Four lanes of East Bank highway to be ready by Monday
(GINA) The eagerly anticipated four lanes of the East Bank Demerara Highway, two leading into Georgetown and the other two from Ruimveldt to the Demerara Harbour Bridge will be in operation by Monday, in time for the new school year.

Technical Advisor to Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Walter Willis, yesterday indicated that traffic to and from the City would be greatly enhanced.

Willis said there are two areas yet to be paved along the highway. A 240-metre stretch at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara and another 85 metres in the Mc Doom/Agricola area have had the first layer of asphalt. Both stretches are located on the eastern carriageway of the highway.

The contractor is in the process of completing the drainage and other necessary works, after which a final layer of asphalt concrete would be laid on the entire stretch of roadway under construction.

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

Willis reported that approximately 90 percent of the work has been completed on the West Bank Demerara road. The installation of reflectors and traffic lights at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, in addition to work on the road shoulders are yet to be completed.

The project, which commenced in November 2003, was scheduled for completion in May last, but inclement weather, late delivery of essential materials, equipment breakdown and rise in fuel prices and cement, resulted in the contractor requesting an extension to August.

More and more females invading male preserve
MORE and more females in educational facilities, particularly the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), are taking up courses that were traditionally considered to be the male preserve, according to Gender Consultant to the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Ms. Magda Pollard.

She was speaking yesterday at a workshop hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB), in collaboration with the Carnegie School of Home Economics on the development of strategies for economic empowerment of women.

Attending the session conducted in the annex of the Carnegie School of Home Economics on D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, were staffers of the Institute of Distance and Continued Education (IDCE) and Adult Education Association (AEA).

Ms. Pollard said the WAB is set on a path to ensure that women in Guyana are benefiting and all forms of discrimination are eliminated.

The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women was signed and ratified by the Government of Guyana to ensure this.

This means that the government has committed itself to ensuring that all of the rights of women in Guyana are respected.

Ms. Pollard, quoting from the document, said women rights as mapped out by the convention are as follows: the right to work, to equal employment opportunities, to free choice of profession, to promotional opportunities, to equal remuneration, to equal treatment in respect of work of equal value, to social security and to protection of health, to name a few.

This protective legislature is reviewed periodically with the emergence of new scientific data and amended accordingly.

Ms. Pollard told the gathering that the session is for them to have an understanding of gender economic independence and for them to include it in their curriculum and make the necessary changes.

Administrator of the Women’s Affairs Bureau, Ms. Hymawattie Lagan, explained that the reason for the workshop was to discuss issues important and pertinent to various institutions and to ensure that staffers are well equipped to deal with women’s issues when women visit these places.

The workshop was a continuation of another one held last year by the Carnegie School of Home Economics, AEA, IDCE and the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA).

CCL seeks meeting on 'free movement'
BRIDGETOWN - The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) has requested a meeting with Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to discuss free movement of Caribbean Community nationals with a focus on two recent developments in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

In a letter to Prime Minister Skerrit, who has portfolio responsibility among CARICOM leaders for free movement of Community nationals, the General Secretary of the CCL, George DePeana, pointed to two immediate issues of concern to the umbrella body of the region's labour movement:

First, the controversy that has erupted as a result of the recent rejection by Barbados' immigration authorities to permit "a large number" (estimated at 30) of Guyanese from entering the country as visitors; and

Secondly, the announcement by the Trinidad and Tobago Government that it would soon be importing Jamaicans, on a contract basis, to work in the country's booming construction industry.

DePeana said that he first wrote to Skerrit on July 19 seeking a meeting to discuss the general issue of free movement of CARICOM nationals; but as of August 22, when he sent his second letter, he had received no response from the Dominican Prime Minister.

In his letter of earlier this week, DePeana said that the CCL was becoming increasingly concerned that CARICOM did not seem as focused on the issue of free movement of Community nationals as the governments are when it comes to responding to matters affecting the region's business sector.   

"There is already a great deal of skepticism about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) on the part of workers and ordinary  men and women of the region" said the CCL General Secretary, adding that: "There is also a feeling that CSME is about the politicians, politics and the business community.

"There is, therefore", he said, "an urgent need to review this situation and to revisit whatever is being done to inform and advance the population of the region, especially the working class..."

City Council moves for greater efficiency
PROPERTY Owners/Occupiers who have submitted their applications for construction, renovations and addition to properties, but have not been granted approvals, are hereby advised that officials of the Mayor and City Council would be holding a meeting on September 7.

A release from the office of the Town Clerk, Ms. Beulah Williams, stated that the meeting will take place in the Council Chamber and will commence at 09:30h.

The decision for the meeting was reached during deliberations on Wednesday last for the restructuring of the operations of the Council for greater efficiency.

The main focus of the meeting is to facilitate property owners who have added to the existing structures without requisite permission to come in and have their applications processed.

The release noted that the Council has observed that quite a number of persons are not complying with the laws relating to constructing, alteration and addition to buildings.

It stated that the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01 requires that potential builders seek the approval of the Council before any construction can commence.

As a result, this opportunity is being afforded to property owners so that they can comply with the regulations of the Council.

The CSME - Guyana has lots of catching up to do
GUYANA has lots of catching up to do, if it is to be ready for the December implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

This is the view of Marketing and Management Consultant Dr. Winston Headley as he addressed the closing seminar of a two-day EMPRETEC workshop at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) building on Main Street, Georgetown.

Addressing the issue of the implications of Globalisation and CSME and their effect on businesses in Guyana, Headley said that although the CSME is the machinery for bridging the gap in CARICOM, this country needs to work hard to be up to standard.

However, Minster of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation Clement Rohee speaking at an event hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) earlier this week said that CSME is an irreversible process and Guyana is committed to the December 2005 deadline.

Legislation pertaining to being CSME ready will be taken to the National Assembly shortly, Rohee said, adding that, hopefully, it would have the support of the Opposition and this would not entail referring to a Select Committee which would delay the process and jeopardise the chances of meeting the deadline.

