness, the soles of the feet were wrinkled and white, indicating that they had been submerged in water for a significant period of time, between three and four days.

Singh said the external examination revealed that the intestines protruded through the anus and there was a loss of the soft tissue from the upper right limb from the elbow, which occurred after death.

There was also subscalpular haemorrhage to the left front and side of the head, due to trauma and the witness explained that a severe blow could have opened a suture which was not completely sealed.

The pathologist said the thorax, including the trachea and right bronchi  contained mud and decomposition had begun in the lungs. There was haemorrhage to the muscle of the left chest, because of the trauma, as well.

Singh said the stomach had blackish mud and the intestines a muddy liquid as the decomposing process had started on other organs, too.

In his opinion, there was evidence of trauma to the head and submersion, causing him to conclude that the cause of death was drowning compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

Cross-examined by State appointed Defence Counsel Adrian Anamayah, Singh said it is very difficult to determine the time of death in such cases and he did not state it in his findings from the autopsy ordered by a coroner.

The witness said natural elements would have affected the rate of decomposition. Muscles will take a longer time to decompose while soft tissue organs will decay faster.

Singh said the head trauma could have been consistent with a fall or a blow.

In answer to the jury sitting with Justice RishimPersaud, Singh said his impression is that the tissues on the arm might have been eaten by something.

The judge also yesterday ruled that the oral statements attributed to the accused, to which his lawyer had objected, were admissible in evidence.

The ruling followed the smaller trial which proceeded in the absence of the jury since March 8, after retired Police Inspector Olbert Halley gave his evidence.

Anamayah had argued that the attestations were obtained in breach of the Judges’ Rules.

Halley previously said Collins made them at Whim Police Station, Corentyne after his sisters visited him on July 26, 2004.

Following the decision, State Prosecutor Nadeen Singh called Eloise Isaacs as the next witness.

The woman, a sister of the accused, of Lot 152 Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, said she and another sibling, Pamela, were present in the upper flat of Whim Police Station where the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is located.

Isaacs said she was standing just outside the office door when she saw Halley beating her brother with a cow pistle (penis) and telling the latter to admit he had given the victim to ‘Muriel’ for a sacrifice.

In response to the jury, the witness said she did see Halley beat Collins in a room but the Police Inspector could not have seen her.

She said the officer insisted that the accused state he had given Muriel the child to sacrifice.

Isaacs said there were no other witnesses to the beating or the subsequent order for her brother to sign a piece of paper.

When the State Prosecutor referred Isaacs to her deposition in the lower court, the witness remembered signing it but denied telling the magistrate what is recorded that, after Halley lashed the accused on his back, then a document was signed.

She said she told the magistrate that Halley ordered Collins to come into a room and sign.
The trial is continuing.

Court told…
Mini-bus passenger had marijuana worth $3.2M
A PASSENGER in a mini-bus plying the New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek route in Berbice was nabbed with a bag containing cannabis (marijuana) worth an estimated $3.2M on the street, it was alleged in a court yesterday.

The allegation was made when Andre La Rose alias ‘Red Man’ appeared before Magistrate Geeta Chandan at New Amsterdam Court on a drug trafficking charge.

Particulars of the March 13 offence said La Rose had 20 kilogrammes of the narcotic for the purpose but he pleaded not guilty.

Police Sergeant Donna Grant-Fraser, prosecuting, said the defendant was apprehended at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, also in Berbice, where the vehicle, BGG7366, was stopped and he was seen acting suspiciously and holding on to a bulky blue bag.
La Rose was refused bail and remanded to prison until March 27.

CWC opening ceremony marginalized some cultures
I WAS disappointed in the 2007 World Cup opening ceremony for the following reasons:

1. The hosts made it look like an all Jamaican affair, and not a true Caribbean event. Remember, the Caribbean or West Indies are hosting the World Cup, not Jamaica alone.

2. Other races or cultures were either ignored or marginalized. The Portuguese, Chinese, Aboriginal or Indigenous peoples were completely ignored. The East Indians were marginalized with some token performances. There were no Chutney performers!

Perhaps the US$50,000 that Guyana gave to Jamaica to assist in hosting this apparent all-Jamaican affair would have been better spent.

We must re-hink how we waste our hard earned dollars.
If you must waste, then waste it on your own people.
C. RAHAMAN

Timely phone ban
THE ban of cell phones in schools from the August school term couldn’t have been timelier.

The practice which seems to be permeating the school system across Guyana is upsetting. Although this situation is fairly new to Guyana, many other countries have experienced this problem many years ago, and have put situations in place to deal with it.

Of course the increased ownership of cell phones by children who attend public and private schools in Guyana can be credited to our two cell phone providers -- GT&T and Digicel.

However, if students survived in school all those past years without the use of a cellular phone in the school environment, I am sure they could continue surviving come August school term.

When I attended school a couple years ago, cell phones were a luxury, and I had no reason whatsoever to take the instrument into my learning environment, as it would’ve only caused major distractions. Then why are our parents today allowing their children to purchase these items and take them into the schools?

In case of emergencies, students and teachers would be able to make contact with the relevant persons through the school’s telephone.

