Cuba offers sight to Guyanese needing eye treatment and surgery
(GINA) Guyana and Cuba yesterday took its relations a step higher, this time through another humanitarian gesture by the Government and people of Cuba to Guyanese.

Special Envoy to Cuban President Fidel Castro, Maria Elena Soto, yesterday brought a message from President Castro to President Jagdeo that Guyanese can access eye-care treatment and surgery in Cuba at the expense of the Cuban Government. This offer was accepted by President Bharrat Jagdeo, when he received the Special Envoy at the Office of the President.

“We are very pleased about this and we are very grateful to President Castro for including Guyana in this programme. Cuba has made tremendous strides in the medical field. This is just another way of helping Third World countries. We in Guyana have benefited from their (Cuban) generosity through the provision of medical doctors and scholarships, but this is another programme that would benefit us even more,” President Jagdeo said.

The Spanish-speaking envoy, whose message was translated by the Consul of the Cuban Embassy, Mercedes Martinez Herrera, said since July 8, 2004 the Cuban Government has managed an eye-care programme that has restored the vision of 39,000 blind people in several countries, including Venezuela.

“The Cuban Commander-in-Chief, Government and people sent me to extend this programme to the Guyanese President so that blind people in Guyana can be treated or receive surgery and receive their sight again,” Ms. Soto said.

She noted that this sensitive programme addresses cataract and glaucoma, as well as several other eye-related illnesses.

“This programme will be fully funded by the Cuban Government and deals with the human point of view,” she said.

Two Cuban ophthalmologists will visit Guyana to examine those in need of treatment and surgery.Based on their reports, the Guyanese patients will be taken to Cuba for treatment and surgery. In Cuba, they will be given one-week post-surgery care before returning to Guyana.

According to the Special Envoy, this programme will include children and the elderly and the elderly may be allowed to travel with a relative.

“This is a very generous offer. I asked when they would be able to start and they said immediately,” President Jagdeo said, after the meeting with the Special Envoy.

He added that an aircraft will be in Guyana tomorrow to return the Special Envoy to Cuba and at the same time, the Cuban Government will send two ophthalmologists along with the equipment to begin the screening of Guyanese patients.

“So they can actually begin screening sometime next week and almost immediately after, the first batch can go off to Cuba…we hope to send patients from the coastal areas and the indigenous communities,” President Jagdeo said.

Ms. Soto noted that patients will return from Cuba with medical supplies for follow-up treatment.

“As soon as we have the medical reports from the ophthalmologist, the patients will begin travelling from Guyana to Cuba,” she added.

She noted that this latest gesture by the Cuban Government to Guyanese is “an example of the relationship between the Guyana and Cuban Governments.”

The Head of State noted that Guyana has been trying with its own local eye-care programme for the past two years and has managed both treatment and surgery. However, this programme from the Cubans will be of tremendous assistance.

“We are thankful to the Cubans. We recognize the importance of people’s vision and that improvement to people’s eyesight could restore their lives to productivity,” he said.

The Guyana Government’s $30M eye care programme provides treatment, including spectacles and surgeries on a smaller scale.

Accompanying the Special Envoy to the meeting with President Jagdeo was Cuban Ambassador Jose Manuel Inclan.

CariAir/Roopgroup Packaging Plant fails to meet required standards
By Timica Forrester
Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeo Sawh, yesterday held a press conference at the Ministry's boardroom to respond to the CariAir/Roopgroup claims with regard to the denial of a licence to operate a central packaging facility.

He was joined at the media briefing by Head of Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva, Go-Invest Senior Investment Officer Mrs. Janet Kissoon, New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) General Manager Mr. Nizam Hassan and Agriculture Officer at the Ministry, Mr. Brian Sears.

Sawh responded to media reports that head of CariAir/Roopgroup, Mr. Peter Ramsaroop, claimed that no Government official had attended the company's opening ceremony.

He said he had accepted Mr. Ramsaroop's invitation to deliver remarks at the ceremony but could not attend because of a Cabinet meeting on the same day. He pointed out that though the company was duly informed that he would not be attending the programme, the announcement of the reason for his absence was not made until the end of the activity, leading several prior speakers to lament the absence of a Government official.

Chief Executive Officer of Go-Invest, Mr. Geoffrey Da Silva said that the Government is very supportive of the private sector getting into the food packaging industry.

He said that the state-owned packaging facility at Sophia undergoes checks by local as well as regional authorities to certify its level of standards.

“To call at an event for the closing down of that facility (at Sophia), Mr. Ramsaroop was basically calling for the end of exports to CARICOM. He was calling for hurting farmers because that facility is the only one certified by Barbadian, Antiguan and St Lucian officials through which exports can go, ” Da Silva said.

Da Silva said that there are efforts on the part of Mr. Ramsaroop to politicise the issue of investment in Guyana.

In closing, he pointed out that there is no lack of investment in Guyana and he listed a number of local and internationally managed businesses that have either started new ventures or expanded existing ones on Guyana in the last two years.

Senior Investment Officer at the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Mrs. Janet Kissoon said that the packaging facilities currently available here are not enough to accommodate the amount of fruits available for the export market.

She added that Go­-Invest guided Mr. Ramsaroop by pointing out what he needed in order to establish a viable packaging Facility. Kissoon said a copy of a check-list detailing the items needed in a project proposal was also sent to Ramsaroop.

General Manager of the New GMC, Mr. Nizam Hassan said that in June of last year, Mr. Ramsaroop and other executives of his company had written to the New GMC requesting a visit to the state-owned Central Packaging Facility in Sophia, in Georgetown. He said they were then taken on a guided tour of the operations. He added that the New GMC again received a letter from Ramsaroop, which expressed the company's gratitude for the tour.

Subsequently, a team from CariAir/Roopgroup was taken to meet pineapple farmers in the Canals, using a GMC vehicle. That was followed by another letter from the company, requesting technical and administrative assistance in setting up the packaging facility.

Ramsaroop was invited to a meeting at the office of GMC, following which the GMC agreed to:

Support the efforts to have the facility certified by the plant health units of Guyana and Barbados.

Co-ordinate with USAID/GTIS project in sourcing consultants

Provide training for staff

Provide a copy of the New GMC pack-house analysis as well as post-harvest market share bulletins done for 25 crops.

Provide and facilitate links with farmers Provide training for farmers, and Issue waivers of consumption tax on locally produced packaging materials

He said that in January, 31 copies of post harvest handling technical bulletins were sent to the company along with an analysis of GMC’s packaging facility.

Agriculture Officer within the Ministry's Plant Health and Quarantine department, Mr. Brian Sears, said that officials of his department have been working very cooperatively with the company to realise the packaging facility.

He said a visit was made to the proposed building for the operations at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, on June 8 last. During the procedural 'walk-through' he said, the officers noticed that the building was not suited to its advertised purpose. Sears recounted that recommendation were subsequently made for modifications to be made to the structure so as to make it fit for packaging purposes.

Sears also lamented that although more recommendations for upgrade of standards were made to the company's officials, all of the advised changes were not made. These he said, included better ventilation, since the poor ventilation which was in place was not adequate for the packaging of fruits and vegetables.

He said, too, that the lighting arrangements in the building were inadequate. Sears pointed out that lighting fixtures in a packaging facility should be a few centimetres above the table for inspection of produce. However, the officers observed that the lights at the Cari/Roopgroup facility were in the high ceiling.

Some of the equipment needed to operate a standard packaging facility were also notably absent from the building, he said. He listed these as Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) certified scales, garbage disposal bins, extraction fans, bulk bins and external facilities for the disposal of refuge.

He added that "Mr. Ramsaroop said he is not about to make any more changes or spend any more money on the facility."

As a result, he said, a certificate could not be issued to the company. But they were informed that the Ministry would be willing to conduct more inspections when the recommended steps are taken to bring the facility up to standard.

Scores of Guyanese refused entry at Grantley Adams International Airport
Many were hoping to attend ‘Crop Over’
By Mark Ramotar
SCORES of Guyanese were forced to return home on a flight Tuesday night after Immigration authorities at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados denied them entry to the Caribbean island.

