Cel*Star launches U mobile
- President vows to de-monopolise sector
THE new phone company, Cel*Star, yesterday launched its Brand – U-mobile, Talk like U do - at its retail office in the Hand-in-Hand building, Georgetown, opening up competition in the sector.

“Today we are celebrating competition in the cellular sector, but I am hoping that very soon we would be able to have competition in every area, including the international calls, because that is vital to bringing down the rates and offering a better service,” he added.

Cel*Star is now the alternative cell phone company in Guyana, with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), which had the monopoly, providing the interconnection.

GT&T was granted the monopoly when it signed an agreement with the former administration to replace the state-owned Guyana Telecommunication Corporation.

The current government has made several attempts to break this monopoly, since GT&T has not provided an adequate service, but efforts have been futile.

The President noted that the quality of service provided by GT&T has adversely affected Guyana’s development thrust.

“Many of you here do not know how much business we lose out on, as a country and as a people, because of poor telecommunications. A whole range of IT-related services are there for us to grab to create jobs for our people, but we cannot do it because of the poor quality and the cost of telecommunications in Guyana, and we need to aggressively pursue opening up. Not for the sake of opening up, but for better services,” he said.

Cel*Star yesterday launched its mobile service and its retail office is functional, under the GSM system – Global System for Mobile communication.

Chief Operations Officer Pierre Strasser said a testing period will start next week and 75 dealers countrywide will provide the service.

He noted that on October 31 the company’s rates were presented to the Public Utilities Commission and said Cel*Star is awaiting the PUC’s response.

However, starting tomorrow, the company will be offering a free network service, he said.

Customers will be provided with service free of charge until year-end, and they will be able to send 300 text messages per month free for the first 90 days of the service.

The official launch date for U-mobile is December 11, 2004. However, customers can access pre-paid on-network services with free-on net calls, complete with text messaging and voicemail from tomorrow.

On December 11, Cel*Star will introduce post-paid services and off network calls, which will permit customers to call land lines, cell phones that are not U-mobile, and international calling.

The company said that due to delays with the interconnection, U-mobile’s roaming services will be available for customers in January and in Linden the next month.

Cel*Star’s President Don Delaski said the company has crossed a significant milestone, and this victory is also one for the people of Guyana.

He assured that Cel*Star is “here to stay and for the people of Guyana.”

Delaski hailed the government’s efforts in assisting the company, adding that without its help, Cel*Star would not have been here. He also praised the regulatory framework set out by the government, which has supported Cel*Star through the many hurdles in the initial stages of its investment.

He commended the Guyanese support, from both the government and customers.

The company has so far invested US$37M and this figure will continue to go up, Nicole Johnson, Public Relations Consultant said, adding that more than 100 Guyanese are employed by Cel*Star.

Cel*Star has plans in 2005 to expand its services to Linden, Bartica, Greater Georgetown and extend existing coverage in Berbice.

“This does not just represent an opportunity for you at Cel*Star, but a triumph for us as Guyanese, especially for my government for taking on the last vestige of monopoly that we have in our society,” President Jagdeo said.

However, he urged Cel*Star to respect the independence of both the court and the PUC in implementing its services.

But at the same time, the President said, these two independent bodies must not be used to block or delay investment.

Cel*Star had a long court dispute with GT&T over the right to interconnection.

At its launching, the company boasted of its flexibility, provision of choice and speed.

“My government will continue to work with you so that your business will grow and we hope that, at the same time you will offer a better service to my people,” the Head of State said.

U-mobile was created by Roger Brishane of Brishane Productions, St. Kitts, and Mark White of CBM Advertising, Trinidad and Tobago.

Cel*Star commissioned its switch earlier this year at its headquarters on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)

Two Guyanese appointed CCJ judges
CHANCELLOR Desiree Bernard is one of six persons the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has selected to be appointed Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The commission said it intends to stagger the assumption of office by the six Judges designate over the period January to June 2005, so as to match the availability of Judges from time to time to the need for their services.

A further announcement will be made as to their respective dates of appointment.

Parliament earlier this month approved legislation allowing for Guyana's participation in the soon to be established CCJ.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Doodnauth Singh, explained that the CCJ would supercede the nation's Court of Appeal and be the final Court of Appeal.

Also, under the Caribbean Court of Justice Bill, articles of the Agreement establishing the CCJ relating to both the original and appellate jurisdictions of the court will be given full force in Guyana.

Under its original jurisdiction, the CCJ would be empowered to interpret and apply the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Chancellor Bernard is a graduate of London University and carried on a successful law practice in Guyana before being appointed a High Court Judge in 1980. She subsequently served successively as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and a Chief Justice of Guyana. She was appointed Chancellor in 2001.

Professor Hayton M.A., LLB, LLD, has had a distinguished career as an academic lawyer in England. He has been Professor of Law at King's College, University of London, since l987, and before that was for 14 years a Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge University. Professor Hayton is arguably the leading authority in the U.K. and Europe on the law of trusts and has written or co-authored eight books in the areas of trusts, property, succession and tax, including the standard practitioner's text, Underhill and Hayton, Law of Trusts and Trustees, now in its 16th edition. Professor Hayton served as an acting Judge of the High Court of the Bahamas for two spells in 2000 and 2001, and his work on the bench there was well appreciated.

Mr. Justice Nelson B.A., LL.M. S.C. (Trinidad and Tobago) is a Judge of the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago, having been appointed to that office directly from the private Bar in 1999. He is the first person to have been appointed a Justice of Appeal in Trinidad without having first served as a Judge of the High Court. Justice Nelson practised as an advocate in the local courts for 24 years. He holds the degrees of BA from the University of Oxford and LLM from the University of London. He has taught at both the Law School and the University of the West Indies. He also has had an exposure to the world of commerce, having served inter alia as a Director and Chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation and a director of Republic Bank Limited.

Mr. Pollard B.A., LL.M of the CARICOM Legislative Drafting Facility, is a citizen of Guyana. His area of expertise is International Law. He holds the degrees of BA from the University College of the West Indies, LLB from London University, LLM from McGill University and LLM from New York University. Mr. Pollard has written extensively on various aspects of international law and has participated in the drafting of many important CARICOM instruments including the original and revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and many of the agreements and protocols that pertain specifically to the CCJ.

Mr. Justice Saunders LL.B., acting Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, is a citizen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. After spending some 19 years in private practice as an attorney, he was appointed a Judge of the High Court of the Eastern Caribbean States in 1996 and was made a Justice of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court ('the ECSC') in May 2003. Mr. Justice Saunders is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the Hugh Wooding Law School. He is the Chairman of the Judicial Education Institute of the ECSC and a faculty member of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute. He has been acting as Chief Justice of the ECSC since the 1st July, 2004.

Mr. Justice Wit LL.M. is a Dutch national who has since 1986 been a Judge of the Joint Court of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, resident in Curacao. Justice Wit holds the degree of Master of Laws from the Free University of Amsterdam and in accordance with the practice in many civil law countries, after obtaining his Masters, he underwent a six-year course of training for the Judiciary. Some of the assignments given to Justice Wit in recent times have brought him into close contact with Judges of the English-speaking Caribbean. These include the joint organisation of judicial workshops and the taking of evidence abroad for use in his own jurisdiction. Justice Wit's knowledge of the civil law will be an important resource for the CCJ as some member states of CARICOM (like St. Lucia) incorporate elements of civil law in what is otherwise a common law system, while others (like Suriname) are exclusively civil law.

