The yachts move in
By Ruel Johnson
GUYANA is pushing to establish a viable yachting industry, a venture due to receive a boost with the arrival of seven yachts at Baganara Island Resort in the Essequibo River yesterday.

They are accompanied this time by the owners of the Mistral, the Angel, the Songster, the Magic Dragon and the Good Time Charlie.

The seventh yacht, the Tao, arrived later in the day.

One more yacht is expected by Friday and at least three others subsequently.

This is the largest flotilla of yachts here at any one time, tourism officials said.

At a brief ceremony for the yachters, newly-appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Kenneth Jordan, welcomed them to Guyana at the resort.

“The ministry,” said Jordan, relaying a message from Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir, “is committed to ensuring an enabling environment for the sustained growth of the yachting industry.”

Regional Chairman for Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Gordon Bradford – who stopped in briefly – welcomed the yachters to what he described as the most beautiful region in Guyana. Bradford said that with the decline in the mining industries in his area, tourism promised to be the salvation for the region.

All of the boat-owners expressed thanks to public relations consultant Kit Nascimento, who they described as the engine behind them getting to Guyana.

They were also thankful to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard for piloting them up the Essequibo River.

One of the main problems for yachts is the lack of navigational aids, like buoys, to help in negotiating the Essequibo.

This is a situation that Nascimento said the government is working assiduously to correct.

In a surprise announcement almost exactly two years after they made their first yachting trip to Guyana, Joyce and David Davis said they have decided to make their home in the country.

The couple – originally from the U.S. – said they will be building a house on the Essequibo River.

According to Teri O’Brien, General Manager for Wilderness Explorers, the Ministry of Tourism instituted a Yachting Committee – to help develop the blueprint for a viable yachting industry in Guyana – around July-August last year.

The committee is made up of representatives from major stakeholders, including government agencies like Customs and Immigration, as well as representatives of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and the Tourism and Hospital Association of Guyana (THAG).

“The committee was set up to put in place a standard procedure for allowing cruise ships and yachts into the country”, O’Brien said.

He explained that currently – in order to bring any cruise ship or yacht into the country – operators must either go through the Ministry of Tourism or the GTA.

“It’s like when you have an aircraft land. You have a standard procedure: you get off; you go through customs. There is no such procedure for yachts and cruise ships.”

O’Brien said the committee’s main task is ensuring that such a procedure is established.

Green tea can fight cancer
-- study finds
LONDON (Reuters) - Spanish and British scientists have discovered how green tea helps to prevent certain types of cancer.

Researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain (UMU) and the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norwich, England have shown that a compound called EGCG in green tea prevents cancer cells from growing by binding to a specific enzyme.

"We have shown for the first time that EGCG, which is present in green tea at relatively high concentrations, inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), which is a recognised, established target for anti-cancer drugs, " Professor Roger Thorneley, of JIC, told Reuters.

"This is the first time, to our knowledge, a known target for an anti-cancer drug has been identified as being inhibited by EGCG," he added.

Green tea has about five times as much EGCG as regular tea, studies have shown. It decreased rates of certain cancers but scientists were not sure what compounds were involved or how they worked.

Nor had they determined how much green tea a person would have to drink to have a beneficial effect, he said.

MINING CRACK
Commission to crack down on mining lawlessness
THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is moving to enforce new mining laws aimed at safeguarding the environment from dredging and other operations.

Commission Chairman, Mr Robeson Benn says it is now in a better position to ensure compliance since the new Mining and Environmental Regulations Act to be gazetted shortly will become law.

Revised regulations also ban the dumping of tailings into rivers in hydraulic mining, strengthening the regulatory framework for environmental issues in the sector, he told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He told the agency he was not completely satisfied with the response at the medium and small scale levels to good environmental practices and regulations by miners.

The commission has helped to improve awareness and understanding but Mr Benn remains concerned that the change in attitudes related to land use was coming too slowly, GINA reported.

He said the commission will be strengthening its efforts this year to ensure compliance.

According to the GGMC head, too many mining areas are not meeting environmental standards and have a negative impact on Amerindian communities.

He said consultations are being held with miners and their associations to correct this situation, noting that un-reclaimed land and turbidity of the water affect the livelihood of those communities.

The commissioner told GINA he recognised that there are technical and cost factors but had still hoped for the industry to be in a better position by this time to meet required standards.

Benn noted that Omai Gold Mines Limited is in the process of executing closure plans at its Essequibo River mine concessions.

He told the agency the firm is winding down on the closure plans for the plant by reclaiming low-grade stockpiles and putting environmental plans in place for re-vegetation during the two years after it is closed.

He added that the commission and the Environmental Protection Agency were monitoring execution of the closure plans and this was being done in an open and cooperative manner.

Environmentalist and other groups have for years warned about the impact of some mining operations on the rivers and surroundings areas in the hinterland.

Child missing:
Anti-kidnapping squad called in
THE Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad was last night investigating a report that a child from Grove, East Bank Demerara, was missing.

Police spokesman, Mr John Sauers said police had received a report about the missing child and the anti-kidnapping squad was investigating.

The Chronicle understands police were alerted about 15:15 h after the child, about 10 years old, did not return home from school.
 
Rescuing West Indies cricket
-- Critical choices for WICB and CARICOM
Analysis by Rickey Singh
A TURF war for markets between two telecommunication giants in the Caribbean region has now deepened the crisis of West Indies cricket, with the future perhaps never more grim.

Both long time sponsor of West Indies cricket, Britain's Cable and Wireless, and its rival Irish newcomer Digicel, have been busy with their clever spins to justify their respective stands in the controversy surrounding the personal contracts signed with C&W by captain Brian Lara and six other players.

For all their breast-beating, self-serving statements, the truth is that their sponsorship initiatives fall within the thrust of two major foreign telecommunication corporations that are engaged in a competition for markets in our region.

And neither the CARICOM governments nor the region's private sector seem interested enough, in our pride and dignity, to come forward with an investment programme for indigenous sponsorship of a sport that is synonymous with our social history. 

This is not to ignore the indiscipline, arrogance, selfishness and lack of team spirit that have been among recurring accusations, for some years now, in the face of the continuing decline of West Indies cricket. 

Nor to be ignored the position of the WICB more obsessed in maintaining its own "authority", that no one really wants to diminish, instead of behaving as if it really appreciates also the interest and responsibility of the region's governments in what is much more than our dominant sport.

Indeed, West Indies cricket is now more integrally linked than ever with the region's social and economic life. Consequently, there is the need for an enlightened structured relationship between the WICB and the governments of CARICOM -- without prejudice to the board's legal authority.

CONSULTATION MECHANISM
At present, we have what is viewed as an unrealistic status quo of CARICOM Heads of Government maintaining within their structures a Prime Ministerial Subcommittee on Cricket, while the community has NO representation, even as an observer,  on the WICB, currently headed by president Teddy Griffith..

West Indies Cricket and the University of the West Indies have long been recognised as the twin pillars of our Caribbean civilisation. The Secretary General of CARICOM normally has a representation place on the UWI Council.

So why not representation by the secretariat on the WICB, if only to better appreciate the thinking and actions of each other, instead of waiting for crisis interventions, as in the current case that involves more than the fate of seven players?

In the ongoing Digicel/C&W controversy, the WICB did not even consider it relevant to extend the simple courtesy of informing, before hand, CARICOM of its decision to abandon an 18-year relationship with the British telecommunication corporation in preference for its Irish challenger as the new sponsor. Is this how we are preparing for World Cup Cricket 2007?

Secretary General Edwin Carrington said to me in a telephone conversation earlier this week that the issue of a better and more practical working relationship between CARICOM and the WICB "must be faced, the sooner the better". He said he would first seek the views of the Community's leaders before any further comment. 

However, as things are at present, tomorrow may not just be 'D-Day' for selection of the West Indies team for the first Test against South Africa -- with or without current captain Brian Lara.

OWNERSHIP FACTOR   
It could be the decisive moment for the WICB to demonstrate its capacity for compromise by accepting the suggestion from CARICOM leaders to include for the selection process, the seven players with personal contracts with C&W. 

In so doing, th WICB may yet avoid the risk of irreparable damage to what's left of the tattered reputation of West Indies cricket; and, at the same time, buy space for a critical reassessment of sponsorship relations with Digicel and C&W and the fostering of a structured relationship CARICOM.

The Prime Ministers of Grenada (Keith Mitchell, who chairs the community's subcommittee on cricket) and Jamaica (P.J. Patterson) did not conceal their serious concerns over the consequences for West Indies cricket when I spoke with them in separate telephone conversations this past weekend.

But, as they said, they prefer to "hope for a sensible compromise", a "matured response to the serious problem at hand", rather than make any public comment at this time that could be "misinterpreted" or "misused".

Their "hope" is widely shared. So too, the sentiment eloquently expressed last week by Tim May, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers Association, when lamenting the sorry impasse involving Digicel and C&W and the WICB and West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

"The West Indies cricket team", said May -- for those with ears to hear -- "belongs to the people of the West Indies. It does not belong to a commercial sponsor".

Digicel and C&W and, more importantly, CARICOM governments, should take note.

Ministry of Health continues medical outreach programmes
GINA - The Health Ministry is placing emphasis on hinterland areas and difficult-to-reach Amerindian communities, since the need for expanded medical services in these areas is critical.