Reports say most of the Guyanese who were traveling to Barbados on a BWIA flight Tuesday afternoon, and who were forced to returned to Guyana, were going to attend the annual ‘Crop Over’ festival in the island.

The Chronicle understands that almost all of the Guyanese on board the BWIA 10:00 h flight Tuesday morning out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and which had to stop briefly at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad for a change of aircraft to continue the route to Barbados later that afternoon, were forced to return home.

The passengers reportedly arrive at the Grantley Adams Airport at 16:50 hrs Tuesday and after deplaning, were all ushered into a room where they were detained, questioned and body searched, with no explanation from the authorities. After a few hours they were told that they would not be allowed entry..

The Guyanese were then instructed to return hoem on the BWIA flight that night and when they arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, their passports were reportedly confiscated. The aggrieved passengers were told to report to the Police Criminal Investigation Department at Eve Leary, Georgetown yesterday to uplift their travel documents.

Reports are that at least 60 Guyanese were refused entry on arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados on Monday and Tuesday.

Two of the persons ‘turned-back’ at the airport on Tuesday were Troy Chapman, 32, and Sewlyn Dazell, 35, both of whom reside in Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust and are construction workers.

The Chronicle caught up with the Dazell and Chapman around 14:00 hrs yesterday, just as they were entering the Police CID headquarters at Eve Leary to enquire about their passports. Their story tells of the continuous plight of Guyanese entering or even just passing through Barbados at the hands of the Immigration authorities there.

The men spoke about how they were even denied a phone call to speak to their relatives and friends waiting outside the Barbados airport. They were also treated “very roughly” and both Dazell and Chapman are demanding an apology from the Barbadian authorities.

Dazell said it is the first time he attempted to visit Barbados and it was at the invitation of a relative to experience the ‘Crop-Over’ event in that Caribbean Island.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday strongly criticized the Barbados Immigration authorities for what he described as their “inexplicable and reckless type of rejection of legitimate Guyanese visitors” and said the Guyana Government will be following up this matter.

Speaking at a regular post-Cabinet news conference at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, Dr. Luncheon admitted that he received information suggesting that about 24 Guyanese were returned on one flight Tuesday.

“We are upset with the insults that are being dealt to legitimate visitors to the Caribbean islands particularly Barbados , and our representations over time has been a clear indication of the Government’s insistence that this behaviour should cease,” Luncheon said..

Luncheon assured that the Government is going to continue to engage the Barbadian authorities, and this will be done particularly in the context of the amended treaty and the December 31 implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Observers believe that this behaviour by the ‘Bajans’ has raised serious questions by their loyalty to the initiatives of the Caribbean Community, including the freedom of movement by CARICOM nationals among member states and in light of the soon to be implemented CSME.

“We deserve comprehensive answers to these actions by the Barbadian authorities and we would want to sympathize with the Guyanese who have been dealt with so cavalierly by the Barbadian authorities,” Luncheon said.

The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), in August 2001, had provided the Foreign Ministry in Guyana with a report of harassment of Guyanese by Barbados Immigration officials.

During that same time, Foreign Minister Dr. Rudy Insanally had contacted Barbados Foreign Minister Ms. Billie Miller on the difficulties Guyanese face entering the island.

In one case that was reported in this newspaper, an intrusive body search conducted on a young Guyanese woman on July 14, 2001, by Barbados Immigration officials caused her to haemorrhage.

GECOM, the Guyana Gov’t and Donor Community sign MOU
By Shawnel Cudjoe
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at providing support for the next General Elections in Guyana, was signed yesterday afternoon between the Government of Guyana, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Donor Community.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon said that there have been reassuring steps along the way towards the holding of national and regional elections and yesterday’s signing was just another one of these.

He said the “big step” reflects the political maturity that exists among stakeholders in the quest for free and fair elections.

According to Dr. Luncheon, they have dealt with the “doomsayers” who said that it could not be done. He said that the successful completion of the MOU creates heightened expectations for the timely completion of the next steps.

Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Guyana, Mr. Yussef Mahmoud, said the significant milestone has “tested the political will, faith and trust” for the good of Guyana and for free and fair elections

He added that the UNDP is pleased with the level of effort and commitment of all parties to make the signing a reality and said that GECOM must be commended for the thoroughness and professionalism which Commissioners brought to the process.

Some of the donor countries are Canada, the United Kingdom , the United States of America , and the European Commission.

Chairman of the Elections Commission Dr. Steve Surujbally described the signing as historic, since it was the first time a MOU had been signed in the election process.

“It is another tile in the mosaic of support for the democratic process in Guyana”, he observed. He added that sustained political development is relevant to democracy in the nation.

He said that many plans would be put in place to ensure the integrity of the elections, and that there will be a code of conduct to guide the media and political parties in the run up to and after the general elections.

According to Surujbally, they will maintain their integrity by establishing the necessary mechanism to ensure that there is some financial management of donor funds. “We at GECOM have every intention of honouring the spirit and letter of this memorandum”, Surujbally said.

The MOU constitutes the basis on which the donors will support the democratic process in Guyana through a variety of separate instruments.

It also seeks to ensure that all signatories will commit to the holding of free and fair elections, in accordance with the Constitution and other relevant laws of Guyana, as well as the international standards as articulated by various United Nations Declarations, Covenants, Conventions, Resolutions and Reports.

Additionally, it seeks to foster broad public confidence in the electoral process, with the intention of promoting the acceptance by all of the results of the elections.

Government tables a Treasury’s Memorandum for the first time
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday indicated that for the first time ever, the Government would be tabling a Treasury’s Memorandum in the National Assembly when it convenes today.

According to him, the Treasury’s memorandum was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday as the response of the Executive to matters raised in the Parliamentary adopted Report of the Public Accounts Committee, which examined the 1999 Public Accounts.

“This is the first time ever that the Government has moved to formally provide Parliament with a comprehensive document outlining all the steps it has taken and it intends to take in the context of the adopted Public Accounts Report,” Luncheon told reporters.

He said this action - the submission of a Treasury’s memorandum- is destined to become a permanent feature of the Government’s Parliamentary timetable.

The Government would also be tabling for Parliament’s consideration the Report of the Government of Guyana Humanitarian response to the natural disaster in Grenada when a contingent of the national Army was deployed to that country. This report, he said, was approved by the Defence Board and would be tabled in the National Assembly today.

The National Assembly will today also look at several important matters including the consideration of the Audit regulations, the Opposition’s motion on the sugar industry in Guyana and its future, as well as consideration of the Amendments to the Tax Bills.

At its most recent sitting, Parliament adopted the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the 1999 Public Accounts that were audited by the Auditor General and presented in his Report to Parliament.

Four-lane highway set for completion on schedule
(GINA) With just over a month before completion date is due, the contractor is aggressively pushing to finish the four-lane East Bank Demerara highway.

On July 18, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier was on site inspecting ongoing work. He said since his meeting with the managing directors of the Trinidadian Company, Seereeram Brothers, work has accelerated. This was mainly due to the acquisition of materials and equipment on site.

Minister Xavier expressed optimism that if all goes well, and the weather is favourable, then it would be possible for the project to be completed by the set date, August 31.

The project, which commenced in November, 2003, was scheduled for completion in March, but the contractor cited a number of factors which impeded it meeting the specified time including, inclement weather, late delivery of essential materials, equipment breakdown and rise in fuel prices and cement.

Seereeram Brothers is currently surfacing a stretch of road from Eccles to the Demerara Harbour Bridge with sand-loam.

Project Manger, Edward Kalloo, explained that this exercise “is a very delicate process and usually takes quite some time.” He noted that once favourable weather prevails, paving of this stretch of road would commence this weekend.

Kalloo indicated his company’s persistent efforts to meet the deadline, pointing out that the working hours have been maintained, production has been tremendous and materials have been supplied. "The only perimeter we are looking at is the weather, which is very unusual," he said.

Additionally, Kalloo said, the workers are pushing very hard and are working day and late nights to speed up completion of the much-anticipated highway, which will certainly increase and improve traffic flow to and from Georgetown.