Media, others pay last respects to colleague
HIS last rites reflected the manner in which he lived: dignified.

Journalist Patrick Athelstan Denny, M.S., 64, was laid to rest at Le Repentir Cemetery yesterday afternoon following moving tributes and a funeral service at the St. George’s Cathedral.

Though they all revealed different facets to Denny, the common thread in each of the tributes was of a man who was unassuming but well-respected, kind, “a gentle giant” and “a devoted father”, to quote his daughter, Suzette; a lover of things sweet – even when he was ostensibly on a diet – a patriot, a confidante, and one who was totally committed to fairness and accuracy in the practice of his craft.

Stabroek News Editor-in-Chief, David De Caires said he never saw Denny lose his temper, nor raise his voice in anger, though there must have been times when he was sorely tried by the pressures of life and work.

“Whatever his failings, malice and ill will were not among them, and having met his mother, I realise he inherited his good nature from her,” De Caires said.

His room stands empty now, De Caires said, and there is a palpable sense of loss at Stabroek News. Denny’s “baby”, the Current Affairs supplement published each fortnight in the Stabroek News may be temporarily suspended.

“He has left a gap which cannot be filled in the short term,” De Caires said.

La Rose echoed similar sentiments and pointed out that Denny’s “shoes are very big to fit”.

Chabrol, who worked closely with Denny as an Executive Member of the GPA, remembered him as one who was a stickler for procedure; the wise counsel; and one who displayed a lighter side whenever they happened to meet for the occasional ‘drink’.

“Whenever we met for an occasional drink, we saw the other real Patrick Denny - cigar in hand; relaxed; humorous; but still engaged in educative and informative conversations.

“He has left the GPA and the entire media corps a rich legacy of the need to stick to the rules while at the same time being flexible, given existing realities. The great spoken and written communicator that he was, Patrick’s speed at getting things done and observing organisational courtesies are there for all of us to emulate,” Chabrol said.

To Carrington, Denny was a “journalist of principle, passion and fearlessness” who “contributed significantly to the building of the edifice of Caribbean regional integration. He was, among other things, a committed regionalist.

“He had a quiet but steely passion for seeing the Caribbean Community and its people get it right; for encouraging, in his own way, the development and prosperity of CARICOM and its peoples; for seeing us assume our rightful place in the world. For that, I will be forever grateful.”

In 1995, the CARICOM Secretariat awarded Denny for his “most outstanding” contribution to spreading the message of regionalism. The award included the payment of all expenses to report on the CARICOM-Canada Summit in Grenada in March 1996. In 2000, he received the Medal of Service for his dedication to journalism.

Carrington charged Stabroek News and journalists to honour Denny’s memory by constantly striving to meet the highest standards of professionalism, fearlessness and fairness in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking as a longstanding friend of Denny’s, and on behalf of the opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Alexander recalled Denny as a technocrat researcher working with the party; as a diplomat who held the post as First Secretary at the Guyana Consulate in New York; as a mentor; as a referee for employment at the University of Guyana, and as a journalist who would never reveal his source.

“You would never hear Patrick say somebody told him this or told him that. His confidentiality was what was impressive,” Alexander said, touching on a subject that is currently topical both here and abroad.

“Please return my call” was Denny’s last message to him, Alexander said.

His brother, Mr. Roy Spooner, who delivered the eulogy, spoke of the myriad ways in which Denny touched the lives of family members, his love of children, and - as the insistent peals of a cell-phone rent the air - his aversion to cell phones.

Divulging some of the lesser known qualities about his older sibling, Spooner said he was a member of the Boys’ Scouts; made Irish Stew to win his cooking badge; made the best corned-beef chowmein, preferred the `bun-bun’ in the cook-up, got his “early journalistic start delivering newspapers”, wore a felt hat and boots to Sunday School and was once referred to by a neighbour as `the Parson’s son, Homer, and his boots’.

In its tribute to Denny dispatched to this newspaper yesterday afternoon, the Advisory Committee of Broadcasting noted that he “strove for truth and his offerings were generally balanced – virtues which are sadly lacking in many who today style themselves journalists. He valued professionalism and to him, journalism was the most glorious and socially useful calling a young man or woman could enter.

“Denny, by his life and works as a professional journalist, has left an example which many who are in the profession and the aspirants thereto, would do well to emulate.”

Among those who paid their last respects to Denny at Merriman’s Funeral Home were United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Roland Bullen, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Minister, Mr. Clement Rohee, Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. Rudy Insanally and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Winston Felix.

Those at the church included Denny’s colleagues in the media, Education Minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey, PNC/R Leader, Mr. Robert Corbin, Mayor Hamilton Green, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Head of USAID, Mr. Mike Sarhan.
Denny died at Prasad’s Hospital after undergoing an operation.

Stirring tributes to Bhookmohan
By Jeune Bailey Van-keric
HUNDREDS from all walks of society, particularly the business community, paid their final respects to Chairman of the New Building Society (NBS) and leading Berbice businessman, Mr. Ramdial Bhookmohan, at his Lot 1, Vryheid Road home in New Amsterdam, Berbice yesterday.

Reflecting on the life of Bhookmohan, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, in the eulogy, said that following his primary education at St. Mary's Lutheran School, he attended Guyana Oriental College and Lloyd Accounting College where he pursued a course in Business Administration.
Subsequent to his marriage to Jeanette, he got involved in politics and was a member of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) during which he received his political education in Cuba and through courses organised by the PYO.

His involvement in the PYO, no doubt whet his appetite for greater involvement in community development leading him to become a driving force and President for a number of years of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association.

According to Gopaul, Bhookmohan's involvement in the Berbice Chamber led to further association with the Private Sector Commission of which he was elected Vice-President. He was also instrumental in the formation of a number of Regional Chambers which resulted in the creation of the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce of which he served with distinction as its first Interim-Secretary and subsequently, President.

Bhookmohan, an active member of the Lions group, served as its District Governor and was also a vocal critic in the 1970's against the mismanagement of the economy, poor business planning of the government then, and the repressive measures against the business community. Notwithstanding his harsh criticism, he was made a Director of the Guyana Mining Enterprise Corporation (Linmine).

In his tribute to his friend, Gopaul recalled that as the political and economic decline of the country continued, Bhookmohan coordinated a signature campaign for a free and fair election in the Berbice area, which was called the solidarity for electoral reform. Several prominent personalities in Berbice endorsed the campaign, which resulted in the formation of the Guyana Action for Reform and Democracy (GUARD) group in late 1989.

Bhookmohan subsequently led a team to contest the New Amsterdam Town Council elections outside of the political framework and was elected a Councillor. During his tenure he sought to introduce many changes and to highlight numerous problems confronting the council and the residents of the township.

The domination of old politics led to his resignation but he continued to speak out on issues affecting the Berbice community.

Gopaul said that while Bhookmohan served with distinction as a member of the Transport Advisory group for the resuscitation and efficient management of the New Amsterdam/Rosignol ferry, his latter life saw him at the helm of the third largest financial institution in the country.

