Youth Business Trust scores high
-- despite political unrest, other difficulties
By Mark Ramotar
DESPITE the difficult business environment, the political unrest and the aftermath of the 2001 general elections, the Guyana Youth Business Trust (GYBT) had a very good year and produced excellent results.

This was reported yesterday at the GYBT second annual general meeting by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Yesu Persaud.

"The Trust is running on a shoe string producing excellent results," he told the gathering at the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) head office on South Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

"I am very happy to report that despite the difficult business environment, the political unrest and political aftermath of the 2001 general elections, the Guyana Youth Business Trust had a very good year," Persaud declared.

He said some 46 loans, totalling $4.4M, were given out by the GYBT over the last year compared with 21 loans valued at $3.7M in 2000, an increase of 119 per cent.

The average value of loans was $96,282 per loan while the number of jobs created/sustained was 62, he said.

Persaud said the cost per loan job was $71,435 which he believes is "a very low cost in producing a job".

In terms of results for the year, he said investment income was $1.49M, interest on loans was $801,000 and other income $72,000 with the total income being $2.36M.

The Chairman said this surplus is "very encouraging" and is "an indication that the Trust will be moving from strength to strength".

"The intention of GYBT is to help young people with entrepreneurial spirit and ideas to become businessmen and businesswomen, many of whom are likely to succeed to become the 'giants' of the future.

"However, business involves risks and there will also be failures," Persaud said.

He recalled that the GYBT was launched on February 24, 2000 by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, in Guyana in the presence of President Bharrat Jagdeo, ministers of the Government and members of the private and public sectors, Director of the Prince of Wales Trust, Baroness Valerie Amos and Lord Wahid Alli.

The objectives of the Trust are to provide funding to young men and women between the ages of 18-30 years who are unemployed or under-employed and who want to become their own bosses and are willing to take risks.

However, the proposal must be viable and feasible and is then vetted by the Trustees, Persaud pointed out.

He said the Trust's Office space is provided by IPED at no cost and staff at a minimal cost.

Noting that Guyanese are very innovative, he said there are many young entrepreneurs who are full of ideas but the major current constraint is the political instability and security of the nation.

This must be corrected to build a better future for the people of Guyana, he stressed.

The GYBT Credit Programme is a private sector initiative made possible through contributions by a number of companies, IPED and individuals committed to the assistance of young people to develop their skills, attitudes and to access resources.

"From the inception, we strongly believe that the surest means for our young entrepreneurs to gain financial freedom was by taking advantage of opportunities, whether by employment or establishing their own business," Persaud said.

"Today, while employment may still be an excellent opportunity, we at GYBT feel that the most exciting and potentially profitable method to gain financial freedom is through owning and managing your own business," the GYBT annual report stated.

The Trust also advocates that 'mentors' and their young entrepreneurs should operate on a level playing field.

"It is recognised that Business Mentoring is probably the single most important contributor to the success of GYBT (and) although the mentor is expected to be open-minded and allow the young person to determine the content and the outcome of the mentoring process, the relationship will still benefit from some form of structure," the report said.

It noted too that the changing pattern of employment means that more than 30 per cent of young people can expect to be self employed sometime during their lives and managing their own businesses gives many young people a purpose and builds their self esteem, among other things.

Four young entrepreneurs received trophies yesterday for their excellent entrepreneurial skills.

They are Jermin Blair who runs a Barber Shop at No. 8 Village, West Coast Berbice; Kwame Adridge, a photographer living at `D' Field, Sophia, Georgetown; Shalinie Deen, who is involved in selling stationery and printing business cards, letter heads, brochures and calendars for large companies; and Lorrain Abrams (absent from yesterday's meeting) who operates a shop at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Among those present at the meeting were Prime Minister Sam Hinds; British High Commissioner, Mr. Stephen Hiscock; Trust Secretary, Dr. Leslie Chin; and Trustee, Ms. Denise Somerset.

Opposition involved in `secret' meeting in Trinidad
RELIABLE sources in Trinidad and Tobago have said that persons opposed to the Government of Guyana, representatives of local interest groups and others met several days ago at the Hilton Hotel in the twin-island republic.

Among those who participated in what the sources described as a "very secretive meeting", were former Advisor to ex-President Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Mr. David Granger, Dr. Clive Thomas of the Working People's Alliance and Editor-in-Chief of the Stabroek News, Mr. David de Caires.

It was not clear what the agenda of the meeting was and why it was held at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel.

The sources said the meeting might have addressed the political situation in Guyana, the proposals being put forward by the Guyana Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission and the Trades Union Congress for the joint consultation of political parties and even exploring ways for some individuals to enter Government though the back door.

Meanwhile, a political observer has expressed concern about the key role being played by former PNC Deputy Prime Minister and Advisor to Congress Place, Mr. Haslyn Parris, in crafting positions and discussion papers for the effort by the `social partners' to restore the dialogue between the Government and the Opposition.

"If this is true, the entire effort could be further compromised by Mr. Parris given his position in the PNC/R," he said.

Delta engineers here to assess aircraft engine damage
TWO engineers from Delta Airlines in the United States are here to assess and rectify the damage on an engine of a Delta Airlines aircraft which developed problems early Sunday morning, forcing the pilot to land at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

Delta Airlines Flight 104 had departed Sao Paulo, Brazil for Atlanta, Georgia in the United States when the pilot recognised that the right side engine had developed problems, airport officials said.

The aircraft, with 12 crew members and 138 passengers on board, landed safely at the airport.

The Boeing 767 is likely to be at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri for several days as the engineers conduct their assessment of the damage and do repairs, the airport officials said.

The engineers from Delta Airlines arrived here around 20:00 hrs Sunday on a British West Indian Airways flight.

They were yesterday working along with the local Civil Aviation Department on the aircraft, the officials said.

Gunmen shoot husband, rob couple visiting Cummings Lodge
BANDITS on bicycles shot the husband and robbed him and his wife at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, last Friday afternoon.

Ronald and Maylene Henry, of Samantha Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara, were visiting when he suffered wounds to one leg and a thigh at her brother, Terrence Ramit's business place.

Maylene Henry said they had gone to the Ramits to borrow two big pots for a belated celebration of Ronald Henry's 35th birthday on Saturday.

She said the Ramits were not at home when they arrived but came, after some time, with their eight and six-year old sons.

The Ramits were reopening their shop when three cyclists, who had passed earlier, turned back and barged into the premises.

Two of them were armed with guns and the other a cutlass, all of which they brandished at Henry and relieved him of several gold rings and two gold 'cricket bands' before shooting him in the right upper leg.

The hurt man asked why he was shot and one of the gunmen told him because he was "talking too much" and fired at him again, hitting him a second time in the leg.

A third bullet grazed his thigh, Henry's wife told the Chronicle, adding that another of the robbers took her gold earrings then removed all the money the Ramits had in the shop drawer and fled on their bikes, in the direction of Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The Ramit children, who witnessed the incident from a hiding place, were still badly traumatised Saturday, after constantly awakening Friday night, one of them sleepwalking and attempting to run away from his bed.

Their father said the boys had just collected the house keys from their mother and were about to open a door to go in when they saw the intruders and hid during the ordeal that lasted between three and five minutes.

Some villagers later recalled that, earlier Friday, about 12:30 hrs, three bicycle riders were seen moving through the village.

The cyclists entered a grocery in Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge and were behaving suspiciously but, on seeing a canecutter with a sharpened cutlass, sucked their teeth and rode away cursing.

The Ramits said Police visited and told them not to touch anything at the crime scene until fingerprint experts had returned but 24 hours after, by which time Ronald Henry had been admitted and discharged from Georgetown Public Hospital, none had done so.

Cops from Sparendaam subsequently interviewed several people and took statements, including from the wounded man who went to them after leaving hospital.

Child abuse workshop opens
A THREE-day workshop on `Child Abuse' for Police Officers from all divisions in the country, began yesterday at the Police Officers' Mess Annexe in Georgetown.

The forum was declared open by First Lady Varshnie Jagdeo who is also Chairperson of The National Commission on the Rights of the Child which in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have organised the workshop.

Facilitator is Dr Jacqueline Sharpe, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has worked extensively on child abuse and neglect cases in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago.

Focus over the three days will be on `The Officer's Role in child protection, recognition and recording of child abuse and parents of victims' and `Working with Multi-disciplinary teams'.

Among those at the opening were Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj; Commissioner of Police Commissioner, Mr. Floyd McDonald; and representatives of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Man shot in cheek in encounter with Police
-- guns, ammo found in raid on house
THE Police are investigating a shooting incident in which a man received a gunshot injury to his left cheek in Georgetown on Sunday night.

Police said the man was shot at about 22:45 hrs during a joint patrol between Rural Constables and regular members of the Force.

The man was part of a group of persons assembled at the corner of Water and Cornhill Streets, a Police press release said.

It said the patrol approached the group and attempted to conduct searches, but one man pulled out a `Rambo' knife with a jagged edge and attacked a rank.

Another rank went to the defence of his colleague and discharged one round which struck the assailant in the left cheek, the release said. The other persons fled.

Police said the wounded man was taken to hospital.

Police also reported that around 05:45 hrs on Sunday, following a Police/Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) raid on a home at King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, three persons were arrested for possession of arms and ammunition.

One .357 revolver with six rounds and one .38 revolver, also with six rounds were found on the premises, the release said.

Police said they were continuing investigations with a view to prosecuting those involved.

Meanwhile, Police yesterday said they were continuing investigations into the fatal shooting of Dexter Dubisette also called `Deke' in Albouystown on Saturday.

Investigations revealed that on Saturday morning, a Police patrol saw a group of men at La Penitence and James Street, Albouystown, and decided to conduct searches, according to the release.

This was based on Police observations that persons commute in the city and other areas armed with guns and knives, it explained.

The release said Dubisette, who was part of the group, suddenly moved away and the Police called out to him.

He reportedly turned back and pulled an object from his crotch, which turned out to be a 9mm Browning pistol and pointed it in the direction of the ranks.

The Police, on seeing this, fired two rounds - one of which struck him under the right armpit, and he fell to the ground.

A search revealed the pistol and four rounds on his person, the release said.

Dubisette was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but was pronounced dead on arrival, Police said.

Critchlow Labour College students table proposals at crime consultation
STUDENTS of the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) yesterday aired their views on the strategies adopted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in dealing with the recent upsurge in crime.

Students who crowded the Joseph Pollydore Auditorium of the CLC in Georgetown to listen to a panel of representatives of the two agencies, expressed their opinions and recommendations that were well received, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Recommendations by the students centred on the roles of the Police and the GDF in combating crime.

Some students felt the Army should play a more integral role in the fight against crime while others were of the view that it is the duty of the Police to alleviate and solve crimes.

The GDF should not be involved since their role is to protect Guyana's borders and assist the Police Force when necessary, some said.

Students voiced the concern that there is no respect for members of the Force and this matter should be addressed. They said that contributing to this was the lack of confidentiality in the Police Force and the leakage of information.

Some said too for effectiveness in the crime fight, there needs to be specialised undercover agents who will be able to solve crimes by being part of the public, GINA reported.

Questions posed to the GDF and the Police Force dealt with the role of the GDF in combating the shipment of illegal arms into the country, and whether the Police Force functions as an independent body.

To these, representatives of the GDF and the Police responded saying that the GDF assists in many ways but is guided by the principles that govern the military.

