Surujbally rejects charges
`What the people want is for GECOM to do its job unencumbered by those who are hell bent on derailing the democratic electoral process’ – GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally
By Neil Marks
WHEN embattled Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr. Steve Surujbally summons his statutory meeting today, he would know what he is up against in the four months ahead he sees general and regional elections being held.

Opposition-nominated commissioners Mr. Haslyn Parris, Mr. Robert Williams and Mr. Lloyd Joseph Saturday last said they would not be attending the meeting, charging they could no longer be commissioners under Surujbally’s style of leadership.

If they fail to show, Surujbally could have a difficult road ahead, with the commission legally requiring a quorum of two opposition-nominated commissioners, two from the governing party and the Chairman to carry through decisions.

Already entangled over his commission’s failure to deliver elections by the August 4 constitutional date, having advised President Bharrat Jagdeo it now sees no feasible date before August 30, Surujbally yesterday sought to defend himself of the accusations hurled against him by Parris, Williams and Joseph.

The three commissioners, who accuse Surujbally of lack of transparency and of deliberately misleading stakeholders, have not resigned, but have communicated their concerns to him formally and said they want to meet the President and international donors funding the electoral process to explain their position.

At a press conference he called yesterday, Surujbally said that while the commissioners announced they were withdrawing of their own volition, it was interesting to observe the coincidence between their arguments and the public utterances by senior members of the political opposition parties.

In a statement they issued Saturday the three Commissioners said: “We wish to remove ourselves from participating in the charade of imposing on the people of Guyana elections for which the necessary conditions are being studiously ignored; in which straightforward information on the state of affairs with respect to preparations for the elections is systematically withheld or dishonestly doctored to make someone look good; in which repeated stated concerns are pooh-poohed or attributed to a conspiracy to not have elections; and in which planning tools such as Microsoft Project are abused in an attempt to derive statements deemed politically palatable.”

Focusing on the issue of transparency, Surujbally said within hours of presentation of important electoral documents to commissioners, party officials are seen waving the documents in front of TV cameras.

Parris alleged that the media, political parties, other stakeholders, and even President Jagdeo have been treated to a bag of “mix-truths, half-truths and non-truths” from Surujbally through statements in the media.

But the GECOM Chairman said he is only aware of truths and lies, and it is yet to be established where he would have lied or how he is responsible for the public’s loss of confidence in the commission.

“Who of the electorate has lost confidence in GECOM? What the people want is for GECOM to do its job unencumbered by those who are hell bent on derailing the democratic electoral process,” he charged.

The three commissioners had charged that by Surujbally’s own statement that the 2001 Official List of Electors which is being used for preparation of the 2006 Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) now being printed, meant that he had no interest in verifying the OLE of the 2001 elections.

Surujbally yesterday said no one has heard him officially state that house-to-house verification would not be undertaken, but the commissioners by majority agreed that the six-month period it would take and the $800M cost was too much.

As it stands, he said the issue is no longer a question for GECOM but a political one that would have to be hammered out politically.

Further, Parris charged Saturday that there is no Project Coordinator for the elections plan and the Chief Election Officer (CEO) was only on April 12 drafting Terms of Reference for such a person.

Surjbally yesterday said he had argued against a Project Coordinator because the CEO was the de facto Project Coordinator and pointed out that it does nothing for the morale of the secretariat staff to hear about the introduction of a Project Coordinator.

“The local pool from which to recruit this (Project Coordinator) is extremely shallow,” he further argued.

He also rejected the claim of the commissioners that they did not know of the statement in GECOM’s latest press release which said a letter to the President advising of the failure to meet the constitutional elections date was not sent to some stakeholders “because of the possibility of the emergence of extraneous interferences which could influence the completion of prerequisite tasks associated with the electoral calendar.”

He said “everyone” knows of what events the statement was refereeing to, pointing out that it meant those activities that could disrupt peace and stability within and outside of GECOM, citing the recent bomb scare at GECOM as an example.

Surujbally questioned: “Why are perceived deficiencies being embodied in my person? Where is the concept of collective responsibility?”

The three other members of the commission on Sunday came out against the claims by their fellow commissioners.

In a statement, Mr. Moen McDoom, Mr. Mahmoud Shaw and Dr. Keshav Mangal – all representatives of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic – stated that over the years, problems within the commission have been settled with the minimum of rancour.

“Chairman Surujbally’s leadership style,” the release noted, “has not changed over the years, and the opposition commissioners were comfortable with the outcomes of that leadership style then; so why make it a public issue now, at this critical point in our elections preparations? Is it that the opposition commissioners have another agenda and certain recent decisions may militate against that agenda at this time?”

The release alleged that opposition commissioners have actually made threats against of physical violence on many occasions during recent statutory meetings of the commission.

“We have been critical of Chairman Surujbally on many occasions but have expressed that criticism in writing and very vocally, at our meetings, and without threats to anyone’s personal safety,” the statement from the three said.

Two killed
-- after bus hits dead donkey
By Jeune Bailey Van-Keric
TWO persons died and several others are hospitalised after a mini-bus hit a dead donkey on the Port Mourant main road in Berbice Monday night.

Those who died are Carl Younge, 21, of Lot 47 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice and Nadia Joseph, 22, of Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The passengers, all ball players, were returning to New Amsterdam from an Easter Day kite flying outing on the Number 63 Beach, on the Corentyne, when disaster struck.

Reports from the area said that earlier Monday night, a lorry had hit a donkey on the road and the dead animal was still on the southern carriageway of the main thoroughfare, when the bus, BHH 9883, came along.

It was being driven by Andy Drepaul and was going west at a fast rate when the vehicle hit the dead donkey, residents said.

The bus toppled and ended in a trench on the southern side of the road.

Public-spirited citizens transported nine persons, who received minor injuries, to the Port Mourant Hospital, where they were treated and sent away.

Carl Younge, a footballer with the New Amsterdam United Club, was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he died while receiving medical attention. Nadia Joseph was pronounced dead on arrival.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the New Amsterdam Hospital yesterday, four persons injured in the accident were patients there.

Those admitted there are Delon Grant, of King Street; Quacy Joseph of Vrymans Erven; Cafrin Hinds of Mayor and Town Council Scheme, all New Amsterdam addresses, and Robin Ramkirpaul, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, the owner and conductor of the bus.

They are suffering head injuries, fractures and abrasions about the body.

Carlton Carlos, 24, of St Magdalene Street, New Amsterdam, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was yesterday reported in critical condition.

Ramkirpaul told the Guyana Chronicle that they had returned to the beach from New Amsterdam, where they had dropped off some persons, and were going back to the town with another group when the bus, named `After shock’ crashed.

Quacy Joseph, a basketball player in the group, recalled being among the thousands who thronged the popular beach for the annual kite-flying. He said his group of 12 had hired a bus to take them to Number 63 but it did not return for them.

Members of the group, which comprised basketball, football and cricket players, tried to negotiate with other drivers to take them to New Amsterdam, but because of the heavy demand, they were asking for $20,000 per busload instead of the usual price of $6,000 or $400 per person, he recalled.

Joseph said they eventually made a deal with Drepaul who was taking them to New Amsterdam when the accident occurred.

He said he was sitting behind the driver and Younge was seated behind him. Shortly after leaving the beach, Nadia Joseph and three others joined the vehicle.

The injured man recalled that he and most of the passengers were sleeping in the bus and awoke when it crashed.

However, he said he felt the bus flying off the road but could not remember how he came out of it.

After walking a few feet, Joseph said he collapsed after seeing the bones of his right hand protruding. He said he regained consciousness shortly after.

His cousin Nigel Leitch, 16, and friend Candacy Atkins, a national female cricketer, received injuries but were sent away by medical authorities.

Younge has left to mourn his parents, Superintendent Deryck Younge of the Police Consumers Association and Delores Younge of the U.S.A., and sister Tricia.

Bill Pilgrim dies at 85
WILLIAM Alexander Pilgrim, popularly known as Bill Pilgrim, died at the Medical Arts Centre in Georgetown on Monday.

He was 85.

Best known as conductor of the prestigious Woodside Choir for the past 30 years, he was also very involved in bringing the music of the steelband to music lovers here.

For years he conducted the Bidco Invaders, at the time when he worked at the bauxite company at Linden.

And much later, up to the time of his death, he was responsible for getting together the Parkside and Pan Wave steelbands.

Bill Pilgrim was the son of Edward Oliver and Enid Pilgrim, and was the third of four children, all musically inclined.

He served in the Royal Air Force from 1942 to 1945, and later studied piano at the Royal College of Music in England.

After a stint at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, Bill returned home in 1966 and took up the position of Public Relations Officer at the then Demerara Bauxite Company (Demba).

He joined the National History and Arts Council on its inauguration in 1968 as Director of Music, and was still there when he retired in 1997.

Of course he continued as conductor of Woodside, and over the years his name has become synonymous with that of the choir.

In recent years, Woodside members fondly described him as feisty and more of a perfectionist than ever before.

The date of Bill Pilgrim’s funeral is to be announced later.

Inter-religious group wants parties to sign peace pact
THE Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IRO) is moving to get political parties contesting the upcoming national elections to publicly sign a peace pact and a code of conduct.

Public Relations Officer, Pastor Ronald McGarrell, in a press release yesterday said this is the group’s latest initiative in its quest to promote a culture of peace in the country.

The first, he recalled, was a peace march last January.

McGarrell said officials of the IRO have been in discussion during the last two months with representatives of the elected parties giving them an update on the composition of the documents. The draft is being circulated to the political parties for their perusal and recommendations, he said.

The date of the signing will no longer be May 19 but May 2, he announced.

McGarrell said Dr. Michael Scott of the University of Guyana is the consultant to the IRO on this project.

GDF completes inquiry into Officer Cadet’s murder
GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) spokesman Lt. Col. Claude Fraser yesterday said Officer Cadet Amar Rajcumar who died on April 11, was on Monday cremated with full military rites.