Expressing this view earlier this week was Dr Bheri Ramsarran, Director of Regional Health Services.

According to Dr Ramsarran, medical outreach teams have recently visited Laluni, Mahaica River, Mahaicony River, Santa Mission and St. Cuthbert’s Mission.

The Government Eye Care Programme is a new aspect of healthcare that has been added to the current activities of the medical teams. In this regard, said the Director of Regional Health Services, screening tests are done in the communities visited.

Mrs. Patricia Singh, Coordinator of Indigenous Communities, has indicated that the recent medical outreach to St. Cuthbert’s Mission attended to over 100 persons in procedures such as extraction and cleaning of teeth, visual testing, health education, and other medical services.

She added that persons aged 55 and over will benefit from the special Government Eye Care Programme. Such persons will be transported to Georgetown where a contracted optical specialist will provide further testing and provide them with free spectacles.

Mrs. Singh said such trips are worthwhile since the people of St. Cuthbert’s are not financially equipped to make trips to Georgetown to undergo such procedures.

Dr. Ramsarran said the Ministry’s success in such programmes has been continuing, and that to date the Ministry has attended to 1,000 persons.

The Director added that at present, another outreach team is being deployed to Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) for a two-week stint. (Government Information Agency)

Mash calypso winners get prizes
MASHRAMANI 2005 Calypso winners, in both the junior and senior categories, on Monday received their prizes at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, bringing the curtain down on this year's activities.

Second place was awarded to Arth Austin 'Young Sparkle' of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) for his song 'Help Save Our Youths'. He received a guitar, amplifier and a trophy.

Talisha Adams 'Magical Inspiration' of Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) was awarded the third spot. She was presented with a music system and a trophy for her song 'Youth, We're The Leaders'.

The other participants, Mark Batson, Denise Cosbert, Melissa Williams and Nelisha Tixey, who failed to qualify, all received $5,000 gift vouchers redeemable at the Austin's Bookstore.

Camille Goliah Basdeo 'Lady Tempest' emerged Monarch for the second year in a row, with her piece entitled 'The Hand of the Father'. She received a cheque for $500,000 and a trophy.

Placing second was Vivian Jordan 'VJ' with his song 'Captain'. He received a trophy and $300,000.

The third place finisher was Geoffrey Phillips 'Mighty Rebel' who received $150,000 and a trophy for 'The Country Gone'.

On the night of the competition, the remaining 22 contestants each received a consolation prize of $15,000.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Keith Booker, said that although many Mashramani (Republic anniversary) activities were cancelled after much deliberation with religious groups, the business sector, and some of the artistes, it was satisfying to see talent emulating from the young people, even in the face of disaster.

Minster of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Teixeira expressed joy that some Mash activities were planned amidst difficult circumstances with the floods.

However, she said it was being mistakenly reported that Mash activities have been postponed to the May 26 Independence anniversary observances.

This is not the case, she stressed.
She explained that the Masquerade and National Steel Pan competitions, usually part of the Mash celebrations, will be held on May 26 to coincide with the Independence Day activities, she said.

Ms Teixeira told reporters that talks were being held with the Ministry of Education and other agencies about staging the float parade – the annual Mash Day centrepiece which was among celebrations put off this year because of the floods.

She noted that students across the country are scheduled to write Mathematics for the Caribbean School Examination Certificate (CSEC), formally Caribbean Examination Certificate (CXC) on May 26 and several options have to be considered.

A total of more than $1.3M and prizes were given out in the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) sponsored calypso competition.

Steps soon to ease East Bank traffic jams
-- Xavier promises
MEASURES are in train to address traffic congestion on the East Bank Demerara four-lane road, according to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier.

Amid mounting frustration at long delays from drivers and others, he yesterday told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the road will be widened at certain points to ease the buildup of traffic at one division.

He told the agency he "understands the inconvenience caused” but pleaded with commuters and motorists to be patient.

Mr Xavier urged the police to manage the situation carefully, especially mini-buses which are the main concern since all drivers want to move at the same time.

Construction is ongoing on the road which GINA said is scheduled to be completed in June.

Guyana backs China anti-secession law
THE Government of Guyana says in noting the objectives of the recently enacted Anti-Secession law, it is reiterating its support for the People's Republic of China and in the interest of global peace and security is calling for the resolution of the Taiwan issue through continued consultation and negotiations.

"As a country which is firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, Guyana has consistently maintained a `One China’ policy and advocated a peaceful reunification of the People's Republic of China," a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The ministry said it is understood that the objectives of the Anti-Secession Law, adopted by the 10th People's National Congress of the People's Republic of China on Monday, are to oppose Taiwan's secession; to strive for the peaceful reunification of China; to safeguard China's state sovereignty and to maintain stability across the Taiwan Straits and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Former Army Chief to head GT&T
By Renu Raghubir
CHIEF Executive Officer and General Manager of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Ms. Sonita Jagan yesterday confirmed her resignation from the post and announced that retired Army Major General Joseph Singh will replace her.

At a press conference at the company's headquarters in Brickdam, Georgetown, Jagan who has been working with GT&T for the past 12 years, holding various positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Financial Officer, said she is leaving the job to join her husband in Romania.
She said Singh, 59, former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, is qualified for the post as he holds an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences and a diploma in Public Administration from the University of Guyana.

She said he has earned many honours and conservation awards and was awarded numerous fellowships in various local and international organisations.

He is currently Executive Director of Conservation International Guyana.

"I don't think I will be doing justice to this company and customers if I am CEO and I am not on the ground to see what is happening. I think it was necessary to have someone in this position who has the courage, dedication, experience and management skills. I am comforted that my successor will follow the path which is marked by GT&T," Jagan said.

Recounting GT&T's developments last year, she said the company reached all its targets with many new developments and expansion in various areas throughout the country.

She reported that GT&T started T Mobile and Singular/AT&T testing last year and as a result, customers can now roam and utilise the services.

The outgoing CEO said more than 100,000 land line phones were connected, while the GSM and C Point services were launched.

She explained that the company recognises that the GSM service is growing although coverage is not as good as that offered to TDMA phones. As such, GT&T is moving to better the service with cell sites.

The sites will soon be operational in communities including Sophia, Eccles, Cove and John, Mahdia, Lethem and Mahaicony, she reported.

Jagan said that by 2010, TDMA phones will be completely phased out as manufacturing will stop in 2007, while the email aspect of GSM phones is now being tested.

Camera phones are expected to be launched in December of this year.
She noted that customers have adjusted comfortably to remote phones as many were installed in areas including Burma, Mora Point, Hogg Island, Kabakaburi, Kuru Kuru, Seweyo, Santa Rosa, Bush Lot, Mabura and Wakapau.

She told the gathering also consisting of executives and staff members, that GT&T dispatched numerous crews to carry out works throughout Guyana last year, as the agenda was packed.

Jagan said this year's agenda is similar as the Board of Directors has approved the budget.

Works include phone installations in many communities including Numbers 76, 65 and 52 Villages, Corentyne, Sheet Anchor, Kilcoy, Adelphi, Wisroc, Tempe, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Guyhoc Gardens and Shirley-Ridley Square, Bloomfield, Shieldstown, Belmont, Liverpool, Land of Canaan, Catherine, Cane Grove, Adventure, Planters Hall, Massiah, Bachelor's Adventure, Melanie, Golden Grove/Haslington, New Hope South/Friendship and Grove.

These projects will provide services to their surrounding areas.
Provision will be made for Diamond and Good Hope Housing Schemes once information, like the number of house lots, is confirmed.

Jagan said remote phone systems will be installed at Bara Cara, Suparupa, Long Creek, Silver Hill, St. Francis, Wineperu, Maria’s Pleasure, Zeelandia, Hackney, Abary and Dadanawa, and the company is working with suppliers in Essequibo to make plans for works to start there.

She related that GT&T's Fibre Optic systems have been deployed with fibre optic cables running from Georgetown to Diamond, Beterverwagting, Timehri, Skeldon, Linden, Parika and Mahaicony serving all communities in their path.

These cables provide bandwidth and greater flexibility for use and will eventually be linked to form a self-healing ring which will allow traffic flow in either direction and so ensure continuity in the event that the cables are damaged. A special fibre optic ring encircles Georgetown to provide high-speed data services for the business community, Jagan explained.

She stressed that over the years, GT&T has, among other things, deployed submarine cables, bought rights in a number of international undersea cables, simultaneously migrated its switches to the multi-market software and upgraded operator services network.

According to her, the government, in the interim, turned a blind eye to illegal operators that compete with the company for telephone business and she believes that the reason is because of the way GT&T came to Guyana.

From the inception of its existence in Guyana to September 2004, GT&T has invested more than US$195M towards modernisation and expansion of the national telecommunications infrastructure and facilities, she reported.

She maintained that her company is constantly abused for the exclusivity conferred by its licence in the areas of international voice telephony, data transmission and provision of national distribution, adding that there is a revolution in telecommunications and governments everywhere are renegotiating the operations held by incumbents.

Jagan said GT&T is being accused of attempting to frustrate efforts to liberalise the telecommunication sector for fear of competition, but noted that GT&T is neither averse to change nor intimidated by the prospects of competition.