In the mission statement and mandate set out for the GDF, it is clearly stated that whenever necessary, the Army can intervene in aiding the Police Force in the maintenance of law and order, the representatives said.

The Army, through the Coast Guard, works along with the Police Force in the area of Customs and Immigration and provides support in other areas when necessary, they added.

Students raised concerns about the locking of gates at various Police stations, saying that it is the duty of the Police officers to protect citizens.

This question was also addressed and the representative of the Police Force said that this is done so as to protect the Police officers since there have been attacks on the stations and Police have been targeted and murdered.

It was also suggested that the Police Force implement a zero tolerance campaign against crime in the country as it is felt that this would help alleviate the situation.

Bishop Juan Edghill, who chaired the proceedings, said he was pleased that the students came forward and expressed themselves.

He assured the students that their recommendations would be included in the final report, which will be submitted to President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Participants were given questionnaires to fill out which sought to solicit their views and additional recommendations on the efforts made by the two Disciplined Services to curb crime and whatever else can be done to alleviate the situation.

The consultation was part of a series been planned by the National Steering Committee on Crime.

The committee was established following the National Consultation on Crime organized by the Office of the President on August 22, 2002 at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The committee comprises members of political parties, who were at the meeting and representatives of civil society, including the private sector, the Trades Union Congress, religious organisations and the legal fraternity.

Initially, 25 consultations were planned by the committee which were held in various regions, but due to poor turnout at the target group meetings an extension period was granted.

Consultations have been held on the East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Bank Demerara, West Berbice, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Upper Corentyne, Soesdyke, Anna Regina and Charity.

Additional consultations have been scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Georgetown tomorrow, Buxton, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday, and on Thursday at the Critchlow Labour College and the University of Guyana.

Crime consultation sessions extended
THE 25 public crime consultation sessions which have been held throughout the country, had such good responses that the sessions have been extended until Thursday.

The extension will allow for persons in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) who did not get the opportunity to participate in the initial sessions to now make their contributions.

Sessions were held in Essequibo (Region Two-Pomeroon/Supenaam), West Coast and West Bank Demerara (Region Three-West Demerara/Essequibo Islands); Berbice (Region Five-Mahaica/Berbice); Region Six - (East Berbice/Corentyne); Bartica (Region Seven - (Cuyuni/Mazaruni); Linden (Region 10 -Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice); and Georgetown (Region Four-Demerara/Mahaica).

The Critchlow Labour College was the venue for a meeting at 10:00 hrs yesterday.
The other meetings which are also open to the public are scheduled for:

** today - Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown - 17:00 hrs.
** Tomorrow - Buxton Community High School, East Coast Demerara - 16:00 hrs - 18:00 hrs.
** Thursday - Education Lecture Theatre, University of Guyana - 16:15 hrs to 18:15 hrs.
** Thursday - Critchlow Labour College - 16:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs. (Government Information Agency - GINA)

Rodrigues commissions three SIMAP projects in Santa Rosa
AMERINDIAN Affairs Minister, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues has commissioned three SIMAP-funded projects in Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One (Barima/Waini).

The projects included the extension of the Santa Rosa Secondary School (SRSS), its dormitory and the construction of the Santa Rosa Kumaka Moruca (SANKUMO) Youth Centre. The total cost of these projects is $34M.

According to the Executive Director of the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP), Mr. Harrynarine Nawbatt, the construction of the existing school was also funded by SIMAP. However, after a while, there was need for the extension of the building because it did not have adequate accommodation for the increasing population. It also lacked an auditorium.

The former building had a dimension of 50 feet by 30 feet. The extension comprises 102 feet by 124 feet to the west and 40 feet by 50 feet to the east.

Nawbatt said that the project is to provide an environment conducive to learning for the delivery of education in the region.

Building the new facility was challenging. The contract was signed on June 8, 2001 for works to begin on June 22. However, work did not start until the first week of August.

The project had a six-month duration but due to some difficulties with the contractor, it was delayed.

A new contract was signed in March this year with Mr. Satar Mohammed. With the contributions of the Government, SIMAP and the sponsors, the SRSS Parent Teachers Association, the final cost of the extension amounted to $21,778,520.

The original students' dormitory could only have accommodated 33 students in seven bedrooms. The extension project entailed the enclosure of the bottom of the existing building. This amounted to 5,920 square feet of increased accommodation.

Mr. Burchell Holder, a local contractor was contracted at a total cost of $10,492,929 for the project. The sponsors' contributions, which are included in the sum, were the provision of sand and stone.

The construction of the SANKUMO Youth Centre resulted directly from President Bharrat Jagdeo's visit to the community two years ago.

The Moruca Sub-District, like other areas in the Region, has benefited from several facilities funded by SIMAP. The extension of the Santa Rosa Nursery School has recently been approved by the funding agency and it is seeking the community's contribution before the start of the project.

Minister Rodrigues, at the commissioning ceremony Friday, expressed disappointment at the "rundown" state of the community.

She lamented the fact that Santa Rosa has exported great people to other regions "who are far ahead of Moruca and are performing excellently" in the regions they now serve. She added that Santa Rosa has produced among others, outstanding teachers who have served almost all the regions of Guyana.

Rodrigues urged students to take full advantage of the facilities they now have and told them: "You should not hurry (to begin) a family. You have a big life ahead of you and you should listen to your parents."

The fact that only one student was selected from Moruca for a scholarship to Cuba was a major disappointment, the minister said.

She challenged them to work hard so that they could take up future scholarships offered by the Government. The minister also urged the community to meet soon and formalise a development plan for the area.

Headmaster of the school, Mr. Peter Abraham, said that despite many challenges, which the school faced over the years, students have performed well at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examinations.

The statistics of the school indicate that students had performed well until 1999, when there was a decline. The performance of students at this year's examinations has been the lowest in the school's history.

This is attributed to the constant movement of students from one place to another to facilitate the extension of the school.

The institution has a student population of 211. This academic year, the administration experienced the largest intake of the students from the Secondary Schools Entrance Examination (SSEE), according to the Headmaster.

The SRSS opened in 1991 with a small class of students, who were at the time accommodated at the Santa Rosa Primary School. Some months later, the Regional Administration assigned a Government building at Acquero for the classes and in 1994, the school was officially established.

Earlier this year, the school hosted some students from a German school with which it had established a link a few years ago. The school has benefited from a computer, a facsimile machine, a satellite telephone, and gear for several recreational games.

A group of hinterland students from the largest Amerindian community in the country, Moruca, has already been confirmed to be part of an exchange programme to Germany early next year.
(Government Information Agency - GINA)

Special offer to attract visitors for GuyExpo
DESPITE enthusiastic enquiries, response has been “fairly slow” to ‘The call to El Dorado’, a special package by North American Airlines (NAA), the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported last weekend.

The initiative by the local airline, in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Cara Hotels and Hotel Tower, is aimed at attracting visitors from New York to GuyExpo.

The offer is open to Guyanese and non-Guyanese for the trade exposition billed for September 26 to 29 at the National Exhibition Site, Sophia, Georgetown.

Sales Promotion Coordinator in New York, Mr. Alim Ali told GINA by telephone: “We have been getting positive figures. A lot of people have made enquiries but have not confirmed their bookings."

He pointed out that some people are busy at work during the week and can only pick up tickets on Saturdays.

GINA reported that an official at the airline's local office said reservations from New York “have been slow in forthcoming”.

He speculated that “sales may pick up this week”, closer to September 26, as Guyanese, generally, do not make travel plans long in advance.

The NAA US$599 special is for three nights and five days, inclusive of pick-up at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, arranged through the GuyExpo Secretariat, accommodation at one of the two hotels and free breakfast.

A companion fare is also being offered at US$439.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir described the offer as "very attractive".

Speaking on the GINA television programme 'Answers', he said visitor will have to pay for dinner and lunch but “we will take care of everything else”.

The visitor will get passes to view GuyExpo and the Amerindian Heritage Month extravaganza at the National Cultural Centre on September 28.

Minister Nadir said, if the promotion is successful, the airline is willing to extend it for other events such as Diwali and the annual motor racing.

He said attempts are being made to get tour operators interested in packaging during such special events.

Public consultations on crime held in Essequibo
DOZENS of people attended the public consultation on crime in the Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) boardroom at Anna Regina last Thursday.

Among other things, they made calls for the revision of laws to deal harshly with persons involved in violent crime.

Chairman of Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, Mr Samuel Arjoon advocated the establishment of a military base on Essequibo Coast, issuing of more firearms to the business community and Police and a good relationship between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Suggestions were also made for executions by gas chamber or electric chair and the reintroduction of the ‘cat-o-nine tail’.

Some contributors suggested that the Army presence at this country's borders with Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname be strengthened, to prevent gun smuggling, drug trading and other illegal activities.

Other proposals included for the Police to be given more motor vehicles, helicopters and communication equipment for boosting their crime fighting capabilities.

More in the series of such meetings were convened at Charity and Suddie, where Senior Superintendent Conway represented the Police Force and Lieutenant Colonel Storm the GDF.

The sessions were chaired by Mr Mohamed Khallimullah.

Essay competition deadline extended
THE National Commission on the Rights of the Child, which has organised the `Rights and Responsibilities' Essay Competition, has advised that the deadline for submitting entries has been extended from September 14 to October 16.

The competition is open to all children aged eight years to 18 years, who are asked to write an essay based on what they think are their rights and responsibilities regarding three broad headlines - Your Education, Your family, Your Community.

Children in 8 to 12 years category are asked to write an essay of 300 words while those between 13 years and 18 years will submit an essay of 800 words, according to a release from the organisers.

Applicants are asked to write their name, age, gender, telephone number and the name of their school at the back of each entry which must be submitted to the National Commission on the Rights of the Child; c/o Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Lot 1 Water and Cornhill Streets, Stabroek, Georgetown.

The release added that prizes will be awarded on a regional basis and according to age groups.

150 farmers attend LEAP agricultural workshop
THE workshop organised by the Linden Economic Advancement Programme (LEAP) and held at the Mackenzie High school auditorium last Saturday and Sunday, attracted more than 150 farmers from Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).

The first agricultural workshop of this kind to be held by LEAP was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Minister of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh, Region Ten Chairman Mr. Mortimer Mingo, Interim International

Manager of LEAP Mr. John Toner, LEAP Agricultural Economist Mr. Oswald Quamina and LEAP Office Manager Mr. Allan Bakker.

Other special invitees were Ms. Helena Laakso, European Union (EU) Representative with special attachment to the LEAP programme; Mr. Geoff Da Silva, Head of GO-INVEST; Mr. Horace James, LINMINE Chief Executive Officer and members of the LEAP Advisory Board.

Leading off the programme, Prime Minister Hinds expressed his pleasure in the fact that LEAP was becoming active in the public view.

"We have been looking to diversify economic activities in this area because of the lack of employment opportunities as a result of the drop in the market for bauxite. There is great potential for agricultural development in Linden and its environs.

"This activity, therefore, is very important," the Prime Minister noted.

Minister Sawh said one of the objectives of the exercise was the sharing of ideas and the realities of agricultural production.

He told the gathering that in fact this agricultural project had the potential of increasing production and raising the standard of living in the community.

Sawh challenged the farmers to utilise modern methods and technologies to improve production.

"Let us not be afraid to grapple with, to explore and to use modern technology in assisting us in the mode of production. Let us not be afraid. As human beings, we know that change in itself is fraught with danger.