Rajcumar, 21, of Seafield, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, collapsed during a training session at the GDF Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

On Thursday last, GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier General Edward Collins, said the post mortem results showed the cadet was murdered. The post mortem showed Rajcumar died from a severe blow to the back of the head.

A GDF board of inquiry was set up to investigate the matter and yesterday Fraser said it has been completed and the matter is in the hands of the Police who are doing their own investigation.

When President Bharrat Jagdeo visited the cadet’s home on Friday last, he assured the family that everything will be done to find the killer or killers.

“We intend to find the killer or killers because it was a small group that was there and we know the people that were present and therefore we are going to find out who did this and the full force of the law would be brought to bear upon them”, he said.

After working in the private sector, Rajcumar served as a Presidential Guard in the Guyana Police Force for two years and recently resigned and applied for the Standard Officers’ Course No. 39.

Car belonging to slain guard found
THE Toyota Carina belonging to Hemraj Saroop, one of the two security guards killed at the Ogle Aerodrome at the weekend, was found yesterday in Campbellville, Georgetown.

The killers reportedly fled the scene of the murder in the victim’s vehicle.

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ivelaw Whittaker yesterday told this newspaper that the vehicle, PHH 3445, was found around 11:00 h yesterday in the vicinity of the Campbellville Secondary School compound with everything intact, including the keys in the ignition. It is now lodged at the Sparendaam Police Station.

Police are hunting the killers of the two men whose bodies were discovered in the Air Services Limited compound at the Ogle Aerodrome around 05:15 h Monday.

The bodies of Saroop, 60, of 33 Crown Dam, Industry, and Chandradat Arjun, 50, of 969 Cummings Lodge, both on the East Coast Demerara, were discovered by workers of Air Services who turned on for the early shift around 05:15 h.

There were marks of violence on the bodies and ropes were tied around their necks. Saroop’s body was found by the hangar, while Arjun’s was found in the ladies’ washroom.

The bandits escaped with two computers after unsuccessfully trying to force open a safe in the Accounts Department.

General Manager of Air Services Ltd Mr. Fazal Khan said the handle of the safe was broken off and several dents in it indicated that a chisel or some other tool had been used in an effort to force it open.

Saroop, who had been working there for the past three years, was the father of two and grandfather of four, while Arjun was the father of two children, 19 and eight years old.

Both families described the men as quiet, friendly and hardworking.

Post mortems are expected to be performed on the bodies today.

Another dies after collision
POLICE last night reported that another man died in a separate accident Monday night.

A Police release said Latchman Shivlochan, of First Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, died at about 20:30 h in an accident involving two vehicles on the Diamond New Scheme main road.

Police said motorcar HA 7881, driven by Adam Yusuf, 29, of Kaneville, was going east on the northern side of the road and motor pickup, GJJ 1177, with several persons in the tray and driven by Himraj Sanichara, 80, of Herstelling, was travelling in the opposite direction on the southern side of the road at a fast rate.

There was a collision as the vehicles were passing each other and several persons in the tray of the pickup fell out and were injured, Police said.

Shivlochan died before receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and Michael Beharry, of Little Diamond, was reported in serious condition at the hospital.

Police said both drivers were in custody.  

CARICOM raises waiver with U.S. trade rep
THE status of the United States request to extend the World Trade Organisation (WTO) waiver for the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) was the dominant issue when Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ministers met United States Trade Representative, Mr. Rob Portman last week.

The CBERA waiver, originating out of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), is a piece of U.S. legislation which allows a number of products from Caribbean countries to enter the U.S. duty free. It was geared to stimulate trade between CARICOM countries and the U.S.

The waiver – essentially a preferential trade arrangement – has been deemed discriminatory by WTO member states, India, China, Paraguay, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and they have so far blocked the common consensus needed within the trade regulatory body to have the waiver extended until September 20, 2008, the date requested by the U.S.

At a press briefing yesterday, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr. Clement Rohee stated that when he learned of the blockage, he immediately called in the Chinese Ambassador and the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana and conveyed to them Guyana’s displeasure at their blocking of the U.S. application.

“I handed to them [each] a letter,” Rohee stated, “addressed to their trade ministers, requesting them to reconsider their position in respect to this matter. Letters were also sent to the trade ministers of the other countries, expressing Guyana’s dissatisfaction with the action which they have taken.”

The minister said he also contacted CARICOM Secretary-General Edwin Carrington for him to advise other member states affected by the blockage to take similar action.

In a release on the Portman encounter, the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) emphasised the importance of CBERA to member states.

“The renewal of the waiver,” it said, “is of economic and political importance to CARICOM beneficiary countries; a point reaffirmed by CARICOM to the U.S. side, along with a reiteration of the importance the region attaches to CBERA preferences.”

According to the release, CARICOM was advised by the U.S. during last week’s meeting that opposition to the renewal of the waiver has diminished recently and some of the opposing countries have modified their positions.

At his press conference yesterday, Rohee said that prior to the meeting with Portman the CARICOM delegation also had a chance to meet U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel.

“We deliberated for about an hour and a half with Congressman Rangel [on] hemispheric trade relations within the FTAA; some issues pertaining to U.S.-CARICOM trade relations, particularly the possibility of a CARICOM-U.S. Free Trade Agreement; [and] we secured an undertaking by Congressman Rangel that he would look at the request that we made in respect of the regionalisation of the United States sugar quota to the Caribbean.”

The latter issue, Rohee explained, was to prevent any shortfall in the sugar supplied to the U.S. by CARICOM countries being taken up by countries outside of CARICOM.

The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago were represented at ministerial level at the Portman meeting, while Antigua & Barbuda, St Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname were represented at ambassadorial level.

Carrington was also in attendance, as well as Director-General of the CRNM, Ambassador Richard Bernal.

Man reported missing
SEVENTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Robert Williams, known as ‘Smiles’, has been reported missing since April 8, 2006.

Williams, of 35 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was last seen wearing a green shirt and khaki Dockers pants and was carrying a brown briefcase.

Persons knowing of his whereabouts are asked to contact Ian Hercules, Phone: 227-0206 or 616-5288, Lorna Williams at the St Sidwell’s Church or Dornella Bartrum, Phone: 648-3908.

A reward will be offered for any information on Williams.

Injured student claims speeding car hit him
A PORT Mourant Community High School student, who was injured in a post kite-flying road accident Monday night, yesterday alleged that a speeding car hit him.

Kevin Wilson, of Courtland, said he had been kite-flying at Number 63 beach, another part of Corentyne, Berbice, but was standing on the public road in that village awaiting transport when he was hit about 21:00 h.

The 15-year-old told the Guyana Chronicle that he attempted, too late, to remove from the path of the vehicle and was knocked unconscious.

Wilson recalled that, prior to being hurt, the occupants of the car were arguing a short distance away from where he stood and, suddenly, one of them jumped inside, accelerated the vehicle and struck him.

The teenager said he regained consciousness at New Amsterdam Hospital, in Berbice, with severe injuries to his body, including hands and face and his right leg fractured in several places.

Wilson was transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital (GHPC) some hours after the mishap.

Chavez says U.S. warships threaten Venezuela, Cuba
CARACAS, Venezuela, (Reuters) - President Hugo Chavez, who accuses Washington of planning to invade Venezuela, said yesterday recent deployment of U.S. warships in the Caribbean Sea threatened his country and its ally Cuba.

Four U.S. warships, including an aircraft carrier, and 6,500 sailors, are in a two-month deployment in the Caribbean Sea dubbed "Partnership of the Americas" by the U.S. Navy.

"They are doing manoeuvres right here," Chavez told a student meeting in the country's west. "This is a threat, not just against us, against Venezuela, against Cuba."

Chavez has repeatedly accused the United States of trying to oust him. U.S. officials say the self-styled socialist revolutionary and friend of Cuban President Fidel Castro threatens regional stability.

Chavez, who has created a civilian reserve to resist the assault he says Washington is planning, has threatened to repel U.S. forces with arrows coated with poison.

The United States, a leading buyer of oil from Venezuela, the world's No. 5 exporter, has dismissed his invasion talk as a ridiculous invention aimed at stirring up his supporters.

At least one warship has come as close to Venezuela as the Dutch island of Aruba, about 15 miles (24 km) off its coast.

The Florida-based U.S. Southern Command has said the operations, which include visits to countries including Venezuela's neighbouring U.S. ally Colombia, focus on threats such as "narco-terrorism and human-trafficking."

Shah sisters for Nrityageet 27
NADIRA and Indranie Shah are due here for Nrityageet 27, billed for the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown on May 6-7, 2006.

Dance students of the Shah sisters from Sweden and the United States will soon join the Guyana chapter in this year’s programme. These students are Guyanese studying overseas who enjoyed the khatak dance form as performed by Nadira and Indranie and took the opportunity to join dance schools run by the sisters.

Members of the Nrityageet Guyana chapter who have been dancing under the name of the Demerara Dancers are frenetically rehearsing, choreographing, and designing and making costumes.

Director Ms Seeta Mohamed said Nrityageet 27 promises to be as magnificent a performance as previous shows and the other dancers joining will make it even better.

She said set designs and stage production materials are in the early building stages but promise to make yet another hit with the audience.

Costume mistress Bhanmattee Shah said she has been designing and sewing costumes since January of this year, yet "the job is endless.” “There are just more and more demands for costumes that require continuous day and night work. The most demanding is the costume for the peacock dance drama. That requires three peacocks and two snakes. The white peahen is the main character and that costume is spectacular!"

The Nadira and Inranie Shah Dance Troupe has received the Medal of Service for its sustained and outstanding contribution to the cultural mosaic of Guyana.