The GT&T parent company, Atlantic Tel-Network (ATN) Inc., based in the U.S Virgin Islands, in a press release, described Jagan as "an outstanding company manager, leading GT&T from 13,500 subscribers to over 250,000 despite local rates that are the lowest in the Caribbean."

"We will miss her strong voice and leadership but expect to continue to benefit from her experience when she joins the GT&T board. Mr. Singh is a national hero in Guyana, having commanded the armed forces for presidents of both major political parties and having maintained peace despite several threats of serious domestic violence", it said.

The release said his selection as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission for the 2001 general elections was the latest proof of his integrity and the respect he has earned from all sides in the country.

"We feel fortunate that we have been able to obtain his services to continue the development of telecommunications in Guyana so ably accomplished to date by Ms. Jagan."

NCN, CCWU call truce
THE National Communications Network Incorporated (NCN) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) yesterday issued a joint statement signalling an end to a row over the payment of union dues.

In the statement, the state-owned radio and TV network said it regrets the action taken to stop the deduction of union dues and is prepared to adhere to the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between the Government of Guyana and the union.

A press release jointly signed by NCN Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mohamed Sattaur and CCWU General Secretary, Mr Grantley Culbard said it was agreed that the previous system of deducting union dues would be restored.

“In accordance with the previous CLA (Collective Labour Agreement), the union has agreed to indemnify the company from any claims as liabilities arising from any action whatsoever resulting from the implementation of the decision. It was also agreed that suitable arrangements would be made with regard to outstanding union dues to be transmitted to the union", the joint statement said.

The dues issue had triggered a CCWU call for the removal of Sattaur and it threatened to take a course of action to ensure that workers rights were ensured.

The release said NCN is comfortable with the CCWU as the representative of the bargaining unit at the merged entity, and as part of the merger has established a corporate structure which provides for functional areas to be managed by department heads.

It further stated that the Human Resources function falls under the mandate of the Deputy CEO, Mr Mazrul Bacchus who has been involved in the day to day communication with the union and the ongoing negotiations of the new CLA.

The Finance Department has been restructured and computer systems upgraded, and in order to finalise the implementation of the upgraded software package and related financial documentation certain actions were taken, the release said.

In addition, it said that other issues, including the status of reporters, will be addressed in accordance with the new CLA which NCN is to finalise with the CCWU as soon as possible.

In the meanwhile, other industrial issues would be raised at the level of the Deputy CEO urgently, the parties said.

Fridges, TV sets found in vehicles
THE Customs and Trade Administration has launched an investigation following the discovery of electrical appliances and other goods in three vehicles on the Corentyne.

Police said a mobile patrol conducting routine searches on Monday night stopped three vehicles on the Corentyne.

Cops found Lactogen, DVD movies, refrigerators, television sets, VCR's, washing machines, water guns, playing cards, and a quantity of ladies and gents wrist watches in them.

The occupants were detained and the vehicles and goods seized.

Police said they have called in the Customs and Trade Administration to help in the investigation.

Short-term steps to avoid flooding being speeded up
By Chamanlall Naipaul
SHORT-TERM work to improve drainage systems in areas affected by the recent floods is to be accelerated as the process of awarding contracts would be completed by the end of this week.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Board (NDIB), Ravi Narine told the Chronicle yesterday that immediately after the contracts are awarded, work will start on the short-term projects identified by Dutch engineers, Olaf Van Duin and Nisa Nurmohamed as well as those earmarked by the NDIB.

In some cases work has already started, he added.

He said there is enough time to complete all the short-term measures before the onset of the anticipated May/June rains, explaining that the projects are not large and will not require long periods of work.

Narine said the cost of implementing the short-term measures is estimated at $1 billion and this could go upwards or downwards as work goes on.

Originally, the projected budget was less but a recent visit to the Boeraserie Conservancy on the West Demerara revealed a need for repairs on about five miles of its dam.

He said this was because of heavy overtopping during the unprecedented rainfall in January of this year.

Meanwhile, the Chronicle has learnt that the Canadian government through its aid arm, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), has pledged CAD$1.7M to help fund the short-term plan, while the British Department for Funding International Development (DFID) will provide 750,000 pounds.

Narine said during last week the NDIB met representatives of Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) to finalise the work programme for that region and will meet representatives of Regions Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Five (Mahaica/Berbice) to do the same.

In the meantime, he said routine maintenance of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), which includes inspection, minor repairs to the dam and cleaning of its canals is ongoing.

He said the NDIB yesterday also met local consultants who will be monitoring and supervising the short-term projects.

He reported too that the three fast boats to be used for emergency monitoring of the EDWC have been acquired, pointing out that this was another recommendation by the Dutch engineers.

The Dutch engineers have also recommended that a dragline, trench cleaner and two long boom excavators with appropriate pontoons be acquired to upgrade the equipment of the conservancy dam maintenance crew.

Narine said the equipment has not been acquired as yet, but in the meanwhile they are being hired.

The Dutch engineers, deployed here by the United Nations in the wake of the floods, have recommended that the conservancy dam be brought to a consistent level and patched up areas be strengthened.

They also proposed creating or strengthening a berm at the down side of the dam to stabilise it.

Dredging and widening of canals within the conservancy at Enmore, Enterprise, 5000 Cross, La Bonne Intention, on the East Coast Demerara and Craig on the East Bank Demerara would soon begin, Narine said.

He said the NDIB is in the mobilising stage and these works are in accordance with the recommendations of the Dutch experts.

The engineers have also recommended restoring the function of outlets and pumps on the sea wall along the East Coast Demerara that are in a bad state or in disrepair. Narine said these projects are on stream.

To achieve this, the engineers said the discharge of a number of outlets can be improved by several measures.

These include:
* Excavating trenches toward the koker (sluice) at Plaisance as it is beyond repair, and placing three large pipes in them going through the immobile door of the koker; installing valves in the pipes to control the flow of water during high and low tides.

* Using existing emergency slots in the sluice at Buxton/Beterverwagting/Triumph by putting new doors in these slots which may be lifted by dragline or winch, and taking out remnants of the old slide doors.

* Installing pumps at the outlet structures at Mon Repos.

* Installing new pumps where the old ones have broken down at Cane Grove.

* Repairing the pump station at Cove & John and if there is need replacing the pumps there.

* Dredging the sand at the outlet channel by the sea side at Greenfield.

Seminar on sea defences to be held
THE Ministry of Public Works and Communication will be hosting the fourth training workshop for the institutional capacity building activities on Guyana’s sea defences.

The seminar will be held on April 7 at the Hotel Tower, Georgetown, and will be attended by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier and Head of the Delegation of European Commission, Per Eklund.

The objective of the seminar is to evaluate the results from the work of each of the six training modules already completed.

Each team will present its results on the modules. Discussions on the findings and questions from the Steering Committee and the audience are also part of the agenda.

The steering committee comprises officials from the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, Guyana Sea Defences and other institutions.

Guyana Sea Defences was invited by the Minister of Public Works and Communication to form part of the Infrastructural Monitoring Team during the flooding. The team took part in the monitoring of the flood-hit areas and organising reconnaissance flights over the conservancies and sea defences.

The session involves the presentation and discussion of several modules on various sea defence theories. Module five will present the possible engineering measures to restore and protect mangroves, to be tested in a pilot project.

Meanwhile, the progress of module six is highlighted in the work to formulate a strategic plan for the sea and river defences of Guyana and to outline future activities.

Module six will present the results from the latest analysis of the master plan for sea defences.

The third training assessment workshop was held in December 2004.

The workshop was attended by Prime Minister Hinds and Mr Eklund. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)

Bush administration defends poor country debt plan
By Lesley Wroughton
WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - The Bush administration stepped up a defence of its debt relief plan for the world's poorest countries yesterday to counter a rival British plan, saying its proposal was the only one that guaranteed full and permanent debt forgiveness.

At a special briefing in Washington, U.S Treasury officials for the first time detailed a plan for 100 per cent debt relief for the world's poorest countries to the media, African diplomats and non-profit groups.

Until now, the Bush administration has only discussed its plan behind closed doors.

Yesterday's effort seemed aimed at countering a rival British plan that UK finance minister Gordon Brown is pushing among wealthy nations, who agree the heavy debt burden of the world's least developed nations hurts growth and poverty reduction.

Debt relief and increased aid to Africa is expected to take centre stage at July's Group of Eight leaders meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland. The G8 is comprised of the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Japan and Russia.

John Taylor, the U.S. Treasury's top foreign affairs official, said there was "genuine misunderstanding" about the U.S. proposal and some countries had taken positions too early in the process. Treasury says the British plan would only pay for the cost of countries' debt service to global lenders, rather than writing off the debt.

Under the British plan, donors would foot the bill for reduction of World Bank debts, while the International Monetary Fund would cut debts owed it by revaluing or selling its huge and undervalued gold cache, a move opposed by gold producers.

"These proposals do not cancel the debt, thereby ensuring that the debt sustainability debate will continue in the future," the U.S. proposal said.

Bobby Pittman, Treasury's deputy assistant secretary, said the U.S. plan would permanently wipe off the debts with grant handouts -- versus decades of loans -- through the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), the lender's lowest cost lending arm.

Critics of the U.S. plan argue it could eventually collapse the IDA and would undermine the World Bank's main mission, development in the world's poorest countries.

But Pittman argued that debt repayments by borrowers funded only 3 per cent of IDA's new lending in 2003.