"As humans we are sometimes afraid to move on to the next thrust, as it were," he told the workshop participants.

The minister reminded the farmers and other persons at the seminar, that agriculture is the backbone of the Guyana economy.

"It has also contributed to our Gross National Product (GDP) and it has stood up well over the decades. The world is becoming one global village. We are seeing the removal of barriers and the setting up of free trade throughout the world.

"It is therefore imperative that we consider seriously the question of diversifying our economic base away from our traditional sources such as rice, sugar and bauxite.

"And in Region Ten, the region we are addressing today, bauxite as we have been reading, and we have heard for a number of years, internally and worldwide, has begun to spiral down. We cannot expect a reasonable return to investment in the bauxite sector at this particular time.

"The question is, 'What comparative advantages do we have in Region Ten that we can lay the groundwork for, that we can facilitate and we can encourage our farmers and young people to get into?'"

"Now, that is why I think the workshop organised here this morning has additional importance. Because it is going to open a whole new set of opportunities...as during the workshop many contributions will be presented by Government officials, GO-Invest, NARI, the New GMC and others.

"Ideas will be shared on what it means to go into agriculture production", he said. (JOE CHAPMAN)

Father, two children homeless after fire
A FATHER and his two children were left homeless after fire of unknown origin destroyed a wooden house at Jibb-Paradise on Essequibo Coast last Friday.

Reports said the small building, on the Government reserve parallel to the public road, was quickly razed to the ground as the blaze was fanned by a steady breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.

Owner of the destroyed property, Girrie Persaud said he had just left it to purchase cigarettes from a nearby shop when he saw smoke billowing from his home.

Fortunately, his two children were not inside, said the distressed man.

The labourer told Police, who are investigating, that he lost all his belongings to the flames.

What to do when a Census Taker comes to your home
* Please welcome the Census Taker/Enumerator to your home and treat him/her with kind courtesy.

* Please ask the Census Taker/Enumerator to present his/her identification card for your scrutiny and satisfaction before the interview can proceed.

* Any concerns of the householders at this point must be addressed through recourse to the area Supervisor/Coordinator as well as to the Bureau of Statistics at the numbers provided for immediate resolution.

* Staff members of the Bureau will be continuously monitoring the progress of field enumeration through random checks with the coordinators, supervisors and enumerators as well as householders in the area of enumeration to address and resolve all concerns.

* Remember, each householder is required by law under the Statistics Act, to supply the information requested by the Census Taker, once he/she has satisfied him/herself of the Census Taker's credentials.

* Please select a location on your premises that would both facilitate the Census Taker / Enumerator in carrying out the interview as well as ensure your own feeling of personal security.

* Remember, there is no requirement for you to invite the census taker right into your home. The interview could be conducted at your gate, in the yard or the steps, wherever is safe and convenient to you.

* Please cooperate with the Census Taker/Enumerator and Answer Truthfully all the questions you are asked.

* Please provide information on each person who was alive on Census Day, September 15, 2002, even if he/she dies after Census Day and before the Census Taker/Enumerator arrives at your home.

* Please note that a major part of the interviews are expected to be in the afternoons (16:30 - 18:30 hrs).

* Confidentiality - please remember, the information is confidential and can only be used for the purposes for which it is intended.

* TO clarify any doubts please call the Bureau of Statistics at 227-0359 227-0834. (ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF STATISTICS)

U.S. Air Force gift for GPHC
A MEMBER of the United States Air Force medical team, Dr Krishan Ramdat (centre) presents some toys to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GHPC) Administrative Assistant, Ms Kathleen Aguilar (at left).

With them is Dr Steve Filardo, head of the U.S. group visiting for two weeks.

The September 16 gift is for the Paediatric Ward of the institution, a press release from Guyenterprise said.

Banks now distributing red ‘Smirnoff’
BANKS DIH Limited has announced that, in association with ‘Diageo Venture Americas’, the company is now the distributor in Guyana for red label ‘Smirnoff’ vodka.

Chairman of the local beverage giant, Mr Clifford Reis recalled Friday, at the launch of the new product, that the relationship with the Diageo family started in 1990 when Banks began to import and distribute Guinness.

In this Cullen Bess-Nelson photo, Diageo General Manager, Mr Ian Trier (centre) and Reis (second from right) are among those looking at some samples of the vodka.

With them are, from left, Mr Ramsay Ali, Banks Marketing Executive, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr Clement Rohee and Banks Marketing Director, Mr George McDonald.

GINA reports...
First phase of UDP nearing completion
THE first phase of the Urban Development Programme (UDP), under which rehabilitation projects are being funded in the six municipalities, is progressing smoothly and nearing completion, Senior Project Engineer Fredericks Flatts told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

He said several of the schemes have been satisfactorily completed, even though there were some setbacks.

According to Mr. Flatts, the UDP, funding for which is being provided by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), has made a significant impact in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Rose Hall, Anna Regina and Linden.

GINA gave a report on stages of the various undertakings aimed at improving infrastructure and basic services for the urban population of Guyana.

It said:
* In Georgetown, work on Stabroek Market will be completed shortly but the contractor is carrying out repairs to minor leaks. For the contract, valued more than $150M, rehabilitation of two streets - Robb and Norton - was completed last February. The period for defects liability on Robb Street has come to an end and the contractor, along with UDP officials, visited the site last Friday morning and the inspected work was found to be satisfactory.

Dipcon Engineering Services Limited worked on a distance of 6,282 feet, from Robbstown wharf through Oronoque Street, Bourda, at a cost of approximately $92M.

Due to savings on the contract, the contractor was able to carry out the work up to Oronoque Street by Bourda Cricket Ground, although, initially, it catered for only up to Orange Walk.

Some amount of landscaping was done to beautify the environment and the Mayor and City Council was asked to take care of the surroundings.

Norton Street, from Mandela Avenue through George Street, Werk-en-Rust, was rehabilitated with $141M. The work, on 3,3471 feet, was carried out by Seereeram Brothers Limited.

There were also savings from that project and the whole street was done, from Mandela Avenue to Louisa Row, including building culverts and drains.

* In Linden, the construction of two roadways was undertaken, on Mora Street, Mackenzie and One Mile, Canvas City, Wismar. They are 99 and 98 per cent finished, respectively.

Due to savings on them, an additional 1,500 feet of road will be built by Seereeram Brothers, all for approximately $147M, with consultancy by VIKAB Guyana Limited.

The contract covers approximately 5,600 feet at Canvas City and 1,560 feet on Mora Street. Construction on both started in November 2001 and they will have asphalt concrete surfaces and laterite bases.

Mora Street was a track that previously did not accommodate vehicular traffic but is now being upgraded.

Wismar Market was rehabilitated, as well, costing $100M. It was handed over to the Town Council and will be occupied later this year.

The stalls are currently being wired for electricity supply.

* At Anna Regina, a contract was awarded for the rehabilitation of three thoroughfares but, due to some controversy over the allocation, the work, on Market, White Carib and Mandir roads, which was stimated to cost $67M, has been halted.

Another $54M contract was given to R. Bassoo and Sons for the reconstruction of the Town Hall and that was commissioned by President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier this year.

* In Corriverton, R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Services has finished the $89M market and the two separate buildings were handed over to the Town Council but an electrical transformer has to be installed.

Cemetery Road and Main Street in Rampoor were also rehabilitated and savings from them are being used on Company Road which is 75 per cent complete.

* New Amsterdam Market is 98 per cent finished and the contractor is currently building a concrete pavement around it. That contract is worth some $109M.

* Rehabilitation of the Town Hall and Market at Rose Hall is 45 per cent complete but work on Market Road and West Side Line Road is done.

That $54.7M award in March last year went to B.K. International Inc while the consultant is SRK Engineering and Associates and completion is slated for December.

That job entails dismantling of the roofs of the Town Hall and support structures for the fish, meat, grocery and vegetable sections; making a new ceiling on the first floor and repainting the Town Hall.

The drains in the market and the ground and first floors of the Town Hall, as well as the general lighting will get attention while the sanitary block, too, will be extended and redesigned.

The work is being effected in phases to allow vendors and customers continuous use of the market.

Graham's Hall Primary observes Amerindian Day
AS AMERINDIANS and other Guyanese countrywide celebrate the seventh anniversary since the designation of Amerindian Heritage Month, in 1995, the Graham's Hall Primary School, Cummings Lodge, East Cast Demerara on Thursday dedicated a day of activities to celebrate with Amerindians.

Headmaster of the School Mr. Prince David, said it is the school's "little contribution to the scheme of things."

Teacher and member of the School's Coordinating Committee Mr. Murphy De Souza, said the support from the staff was magnificent.

Commenting about the realisation of the event, De Souza told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that it was a decision of the staff that the Amerindian teachers should be responsible for coordinating a special day for Amerindian Day

"So we are celebrating Amerindian Day here at Graham's Hall Primary School today." he said.

It is expected that as a result of the success of the event, which featured a food and craft exhibition and a cultural programme, the school would be encouraged to observe the activity annually.

The cultural presentation included poems, skits, and dances and calypsoes composed locally by Amerindians.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues who was present, urged students to take Education Month seriously while also observing Amerindian Heritage month.

Thursday's event was very appropriate since it synchronised with the observance of Amerindian Heritage Month as well as Education Month.

It attracted students from various schools around Georgetown as well as teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Guest speaker and coordinator for Hinterland Education Mr. Edward Jarvis, in his address pointed to the challenges Amerindian students face, especially in those communities that practise their tribal language.

He said that the observance of Amerindian Heritage Month should be focused more on reflecting and repossessing the knowledge and skills of their foreparents.

"As we aspire to bring ourselves up-to-date with technology, we need to re-discover some of our foreparents' knowledge," he said.

As Amerindians celebrate the month of activities Mr. Jarvis urged that "we see ourselves as Guyanese, as One People, One Nation, with One Destiny."

Recovering from Child Abuse
THE purpose of this article is to help to remove the shame felt by many adults who have survived child sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse happens when adults or older children take advantage of younger children, and force the children into sexual acts like intercourse, or fondling or oral sex or fingering. These sexual acts are for the gratification of the abuser.

Some children may not be traumatised because they could tell their parents and something could be done. Some children who have to live through the abuse, especially if the abuse is over years, grow into adults who sometimes manage to bury the fear, the anger, the shame but whose lives are deeply affected by what happened to them as a child.

This article is part of a series written as a partnership between Help & Shelter and the Guyana Chronicle. Some readers may be disturbed by what they read. This article is not comprehensive, but is intended to raise awareness that the adults who have been sexually abused can recover and survive and go on to lead healthy and productive lives which are free from fear, anger or shame.

The feelings of the children who are abused
The children who are sexually abused and who cannot get help are often powerless. They may be young, or small and many times the abuser uses threats or bribes to silence the child. The child may feel afraid to tell any adult, because the abuser may have threatened to harm the child or the adult.

The child may feel dirty, or may feel that they are bad and that they deserve the punishment. Some children who are older may want to run away from home, or turn to drugs or alcohol or try to turn the anger on other younger children, or on themselves. If the abuser leaves the child's environment, the child may try to bury all feelings, and get on with their lives.

The adults who survive sometimes have flashbacks, and their relationships are affected. Some adults find it difficult to be good parents or to have children.

Shame
The abusers of children use shame to add to the power they have over the children. They tell the children that it is a secret, that they must not tell anybody. Sometimes they tell the children that they have been bad, and this is the punishment.