An extension to the original contract for the construction of the four-lane road has been granted to the company to facilitate the continuation of the road to the Cricket World Cup Stadium site at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Minister Xavier said preliminary work has commenced on the project that would cost $3.5M. Six months has been granted for its completion.

However, President Bharrat Jadgeo had expressed optimism that the project would be completed by this year-end.

Technical Advisor to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Walter Willis explained that this is a possibility.

"We would like to see both the four-lane road and the extension completed by this year end," said Willis.

The four-lane highway is being constructed at a cost of US$10.6M, under phase one of a US$16M project while phase two covers the construction of the West Bank Demerara road valued at US$5.4M, from Schoonord, (Demerara Harbour Bridge) to Vreed-en-Hoop intersection.

Dutch university donates 11 microscopes for interior locations
The Dutch University of Utrecht, Faculty of Biology, yesterday donated 11 microscopes to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at its Thomas and Quamina Streets location.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues, accepted the equipment from the Dutch University representative, Mr. Ben J.H. ter Welle in the main conference room.

The equipment will be used in the interior locations in Guyana to identify malaria strains in blood smears.

The communities to benefit will be selected by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The microscopes can be used effectively without electricity which is not always available in remote communities.

This allows for diagnosis to be made on the spot, instead of samples having to be sent to other locations for processing.

The Faculty of the Utrecht University has had a long-term relationship with Guyana through cooperation with the University of Guyana as well as with the Tropenbos Programme, Boskalis Dredging.

The cost of each microscope is estimated at about US$2,000.

Region 10 Outreach provides “eloquent justification” for others across Guyana
THE recent Cabinet retreat to Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) has provided “eloquent justification” for the decision to conduct Cabinet outreach sessions in all ten administration regions of Guyana, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon.

The two-day retreat on Saturday and Sunday in the mining town of Linden was the second such programme to be held in Region Ten by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration and, according to Dr. Luncheon, there was “an even greater community response” to this recent one.

He noted that the elected representatives, the civil society including private sector entities, the religious organizations, pensioners and employees, all had their views solicited during intense engagements in meetings and in community visits in many areas in Region 10.

Cabinet teams visited locations in the Berbice River including Sand Hills, Kimbia, Wiruni , Calcuni, Hururu, Bamboo Landing and Mapletown. Luncheon said the planned visit to Kwakwani will take place later this week.

On the Demerara River, visits were made to Murtaro, Malali, Maria Elizabeth, Rock Stone/Anarika and Forty-Seven Miles. In Linden itself, communities on both sides of the River were visited by teams of Cabinet members.

Importantly, the issues that were uncovered were discussed in Linden and then re-examined at the level of Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday, Luncheon told reporters yesterday during his regular post-Cabinet news briefing.

He noted that decisions were made about the feasibility of implementation of specific interventions, the preparation of costing this, and the provision of the financial and other resources to carry it out.

Particular areas of interest included addressing the concerns of riverain transportation in the Berbice River, the creation of an economic base in the Aroaima/Kwakwani area supporting the development of industry and commerce for the bauxite industry communities there.

Also to be examined are interventions in health, particularly dealing with personnel and the development of health professionals in the communities and in education, working with the regional administration and the Ministry to address issues of access and equity for the children in riverain communities.

Within the Linden community, Luncheon noted that a mechanism to deal with the issue of land ownership, distribution and titling was readily agreed upon by the major stakeholders and the administration vowed to move aggressively to remove this source of tension.

Dr. Luncheon also indicated that Cabinet members would be returning to region 10 to outline to the communities what specific steps and measures have been agreed upon and the timeframe for their implementation.

President Bharrat Jagdeo, in an earlier comment, had indicated that the Linden retreat allowed him to find out quite a few things that were affecting people at the grass-root level.

“The retreat allowed me to find out quite a few things (and) I think overall it was a good opportunity to interact with people and to deal with their concerns and I am very pleased with the outcome of this retreat to Linden,” President Jagdeo said.

“The retreat allowed me to find out quite a few things. For instance there was this rumour that we intend to take away the subsidy from pensioners for the electricity that they had enjoyed from Linmine…and this is absolutely untrue. The water rates for pensioners across Guyana have also been waived so I got the chance to say that to the pensioners here in Linden too,” the Guyanese Head of State posited.

President jagdeo for Bartica today
While on his visit to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) today, President Bharrat Jagdeo will host a meeting with the business community and take a first-hand look at the site identified for the Bartica Fire Station.

President Jagdeo will also visit the Bartica Hospital and conduct a walk-about in the prime business area of Bartica.

On the President’s agenda also is the commissioning of the long awaited Bartica Police Station, which was recently completed.

An initial contract ($24M) was terminated and the project was re-tendered.

October last, $17.1M was approved for the completion of the station, which facilitated a two-storeyed female dormitory.

GUIDELINES ON THE APPLICATIONS AND USE OF TYRES
It is very important for vehicle owners to select suitable tyres for their intended purposes in order to obtain maximum use and to ensure safety.

Some of the factors to be considered in order to prevent tyre failure are as follows:

Inflation Pressure – Special attention must be given to the inflation pressure rating of your tyres, since the incorrect pressure can lead to tyre failure. In the case where a tyre is over-inflated, damage to the strut can result. Under inflation can lead to increase deflection and flexing, which can result in carcass deterioration of the tyre.

Load – A tyre is designed to carry a given load which must not be exceeded. If a tyre is over loaded by putting more load upon the tyre than it is designed to carry, this would adversely affect the flex area and the rate of wear of the tyre, and as a result could reduce the life of the tyre. Never over load your vehicle beyond the carrying capacity.

2. Type of tyre e.g. passenger

3. Width of the tyre in millimeters

4. Ratio of height to width (Aspect ratio)

5. Types of construction of the tyre e.g. Radial

6. Diameter of the wheel (Rim) in inches

7. Load index e.g. 640 kg

8. Speed symbol e.g. 70 km/h

9. US D.O.T Safety Standard Code

10. Manufacturer of the tyre e.g. Good Year.

11. Tyre Ply composition and materials used e.g. 2 Plies Nylon

12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades

13. Tube type or tubeless

It is very important for both sales personnel and consumers to learn exactly what all the tyre sidewall codes mean so as to minimize the number of complaints relating to the selection and use of tyres.

For further information call, Guyana National Bureau of Standards on tel.:227-7889.

Ogle Airport extension works stalled
Works on the expansion programme at the Ogle Aerodrome, East Coast Demerara, have been stalled due to bad weather.

A visit to the site yesterday revealed an incomplete runway. Work is scheduled to resume in about two weeks.

Suriname's envoy takes oath as OAS deputy SG
The Surinamese diplomat, Albert R. Ramdin, now installed as the  second highest official of the Organization of American States (OAS), has challenged the member states to cooperate more vigorously to tackle problems like development, poverty and democratic governability.                    

Ambassador Ramdin, who was sworn in as the new deputy Secretary General on Tuesday at the OAS headquarter in Washington,  said the hemispheric organisation must "provide leadership to discuss the underlying forces that cause social injustice, protest and instability—forces that “ultimately threaten democracy.”

Ramdin, who was unanimously elected in June as the  CARICOM-sponsored candidate for the number two post, has  pledged to work hard alongside new Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, to make the OAS a "stronger, more relevant and more efficient institution".

In his address,  he also highlighted the need for member states to urgently consider the organization’s financial situation, noting a need for fresh approaches to examine the present quota system, “to better reflect member states’ capabilities and expectations, as well as increased mandates and the cost of implementing those mandates..."

GWI issues ‘ hot line’ numbers
THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) yesterday issued several ‘Hotline’ numbers which customers are advised to call in their attempts to report leakages, disruptions in water supply and other matters pertaining to GWI’s services.

GWI said customers can call telephone numbers 223-7263, 226-4077, 225-5517 or 225-5485.

The water company is also encouraging all customers to report problems such as leakages and disruptions in t+he water supply, as it endeavours to improve its services with the customer being at the centre of all its operations.

President Jagdeo to open spanking new Police Station at Bartica
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo will today commission the spanking new, $37M state-of-the-art Police Station at Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

The Police station was completed at a final cost in excess of $37M after repeated visits and inspections by the administration and the Police authorities.