He said the British proposal only covered through 2015, and that poor countries would suffer "a shock" when they had to resume debt service payments. "It will be a bad idea to write off debt knowing that you're going to go right back in," he said. "We don't want that."

Pittman said cancellation of IMF debt would be dealt with once the global lender's role in low-income countries was better defined. The fund is currently undergoing an evaluation of its role in the developing world.

Group of Seven finance ministers last month asked the IMF to study and report back with options for canceling the debts of poor countries and to examine whether such a move should be financed through the sale or revaluation of IMF gold stocks.

Uganda's Ambassador to Washington, Edith Ssempala, said she was "encouraged" by the briefing and that it was time to break the cycle of loans and forgiveness for poor countries.

Tom Hart, government relations director for DATA -- or Debt, AIDS, Trade and Africa -- the lobby group co-founded by Irish rocker Bono, said he was pleased the United States had detailed its debt relief plan.

"We are very pleased they are being clear about their support for 100 per cent permanent cancellation," Hart said. "We are confident the G7 will resolve their differences."

Human trafficking in Guyana, Caribbean under OAS focus
`…the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation has the same dramatic turnover as drug trafficking and the sale of arms’ -- Carmen Lomellin, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Commission of Women

HUMAN trafficking in The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands Antilles, Saint Lucia and Suriname is centre stage at an Organisation of American States (OAS) meeting in Washington scheduled to end today.

The OAS said the important conference opened Monday morning with government officials and experts discussing counter-trafficking strategies and unveiling a ground-breaking study entitled, `Exploratory Assessment of Trafficking in Persons in the Caribbean Region.’

The historic meeting is a joint initiative of the OAS Inter-American Commission of Women and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and was called to assess progress and plan the follow-up to a research and training project on human trafficking in the seven Caribbean countries cited, the OAS said in a press release.

This is the first time representatives from across the region have gathered to specifically address the question of trafficking in persons and to seek to develop a regional strategic approach to preventing and combating the problem.

Monday’s session, on the scope and nature of the problem in the Caribbean, opened with Ambassador Henry Illes, Suriname’s Permanent Representative to the OAS and Coordinator of the Caucus of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassadors, among those to outline their perspectives on the question. Branding human trafficking as a “form of modern day slavery,” Illes cited the connection to corruption as central to what he called “the global business of human trafficking.”

He said, “Many citizens mistrust their local law enforcement, customs as well as immigration personnel, believing that some of them are highly corrupt.” He also quoted from research conducted by non-governmental organisations, and called for the establishment of national, regional and hemispheric programmes to combat corruption, especially in relation to trafficking in human beings.

The OAS said he noted further how corruption, facilitated by the technological and financial capacity of organised crime, can cripple local law enforcement and immigration entities.

Carmen Lomellin, Executive Secretary of CIM, said the OAS women’s agency has increasingly focused on human trafficking and has been engaged in extensive research and capacity-building activities, including an initial pilot programme in Central America and the Dominican Republic, which confirmed the existence of human trafficking in the Americas.

“This conference is opportune,” Lomellin said, “for the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation has the same dramatic turnover as drug trafficking and the sale of arms.” Explaining one factor, Lomellin noted how “economic conditions in our region have deteriorated for the most vulnerable populations.”

Richard Danziger, Head of Counter-trafficking Services for the IOM, said in his opening remarks, that only through close partnerships between government agencies and non-governmental agencies can there be progress in combating trafficking. “It is very important that at the centre of our approach to fighting against this crime we look at the human rights of the victims. Trafficking is a security issue. Trafficking is a development issue. It’s all about poverty.”

In her welcoming remarks to the delegates, Kelly Ryan, Deputy U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, underscored how U.S. officials in recent years have consistently “made it abundantly clear that we in the United States — our government and our people — find trafficking abhorrent and we are acting to stop it.”

Following those remarks, an extensive and in-depth explanation of the Caribbean Regional Research Report was delivered by Ashley Garrett, IOM Project Manager for Trafficking in Persons, the OAS said.

Guyana, in its campaign against human trafficking, last year introduced tough laws to deal with the scourge and has embarked on a public education campaign, involving the police and other agencies, about tackling the problem.

Call the police
IN RESPONSE to the support received from members of the public, the under mentioned numbers are being published for general information:

** If you have to report an incident of Police misconduct, call the Office of Professional Responsibility (O.P.R)
tele # 226-8467 or 227-1926

** If you have to report a matter pertaining to narcotics, call the Narcotic Branch on telephone # 225-1111 or 226-2870.

** If you have reported a matter and you have not received a response, i.e. report not acted upon, please call the 24-hrs hot line telephone # 225-6411. (POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT)

IICA help for college farm
THE Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), as part of its ongoing support to the agricultural and rural sector in the flood recovery process, will donate G$1M to the St Stanislaus Farm Committee today.

In a press release, the agency said the money will help the farm re-establish a 10 acre pasture of Antelope grass, refurbish the milking parlour and repair the dairy processing unit and training centre.

According to the release, ICCA has been associated with the St Stanislaus Farm and training centre since 1983, when a model dairy unit was established and over the years, hundreds of farmers, technicians and students have been trained at this facility and adopted technologies demonstrated at the Farm

IICA said it has provided other assistance in the flood-recovery efforts including veterinary assistance by Dr Maxine Parris-Aaron, Agricultural Health and Food Specialist, and veterinary supplies to the Ministry of Agriculture's livestock rehabilitation programme.

IICA Regional Project Specialist, Dr Vincent Little was a member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean team which recently concluded a disaster assessment here in the wake of the floods.

Assistance was also given to the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) in the form of a pressure washer and cleaning supplies, the institute said.

The IICA has pledged its ongoing support in the recovery programmes as required, within the limit of its resources and commensurate with its strategic area of focus.

Embracing Caribbean family
THE concert held in Barbados last Saturday to garner funds for flood victims in Guyana was a wonderfully heartening event. Just like the other concerts and shows conducted in Great Britain and the United States, the Barbados performances mirrored the ethnic weave of Guyana and the rich diversity of cultures, whose origins lie in the five continents of this planet. Singers, musicians, poets and dancers long absent from these shores found their way to the concert venues to honour their homeland in song, rhythm and movement and to demonstrate solidarity with their compatriots.

These massive demonstrations of support televised over many miles to living rooms in Guyana were spiritual meat and drink to those Guyanese, who six weeks ago were battling levels of water ranging from four or five inches to three feet and more, in their homes and yards, market places, workshops and business-places. The rising water proved to be an equal opportunity disaster in that it spared no one or anything in its path. It was a humbling and frightening experience especially for those, who lost loved ones by drowning or by disease engendered by stagnant and unsanitary water and mosquito bites.

For some three weeks the flood held many coastland communities in its thrall. School was out and most school buildings were converted into emergency shelters for those families, who were forced to abandon their dwellings. While in some areas, the water rose and fell reflecting the movement of the tides in others the inundation was constant, rippling only with the movement of river craft and old refrigerators converted to makeshift boats. The aftermath of the flood brought another set of factors into the situation, for hundreds of households found their floorings destroyed, their electrical appliances non-functioning or totally wrecked, and a range of items including books and clothing unsalvageable. Even now, long after the waters have receded, items of furniture and even walls and floorings still retain faint odours of the inundation despite vigorous washings and sterilising processes.

Thanks to local and overseas donors, relief items were generously distributed both by Government agencies and by religious organisations and social service groups. There were hot meals, drinking water, clothing, blankets, medication and weather boots during the course of the inundation, and dry rations, cleansing agents, disinfectants, rubber gloves and garbage bags when the waters abated. In spite of everything, Guyanese still have much for which to be thankful since the situation could have been a great deal worse with staggering loss of lives and great material destruction.

Guyanese must be greatly comforted by the evidence of assistance in cash and kind that continues to flow into the country from caring persons and agencies thousands of miles away. That is why Saturday’s Barbados concert was such a gratifying event. It was particularly satisfying to view talented performances by Guyanese as well as other Caribbean artists, who gathered at the Frank Collymore Hall in good old ‘Bim’ to make their contributions to the cause.

And Prime Minister Arthur’s words expressed of a warmth of camaraderie and brotherhood that erased all the irritants some Guyanese have experienced in the modern Caribbean. Noting that a large percentage of persons in Guyana were of Barbados ancestry, Arthur said: “By embracing Guyana, we are embracing family…Barbados has good reason to be involved in kinship with Guyana. Much of the development of post-Independence Barbados was led by Guyanese entrepreneurship, and we must never forget it.”

‘Sharon scratched me (and) I killed her’
--One accused told doctor
By George Barclay
JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes yesterday admitted into evidence a statement, reportedly made by murder accused Vickram Budram to Dr. Isradeen.

Budram, who with his brother Vinood Persaud, is facing trial for the unlawful killing of Sharon Sooklall, 17, at Parika Backdam on February 28, 2001, reportedly told the doctor, "Sharon scratched me. I killed her. I buried her with a spade, and I burnt her clothing."

Police Superintendent Louis Crawford, who testified about hearing the conversation between the accused and the doctor, said that shortly before Budram had blurted out the words, he (Crawford) had cause to stop him (Budram), and issue the statutory warning.

Superintendent Crawford admitted to the Court that during the conversation between the doctor and the accused, he (Crawford) did not stop Budram a second time to issue the necessary warning, since he believed the previous warning was adequate.