Some children are told that if they tell, then their younger brothers and sisters will suffer. The shame continues into adulthood.

A clear message has to be given to all those who have survived sexual abuse - 'You are not to blame; You could not do anything about the abuse, you were little, the abuser was bigger. Sometimes you might have felt that you wanted to be touched or hugged, but then the abuser did more things which made you feel dirty. As an adult now, things will look different because you are bigger and stronger.

`Nobody deserves to be abused, no child deserves to be punished that way. What happened to you was wrong, regardless of what anyone else told you. Do not blame yourself for not running away or not screaming or not telling anyone or for being afraid. You have survived, and you will continue to survive.

`It is not your shame. You are not alone. There are men and women who like you feel the same way, but because of the society's views, they cannot talk or tell their story. It was not your fault.'

Anger
Anger is a healthy emotion and is an important part of the healing process. Any survivor must feel angry as long as they want, and not be ashamed about the anger. Anger becomes dangerous when it is targeted at the self, resulting in self destructive behaviours like suicide, or increasing risk for depression or other mental illness.

Anger is dangerous when it is targeted at partners or friends or loved ones. Anger is dangerous when it is targeted at young children, perpetuating the abuse. There must be a time though, when a survivor realises that he or she cannot undo the abuse, that he or she might not be able to get back at the perpetrator.

At some time, it will be important to let go of the feeling of wanting to hurt the abuser as much as they have hurt. And then turn that anger into a positive motivation which says that the child will survive, that adult has survived and will live a good life which is his or her right.

Relationships
Many of the men and women who are abused feel dirty about themselves and do not enjoy sex. Some women withdraw totally from relationships and find it difficult to trust any man. Other women feel that they must punish themselves and are trapped in abusive relationships thinking that it is their punishment.

Some women feel guilty if they enjoy sex with someone who loves them. Some women do not trust having their male partners around the children, fearing that the partner will sexually abuse the children.

Men who have been sexually abused as children suffer twice, because society will mock the men who attempt to tell their stories and recover. Some men will feel that they must have done something to deserve the abuse. Boys are as powerless as girls, and many adults - men and women - use their power to abuse the boys.

However, many boys cannot tell because they feel that they would not be macho, that it is a sign of weakness. So they carry that shame at being weak into adult life - and then they find it difficult to have relationships - with other men or with women. Some men become confused about their sexual orientation.

The fear and dislike of homosexuality in Guyana prevents many men from talking about the abuse they suffered since they fear being branded as 'anti man'. Some male survivors may be gay, others are not, but the trauma of childhood prevents many survivors from enjoying their sexuality in loving relationships.

Part of the recovery process is recognising that it is okay to love and be loved, to deal with the anger, to talk and to acknowledge that you have survived, and not to be ashamed about one's sexuality and not to use sex as a way of reinforcing revenge or punishment.

Dealing with the feelings of guilt, anger, shame, fear and powerlessness is hard, especially in Guyana where there are limited psychotherapy resources available. There are resources which are on the Internet e.g. the Morris Centre for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse has a self help guide at http://www.ascasupport.org .

Please contact any psychiatrist, psychotherapist, experienced social worker or NGO like Help & Shelter if you want to talk about your experiences as a survivor of child sexual abuse.

It therefore must be given the necessary support from all sections of society, regardless of political and other persuasions.

In Guyana, the tendency to lock every issue into a political web is ever prevalent and this compromises the national good in many instances.

The appointment of members of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is one of those issues which seems to have been caught up in this web, because constitutionally, before appointments can be made, there must be "meaningful consultations" with the Leader of the Opposition.

However, the latter has been refusing to meet President Bharrat Jagdeo since the adoption by the Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) of a policy of extra-parliamentary tactics and putting a `pause' on the dialogue process with the Head of State.

The consequences on the education sector are severe because the crucial issue of the appointment and promotion of teachers is virtually at a standstill.

In addition, those teachers who have dedicated themselves to the profession for decades and are about to retire, or have just retired, will now have to wait for an unknown period before they can get their benefits.

Certainly, those teachers affected as a result of this unfortunate scenario are not of one political, ethnic or religious persuasion, therefore if the issue is being used to `grind a political axe' then it is a most unfortunate and untenable tactic.

What is essential for national development and the future prosperity of this country has to take precedence over narrow political and partisan interests and posturings.

It is the only way forward - any other way is futile and a spoke in the wheel of progress.

Ultimately, with the failure to appoint and promote teachers, the students are the ones who will suffer most, and this will not help in an environment already affected by a teacher migration problem.

The entire education system is being held hostage by this tactic, it would seem.

This is a matter that has to be dealt with as one of urgency and must not be allowed to drag on much longer because the end result will be extremely counterproductive, further hindering the pursuit of national developmental objectives.

The Government and the relevant authorities should use this situation as a learning experience and perhaps revisit the constitutional requirements governing the appointment of national commissions of this nature, and if necessary to legislate legal provisions to handle such situations when and should they arise.

It is unfair to all Guyanese and most distressing that progress is being virtually held hostage because of narrow, partisan agendas.

Genuine efforts should be made to resolve the issue in a timely and amicable manner, and very importantly it must be clearly communicated to the affected teachers what is the difficulty and what is being done to rectify the situation.

This should be done since too often issues spin out of control simply because the relevant authorities do not properly inform the aggrieved party or parties about the reason or reasons for their inconvenience.

Jamaica -- now for violence-free, 'clean' poll
Analysis by Rickey Singh
WITH voting day fixed for Wednesday, October 16, the contesting parties and the electorate of Jamaica are now looking forward to a violence-free and 'clean' election campaign over the next 22 days.

The basis for such a campaign in a Caribbean Community state noted for its very disturbing levels of killings and criminal violence during elections, was laid with a bi-partisan agreement signed during the previous weeks of unofficial campaigning leading up to yesterday's dissolution of Parliament by the Governor General.

The "peace" accord, initiated by representatives of the private sector and civil society, was signed by the leaders of both major parties -- Prime Minister P.J. Patterson's incumbent People's National Party (PNP) and Edward Seaga's Jamaica Labour Party.

It is an agreement that places direct responsibility on parties and contesting candidates for a violence free and 'clean' campaign amid warnings from the leadership against any involvement, financial or otherwise, with suspected narco-traffickers and money launderers. Candidates are also urged to avoid any activity, including use of provocative graffiti and defamatory statements that could contribute to physical conflicts during the campaign.

Jamaica may have none of the current excitement of election campaigning in Trinidad and Tobago, with its mixture of claims and counter-claims of corruption in high places, charges against a former Prime Minister, alleged conspiracy between the ruling party and the controversial Jamaat-al-Muslimeen and a running battle with the Elections and Boundaries Commission.

But Jamaican voters, who officially learnt of the election date as announced by Prime Minister Patterson on Sunday night at a PNP rally, are on heightened alert against political violence that has been a feature of too many elections in their country.

They would be conscious, as the current experience in Trinidad and Tobago is proving, that ideas and issues on proper governance can be sacrificed in an election climate filled with uncertainties and aggravated by the language of abuse and threats.

Bearing the burden of being stigmatised as the so-called "murder capital" in the Caribbean-Latin American region on a per capita basis -- with an average of two killings a day within recent months -- is more than enough.

The picture gets worse when linked to reports that it is also a major transshipment route for illegal drugs to North America and Europe.

Fears of murder and violence in inner cities and other communities spilling over into the election campaign, have moved the contesting parties to establish a code of conduct for themselves and all candidates.

Political Ombudsman for election 2002, Bishop Herro Blair, who also heads a Peace Management Initiative (PMI), has given his expectation for "a most peaceful election".

But, considering the gang violence that had earlier in the week shattered the peace in Central Kingston, leaving two dead and 14 others injured, the Bishop's "expectation" is more of a 'hope'.

Armed criminal elements are known to have caused much horrors at previous elections, with traditional rivals for power -- the PNP and JLP having to share the blame of complicity.

This time around, with the likelihood of this being their election swansong -- whatever the outcome -- both Patterson and Seaga have been placing a special emphasis on a "clean" and violence-free election campaign.

For those familiar with the conduct of previous elections in Jamaica and the level of violence and fears that existed, campaign 2002, must come as a refreshing breeze.

It is a pity that there is no agreed code of ethics for the current election campaign in Trinidad and Tobago, either among the contesting parties or for the role of the electronic media.

That the PNP and JLP, old warring enemies, have come to a matured position, in the national interest, to contest a general election within the framework of a mutually agreed code of conduct, is a welcome legacy of the leadership of Patterson and Seaga in what is regarded as the closing chapter in their long political struggles.

This maturity in leadership has come at a time when, for all the optimism both are projecting in rallying their respective troops, Patterson and Seaga are aware that they are involved in what the pollsters have predicted to be one of the closest battles ever for the reins of power.

The latest Stone Poll, done in August for the 'Jamaica Observer' and released last week, placed the PNP in a virtual 'nose lead' with about 3.4 per cent over the JLP -- PNP 37.8 per cent; JLP 34.4 per cent.

The previous June/July opinion poll had the JLP in a mere 0.4 per cent edge over the PNP -- JLP 27.6; PNP 27.2.

When, however, the margin of error of three per cent is factored in, as well as the category of "don't know" voters that stood at approximately 16 per cent in the June/July survey of voter preferences as well as that for August, it becomes apparent that the two dominant parties are in a virtual neck-and-neck struggle for control of parliament and formation of a new government.

Some analysts are already speculating of a possible 30-30 seat tie for the House of Representatives and even suggesting that ahead of October 16 the PNP and JLP should agree that the party with the most votes should perhaps be given the first opportunity to form the new government.

But neither the PNP nor JLP is in the mood for such a suggestion, believing as both do that close as it may be, there will be an outright winner.

The possibility of a hung parliament may very well remind Jamaicans of the dilemma that faced Trinidad and Tobago following last year's election that resulted in an 18-18 deadlock for the PNM and UNC.

It was a dilemma that effectively frustrated democratic, parliamentary governance and forced next month's election, the third in less than two years.

Now, as Patterson's PNP plans for an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in government and Seaga's JLP remains optimistic that this will not happen, Jamaican voters would be as anxious as voters in Trinidad and Tobago that there is no question of a hung parliament when their ballots are tallied and officially declared on the night of October 16.

Mr Fung-A-Fat told his packed courtroom that the conditions for Waddell's bail had been met and there was no procedural error which caused the issue, hours after the `University on Nine' anchor was released on $1M recognisance Tuesday.

When the case was called again yesterday, Police Inspector Fay Bremner said she was advised that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will be appointing a special prosecutor to handle the matter.

She, however, asked for a postponement to facilitate amendments to the charges of sedition and incitement to commit murder against Waddell and other television personality Mark Benschop.

Waddell was charged Tuesday with two counts of sedition while Benschop faced another allegation, of incitement to commit murder, as well.

Earlier in the week, attorney-at-law Mr Nigel Hughes argued that, under Sections 1 and 2 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, there was and has never been any such charge as incitement to commit murder.

The lawyer also stressed that the words spoken by Benschop on his April 9 and 11 programmes are statements of fact and do not amount to sedition.

Benschop was then ordered to find $500,000 surety but the sum was subsequently reduced to $200,000.

Both he and Waddell have to be back in Court on June 7.

The sedition charge, conviction on which is punishable by the maximum life imprisonment, has not been laid against anyone for decades.