In dealing with the CSME, Headley told the participants to be aware of “trading blocks” such as the European Union (EU), and the Free Trade Areas of the Americas (FTAA).

He said that for Guyana to take advantage of globalisation and the CSME, politics must be separated from business.

Some of the topics covered over the two-day period included what is marketing, strategic planning and the marketing process, and marketing research in small businesses.

EMPRETEC is an initiative of the Government of Guyana, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Private Sector, and its objective is poverty reduction.

It was launched in March 2003 to provide a realistic and focused strategy to unleash the entrepreneurial and productive forces of the country to contribute to the creation of employment and the eradication of poverty.

EMPRETEC also works to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises to assist in their growth and forming partnerships.

Since its formation, its client base has grown in excess of 200 with 55% being women; clients are represented in the fields of agriculture, clothing and textiles, food processing and wood processing and the average increase in employment in businesses participating in the programme has been approximately 50 per cent.

The two-day workshop was conducted under the theme “Marketing essentials for small and medium enterprises - a hands-on approach”

ERC looks at pre and post-elections violence
CHAIRMAN of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Bishop Juan Edghill yesterday told members of the media that in June last the Commission met with stakeholders to discuss pre and post-elections violence.

At the time, Edghill was bringing media practitioners up to date with recent programmes carried out by the ERC and their projections for next month.

According to Edghill, “The need for the creation of an enabling environment for the conduct of the 2006 elections and a smooth transition thereafter was the purpose of the stakeholders’ consultation.”

Among the stakeholders present were Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon; Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Ms. Jennifer Webster; Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally; Commissioner of Police Mr. Winston Felix and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier General Edward Collins.

Also in the month of June, a round table discussion was held with religious leaders of all denominations at the Le Meridien Pegasus.

The June 9 activity held under the theme “Encouraging and creating respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society”, had as its aim the development of approaches on how to spread faith without offending other religions.

Edghill added that discussion highlighted the need to build relationships among religious groups, and maintained that faith must be taught under the principles of freedom of speech - with a responsibility not to infringe on the rights of others.

In June, too, Region Two (Pomeroom/Supenaam) and the Moruca Sub-Region also had visits from the ERC.

According to Edghill, the issue of awarding contracts was discussed and contractors from all ethnic backgrounds were encouraged to apply for Government contracts.

Residents in Moruca requested that legislation to monitor persons entering and integrating in Amerindian communities is put in place, since the incorporation of non-indigenous persons into those communities could pose a threat to their cultural way of life, Bishop Edghill said.

All preparations in place for ‘ Guyana Nite’
-MOA/NGMC Officials
(GINA) The annual ‘Guyana Nite’ promises to be a fun-filled event with a variety of activities that caters for all ages.

At a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock in collaboration with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NGMC) and the Private Sector, Minister Sawh announced that Guyana Nite is scheduled for August 27 at the Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown.

Minister Sawh explained that the event caters for everyone. “The housewives will have a good time with the bargains being offered at the ‘Farmers Market’ as well as the other booths bargains.”

He said that security will be provided and parking lots will be adequate.

This year Guyana Nite has catered for differently abled persons as well. Sixty disabled persons will be their guests at the show.

This year too a tea shop is included, for the more mature folk.

Deputy General Manager of NGMC, Celestine Butters said that the event will host a number of top businesses in Guyana and the show has been planned in such a way that it caters for both children and adults.

This is the sixth consecutive year of Guyana Nite, the show. Last year’s event attracted more than 10,000 persons from across the country. The show also attracted overseas visitors who were enraptured by the variety of products on display.

The show starts at 16:00 h and entrance fee for children is $100 and for adults, $300. The venue can be accessed through Camp Street while Carifesta Avenue will be used as the exit point.

Parking lots will be provided at the Guyana Soft Ball Cricket Ground at a small fee and the Guyana Police Force will provide all aspects of security.

Four top CAPE candidates to receive Education Ministry’s Nation Award
(GINA) A report on the preliminary results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) was released yesterday. The results revealed four students who received top scores and who are therefore eligible for the Ministry of Education’s Nation Award.

Commenting on the results, Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey congratulated the students Eusi Anderson and Daniel Ram of Queen’s College, who gained 20 points and 19 points respectively, Dahia Douglas of St. Stanislaus College who gained 20 points, and Ravindra Ramesar with 15 points.

Minister Jeffrey also stated that his Ministry is still awaiting the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations which were also scheduled to arrive yesterday.

In May/ June last, 500 students from 11 Secondary Schools around the country and six private students, wrote the CAPE examination in Guyana. The best scores were determined through tabulations of the points allotted to each Grade. A Grade One pass equals 5 points; a Grade Two equals 4 points and a Grade Three, 3 points.

This year, the overall pass rate is 84 percent, which is 506 candidates. This was compared to the 77.9 percent pass rate of 465 candidates last year.

The report’s analysis showed that this year 57 Grade One passes were attained along with 172 Grade Two passes, 320 Grade Three passes, 310 Grade Four passes and 236 Grade Five passes.

Students obtained a 100 percent pass rate in Computer Science-Unit 1; Environmental Science-Unit 2; Food and Nutrition-Unit 2; Geography-Unit 2; Law-Unit 2; Literatures in English-Unit 2; Management of Business-Unit 2; Physics-Units 1 and 2 and Sociology-Unit 2.

The pass rate was 75 percent or higher with Grades One to Five passes in Biology-Units 1 and 2; Caribbean Studies-Unit 1; Chemistry-Unit 2; Communication Studies-Unit 1; Economics-Units 1 and 2; Environmental Science-Unit 1; Food and Nutrition-Unit 1; History-Unit 2; Information Technology-Unit 1; Literatures in English- Unit 1; Pure Mathematics-Unit 2 and Sociology-Unit 1.

In eight other units students obtained a 50 percent or more pass rate. The areas were Accounting-Units 1 and 2; Chemistry-Unit 1; History-Unit 1; Law-Unit 1, Management of Business-Unit 1, Pure Mathematics-Unit 1 and Statistical Analysis-Unit 1.

In Geography-Unit 1, the pass rate was 40 percent.