Defence lawyer Mr. Bernard DeSantos, Senior Counsel (SC), had objected to the statement on the grounds that it was “an irregularity” and unfair. However, after holding of a voir dire (a trial within a trial in the absence of the jury), the judge ruled that the statement was admissible and that there was no circumstance of unfairness.

Justice Bovell-Drakes then instructed Crawford to read to the jury the statement allegedly made by Budram. "The matter is one for the jury to decide and not for the judge (to do so)," the judge stated

Crawford later said that Budram guided himself and a party of Policemen to the scene of the crime.

Government Senior Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who had performed the post mortem examination on the body of Sooklall, said that death was due to asphyxiation, strangulation and haemorrhage.

The doctor also said that there was evidence that the girl may have been sexually assaulted. She also had bruises about the face.
The hearing continues.

Not guilty verdicts for two accused of rape
Ian Knights, 35, and Bryan Chester, 33, were lucky to be let off with not guilty verdicts yesterday after the Virtual Complainants told the Court that they had forgiven their attackers.

In the case of Knights, who was charged for allegedly committing the offence at the Stabroek Municipal Market in January 1999, the victim told the Court, "I am in school. I want to get on with my studies and move on with my life. Because of religious reasons, I have forgiven the accused for what he had done to me".

In respect to Chester, the victim, who was also assaulted in 1999, told the judge, "I am pregnant. Having regard to my condition, I do not think it will be healthy for me to pursue this matter. I have forgiven him.”

Prosecutor Donelle Harding had caused jurors to be empanelled for both cases before Justice James Bovell-Drakes.

As a consequence, the judge directed the jury in each case to return not guilty verdicts in favour of the accused.

Defence declines jury address in murder trial
Defence Counsel Mr. Hukumchand yesterday declined to address the jury in the trial of Nankari Dass, who is accused of unlawfully killing Chaetram Singh on September 30, 2001.

The Prosecution is saying that Dass stabbed Singh to death following a drinking session and quarrel on the day in question.

At the close of the Prosecution's case, Mr. Hukumchand made a no-case submission, which was rejected by the judge, who then called on the accused for a defence.

In a statement from the dock, Dass denied the story as told by the Prosecution and said that he was at his home on the day in question when Singh and others were having some drinks.

Dass explained that he and Singh had an altercation, which ended amiably. Later that day, he said, Singh attacked him with a bottle cutting him on his top lip. Accused said he picked up a knife, and while he and Singh were again scuffling, Singh received the injury that caused his death. (George Barclay)

Trio fined for phone cards theft
THREE young men, who admitted using ultra violet light to steal PIN numbers from U Mobile phone cards, were all fined by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday.

Dion Sam, 21, of Lot 308 Quamina Street, Cummingsburg and Dexter Sue, 23, of Lot 102 Third and Light Streets, Alberttown, both Georgetown addresses, have to pay individual $5,000 fines for the separate offences committed on February 5 and 11, respectively.

The monetary penalty for the third thief, 19-year-old Brian Paul, of Lot 515 Section ‘C’ Block 4, Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was $15,000.

He pleaded guilty to three larcenies on February 9 and 17 and March 12.

Police Inspector Kevin Adonis, prosecuting, said Sam purchased a $1,000 cellular phone card from Bernie’s Variety Store but returned it later, with the protective strip still intact and said he no longer wanted it.

The card was subsequently sold to another customer and the larceny was discovered when the phone company traced it to Sam.

Sue did similarly with a $2,000 card which he took to Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) to be exchanged.

Paul was apprehended at Gizmos and Gadgets where he worked as a salesman and sold cards to customers who later found that they had zero credit and reported the fraud to the company.

The Prosecutor said U-Mobile has since rectified the defect that allowed the defendants to commit the crime.

One jailed, four other alleged drug traffickers remanded
TWENTY-EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Leyland McKenzie was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $10,000 for drug trafficking.

He admitted having 35 grammes of cannabis (marijuana) last Friday and was charged jointly with Phillip McGregor, Kateliea Ramkaran, Lancyana Ramkaran and Colin Semple.

The other four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge and were remanded to prison until March 22 by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

They will make their next appearance at Bartica Court, to where the case has been transferred.

Kateliea, charged separately with possession of five grammes of the same narcotic, admitted committing the offence and was fined $10,000 with the alternative of three months imprisonment.

Police said the five were arrested during a raid at a house, on Third Avenue, Bartica, where known traffickers frequent and found the drug hidden in a compartment of a wooden bench.

Earl Bagot (no address given either) was also refused bail after he denied having 73.5 grammes of marijuana too, for the same purpose last Monday.

His case has also been transferred to another Court for March 23.

Bagot was seen acting in a suspicious manner in the vicinity of Stabroek Market in Georgetown and a search of his person yielded the prohibited substance, Police said.

‘Trunker’ imprisoned for car parts
DAVID Paul, of Lot 2540 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment yesterday after pleading guilty to larceny.

The ‘trunker’ (one who steals from unattended motor vehicles) admitted to Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan that he stole two wheel hubs, two wing mirrors, two stabilizers and three brakes drums, all worth $63,000, property of Deopaul Roopsingh.

Police said Roopsingh apprehended the prisoner with the booty stolen from his car after a neighbour telephoned and alerted him to the thief’s presence in his yard.

Monetary penalty for father who harmed son
PREMNAUTH Muniram, 33, was yesterday fined $5,000 by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan, for unlawfully assaulting his 12-year-old son to cause him actual bodily harm.

After he pleaded guilty to the March 11 offence, Police Inspector Kevin Adonis, prosecuting, said the father, who regularly goes home intoxicated, dealt the boy several slaps which resulted in swelling about his body.

That was because the shop owner said the child had stolen his bank card.

Defence Counsel Shabeer Zafar declared it was justifiable for the parent to slap him after being told what the lad had done.

Sentence delayed on mother who abandoned infants
JUNE Gulliver, the teenage mother who was sent for counselling after she abandoned her one year and three months-old daughters earlier this month, will not know her fate until April 11.

That is because the probation report on her background, ordered by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan, was not ready when the defendant made another Court appearance yesterday.

Gulliver, 19, has been free on her own recognisance since pleading guilty to leaving the siblings alone in their Sophia home.

Police said she had locked the infants inside the house and left them unprotected and with nothing to eat following an argument with their father.

Unwise idea
IT IS noticeable that many schools are not getting their full attendance of students.

This should not be and parents should send their children to school because they are being robbed of an education.

The flood is now over and things are getting back to normal. Fortunately for me, my child’s school was minimally affected, but the school’s administration ensured that school was kept open most of the time and the children were in attendance.

Parents need to take the schooling of their children more seriously and stop making excuses. The time for excuses is over.

As a matter of fact, measures have been taken (and I commend the government and all other organisations involved for that) to ensure that the schools are safe for the children to return. So, what’s the problem?

The school term has even been extended.

I hope parents keeping their children at home will later realise the repercussions of this unwise idea.
AMANDA KHAN

Show the dope
I REFER to the recent United States Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) report where negatives of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) here were highlighted.

The report focused on corruption and information gathering. I know corruption is very important since it leads to the success of any drug agency.

If the INL found there was corruption in CANU, why did it not present the evidence to the Government of Guyana?

This was the question CANU asked in a release it issued last week.

I am not defending CANU, but it is evident that those in charge are trying to control any kind of corruption. I know there is a staff turnover at the unit – probably three times per year.

Additionally, internal investigations are intense and anyone found to be involved in any ‘underhand work’ is dismissed immediately.

The thing that irks me is that the U.S. seems to know the faults about other countries rather than their own.

We all know how corrupt their system is – but that is not made public.
Don’t get me wrong -- I am only pinpointing the facts.
SABRINA NARINE

Watch the brewery express
LATE last year, rumours of a possible takeover of the local brewery giant Banks DIH by a Caribbean firm generated much national debate and it seemed that a majority of Guyanese were against the idea.

In a previous letter, I argued that the impending hemispheric wide integration process would allow North American brewery giants, like Anheuser-Busch, to make a bid for our domestic breweries.

I, however, overlooked to mention the fact that our brewers are susceptible to takeover attempts by our South American neighbours, particularly Brazil and Venezuela.

Brazil's AmBev (a merger of Brazil's two biggest breweries, Antarctica and Brahma), Colombia's Bavaria and Venezuela’s Empresas Polar S.A. are ranked as the three largest brewers in South America.

There have already been prominent takeovers of South American brewery companies by their regional counterparts: Brazilian AmBev bought a majority of the shares in Argentina's largest brewer (around 70% of total market), Quilmes; and similarly, Colombia’s Bavaria acquired a majority stake in Peruvian powerhouse Backus and Johnson.

With the proposed South American Community of Nations (SACN) locomotive in full motion, it must be expected that South American nations will find favour with our local industries and companies.
CLINTON URLING

Take a bow
I COMMEND the Police Commissioner for the bright vision, expressed at the recent Police Officers conference, to implement changes within the organisation.

From what the commissioner outlined, the work of the task force set up is quite promising and if fulfilled, will see much needed changes in the force.

I also was glad to read of the government’s support for the task force.

The new commissioner is on the right course.
Hats off Commissioner!
ANDREW WILSON

Police tip
THERE seems to be a resurgence of violent crimes which appear to be organised and centrally directed.