Two dead former People's Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarians, Fred Bowman and Harry Lall, each faced the accusation, the former in the 1950s and the latter in the 1960s while that party was in power before independence.

In both instances, the accused were freed.

As we recall, there was a march organised by the PNC/R from villages on the East Coast led to many robberies, beatings, molestations of innocent citizens, an assault on the Office of the President with the loss of the lives of two persons who were members of the crowd, the burning of several cars and the burning down of two business places, putting hundreds out of work.

The editorial refers to what it says is the specific reference by the three diplomats to their endorsement of " the principle that the will of the Guyanese people, expressed through regular, free and fair elections, must be the sole basis of the authority and legitimacy of the Government."

The Editor feels, like the PNC, that this is unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the country, something with which most of us would not be surprised.

However, the majority of law-abiding and democratic Guyanese welcome and appreciate the correct and legitimate comments by these diplomats and can well understand the displeasure of the PNC/R and the Editor that Guyana continues to receive close international attention in respect of the maintenance of law and order and the continuation of democracy.
SHAMEEZA ALLY

Learn from them
AMIDST the recent unfortunate grief bestowed upon Guyana by a few...sub-normals, it was not without a tremendous amount of pride that I read something absolutely positive, like schools having been built in Region One (Barima/Waini).

I grew up at Mabaruma and though resources were not enough, they were made sufficient through the capable guidance of teachers like Yvonne Hercules at

St. Joseph´s Primary, and Norman Whittaker, my Math teacher at NWGSS (Norman I finally got it right!) who along with the very fact that Mabaruma as a learning environment is second to few, has instilled in me knowledge that I still continue to consult, knowledge that I might have been incapable of acquiring were I from the "city".

I say to the students of the new learning institutions, the schools, and of the old learning institutions, the Moruka and the Waini, the "Kissing Rocks", Blue Mountain, Hosororo, Kokerite Hall, the forest, the Hoatzin - learn of them.
Learn from them. They have a world to offer.

I have seen a lot, and a lot cannot compare.
LINCOLN PRINCE KHAN
SPAIN

What the Judge also said
THE Stabroek News editorial of Friday September 20, 2002, among other things, states, "some Guyanese did mount a successful legal challenge to the results of the 1997 general elections which eventually, were formally vitiated by the country's High Court".

The Editor should have also pointed out but no doubt had good reasons, in his view, for not doing so that the learned Judge also said: "I do not find on the whole of the evidence that there was any fraudulent intention by any person". Page 68.

"If resort is made to the total votes received by the PPP/C then I cannot hold that unlawful acts were committed if qualified and registered voters were allowed to vote without voter ID Cards". Page 73.

"In the present case while the final results might have been so affected as a mere possibility, for the Court to find this as a probability would necessarily involve the Court in speculation and the Court cannot speculate.

"As such, I am unable to find that it is more likely than not that the proved and unlawful acts or omission did affect the final results of the elections". Page 75.
DAVID DHANSON

Call to action long overdue
THE causes of terrorism and terrorism itself are intimately connected and cannot be separated or dealt with individually.

This stimulus-response phenomenon must be seen as a corporate whole, and is the outcome of selfishness, arrogance, exploitation, and the imposition of standards on others that are refused for one's self.

This is no specious argument intended to convince those who are in disagreement, as those who do not understand may never know.

On the contrary those who can understand, already know and this memorandum aims only at pointing towards a certain course of action for a certain subset of the global economy - the salt of the earth.

We know that prayers and fasting have already been advocated, but these must be complemented by further action, namely the judicious use of "consumerism".

In a nutshell it means:

(1) let your conscience be your guide;

(2) use "consumerism" to the extent that you can;

(3) this course of action is intended for all of goodwill, those to be found in all walks of life, in all countries, and among the different socio-economic and religious strata of society;

(4) this concerted action will eventually take its toll and reap its just reward. Justice will have triumphed again. David would have conquered Goliath and his cronies.
JOHN FREDERICKS. M.D.

Where's the marginalisation?
MANY writers have voiced their views, through your newspaper, on the issues of marginalisation and discrimination.

How many of them really do understand the meaning of the terms I will not ask but I do want to know from the very people who are crying out about marginalisation and discrimination to show me, or better still show Guyana, where these horrible atrocities are being exercised.

To a very large extent, and at first glance, a visitor to this once lovely land may feel that the majority of the people are Afro-Guyanese because there is usually no Indo-Guyanese officer at the airport in either Customs or Immigration.

In the many government offices there is an overwhelming number of Afro-Guyanese employees and the same is reflected at the University of Guyana. So then is the discrimination and marginalisation against the Indo-Guyanese?

If that is so then these people know what they are talking about.

The sarcasm aside I would like to suggest to the supporters of the PNC/R that they should not come out now and try to justify their behaviour by claiming that they are marginalised and/or discriminated against.

Let us all take a quick look at the reign of the late President Forbes Burnham. For 28 years his party ruled Guyana and what did the PNC give to the Afro-Guyanese?

What did they give to Guyana?

The Afro-Guyanese were given the right to squat anywhere they wished even on our public sidewalks.

In other countries when they have a sidewalk sale it is a special event. In Guyana it is the norm and on to today the city authorities can't give the public the right to use the sidewalks.

Contraband and bribery were the order of the day in the past so much so that it would have been an abhorrence to suggest getting anything done without 'giving a raise'.

The education standard was reduced to gutter level because then a party card got you into UG and Teachers' College and the same card got you a pass.

All those handouts were meant to appease a bunch of people too scared to do or say anything against the Government. What was the cry then?

Guyanese wake up. We will not all be given visas to leave so let us make this country livable again.

Help the Police fight and catch the bandits.
Let's put our shoulders to the wheel as a nation.
LAKERAM SINGH

The real intention
CERTAIN letter writers and editors as well, who are really opposed to the PPP/Civic but at the same time find it difficult to support the PNC in view of their well-documented malpractices, have adopted the convenient mechanism of starting out to attack the PNC but in the same letter or editorial attack the PPP/C as well.

They then end up by putting most or all of the blame on the PPP/C in addition to which they place all responsibility on the PPP/C for not only what is wrong but putting the onus only on them for putting everything right.

A letter along these lines is the one in yesterday's Stabroek News by Paula James headed "Burnham's oppression was not confined to Indians."

The writer Paula James, while ostensibly blaming Burnham and the PNC, also blames the PPP/C for similar wrongdoings but goes on to accuse the PPP/C of "the wanton squandor of our resources - both human and material" and of "nepotism - the party and race affiliated awarding of government contracts and jobs", and of "racial divisiveness."

This illustrates what I am saying and that is that the real intention is to unfairly attack the PPP/C by accusing it of committing the very wrongs of which the PNC was guilty of when they were in government.

The PPP/C has legitimate reasons to criticise the PNC because many of the ills from which we suffer in the country and society today are as a direct result of the malpractices of the PNC when they were in government and the racial divisiveness which they continue to incite and promote now that they are in the opposition.

The letter writer knows this full well but is attempting like others to skillfully spread the PNC propaganda and mislead others, especially the youth, but she too has not succeeded.
LILY ROBERTSON

Convenient criticism
DAVID Granger and the PNC Reform find it convenient and correct now to oppose, criticise and condemn the use of the Army to reinforce the Police in the fight against the surge in violent crimes which is a threat and a worry to all law-abiding citizens.

They, however, seem to be suffering from a case of selective amnesia not to recollect or recall what had happened prior to 1992 in the Hoyte years and prior to 1985 in the Burnham/Hoyte years.

Whenever Burnham left the country armed soldiers were placed on duty at strategic locations such as the Guyana Electricity Corporation, the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, the Telecoms Corporation, Timehri Airport and other such places although there was absolutely no reason as there were no emergencies in the country or upsurge in violent crimes at those times.

So if it was alright then to deploy the Army when there were no emergencies at the time why it is wrong now for Granger and the PNC Reform if the Army is used to assist the Police in their fight against the surge in violent crimes?
ROBEENA MENDONZA

GFF unveils plan to promote game in schools
By Isaiah Chappelle
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) kicks off a concrete plan to promote the game in schools, with a pilot project among seven institutions.

GFF president Colin Klass announced the development at the presentation ceremony of the De Sinco Under-13 championships at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Sunday.

The GFF will provide all technical needs of schools, and at the end of the project, the recipients will clash in competition to assess the result.

Students in the 8-13 years age range will be involved, with ABC Academy being the first to receive gear to start implementing the initiative.

“It must be football and school. With that we can have secure future,” Klass said.

Klass said the GFF was focusing on young people to develop the sport so that players with the desirable academic qualifications would be eventually playing the game.

“Football should be treated as an investment. There are many scholarships available for players with the required qualifications,” Klass said.

Klass disclosed that a player in the National Under-17 squad that advanced for the Caribbean group qualifiers in Bermuda, did well at the last CXC examinations and began studies in the sixth form at St Stanislaus, yesterday. He is defence player Carlos Monkhouse.

“Committed sponsors are short,” Klass declared.

Klass disclosed that the national governing body embarked on playing football at every level for this year.

“With this competition, we have achieved that,” Klass said.

But De Abreu was disappointed that the prize earmarked for the team with the best academic results was not handed out because no one brought their end of year examination results.

The manager challenged the players to see them at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-20, Under-23 and the senior level.

“Commit yourself to the sport,” De Abreu urged.

De Abreu said his company was committed to sponsoring the competition in the future, as it was committed to sports as in all disciplines. A cheque for $515 000 was handed over to the GFF, representing the sponsorship money.

The championship trophy was also handed over. It will be at the GFF headquarters until a team wins the crown three times, when it would become theirs to keep.

Director of Sport Neil Kumar committed the National Sports Commission to stage a second tournament before year-end.

“You cannot have a better investment than in the kids,” Kumar said.

Ganga feels he should have been in original squad
By Naz Yacoob
PORT of Spain - Trinidad and Tobago’s cricket captain Daren Ganga said yesterday that he is happy to be given the opportunity to tour with the West Indies team against India next month, although he believes that he should have been selected in the original touring party.

Ganga was speaking to Chronicle Sports ahead of his departure today for India via London, as the replacement for the ailing West Indies super batsman Brian Lara.

Due to a mix-up in travel arrangements, Ganga was unable to leave Trinidad yesterday.

The 23-year-old right-handed batsman said that he has played against the Indians before and has done well.

The former West Indies youth player said that playing against India away from home is always a challenge, but added that the situation will not be a new kettle of fish, since he has done fairly well when touring with the regional team.

“My main goal now is to be able to convert good starts into three figures, because I realise that forties and fifties do not cement your position in the side,” Ganga said.

He stated that if the Caribbean side play to their true ability, they can come out on top in the three-Test and seven One-day matches series against the Indians which starts on October 4.

Several other former West Indies Test players echoed their support for the choice of Ganga.

Former West Indies left-arm spinner Raphick Jumadeen who toured India in 1978/79 under the captaincy of Alvin Kallicharran said that Ganga is the ideal choice in this modern-day cricket system.

“By the mere fact that he (Ganga) is the most disciplined and committed batsman in the Caribbean at present, discipline in the West Indies team could raise a couple levels with his (Ganga) presence,” Jumadeen said.

Former West Indies opening batsman and present Marketing Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control, Suruj Ragoonath, said that it was a good move by the regional selectors to give Ganga another chance at international level.