Education Month looks at parental involvement
(GINA) Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey has said that for this year’s Education Month observances, his Ministry will be focusing on parental involvement in education.

The Minister explained that good results, especially those gained by students at this year’s overall examination could be attributed to the role parents played in their children’s education and for that reason, the ministry’s theme for Education Month 2005 is “Parental Partnership in Education”.

The ministry will be celebrating Education Month from September 1 to October 10 and several initiatives are presently being implemented in schools in observance of the occasion, as well as to promote the month’s theme.

Part of the plans in this area has already begun with an ongoing exercise to train Heads of schools countrywide to develop and implement their own School Improvement Plans. Participants will include parents, community members, and teachers.

The Education Minister will be addressing the nation on September 1, as part of the observance and this will be followed by an Open Day to be held at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), Turkeyen the following day.

Other activities scheduled to take place include a panel discussion on “Special Needs in the Classroom” to be aired on the National Communications Network (NCN) television on September 15, a mini HIV/AIDS exhibition and related cultural presentation in the parking area of the ministry on September 26 and a presentation of books by the World Bank to the Ministry of Education on October 12.

ERC’s September programme
THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) at a press briefing yesterday told of successes of their recent outreaches and outlined their plans for September.

According to Chairman Bishop Juan Edghill apart from the Multi-Stakeholders’ consultations scheduled for next month and a conference with Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) representatives, the ERC will be continuing its regional visits.

On September 6 and 7, public meetings are scheduled for the Leguan Community Centre, Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

In Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), programmes will be held from September 12 - 16. On September 13, a Special Consultation with Civil Society between Good Hope and Foulis will be held at the Ocean View International Convention Centre, Liliendaal. While on September 15, a regional religious round table discussion is scheduled for the Hotel Tower in the city.

During the regional visits, meetings will be held with the Regional Democratic Councils and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

ROC stages second high-speed painting competition
RIGHTS of Children (ROC) on Saturday last held their second high-speed racial harmony painting competition in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The competition attracted thirteen teams of three young painters each, from schools, youth clubs, religious organisations and groups of friends, all of whom competed in the 45 seconds allotted time, a release from the organisation said.

Trophies and prizes were awarded to the first three teams to complete their painting and for the most popular painting.

The winners are: in first place - Asiyih Munessar, Anand Singh and Abigale Chung of NIS; in second place – Devon Dejonge, Leone Cipriani and Shacka Rowe of the Flying Ace Cycling Club, and copping the third position are Chenth James, Billy La Bennett and Laviston Lancaster of “New Amsterdam Finest”.

Competitors were encouraged to work out a design on sheets of smooth white zinc.

The release said ROC had originally intended to promote the idea that racial harmony should become as routine and natural as breathing.

This, it said, eventually led to a proposal that people paint as long as they could hold their breath, but this idea proved not to be a foolproof way of monitoring whether or not cheating was going on. And so ROC settled on the average length of time a person can hold his breath--- is 45 seconds.

Split in WICB/Digicel 'Lucky Committee'                           
By RICKEY SINGH
BRIDGETOWN - With their mandated work concluded, an open split has emerged among the three-member committee that was established by the West Indies Cricket Board to review the sponsorship negotiations with Digicel.

Against a background of media leaks on aspects of the report submitted by the committee, comprising chairman Justice Anthony Lucky of Trinidad and Tobago and Avondale Thomas and Gregory Georges of Antigua, two significant developments have occurred over the past 36 hours:

Thomas and Georges, who also have working arrangements with the WICB, have disassociated themselves from a dissenting "declaration" by Justice Lucky that was not part of the main report, but which the committee's chairman has made available, along with signed copies of the report to new WICB President, Ken Gordon.

Lucky then speedily moved with a "clarification" statement yesterday in which he accused WICB representatives of "running the show as if it (the Board) was a secret society or private club..."

Displeased, as indicated in their e-mailed statement, Georges and Thomas said they, would "like to disassociate ourselves from a 'declaration' issued by Justice Lucky" as reported in the media.

The 'declaration' by Lucky, which is quite critical of the WICB's negotiating process with Digicel and, among other factors, suggests the need for renegotiation, does not form part of the committee's report that makes no "reference to the contract being null and void..", according to Thomas and Georges.

But chairman Lucky in response, offered yesterday what he termed "clarifications" to claims relating to statements attributed to him in the media.

Contrary to the position adopted by Georges and Thomas, Justice Lucky said that, as both have admitted, they were privy to his personal 'declaration' before it was presented, along with the committee's full report, to WICB President Gordon on August 15.   

Lucky said his 'declaration', that also raised serious doubts about the legal status of the WICB/Digicel contract, was given as "an appendix" to the report which leaves serious doubts about how the negotiations of the sponsorship contract took place.

On reflection, said Lucky, "perhaps it is a good thing that something has come out in the media because the WICB has been running the show as if it was a secret society or private club".

While his committee colleagues, Georges and Thomas, have the right to reject his "declaration", equally he has the right to present his dissenting position to the Board "because I am part of an independent committee, and as one not receiving calls from any Board member telling me who to interview and who not to interview..."

Officially, the review committee's report remains a document yet to be considered by the Executive Board of the WICB. This is scheduled to be done on September 4. 

What is certainly NOT in either the main body of the report or among the appendices, is the actual sponsorship contract between Digicel and the WICB, negotiated and signed in secret, as various Board members themselves have claimed but are still not ready to go on record.

CIG hosts environmental awareness camp
CONSERVATION International Guyana recently hosted an environmental camp at Saint Ignatius to teach the youths of Region 9 about Biodiversity Conservation and care for the environment.

The camp, which is being attended by youths from 18 Wapishana and Macushi communities in Region 9 living near the Kanaku mountain range and wet land areas in Apoteri and Rewa villages in the North Rupununi, was opened by Communication Manager of CIG, a release from the organisation said.

Also present at the opening were Region 9 Parliamentarian, Mrs. Shirley Melville, Regional Vice Chairman, Mr. Clarindo Rudolph and the Field Manager of Conservation International Guyana.