Nrityageet has been repeatedly awarded "Best Dance Production", "Best Costumes" and "Best Set" by the Guyana Theatre Arts Awards and the Madame Iffel Award of Barbados. It has also received a special award from the Theatre Arts Awards for 21 years of ‘Exceptional Diligence in the Pursuit of Excellence’ and from the New York group of Guyanese for ‘Long and Sustained Dance Productions of Excellence’.

Nrityageet dancers are high school and university students who dance for the love of the art form.

Choreographies reflect a focus on classical, folk, and modern Indian dance, and influences of Guyanese, Caribbean, and Latin American backgrounds and Guyana’s cultural mosaic.

Thousands flock West Berbice beach for Easter fun
THOUSANDS of people maintained the Easter Monday tradition of kite-flying by flocking the Number Six Village beach, West Coast Berbice, where the scene was a sea of colours both on the ground and in the air.

In sunny weather, the throngs enjoyed the perfect ambience as, in recent years, that waterside proved to be the most popular venue for the purpose.

Hundreds arrived on foot and in vehicles, including the trays of lorries, especially after midday, to fly kites, socialise or just relax in shaded areas.

Loud popular music competed with the sounds of buzzing kites, mostly diamond-shaped, which dotted the sky as people camped under tarpaulin tents.

Bird and box kites were also flown but the others dominated the show, with a wider array of colours and designs.

He contended there was no loss of status in comparison with the 50 feet because its advantage was being more economical.

However, a young lady flying a plastic bird kite a few feet overhead said she was content with the size.

Softball cricket, volleyball and football games added to the variety of activities for the day and the music, excellent weather and atmosphere made it the ideal occasion for the Easter celebration.

MMA/ADA outlines tasks for just acquired Italian machines
THE Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Devlopment Authority (MMA/ADA) has taken possession of new vehicles and equipment which will significantly boost its capability for increasing production and productivity in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

The excavators, earth moving machines and other heavy and light weight vehicles were purchased with a soft loan from the Italian Government.

MMA/ADA General Manager, Mr Aubrey Charles said, under the agreement with the Guyana Government, the acquisition lists 10 heavy-duty excavators, four trucks, three tractors, two bulldozers, one grader, one hauler and two four-wheel motorcycles with spares.

He said all would be used to bolster the MMA drainage and irrigation system in West Berbice and Mahaicony Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS).

Charles explained it would now be possible for MMA/ADA to undertake major projects such as construction of additional networks to make more land available for agriculture.

Charles said, since its arrival last week, at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, the shipment was handed over to the Mechanical Department which will be responsible for the proper care and maintenance.

Departmental Head, Mr Bertie Barnes said his staff is engaged in such tasks as attaching blades to the bulldozers and installing sidewalks on the excavators and the majority of the machines will be ready to operate within the next two weeks, with the benefit of assistance from Mr Mario Mosca, the Italian expert who arrived ahead of the consignment.

Mosca will be engaged mainly with training MMA/ADA operators how to utilise and maintain the machines, he said.

President joins thousands to celebrate Easter
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo joined thousands of other Guyanese Monday, at different locations in Georgetown and along East Coast Demerara, to celebrate Easter, marking the culmination of the Christian Lenten season.

The Head of State went to, among other places, the National Park and the seawall in the city and his home village, Unity and Hope Beach on East Coast, where he mingled with several persons on the streets and parkways, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

GINA said President Jagdeo engaged in activities including kite-flying and interaction with vendors, spectators and more fun seekers.

He also shared photographic moments with scores of people, mostly children as Easter celebrations spawned picnicking, swimming and other outdoor sports like softball cricket and football.

Couples, families and larger gatherings occupied spaces on the coast and in the National Park, enjoying the shade from umbrellas and makeshift tents while music blared from parked vehicles and large sound systems.

GINA said the President’s Easter schedule commenced on Saturday with visits to several East Coast Demerara villages and city wards sharing cheer, which included his now traditional distribution of kites to less fortunate children.

The beneficiaries were from West End, better known as ‘Tiger Bay’ and Sophia in the capital and Non Pariel, Coldingen and Section ‘B’ and Block 12, Enterprise all on East Coast Demerara and GINA said the gesture was warmly welcomed, particularly by some who might not have otherwise been able to similarly benefit.

Kite-flyers flock Essequibo Coast seawalls
THOUSANDS of people flocked the seawalls on Essequibo Coast to fly kites on Easter Monday.

Adult kite-flyers set up numerous tents along the foreshore between Suddie and Dartmouth and spent the day picnicking, as well, with their children.

The Guyana Chronicle found the atmosphere at crowded Anna Regina Seawall filled with music, laughter, joy, happiness and peace as hundreds of kites danced in the sky to a steady Atlantic breeze.

Dartmouth Seawall had a big tent with music blasting from several speakers and kite-flyers braved the hot afternoon sun.

The throng comprised residents from Dartmouth, Westbury, Bounty Hall and Better Success, all celebrating Easter in a spirit of brotherhood and togetherness.

Some acknowledged that the celebrations brought families together and are developing more, each year, especially at Dartmouth Village and in the town of Anna Regina.

Parents with their offspring also occupied spots on beaches at Paradise, Walton Hall, Lima, Devonshire Castle, Henrietta, Richmond, Columbia, Affiance, Golden Fleece and Suddie.

Reports from Pomeroon said children flew their kites on their parents’ farms while their peers on Essequibo Coast did so in rice fields.

The weekend holidays also saw many who work away from there returning to the ‘Cinderella County’ and the usually busy Monday Market Day at Charity attracted hundreds of visitors.

Anna Regina embarks on door-to-door collection
ANNA Regina Town Clerk Ganga Persaud has announced that the municipality has embarked on door-to-door revenue collection.

He said residents in the wards from Walton Hall to Three Friends, also on Essequibo Coast, are not paying their rates and taxes on time and are hindering development works within.

Mr Persaud said, if persons refuse to pay their outstanding arrears, they will be prosecuted in court.

Guyana Parliamentarians for first regional CWP
FOURTEEN women parliamentarians were due to leave Guyana yesterday to attend the first Commonwealth Women Parliament (CWP) of the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The meeting, to be held in Nassau, The Bahamas, from tomorrow to Saturday, will address several areas of concern to women members of the CPA, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

According to GINA, the topics on the agenda include ‘Impact of women in decision-making in the Region’, ‘Getting elected: pre and post election preparation, support and encouragement’, ‘Overcoming challenges experienced by women in politics’ and ‘How can women parliamentarians in the Region ensure that the gender party effort include both genders?’

The Guyanese team is being led by Dr Jennifer Westford, Minister of Public Service and includes Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Member of Parliament, Ms Clarissa Riehl and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Carolyn Rodrigues.

GINA said the CWP is officially recognised by the CPA as the organisation to advance the representation of women in Commonwealth parliaments; increase involvement of women parliamentarians in CPA affairs and promote the discussion of gender issues in its member parliaments.

Refurbishing of Moruca Hospital to start next month
MORUCA Hospital in Region One (Barima/Waini) will be refurbished to provide better services as part of the government’s efforts to ensure overall improvements in such institutions.

The hospital is currently serving more than 10,000 people, mainly Amerindians from Moruca and nearby communities including Santa Rosa, Manawarin, Waramuri and Kamwatta and the refurbishing is expected to begin next month, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

GINA explained that the hospital is also a training centre for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and will facilitate improved maternal and child care, the practice of general medicine, dental and vector control, as well, with the installation of an X-ray machine.

According to GINA, the first of the two-phased refurbishment process will cost $17.5M and the second, to be done next year, $13M.

The agency said the plumbing system will be totally overhauled and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has been tasked with upgrading it.

Dachiel Castro Enriquez, one of the Cuban doctors who arrived in the country last month, is stationed at Moruca Hospital.

GINA said enhancement of physical infrastructure, which is addressed in the National Health Plan (NHP), is being aggressively pursued by the government.

Towards this goal, a $100M hospital is now under construction at Lethem, Rupununi and erection of two others, at Mabaruma, North West District and Linden, Upper Demerara River, is to start during this year, GINA said, adding that several more health centres, huts and posts are to be repaired.

Cuba bulbs replacement project reaches Region Six
THE countrywide programme to replace high energy consumption bulbs with others that utilise less current has reached Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

An official said the drive is proceeding at a satisfactory pace and the teams which commenced the exchange in homes and offices late March have changed 3,000 so far.

He said people willingly accepted the new lights in all the houses visited and the exercise was continuing in Albion, Corentyne, yesterday.

The project, which has already covered Linden, Bartica, Kwakwani and Aroaima, follows acceptance, last January, of an offer by Cuban President Fidel Castro to President Bharrat Jagdeo, for Cuba to help Guyana reduce its electricity needs for lighting.

Cuba is providing the Chinese made bulbs.

Retired Dental Surgeon dies in U.S.
ON SATURDAY, April 15, 2006, well known Guyanese dentist, Dr. Kenneth Neil Wray died in Durham, North Carolina where he lived during the past five years, attended to by his youngest daughter Mrs. Marlene Conway.

At the time of his passing he was 91 years of age, born on September 15, 1914. His father, the late Dr. Eugene Wray was also a dentist.

He is survived by one brother Reginald Wray, who currently resides in Queens, New York. Dr. Wray leaves behind, seven children, Ms. Pauline Wray, Mrs. Jenny Neils Mitchell, Ms. Barbara Ann Wray, Mrs. Marlene Conway, Mr. Neilson Wray, Mr. Mervyn Wray and Mr. Victor Wray; also, he has left 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Dr. Kenneth Wray graduated from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA in the year 1943, and he returned home to then British Guiana where he dedicated his entire working life to the practice of dentistry. His career spanned decades of dedicated public service in Guyana and as a result, he was awarded national recognition, and he graciously received the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) for his contributions over the years.

Among the highlights of his career, was the renaming of the auditorium in the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, School of Dentistry, as the “Dr. Kenneth Wray Auditorium”. Also, in August 2000, at a special ceremony at the Hotel Tower, Georgetown, Guyana, the Guyana Dental Association again decided to honour Dr. Wray for his remarkable initiative, and hard work towards the establishment of the Dental Auxiliary School in Guyana.