“He will definitely provide a lot of stability in the top order. Ganga’s learning curve is going upwards as recent statistics have shown continuous improvement. I think the move will do himself and West Indies cricket a great deal of good,” said Ragoonath.

Untouchables beat Ariel to win Major League title
…Sussex XI cart off Minor League
A LATE-order blitz, which saw the Ariel attack being mauled for 43 runs in the final three overs, ensured Untouchables reached 141 for seven in their allotted 25 overs, a total which eventually proved enough for their opponents who stumbled to 139 for six in their 25 overs - going down by a mere two runs at the Guyana Softball and Windball Cricket Association (GS&WCA) ground on Sunday.

Ariel had held a firm grip on proceedings after winning the toss and electing to field in the Untouchables-sponsored competition but surely did not cater for man-of-the-match Troy Kippins, who came in at number eight and completely turned things around for his team.

Mixing orthodox shots with several improvised ones, Kippins clobbered a quick-fire unbeaten 33 as Untouchables advanced from 98 for six at the end of the 22nd over to 141 for seven when their 25 overs expired.

Kippins, who struck five fours, featured in two face-saving partnerships which saw numbers seven and nine being almost mere onlookers.

Known for his bowling, Kippins added 44 with Michael Rengasami (one) for the seventh wicket and an unfinished 32 with Danny Sangolam (five) for the eighth wicket.

Penetrative bowling by the experienced Mahendranauth Parasnath had the Berbicians in some bother at 49 for four before the ever-reliable Tony ‘Gavaskar’ Ameerally and Yuri Ramessar stemmed the tide with a 23-run fifth-wicket partnership. The two were however dismissed within three runs of each other with Ameerally hitting a solid 20.

Ariel’s joy was however short-lived as Kippiins tore into the attack, not only piercing the field at will but also causing panic among the fielders as several overthrows were made.

Some 40 extras, including 33 wides, added to Ariel’s worries.

Parasnath finished with four for 17 from his five overs while there was one wicket each for K. Balgobin, Mark Fung and Mukesh Mattai for 14, 15 and 34 runs respectively.

Despite playing a few attractive attacking strokes, openers Ejaz Mohamed and Rickey ‘Marva’ Persaud were never allowed to dominate the Berbicians’ bowling in their 48-run partnership.

Mohamed fell for 22 and Persaud 13 while Sudesh Persaud (five) and Mark Fung (two) failed to get going as Ariel slipped to 67 for three and behind the required run rate.

Gordial Mattai and Lance Adams tried to retrieve the situation with a 35-run fifth-wicket partnership that ended when Mattai was spectacularly stumped by Ramessar off skipper Sanjay Khan.

Adams, who hit three fours, played some lusty shots while sharing an unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 24 with A. Arjune (11 not out) and was run-out off the last ball of the innings for 32 as play ended in fading light and in disappointment for the Ariel players and fans.

Jaga Bhoj and Khan finished with two for 29 and 32 respectively while Ron Patterson had one for 18.

The Berbicians however had to settle for the runner-up spot in the Minor League in a low-scoring encounter.

Fine bowling by Sussex saw Untouchables ‘B’ being routed for a paltry 63 in 17 overs, with skipper Neshar Sammy hitting 17.

D. Singh claimed three for 17 and D. Lakhan two for 15.

Sussex hit off the required total in 19 overs but not before losing six wickets.

S. Deosaran and man-of-the-match Lakhan were undefeated on 12 each. Sukra ended with four for 15 from five overs.

The winning Major League team received $40 000 and a trophy, the losers $25 000 and a trophy and the man-of-the-match $3 000 and a trophy.

The Minor League winners collected $25 000 and a trophy, the losers $15 000 and a trophy and the man-of-the-match $2 000 and a trophy.

All four teams were also recipients of medals, compliments of sponsors AMA Industries of New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Among those handing over the prizes were GS&WCA president Cammie Ramsaroop and vice-presidents Rickey Deonarine and Randolph Kirton.

Ramsaroop took the opportunity to express sincere thanks to AMA Industries and the Ameerally family for their contribution to softball cricket and moreso in financing the construction of the Royston Ramsarran Press Box.

Organising secretary Ramsarran was also the recipient of a plaque for his sterling contribution to softball cricket over the years. Softball enthusiast and former player Ramesh Sunich made the presentation on behalf of all softball players. (F.H.)

SUSSEX captain Rafman Ally receives the Minor League trophy from GS&WCA president Cammie Ramsaroop. (Picture by Cullen Bess-Nelson).
New Zealand humiliate woeful Bangladesh
By Brian Murgatroyd
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Bangladesh produced a woeful batting display as they were bowled out for 77 by New Zealand to lose the final pool match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy by 167 runs yesterday.

Chasing 245 for victory, Khaled Mashud's side were shot out in 19.3 overs to record their fifth score of under 100 in 55 one-day internationals.

Only four players reached double figures as Bangladesh scraped past their lowest one-day score, the 76 they made against Sri Lanka on the same Sinhalese Sports Club ground in August.

Fast bowlers Shane Bond (four for 21), Jacob Oram (two for 32) and Kyle Mills (two for 13) took full advantage of some tentative batting, with seven players either caught by wicketkeeper Lou Vincent or in the slip cordon alongside him.

The result condemned Bangladesh to bottom place in pool one behind Australia and New Zealand, and their inability to deal with aggressive seam and swing bowling will be a major worry for coach Moshin Kamal as they fly to South Africa for a Test and one-day tour today.

Bangladesh had done reasonably well in the first session to restrict New Zealand to 244 for nine after Mashud had won the toss.

Several players became established but only Mathew Sinclair (70) showed the application required to pass fifty on a slow, turning pitch well-suited to the slower Bangladesh bowlers.

It meant the target was within range if Bangladesh batted well, but the wheels fell off with almost indecent haste.

Opener Al-Sahariar was lbw playing no shot to Bond in the very first over, giving him a grand total of three balls faced and no runs for the tournament, and things got rapidly worse from then on.

Mohammad Ashraful (1) was snapped up by Scott Styris in an expectant slip cordon and Bond continued his destruction of the top-order as he removed Alok Kapali (2), well caught by Fleming at first slip, and Mashud (1), caught behind driving airily.

BRILLIANT ASTLE
Oram got in on the action when he had Javed Oram (1) brilliantly caught one-handed by Nathan Astle above his head at second slip and, after a few desperate strokes by Tushar Imran (20), he joined the procession, edging the same bowler also to Astle.

Khaled Mahmud (11) and Fahim Muntasir (5) both fell to Kyle Mills when he was introduced into the attack after Bond's four-over opening burst had yielded four for 15.

And after a few defiant blows by Mohammad Rafique (17) and Manjural Islam (10), both perished trying to launch Daniel Vettori's left-arm spin out of the ground.

New Zealand batted carelessly with Fleming (31), Styris (26) and Harris (26) all getting established before failing to go on to a major score.

NEW Zealand

S.Fleming c Jubair b Mahmud 31

N.Astle c Kapali b Islam 5

M.Sinclair c Rafique b Ashraful 70

L.Vincent c Mashud b Mahmud 1

S.Styris run-out 26

C.Harris c Mashud b Ashraful 26

J.Oram c Imran b Ashraful 30

D.Vettori c Muntasir b Islam 16

K.Mills not out 3

S.Bond stp. Mashud b Rafique 8

P.Hitchcock not out 2

Extras: (b-1, lb-9, w-14, nb-2) 26

Total: (for nine wickets, 50 overs) 244

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-77, 3-79, 4-119, 5-167, 6-198, 7-216, 8-232, 9-242.

Bowling: Islam 8-1-30-2 (nb-1, w-4), Jubair 5-0-46-0 (w-9), Mahmud 10-0-41-2 (nb-1, w-1), Rafique 10-0-39-1, Muntasir 10-0-40-0, Kapali 2-0-12-0, Ashraful 5-1-26-3.

BANGLADESH

J.Omar c Astle b Oram 1

A.Sahariar lbw b Bond 0

M.Ashraful c Styris b Bond 1

T.Imran c Astle b Oram 20

A.Kapali c Fleming b Bond 2

K.Mashud c Vincent b Bond 1

K.Mahmud c Fleming b Mills 11

M.Rafique c Harris b Vettori 17

F.Muntasir c Vincent b Mills 5

M.Islam b Vettori 10

T.Jubair not out 1

Extras: (lb-1, w-4, nb-3) 8

Total: (all out, 19.3 overs) 77

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-8, 3-8, 4-16, 5-19, 6-37, 7-46, 8-56, 9-70, 10-77.

Bowling: Bond 5-0-21-4 (nb-1, w-3), Oram 6-1-32-2 (nb-2), Mills 5-0-13-2 (w-1), Vettori 3.3-1-10-2.

Aussies right to axe Waughs - Hussain
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - England captain Nasser Hussain has backed Australia's shock move to drop Steve and Mark Waugh from their one-day side in preparation for next year's World Cup defence.

Hussain added the move to keep the 37-year-old twins in the frame for Test selection in the upcoming Ashes series starting in November in Australia might help England against a side that has beaten them in seven consecutive series.

``Whoever we come up against we have to believe that the night before, or the day of, the game they'll be nervous,'' Hussain was quoted as saying in The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper yesterday.

``If (the Waugh brothers) play they'll be under a little bit of pressure because some people will be saying why have we gone back to the Waugh brothers?

``Or...if it's a younger lad, he's going to be under a bit of pressure because he's taking Mark or Steve Waugh's place.''

Hussain said he had initially thought it was harsh to axe the twins for the one-day series in South Africa in March, which Australia won 5-1 under new captain Ricky Ponting.

Seeing Ponting's side assembled in Colombo for the ICC Champions Trophy, however, had changed his mind.

``The Australian squad were sitting in front of us and they looked young, athletic and fresh and I thought 'that's not a bad idea ... they're building for the future'.

``That's what Australian cricket does do quite well.''

Langer says Australia must be on guard
PERTH, Australia, (Reuters) - Pakistan are the most talented team in world cricket apart from Australia and should be treated with caution, Australia opening batsman Justin Langer said yesterday.

Langer told reporters the world number one team would have to be aware of Pakistan's unpredictability in next month's three-Test series.

``They are, besides us, the team with the most naturally talented cricketers, so you always have to be on your guard,'' Langer said at Perth airport. ``What team turns up and what coach turns up, you are never going to know.''

The series is being staged at neutral venues after Australia refused to tour Pakistan for security reasons.

Langer flew out of Australia yesterday in preparation for the series that includes a Test in Colombo followed by two matches in Sharjah.

Pakistan are without senior players Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar, who are resting, and injured pair Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousaf Youhana.

South Africa-based Richard Pybus, 38, returns as Pakistan coach for a fourth time after the departure of Mudassar Nazar earlier this month.

``There are a few disappointments, one that it is not in Pakistan. Obviously there are reasons for that, but it is always good to play a Test series in home countries,'' Langer said.

``And I see Wasim Akram, he's the best fast bowler I have ever played against in Test cricket and he's not playing so that is disappointing.''

Langer, 31, averages 43.95 in his 51 Tests including 12 centuries.

The determined left-hander has played only eight one-day internationals and was overlooked for the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo, where Australia will play Sri Lanka in Friday's semifinal.

Returning to the side for the fifth Ashes Test in 2001 after opener Michael Slater was dropped, Langer made 102 retired hurt before averaging 80.00, 73.00 and 30.40 in home series against New Zealand and South Africa followed by one away in South Africa in 2001-02.