The theme of the four-day camp is “Biodiversity belongs to all: Let’s work together to protect it” and is the fifth of its kind to be sponsored by CIG.

The Kanaku mountain range, which intersects the north and south of the region, has been identified for establishment as a protected area system, the release said.

The mountain range is rich in fauna and flora and is thought by conservation experts to be the most biologically diverse area in Guyana as 70 percent of all mammals and 53 percent of all flora and fauna known to exist in the country can be found there.

It added that the environmental camps are geared at establishing a cadre of students from Region 9, Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo, to pioneer their efforts to promote biodiversity conservation and ensure the proper management and care of the environment.

At this year’s camp, youths were encouraged to share their experiences on the environment with which they interact for their daily existence, as well as share information which they have gathered at the camp when they return to their respective communities.

Tiger and Bear in strategic embrace
Some very interesting developments are taking place in geo-political relations that are being overshadowed by the Iraq war, but which are almost imperceptibly altering the global economic and political landscape.

Recently we saw the revitalisation of the Sino-Soviet axis and witnessed the largest joint military exercise in modern history between China and Russia that is widely viewed as sending a message to the rest of the world, particularly the United States.

The exercise was officially described as Peace Mission 2005 – Russia's and China's ability to fight terrorism and separatism. The "Tiger" and the "Bear" are now engaged in a strategic embrace at a time when the United States is distracted by war.

Early this week, it was announced that China had purchased an energy company in Canada after losing out on a bid for a similar company in the United States after much hostility from Congress. It is making an aggressive global bid to secure its future energy needs.

China's economy remains the envy of the world over the last ten years, averaging a nine per cent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. In the first quarter, China's GDP averaged a blistering 9.4 per cent compared to 12 months earlier, while foreign direct investment continued to hit record levels.

China's trade balance, a growing source of international tension with the United States and Europe, continues to balloon at US$71.1 billion through May. No other country in the emerging markets has a larger trade balance in surplus except Russia, mainly due to soaring oil and gas exports.

As a result, China's foreign currency reserves now stand at a whopping $659 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund. In short, China's transformation from a command economy to semi-capitalist powerhouse has proceeded at a pace that has consistently confounded sceptics.

The war games however reinforce the two countries' declarations issued at their recent summits that they plan to enhance their strategic ties. Both have also strengthened their trade relations, now above the $20 billion mark, signed a boundary agreement and have decided to hold two-yearly summits.

It is now plain that the pattern of international relations, which had undergone a transformation in 1990 with the collapse of the Soviet bloc, is once again in the process of change.

The pendulum is now beginning to swing, though international equations are still quite fluid. But the pattern is clear. China has emerged as an economic power to reckon with and the United States, with its $162 billion trade deficit, has begun to show concern at the emergence of this economic giant.

Russia and China have also refused to toe the American line on the crisis brewing on the Iranian nuclear programme. These all point to emergence of a new balance of power that will shape future international relations for some time to come. (Courtesy Barbados Daily Nation)

Court Briefs
KURT Grant was granted $25,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to two charges yesterday by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

The defendant allegedly discharged a loaded firearm at Clive Fraser and used abusive language to Jocelyn Simon last Sunday at Sophia, Georgetown.

Police said the defendant and Fraser are neighbours and had an argument earlier that day. The victim later heard gunshots and upon checking, saw Grant with a gun pointing at him.

The man escaped and a report was made to the Police. Grant allegedly used abusive language at Simon, the victim’s wife when she intervened.

Grant will return to Court on September 8.


ERICA Coliste was granted $10,000 bail yesterday after she pleaded not guilty to uttering a false currency note.

It is alleged that on August 23, at Water Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, the defendant uttered a forged US$100 to Shelly Roberts knowing it to be false.

Police said Coliste went to a city bank and gave the bill to the teller who suspected it to be counterfeit.

Coliste will return to Court on September 8.


DWAIN Boston, 27, of Lot 65 Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was charged yesterday with the possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan placed the businessman on $50,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Particulars of the offence said last Wednesday, Boston had a .32 revolver and four spent .32 shells without being the holder of a valid firearm licence.

Police said cops on patrol on Barr Street, Kitty, at about 01.50 h, searched the defendant’s vehicle and found the gun and ammo.

Boston is expected to return to Court on September 8.


A TWENTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD man who allegedly broke into the Ministry of Health Pharmacy bond on three occasions was refused bail and remanded to prison yesterday.

Mohamed Ajib of Lot 7 Fourth Street, Kingston, Georgetown was not require to plead to three counts of break and enter and larceny before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

The accused will return to Court on September 9.

Particulars of the indictable offences said between August 17 and 19 at Kingston, Ajib broke and entered the storage facility and stole a quantity of low fat milk, detergents, five VCRs and other articles, all valued at $ 579, 432.

According to the police, the accused broke into the place three times and investigations led to his arrest.

Mr. Felix had said he must be held accountable
It is clear that we are in one of the worst periods of a crime wave. Criminals no longer wait for the dark but during the day they have been robbing with almost total impunity.

I have no doubt that many factors are involved. Among them is the fact that many guns are around. Even the petty thieves seem to have weapons and are using them to rob.

However, I would like to draw attention to two areas which I am convinced are the main causes of the increase in crimes.

In the first place hardly any apprehension is taking place. People are being robbed and killed but the rate of detection and solution are almost zero.

Therefore, the criminals have no fear that they would be caught and punished. As a result this escalation is taking place.

The other factor is the fact that criminals continue to have a safe haven in Buxton. This seems to be an accepted fact. The police, it appears, seem content to live with this situation.

I cannot understand why the police are not bringing this situation under control when they are far better equipped than before. Why is it that they seem so content with what is taking place?

Mr Felix had said that he must be held accountable.

Well I think he should be. He should honestly say whether he is capable of doing the job or not.
Robert Constance

Soon I’ll have to hire a boat
Please allow me the space in your column to ventilate an issue, which has been disturbing the residents of South Ruimveldt Gardens for decades.

Our roads and drains are in a deplorable condition. I spend approximately $600 every day to go to work using Green Ice Cabs. Soon I’ll have to hire a boat.