But then some may ask what about emergencies outside of school? Did we have any life and death situation in the past years involving any student outside of a school where a cellular phone might’ve saved the day?

Occurrences such as the World Trade Centre bombings in 2001 and the Columbine High School shootings in America have made most school districts permit the use of cellular phones within school grounds. Many states have followed suit on this.

Many states in America have been pressured by students and their parents for the use of cell phones in schools.

One writer recently recommended that the phones be banned only in the classroom. That is nonsense, since students are expected to spend most of their school day in the classroom.

Since many phones have the vibrate feature, it would be easy to trick the teacher into bringing the phone into the class and having it turned on. And teachers have enough on their plates already than to check students with cell phones to make sure that they’ve turned them off.

All this would impede teachers who have lessons to be taught in specific time frames.

Cell phones can create havoc in the school environment. Students can text message each other in class, cheat in tests, taking and sharing illegal digital photos and videos of other students.

The increased presence of the instruments in schools would also encourage stealing, not to mention fighting.

Please do not get me wrong. The invention of the cellular phone is one of man’s greatest inventions, and the tool can be very useful at times.

However it is how, when and where we use the thing that is bringing a lot of disgust. We have allowed the instrument to be too big a part of our daily lives. It is also a bigger problem in places of worship where persons, who really have no regards for the sacredness of such places, would take cell phones to church with them, and even answer them during the religious services.

Hospitals and other public places in Guyana should be declared cell phone-free zones. And the decree should be imposed as well.

The school environment should be one where students are not permitted to be in possession of cell phones, and parents can help a lot in this cause.
LEON JAMESON SUSERAN

Road lights still not working
SOME time back I wrote seeking to highlight the non-working road lights on the Happy Acres Turn, located on the East Coast Demerara main road.

I am aware that this area is not located in the CWC region and as such will not be a priority by the relevant authorities.

But what is the use of putting up new infrastructure and not doing periodic maintenance?

Will it come to someone's attention when the whole line of lights stops working?
P. BANKAY

Preferential City Council treatment?
MY ELDERLY uncle, who lives in Queenstown, was just told by the City Council that he has to remove a few bricks he put on the parapet to prevent big trucks from destroying the grass.

However, just a couple of streets away the owners of a large house on the corner recently installed a permanent concrete border around "their" parapet just a few inches from the street.

I think this goes against the law, is an eye sore and is extremely dangerous for traffic.

Who in the City Council authorizes such construction?

Shouldn't all residents be given the same treatment by the City Council?
Disgusted

CWC greetings
CONGRATULATIONS to Guyana on their new Stadium and Cricket World Cup.

I am very surprised that the officials did not invite past retired cricketers to the grand opening of Cricket World Cup.

I am one of those who spent many years playing not only cricket but soccer (football), field hockey and rugby for then British Guiana.

Three of my other brothers also played cricket for the country and were members of the GCC.

I have many great memories of all the team mates, many of whom are still alive. I still keep up with the news of Guyana and maybe God willing someday will pay a visit.

Again, congratulations on your great success and the best to you all in the coming World Cup series.
NORMAN WIGHT

Smith inspires Windies to victory in World Cup opener
KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Dwayne Smith featured with both bat and ball to inspire West Indies to a 54-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of Cricket World Cup 2007 at Sabina Park yesterday.

The exciting all-rounder smashed a quick-fire 32 off 15 balls that helped West Indies to 241 for nine off their 50 overs, and returned to grab three vital wickets in the middle of the Pakistan innings to restrict the 1992 champions to 187 in 47.2 overs, despite an aggressive 62 by Shoaib Malik.

The victory sparked huge celebrations among a near-capacity crowd, and gave Brian Lara’s side a boost in their quest to become to first host team to win the World Cup.

Sent in after Pakistan won the toss, West Indies owed their total mainly to Marlon Samuels’ impressive 69 and Ramnaresh Sarwan’s 49, but it was Smith’s excitement at the death that helped them to a total with which they could work.

The right-hander blasted three sixes and then came back with the ball to remove two of Pakistan’s key batsmen at a critical stage.

With fast bowlers Umur Gul and Rao Iftikhar bowling well at the start, the hosts were kept in check, despite a second-wicket stand of 56 between Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

They came together in the third over after Gul removed Chris Gayle by way of a catch to wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, as the opener edged a defensive stroke.

Sarwan, dropped by Younis Khan at second slip to the first ball he faced, showed positive intent in striking eight fours before edging a drive to first slip off Iftikhar.

Samuels was in wonderful touch from the moment he went to the crease and played equally confident against both pace and spin.

He sent the crowd into frenzy when he magnificently lifted Iftikhar for a straight six, and there was more jubilation around the ground when he advanced down the pitch and lifted leg-spinner Danish Kaneria over long-on and into the new North Stand.

The hometown boy reached his half-century in grand style with another straight six against off-spinner Shoaib Malik.

Samuels however, failed to carry on, and ended up giving a catch to long-on off off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez after striking eight fours and three sixes off 68 balls.

By then, West Indies had also lost captain Brian Lara for a measured 37 off 58 balls, falling to an attempted sweep that resulted in an edged catch to the keeper off Hafeez.

It was Akmal’s third catch of the innings, following an excellent tumbling effort earlier that accounted