During the past five years, NBS assets moved from $11.3 billion to $25.5 billion with a loan interest rate of 8.95 per cent.

Bhookmohan is said to have left a legacy, which will be hard to match, by a non-executive chairman.

No doubt, by his actions, dedication, and involvement, others remaining will be inspired to see his dreams realised.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jeanette and two children, Rovin and Prenita, eight siblings and grandchildren.

Chairman of the proceedings, Minister of Home Affairs on leave, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, said Bhookmohan's death was shocking and urged those gathered to emulate from the businessman's short sojourn in life.

Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud paid tribute on behalf of President Bharrat Jagdeo who because of State duties was unavoidably absent.

He said Bhookmohan revolutionised NBS and although they had diverse political views, the business leader displayed great respect.

He said that in addition to the organisations Bhookmohan was a great part of, he also served on the Constitution Reform Commission.

Other glowing tributes and bajans (songs) were given by Mr. Yesu Persaud, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Mr. Muntaz Ali, Chairman of the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC), Mr. Maurice Arjoon, Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Mr. Ramesh Maraj, Past President of Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association, Mr. Deryck Cummings also of ARCC, who read a tribute from Gordon Bakker, assisting in the rebuilding of Iraq, his brother, Chabbi, and a representative of the Berbice Cricket Board of which he was a supporter.

Following the funeral rites and ceremony the cortege departed for Babu John, Port Mourant, Corentyne where the body was cremated.

Bike thief kills Linden construction worker
By Joe Chapman
A FORTY-YEAR-OLD construction worker of Linden was fatally stabbed when he tackled a man who had stolen his son’s bicycle.

He had just had repairs done to a new bicycle of one of his sons by his friend Kevin Parris, at his home at Lot 321 Wismar Street and had left the bike on the road, not far off.

Niles' cousin, Deon Ettienne, said a man stopped near the bike and pretended he was fixing something on the bicycle he was riding.

He then took Niles’ son’s bike and began to ride away.

Niles went after the man and some 50 metres away, at the corner of Wismar Street and Republic Avenue, he caught the thief and grappled with him.

The man stabbed Niles with a pointed object in his left side and fled.

Ettienne and Tony `Zion’ Kennedy said that by the time they had reached the scene, Niles had collapsed, saying he was wounded.

They took him in a car to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Residents said the bike thief had earlier stolen another cycle from outside the Linmine Senior Supervisors' Club in Bulletwood Street in Mackenzie.

That bicycle belonged to Garfield Liverpool who was yesterday trying to reclaim it from the Mackenzie Police Station.

Liverpool only discovered his bike missing when he left the club around 23:00 hrs.
Niles was killed at about 21:40 hrs.
Residents said the suspected killer was released from jail only three weeks ago.

Police were yesterday investigating another stabbing in Linden Thursday night.

Police said Levi Ramanand, 23, of Cinderella Street, Amelia’s Ward, was stabbed around 20:00 hrs.

He and his reputed wife were at home when they heard someone calling at their gate.

Police said he went to talk with the man at the gate and was heard screaming shortly after.

When his wife attempted to check, she was confronted by the man but managed to lock herself in the house, police said.

She shortly after found Ramanand with stab wounds to his body and was rushed to the McKenzie Hospital where he was admitted in a serious condition.

Is Jim Jones still alive?
THE Hardbeat News website says there is new interest in what really happened 26 years ago at the Jonestown commune in the Guyana northwest where some 900 cult members perished in a mass murder/suicide.

According to Hardbeat, while the anniversary may have slithered by for many, new interest is being reawakened with reports last month in the Oakland Tribune that quoted Fielding McGehee, who oversees the Jonestown Institute with his wife, Rebecca Moore, as saying they've discovered a tape that proves that Jim Jones and leaders of the ill-fated settlement were still alive a day after the tragedy.

They calmly discussed the suicides and the murder of Ryan, the historian, who obtained the tapes from the FBI under a Freedom of Information Act request, told the paper. The tape found in Jonestown that the FBI labeled Q-875, appears to have been made many hours later, possibly on Nov. 19, 1978.

Hardbeat News adds:
"Everybody has assumed until recently that all 912 Jonestown residents, including Jones, died on the same day -- Nov. 18, 1978," McGehee told the paper. "(But) Some people who knew Jim Jones say they hear his voice on the tape. My wife heard her younger sister, Ann Moore, who was Jim Jones' personal nurse."

Both Jones and Moore were reported to have been found shot dead following the mass suicide through cyanide mixed into a vat of punch and tranquilizers, that according to the official report, began at about 5:00 pm as the shooting of the congressman was beginning at the airstrip. At about 6:00 pm, Ambassador Burke was informed of the shooting. He,in turn, informed the US State Department at 8:30 pm by cable. At approximately 7:40 pm, Guyanese police told Sherwin Harris, a member of the Concerned Relatives Group, that his ex-wife Sharon Amos and three of her children were found dead at the People's Temple headquarters in Georgetown.

Moore also runs the website 'Alternative Considerations of Jonestown and Peoples Temple,' which is sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies at San Diego State University. They are urging the memorialization of those who died and those who survived the tragedy of November 18, 1978 in order to remember their lives and humanize their deaths.

They claim the tape also consists of four news stories recorded off the air on November 19, 1978, all concerning the deaths of Congressman Leo Ryan and members of his party "last night" at the Port Kaituma airstrip in Guyana. Two of the broadcasts are of Guyanese origin, and two are American, including an ABC broadcast.

Throughout the broadcasts, there are unknown people moving about at the recording end. Doors open and close, chairs squeak, voices murmur, voices shush others, there is at least one electronic beep of some duration. More importantly, the stories coming out of the Northwest District are the only items on the tape. As a new story begins, someone tunes the radio to another station - ostensibly looking for more coverage? - then turns the recording equipment off, states the website.

"Almost as important, the voices are American. Even though most of the conversation is unintelligible, there are a couple of exceptions. When the ABC broadcast cuts to the interview with Autumn Ryan, the congressman's mother, someone says quietly, 'Oh boy.' During the third broadcast - which was the last on side one - someone says 'Shit' following word that there will be autopsies done on the bodies at the airstrip. Whether the speaker was referring to the decision to perform the autopsies, or was upset about something else unrelated, there is no way of knowing," it adds.

The list of the dead from the Jonestown massacre is put at some 913 people; over 200 were children. In 1980, the House Select Committee on Intelligence determined that the CIA had no advance knowledge of the mass murder-suicide. The year before, the House Foreign Affairs Committee had concluded that cult leader Jim Jones "suffered extreme paranoia," according to a CNN 1998 report.

No regrets at cutting ties with Taiwan
-- Dominica Prime Minister
DOMINICA has cut diplomatic relations with Taiwan and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says he has no regrets about the decision.

A press release from the Office of the Prime Minister said Dominica has established new relations with the People’s Republic of China.

At a Town Hall meeting at LaPlaine Wednesday night, the Prime Minister said: “I make no apologies for breaking ties with Taiwan. So far China has been a good friend of Dominica.”

He criticised members of the Opposition United Workers Party for seeking to “frighten the Chinese”, to prevent them from implementing four major infrastructure projects agreed between the two governments in March 2004, the release said.