I have heard that a certain political party has recruited about 30 armed men who have been sent out to different areas – including Buxton, Sophia and Linden.

The police should lose no time in investigating and following up this matter -- to nip it in the bud and break up any such gang and criminality.
This should be treated with the utmost urgency.
CONCERNED CITIZEN

Check the aid
THE government and its agencies have been giving a strict accounting of donations -- financial and goods -- received for the flood relief programme, and what it has given out and who are in receipt of its disbursements.

This is setting a good example of transparency and accountability.

Some persons have been asking if the Guyana Red Cross Society will also be giving such an account.

It is affiliated to the world’s most recognised charitable and humanitarian society and has received substantial gifts and donations.

We would welcome a proper accounting of how these were dispensed and to whom.
DONNA LOVELL

From Carolyn to Carolyn
AMERINDIAN communities have made outstanding strides over the last 10 or so years, compared to decades before.

I was elated at the progress in these communities Ms Carolyn Rodrigues, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, outlined in Parliament in the 2005 budget debate.

There is, of course, much more to be done and the efforts are ongoing.

Opposition GAP MP, Ms Shirley Melville, also gave a good presentation which included much praise for the government and the minister.

However, she also pointed to areas in which there were lapses and which need attention.

I have no doubt that the minister would have taken note of these and will take appropriate actions where required and give explanations where necessary.
CAROLYN HARRIS

Guard the guard dogs
I SAW on TV that India is to have a trade show March 18-30 at the Sophia exposition grounds in Georgetown.

That brought to mind my visit to GUYEXPO in 2004.

After purchasing my ticket and approaching the gate, I was shocked to see a very sick dog (Doberman) on a leash and guarding the gate with his keeper.

The poor animal was undernourished, had not received any water for several hours and was certainly not in any condition to provide any useful service.

Several persons noticed the poor condition of the dog and at least three complained to the owner who was at the trade fair and exposition.

He responded in a very positive manner. Shortly thereafter the dog was removed and hopefully given medical attention, plenty of water and food and a good long rest.

There are at least three companies in Georgetown that use dogs in providing their security services.

Since sick animals cannot provide the services for which they are hired, it would be to the advantage of all (providers and users of dog security services) concerned to ensure that security dogs are kept healthy.

At Guyana Water Inc (GWI) recently, there was a dog on patrol with a serious abscess on its back.

Animal lovers were very upset and reported it to the relevant authorities.

A friendly reminder to all security companies: please ensure that your dogs are in a good state of health when they go to work and that they have access to plenty of clean water at all times.
ANIMAL LOVER

Gone overboard
COLUMNIST Rickey Singh has gone overboard in his anti-U.S. and anti-Bush stand (`Blindness of the U. S. A to its own wrongs’, Sun., March 13,) over the recently released human rights report by the U.S. State Department, that took jabs at the Guyana Government.

These annual reports do not necessarily reflect the whole story as they relate to various countries' performances in dealing with the rights of their own people, but usually give a glimpse, based on available data and publicly known events, of how those countries stack up against the most basic standards of human rights overseen by governments.

Mr. Singh, like so many of his ilk, continues to massage to death the Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay allegations of prisoner abuse and detentions, but where does he stand on the issue of whether it is in keeping with conventional war standards to treat terrorists dressed in civilian garb waging deadly war as regular prisoners of war?

And I am talking about terrorists who deliberately kill their Muslim brethren, kidnap innocent foreign and local folks who have nothing to do with war, behead them after openly making a show of their victims on television, and issue threats of worse things to follow. Where is Mr. Singh’s sense of balance as a journalist-cum-columnist?

That aside, Guyana, like so many other nations that have had their governments questioned on human rights issues, is not being singled out to make it look bad. If this were the case, then Guyana has seen worse days than what currently obtains.

But Guyana has been mentioned if only to help Guyanese and the world see how far we have come, and how far we have to go in order to have a government that does right, and appears to be doing right, by its own people at all times.

No government, and this includes the U.S. Government, is perfect. But this much I can say about the United States: there are systems or institutions in place to ensure no branch of government - executive, legislative or judicial - oversteps its bounds by encroaching on people's rights. There are myriad problems that can be easily categorised as violations of human rights, but there are just as many avenues for people who feel violated to seek redress.

Mr. Singh, to underscore his arguments, noted that even China and Cuba had something to say about America's human rights violations. This is not to say that these two nations should not voice their official opinions in any international forum, but why should their selected representatives be the only ones in their lands to speak publicly?

Why can't their ordinary peoples speak out like the ordinary Americans can and have?

Mr. Singh is very anti-American and overly sympathetic to communist nations that deny their people basic rights, like Guyanese and other Caribbean nations currently enjoy.
EMILE MERVIN

Ensnaring the young
I AM very concerned about the serious abuse of drugs by young men and even schoolboys living between the villages of Enmore and Victoria on the East Coast Demerara.

Every day, there are scores of young men and schoolboys openly smoking marijuana in the market place at Golden Grove or on the `line top’ at Enmore and Haslington.

The abuse of this harmful and illicit drug is now infiltrating the secondary schools in our communities with schoolboys taking marijuana from drug pushers and selling it to their peers.

I am strongly suggesting that the relevant authorities should look at this serious situation of drug abuse by young people as a major problem and formulate some plan to eradicate this negative behaviour pattern which has already destroyed thousands of young lives in our society.
M.H.J

Extend the school day
OUR teachers are supposed to be on duty six hours a day, five days a week and 40 weeks in a year.

During this period our children should benefit from free education.

It seems like the free time spent in our schools is not enough so 90% of the children attending public schools must attend private classes after the regular school day, and on Saturdays.

Why not extend the normal school day by an hour and save the parents having to pay for private classes after school?
IRIS A. WILSON

Windies to name squad despite row
… WI lawyers told of the extreme urgency of the matter
WEST Indies will tomorrow name a Test squad to take on South Africa even if Brian Lara is not available.

Until lawyers clear contracts signed by seven players with Cable & Wireless, none of the group will be picked.

"The team announcement will still go ahead, no problem," said cricket board spokesman Leonard Robertson. "If the matter is settled before then, fine."

Robertson would not be drawn on whether late changes could be made for the first Test, which begins on March 31.

Lara, vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Fidel Edwards, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith and Ravi Rampaul are all waiting on the lawyers' investigation.

They have already been left out of a 22-man training group, which is preparing for South Africa's arrival in the Caribbean on March 25.

Cable & Wireless, until last year the team sponsor, signed players to individual contracts before the West Indies Cricket Board finalised a new deal with rival telecoms company Digicel.

The WICB has made clear it will not pick any of the seven until they know those individual deals will not impact the agreement with Digicel.

"The issue of the seven players is in the hands of the lawyers and until they have finished scrutinising them there will be no change," Robertson added.

"We have told them of the extreme urgency of the matter and we hope they realise it."

On Saturday, Digicel rejected a six-point proposal from Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell which suggested team and personal sponsorships could coexist.

Mitchell's plan was based on a number of concessions, and Digicel was unconvinced its £11m investment would be protected.

Despite the deadlock on this issue, however, the WICB is planning a meeting with the players union WIPA, in an attempt to resolve a long-running dispute over salaries for all West Indies players. (BBC Sport)

Percival crowned RHTYSC `Cricketer-of-the-Year’
… 2M worth in prizes and donations at awards ceremony
By: Allan La Rose
THE occasion was the 14th annual awards ceremony of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), the venue was the area ‘H’ ground and the estimated value of the prizes and donations delivered last Sunday is $2M, arguably the most given out by any sports club in Guyana at any such function.

Taking away the ‘lion’s share’ was former West Indies Youth cricket captain Andre Percival who was crowned the club’s ‘cricketer-of-the-year’ as well as being named Berbice division one ‘cricketer-of-the-year’. The total value of his winnings is $350 000.

The event which also included the third Berbice cricket awards also saw a number of other institutions collecting donations from the RHTYSC.

The Port Mourant Hospital received $300 000 of diabetic drugs while the Rose Hall Town Nursery and the Young Achievers also collected huge gifts.

Listed among the club’s plans for this year are: the acquisition of a minibus to transport the cricket team, expanding the club’s cricket Academy to international standards with support from the West Indies Cricket Board, the restoration of the Area ‘H’ ground including the erection of two concrete side screens, the official launching of the Courts Kiddies corner next month and the expansion of the anti-drugs campaign to include more educational scholarships.

The energetic Foster thanked all the sponsors and club members for the continued support making special mention of the patron and Courts’ manager.

In closing Foster pronounced: “Be grateful that you have the privilege of being a part of the best youth sport organisation in our country. Your efforts have played a major part in our development, but there is much more to be done. We must be prepared to double our efforts and to work beyond the call of duty.”

The various categories of ‘Cricketer-of-the-Year’ for Berbice went to Albion’s Veersammy Permaul (U-15), Gadganand Singh of Young Warriors (U-17), Port Mourant’s Zaman Khan (U-19) and Narsingh Deonarine of Albion (Seniors).

The club’s outstanding performers in the different sporting disciplines were also rewarded while Ruby Ann Beharry of J.C Chandisingh Secondary was adjudged the most outstanding CXC student.