At that award ceremony which was attended by the Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, it was Dr. Bertrand Stuart, Senior Dental Surgeon, who remarked that “Dr. Wray had a passion to do something for Guyana,” and Dr. Karen Tai Yong also mentioned his “dedicated service to needy sections of the population.” She extended her kind remarks by stating, “Those who are long serving in the field of dentistry in Guyana will find it difficult to dissociate Dr. Kenneth Neil Wray from Dental Auxiliary Training Programmes.”

He will always be remembered as a dedicated servant of his people and a dentist who truly enjoyed practising his profession for very many years.

Parliament to debate Consumer Protection, Income Tax bills
THE National Assembly of Parliament, at its next sitting tomorrow, will debate the Consumer Protection Bill and the Income Tax Amendment Bill (No. 2 of 2006), the Government Information Agency (GINA) announced yesterday.

A GINA bulletin said Minister of Finance, Mr Saisnarine Kowlessar will move the second reading of the tax measure while Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr Manzoor Nadir is to do similarly with the other piece of legislation, both of which were tabled on April 6.

According to GINA, the Consumer Protection Bill seeks to establish a Consumer Affairs Commission to address consumers’ concerns and complaints and ensure proof of goods and services sales, through the issuance of receipts by suppliers to customers as well as propose steps to redress unfair trade practices.

GINA said Kowlessar is also expected to pilot another motion, seeking approval of two supplementary (Capital and Current) estimates for 2006.

National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair begins tomorrow
THE National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair, hosted biennially by the Ministry of Education, begins tomorrow at St Joseph High School, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said it would be declared open by retired Secretary General of Guyana National Commission for United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Carmen Jarvis, at 13:30 h and Director of Resource Mobilisation and Planning, University of Guyana, Dr Marlene Cox will deliver the feature address.

GINA said the three-day event aims at promoting the teaching and learning of Science, Mathematics and Technology in schools, technical institutions and the wider society.

It is also geared toward developing and enhancing young people’s creativity, self-confidence and team spirit, through involvement in various activities, GINA said.

Exhibits to be displayed are from primary and secondary schools and out-of-school organisations under the theme ‘Science, Mathematics and Technology for Sustainable Global Development’ and the exhibitors will compete in several categories, among them Agricultural Science, Mathematics, Technology, Social and Behavioural Science, Home Economics, Visual Arts, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

GINA said, on the opening day, students and teachers will be given the opportunity to participate in discussions based on scientific issues with a panel drawn from Iwokrama and UG.

In preparation for it, the best exhibits from regional fairs were identified for the national showing.

Abary cattle farmers appeal for more flood relief
SOME cattle farmers in the Abary basin, recently hit by flooding, are appealing for more official assistance towards recovery and to minimise losses from future floods.

Speaking for the appellants, Secretary of West Berbice/Abary Cattle Farmers Association (WBACFA), Mr Frank Bassoodeo said, up to last week, several weeks after the flood waters receded, the land in many areas remained parched, with little or no vegetation that could be used as animal feed.

He said members of the organisation are of the view that the provision of a machine for them to bale hay would go a long way to help them get enough food for their livestock.

Bassoodeo said the baler can be utilised to collect and process rice straw from newly harvested fields, for storage and treatment with water and molasses to provide adequate nutrition for their herds.

According to him, a WBACFA representative had discussed the request with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officials but is still not sure of the response.

WBACFA Chairman, Mr Ishmael Alladin said they would also like to get mechanical aid for the creation of plots on high ground to where cattle could retreat in the event of more flooding.

Noting that the May/June rains are imminent, he said there has been no indication whether the recommended proposal is even being considered by the relevant agencies.

Alladin called, too, for repairs to flood damaged dams on which many cattle got stuck and died.

He claimed WBACFA members had documented their losses for relief consideration last month but received no feedback since.

Alladin said a February flood impact assessment, on loss of livestock along Abary River, showed that farmers lost close to 9,000 cattle and small ruminants in December 2005.

He said the toll included at least 6,750 cattle, most of them calves, more than 2,000 sheep and goats, 430 ducks, 300 creole fowls and 48 ranch horses.

The victims argue that, normally, it takes a minimum of three years for a cow to develop and reach marketing stage and the government should consider a special relief package for rearers so they can maintain viability while working to recover from the flood disaster.

Revisiting ideas on 'democracy'
HEADS of government of our Caribbean Community, like their counterparts in the wider 54-member group of Commonwealth nations, are often in the habit of making good decisions on projects initiated but, disappointingly, fail to follow through on the implementation processes.  

Had they, for instance, pursued some of the ideas and recommendations embraced in their "Nassau Communique" of the 1985 Commonwealth Summit held that year in The Bahamas, perhaps there may have been mechanisms in place by now to avoid the recurring controversies, in various CARICOM states, over the independence and competence of bodies conducting local and national elections. 

Back in 1983, when Commonwealth Heads of Government held their New Delhi Summit, against the backdrop of the Grenada political crisis of executions and military invasion of that year, they had commissioned a team of 14 experts, four from within CARICOM, to undertake a study and come up with recommendations that include special arrangements to deal with security, economic and governance problems of small states.

The result was a valuable report by the Commonwealth Consultative Group titled "Vulnerability -- Small States in the Global Economy".

Of particular relevance to CARICOM states is the section dealing with "regional initiatives" that covers strengthening defence capability, underpinning economic growth and "promoting internal cohesion".

In advocating the establishment of regional mechanisms at the administrative and judicial levels, the experts recommended -- and the Commonwealth leaders endorsed -- core elements, such as regional elections commissions and regional service commissions to include appointments for key judicial and security posts.

The intention was for such regional commissions, and that relating to electoral democracy in particular, having a supervisory role in the functioning of national bodies, which should be comprised of  technically qualified personnel, chosen on merit, and capable of enhancing public confidence.

Given the frequent rows that erupt at periodic elections in CARICOM states in the functioning of local elections bodies, as well as, allegations of threats to electoral democracy, the community's Heads of Government should seriously revisit the 1985 Report of the Commonwealth Consultative Group in relation to its focus on enhancing democratic and human rights procedures.

This could be done in the spirit of the community's "Charter of Civil Society" which, incidentally, is yet to be elevated from its 1997 declaratory status to that of a legally binding instrument.

(Courtesy yesterday's Barbados Daily Nation)

Get serious
GIVEN the fact that all political parties are represented along with international observers at polling stations on elections day, one has to wonder how election fraud could take place as three GECOM (PNCR) commissioners would have the Guyanese public believe.

It is a fact that names of dead persons could be on the official list of electors.

Does this mean that the dead person could vote on elections day? I think not.

If someone was going to vote for a dead person, doesn't that person have to vote for him/her self too if this person is eligible to vote in Guyana's elections?

With ink stain on his/her finger that cannot be removed for days, how could there be multiple voting?  Or the ink stain can be removed for multiple voting? I think not.

And on the call for house to house verification -- how on earth could a person’s name be removed from the official list if that person cannot be found at a certain address, or if that person is not at home at the time of verification, or if that person is out of the country and no one knows if that person will show up to vote on election day?

Won't that amount to disenfranchisement if that person’s name is removed from the official list of electors (OLE)?

If you are eligible to vote you must be registered to vote first. You have an ID card with your photo on the card with your name and date of birth.

You go to the polling station on elections day; produce your ID; your name is verified that you are eligible to vote and your name is then crossed off.

You cast your ballot in secret for the party of your choice.

You then have your finger placed in ink, ink stain that is not removable for at least three days.

You leave the polling station and wait for results to see if the party of your choice wins.

Voting is that simple or are the three (PNCR) GECOM commissioners trying to cock the Guyanese nation on frivolous claims of elections fraud?

It is with hope that GECOM/the international community and donor countries get serious with the main opposition party, PNCR, about holding free fair and transparent elections in Guyana.
T. KING

Two or more sides
I AGREE that Sharon was no saint (your editorial yesterday), but neither was Arafat or the Palestinians. 

It would be better if you would be more objective in your editorialising.  There are two or more sides to every story -- and I'm sure you're familiar with the history of those people.  Remember, back in the forties, they were handed the West Bank and Gaza, but chose to attack Israel with aims of driving it into the sea.

Suppose the situation had been reversed, and the Palestinians/Arabs had the military might of Israel?  We don't have to guess the scenario! 

The day or time Israel loses a major war, it is finished as a nation.

As I see it, they'll never be able to live in peace with each other.

As a result, with the proliferation of nukes, they're all going to go up in flames.
SUNDAR SINGH

Louder than words
THE killing of the watchmen and their killers’ ease in driving past another guard is an outrage that the nation must say enough to -- we will not take these crimes and the authorities' excuses any longer.

The problem is not the government's security plans or expenditure but the people tasked with their implementation -- that is the problem. The same input will yield the same results every time.

The government needs to put together a list of do's and don'ts to help the ordinary people alter their behaviour to avoid easily becoming crime victims. 

The Home Affairs Ministry must put in place, with the help of the Police, a training programme for private security guards and watchmen that will point out the best strategy to avoid being easily overcome by the criminals, as seems to be happening. 

There must be a system of placing strategically rapid response teams to answer calls for help in the most active crime areas.

There are excellent suggestions made by letter writers that should have already been done by any decent police force. The longer we wait to add outside expertise to the police force and not simply advisors, the sooner we may solve the problem.

Police actions speak louder than words (whether on a tape or not)
OUTRAGED

Gunmen walking freely
DEAR Mr. President/Commissioner of Police:

Please let the residents of McDoom know where their tax dollars are going.

For the past month, there have been four robberies committed on the residents of this very small village. Their homes have been invaded by gunmen operating out of Agricola.