We have been trying to maintain the City Council’s parapets, clean and dig their drains for over three decades even though they are collecting our taxes.

I have written on countless times to the council but my letters seem to go unnoticed.

I strongly think we need the IMC.
L. Lewis

Trapped in a colonial mentality?
After decades or even centuries of struggles the people of the colonial and semi-colonial countries won a right that is today considered a fundamental right. That is the Right of Nations to Self-Determination.

Many other rights were fought for and won. They are enshrined in important declarations of the United Nations. These include the right to hold views and to expound them; the right to hold religious convictions and to practise those rights or the right not to believe, in a word freedom of conscience.

Despite the long, heroic and historic struggles some persons seems trapped in a colonial and dependency mentality. Mr Freddie Kissoon, so-called intellectual is one of the foremost amongst those.

Mr Kissoon continues to berate persons who fought against colonialism, for independence. He is actually saying that they should not have certain views, Marxist, Communist or Nationalist. For him and others, in the Stabroek and Kaieteur News, it seems that we should have been passive and wait until the colonial masters gave them independence.

The Marxist and Communists in South Africa including Thabo Mbeki’s father, Govern Mbeki, must be the logic of those I have mentioned above, also be accused of prolonging apartheid because of their strong views.

I want to say to the likes of Kissoon, listen to Bob Marley and emancipate yourself from mental salvery.
Rudolph Cruickshank

The reluctant Pandit
Over the years I have been attending Hindu religious functions at my relatives in Enmore. I had come to know that a young Pandit (Hero) in the area is my relatives officiating priest.

Recently, one member of this family passed away, so this family assumed that this particular priest would be doing all the funeral rites and Shiaad. When the family contacted him he refused saying that he don’t do those kind of thing.

Now this family, trying to cope with their loss, had the added worry of finding another Pandit. Other Pandits in the area were otherwise occupied (knowing they were not the family priest). Another relative from another area had to ask her priest to do the funeral rites.

I would like to call on the Pandit Council and the people of Enmore who are paying this Pandit to do their pujas to take note of this happening and take the necessary precautions.
L. Singh

The sugar melee
As the devastating social and economic impact of the European sugar proposal looms over the vulnerable African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States, Guyana is showing tremendous momentum in the fight against
the reform.

I have noticed the optimism expressed by Minister Clement Rohee, which tells me that there might be a chance after all for Guyana and other sugar dependent States to be given an opportunity to expand their markets.

To Guyana’s credit the fight has been given serious attention on our national and international agenda.

From the onset of the proposal President Bharrat Jagdeo has made international lobbying efforts, probably the only Head of State who acted so decisively and promptly.

This I believe could be premised on the fact that our President is cognisant of the effects such a proposal if instituted, could unleash not only on the country’s economy, but what it would mean to the ordinary cane harvester and his family.

I wish to commend the Minister and Government for their efforts to stymie the tide of destruction of critical industries.
Stanley Nathan

Baron Foods first division cricket…
Bermine reach National semifinals
… beat Port Mourant by four wickets
By Vemen Walter
A FINE half-century from opener Maxie De Jonge and a four-wicket haul from all-rounder Devon Clements inspired Bermine to a comfortable four-wicket victory over Port Mourant in their Berbice Zone semi-final clash in the 2005 Baron Foods National 50 overs first division cricket competition at the Albion Community Centre ground, yesterday.

De Jonge, struck six fours in an attractive 56 as Bermine reached 117 for six in 43.4 overs, replying to the paltry 116 all out off 45 overs made by Port Mourant.

Off-spinner Clements, a player with Berbice senior inter-county exposure was the chief destroyer of the Port Mourant batting with fine figures of four for 30 from his ten overs.

Bermine will now come up against Albion Community Centre in the Berbice Zone final set for Sunday at the Albion ground and have now joined Albion and Malteenoes as teams already through to the national semifinals. The winner of the Essequibo match will be the fourth team.

Batting first after winning the toss on a good batting track, Port Mourant found the going rough against some hostile fast bowling from West Indies Under-19 selectee Jeremy Gordon and Kellon Henry.

Henry accounted for the important wicket of opener Moshein Perkhan for nine in his first over, the second of the innings, while Gordon had the dangerous Roopnarine Ramgobin dismissed for three to put Port Mourant early on the back foot at 19 for two in the seventh over.

Only Perkhan’s opening partner Rohan Tulsi with a patient 34 and middle order batsman Rajiv Ivan who made 20 were able to offer some resistance to the Bermine bowlers.

Tulsi and Ivan give their team some hope of putting together a competitive total by sharing in a 44-run fourth-wicket stand after they came together in the 15th over when Rajendra Latcha was dismissed for one with the score on 31.

However, Clements and fellow off-spinner Andrew Williams removed both Tulsi and Ivan in quick succession as Port Mourant slipped to 75 for five by the 29th over.

Wicketkeeper Gobin Narine tried to take the attack to the bowlers but could have only managed 14 including a straight six off Clements before becoming a victim of the same bowler.

Two needless run-outs and pathetic shot selections from the lower order thereafter saw Port Mourant quickly folding up.

Apart from Clements’ four wickets, Gordon, Henry, Charles Shepherd and Williams also bowled well, claiming a wicket each.

Set to score at just over two runs per over, De Jonge and Anthony D’Andrade proceeded to put together 58 for the first wicket, aided by some poor catching and fielding from the Port Mourant team.

Both batsmen benefited from simple chances early in their innings and De Jonge, in particular, made full use and played a number of beautiful shots.

Although keeping things tight, Port Mourant’s first success came in the 21st over when left-arm spinner Krishna Balgobin accounted for the wicket of D’Andrade for 17.

Balgobin picked up his second wicket by sending back new batsman Cyril Choy (0) and with Clements being run-out shortly after also for a duck, Bermine had a scare on 69 for three at the halfway stage.

Things started to look up even better for Port Mourant when Balgobin ended the well-set De Jonge’s innings with Bermine on 79 for four in the 31st over.