Langer and Matthew Hayden shared double-century partnerships in each of Australia's three home Tests against South Africa to set the platform for a clean sweep.

They also opened with a double-century stand in the first Test against New Zealand to join West Indian greats Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge as the only opening pairs in history to complete four double-hundred partnerships.

WICB moving to curb indiscipline in players
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, (CMC) - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) believes it has to move to curb indiscipline among regional cricketers as part of its programme to rebuild West Indies cricket.

In its weekly “Across the Board” column, the WICB identified indiscipline as one of the factors “seriously eroding the foundation of our cricket” and preventing players from giving of their best.

The WICB said it must seriously tackle the issue of discipline if West Indies cricket is ever to regain its integrity.

“Discipline is not something with which we can play around. The WICB will have to take some hard and, maybe, unpopular decisions to stamp out the infelicities creeping into our cricket and threatening to railroad the hard work of those who have built West Indies cricket with their blood, sweat and tears,” the WICB said in its column.

The regional governing body appears to accept that the scourge of indiscipline in regional cricket is connected with societal problems when it said: “In the last decade, our fall from the pinnacle in the game coincided with a breakdown in basic discipline in our societies. Poor attitudes, inadequate self-motivation, poor work ethic, poor concentration and poor planning have been identified as some of the glaring deficiencies in the armoury of our cricketers.”

But the WICB says it must, along with all territorial administrators, “harness every opportunity to address the indiscipline that has entered the game at almost every level.”

“We will have to dig deep into our hearts, minds and souls to find creative ways to help our players to gain the measure of self-control necessary that will help us to see our West Indies team start winning consistently again,” the WICB said.

The article pointed to the late Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Laurie Williams as an example to follow.

Williams, who played 15 one-day internationals for the West Indies, died in a car accident two Sundays ago at age 33.

“Many people who have commented on his life have described Williams as a gentleman and it is hard to recall any time that the mild-mannered all-rounder ran afoul of the authorities.

“Williams was a real team man and was always willing to encourage his team-mates when it seemed things were not going right. He may not have been a record-breaking cricket star, but he will live in the memories of those with whom he came into contact because of his personable demeanour,” the WICB said.

Streak hurt in crash
ZIMBABWE captain Heath Streak has been hurt in a road accident in Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Streak has been taken to hospital in Colombo with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

It is thought that he was travelling as a passenger in a three-wheeler taxi when it collided with a van in the city's Cinnamon Gardens area and overturned.

"We provide security for the entire team, but in this case he had left the hotel without informing our people," the Agence France Presse quoted a police spokesman as saying.

The Zimbabwe team wait to return home after taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy tournament, where they lost both matches against India and England.

Streak, 28, is their leading wicket-taker with 180 in 51 Test appearances and 183 in one-day internationals.

He was recently re-appointed captain for the 2002-03 season after giving up the job in October last year in order to re-focus on his own game.

Zimbabwe are next in action in November when they host Pakistan for two Tests and five one-day matches. (BBC Sport).

Goolsarran slams century in Harold Dhanraj cricket
MICHAEL Goolsarran hit a century but GYO had to settle for first innings points against Everest in the Harold Dhanraj second division match played last weekend at GYO.

Goolsarran made 103 and Arun Dahloo 54 as GYO declared their first innings closed at 285 for six in reply to Everest's 231 all out. K. Khan claimed two wickets for Everest, whose main scorers were Sunial Sattan (68), Raymond Singh 61 and Anthony Singh (40). For GYO, W. White claimed four wickets.

Batting a second time Everest were 160 for four when the match ended. Anthony Singh made 73 and Raymond Singh was unbeaten on 34.

GYO had, the previous weekend, conceded first innings honours to Transport at the Transport ground. GYO were dismissed for 113 with C. Roberts making 41 and D. Bissessar 25. Shawn Alves claimed four wickets for Transport who replied with 133. Alves was once again the star performer, hitting 54 while Bissessar captured six wickets.

Another match in the same competition, played last weekend, resulted in first innings honours for GCC over Police at GNIC.

Batting first, Police were dismissed for 177 with B. Dias hitting 43 and J. Glasgow 35. Roderick Holder claimed three for 24, Vivekanand Dalloo three for 45 and Leon Johnson two for six.

GCC replied with 289. Dalloo made 76, Johnson 75, Errol Nelson 30, Patrick Joseph 28 and Daniel Persaud 27. For Police, S. McDonald claimed five for 56 and K. Thermon four for 56.

When stumps were drawn, Police had reached 148 for five in their second innings. Dias was unbeaten on 42 while skipper Bharrat Mangru made 30. Johnson was once again among the wickets, taking two for 25, while Joseph had two for 26.

Carib Beer first division
GYO record come-from-behind victory
GYO scored a come-from-behind victory over Police but GCC had to settle for first innings points against Everest as the two matches in the fifth round of Carib Beer first division competition ended on Sunday.

GYO conceded a seven-run first innings lead at Eve Leary but amassed a formidable second innings total mainly through the efforts of Anthony Ifill who made 83.

Weekend half-centuries were also scored by Krishna Arjune and Bachan Balram who made 89 and 94 respectively as Everest fell for 325, 62 runs short of GCC's 387 at Bourda.

At Eve Leary, Police resumed at the overweek 27 for one and reached 212 in reply to GYO's 205. The principal scorers were M. Lord and M. Harrypersaud who made 49 and 46 respectively while C. Bowen claimed three wickets and there were two each for Brian Mayers and R. Hoyte.

Behind Ifill's 83 and scores of 41 from R. Persaud and 33 from Fizal Samad, GYO were dismissed for 243 - setting Police a victory target of 237. The lawmen could only muster 146 however, going under by 90 runs. Bowen and Hoyte claimed four and three wickets respectively.

Final scores: GYO 205 and 243; Police 212 and 146.

At Bourda, the home team collapsed from the comfortable overweek score of 286 for two to 387 all out. Peter Persaud hit 31 to back up the 155 and 96 made earlier by Ricardo Mohamed and Ricardo Jadunauth respectively. Eion Katchay claimed three for 75 and Roderick Lovell two for 33.

Everest's 325 was built on Balram's 94, 89 from Arjune and 30 from Lovell. Leg-spinner Persaud captured four for 59 and Guyana fast bowler Reon King three for 69.

When the match ended GCC were 56 for one in their second innings with Ravi Sarwan making 34.

Serena showing no signs of let-up
By Alastair Himmer
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Less than an hour after winning her seventh WTA tour title of the year at the Toyota Princess Cup, Serena Williams warned her rivals in Leipzig this week: ``I want number eight.''

Williams, who tied elder sister Venus for the most singles titles in 2002 after a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Belgian Kim Clijsters on Sunday, heads a strong field in Leipzig including Clijsters, Jelena Dokic and Justine Henin. The world number one admitted to being rusty in Tokyo in her first tournament since beating Venus in the U.S. Open final, but said she would be back to her best form in Germany.

``I made so many errors off the ground today but by the end of the second set I started to make my returns the way they were almost at the U.S. Open,'' said Williams, who turns 21 on Thursday.

``After the U.S. Open I honestly just didn't practise, so maybe I was a little bit rusty. I think by the time I play in Germany I'll be where I was in New York.''

Despite having won the last three grand slams of the season after missing the Australian Open with an ankle injury, the American said she was still frustrated that she had not won more tournaments than Venus in 2002.

``If I could have just done a little better in Los Angeles, I'd be ahead of her,'' said Serena, referring to a three-set defeat to compatriot Chanda Rubin in August.

BALANCE OF POWER
``Maybe next week I'll take the lead but Venus is playing in Moscow and, honestly, I think she'll win. The girl just never loses, especially outside the grand slams.''

While Venus might not thank Serena for reminding her that she lost to her little sister in the finals of the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, the balance of power has clearly shifted to the younger Williams.

Serena, who has cut down on the unforced errors that used to undermine her game, now has her sights on completing a non-calendar year sweep of grand slam titles at the Australian Open in January.

``I think not playing the Australian Open (this year) made me more determined to do well because I was kind of lazy and wasn't serious,'' said Serena, who has compiled a singles record of 49 wins and just four defeats in 2002 since.

``I could have won it, who knows? But in a way it was better for me to miss that tournament because I got everything into perspective after that.''

Neither Serena nor Venus have won the Australian Open despite having won four grand slam singles titles each. But Serena is determined to set that record straight in Melbourne.

``The Australian Open is definitely my goal. Both Venus and me will be very motivated to win, especially me because I want to get the 'Serena Slam' there,'' she said.

Boje and Dawson in fitness battle for Trophy semis
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Former champions South Africa are hopeful injured fast bowler Alan Dawson and all-rounder Nicky Boje will recover in time to face India in the Champions Trophy semifinals tomorrow, a team official said yesterday.

The squad was boosted yesterday by the arrival of 37-year-old pace bowler Steve Elworthy and uncapped all-rounder Robin Peterson as cover for the injured duo.

``We still have some hope that Boje and Dawson may recover,'' the official said yesterday.

Boje suffered a hairline fracture attempting a return catch during his side's last-ball win over West Indies 10 days ago while Dawson aggravated a calf injury during Friday's second pool three triumph over Kenya.

Dawson's chances of playing have improved after he underwent light training for the first time in three days yesterday while Boje's injury to his right ring finger is improving.

Boje and Dawson could be the key to South Africa's bowling hopes on a placid pitch as they aim to reverse their semifinal defeat to India in the previous edition in Nairobi two years ago.

Peterson and Elworthy played for South Africa A in the home series against Australia A which ended last week.

Peterson, 23, who bowls left-arm and bats right-handed, travelled to Sri Lanka two years ago as cover for left-arm spinner Paul Adams but did not play. Elworthy played the last of his 38 one-dayers this January.

Police patrol course as Ryder Cup teams arrive
By Jon Bramley
SUTTON COLDFIELD, England, (Reuters) - The U.S. golf team arrived at The Belfry yesterday amid tight security for this week's long-awaited Ryder Cup clash with Europe.

Golf's oldest and most prestigious team competition was the biggest sporting event to be postponed last year after the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington.

Armed police guarded all entrances to the course in central England in readiness for any terrorist threat.

Curtis Strange, the U.S. skipper, said he was reassured by the security presence when his 12-man team arrived. Most of the players have been in Ireland over the weekend at the WGC-American Express Championship won by Tiger Woods.

``We don't have any problems at all. To be honest, as American golfers we are used to having this kind of thing for years and years so it's not going to faze us,'' he told a news conference at the course.

``All my team feel quite comfortable and safe.''

Focus of much of the attention is world number one Woods who had dinner after his win in Kilkenny with Strange on Sunday night to discuss Ryder Cup tactics.

Woods had said winning last week's tournament was a priority over the Ryder Cup but Strange is confident his best player will be completely focused.

``He's a team player; it's been handled. Put it this way, whenever Tiger plays he's ready to play (his best),'' he said.

Both Strange and his opposite number Sam Torrance are seasoned Ryder Cup players -- Torrance made his debut in 1981 and Strange in 1983 -- as well as good friends.

They are determined to restore the event to traditional golfing values of sportsmanship.

BUBBLES OVER
When it was last played in Brookline, Boston, in 1999, several members of the American team ran on to the 17th green to congratulate Justin Leonard on a crucial 40-footer against Jose Maria Olazabal before the Spaniard had taken his putt.