According to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, the Police Station is “modern” and “offers comfort, security and the conveniences appropriate to competent divisional Police presence”.

Dr. Luncheon said Cabinet would also use the opportunity to mount a short but intense outreach programme in the hours before the actual commissioning ceremony this afternoon.

According to him, Government Ministers will examine ongoing housing, water and municipal projects being carried out in Bartica by Central Government.

Dr.Luncheon also indicated that Bartica is the site of one of the soon-to-be-created Secondary Towns in Guyana, which will see improved municipal services there..

“Better communications, transport, environmental management will accompany the benefits to be provided to the Bartica community,” he reporters.

He also announced that Government will be constructing several more modern Police stations in the country.

“It should be noted that agreements have been reached, designs have been concluded and tenders have been advertised for the construction of modern state- of- the- art police stations on the West Coast Berbice, at Sophia (Region Four) and at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara,” Dr. Luncheon said.

New lease on life for cancer patients
THE very welcome news that, for the first time ever in Guyana’s history, with State support, treatment will be provided for cancer patients, offers a new lease on life to countless sufferers in this country.

As President Bharrat Jagdeo acknowledged at weekend, when he made the announcement at Mackenzie, Linden, during a Cabinet outreach in Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice), many Guyanese have to travel abroad for radiation treatment when they are diagnosed with the dreaded disease.

In his own words, the Head of State said he is very excited about the programme “because it offers hope now to Guyanese cancer patients”.

The service should be accessible within another six months, through an arrangement with a medical group in the United States, and although it is very expensive, the radio therapy would be “almost free of cost” to patients after the Government has pumped millions of U.S. dollars into it.

It would help with the many cases here which could not be treated because of the expenditure involved to send them abroad.

As should be expected, a cost recovery charge would be attached but, whatever that is, it certainly must put the service within reach of the majority of our cancer victims.

It is this kind of Government initiative that benefits mostly those who can ill afford the expense, and which must be applauded for its reach to the wider population.

We have all seen people suffering from the pandemic, sometimes just awaiting the inevitable, because they cannot bear the burdensome costs of getting treatment outside of Guyana.

It is these cancer victims, as well as relatives and friends, who will be pleased with the Administration and this cancer treatment initiative, a big step which will give prolonged life to numerous loved ones stricken with the disease.

One group which should be especially happy about the coming of the radiation therapy treatment is the Guyana Cancer Society. It has been the frontrunner organisation pressing for it.

‘Red Woman’ charged with June murder
TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Diana Vanezuela alias ‘Red Woman’, of Lot 36 Sixth Avenue, Bartica, has been charged with the June 12 murder of Grantley Jermaine George at Torobaru backdam, North West District, also in Essequibo county.

The accused appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan in Georgetown Tueday and was remanded to prison until August 2, when she will make her next appearance at Matthews Ridge Court, in the North West District.

Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney, prosecuting, said the capital offence was committed when the victim went to her home to collect a pair of scissors Vanezuela had borrowed from him.

An argument ensued and George was stabbed with a knife. Vanezuela was arrested and charged July 16.

Car theft defendant also granted bail
SAMUEL Victor, 28, was granted $50,000 bail yesterday after he pleaded not guilty to simple larceny.

The defendant (no adress given), who appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan, has to be back in Court on August 23.

Particulars of the offence charged against the defendant said he stole a motor car valued $1M from Patrick De Cruz on July 15, in Cornhill Street, Georgetown.

According to the Prosecutor, Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney, the virtual complainant had parked the vehicle and later discovered it missing.

Subsequently, Sweeney said, Police saw Victor trying to pull the automobile out of a Croal Street trench in the city.

Another larceny defendant, 16-year-old Randolph Smith, was allowed pre-trial freedom on a $25,000 bond in the same Court.

He pleaded not guilty to larceny from the person.

Particulars of the offence alleged that he stole a $22,000 gold chain from Donna Chen-a-tow on July 15, on Croal Street.

Sweeney said the victim was sitting at a window in a mini-bus when Smith snatched the jewel off her neck and fled the scene. He was subsequently pointed out to a Police patrol.

The case will be called again on August 9.

Remanded on drug trafficking charge
CLAIRMONT Hoyte, 25, of Lot 36 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, was refused bail and remanded to prison yesterday on a trafficking in narcotic charge.

Before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan, the defendant denied he was in possession of three grammes cocaine for the purpose on July 13.

He has to return to Court on August 9.

Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney, prosecuting, said the Police on patrol about 02:30 h, saw the defendant take out something from one of his pockets and drop it on the ground at Hadfield and Water Streets.

The object, when retrieved, was found to be a container with the illegal drug .

Taxi driver diverted to rape, rob passenger
- Police
A TAXI driver diverted from a given direction to rape and rob his passenger in the city, it was alleged in a Court yesterday.

The allegations were made against Ryan Subryan, 21, when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan on charges of having carnal knowledge and raping a 22-year-old woman.

The accused, who is charged indictably with the sex offence pleaded not guilty to the other, also allegedly committed last Sunday and was granted $75,000 bail until August 9.

The case for the Prosecution, outlined by Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney, prosecuting, is that Subryan was armed with a gun when he took away G$5,000 and US$250 from the victim, as well.

Sweeney said the virtual complainant hired Subryan about 02:00 h for a journey from Sheriff Street to Stabroek Market in Georgetown.

However, along the way, in Mandela Avenue, Subryan drove off that thoroughfare to commit the crimes to which he was linked on an identification parade, the Prosecutor said.

Sweeney did not object to pre-trial freedom for Subryan after Defence Counsel for the latter, attorney-at-law Mr Leslie Sobers said he has his client’s passport and the holder poses no flight risk.

Magistrate Sullivan allowed Sobers, as a trusted officer of the Court, to keep the travel document that he was willing to lodge.

The lawyer said, too, that the accused ( no address given) enjoys a stable relationship with and the support of his family.

Alleged knife robber refused bail
LEROY Kennedy was refused bail and remanded to prison by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday on a robbery under arms charge.

Particulars of the offence, to which the defendant (no address given) pleaded not guilty, said he was armed with a knife when he robbed Orrin Breedy of $7,000 at Turning Point, Tucville, in Georgetown, on Monday.

Kennedy will make his next appearance on August 9, in another Court to which his case has been transferred.

Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney, prosecuting, said the victim was a pedestrian when he was attacked about 9.15 a.m.

The blade was put to his neck and Breedy was relieved of the money in his pants pockets but the robber was subsequently pointed out, the Prosecutor stated.

Shoplifter gets two months imprisonment
CONFESSED shoplifter Roy Vieira, 36, of Lot 125 Waterloo Street, Georgetown, was sentenced to two months imprisonment yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to simple larceny before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

Police Inspector Wilfred Sweeney said the offence was committed on Tuesday when the prisoner stole eight Mathematics sets valued $8,080 from the Church Street Guyana Stores Limited, also in the city.

The Prosecutor said the thief picked up the items about 10:30 h and walked out of the place without paying but was apprehended by a secutity guard.

Community service for man with marijuana cigarette
ACTING Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday ordered Royston Douglas, 41, of Lot 36 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, to do one week community service at Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Georgetown.

It was the penalty for Douglas being in possession of one gramme of cannabis (marijuana).

Cops on patrol apprehended Douglas when they discovered that the cigarette he lit on Light Street, Bourda, also in the city, contained the narcotic.

Historic opening of Essequibo Sessions
FOR the first time in six years, the Essequibo Criminal Sessions was opened on Tuesday, July 19, 2005. with a ceremonial parade, inspection of a Guard of Honour, and the taking of the salute by Justice Jainarayan Singh, during a march past.

Following the ceremonial opening, the judge was welcomed to the new Court by several members of the Essequibo Bar, including M. Alfred Bacchus, Mr. Lashley Bobb and Mr. A. Dindial.

The judge on Monday dealt with civil matters. It was the first time that civil matters were heard in Essequibo.

Criminal trials began on Tuesday. Seventeen cases have been listed for hearing at the Court, including five murders, rape and other offences.