It seems like these gunmen are operating with complete immunity since they can be seen walking the streets in the middle of the day with weapons tucked in the waists for everyone to see.

Since the recent killings in McDoom and Agricola there have been very little police patrols in the area.

The residents are left at the mercy of the criminals.

Mr. President -- bring back the death penalty if you have to!
DESPERATE CITIZEN

Safety concerns
I MIGRATED from Guyana some 25 years ago and I still have an interest in visiting the land of my birth.

But safety comes first and for this reason I have put off many of my visits due to the crime wave in recent times.

Gone were the days when you would visit Guyana and come back with all the joyful memories of planning another trip. From three weeks in the past, I am now more into a one-week stay.

Guyanese in North America, particularly Canada, have to endure too many hardships when flying with BWIA. Don't get me wrong -- this airline has done a lot of good things for Guyanese, even though some might strongly disagree.

The hardships come with changing planes at Piarco Airport for families with young children, especially when the connections are delayed and having to clear immigration checks again in transit.

A one hop non-stop flight will definitely improve a lot of hassle.

If the government is unable to provide international flights with so many Guyanese abroad -- a market where they can tap into -- then at least concessions should be given to airlines willing to capture this lucrative business.

Having teenage children who have never visited the land of their parents is sad due to the overwhelming crime rate.

Too many first and second, even third generation Canadian of Guyanese ancestry have never visited this country.

The eagerness is there but the security isn't.
AYUBE KHAN

Assumptions not good enough
I JUST wanted to remind the public that the Guyana Revenue Authority Customs officers are responsible for ensuring the mail is drug free.

Retired Postmaster General Noble had instituted a system whereby all mail bags after  been checked by Customs was placed in a sealed cage with locks placed by Customs and the Post office security and Postal officials.

In other words, three officials had to be present to open this cage.

Further, management must first investigate all complaints and provide necessary evidence to the Police for legal action if necessary. This is how the Post Office operated during my years of tenure there, and yes many were charged and placed before the court.

A reminder for all -- the Postmaster General is responsible for the day to day operations of the Post Office while the board is responsible for policy matters. The releases in the news have clearly shown that the Board Chairman is managing the daily operations of the post office therefore he must take responsibility for the alleged wrongdoings.

Let the Public Relations Officer, if there is still one, meet the press -- not the Chairman making accusations thereby causing more conflict.

This erodes the organisation further. I spent many years at the Post Office and can attest to the fact that the majority of workers are honest. There will, however, always be dishonest ones around. Always do proper investigation and then take necessary action.

You cannot take anyone to task on assumptions and accusations; allow the postal officials to function rather than have the chairman become judge and jury. Judge not and be not judged.

Work towards building a strong organization and ultimately a better country for all.
JEETENDRA R. NANDLALL

Conversation must be taken seriously
THE government must take the alleged telephone conversation between the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Winston Felix and Parliamentary Opposition PNCR member Mr. Basil Williams seriously.

It concerns the nation since Mr. Felix heads the law enforcement agency of the government.

The purported conversation between a senior government servant and an opposition MP must be taken in view of the PNCR’s strategy to get into government through devious means.

We have seen failures of police to capture criminals who continue to kill and rob, be it night or day, without fear of being caught.

We must also view the situation in view of the theft of 30 AK-47 rifles from the Army depot.
BALDEO PERSAUD

Fourteen months waiting for a passport
IN DECEMBER 2004, I handed in my application form and the necessary requirement for a passport at the New Amsterdam Passport Office.

The Immigration Officer told me to check back at the office in nine months and gave me a slip.

When I checked back in September 2005, they told me to check back in a month. I revisit the office two times a month and the result is the same.

It has been almost 14 months and I do not have my passport as yet.

I am sure there are hundreds of persons like me and I give my sympathy to them.

How long more do we have to wait for a passport?

What are the authorities doing about this?

I will be grateful if somebody in authority looks into this matter as early as possible.

I am in desperate need of my passport!
JASODRA SARAWAN

What makes an MP exempt?
I READ with interest the statement reportedly made by the PNCR concerning the early morning search of the premises of Jerome Khan, PNCR Member of Parliament, by the Joint Services.

I am flabbergasted at the content, meaning and import of the statement. It appears that the Commissioner of Police Winston Felix may have expressed regret at the search but that, notwithstanding, the PNCR issued its statement.

What are the complaints and/or concerns of the PNCR? -- that Jerome Khan is a PNCR MP and a “highly respected member of the business community” and the action of the Joint Services could lead to irreparable harm to his business and social standing in the community; that it is the first time such an action has been taken against a sitting MP; that the raid was designed to drive fear into the Indo-Guyanese segment of the community which is supportive of the PNCR; that Khan is a strident critic of the ruling party.

Well now, are sitting MPs and “respected members” of the business community exempted from security checks and searches?

Are not MPs, Ministers of the Government and “respected members” of the community not daily being slandered and libelled and accused of drug running, money laundering? What makes an MP exempt?

Just look around the other countries and note what is going on. A senior supporter of Britain’s Prime Minister has been taken into police custody for investigations.

If the search of Khan’s home was intended to drive fear in the Indians who support the PNCR, then it means that the security forces are in cahoots with the PPP to terrorise. It only has to be said to see how ridiculous is the statement of the PNCR and expose their bankruptcy in thought.

What about those “political analysts” and TV programmers who daily denigrate the Indian community? Is it a hangover of Waddell’s statement to the nation after the 2001 elections that Indians who voted for the PNCR should go to the PNCR enclaves to be protected?

Only a few days ago the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force proclaimed to the world that no one is untouchable and no lead will be ignored in the quest to find the missing guns. Are MPs outside the “NO ONE” sphere, and of so, why?

And it reminds us of what former Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis said – that he will not go into the compound of the PNCR unless he is fully armed. What did he mean by that?

Now, look how times are changing. I see now “Sweet” Freddie Kissoon taking CN Sharma to task for daring to cause his TV Station Channel 6 to publish something about his boss, Glen Lall. Oh yes, the same CN Sharma who all the analysts and freedom loving people glorified as God sent to allow freedom of expression.

Kissoon is now conceding that if people wanted, the courts will be full of libel actions against Sharma. How times have changed.

But then, can the leopard change its spots or the tiger its stripes?
NORMAN LEOW

Frustrating the process
IN RECENT weeks, I have read several letters, writers’ commentaries and views in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News about the 2006 national and regional elections.

From my long experience in politics, way back in the early 60s and to this present day, it has been the trend of the PNCR to create fear in the minds of the Guyanese electorate at the time of elections, especially in Region Four (Georgetown).

In the Kaieteur News of 14.4.2006, the main opposition leadership claimed they were fully aware since November last year that GECOM will not be ready for the elections by the constitutionally due date of August 4, 2006.

This comment by the PNCR clearly shows that the PNCR and certain sections of GECOM Secretariat have a close linkage.

On Friday 21st October, last year, GECOM Deputy Commissioner Mr. Calvin Benn, conducted a one-day seminar for both PPP/C and the combined opposition parties scrutineers in the Region Two RDC boardroom.

At this seminar, scrutineers from both the Anna Regina and Charity centres took part as participants, on the role of the scrutineers. This was conducted by Mr. Benn who was assisted by Registration and Deputy Registration Officers from the centres.

More so, at this seminar there were 21 PNCR scrutineers. Eight PPP/C scrutineers and another from ROAR were in attendance.

Staff and scrutineers made invaluable contributions in a spirit of togetherness at the seminar.

During the Continuous Registration process in Region Two, both centres were complimented by GECOM Secretariat for the good works being done and this was supported by Mr. Lowenfield of GECOM on his last visit to these centres.

In Region Two, during the process, the two PNCR office scrutineers and the nine divisional paid scrutineers never complained of any irregularities since they have affixed their signatures as true and correct on all transactions and all forms as certified.

From any observations, there are some who are bent on frustrating the process.
POORAN PERSAUD

Honour our heroes
IT WAS with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of Mignon Lowe.

I wish to extend condolences to her family.

Her death passed quietly by, somewhat symbolic of the person herself. While a precious few spoke about her contributions to local theatre in Guyana, I am of the opinion that much more should have been said and done for a woman who has given her heart for the development of the art form.

A chronicle of her works {acted, produced, directed} should be made public. We need to honour those who contributed to the development of our country.

The same should be done for the late Ulita Anthony, Edith Peters, and Andre Subryan.

I would like to call on the theatre fraternity to come together and formulate a drama association/society.

We have enough educated persons in Guyana: Al Creighton, Ron Robinson, Desiree Edghill, just to name a few.

This association, which will be responsible for local theatre and its development, can play a vital role at occasions such as the passing of a theatre icon, in enlightening the public about the life of the deceased.

We must honour our heroes. Theatre still has a few left: Ronald Hollingsworth, Harold Bascom, Kewsi Oginga, Ken Danns, Paloma Mohamed, Desiree Edghill, Margaret Lawrence, Henry Rodney - the list goes on.
FITZROY TYRRELL

Financing the Berbice River Bridge
THE decision to construct a bridge, any bridge, over the Berbice River is a wise decision.

As a Berbician, this was always my desire and indeed the wish of all Berbicians and all the travelling public.

I have observed a lot of discussions in open forum on the financing of the bridge and objections by many to the use of the National Insurance Scheme funds for its completion.

I wish to state that this bridge is not an investment in nonsense but an investment in Guyana. The money is used by Guyana to develop Guyana.

The bridge will earn valuable revenue, and because of the convenience, people will travel more and hence, more revenue, more people from Suriname will travel to Guyana, and yet more revenue.

The revenue gathering potential of the bridge is much and hence I see no risk with the investment. If I had a chance to invest personally, I would in whatever small measure I could.

Clico would not have been involved unless they knew their investment was virtually guaranteed.

Which is why I now offer this idea to the government.