Torrance said: ``I can 100 per cent confirm that won't happen again.

``Curtis and I have spoken about this a long time ago, well before September 11 last year. Every six or seven years, the excitement bubbles over and you do something you shouldn't do and then it doesn't happen again. That's what happened in 1999.''

Asked if his team were similarly briefed to keep a lid on emotions, Strange responded: ``Yes, sir.''

He added: ``This is a hard-fought, patriotic, loud and boisterous event and it wouldn't be the Ryder Cup if it wasn't.''

Torrance also made an appeal to the home spectators to be appreciative of both sides.

``Be fair, that's all I'd say to them. Be as loud as you want by all means but not when a guy is swinging. Let's follow the true etiquette of the game which we all know and understand.''

The teams will play the three-day match starting on Friday with no changes from last year's scheduled line-ups after late European injury fears Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington announced they were fit to play.

Strange said he knew what his preferred four-ball and foursomes pairings were a year ago and little has changed that despite fluctuations in form.

``My idea is to give everyone a game at some stage before Sunday's singles,'' he said. ``But if someone feels sick or his game goes mouldy then I won't guarantee that.''

Torrance agreed: ``We're here to do well. I'm not going to give away points just so that everyone can say they've played on the Friday and Saturday.''

The skippers were also unanimous on one other point -- they cannot wait for an event, for which they were first appointed three years ago, to start.

``Finally, we're here,'' said Strange. ``I expect it to be a long, tiring week -- and I'll certainly enjoy Sunday dinner a lot more if we win -- but it's the competition itself that I'm looking forward to. After all this time, that's what we really enjoy.''

O'Sullivan to tackle New York marathon
NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Sonia O'Sullivan, Ireland's Olympic 5 000 metres silver medallist, ended months of speculation yesterday when she confirmed she would make her first serious attempt at a marathon in New York on November 3.

``I am definitely going to run the New York marathon, I have been training for it and looking forward to it,'' O'Sullivan told reporters.

``I'm really excited by the whole idea of the marathon, that's one of the reasons I chose New York.

``I love that there are a lot of Irish in New York and I expect them to be cheering for me and that will give me great motivation,'' she said.

The 32-year-old won her only previous marathon two years ago in Dublin in two hours 35 minutes and 42 seconds after deciding to run the day before the race.

``I know that when I ran in Dublin there was no pressure, I could have stopped anytime, no one even knew I was in the race,'' said O'Sullivan.

O'Sullivan, who returned to racing in March three months after the birth of her second daughter, won silver medals in the 5 000 and 10 000 at the European championships in Munich in August.

O'Sullivan will join Kenyans Lornah Kiplagat and Susan Chepkemei and American Marla Runyan in one of the strongest women's fields in the history of the 32-year-old race.

Kiplagat stripped six seconds off the Irishwoman's 10-mile world record on Sunday in Amsterdam.

NO TARGET
O'Sullivan has not set a target time for herself in New York, but is confident she will be in the running for the winner's prize of $80 000 and a new car.

``I don't want to set a time for myself, I want to run faster than I ran before,'' said O'Sullivan, who will test her fitness at the Great North Run half-marathon in England in two weeks.

``If you are competitive and involved in the race then the time will come.''

O'Sullivan said her determination to establish herself among the marathon elite does not mean she has abandoned the track for good.

``Absolutely not, if anything one of the big reasons is after seeing what Paula (Radcliffe) did this year after running (and winning) the London marathon,'' said O'Sullivan.

``After the marathon training she was able to come out and run better than ever on the track and I don't see why I can't do that.''

This year's New York marathon is expected to attract over 30 000 runners and 2.5 million spectators.

World football moving to single striker mode - UEFA
By Wojciech Moskwa
WARSAW, (Reuters) - World soccer trends show teams moving towards playing with a single rotating striker and away from a two-pronged attack, UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said yesterday.

Former Scotland manager Roxburgh also said that teams where forwards and midfielders switched positions during play were often more successful at loosening up defences than those using less fluid tactics.

Speaking at European body UEFA's post-World Cup national coaches conference, he said: ``One of the key trends coming out of the World Cup is more teams playing with one striker.

``No team gives up space for free nowadays, so you need players to rotate in the front,'' Roxburgh said.

``Take Brazil: When they played with two strikers, one was slightly behind the other,'' he said of the world champions.

``When they played three front-liners, they were always rotating, always moving. That is the most difficult thing to mark and the greatest advantage of this system.''

Turkey's Hakan Sukur or Argentine Gabriel Batistuta were also often left up front to cherry-pick defences at the finals, played three months ago in South Korea and Japan.

Roxburgh said that flexible, speedy teams, able to quickly mobilise multi-player counter-attacks, often fared better than those playing with a traditional libero and set playmaker.

TOTAL FOOTBALL
``This means a return to total football, where players easily move from back to front, like the Netherlands. Guus Hiddink had Korea playing like a Dutch club in the World Cup,'' he said.

Dutchman Hiddink steered South Korea to an unprecedented semifinals appearance.

Roxburgh said decisive players in attack were usually middle-to-front slot men like Spain's Raul, Italy's Francesco Totti or Denmark's Jon Dahl Tomasson, or wide players like England's David Beckham or Sweden's Freddie Ljungberg.

He said that even though a majority of teams at the World Cup played with four defenders, all four semi-finalists played with a flat back-three, signalling a changing trend.

But keeping the chess-like tactical analysis in perspective, Roxburgh said Brazil's record fifth World Cup triumph was largely based on their massively talented squad.

``They were just brilliant with the ball, often connecting on fast combos sparked by unusual technical plays,'' he said.

Rudi Voeller, who steered an unfancied Germany squad to the World Cup final, said the gap between traditionally strong teams and smaller football nations had largely closed.

``Small countries have definitely caught up in recent years. We realise that there are no longer any easy matches,'' he said.

The three-day summit, to which 52 national coaches - including England's Sven-Goran Eriksson, France's Jacques Santini and Italy's Giovanni Trapattoni - were invited, will analyse World Cup goals and refereeing decisions today.

Chinese say doping clampdown will protect Olympics
By Timothy Collings
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, (Reuters) - The organisers of the Beijing Olympic Games are confident that a planned clampdown on doping throughout Chinese sport will protect the image of the Games and of China, Games spokesman Sun Weijia, said yesterday.

Speaking at the World Sports Forum held in the Olympic Museum, he told a packed auditorium that anyone found using any kind of drugs in any of the Olympic sports would be banned from taking any part in the Beijing Games.

``It is a special opportunity for Chinese Sport and for China,'' Sun, deputy director of media and communications for the Games, said. ``Anyone we find involved with any doping at all will be eliminated from everything. We are completely against it. We are going to be very strict in China.

``We don't want China to be accused of allowing any such practices that may in any way compromise the image of, or the success of, the Olympic Games.''

But Sun was unable to confirm exactly what action was being taken by the Chinese to prevent doping in domestic Chinese sport.

``I cannot tell you the details,'' he said. ``There is a special commission set up for that and they are making a study to produce the right plans.''

He said that doping had been perceived to be a problem in the past and that China was well aware that it could threaten the successful development of Chinese sport.

``I can say that China will stage the Olympic Games and that this will be a very big event for the Chinese people,'' he said. ``We cannot allow anything to compromise the image of these Games.''

Sun said also that the Chinese had introduced two new laws to protect the intellectual property rights of all those organisations and companies involved with the Games.

Olympic chiefs praise China over trademark campaign
By Timothy Collings
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, (Reuters) - Olympic chiefs say China's recent clampdown on trademark pirates has been successful and will protect sports companies from having their 1intellectual property rights abused in the run-up to the 2008 Games.

The marketing director of the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Michael Payne, told the World Sports Forum yesterday that he had made two visits to China in the last six weeks and seen that there was no pirating of the Olympic logos.

``In Beijing and in Shanghai I couldn't find any unauthorised merchandise on sale at all during my visits,'' he said. ``They are doing a very good job.''

Payne's comments followed an explanation by the deputy director of media and communications for the Beijing organising committee, Sun Weijia, that two new laws had been introduced in China to prevent pirating.

He said the two new laws were tougher than those prescribed by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and had gone further in helping to protect the intellectual property rights of the Olympics and other companies involved in the Games.

``We have two new ways of protecting the intellectual property rights of the Games and all of its symbols,'' said Sun Weijia. ``I was told that some parts of our regulations are very much tougher than those used in other places.''

Payne, who said that Beijing would be his 14th Games, told the forum that he had never known such intensity of focus in any host city so long before the event it was hosting.

He said the IOC was controlling all the television marketing for the Beijing Games and also controlled all the outside advertising, a move that ensured free terrestrial television broadcasting of the Olympics.

Payne told Reuters that it was important for the IOC to have a different strategy for its television rights distribution from that adopted by the international soccer bodies FIFA and UEFA.

He said the main points for the IOC were that the Games would be broadcast free of charge, that there was no negotiation with any agent or 'middle-man' and no restrictions on the broadcasting.

He explained that soccer had suffered because it had distanced itself from its audience by selling rights to pay-per-view cable companies.

Payne said that the logos and emblems for the Beijing Olympic Games would be launched next year and that this would be the real test of China's ability to police its own regulations on the protection of intellectual property rights.

``The Olympic Games is a showcase for China and for the World Trade Organisation and they (Beijing) will want to make sure it is a success,'' he said.

County switch kick-starts Blackwell's career
By N.Ananthanarayanan
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - England newcomer Ian Blackwell said a switch from his home county Derbyshire to Somerset two seasons ago has helped him rise from anonymity to World Cup contention.

The 24-year-old hit 82 from 68 balls to shore up England's batting in only his second one-day international on Sunday during an eight-wicket defeat to India which eliminated his side from the Champions Trophy.

``It's just nice to get a fifty, especially in your second game,'' Blackwell told reporters yesterday.

The Somerset all-rounder came in at the last minute for injured Lancashire counterpart Andrew Flintoff after a good run with the bat.

Blackwell had quit Derbyshire in 2000 after three frustrating years in which he failed to establish himself.

He feared he could drift out of the game before former England all-rounder Dermot Reeve, then Somerset coach, invited him to make the switch. ``I thought it would be a right career move,'' Blackwell said.

The left-hander hit an array of shots and tackled the Indian slow bowlers well on Sunday, but was not getting over-excited about his immediate England prospects.

``I will go home and keep improving, whether or not they see me as a player for the future. I seem to have done the right things at the moment, but I am not trying to put pressure on myself.''

But he admitted his performance has raised his World Cup ambitions. ``I thought it came around a little too soon, but given a chance in this event, that is obviously an aim for me now.''

EXCITING TURNAROUND
Sunday's innings was an exciting turnaround for Blackwell.

``I couldn't sleep, to be honest. I had played the game of my life and the last thing I wanted to do was sleep,'' he said.

Blackwell also caught and bowled India opener Virender Sehwag for an explosive 126, taking one for 46 from eight overs of left-arm spin.

The well-built player revealed he had lost about three litres of body fluids during his 90-minute stay in energy-sapping humidity and had to be rehydrated before fielding.

``I am not used to that at all,'' he said. ``The legs were a bit jelly like.''

Blackwell said he would next travel to Australia with the English cricket academy in October and work on his fitness. England return home tomorrow to prepare for the Ashes tour of Australia starting next month.