Berbice suffer only defeat but still lift Castrol Trophy
By Imran Khan
BERBICE suffered their only defeat to Demerara yesterday at Bourda but their three victories and a superior run rate were enough to confirm them as winners of the Castrol Under-15 Inter-county tournament.

Troy Nurse top-scored for Demerara with 30 from 63 deliveries including two fours while Ameer Khan got 25 from 57 deliveries also with two fours.

Spinner Dennis Legay added 19 down the order and all-rounder Rajendra Ramkhellawan scored 16.

Stephen Latcha, who was named after the game as the national captain captured three wickets for 18 runs from 10 overs of off-spin while Jermaine Ramsey who was unfortunate not to make the cut for the Guyana side also had 3 for 20 from 7 overs of leg spin.

As is customary in these junior games, extras were a healthy 30, predominantly wides which amounted to 24. Kenley Adams (1 for 22), Eugene La Fleur (1 for 28) and Jonathan Foo (1 for 51) each took one wicket as the Berbicians, though they restricted the scoring, were unable to close out the Demerara innings.

The Berbice innings started in a mess as pacer Leon Scott wrecked havoc. Bowling with hostility the Everest pacer knocked out Leon Williams’ off stump with a delivery that kept low then had Keno Gravesande stupendously caught at second slip by a diving Ramkhellawan.

Both went for ducks to leave Berbice on one run for two wickets. Legay then caused further damage, bowling Latcha for 3 and trapping opener Michael Felix for two to make the score 16 for 4 with lunch taken at 12 for 3.

After an umpiring blunder by umpires Zabeer Zakier and Krishna Lall prevented Eugene La Fleur from batting in his customary number five position, Foo excited the small crowd with powerful drives normally associated with more seasoned cricketers.

La Fleur, who sustained an injury when he was hit on the hand by a ball while fielding, departed the field then returned before the end of the Demerara innings. Given that his injury was an external one the regulations allowed for the left-hander to bat without penalty. However the uncompromising and hardnosed Zakier erred in sending off the youngster when he arrived at the crease to bat at number five, forcing Foo to come ahead of him.

The right-handed Foo pounded eight exceptional fours in 39 and was leading a fine rearguard effort before he was run-out by a direct hit from Scott at square leg. Foo drove the spinners and pacers with equal contempt and flair in his 48-ball innings but once he departed a Demerara victory became a formality.

Anthony Bramble (14) and Sylvasen Kalimootoo (13) were the only others to get into double figures as Scott returned to add another two wickets to his name to end with 4 for 25 from 10 overs.

Legay’s two wickets cost 23 runs from 10 overs while Totaram Bishun (1 for 18) and captain Roy Karran (1 for 5) took the other wickets.

Both teams had beaten Essequibo twice in the initial stages of the competition with La Fleur, also selected in the national squad, hitting the only century and Berbice registering the highest score ever in the tourney (348 for 5) both done against Essequibo.

The massive total allowed the Ancient County lads to sustain a superior run rate and hold on to the 2005 trophy which was presented to their captain Latcha, after the game.

DEMERARA innings
J. Sookdeo c Ramsay b Adams 1

D. Greaves c Williams b La Fleur 14

T. Nurse b Foo 30

A. Khan b Latcha 25

R. Ramkhellawan c La Fleur b Latcha 16

R. Karran c wkp. Bramble b Latcha 3

R. Ramdass c Singh b Ramsay 5

D. Legay c Gravesande b Ramsay 19

T. Bishun c Foo b Ramsay 12

L. Scott not out 0

K. Brummell not out 0

Extras: (w-24, nb-4, lb-2) 30

Total: (for 9 wickets from 50 overs) 165

Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-44, 3-66, 4-101, 5-107, 6-111, 7-116, 8-145, 9-165.

Bowling: Adams 3-0-22-1 (w-9), La Fleur 10-0-28-1 (nb-1), Singh 10-0-29-0 (w-6), Latcha 10-2-18-3 (w-1), Foo 10-1-51-1 (w-8, nb-3), Ramsay 7-0-20-3.

BERBICE innings
M. Felix lbw Legay 2

L. Williams b Scott 0

K. Gravesande c Ramkhellawan b Scott 0

S. Latcha b Legay 3

J. Foo run-out 39

E. La Fleur b Bishun 2

S. Kalimootoo b Scott 13

A. Bramble c Sookdeo b Karran 14

A. Singh run-out (Legay) 2

J. Ramsey b Scott 2

K. Adams not out 2

Extras: (w-14, nb-2, b-2, lb-5) 23

Total: (all out from 32.5 overs) 102

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-1, 3-10, 4-16, 5-39, 6-66, 7-76, 8-84, 9-91.

Bowling: Scott 10-1-25-4 (nb-2, w-2), Brumell 3-0-11-0 (w-6), Legay 10-3-23-2 (w-5), Ramkhellawan 3-0-13-0, Bishun 4-0-18-1 (w-1), Karran 2.5-1-5-1.

GTM Group renews sponsorship for 29th year
... Under-19 tourney to bowl off March 22
By Imran Khan
IT has been so long that the GTM Group of Companies has been sponsoring Inter-county Under-19 cricket that even their own officers lost count of the number of years since its involvement.

At the GCB headquarters in Georgetown, Ms Saveta Ross handed over the sponsorship cheque and trophies for the double round tournament scheduled to begin on March 22 at the Everest Cricket ground.

“We see the need for the development of our youth in the area of sport,” Ross explained of GTM’s continued involvement.

President Singh declared that the GTM sponsorship was the longest running in the history of Guyana’s cricket and that the GCB was very thankful for the annual commitment of the insurance company.

He noted that with the exception of Clyde Butts and Neil McGarrell, both of whom were slighted in their youth careers by the then selectors and were the only two Guyanese players who have played for the West Indies and did not compete under the GTM logo since the company’s initial involvement, all the others, most notably, Carl Hooper, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, as noted by Ms Ross, came through the GTM Under-19 Inter-county Tournament.

As is usual the competition will have two phases, the three-day tourney and the one-day tourney.

Each of the three counties will play two games in the three-day tournament with the first being Demerara against Essequibo (March 22, 23 & 24 at Everest) then Essequibo tackling Berbice

(March 27, 28 & 29 at DCC) and finally Berbice taking on Demerara (April 6, 7 & 8 at Bourda).

The three one-day games will be played at DCC (April 10), Wales (April 12) and Everest (April 14).

The winners in each division will receive $40 000, the first runner-up $20 000 and the second runner-up $10 000.

The best batsmen and best bowlers, to be selected by a special panel of judges who will watch all the games, will receive $20 000 each while the men-of-the-series in both divisions will receive $25 000.

The company will also outfit all the players with branded high quality Gray Nicholls shirts and caps.

Busta Champion of Champions cricket ...
Last semi-final spot to be decided today
THE final semi-final place in this year’s Busta Champion of Champions cricket tournament for the top eight Berbice division one teams will be known today when Port Mourant host Blairmont.

The winner of today’s clash will meet Cup holders Courts Rose Hall Town in this coming Saturday’s semi-final show down at the Area ‘H’ ground. The other match-up will put Young Warriors against Bermine at Canje.

The tournament, which is sponsored by Guyana Beverage Company to the tune of $750 000, saw three of the four first round matches played last Saturday.

In a winning start to the defence of their title Rose Hall made light work of West Berbice at Area ‘H’ ground. Led by Andre Percival’s top score of 81, inclusive of 7 x 4 and 3 x 6, Rose Hall reached 234-8 in their allotted 38 overs.

Captain Renwick Batson supported with 33. In response, the spinners proved too much for West Berbice as they were dismissed for 154 despite an attractive 67 by former Berbice player Eon Abel.

Khemraj Mahadeo 4-27 off 9 overs was the pick of the bowlers while they were 2 wickets each for Abdel Fudadin and Neil Williams.

At Canje, Under-17 left-arm seamer Dinesh Ramoutar grabbed 6-67 off his 10 overs to spearhead the demolition of Skeldon for a mere 108 in reply to 234 made by Young Warriors. For his efforts Ramoutar will receive a gift of educational materials.

Berbice pacer Kwase Maltay and spinner Anil Solomon supported with 2 wickets each.

Earlier opener Richard Ramdeen hit 47 for Warriors while Robert Moore took 3-39 for Skeldon.

And a young Bermine selection upstaged home side Albion by a mere 9 runs to advance to the semis. Batting first Bermine were restricted to 188-9 from 50 overs with Dane Benny (45) and Julian Moore (40) being the principal scorers.

Skipper Orwin Mangru 3-30 was the best bowler for Albion while Michael Chinsammy and Ramnarine Chattergoon picked up two wickets apiece.

At their turn at the crease the home side’s batting failed to counter the pace of U-19 speedsters Jeremy Gordon 3-45 and Kellon Henry 3-61 as they fell for 179 of 37.5 overs.

Only former Guyana opener Sudesh Dhaniram 45 and Doodnauth Beharry 40 offered any resistance. (Allan La Rose)

GDA to host Americas Cup
COUNTRIES from North and South America are expected here for the Americas Cup to be hosted by the Guyana Darts Association (GDA).

The GDA will sit, today, to discuss hosting some 18 countries for the international tournament, including Canada.

In the meeting that starts 18:00 h at the CCWU Boardroom, the GDA will also look at hosting the Caribbean Darts Organisation tournament.