With four quick wickets, Port Mourant must have fancied their chances of a Bermine collapse but despite the loss of Julian Moore three and Dane Benny 13, Reiaz Kassim, unbeaten on a well-constructed 26, saw Bermine home with 7.2 overs remaining.

Balgobin finished with four for 29 from his ten overs while off-spinner Latcha had one for 16.

Commissioners concerned about leaked reports
… Contains no pronouncement on Digicel contract being null and void
ST JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - Gregory Georges and Avondale Thomas have expressed grave concern at the publication of certain aspects of the West Indies Cricket Board's Sponsorship Negotiations Review Committee report.

Georges and Thomas were part of the Committee appointed on June 2 with Justice Anthony Lucky of Trinidad & Tobago that examined the process by which the WICB replaced Cable & Wireless with Digicel as sponsors of West Indies cricket.

The two Antigua & Barbuda-based auditors believe that leakage of bits of the report only serves to compromise the integrity of the findings and the Committee members.

"We wish in particular to completely disassociate ourselves from the declaration made by the Committee's Chairman, Mr Justice Anthony Lucky, which appeared in the Trinidad Guardian on August 21, 2005, and is replicated in other regional media," wrote Georges and Thomas in a statement that was sent exclusively to CMC Sports.

"That declaration is the Chairman's personal document, and does not in any way form part of the Committee's conclusions or recommendations as reported by the media."

The Guardian reported that Lucky said the Digicel sponsorship agreement was never ratified, and in these circumstances, he felt the contract could be declared null and void.

Georges and Thomas disclosed that nowhere in the Committee's conclusions or recommendations is any call made for re-negotiation of the contract or is there any pronouncement that the contract itself was null and void.

"The Chairman did advise us of his personal declaration and the contents therein, but we then and there told him that we did not share his view," the two auditors stated.

"Further, we view the continued disclosure of confidential information relating to the Committee's report as an attempt to distort the findings of the Committee. We strongly deplore such behaviour and regret that it is necessary to make this statement."

The contents of the report will remain confidential until new WICB president Ken Gordon and the board of directors have read and discussed the findings, before it is released to the public.

Media reports circulating throughout the region have indicated that the report seriously questioned the legality of the WICB's contract with Digicel.

St Vincent, T&T win to set up tournament-deciding clash
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC - St Vincent & the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago continued their unbeaten run in the West Indies Women's Federation tournament with respective victories over Barbados and Guyana on Wednesday.

While SVG beat Barbados by seven wickets in a rain-affected match at Arnos Vale ‘B’, Trinidad & Tobago overcame a spirited Guyana to earn a six-wicket win in a fixture which was truncated by showers.

Sent in, after losing the toss, Barbados were dismissed cheaply for 98 in 43.4 overs with West Indies batsman Pamela Lavine top-scoring with 15 and Sophia Brathwaite making an unbeaten 14.

Barbados benefited from the generosity of the Vincentian team who contributed 40 extras to the total.

Leg-spinner Earlene Degrads took four for 21 while Melissa Bellingy, with three for 24 and Phernel Charles, two for 24, gave good support.

In reply, St Vincent and the Grenadines reached 84 for three in 26 overs before the rain came. They were declared winners after the revised target was set at 83 in 42 overs.

Julianna Nero, the World number four rated batter, led the SVG with 27 runs, her best innings to date. She struck three fours.

Off-spinner Keila Elliott took both wickets to fall, to finish with two for 21.

In the other game, Trinidad & Tobago dismissed Guyana for 93 in the 48 overs after sending them in to bat.

Abenia Parker made 15 while extras contributed 31. Anisa Mohammed took two for eight while Jade Chadee and Envis Williams both finished with two for 14.

Trinidad & Tobago then suffered some early hiccups at 31 for three but reached 70 for four in 21 overs before rain interrupted. They were also declared winners after the revised target was set at 65.

Opener Brenda Solanzo-Rodney was unbeaten on 26 when play was called off.

The winner of the tournament was due to be decided, yesterday, when St Vincent and the Grenadines met Trinidad & Tobago at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

St Lucia and Guyana were to face each other at Arnos Vale ‘B’.

Bodybuilding winners to ride away with scooters
THE male and female winners of the IPA/Universal 2005 Mr and Miss Guyana bodybuilding championships to be held at the National Cultural Centre will each be riding away with a brand new scooter, compliments of General Marine on Middle Street.

At last year’s championships, only one scooter was on offer - for the overall Mr Guyana champion won by Sylvon Gardner. This year both overall male and female winners will win scooters.

At Wednesday’s presentation, manager of General Marine Rahaman Khan handed over the keys of the scooters to executive member of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

He expressed pleasure at being able to lend his support to this year’s bodybuilding championships, noting it helped to promote the sport of bodybuilding in Guyana.

According to a release from the association, the scooters are fuelling very keen competition and rivalry among top bodybuilders in the country, some of whom are bent on ensuring that the scooter is ridden in a well-known town outside of Georgetown.

With the hype created, this year the competition is expected to be the biggest ever.

Doctor wins 18-hole golf
DOCTOR Ramsingh emerged as the overall winner in the KFC/Pizza Hut 18-hole golf competition at the Lusignan course, last Saturday.

The doctor who played with a handicap of 18, shot an 89 gross to finish with a net 71 just in front of handicap-20 player Cleveland Mentore, who finished with a net 72, and teenage sensation nine handicapper Christine Sookram who also finished with a net 72. On a back nine countback, Sookram was adjudged third.

Ian Gouveia held out for the closest to the pin shot, while Brian Glasford copped the longest drive award.

There is no competition tomorrow, but on Sunday the club will be holding a farewell competition for Murray Kam.

Rose Hall Town, Young Warriors to clash in Leslie Amsterdam Memorial final
ROSE Hall Town Pepsi will meet Young Warriors in the final of the Leslie Amsterdam Memorial Under-17 two-day cricket competition next week Thursday and Friday at the Rose Hall Welfare ground in Canje.

The Rose Hall team booked their place in the final, defeating Big Stars on first innings points.