Mr. Skerrit told residents of LaPlaine, Boetica and Delices that Dominica is getting a further US$1M from the Chinese Government.

“This latest cash injection would take to US$7M, the amount received by the Government of Dominica from the Chinese Government since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries”, the release said.

In addition, five Dominican students are studying at universities across China in several disciplines and a Chinese terrain survey technical group is in Dominica to continue preparatory work on the construction of the Windsor Park Stadium.

President signs book of condolence for Yasser Arafat
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo was the first to sign the book of condolence opened yesterday in Georgetown in honour of Yasser Arafat, the late Palestinian leader.

President Arafat died in a Paris hospital last week following a brief illness.

After signing the book, the President said he was a bit worried that Guyana was not appropriately remembering the late leader.
On this note, he said he had discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister Rudy Insanally to ensure that a series of lectures is conducted at the Foreign Service Institute in memory of Arafat.

“Hopefully, this will put in perspective his struggles for an independent homeland for the Palestinian people,” he said.

The Guyanese leader noted that this is particularly important since there are attempts to distort the facts about the Palestinians’ struggle, and in Guyana “we cannot allow that to happen. Guyana has always recognised Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian people’s struggle.”

The President noted that the Palestinians have been subjected to the most serious injustices in the world, as they were removed from their country and scattered around the world. In many instances, they even live “as refugees, hoping that one day they can go back to their independent homeland,” he said.

“We in Guyana should never allow the history of the struggle of the Palestinian people to fall by the wayside and that is why it is important that we give due recognition to Yasser Arafat’s struggle.”

The President noted that the distortion of his life and struggle being witnessed today is fuelled by a particular aim. However, he expressed the hope that the international media would focus more on Palestine and the situation there.

Guyanese must understand, he urged, that no Palestinian life is more or less important than that of an Israeli, and hence, any attempt in the international media to paint such a picture is a distortion.

President Jagdeo also welcomed moves by the international community in recognising that the Palestinians need an independent homeland, and hoped that this goes beyond words and bears fruit of strong action.

The Head of State recalled his interactions with Arafat at United Nations forums and said that he was a man deeply committed to the cause of the Palestinian people and a sense of justice.

Also signing the book of condolence yesterday were Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir; British High Commissioner, Stephen Hiscock; member of the Board of Trustees of the Queenstown Masjid, Ayube Hamid; Deputy President of the CIOG, Sultan Hamid Ramcharran; and Chief Executive Director of the CIOG, Shaikh Moeenul Hack.

The book will be open to the public at the CIOG Secretariat from 08:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs daily. (GOVERNMENT INFORMATION AGENCY)

Schoolgirl killed in Essequibo Coast road accident
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl Shalini Hemnauth is the latest child to be killed in a road accident on Essequibo Coast.

She was hit by a motorcar on Wednesday, while trying to cross the highway at Hibernia where she lived.

The pupil of Aurora Primary School had just disembarked a mini-bus in company with her mother when the mishap occurred.

The injured girl was rushed to Suddie Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival there.

The driver of the ill-fated vehicle is in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

Meanwhile, Police are investigating a collision between two cars on Reliance Public Road, on Essequibo Coast, last Thursday morning.

Reports said the automobiles were travelling in opposite directions when they crashed head on and were badly damaged.
However, the drivers escaped unhurt.

Securities Council board appointed
NEW members have been appointed to the board of the Guyana Securities Council (GSC).

Their appointments are effective from November 3 last and they join Chairman Brian James and Senior Counsel Brynmor Pollard whose current appointments are from July 1, 2004.

A fifth member is to be appointed shortly.

The Guyana Securities Council is officially described as "An independent autonomous body established with a mission to ensure the orderly growth and development of the capital market within a dynamic regulatory framework that facilitates the mobilization of capital in the national interest and is transparent, efficient, fair and competitive."

It was established under the provisions of section 4 of the Securities Industry Act 1998.

Just two weeks ago, Mr. James went public in disclosing that the council was "throttled, under-funded and undermined."

A board press release said he further outlined the numerous setbacks and shortcomings that were "hobbling the effectiveness of the council."

With the reconstitution of the board, "new blood, a reassured chairman and an experienced and committed Chief Executive Officer in Ms. Cheryl Ibbot, the GSC is now determined to execute its mandate", the press release said.

It reported that the government has also released funds to assist the council's operations even as it is currently involved in litigation over various issues involving two of the country's largest beverage manufacturing companies - Demerara Distillers Limited and Banks DIH Ltd.

The GSC is housed on the forth floor of the Bank of Guyana premises in downtown Georgetown.

Region Two to mark International Disabled Day
THE Disabled People's Organisation in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) will take part in a march on December 4 to mark International Disabled Day, to be observed on December 3.

Chairman of the grouping, Mr Seedat (only name given), of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, said the procession starts at 6.30 a.m. from Three Bridges, La Union and will proceed to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming.

He said the theme for the event, jointly organised by Community Based Rehabilitation Programme (CBR), is 'Enhancing the lives of disabled persons'.

Seedat said senior officials of the Regional Administration and Ministries of Education and Health are expected to address the gathering after the walk.

Recently, some of the disabled in the Region competed in wheelchair events, needle and thread and sack races during a day of sports at the NOC ground.

Berbice media personnel to establish association
AN INTERIM committee has been formed towards the establishment of a Berbice Media Association.

The preparatory body is headed by Mr. Faizal Jaffarally, Chairman of the Berbice operations of National Communications Network (NCN) and includes Ms. Melissa Johnson, Kaieteur News reporter; Mr Michael Itwaru, Supervisor at NCN studio; Mr Kinda Velloza-Monkhouse, Managing Director of Berbicenews.com and Mr Shabna Ullah, Stabroek News reporter.

They all met in the NCN New Amsterdam studio recently and agreed on the need for such a grouping.
Another meeting is scheduled for November 22 to discuss the way forward.

At Corentyne...
Protesters demand Police protection, better municipal services
RESIDENTS of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, staged a protest demonstration Thursday over increased crime and the alleged inability of Rose Hall municipality to provide basic services in the township.

About 40 demonstrators carrying placards lined a portion of the main thoroughfare and shouted: "We need protection."

Some of their slogans read: "We need guns to protect ourselves and family"; "We need Police protection against crime"; "More protection, can't rest in the night", "No light, no vote" and "We need change of Police officers at outposts."

The protesters claim that, over the past months, there were frequent robberies in which people were beaten and shot at by gun-toting bandits but Police at Albion and Whim stations have responded slothfully.

One of the group noted, however, that, whenever there are domestic problems between couples, armed policemen on mobile patrol would arrive at the scenes within minutes.

Thasmattie Singh, of Hampshire Squatting Area, said she was attacked twice this year, so far, as recently as November 12.

She recalled that, at 7 p.m. on Diwali night, three masked men barged into their yard, attacking her husband Jairam Liladhar, who was lashed with a gun butt and relieved of a gold band valued $30,000.

The still traumatised woman said, apart from improved Police protection, electricity is much needed as the area is without.

Fellow villager Lakham Ouditnarine said he was shot by bandits, on Diwali night, too, while on the street observing the lighted diyas.