Also, the floods had forced the darts body to reschedule its annual Mash Classics championship originally fixed for last month, along with a raffle. May 27 is the new date for the tournament and May 29 for the raffle. Both events will take place at the Saltair Sports Club of Le Meridien Pegasus.

Some 20 players from Barbados and another 15 from St Lucia are expected for the championship.

Meanwhile, the GDA will convene its annual general meeting on Sunday at the CCWU venue from 13:00 h.

Two competitions will follow the AGM, there will be an Open Singles and a Luck-of-the-Draw with a top prize of $15 000.

All past, present and novice players are invited to participate.

Prizes from last year’s National competition and the De Abreu’s Creations competition will be presented at the event.

A pre-AGM novelty competition is fixed for Saturday at the Fogarty’s club. Competitors will have three darts to hit certain numbers on a revolving dart board for cash prizes.

Dr. Ramsingh cops Citizens Bank golf tournament
LAST Saturday, Dr Ramsingh came out the winner when he returned with 34 stableford points to win the Citizens Bank-sponsored golf tournament.

Eighteen players played the tournament using a staggered start under the bright midday sun. At the end of play, no player was able to par 36 points or better. Colin Ming with 30 points placed fourth, third was Mike Mangal with 33 points while Ramesh Amrud also with 33 points was adjudged runner-up after a count-back.

Brian Glasford was the winner of the longest drive with his tee shot on the par four No. 9 hole going a good 280 yards down the fairway. The closest to the pin challenge which was on the par 3 No. 1 was won by Colin Ming.

Playing conditions on the course are far from ideal in the aftermath of the recent floods which covered the entire course as deep as four feet in most parts for close to three weeks. This has caused most of the grass to die.

The fairways are playable but the greens are somewhat of a lottery when putting outside of twelve inches - four putts on some greens being not unusual. An enormous effort is ongoing into getting the course back to where it was but with lots of equipment damaged the committee and the ground staff will need all the help they can get.

At the presentation ceremony, president Hemraj Kissoon had to stand in for the Bank's representative, who was unexpectedly absent due to unforeseen circumstances, in handing out the prizes.

He expressed the club's gratitude to the sponsor and with loud cheers from the members expressed the hope that the bank would continue with their support for golf. The Lusignan course is the only course in the country and players have no chioce but to endure the conditions or to travel abroad

Refereeing boss says no immediate strike threat
By Kevin Fylan
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - Europe's refereeing chief defended the right to strike yesterday but said there were no immediate plans to disrupt matches after the retirement of Anders Frisk because of death threats to him and his family.

"I'm not going to call a strike today," Volker Roth, chairman of UEFA's referees' committee, said after a meeting with Germany's leading referees.

"Strikes in public life are legitimate but they are usually used only as a last resort.

"I brought this into the discussion as a way of showing how fed up referees are.

"I hope and I believe that things will work out but I call on everyone involved for reason to return."

Frisk, one of the world's most respected and best known referees, announced on Friday he was retiring after threats received following Chelsea's 2-1 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League.

Roth confirmed the view of UEFA that there was little chance of persuading Frisk to go back on his decision.

"I've been in contact with Anders yesterday and today via e-mail and I absolutely cannot imagine that he will come back," Roth said.

DECLINING SPORTSMANSHIP
Roth added the decline of sportsmanship among players and coaches had contributed to Frisk's resignation.

"I sometimes feel like I'm the last idiot reminding people about Fair Play," Roth said. "I want to remind people that football is a wonderful game that is not just about making money."

Frisk sent off Chelsea's Didier Drogba early in the second half of the controversial first-leg match between Barcelona and Chelsea. There were scuffles in the tunnel after the game and Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho refused to attend post-match news conferences.

Chelsea won the second leg 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals.

Roth has been condemned by Chelsea for his description of Mourinho as an "enemy of football" in an interview with a Swedish newspaper.

Yesterday, Roth shrugged off reports that Mourinho was threatening legal action against those comments.

"I have read about this," Roth said. "I'm looking forward to seeing what the complaint is.”

Platini to run for UEFA presidency
By Julien Pretot
PARIS, France (Reuters) - Former France soccer captain and manager Michel Platini plans to run for the presidency of the sport's European governing body, UEFA.

The 49-year-old, who led France to consecutive World Cup semi-finals in 1982 and 1986, said if he was elected he would put a smile back on the face of a sport he fears is becoming ruled by big business.

"I've sent a letter announcing my intention to the president of UEFA," he told reporters during a launch yesterday. "There are many turbulences in the world of soccer and I want to do something about it."

The current president of UEFA is Lennart Johansson, but the Swede has already said he would not run for election again.

"We fully support him in his bid because we believe he can bring something new, something closer to the pitch," said French Federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes.

Platini, who was voted European Footballer-of-the-Year three times, won the 1984 European Championships with France and helped Juventus win three Italian titles and the European Cup, said his passion for the game is the reason he is running.

"I want soccer to be something other than what it is today," he said. "I want to prevent the most beautiful game from becoming only business.

"I don't need the notoriety, I have it already. And I don't do this for money, because if I am elected, I will earn less money than today."

Platini, who scored a record 41 goals for France in 72 appearances, still commands huge respect in the game and has not been afraid to voice his displeasure at aspects of modern football in various administrative roles he has held since hanging up his boots in 1987.

He believes that the grassroots of the game must be protected, while the "win at all costs mentality" has to change.

"We have to fight for the youth academies," he said. "It is unacceptable that a player leaves for a foreign country without having played for the club he has been formed at. We have to address this problem."

FAIR PLAY
Platini criticised the treatment of Swedish referee Anders Frisk, who retired last week after receiving death threats.

"What has happened to Anders Frisk should not be tolerated," he said. "You know what fair play is? It is being able to lose with a smile on your face. Nowadays, it is like you are not allowed to lose.

"Soccer can generate business, but business must not besiege soccer," he added. "Big clubs just want to play between them to make more money. A club like Ajax Amsterdam cannot win the Champions League anymore."

Platini said the current make-up of the Champions League also needs looking at.

"Of course, I don't think we would have 256 clubs in a knockout system from the start, but it should move towards that," he said.

Platini's career since retiring from playing includes a spell as the national manager when France were unbeaten from April 1989 to February 1992.

However he stepped down after the failure at the 1992 European Championships in Sweden.

He was also the co-president of the French Organising Committee for the 1998 World Cup and vice-president of the French Football Federation.

Greek sprinters' verdict expected this week
By Karolos Grohmann
ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) - Greek sports authorities could this week issue their verdict on the country's top two sprinters for missing doping tests, including one on the eve of last year's Athens Olympics, their lawyer said yesterday.

Sprinters Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, facing career-ending bans for allegedly failing to appear for drugs tests on three occasions in two months, were initially expected to learn their fate by the end of February but a decision was delayed until at least mid-March.

"I would say a decision will come out by the end of the month, maybe even as early as this week," their lawyer Michalis Dimitrakopoulos told Reuters. "Yes, there could be a decision in the coming days."

Kenteris, 31, who won the men's 200 metres gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games and Thanou, 30, a 100 metres silver medallist at the same Games, face a two-year ban if found guilty of violating international doping rules.

The disgraced athletes, who withdrew from the Athens Olympics days before they were to race in front of their home crowd, have been temporarily suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) since last December.

The IAAF has said the sprinters failed to appear for doping tests in Tel Aviv, Chicago and Athens and ordered the Greek Athletics Federation (SEGAS) to hold a disciplinary inquiry.

Disciplinary committee president Kostas Panagopoulos could not be reached for a comment yesterday.

The once hugely popular sprinters, who since their withdrawal from the Games have disappeared from the public eye, have the right to appeal against the decision and take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

They also face a criminal hearing in Greece over the missed drugs tests and have been charged with faking a motorcycle accident on the day of the Athens test, which led to them spending four days in hospital.

Their coach also faces charges of importing illegal substances, including anabolic steroids for his nutritional supplements company.

SEGAS officials said they did not know when a decision would be issued.

"We have not yet received any information on when a decision will come out. We will be informed by the disciplinary committee when they are ready," a SEGAS official said.

The official said he was also unaware of a specific IAAF deadline for a decision.

Following the final hearing in late January, the athletes had sounded confident they would be acquitted.

"I am confident and optimistic," Thanou had said at the time. "We presented new evidence to the committee that they were not aware of.”

Final Carib Beer standings
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) - Standings in the Carib Beer 2005 Cricket Series following the competition of the ninth round of matches on Monday.

Tabulated under: M-matches, W-won, L-lost, D-drawn, NR-no result, Pts-points.

Lewis, who retired in 2004, was awarded damages by a federal jury in Manhattan in February after it found Eliades and his company, Panix Promotions, guilty of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and racketeering against Lewis.

The 39-year-old Lewis is asking top judge Mr Justice Peter Smith to rule that Eliades is the beneficial owner of a two million-pounds property in north London in moves aimed at enabling him to recover the value of the house.

Eliades, who remained Lewis' manager until 2000 and his promoter until 2001, claims that he does not own the property.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, a spokesman for Lewis said: "Panos Eliades betrayed Lennox Lewis' trust and confidence throughout the time that he acted as a promoter.

"Lennox is determined not to let him get away with what he has done, and will continue to pursue him until he is brought to justice."
The hearing is scheduled to last four days.