Linden outreach bears fruit
Dear Editor,
I think that last weekend’s Ministerial outreach to Region Ten is indicative of Government’s commitment to addressing the needs of all Guyanese irrespective of their political or ethnic persuasion.

I wish to add also that this recent outreach was no talk-shop since real issues were addressed and practical solutions were implemented. The housing issue which was outstanding since the early 90s in West Watooka was finally resolved and persons will now be able to have occupancy of the land they paid for.
Satisfied Resident

Drainage system has improved
Dear Editor,
It was reported that major drainage works at the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) are completed. I am happy that we are having the assurance that the drainage system has been improved to some extent.

I also take this opportunity to commend the Task Force that is headed by Mr. Ravi Naraine and Liaison between the donor agencies and the Task Force, Mr. Robert Goodyear. I also commend Mr. John Lewis who is heading the monitoring unit of the water level at the conservancy. Those persons are working assiduously to be on top of the job.

We must remember that this is just the short-term emergency works. The medium and long-term works are scheduled to start soon.
Yours Truly,
Alex Hilton.

Historic
Dear Editor,
In spite of all the current arguments surrounding the recently passes VAT and Excise Tax Bill I think this is an historic moment for Guyana.

Guyana’s quasi Development Master Plan, the National Development Strategy (NDS) made these recommendations since 2001. The government and Private Sector must be congratulated for making steps in the right direction to see that this Bill is passed today.

I agree with the further recommendations of the Private Sector Commission to have zero-rated items and to establish the actual rates.

Value Added Tax is something the Private Sector has been lobbing vehemently for over the years. 

Supplementary provisions to be made to this bill must address the other concerns that surround these issues.

This is a step in the right direction. We must not lose faith in the process.    
Andrew Wilson

Organic farming is the way forward
Dear Editor,
I take this opportunity to express satisfaction with the recent development in Region One with organically grown food. I am happy that we are exploring the various areas of agriculture. I must also say that if we become masters of organic agriculture, then we are going to have a major niche in the world market.

We must understand that organic crops are in great demand. Many overseas markets are in dire need of organically grown agriculture products.

We in Guyana have the technology, crops and soil to grow organic agricultural commodities on a wide scale, which can support any markets.

So, let us pursue this mode of agriculture with zeal and enthusiasm.  
Yours truly,
Alex Hilton.

Region 10 entrepreneurs should take advantage of LEAP
Dear Editor,
Since the establishment of the Linden Economic

Advancement Programme (LEAP), a new window of opportunity has been opened for entrepreneurs in the Region.

The LEAP Business Incubator facilitates the growth and development of small businesses. This provides a golden opportunity for the many individuals who have the desire to operate their own business, but lack the capital and technical skills.

The growth of private enterprise will encourage the development of the Region.

Entrepreneurs need to take up the challenge.  
Kevin Hoban

Waddell should make good use of air time
Dear Editor,
You would have noticed that over the past weeks I have been expressing my dismay at some of the statements Ronald Waddell has been making on hi s programme “Taking Care of Business” aired on Channel 9.

Recently on his programme he had two guests who are said to be the relatives of two persons who were allegedly killed by members of the Police Force and Waddell made some ridiculous statements asking whether the police are encouraging the young men in society to turn to crime,taking revenge for all the killings.

What is really the problem with this man? I really don’t have a problem with him, what I have a problem with, are the things he says to incite young Guyanese . He and his colleagues at Channel 9 are matured PNCR supporters which we all know.But if he wants to see the PNCR in Government after the next elections, he should encourage them to do  something useful and beneficial to the Guyanese people and not encourage them to turn to crime.
Leila Ram       

Administration strong on Private Sector support
Dear Editor,
It is interesting that the PNC/R is attacking the government on its relation with the Private Sector.

The PPP/C has been very strong on private sector support. This may very well be the highpoint of the PPP/C regime.

This is why the PNC/R has not attacked the government on this account over the years. Why the PNC could not have attacked the Government too is because the PNC’s record of private sector support was abysmal to say the least.

The fact is that the PNC/R criticism of the Government stems from two issues that do not show non-support for the private sector but a strive to improve standards of business.

The Robert Badal rice mill issue is an issue that the Environmental Protection Agency has taken up and the Ramsaroop issue is one that has important implications for Guyana’s effort to promote non-traditional agriculture exports.

I think private sector and Government relations in Guyana have improved greatly over the years and it is in good standing.
Marlyn Hinds

Young wheelers get energy boost
CYCLISTS participating in the annual Teach Them Young programme at the National Park were given a boost with a new energy drink, yesterday.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) shared samples of its newest product on the market, Gatorade, packaged by the local bottling company.

Marketing officer, Alicia Katadin, said that the drink had ingredients to both quench thirst and rehydrate the body.

Katadin related that the drink originated way back in 1967 with University of Florida football team, the Gators, whose performance was suffering due to heat and humidity of the area.

A research team headed by Dr Robert Cade was tasked to find something that replenished the body and provided energy. Their goal was to develop a drink to rapidly replace fluids and help prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as muscle cramping and heat exhaustion experienced by athletes.

The beverage they created was tested on the members of the football team and became known as Gatorade, coined from the team’s name and that of the doctor’s.

Katadin and Marketing representative for El Dorado wines and spirits, handed out 200 ml tetrapak to the cyclists and targeted young children.

National coach Hassan Mohamed pointed out that the company sponsored cycling events under the Diamond Mineral Water banner, and might soon be sponsoring under the Gatorade banner.

Mohamed has been running the August holiday cycling programme for over two decades, producing many of the prominent names in the sport over the years.

National Under-19 practice match evenly poised
THE National U-19 three-day practice match at the Lusignan Community Development Centre ground ended somewhat evenly poised after the first day’s play.

Winning the toss and taking first strike on a rain-affected day, the Leon Johnson led XI closed at 137 for five in 55.5 overs, despite the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pacer Jason Benn picking up three wickets for the Zaheer Mohamed XI.

A number of batsmen had starts by none was able to carry on, after the innings opened at 11:02 h due to a moist pitch. Richard Ramdeen and Krishna Deosaran defied the bowlers to an extent with a partnership of 49 runs.

In just two balls, however, Benn struck twice getting the wickets of Ramdeen for 17 and Jason Sripal first ball.

The talented skipper Johnson then came to the crease and denied Benn his hat-trick, carrying the score to 76 before Deosaran lost his wicket to fellow Under-19 player medium pacer Christopher Barnwell (one of four Under-19 players on the Rest team).

Deosaran, who was not reluctant to play strokes, hit five fours and a six to finish with 35. Gajanand Singh, who, along with Johnson, Deosaran and pacer Jeremy Gordon is a player with experience at this level, was the next batsman at the crease. He was, however, outdone by leg-spinner Raakesh Goberdhan and lost his wicket for a mere seven runs when the score was on 96.

David Wallace and Johnson added 38 for the fifth wicket, before Benn struck again, trapping Wallace leg-before-wicket (lbw) for 23.

At 15:50 h play was stopped and was later called off for the day due to a shower. Johnson, who was unbeaten on 30, is expected to continue action today from 09:30 h with Danney Narayan who is not out on two.

DCB holds AGM tomorrow
THE Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) will be holding its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) tomorrow at 17:00 h at the GNIC sports club, Woolford Avenue.

According to the Public Relations Officer, Robert Adonis, all Area Boards and affiliated clubs are invited.

Areas to be looked into will range from competition committee financial reports to reports from all-area boards.

Six matches set for Berbice limited overs cricket
SIX matches are fixed for this weekend in the Berbice Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) and the Upper Corentyne Business Community (UCBC) first-division 50 overs cricket competition, three on each day from 09:30 h.

On Saturday, Kildonan will host Rose Hall Courts under umpires Rajah Sukhra and Courtney Daniels.

Skeldon Community Centre, also playing at home, will meet West Berbice with umpires Ashok Brijcoomar and Mohamed Gafur, while Young Warriors will challenge Bermine at the Cumberland ground with the officials clad in white for that game being Samuel Whyte and Dhierandranauth Somwaru.

On Sunday, Kildonan will be in action once again at home, when they tackle Port Mourant. Umpires for that match will be Ashok Brijcoomar and Marcel Davis.