The 11 pellet wounds were still visible on him Thursday.
The Chronicle was informed that some villagers have purchased a pole but need assistance from Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to get current.

Another woman, Savitree Armagun, of Lot 19 'C' Williamsburg, reported that, on Tuesday evening, an attack was made on their home by two armed bandits, who, after assaulting her 82-year-old mother, took away an undisclosed sum of money and jewellery.

Armagun said her son, Ricky, 19, in an effort to apprehend one of the robbers, was shot at three times but escaped injury.

She said neighbours telephoned Whim and Albion Police but none of their ranks responded.

Armagun said a report was made the next day at Rose Hall outpost and a senior officer promised a detective from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) would visit.

But the policeman did not come until Thursday to take statements and see the point of entry.

Fish vendor Rita Rajpa, also of Williamsburg, said she was a victim seven times this year.

Recently, on November 2, her 14-year-old daughter was beaten and robbed of cash.

Rajpa said she had left home shortly before 04:30 hours (4.30 a.m.) to buy fish when two masked men, armed with guns, assaulted her daughter while demanding money and they got a small sum before they left, firing shots behind them.

Another protester, Kamla Ramoo recalled that she was at home on Saturday morning when three armed bandits invaded the upper flat of her residence, held on to her hair and put a knife to her throat, while making demands for cash and other valuables.

She said they emptied the pockets on an apron they left behind.
Mobiliser for the protest, Arthur Fraser said they are requesting a meeting with those in authority to secure a tangible solution to their problems.

He said the protest will continue.
Funeral parlour proprietor Vijay Ramoo spoke of the necessity to have better municipal administration.
He charged that the personnel currently holding office are not representing the people who elected them.

The thriving beauty pageant industry
THE news this week that Ms Shakira Baksh, Guyana’s most famous beauty, has been voted ‘The Most Beautiful Miss World’s Second Runner-up of All Time’ in a contest sponsored by Global Beauties, comes like a refreshing glass of passion fruit punch given to a thirsty hiker on a hot day. Not only does the honour conferred on the nation do wonders for the Guyanese feeling of patriotism at this time, it also concentrates minds wonderfully on the possibility that, with a smile from Lady Luck, Ms Suzette Shim, Guyana’s delegate for the upcoming Miss World Pageant, may yet experience the giddy heights of copping a place in the finals of that prestigious event.

There is no doubt about it. Shakira Baksh has to be the loveliest beauty ambassador ever to leave these shores. Moreover, in an age when intelligence did not carry the high profile that it does in today’s pageants, Shakira was well read and a brilliant conversationalist. And although, successive Guyanese delegates including Alexis Harris, Pamela Lord and Nalini Moonasar were in the finals of the Miss World, this country has never equalled Shakira’s achievement.

Over the last three decades, Guyana’s participation in events such as Miss World and Miss Universe has waxed and waned paralleling, for the most part, social and economic developments in the young nation. In the mid-1970s, when the then political administration adopted Cooperative Socialism as a guiding philosophy, beauty contests were actively discouraged since they were not in consonance with egalitarian concepts. About the same time, aggressive representatives of the women’s liberation movement, which was resurgent in the early 1970s, denounced in England the Miss World contests as being ‘cattle markets’ primarily for the exploitation of women, who happened to be attractive and appealing. Beauty contests in Guyana became scarce from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. There followed another lull until 1990s, when intrepid franchise holders began gathering young beauties and primping them for the international stages.

With the arrival of the third millennium, Guyanese seem to have gone beauty pageant crazy. Not only is the country preparing delegates annually for the Miss World and the Miss Universe pageants, numerous entrepreneurs and young lovelies are all participants in what appears to be the most thriving growth industry of the country - the beauty contest. Besides the Miss Guyana World and the Miss Guyana Universe contests, there are the Miss Guyana African Heritage Pageant; the Miss Amerindian Heritage Pageant; the Miss Jam Zone contest; Miss Talented Teen contest; Miss University of Guyana; Miss Bartica Regatta contest and Miss Rupununi. Tomorrow evening, the curtain at the National Cultural Centre will rise for the Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant, which, in the mission statement of the organising body, is “committed to the preservation and promotion of our rich diverse culture…It is our belief that mature, intellectually stimulating, well-rounded Guyanese women can achieve endless possibilities…”

While observers must judge whether the Renaissance Contest and the many other beauty and fashion competitions achieve their stated objectives, there is no doubt, we believe, that they fulfil the needs and aspirations of participants and sponsors in showcasing the beauty of the human form, exquisite and well-honed talents, and the confidence of informed minds.

Chief Magistrate seeks to have JSC decision quashed
By George Barclay
CHIEF Magistrate Mrs. Juliet Holder-Allen, who has been sent on leave by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) pending the hearing of a one-member Commission to investigate allegations of indiscipline and misconduct against her, is seeking to have the JSC's decision quashed.

A Constitutional Motion to the effect issued by Attorneys-at-law Mr. Joe Harmon and Mr. Benjamin Gibson, on behalf of the Magistrate, dubbed as null and void, the JSC's decision to appoint Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh as a one-member Commission, and holding out Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, Mr. Prem Persaud, as a member of the Commission.

The Motion was on the desk of Chief Justice Carl Singh yesterday, waiting to be assigned to a judge, who will hear the application for an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari.

It was confirmed yesterday that the most recent letter received by the Magistrate ordering her to go on leave from Monday, was a decision, which her lawyers are challenging.

Among other things, the Motion pointed out that the purported delegation was effected under Article 199 (1) of the Constitution; that the Judicial Service Commission exceeded its jurisdiction in appointing the delegate in that it was improperly constituted in terms of Section 7 of the Public Utilities Act No. 18 of 1999. Mr. Prem Persaud, the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission, ought not to be a member of the Judicial Service Commission at that time and place and his contribution to the appointment of the delegate is null and void; in fact, he may have been the principal contributor to the appointment.

It further stated that Mr. Prem Persaud was statute-barred from being a member.

In the affidavit in support of her motion, the Chief Magistrate said that all proceedings including the letter bearing date November 1, 2004, "are ultra vires and contrary to the Constitution and must be quashed and/or set aside as being unfair and denying me the protection of the law".

Robbery under arms defendants refused bail
TWO men on separate charges of robbery under arms were both refused bail yesterday by Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen.

Julian Bizzette, 36, of Lot 35 Victoria Street and Devon Weekes, 23, of Lot 63 Barr Street, two Albouystown, Georgetown addresses, were each remanded to prison after pleading not guilty.

They are to make their next individual appearances on November 23 and 24, respectively.

Particulars of the offence charged against Bizzette said he robbed Tularam Tiwarie, at knifepoint, of a $40,000 wristwatch and $2,000 cash in Stabroek Market area on Thursday.

Weekes is alleged to have been in a trio implicated in the October 28 heist which netted them US$260 from the money transfer company United Shipping.

Police Chief Inspector Gordon Peters, prosecuting, said the defendant and his accomplices went to the place under the guise of transacting business but held up employee Ivanessa Nichols and demanded the cash which she hand over.

Court told...
Counterfeit currency notes had same serial number
A TAXI driver turned in three counterfeit $1,000 currency notes to his employer last Monday, a Court heard yesterday.