The government should offer tax-free U.S. dollar bonds, with a five and 10 year maturity dates, the latter bearing more benefit to the investor. This opportunity can be open to investors of CARICOM, with priority to the Guyanese citizens locally and overseas. It can be managed by a recognised bank.

For example, I recall the sale of such bonds for a chain of hotels to be constructed in Barbados, and guaranteed by the Government of Barbados, to support the tourism industry.

I hope the Government of Guyana can see this vision and implement the idea.

With this NIS money may not be needed.
ROSHAN KHAN

WICB slowing down negotiating process - Ramnarine
POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad, (CMC) - West Indies Players Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine is accusing the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) of slowing down the process of trying to conclude an agreement over long-standing issues.

Speaking yesterday in an interview with CMC Cricket Plus on the fourth day of the Carib Beer Series final between Barbados and Trinidad and Guaracara Park, Ramnarine said a recent letter from WICB president Ken Gordon appeared not to rubber-stamp an agreement that been earlier reached with other WICB executives.

"One of the constraints that we have is that you would hear around February 6, the chief executive of the WICB basically saying we reached agreement on the collective labour agreement, the code of conduct and the memorandum of understanding," Ramnarine said.

"I recently received a letter from the president of the board basically saying those agreements were drafts. Our position is that we signed off on the agreement. There wasn't a signature, but it was agreed across the table."

The two parties met last Thursday in an effort to try and resolve issues that have plagued West Indies cricket over the past two years.

"What (has) frustrated the whole process in dealing with the WICB is every time we negotiate with them and you reach an agreement across the table, the next meeting everything changes," Ramnarine said.

Recently, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, the new chairman of the WICB's cricket committee, called on WIPA to try and reach an agreement over retainer contracts by mid-April.

Ramnarine said, however, WIPA would not rush to signing a contract for the sake of signing.

"The gist of it and the question we have to ask ourselves is if we sign the retainer contracts, are the players going to be better off," Ramnarine said.

"We are not going to be pressured by anybody in signing a retainer contract because we are the only team that does not have a retainer contract. We will sign the retainer contract once we believe that it is a fair and reasonable contract and it is in the best interest of the player.

"We are not going to be put under pressure by anybody. I don't have any pressure from my members. They are well aware of what is taking place and very supportive.”

Kelly stars with bat and ball to put Trinis in charge
POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad, (CMC) - All-rounder Richard Kelly starred with bat and ball to put Trinidad and Tobago in the driver's seat to clinch the Carib Beer Challenge final against Barbados on the fourth day at Guaracara Park yesterday.

The 22-year-old Kelly hit 93 to rally Trinidad and Tobago's second innings from a worrying 99 for five to 266 all out and then grabbed two wickets as Barbados, set a victory target of 337, closed the penultimate day on 110 for four.

Kelly, resuming on 28 with Trinidad and Tobago starting the day with a lead of 207, restrained his natural aggression for the better part of five hours to move within sight of a maiden first-class century before he was last out just before the scheduled tea break.

The left-hander, whose previous highest first-class score was 83, struck 11 fours and a six off 197 balls before falling to a low catch by Dwayne Smith at extra-cover off left-arm pacer Pedro Collins, who was one of four Barbados bowlers with two wickets.

Kelly, who benefited from a sharp return chance to off-spinner Ryan Austin when he was on 71, featured in an important sixth wicket partnership of 77 with Rayad Emrit and also got good support from Dave Mohammed, Mervyn Dillon and Amit Jaggernauth as the last three wickets produced 89 runs.

Emrit, a first-innings century-maker who resumed on 15, fell for 28 to a good catch by wicketkeeper Patrick Browne off Collins and Barbados gained another wicket by removing Dwayne Bravo for a duck when the West Indies all-rounder, batting at No.8 because of groin injury on the third day, was caught at gully off Dwayne Smith.

Browne, who enjoyed a good match behind the stumps, dropped a difficult chance that let off Mohammed when he was one and it proved costly for Barbados as Kelly and Mohammed took Trinidad and Tobago past the 200-run mark and into a position of comfort.

Mohammed, who batted for an hour and a half, eventually fell for 14 to a catch by Browne off Ian Bradshaw and after Mervyn Dillon hung around for half-hour, he was caught by the keeper off Corey Collymore to give Browne his fourth catch of the innings.

Left with 41 overs to bat an extended final session, Barbados made an encouraging start with Dale Richards and Wayne Blackman posting 86 for the first wicket before both fell in quick succession to Kelly.

Richards, the third highest run-scorer in the competition, stroked 58 that included seven fours off 65 balls before was lbw to a full-length ball, and three runs later, Blackman was yorked for 25.

Off-spinner Jaggernauth pressed home Trinidad and Tobago's advantage by cheaply dismissing Floyd Reifer and Dwayne Smith.

The left-handed Reifer fell to a smart catch by Lendl Simmons at silly point while Smith gifted his wicket by giving a catch to deep mid-off.

Barbados captain Ryan Hinds and debutant Kirk Edwards batted through the last 35 minutes to prevent any further wickets and will resume the fifth day with another 227 runs required for victory.

Edwards, who made the top score of 64 in the first innings, had a reprieve when he was mis-stumped by Denesh Ramdin off Jaggernauth.

Kelly has so far taken two for 21 off seven overs, while Jaggernauth has two for 29 in 15 overs.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 1st innings 340

Barbados 1st innings 270

Trinidad & Tobago 2nd innings (o/n 137-5)

L. Simmons run-out 14

D. Ganga lbw b Bradshaw 26

D. Ramdin lbw b Collymore 8

J. Mohammed run-out 6

B. Lara c wkp. Browne b Smith 20

R. Kelly c Smith b Collins 93

R. Emrit c wkp. Browne b Collins 28

D. Bravo c Hinds b Smith 0

D. Mohammed c wkp. Browne b Bradshaw 14

M. Dillon c wkp. Browne b Collymore 9

A. Jaggernauth not out 13

Extras: (b-5, lb-8, nb-22) 35

Total: (all out, 83.1 overs) 266

Fall of wickets: 1-45, 2-52, 3-69, 4-77, 5-99, 6-176, 7-177, 8-214, 9-240.

Bowling: Collins 19.1-2-61-2 (nb-5), Bradshaw 21-3-60-2 (nb-9), Collymore 15-3-57-2 (nb-6), Smith 15-3-38-2 (nb-2), Hinds 4-1-8-0, Austin 9-5-29-0.

BARBADOS 2nd innings

D. Richards lbw b Kelly 58

W. Blackman b Kelly 25

F. Reifer c Simmons b Jaggernauth 6

R. Hinds not out 14

D. Smith c Lara b Jaggernauth 1

K. Edwards not out 1

Extras: (b-5) 5

Total: (4 wkts, 41 overs) 110

Fall of wickets: 1-86, 2-89, 3-97, 4-99.

Bowling: Dillon 4-0-18-0, Emrit 5-0-17-0, Mohammed 10-6-20-0, Jaggernauth 15-5-29-2, Kelly 7-2-21-2.

Position: Barbados need another 227 runs to win with six wickets in hand.

Inter-Guiana Games swimming to be staged at Castellani Pool
THE swimming championships of the Inter-Guiana Games will be staged at the Castellani Pool, this weekend.

In a release, the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) said the National Sports Commission (NSC) requested the national swimming governing body to stage the swimming aspects of the Games.

The swim days are Saturday and Sunday with the first event fixed for the first day at 14:00 h, while the second day’s events will start at 11:00 h.

On Saturday, the first race is the 200 metres Individual Medley (IM), followed by the 100 m Backstroke and 100 m Butterfly, after which medals will be presented to the top placers.

The afternoon continues with the 50 m Freestyle and 4x50 m Medley Relay.

Each event is for both boys and girls, tallying ten races for the day. The girls events will be staged before the boys’.

On Sunday, the first event is the 50 m Butterfly, followed by the presentation of medals. The races will continue with the 200 m Freestyle and 50 m Breaststroke, then a break.

Medals will be presented after the 100 m Freestyle, and races will continue with 100 m Breaststroke, 50 m Backstroke and 4x50 m Freestyle Relay, followed by the final presentation of medals.

Again events are for both boys and girls, tallying 14 races for that day.

Swimmers must be born 1987 or after (19 years old and under) and each country (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) may enter up to ten swimmers - five male and five female swimmers.

The admission fee for spectators will be $200 for adults and $100 for children under 12 years of age. A fund-raising barbecue is fixed for Sunday.

Minister Xavier to assist GLTA as season opens
THE tennis season opened yesterday with the annual Le Meridien Pegasus Open tournament at the hotel’s court, with the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) announcing that the Minister of Sport would be assisting the sport.

GLTA president Gus Lee said the tournament attracted very young players to very old ones.

“It’s an indication of the need for people to get into the tournament to test their skills.”

He thanked the hotel for funding the event, pointing out that it was the only tournament that usually got sponsorship for the annual staging.

Pegasus General Manager Pascal Mongeau said the hotel was proud to be involved in the promotion once more.

“It’s about having fun to do what we like. There’s room for improvement but that is being worked on.”

GLTA secretary Grace McCalman disclosed that the hotel had offered its facilities over the years, promising this year to assist with one or two tournaments.

“We are struggling for facilities.”

She announced that the GLTA met Minister of Sport Anthony Xavier, last week Thursday. The party consisted of McCalman, committee member Maxie Fox and coach Debbie Bunbury.

Fox said they tried to impress upon the minister the importance of having courts.

“The minister was very responsive and we should be able to see the result of the interaction very soon.”

Tournament coordinator Phillip Squires said that it was good to have many young players involved and predicted that at the end of the tournament, there should be more children playing the game.

The little ones will be in action on weekends, starting at 08:00 h on Saturday and Sunday.

Competitors in the Men’s Open Singles were the first to take the court after the opening ceremony. Thiago Reis was down to meet Ade Doobay and Edson Junior was to meet Jason Linton.