Also set to play back-to-back matches will be Bermine who will clash with Police at the Cumberland ground, under the watchful eyes of Samuel Whyte and Mahendra Singh.

The other match will be a clash between Rose Hall Community Centre and the Albion Community Centre at the Rose Hall Canje ground. Officials in the middle will be Joseph Simon and Jai Hardeo.

N&M Berbice final set for Sunday at Albion
BERBICE Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) is making another attempt to run off the Berbice final of the Neal & Massy (N&M) First-Division 40 overs cricket competition.

The match between national 50 overs champions Rose Hall Town Courts and Young Warriors of Cumberland, Canje, was fixed for last weekend at the Port Mourant ground but was postponed because of heavy rainfall in that area.

It has now been rescheduled for this Sunday from 11:00 h at the Albion ground, which, according to reports, is in a better condition that the Port Mourant ground.

Under-19 captain predicts victory for Guyana
… Manager is satisfied with preparation
By Faizool Deo
“I FEEL confident that we could win both versions of the competition this year,” declares National Under-19 captain Leon Johnson, commenting on Guyana’s chances of winning this year’s regional Under-19 cricket competition.

Both the three-day version and limited overs competitions will be played in St Vincent & the Grenadines next month.

The 17-year-old Johnson, who is one of four returning cricketers in this year’s team, expressed confidence in the final 14 players selected, making the side a good all-round one lacking very little in talent.

“We have a very good all-round team, a very balanced team, there are new faces, but we also have four players with experience at this level.”

Johnson, who plays club cricket for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), says he is elated to be selected as national captain.

“I am very happy, very privileged to be selected as the captain for this competition.”

The left-handed batsman, who bowls right-arm leg-spin, feels that he will be able to manage his all-round game and the captaincy.

Manager Alvin Johnson told Chronicle Sport that even though he would not like to predict the outcome of the competition, he felt that Guyana could break their semi-final jinx they suffered for the last two years.

“We are as good as we were last year and we are going out there to break the 2003 and 2004 semi-final jinx. We can break the jinx this year.”

Johnson’s confidence stems from the kind of surface to be used for the competition.

“The conditions in St Vincent are pretty similar to Guyana, so we don’t have to worry too much about the bouncy pitch which we faced in Jamaica last year.”

Johnson, a vice-president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), said his players were not underestimating the fast bowling attack of the other West Indian territories but they have been practising with a bowling machine.

“The first session that we had with the bowling machine last Saturday was a bit uncomfortable for the batsmen, but Sunday we had a good workout with the machine and I think that they (the batsmen) are getting a hang of it.”

The manager disclosed that the batsmen faced deliveries from 70 to 85 miles per hour over the weekend.

“I am satisfied with the batting and bowling of the team, and the general fitness of the cricketers is where we want it to be. On Monday the team did their medical and everyone is ok.”

‘Fittest’ competition starts tomorrow evening
NEWSPAPER, electricity and guards teams will battle in a four-discipline indoor sport competition billed as the ‘Fittest will survive’ from tomorrow evening at the GNNL Sports Club, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park.

Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), Demerara Power Company (DPC) and Professional Guard Service (PGS) will clash in a three-way aggregate dominoes, whist, pools and table tennis on three successive Fridays.

GNNL will be hosting the first leg of the much anticipated three-way aggregate dominoes, whist and pool competitions respectively.

The second round of the dominoes, whist and table tennis will be held at the Malteenoes Sports Club pavilion, Thomas Lands, next week Friday, while the grand finale of the dominoes will be held at the PGS headquarters in Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook Gardens the following Friday evening.

Coordinator Neil Barry promises that there will be a continuous battle involving the three participating teams.

Trophies and other incentives will be at stake - the dominoes being sponsored by Ramesh Sunich of The Trophy Stall in Bourda Market.

Starting-time for whist will be 18:00 h while the dominoes and pools will start at 17:00 h with the usual half-hour grace period.

NIS pip GNNL for aggregate win
NATIONAL Insurance Scheme (NIS) emerged champions of the three-way aggregate competition at their sports club on Carifesta Avenue, last Friday.

The competition featured Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) and hosts NIS who took advantage of a rivalry between GNNL and GGMC as the two took their eyes off the prize.

GNNL chalked up 80 games for the final round as GGMC took second honours with 75 games. NIS were left in the cellar with 58 games but that was enough to earn them an overall 223 games, pipping GNNL by one game (222), while GGMC lagged behind with 206 games.

For the overall winners, John Wilburg and Lindon Johnson made 14 games apiece while Carl Beresford made the maximum 18 games for GNNL, ably supported by Sean Mayers 15 games. GGMC’s top markers were Lewis Isaacs who chalked up the maximum 18 games followed by James Whyte with 14 games.

The lone lovebird was Wayne ‘Master’ Austin who clearly did not follow his captain’s instructions and was loved by NIS’s captain Wilburg who received a token for his feat and a special prize for winning in the ‘Captain’s Knock’.

NIS received the Champions trophy and six mug sets, the second-placed team got one trophy and six glass sets, while the third-placed team received six glass sets.

Other incentives were given to NIS’ Benjamin Bristol and GNNL’s Mayers for marking 42 games overall, and Isaacs for being the top marker on the third team.

Beresford was adjudged the Player-of-the-Finals for his magnificent knock of 18 games following his previous 16 games.

WIWCF still undecided about regional championship
CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC - The West Indies Women's Cricket Federation (WIWCF) is expected to make a decision soon on the status of the 2005 regional championships in Jamaica.

Originally scheduled to start last Saturday at various venues in Jamaica, the competition was put on hold when Hurricane Emily posed a big threat to the island late last week.

There was significant flooding even though Emily passed south of Jamaica and local cricket officials have since been assessing the conditions in the country in order to make a decision on the suspended tournament.

"We are still awaiting a response from Jamaica," WIWCF President Carol Whilby-Maxwell told CMC sport yesterday afternoon.

"When we hear from them (Jamaica's officials) and they have told us what is the status of venues there, then we will make a decision as to how we proceed," St Lucia-based Whilby-Maxwell added.

Eight teams have entered the two-week tournament, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, the reigning league champions, and knockout title-holders Trinidad & Tobago.

The other competing countries are Guyana, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, and a guest team from Canada joining the hosts Jamaica.

Last year, SVG tallied 16 points to win the league title ahead of Trinidad & Tobago, who had two rained-out fixtures, including the opening match against SVG.

And Trinidad & Tobago beat St Lucia by seven wickets to capture the knockout crown.

Second Test…
Lawson armed and ready to go despite report
By Fazeer Mohammed
KANDY, Sri Lanka, CMC - Despite an official report questioning the legality of his bowling action, Jermaine Lawson is set to let fly again for the West Indies in the second and final Test of the series against Sri Lanka beginning tomorrow, at the picturesque Asigirya Stadium.

The 24-year-old fast bowler picked up eight wickets - four in each innings - in the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, where the hosts won by six wickets just after tea on the fourth day.

It was one of a few encouraging aspects of the Caribbean side's performance -particularly in the absence of most of their senior players, since they were expected to be mauled by a full-strength Sri Lanka side.

Lawson remains available for selection according to the International Cricket Council's revised, and very complicated, process of dealing with questionable bowling actions.

It follows the decision by Pakistan to persist with Shabbir Ahmed for the second and final Test against the West Indies at Kingston last month, even though he was officially reported after the first Test a week earlier at Bridgetown.

Shabbir picked up eight wickets in Barbados, lifting his series tally to 13, and played a critical role in his team's comfortable victory.

Subsequent video analysis of his action in that match revealed a 27-degree bending and straightening of his bowling, considerably in excess of the 15-degree allowance now approved by the ICC.

Shabbir, who was reported twice before, is now suspended from international cricket until modification of his action.

It is unlikely that Lawson will be unduly perturbed by the prospect of a similar penalty in the coming weeks.

When he was first reported after taking seven wickets in the first innings of the fourth and final Test against Australia at St John's two years ago, injury prevented him from bowling in the second innings, while the process of remodelling his action, and further injury setbacks kept him off the international scene until the 2004 tour of England.