The bills all had the same serial number, Police told Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, when Quincy Andrews, of Lot 130 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, was charged with being in possession of, and uttering the fakes.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the separate charges and was put on $10,000 bail until December 9.

Andrews handed over six $1,000 notes to Reynold Dowding, who had him arrested when he detected that three of them were bogus, Police said.

Ilegal ammunition case for January trial
POULTRY farmer Brian John, 47, will face trial on a charge of illegal ammunition possession at Christianburg Court, Linden, on January 18, 2005.

Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen transferred the case to the Upper Demerara River jurisdiction yesterday after the defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Meantime, John is on $25,000 bail.
It is alleged that he had five live 12-gauge cartridges last Thursday when he was not the holder of a licence.

Defendant in drug case also remanded
A BERBICE defendant, charged with drug possession in Georgetown, was also remanded to prison yesterday by Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen.

David Holder, 38, of Lot 37 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, faced a charge of having 20 grammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking on Thursday, November 18.

Police Chief Inspector Gordon Peters, prosecuting, said cops from the Narcotics Branch, acting on certain information received, went to North Road, Bourda, where they saw Holder discarding a transparent plastic bag on the roadside.

Upon it being retrieved, the bag was found to contain the illegal substance.
Holder's case was transferred to another Court for November 26.

In fraud case...
Police allege son sold, dismantled father's market stall
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Navin Singh (no address given) pleaded not guilty last Thursday to charges of obtaining money by false pretence and malicious damage to property that followed a fraudulent transaction.

One of the allegations against him, before Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen, said he, with intent to defraud, took $1,000 from Hemraj Beharry, at Grove, last Tuesday, after falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell the latter a Bourda Market vending stall in Georgetown.

The second charge said, the same day, the defendant unlawfully and maliciously damaged the $20,000 structure that belonged to his father, Ramrattan Singh.

Police said Singh offered the place for sale without his father's knowledge and collected the cash from the prospective buyer, then dismantled the building.

The case will next be called at Providence Court, on East Bank Demerara, to where it has been transferred, on December 6.
Meantime, Singh is on $7,000 bail.

Jailed thief promises to reform
DEFENDANT in two cases involving theft, Zakeer Kabir changed his plea to guilty on Thursday and was sentenced to four months imprisonment by Magistrate Kim Kyte at Reliance Court, Canje.

The repeat offender, who had been put on $40,000 bail when he made his first appearance on the charges, declared, after sentencing, that he is tired of being convicted and promised to reform.

Kabir broke and entered the home of Yvette Williams on November 8 and stole household articles and groceries worth $63,500.

The following day, he took away a $12,000 bicycle, belonging to Kenneth Caesar, from under the owner's house at Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, in Berbice.

Kabir's admission of the crimes followed his inability to post bail and consequent incarceration until conviction.

Drug defendant, 17, granted bail
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sadesh Outar, of Islington, East Bank Berbice, was granted $10,000 bail on a drug charge Thursday.

Magistrate Krishendat Persaud, before whom he appeared at New Amsterdam Court, in Berbice, postponed trial to November 29.

Particulars of the November 6 offence charged against the defendant said, during the recent 'Town Day' celebrations at Esplanade Ground, he was in possession of a lighted marijuana cigarette.
Police said the narcotic weighed one gramme.

At assault trial...
Schoolboy victim says assailant used racist remark
THE schoolboy victim of an alleged assault told a Berbice Court Wednesday that his assailant used a racist remark in the process.

The eight-year-old virtual complainant, Roger Williams was allowed to give sworn testimony after Magistrate Kim Kyte ruled, at Reliance Court, that he understood nature of the oath.

Forty-eight-year-old Takeram Dhani (no address given) is charged with unlawfully assaulting Williams while he was walking along Station Street, in Canje.

The child said he was in company with a friend named Reaz when Dhani struck him on his head and used a series of expletives, as well.

The Level Four primary school pupil recalled, too, that he reported the incident to his mother, before being taken to Reliance Police Station.

Dhani, who is conducting his own defence, cross-examined Williams, who added that the defendant pushed Reaz inside his yard and left him outside.
The case will continue on November 24.

Rape case adjourned as victim still hospitalised
THE rape case at Reliance Court was adjourned Wednesday because the alleged schoolteacher victim is still under medical supervision at the National Psychiatric Hospital, in another part of Canje, Berbice.

Magistrate Kim Kyte, who is presiding at the trial of Fairborn Quintyn, set December 1 as the continuation date, after Police Sergeant Sesecupaul Jhagroo, prosecuting, made the disclosure about the patient.

Quintyn, who is on $150,000 bail, is alleged to have had forced sexual intercourse with the 26-year-old woman at her Adelphi, East Canje home, last May 11.

Sports stadium should receive full support
I COMMEND the government for investing in the sports stadium which will host World Cup Cricket 2007.

Hosting the WCC is a wonderful idea since this is going to help promote and showcase Guyana and Guyanese, creating investment for our country.

The government has received financial support from India and moral support from other countries.

It is a shame that some Guyanese people are pessimistic about the project. Stabroek News seems to have a vested interest in seeing the project fail.

First of all, to be chosen among eight other countries to host World Cup Cricket is an honour.

We should use this opportunity to the best of our ability and potential and stop being so negative.

For those few Guyanese who are still tucked away in the stone age and are pessimistic about the stadium, I think they should stop this negative attitude and throw their support behind the government.
RUPERT WILLIAMS

Maintain old New Amsterdam Hospital building
I THANK the Government of Guyana and the Japanese people for the new New Amsterdam Hospital.

The hospital was completed way before schedule and it has been offering services to the public since early November.

As a resident of New Amsterdam, I am proud of this achievement by the government and I would like to say that all residents are happy for this facility.

The old hospital building will not be condemned and we are most grateful for that decision.

It is nice to know that we have persons within our country who care about our historic buildings.

I call on the Heritage Society to play a role in maintaining the old building.

If the building is used for any purpose, it can be assured that it will be properly maintained.
SANDRA WONG

What grounds?
I AM disturbed at what is unfolding in the judicial system as evident in the Mark Benschop trial.

First, we were told that Benschop’s case was brought forward because those cases higher up on the list for trial could not be proceeded with because of the unavailability of witnesses.

Now the very thing is happening with Benschop and we hear rumblings that this could be grounds for ‘dismissal’.

If cases before his (Benschop) could not be tried because witnesses were not available and those persons are still incarcerated, why is it that the same cannot apply for Benschop?
ANDREW WILSON

Jonestown remembered
NOVEMBER 18 marked 26 years since the Jonestown murder/suicide in Guyana.

People's Temple leader Jim Jones led hundreds of his followers in the mass murder/suicide at their agricultural commune in remote northwestern Guyana.

The few cult members who refused to take the cyanide-laced fruit-flavoured concoction were either forced to do so at gunpoint or shot as they fled. The final death toll was 913, including 276 children.

Jim Jones was a charismatic churchman who founded the People's Temple, a Christian sect, in Indianapolis in the 1950s. He preached against racism, and his integrated congregation attracted mostly African Americans.

In 1965, he moved the group to northern California, settling in Ukiah and after 1971 in San Francisco. In the 1970s, his church was accused by the press of financial fraud, physical abuse of its members, and mistreatment of children.