Demerara, Essequibo clash in GTM One-dayer at Bourda
AFTER defeating Berbice in the recently concluded GTM three-day Inter-county tournament to recapture the title, the Demerara players will begin their quest for the one-day version of the competition against the less favourite Essequibo, today at the world-famous GCC ground, Bourda ground from 09:30 h.

As expected seventeen-year-old and national middle-order batsman Steven Jacobs has returned to the squad, following his absence in the final three-day round due to regional commitments with the national team in Barbados.

Jacobs, who has so far featured in two first-class matches for Guyana, will no doubt be taking up the pivotal number three position, which was solidly taken by Everest left-hander Chris Patandin, who hit an accomplished half-century.

When the two teams met in the 2005 competition at the Bourda ground, Leon Johnson’s side earned a thrilling two-wicket victory in a pulsating encounter.

Both teams possess players who featured in last year’s competition, played on the same pitch which is known for batting and there are players who have donned the national colours for Guyana Under-19 side in 2005 as well.

The Demerara batting will revolve around Jacobs who will be assisted by club colleague Shemroy Barrington, who registered two consecutive centuries in the three-day version.. Jacobs made a superb century against Essequibo in the three-day match.

Lusignan and national Under-19 batsman Krishna Deosaran, who skippered the side against Berbice, will be looking to put a good score on the board after missing out in the preceding three-day tournament.

Deosaran bowled well in the longer version of the game and he is likely to share the new ball with the lively Benedict Prince while national Under-19 off-spinner Clive Andries will take up the responsibility in the slow bowling department along with leg-spinner Danney Narayan.

Wasim Haslim, the flamboyant Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) opening batsman who got a decent half-century at Everest and his club mate Gavin Singh who was equally impressive striking 43 will look to reproduce that sort of form in the one-dayers while opener Rajendra Chandrika, who made a solid 149 against Essequibo and Troy Gonsalves will be looking to perform to the best of their ability once again.

Essequibo on the hand will have to play more positive cricket if they wish to create history. However, with some of their players doing well over the years at this level, a stiff challenge is anticipated.

David Wallace, the skipper Norman Fredericks and Mahendra Boodram will have to score heavily to give their team a good score while former national Under-15 batsman Norwayne Fredericks is making his first appearance this season.

The little left-hander was sidelined with an injury, sustained in a minor accident during last month.

National youth fast bowler Ryan Hercules will spearhead the bowling attack and expects valuable support from medium pacers Wallace, Mukesh Singh and Kevin Gordon.

Essequibo team reads: - Norman Fredericks (captain), David Wallace (vice-captain), Mahendra Boodram, Mukesh Singh, Abdool Salim (wkp.), Kevin Gordon, Ryan Hercules, Horatio Paul, Norwaye Fredericks, Samuel De Camp, Jason Heyliger, Tavin Budram, Anthony Osbourne and Oyono Sampson.

The manager is Elroy Stephney and Vibert Johnson is the coach.

Demerara squad reads: - Steven Jacobs (captain), Krishna Deosaran (vice-captain), Shemroy Barrington, Rajendra Chandrika, Troy Gonsalves, Chris Patandin, Wasim Haslim, Gavin Singh, Joseph Perry (wkp.), Clive Andries, Danney Narayan, Chivdanand Shivram, Benedict Prince, Delroy Jacobs (wkp.), Kelon Merchant and Rayad Hamid.

The coach is Rabindranauth Seeram with Nazimul Drepaul as manager.

Kiwis staring defeat at 98-7 after Ntini, Steyn blitz
By Telford Vice
CENTURION, South Africa, (Reuters) - New Zealand, set 249 to win, were in desperate trouble at 98 for seven after being ripped apart by South African pace duo Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini on the fourth day of the first Test.

Steyn, playing in his fourth Test, took three for 35 on a day shortened by bad light and drizzle. He offered steady support to paceman Makhaya Ntini, who took four for 41 yesterday for nine wickets in the match.

Opener Hamish Marshall stood firm on 24 not out when play ended nine balls after tea. Daniel Vettori was 18 not out.

"We only need three more wickets and it only takes three balls, and the way the deck is playing it could be the first three balls tomorrow morning," Steyn told a news conference.

"(However) it could go to tomorrow afternoon, they showed in the first innings that they can bat all the way to number 10."

South Africa resumed their second innings on 280 for nine and were dismissed for 299 in the eighth over of the day.

Ntini struck twice in three balls in the third over of New Zealand's second innings when he had Peter Fulton caught behind by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for four and Kyle Mills taken at first slip by Boeta Dippenaar.

Mills was presumably promoted from number 10 to shield New Zealand's middle order from the new ball on a pitch of inconsistent bounce.

"We looked up at the dressing room stairs and there was Kyle Mills," Steyn said. "He was coming in to be a new-ball watchman, or something like that."

VISITORS SLUMP
The visitors slumped to 17 for three in the eighth over when Stephen Fleming, who scored six, edged a delivery from Steyn to Jacques Kallis at second slip.

Two overs later Steyn had Scott Styris caught behind for two. Eight balls after that, the Black Caps were 26 for five when Nathan Astle prodded a delivery from Ntini to AB de Villiers at third slip to be dismissed for two.

In the third over before lunch Jacob Oram, who scored 133 in the first innings 327, became the first New Zealander not to fall to a catch in the arc behind the wicket when Ntini uprooted his off-stump with a ball that kept low.

New Zealand went to lunch on 34 for six, and bad light delayed the start of the second session by 85 minutes.

Marshall and Brendon McCullum took their seventh-wicket stand to 45, the biggest of the innings, before McCullum edged a ball from Steyn to Dippenaar at first slip.

McCullum faced 38 balls and hit two fours and two sixes in his aggressive 33.

"We were confident this morning, we thought we could chase down anything under 250," Vettori told a news conference.

"I'm not saying we're completely out of the game, but being 28 for six doesn't help our cause.”

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 276 (B. Dippenaar 52; K. Mills 4-43, J. Franklin

4-75)

New Zealand 1st innings 327 (J. Oram 133, D. Vettori 81; M. Ntini 5-94)

South Africa 2nd innings 299 (A. de Villiers 97, J. Kallis 62)

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings (target 249 runs)

H. Marshall not out 24

P. Fulton c Boucher b Ntini 4

K. Mills c Dippenaar b Ntini 0

S. Fleming c Kallis b Steyn 6

S. Styris c Boucher b Steyn 2

N. Astle c AB de Villiers b Ntini 2

J. Oram b Ntini 2

B. McCullum c Dippenaar b Steyn 33

D. Vettori not out 18

Extras: (lb-2, nb-5) 7

Total: (for 7 wickets, 30 overs) 98

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-5, 3-17, 4-23, 5-26, 6-28, 7-73.

Bowling: M. Ntini 11-2-41-4, D. Steyn 14-4-35-3 (nb-1), S. Pollock 5-1-20-0 (nb-4).

Younis hands Pakistan six-wicket victory over India
ABU DHABI, (Reuters) - A fluent unbeaten 71 from Younis Khan handed Pakistan a six-wicket victory over India yesterday in the first of two one-day charity matches in the Middle East.

Pakistan romped to victory with nine balls to spare after they had earlier dismissed India for 197 with the final delivery of their innings.

Kamran Akmal smashed a four to the fine leg fence to hit the winning runs off Shanthakumaran Sreesanth. Pakistan ended on 201 for four.

Tuesday's victory would have gone some way towards easing Pakistan's 4-1 defeat in a one-day series by their rivals earlier this year.

Younis hit four fours and a six during his impressive 96-ball innings. He shared an 86-run stand for the third wicket with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who chipped in with 40.

Just three days after completing a 5-1 series rout of England at home, the Indians were handed a reality check after they struggled to come to grips with the conditions at the Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling performance, with Shoaib Malik responsible for most of the damage. The all-rounder took three for 40.

Although Venugopal Rao top-scored with an unbeaten 61 and Suresh Raina added 40, the rest of the team failed to get going and India suffered four run-outs.

RUN-OUTS
Captain Rahul Dravid was the first to get run-out for 20 while attempting to complete a second run and Irfan Pathan, who came in at number three, suffered the same fate for 26 after being beaten by a direct throw from Naved-ul Hasan.

With India regularly losing wickets, Rao and Raina shared a stand of 64 for the fifth wicket to prevent their side from sliding to even a lower total.

The partnership was broken when Raina was caught by Iftikhar Anjum off Shahid Afridi. He hit three fours in his 67-ball knock. Rao also hit three fours.

The innings ended in confusion with Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth run-out off the final two balls.

The match, the first to be played in the United Arab Emirates in six years, also marked the opening of international cricket's newest venue, the $2.5 million Zayed stadium which can accommodate 16 000 spectators.

The series is expected to raise $10 million for earthquake relief and also marks the beginning of a new plan by the two teams to play regularly in neutral venues.

INDIA innings

R. Uthappa c Yousuf b Naved-ul-Hasan 12

R. Dravid run-out 20

I. Pathan run-out 26

Y. Singh c Akmal b Anjum 7

S. Raina c Anjum b Afridi 40

V. Rao not out 61

M. Dhoni b Malik 3

A. Agarkar c Anjum b Malik 12

R. Powar c Anjum b Malik 5

H. Singh run-out 3

S. Sreesanth run-out 0

Extras: (lb-3, w-5) 8

Total: (all out, 50 overs) 197

Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-47, 3-65, 4-72, 5-136, 6-149, 7-171, 8-180, 9-196.

Bowling: M. Asif 8-1-24-0, Naved-ul-Hasan 9-0-51-1 (w-1), I. Anjum 7-1-24-1, A. Razzaq 6-1-13-0, S. Afridi 10-0-42-1 (w-1), S. Malik 10-0-40-3 (w-3).