This time around, courtesy of a bewildering convoluted procedure, he has a window of opportunity to again seek to undermine Sri Lanka's vaunted batting line-up and in the upcoming tri-nation limited-over series with the hosts and India.

Lawson however, was not the only one to emerge with credit from the first Test. Having dismissed the opposition for 227 in the first innings, and given them a fright at 49 for three in pursuit of a modest victory target of 172, there is much for the West Indies to build on the in the second Test.

There was their almost flawless effort in the field, where a handful of superb catches and the brilliance of debutant wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin gave an unexpected polish to what was generally expected to be a ragtag bunch of misfits.

Those positive aspects however, could not compensate for the perennial bugbear of a second innings batting capitulation and the obvious technical deficiencies of a number of top-order batsmen.

Despite the resilience of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, it was too much to expect the West Indies captain to hold an innings together almost single-handedly against the threat of Sri Lanka's two most experienced bowlers.

Left-arm fast-medium bowler Chaminda Vaas and champion off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan took seven wickets each in the match.

Muralitharan returned to his most devastating form, taking six wickets for 36 runs in the second innings while Vaas also contributed an invaluable top score of 49 in his team's first innings to deservedly earn the man-of-the-match award.

Sri Lanka will again be heavily reliant on the pair, and with Muralitharan returning to his hometown nestled in the country's central hill district, he will be especially keen to put on a show for his adoring fans in Kandy.

While he was not the only one to struggle, Dwayne Smith, whose two innings in Colombo lasted a total of nine deliveries, seemed incapable of coping with the moving ball and is expected to give way to the uncapped Ryan Ramdass in the only change from the first Test.

Ramdass has fully recovered from a shoulder injury and should open the batting with Xavier Marshall, allowing everyone else to push further down the order.

Given his vast experience in contrast to everyone else in the team, and particularly after scores of 69 and 48 not out at the SSC, it is imperative that Chanderpaul takes on the responsibility of leader and senior player by pushing up from five to four.

He may have been upset by the constant shuffling up and down the order throughout his international career, but in these exceptional circumstances, the captain must recognise that he is the man to shoulder the burden and lead by example just behind the openers.

Sri Lanka, who appeared to be caught napping by the determined West Indies effort over the first two days of the opening Test, are unlikely to make any changes to their final 11.

Skipper Marvan Atapattu and coach Tom Moody would want to reinforce the message that as much as the opposition remains heavy underdogs, any lack of application or commitment could see them being embarrassed again.

The sheer unpredictability of the impending contest is likely to be matched by the weather. In this monsoon season, showers are almost inevitable during the course of the match.

Yet it remains to be seen how intense the precipitation will be and how hard the enthusiastic ground staff will be required to work to give the home fans the chance to see their heroes in action, as Sri Lanka seek a second consecutive home Test series sweep of West Indies.

Teams:

SRI LANKA (from): Marvan Atapattu (captain), Mahela Jayawardene (vice-captain), Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Sanath Jayasuriya, Laisth Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas, Gayan Wijekoon, Nuwan Zoysa.

WEST INDIES (from): Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Sylvester Joseph (vice-captain), Omari Banks, Tino Best, Deighton Butler, Narsingh Deonarine, Kerry Jeremy, Jermaine Lawson, Xavier Marshall, Runako Morton, Darren Powell, Ryan Ramdass, Denesh Ramdin, Dwayne Smith.

Singh to serve third consecutive return as EBDCA president
GOPAUL Singh was returned unopposed to office for the third consecutive term as president of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA), during annual general meeting (AGM) at the Mackenzie Sports Club Pavilion on Sunday.

Also returning unopposed are: vice-president Avery Trim, secretary Wycliff McAllister, assisting secretary Osric Loncke, treasurer Anand Kalladeen, marketing manager Dave Singh, competitions committee chairman Gregory DaSilva and committee members --Roy Persaud, Ronald Jaisingh, Kenneth Debydial, Lancelot Easton and Joseph Walker.

Elected for the first time (also unopposed) are: the other vice-president Kuldit Persaud, assistant treasurer Mark Rodrigues and public relations officer (PRO) Wanda Richmond.

In his acceptance speech, the president wished all executives past and present well and emphasised that all must stand firm towards the development of cricket within their control and promote the game beyond their boundaries.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, Singh related that a number of projects were on stream including the rehabilitation of a number of grounds.

As soon as the rain holds, work will begin on the Kuru Kururu, Bayrock and Christianburg grounds, while at regular intervals the Mackenzie Sports Club ground will be maintained.

Singh disclosed that one of the executive members of the board was currently having dialog with officials from BARAMA to rehabilitate their ground, while another member has been granted the permission from the chairman of the Herstelling/Little Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), to rehabilitate that ground.

Singh, also, stated that currently the association was negotiating with a businessman to have a stand erected on the south-western corner of the Providence ground which will hold approximately 200 or more spectators, but permission must be granted by the NDC.

Another big project on stream is the Providence Centre being rebuilt by SIMAP in collaboration with the Eccles Ramsburg NDC and Providence Sports Club.

Singh noted that the association was willing to support the work in anyway possible since the completed centre would be beneficial to the sport in the area.

Flu-ridden Sri Lanka look to wrap-up series
KANDY, Sri Lanka, (Reuters) - Sri Lanka's preparations for the second Test against West Indies are being hampered by a flu virus that forced four players to miss team practice, yesterday.

Top bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who shared 14 wickets in Sri Lanka six-wicket first Test victory as well as vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera all sat out the training session.

Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu expects all to be fit to play in the final game of the two-match series which starts, tomorrow, at Asgiriya International Stadium.

"We don't think it is too serious but many of us have been struggling with this flu and Murali has been the latest victim," Atapattu told Reuters after the practice session.

"But we are not too worried and tomorrow we want to have more of a serious session when we hope the weather is also good enough to all who have a proper bat in the nets," he added.

Sri Lanka won the opening game of the two-match series against a weakened West Indies side missing 10 leading players due to a sponsorship dispute, but the hosts have concerns about their batting after being bowled out for 226 in their first innings.

"We did many things right in the first game but there are certain areas in which we need to improve, especially the batting area."

With the prevailing unsettled wet weather in Sri Lanka's hill-country capital the Sri Lankan's selection issues will focus on the support bowling for Vaas and Muralitharan.

Left-arm seamer Nuwan Zoysa, now fully fit after a knee operation, and leg-spinner Upul Chandana are pushing for the places of all-rounder Gayan Wjiekoon and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

West Indies hope the Kandy pitch will offer assistance to their fast bowling attack, a department of the team that took positives from the opening game.

"The wicket looks hard and has some grass on it so it should have good carry and give the pacers some assistance," skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul told reporters after a rain-interrupted morning training session.

"In the last game we got ourselves into very good positions but then we let up and did not carry on when we were in front," Chanderpaul added.

West Indies have been rocked by the news that Jermaine Lawson, their top performer in the first Test with four wickets in each innings, has been reported for having a suspect action for the second time in his career.

The 23-year-old Jamaican, apparently cited by the umpires when bowling short deliveries, will be available for selection until the completion of an ICC-commissioned biomechanical assessment of his bowling action.

"The West Indies Cricket Board have decided that Jermaine will remain with the team and he will be playing," media spokesman Imran Khan told reporters.

Uncapped opening batsman Ryan Ramdass is now available for selection after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Squads:
Sri Lanka - Marvan Atapattu (capt.), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Russel Arnold, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Zoysa, Lasith Malinga, Gayan Wijekoon.

West Indies - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (capt), Denesh Ramdin, Darren Powell, Omari Banks, Kerry Jeremy, Deighton Butler, Sylvester Joseph, Narsingh Deonarine, Dwayne Smith, Tino Best, Jermaine Lawson, Xavier Marshall, Runako Morton, Ryan Ramdass.

Vaughan says first day of Ashes crucial
By Tony Lawrence
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Michael Vaughan's England will have to challenge Australia from the first ball of the five-match Ashes series, today, if they are to have a chance of unsettling the world champions.

"The start is pretty crucial. This is an ultimate test for a young England team and will show how far it can go," Vaughan told a news conference at Lord's, yesterday.