In response to the mounting criticism, Jones led several hundred of his followers to South America in 1977 and set up a utopian agricultural settlement called Jonestown in the jungle of Guyana.

A year later, a group of ex-members convinced U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan, a Democrat of California, to travel to Jonestown and investigate the commune.

On November 17, 1978, Ryan arrived in Jonestown with a group of journalists and other observers. At first the visit went well, but the next day, as Ryan's group was about to leave, several People's Church members approached members of the group and asked them for passage out of Guyana.

Jones became distressed at the defection of his members and one of Jones' lieutenants attacked Ryan with a knife. Ryan escaped from the incident unharmed, but Jones then ordered Ryan and his companions ambushed and killed at the airstrip as they attempted to leave.

The congressman and four others were murdered as they attempted to board their charter planes.

Back in Jonestown, Jones directed his followers in a mass suicide in a clearing in the town. With Jones exhorting the "beauty of dying" over a loudspeaker, hundreds drank a lethal cyanide and Kool-Aid drink. Those who tried to escape were chased down and shot by Jones' lieutenants.

Jones died of a gunshot wound in the head, probably self-inflicted.

Guyanese troops, alerted by a cult member who escaped, reached Jonestown the next day. Only a dozen or so followers survived, hidden in the jungle. Most of the 913 dead were lying side by side in the clearing where Jones had preached to them for the last time.

Guyana was instantly put on the map after this event took place. Many persons in the USA and other parts of the world simply know Guyana as the land of Jim Jones.

There has been a lot of 'conspiracy theories' surrounding this horrible event. Some people believe that the People's Temple was an experimental laboratory operated for or by the CIA in order to perfect mind-control techniques.

They speculate that Leo Ryan uncovered this information and that he and more than 900 of Jones' followers had to be assassinated in order to maintain secrecy.

We have not been able to uncover any hard evidence that would support this belief. U.S. government records relating to the mass deaths have never been made public.

This contributes to the conspiracy theory. "In 1980, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence announced that there was 'no evidence' of CIA involvement at Jonestown."

Some have suggested that Jones worked closely with the communist governments of Cuba and the USSR in the hope of eventually moving the temple to the USSR. The anti-cult movement also cites mind-control techniques by Jim Jones and his officials as the cause of the disaster.

It is often claimed that the Jonestown disaster was a mass suicide made possible by mind-control. The many victims who were shot or forcibly injected with poison are ignored. 

Some surviving members claim that they were exposed to mind-control methods. However, others claim that it was the best experience of their life.

Some claim that Jonestown was a spectacularly successful grassroots demonstration of what people could accomplish if they break free of capitalism and join in a common cause. They speculate that the U.S. government assassinated the people at Jonestown because they could not tolerate its success

Some in the academic community view the disaster as having been primarily caused by the hounding of Jonestown by anti-cult groups, news reporters and federal investigative agencies. If this theory is true, then the mass death at Jonestown was a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Whatever the reason behind this gruesome massacre, it surely has left a mark on us all here in Guyana.
LEON SUSERAN

Wait for another year
THE Stabroek News editorial of November 15 captioned `Holding people accountable’ applies.

I cannot agree more with the points raised, and the examples cited. I think that the people are being misled, and that this starts all the way from the very top.

In January, the President greeted the nation with his version of anti-corruption sabre- rattling. It was on the now dead remigrant scam, and he talked about no tolerance and locking people up who were found to have engaged in corrupt activities.

Eleven months later and there is nothing to show for all this.

Around May, someone decided it was time to press a button, and behold a corruption busting minister climbed on to the public stage to talk about how serious the government is about assorted crimes, especially money laundering and other narco related matters. We are serous; we are going after the heads; we are cooperating with external agencies; we are putting more laws on the books; and so on and so forth.

I get the impression that some high priced consultant (or spiritualist) has advised the government that the best way to impress onlookers of its commitment to fighting corrupt activity is through inundating one and all with talk.

In this way, the public is reassured of the government’s seriousness, or it chokes on the garbage and seeks more palatable fare (cricket, Days of Our Lives).

Then, as recently as October, the President returned from whatever latitude he was to proclaim about the accountability of public officers.

What does all of this say? It says that the government is very skillful at ponderous pontification, and in talking a good game about fighting corruption.

It also says that if anyone is expecting any culprits in Santa’s bag of tricks this Xmas, it would be better to wait for another year.
One that is a while away.
GHK LALL

Direct State intervention needed
I SUBMIT for publication the regulations governing school corporal punishment in Guyana and Singapore according to the laws of both countries.
Laws of Guyana
Cap 39:01 Education
Education Code Regulations 1973
Regulation 93: Whenever corporal punishment is administered, a statement of the nature and extent of the punishment and reason therefore must be entered in the punishment book. All such entries must be made at the time the punishment is inflicted.

Regulation 94 [Reg. 37/1943]: (1) For serious or repeated offences corporal punishment may be administered by the head teacher or by an assistant teacher over twenty years of age and authorised by him.

(2) Whenever a head teacher authorises an assistant teacher to administer corporal punishment, it shall be administered in the presence of the head teacher and under his direction and on his responsibility.

(3) Corporal punishment for girls shall be administered by a female teacher or by the head teacher in the presence of a female teacher.

(4) Whenever corporal punishment is administered, an entry shall be made on the same day in the punishment book, with a statement of the nature and extent of the punishment and the reason for inflicting it.

Is it legal for the Ministry of Education to send circulars to head teachers directing them not to use corporal punishment at all when the extant regulations governing school corporal punishment have not been repealed by an Act of Parliament?

Some teachers are under the false impression that school corporal punishment has been abolished. The abolishing of school corporal punishment must be done in the right and legal way.

Singapore: School Caning Regulation No. 88 under the Schools Regulation Act 1957

1No corporal punishment shall be administered to girl pupils.

2.The corporal punishment of boy pupils shall be administered with a light cane on the palms of the hand or on the buttocks over the clothing. No other forms of corporal punishment shall be administered to boy pupils.

3.Where there is more than one teacher in the school, corporal punishment shall be inflicted by the Principal only or under his express authority.

School Principals’ Handbook, Section 19
19.3 Corporal punishment
*Corporal punishment should be given only as a last resort for serious offences. It should not be inflicted for failure to learn or remember or do homework. Under no circumstances should girls be subjected to corporal punishment.

*Corporal punishment inflicted on a group, irrespective of which of its members are guilty, is wrong and equivalent to assault.

*The person administering corporal punishment, usually by caning, should not do so while in a fit of temper or when he is emotionally upset. Another teacher should be present to witness the caning.

*The caning must be done with a light cane on the palms or buttocks, and nowhere else. All other forms of corporal punishment are strictly forbidden.

*The caning should be recorded in a book, giving the name and class of the pupil and details of the occasion when it was administered, the date and time of the caning, and the nature of the offence. The name of the person who had administered the corporal punishment and the name of the witness, together with their signature and the signature of the principal, should also be on record.

*The child’s parents should be informed immediately of all the details of the offence and of the corporal punishment.

Although I am against all forms of corporal punishment, I admire the stringent regulations the law-abiding Singaporeans observe on school corporal punishment. One outstanding feature is that school girls, future wives and mothers, are not beaten.