PAKISTAN innings

S. Malik c Dravid b Sreesanth 12

I. Farhat b Agarkar 30

Y. Khan not out 71

Inzamam-ul-Haq c Rao b Powar 40

M. Yousuf c Dhoni b Agarkar 1

K. Akmal not out 24

Extras: (lb-15, nb-1, w-7) 23

Total: (for 4 wickets, 48.3 overs) 201

Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-60, 3-146, 4-149.

Bowling: I. Pathan 9-1-46-0 (w-4), S. Sreesanth 9.3-2-34-1 (nb-1, w-1), A. Agarkar 10-0-33-2 (w-2), R. Powar 10-1-27-1, H. Singh 10-1-46-0.

Giuly strike gives Barca 1-0 win over AC Milan
By Simon Evans
MILAN, Italy (Reuters) - Barcelona took a step towards the Champions League final when a Ludovic Giuly goal earned them a 1-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro stadium in their semi-final, first-leg match yesterday.

Frenchman Giuly's strike in the 57th minute -- with a sharp finish after he raced on to a superb pass from Brazilian Ronaldinho -- snapped a 13-match unbeaten home run for Milan in Europe.

Milan had three times gone close to an opener with Alberto Gilardino hitting the post, while Andriy Shevchenko had a header parried before Gilardino wasted another chance in the 51st minute.

Barca could have come away with an even better result, Ronaldinho hitting the post at the end of a swift counter-attack. Milan wasted another chance when substitute Massimo Ambrosini screwed a shot wide in the 81st minute.

"It was a good win against a great team," Ronaldinho told Canal Plus TV in Spain.

"We played a very good first half and then made use of the extra space in the second. But this tie is far from over and there are still 90 very tough minutes to come."

Milan have been clinical in their finishing throughout the competition this season but they missed the sharpness in front of goal of their striker Filippo Inzaghi, who was sidelined due to a virus.

The result gives the Catalan club a great chance for the second-leg on April 26 as they seek to add to their solitary European Cup success.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti left captain Paolo Maldini and Brazilian Cafu on the bench with Dutchman Jaap Stam and Brazilian Serginho operating in the full-back roles.

The Italian side, playing in their third Champions League semi-final in four years, dominated the early exchanges in front of a passionate 76 000 capacity crowd.

Gilardino, who replaced Inzaghi in attack, struck the post from a tight angle in the 14th minute after turning sharply as he received a long throw from Serginho.

A minute later Clarence Seedorf burst down the left and whipped in a bouncing cross which Shevchenko headed powerfully goalwards but Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes made a good diving save.

FIRED POORLY
Milan went close again six minutes after the restart when Shevchenko flicked the ball to Kaka inside the area and the Brazilian, who could have shot himself, fed Gilardino but the Italy forward fired wide.

Six minutes later Barcelona had the lead. Ronaldinho split the Milan defence open and Giuly, anticipating the delivery and losing his marker Kakha Kaladze with a sharp diagonal run, beat Dida with a precise left-foot finish.

It was almost 2-0 shortly after when Barca hit the post, Giuly broke on the counter-attack feeding Ronaldinho whose nonchalant shot from the edge of the area struck Dida's right-hand post.

With the Spanish side dominating midfield, Dida was forced into action in the 66th minute to keep out a smart shot from Andres Iniesta as Ancelotti's side looked in danger of letting the game slip out of control.

The Milan coach responded by bringing on Maldini for an out-of-sorts Andrea Pirlo, pushing Serginho forward into midfield and then introduced Massimo Ambrosini for Gennaro Gattuso.

It was Ambrosini who wasted Milan's next opportunity, missing the target having got behind the Barcelona defence.

If the Italian side are to keep alive their hopes of a seventh European Cup win then they will need to rediscover their killer instinct at the Nou Camp but chances may be harder to find against Frank Rijkaard's impressive side.

Mocha Champs whip Timehri Panthers 3-0
GOALS from Sherwin Hope, Sidell Headley and Sceyon Hope propelled Mocha Champs under floodlights to a 3-0 whipping over Timehri Panthers on Sunday night in the East Bank leg play-off of the President’s Cup competition.

The game, the opener of a double header at the Timehri Red Ground was followed up by another intense battle with Soesdyke Falcons edging out Grove Hi Tec 6-5 on penalty kicks. The teams were tied one-all at the end of regulation.

Meanwhile, the East Bank Football Union (EBFU) Ramesh Trophy Stall 2006 Under-17 League for East Bank teams kicked off on the same day at the said ground.

In the opening match Panthers and Mocha Champs played to a one-all draw. Oliver Denny netted for the home side while Michael Charles scored for the visitors.

Game two saw Kuru Kuru Lions defeat Grove 1-0. The lone goal came off the boot of Renel Reece.

The competition is set to continue on Sunday at Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort with two games.

Referees' wages doubled for 2006 World Cup
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - Referees at the 2006 World Cup have won a 100 percent pay rise and will earn $40 000 each.

The refereeing bill at the month-long tournament will top $4 million, FIFA said yesterday.

Twenty-three referees have been chosen to run the 64 games in Germany from June 9 to July 9.

Each referee will be backed by two assistants. They will also get $40 000 as will each member of the seven ‘reserve’ refereeing trios, even if they are not called into action.

"The fee per referee has doubled from South Korea and Japan four years ago when it was $20 000 each," FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi told a news conference yesterday.

"For the first time we're also giving something to the referees and assistants who don't make it. They've worked hard and come a long way, even if in the end they weren't successful."

FIFA originally had 46 referees and the 16 who did not make the cut will get $20 000 each, as will 23 unsuccessful assistants.

All that comes up to $4.38 million.

Spurs crush Utah Jazz 115-82 to seal home court advantage
NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - San Antonio crushed the Utah Jazz 115-82 on Monday to clinch the Southwest division title and seal home court advantage through the Western conference playoffs.

Manu Ginobili bagged 18 points and Tim Duncan and Brent Barry each added 16 in the win, which equalled the franchise record for victories in a season (62) and improved the Spurs’ home record to 34-7 this season.

Shooting a sizzling 56 percent, the defending NBA champions took command early and never let up, taking a 97-61 lead early in the final quarter.

Deron Williams had 18 points in the loss for the Jazz while Mehmet Okur hit for 17. Matt Harpring with 15 points was the only other member of the Jazz to reach double digits.

In Orlando, Kirk Hinrich poured in 26 points, including eight in overtime, as the Chicago Bulls edged the Magic 116-112 and extended their winning streak to five.

While the Bulls have secured a playoff spot, the post-season pairings will not be decided until after the final games of the regular season.

The Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards are all jockeying for position in the tightly packed Eastern conference.

LATE-SEASON RAMPAGE
Andres Nocioni contributed 24 points to the Chicago total while Luol Deng helped out with 22 and 11 rebounds as the Bulls extended their late-season rampage with their ninth win in 10 games.

Hedo Turkoglu equalled a career-high 32 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Magic, who saw their eight-game win streak come to an end.

In Boston, Larry Hughes had 21 points and five steals as Cleveland beat the Celtics 93-88 with all-star LeBron James again watching front the stands.

With fourth place in the Eastern conference standings secured, the Cavaliers did not want to take any chances on James re-injuring a sprained right ankle with the playoffs set to begin at the weekend.

The Cavaliers will have a chance to collect their 50th win when they close out the regular season at home today against the Atlanta Hawks.

James could also sit out that contest but will be ready for the first game of the post-season.

Don't complain about tough schedule - Gavaskar
SUNIL Gavaskar, the former Indian captain, has said he is shocked that players are complaining about the packed schedule while adding that the hard grind came with the honour of representing one's country.

"I can't see the problem; these players are turning out for their countries. It's an honour to represent your country," Gavaskar said on a television programme. "I would be willing to sweat 365 days in a year for India. Those who can't stand the heat should stay out."

Tim May, the president of the Federation of International Cricketers Association, said that there was a possibility of a player strike if the ICC did not amend the tight playing schedule.

"We're frustrated, we're concerned and we're disappointed the ICC and the member countries aren't abiding by principles that are supposed to be abided by in the scheduling of tours," May told Australia's The Sun-Herald. "It's a revenue-raising frenzy. It's pushing the players into a position where they're just going to say, 'No, it's too much, we're walking away from this, we're not going to play in these games'.

"Guys start going through the motions. Their bodies are extremely fatigued. They just can't keep doing it. Some players are already making a stand. Shane Warne only plays one form of the game. Brian Lara is becoming very selective in the tours he goes on and the forms he plays. Shahid Afridi isn't playing Tests because he says the amount Pakistan are playing is ridiculous.

He's taken a brave step and, quite frankly, it's a step countless players are contemplating. If that's good for the game, I'm in the wrong business. (Cricinfo)

England stars given enforced rest
NONE of England's contracted players will play for their counties in April, with the exception of opener Marcus Trescothick and paceman Simon Jones.

Coach Duncan Fletcher wants to ensure his senior players are properly rested before the start of the Test series against Sri Lanka on May 11.

Trescothick is involved in Somerset's opening Championship game following his early return from India.

Jones is set to play for Glamorgan against Cardiff UCCE today.

"If I want to get back into England side I've got to get some wickets and prove my fitness and hopefully that's what I'm going to do this week and next week," said Jones, who is recovering from knee surgery.

"It's an exciting time for me, it's been a long and frustrating winter and I'm just looking forward to getting back on the field."

The prognosis for Michael Vaughan, Steve Harmison and Ashley Giles is not so clear as they continue their rehabilitation from knee, shin and hip injuries.

And none of them will play any county cricket until they have been assessed by ECB medical officer Dr Peter Gregory.

Fletcher has not placed any restrictions on the playing commitments of youngsters Monty Panesar and Alastair Cook and spinner Shaun Udal, who all played in the Test series in India but do not have central contracts.

And Owais Shah, Kabir Ali, Gareth Batty, Vikram Solanki and Sajid Mahmood will all be available for their county sides from next Sunday onwards. (BBC Sport)