In the match at the Albion Community Development Centre ground, Rose Hall Town Pepsi after losing the toss and being sent in to bat first, lost three early wickets for just 23 runs -- two to pacer Lancelot Tyndall and one via run-out.

Jason Fraser and Lottoy Scott pulled back the side with a fourth-wicket partnership of 103.

After Fraser fell to Royden Gray for 52, Scott was joined by Murfee La Rose and they put on 62 for the fifth wicket.

Rose Hall Town Pepsi were eventually bowled out for 220 with Scott top-scoring with 68 and La Rose finishing with 51.

Bowling for Big Star, Gray took four wickets for 53, Tyndall two for 21 and Winston Gray two for 38.

When Big Star began their first innings reply, they lost their first wicket to pacer Dwayson Watson without a run on the board. David Munroe and Roy Smith then put together 30 for the second wicket partnership, before two quick wickets fell as they slipped to 38 for three.

Watson got back into the act. He picked up five consecutive wickets and sent Big Star tumbling to 70 all out. Munroe finished as the leading scorer with 26.

Enjoying a lead of 150 runs and just needing a first innings win to go through, Rose Hall Town Pepsi decided to bat Big Star out of the game and proceeded in their second innings to rattle up 257 for eight declared, with Jason Sinclair (52), Jason Fraser (51) and Scott (50 not out) all scoring half-centuries.

La Rose also chipped in with 40 runs, while Gray finished with the best figures for the bowling side with two wickets for 65 runs.

Big Star reached 44 for one with Gray leading the attack with 32 in their second innings before the match ended.

Pele seek first Premier League win
ONCE again the undefeated and undisputed champion of City and National Club football, Pele, will be looking to secure their first win in the Georgetown Football League’s (GFL) 2005 Premier League when they play Thomas United in the second game of a double-header scheduled for the GFC ground, tonight.

With just a solitary point after losing to Western Tigers and drawing with Alpha United in their first two encounters, Pele face a struggling Thomas United who are in an identical position after drawing with Beacon and losing to Conquerors in the Premier League.

The first game of today’s double treat will bring together Alpha United and Georgetown Football Club (GFC) at 16:00 h.

Alpha, on four points after a win and a draw, could move to the top of the table once they dispose of the ‘Bourda Blues’ who are without points after two outings.

And today at Eve Leary, Police host UG in a division one affair at 16:00 h.

Winston McKend Memorial football launched
THE West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), yesterday, launched the Winston McKend Memorial football tournament which will kick-off on Sunday.

At a press briefing at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) office, WDFA president Kenneth Thomas disclosed that the inaugural competition would be played by the association’s eight affiliated teams who would be divided into two equal groups.

Each team will then play against every other side in their respective group in the preliminary matches, after which the winners and runners-up of the respective groups will advance to the knockout (KO) stage of the competition.

McKend, a former player and coach, is credited with the sole success of West Demerara at the national football competition level when he guided them to the National sub-association Under-18 title in 1997 as coach. It was at a post-game celebration, three years ago, McKend met his untimely death following an altercation in which he was shot.

Family and friends along with WDFA, in remembering his devotion and commitment to the sport in the West Demerara area, have come together in realising prizes and monetary rewards for the tournament to the tune of $450 000 while the entire cost of staging the tournament is just over $800 000.

The competition is expected to last three weeks, starting Sunday with a double-header and concluding with the final on Sunday, September 18 at the Uitvlugt ground.

The opening matches will pit Den Amstel against Young Achievers at 18:00 h, to be followed by Uitvlugt versus Beavers at 20:00 h.

The winning team will cash in on $50 000, medals and a trophy.

Meanwhile, the West Demerara football fraternity is now blessed with their very own FIFA-qualified referee. The recently accredited FIFA assistant referee, Selwyn Blair, is the first to come from the West Demerara area. (Allan La Rose)

England close on 229-4 against woeful Aussies
By Tony Lawrence
NOTTINGHAM, England, (Reuters) - Michael Vaughan's England ended a rain-affected first day of the fourth Ashes Test on 229 for four following another flawed display by Australia, yesterday.

Marcus Trescothick led the line at Trent Bridge, scoring 65 and putting on a century stand for the first wicket with Andrew Strauss, before Vaughan added 58 during the afternoon.

Kevin Pietersen was 33 not out at the close, brought forward by bad light, with Andrew Flintoff on eight.

Only 60 increasingly damp overs were possible in all. The five-match series stands at 1-1.

The world champions began the day ruing their ill fortune -- fast bowler Glenn McGrath failed a last-minute fitness test and England then won the toss -- but were so ragged in the field that they perhaps did not deserve much luck.

Their bowlers failed to exploit the swing on offer. They also dropped two catches and took a wicket off one of a string of no-balls. They bowled 22 in all.

McGrath, a bowling miser and Australia's enforcer, had missed the second Test after stepping on a stray ball just before the toss. At Trent Bridge, a swollen right elbow sidelined him.

With Jason Gillespie already axed after a wretched run of form, the attack looked suspect -- Australia have only started three Tests in seven years without McGrath and Gillespie -- but England, so dominant in the second and third Tests, failed to capitalise fully on a slowish, spongy pitch.

They reached lunch on 129 for one, scoring at almost five runs an over, but perhaps failed to retain their concentration as the rain and dark clouds turned the rest of the day into a stop-start affair.

Strauss went first and in freakish circumstances after contributing 35. He bottom-edged an attempted sweep off Shane Warne on to his toe and the ball ballooned up to Matthew Hayden at first slip.

The rain then wiped out an hour and soon returned in two more salvoes.

Shaun Tait, a 22-year-old fast bowler making his Baggy Green debut and with a slingy action reminiscent of Jeff Thomson, took his chance with two wickets in 12 balls as the players got back on.

A fine inswinger worked its way through Trescothick's forward prod -- the left-hander hit one six, off Warne, and eight fours during his 111-ball stay -- to make it 137 for two.

Trescothick could have gone 10 runs earlier, inside-edging Lee into his stumps only for a no-ball to be called.