Vaughan is determined his side should reverse England's ingrained habit of beginning badly and winning 'dead rubber' matches when facing the Australians.

"We certainly hope we can re-write history. The series won't be won and lost on the first day but if you start well you generally take that through.

"Body language is crucial. We have to do everything in a positive manner."

Since Australia began their record-breaking run of eight Ashes series wins in 1989, England have not managed to take any of those contests to the wire.

In the last series in 2002-3, the Ashes were wrapped up inside 11 days of cricket.

England's one victory in a 4-1 series defeat came in the final match, by which time both the pressure and the prize had gone.

Unlike his predecessor Nasser Hussain, Vaughan would take to the field at Lord's with a string of potential match-winners in all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, quick bowler Steve Harmison and, if Shane Warne's recommendations can be believed, uncapped batsman Kevin Pietersen.

HUSSAIN CRITICISED
Hussain did not help his cause three years ago by opting to bowl in the first Test in Brisbane. The decision -- "it was probably wrong", said Vaughan, yesterday - smacked of defensiveness and lack of belief.

Australia reached 364 for two on the first day and the series was as good as lost.

Should English shoulders drop early, the home side, ranked second in the world behind the Australians, could be condemned to chasing consolation victories in another series defeat.

Since 1989, they have won seven Tests to Australia's 28 but only one of those seven came with England still having a chance of taking the series, when they won the opening game in 1997.

Vaughan was asked for his prediction after Australia quick bowler Glenn McGrath forecast a 5-0 win for the world champions. Like Hussain, Vaughan refused to commit himself.

"I think it's just important that you don't get too far ahead of yourself. First and foremost you have to concentrate on the first game.

FIRM BELIEF
"If they believe it is going to be 5-0, then fair enough. But we firmly believe it won't be 5-0.

"We will just break the Ashes into small parts. If you start thinking of the third Test or the fifth Test, you are way ahead of yourself.

"You have to focus on the first session of the first day of the first Test. If you do that well, the end result looks after itself."

England have announced their line-up, with pace bowler Matthew Hoggard replacing Darren Gough in an otherwise unchanged England line-up following the one-dayers.

For Australia, leg-spinner Shane Warne is back while strike bowler Brett Lee looks certain to start after his fine early-tour form.

The one decision will be over the third quick bowler, with Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz fighting over the spot.

Australia almost consider Lord's as a home venue, having lost just one Test there in the last century.

England last won there 71 years ago but Vaughan said: "We weren't even born then. What has that got to do with my team?"

Teams:
England - Michael Vaughan (capt), Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Strauss, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Simon Jones, Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard.

Australia (probable) - Ricky Ponting (capt), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie or Michael Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath.

Fit Powell ready to face Gatlin in London
By Alison Wildey
LONDON, England (Reuters) - World record holder Asafa Powell can even the score when he lines up against Olympic champion Justin Gatlin in the 100 metres at the London Grand Prix tomorrow.

Gatlin was given the verdict over Powell in their only other meeting this year in Eugene, Oregon, although both were timed at a wind assisted 9.84 seconds.

"That wasn't really a race for me," the 22-year-old Powell told reporters yesterday. "I was only 95 percent fit and I didn't run to my full potential."

The Jamaican ran a world record 9.77 10 days later in Athens' Olympic stadium, the scene of Gatlin's surprise triumph last year.

The pair were due to meet in Rome earlier this month but Powell withdrew with a groin injury. Gatlin won the race in 9.96 seconds.

"Yesterday I trained and felt very good. It felt like the old Asafa Powell," he said.

Talking about his main rival for the 100 title at next month's world championships in Helsinki, Gatlin said: "The best acknowledge each other I think, and right now we see each other as the best out there.

"I feel confident when I race against him. I feel confident when I race against other people. I just know that I need my A game because I know spectators are watching, critics are watching, especially when we go head-to-head," the 23-year-old American added. World champion Kim Collins and former world and Olympic champion Maurice Greene are also in the field. Home hopes rest on Olympic 100 metres relay gold medallist Jason Gardener.

Women's pole vault world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia has said she will attempt to break the five metres barrier if conditions are right tomorrow.

The 23-year-old Olympic champion has already set two world bests this month, sailing over 4.95 metres in Madrid last Saturday to beat her previous record of 4.93 set on July 5.

AMERICAN SWEEP
The fastest two 400 metres runners this year, Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner and his compatriot Darold Williamson, go head to head over the distance.

Wariner, 21, saw off his training partner Williamson to win the U.S. championship in 44.20, the fastest time this year.

An American sweep is likely with world silver medallist Tyree Washington, who won the Rome Golden League, and Andrew Rock, third in the U.S. championships, also running.

Ethiopia's world 10 000 and 5 000 metres record holder Kenenisa Bekele competes over the shorter distance at Crystal Palace.

He came close to breaking the 5 000 metres world mark at the Paris Golden League meeting earlier this month when he ran the fourth fastest time ever of 12 minutes 40.18 seconds.

A long unbeaten run must come to an end when the top two in last year's Olympic final, Veronica Campbell and Allyson Felix, face each other over 200 metres.

Campbell has not lost since March 2000 while Felix is unbeaten since finishing second in Athens to the Jamaican.

U.S. champion Sanya Richards, who pulled off a surprise win over Olympic gold medallist and 2004 Golden League jackpot winner Tonique Williams-Darling in the Lausanne Super Grand Prix, tops the bill in the 400 metres where she faces world champion Ana Guevara.

Britain's Olympic 1500 and 800 metres champion Kelly Holmes will make her final appearance at Crystal Palace in the 1 000.

The 35-year-old, who has been struggling with an Achilles problem this season, may continue running until March's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne but will retire after that.

Savoldelli adds to Discovery Channel triumphs
By Francois Thomazeau
REVEL, France, (Reuters) - Giro d'Italia champion Paolo Savoldelli completed a near-perfect Tour de France for Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel team when he won the longest stage in Revel, yesterday.

The 32-year-old Italian outsprinted breakaway companion Kurt-Asle Arvesen of Norway at the end of the 239.5-km stage from Pau to give the six-time champion's team their third stage win of the Tour.

Australian Simon Gerrans took third place and France's Sebastien Hinault was fourth.

Race leader Armstrong, on course for a record seventh Tour victory before he retires, finished in a bunch of riders some 22 minutes later, his overall lead in tact.

Discovery Channel won the team time trial in the fourth stage while George Hincapie won the hardest mountain stage in Pla d'Adet on Sunday and the American outfit also leads the team classification.

"For the last year, everything has been going well for me since I joined Discovery Channel. When we're not leading the Tour for Lance, we always manage to have one guy going for the stage victory," Savoldelli said.

"The more I see Lance, the more I tell myself there is only one like him. He's on another planet."

Armstrong, who leads Italian Ivan Basso by 2:46 overall, has yet to win a stage, a situation he is expected to correct on Saturday in the penultimate stage, a 55.5-km individual time trial.

The wind blowing strongly on the flat, straight roads of south-western France split the bunch and a group of 17 riders moved into the lead, never to be seen again by the main pack, who were happy to relax after the mountains.

The 17 took a maximum lead of 23 minutes over the bunch when eight of the escapees broke clear, 43 km from the finish.

The eight were Savoldelli, Arvesen, Gerrans, Hinault, Spaniard Oscar Sevilla, Dutchman Bram Tankink, Urkaine's Andryi Grivko and Italian Daniele Righi.

Sevilla's presence in the leading group was a relief for Jan Ullrich's T-Mobile team, who lost last year's runner-up Andreas Kloeden with a hand fracture and learnt that Kazakh Alexander Vinokourov had decided to leave next season.

In the final climb, seven kilometres from the finish, Hinault - who is not related to five-time champion Bernard Hinault - attacked and was quickly joined by Savoldelli. They were caught by Gerrans and Arvesen two kilometres from the finish and the stage was set for a final sprint between the four.

Savoldelli was obviously the strongest of the lot and he chased behind Arvesen when the Norwegian surged, to pass him on the line.

Today's 189-km 18th stage between Albi and Mende is a hilly one with a steep finishing climb.