Unlike their Guyanese counterparts, Singaporean males generally respect their females and do not beat them up and kill them.

On Friday, 26 September 2003, representatives of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child in Geneva met Singaporean officials to discuss the state of children and education in Singapore.

The following is an excerpt from the minutes of that meeting.

“The term “caning”, which referred to the judicious use of a light cane applied to the palm of the hand, was practised by some parents, usually as a last resort. The maxim “spare the rod and spoil the child” was popular among many Singaporeans of various faiths and ethnic groups.

Although the government’s parent-education programmes discouraged caning and spanking and focused on alternative methods of discipline, public opinion remained divided on the issue. In schools, corporal punishment was administered as a last resort and only to male pupils.

The Ministry of Education had issued strict guidelines on corporal punishment in schools, and only the principal or teachers authorised by the principal could administer it.

School authorities were mindful that the school was primarily a place to nurture children and that disciplinary measures should not erode pupils’ dignity or self-esteem.”

A Singaporean official, Mr. Chan, admitted that “As a child, he had accepted corporal punishment as a part of growing up. However, societies had to move with the times; that was why the approach to caning and spanking was currently under review.”

The Singaporeans are moving on, but here in Guyana our government is waffling on matters involving corporal punishment and physical and sexual abuse of children.

Children protection is not only a private matter; it urgently requires the direct intervention of the State to protect our most precious resource, our children, our future.
M. XIU QUAN-BALGOBIND-HACKETT

Carib Beer Inter-county cricket ...
Christian rescues Demerara with superb 104
By Imran Khan
AT the Hampton Court ground yesterday a composed Derwin Christian did everything necessary in a quest to secure a place in the Guyana senior first class squad.

With the entire Demerara middle-order failing, Christian, batting at number seven, cracked a delightful century on day two of the Demerara v Essequibo Carib Beer Inter-county four-day competition.

The forceful right-hander, with his team under pressure at 124 for 5, expertly composed 104 from 119 balls adorned with 10 fours and one meaty but nonchalant six over long on.

His innings along with a grafting 64 from Azeemul Haniff and a busy 51 from under-rated number nine batsman Zaheer Mohamed gave Demerara a relatively hefty 158-run lead.

Responding to 165 made by Essequibo on day one and starting the day on 43 without loss, the visitors batted the entire day, ending on 323 for nine from 99.1 overs when bad light stopped play five minutes short of six o’clock.

Those figures would indicate that Essequibo did not get everything right but they did hold sway for quite a while until a 98-run eight-wicket partnership between the unstoppable Christian and Mohamed cast their dutiful first session efforts aside.

Demerara’s middle order of all national senior batsmen and airtight on paper managed 24 runs among them, only one, Leon Johnson reaching double figures leaving much work for the wicketkeeper/batsman and Mohamed, a genuine all-rounder who is not just competent with the bat but has a touch of class as well.

Their total was also as a result of a truly marathon four-and-a-half-hour and 173-ball half-century by in-form Guyana opening batsman Haniff.

Essequibo, shockingly and incomprehensibly, started the day with Trevon Garraway from the northern end and Robert Moore the left-arm spinner from the south. It was discernibly to ensure a pace/spin combination throughout the day’s shortest session but it was seriously flawed and lame brained.

Rayon Thomas (20-5-59-2), consistently the country’s fastest bowler, who thoroughly troubled both openers with pace and precision at the end of day one, found himself lingering around the field for 45 minutes as the moisture from the pitch evaporated and the batsmen got enough time to play themselves in.

Despite this, Ryan Ramdass 26 overnight added six before he was astoundingly bowled by Moore (27-2-60-2), who toiled nonstop for the entire session.

The delivery pitched in line with middle stump, turned sharply, beat Ramdass’ tentative and searching bat and viciously knocked the off-stump.

That ended the 52-run opening stand and left Haniff to watch three other wickets fall for 24 runs before lunch by which time the score reached 92.

After Ramdass went, Thomas, with a low straight delivery, trapped Krishna Arjune for 5. Another lbw accounted for Lennox Cush for a duck and it represented a stinging blow to Demerara.

By then, the 32nd over, still only three bowlers had bowled but the introduction of lanky off -spinner Ian Gonsalves (16-1-72-2) gave Essequibo immediate success.

With his first ball, Travis Dowlin (5) pushed and was well taken at first slip, by Latchman Rohit.

After lunch, Haniff and Johnson partnered each other for 37 runs until the latter hesitantly pushed at Thomas and was stupendously taken at second slip by Rohit diving to his left.

It was a good way for Rohit to try and atone for a nasty second slip spill off a straightforward chance from Haniff when on 19 and the score on 71 for 3.

It was the second time in the innings Haniff was put down at second slip off Thomas who admirably bent his back and searched for pace on a poor low and slow cricketing pitch.

The right-arm quick, the only national player in the Essequibo team, was the bowler who most looked like genuinely worrying the Demerarians.

This is not to discredit Moore’s performance for he too, though bowling too many short balls, did well enough to cause the batsmen to be at least watchful against him.

Mohamed, batting much lower than he should, reached his half-century in 88 deliveries with a pull over midwicket for his fifth boundary but was run-out for 51 the next ball after he stroked in the cover region and stood gazing.

Christian reached his half-century in 46 balls and his ton in 115, turning into the on side for a single. He did not celebrate until one run later as the public scoreboard was one run behind and the small crowd’s applause was only barely audible. He did escape on 98, put down by a visibly tired and lethargic debutant wicketkeeper Wayne Osbourne off Sase Narine’s left-arm spin.

Soon after getting a hundred he tamely gave national youth all-rounder Royce Evans his only wicket by depositing it into Narine's hands at long off.

Haniff and Christian’s 57 for the sixth wicket was maximally crucial as it ensured first innings points (in the 62nd over) and sent their team to comfort.

Demerara may or may not resume this morning with Rayon Griffith (2*) and Reon King (1*).

However this pair’s most significant task today would be to bowl their team to victory, possibly inside three days and by an innings which would mean a day off tomorrow on the scheduled fourth day.

ESSEQUIBO first innings 165 from 85.5 overs D.Joseph 38, T.Cornelius 36, R.Evans 33, Z.Mohamed 3 for 23)
Demerara first innings (o/n 43 with without loss from 13 overs, R.Ramdass 26*, A.Haniff 10*)
A.Haniff c Rohit b Gonsalves 64

R.Ramdass b Moore 32

K.Arjune lbw Thomas 5

L.Cush lbw Moore 0

T.Dowlin c Rohit b Gonsalves 5

L.Johnson c Rohit b Thomas 14

D.Christian c Narine b Evans 104

N.McGarrell c Moore b Garraway 13

Z.Mohamed run-out 51

R.Griffith not out 2

R.King not out 1

Extras: (w-1, nb-6, b-15, lb-10) 32

Total: (for nine wickets, 99.1 overs) 323

Fall of wickets: 1-52, 2-68, 3-69, 4-87, 5-124, 6-181, 7-213, 8-311, 9-320.
Bowling: Thomas 20-5-59-2 (nb-4, w-1), Garraway 15-5-50-1, Moore 27-2-60-2, Gonsalves 16-1-72-2, Evans 7.1-1-12-1 (nb-1),