Nine runs later, Ian Bell had gone, shuffling half-forward and edging behind to give Adam Gilchrist his 300th Test victim.

Only three keepers -- Ian Healy and Rod Marsh of Australia and Mark Boucher of South Africa -- have completed more dismissals.

Vaughan and Pietersen rebuilt with a patient 67-run stand but were given plenty of help. Pietersen, on 14, shovelled a return catch to Michael Kasprowicz only for the ball to go to ground while Vaughan, having made 30, saw Hayden drop him in the gully.

Vaughan produced some of his finest shots to reach 50 but his dismissal galling. Ricky Ponting brought himself on and his medium pacers looked innocuous until Vaughan edged a gentle outswinger behind.

ENGLAND

M.Trescothick b Tait 65

A.Strauss c Hayden b Warne 35

M.Vaughan c Gilchrist b Ponting 58

I.Bell c Gilchrist b Tait 3

K.Pietersen not out 33

A.Flintoff not out 8

Extras: (lb-4, w-1, nb-22) 27

Total: (for four wickets, 60 overs) 229

Fall of wickets: 1-105, 2-137, 3-146, 4-213.

Bowling: Lee 16-1-75-0 (nb-7), Kasprowicz 18-2-56-0 (nb-11), Tait 14-1-62-2 (nb-4), Warne 6-1-23-1, Ponting 6-2-9-1 (w-1).

Kick boxer arrives for Pro-am card
FORMER undisputed world bantamweight kick-boxing champion Devon ‘The Energiser’ Cormack arrived here, yesterday, for his boxing debut on Mora Crew Promotions pro-am card at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground, Linden, tomorrow night.

Cormack wrapped up his camp at the world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York, under the watchful eyes of legendary trainer, Hector Roca, and will do his final preparations at the Carryl Gym on Mora Street, Linden.

The ‘Energiser’ is set to box Linden’s Orland ‘Pocket’ Rogers in one of the preliminary bouts.

The main bout of the evening will be Vincent ‘The Kid’ Howard and Linden’s Cassius Mathews in a 10-round contest.

Howard will have the experience of Maurice ‘Bizzy’ Boyce, trainer of former world cruiserweight champion, Wayne Braithwaite, in his corner.

Linden’s super middleweight female champion, Sharon ‘Stone’ Ward will be defending her title and will lace up gloves against Pauline London.

Ward declared: “I will beat the entire London’s family. After I’m through knocking out little sister Pauline, Pamela will be next.”

With such confidence, Ward promises to use this match to “send a message to all the super middleweight pretenders.”

The amateur segment of the card will see boxers representing Berbice, Georgetown, and Linden.

Former three-time world title contender turned trainer, Terrence Alli, will be entering three boxers who make their debuts.

Sponsors of this UDABA Boxing are Everlast Worldwide and BWIA.

Meanwhile, the 4th Annual Carryl Golden Gloves was postponed because it clashed with the National Novices championships.

Chronicle Sport arrived at an empty venue, the Carryl Boxing Gym on Mora Street, Linden, last week Friday night, and was informed that the event was called off for that weekend and boxers had actually travelled to the city for the National championships.

Promoter Michael Carryl in New York, subsequently apologised for the last-minute postponement, a decision made by the organisers at this end.

A new date is yet to be set for staging the now popular annual event that attracts most of the boxing gyms in the country.

Senior inter-association football tourney revived
… GFF secures five-year sponsorship
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has secured a five-year sponsorship deal with Guyoil for the revival of the once dormant senior inter-association football.

Some nine teams, including Lethem, will battle for $1 million worth in trophies, prizes and cash in the competition to be called the Castrol GTX Senior Football Association KO Championship.

A number of key officials from Guyoil and the GFF are expected to be present at the opening game of the tournament which is set for 19:00 h tomorrow night at the Bartica Community Centre ground where Georgetown will confront the hosts Bartica.

The other first round matches will see Upper Demerara at home to Essequibo on September 10, and East Coast Demerara will travel to the Ancient County, one week later, to meet Berbice.

There is one preliminary game between two associations who are still seeking full membership of the GFF. The game set for September 21 will feature Lethem and East Bank, with the winners advancing to take on West Demerara at Uitvlugt ground three days later.

Besides the Castrol GTX trophy, the winning team will also collect 25 medals and $350 000 in cash while the runners-up will cash in on $200 000, a trophy and 25 medals.

There will also be other cash incentives for the third- and fourth-placed teams as well as for outstanding individuals.

Armstrong doping storm moves from science into law
By Francois Thomazeau
PARIS, France (Reuters) - As is often the case when doping allegations are made, the debate over whether seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong took EPO in 1999 is rapidly moving from the scientific sphere into the legal.

Whatever the truth of the matter, and Armstrong strongly denies any wrongdoing, the report in L'Equipe that the American's urine samples contained the banned blood-boosting substance is very unlikely to lead to any retroactive sanctions.

Officials from the organisations involved - cycling's ruling body, the World Anti-Doping Agency, French sports ministry officials and Tour de France organisers - agree normal anti-doping proceedings have not been followed.

Jacques De Ceaurriz, the head of the Chatenay-Malabry laboratory which conducted the tests, made it clear they were carried out for only scientific purposes and had no legal value because only one sample was tested.

According to WADA rules, no sanction can be taken against an athlete if one sample, rather than the normal two, shows traces of a banned substance.

The samples have been frozen since being taken during the 1999 tour, the first won by Armstrong. A test to detect EPO did not exist at the time.

Armstrong, who has denied ever taking performance-enhancing drugs during his career and has never failed a dope test, summed up the legal implications on Wednesday.

"Ethically, how can you put a guy's name or prosecute a guy like that when he has no defence?

"I know two pieces of the WADA code that are very important. Number one, if an athlete only has one sample left, it is strictly mandated that that sample must always remain anonymous.

"If any WADA-accredited laboratory wants to use that sample, for experimentation or scientific research, they must have the approval of the athlete.

"So right there, you have two serious violations of the new WADA code," he said.

REPEATED ALLEGATIONS
Armstrong, who has had to face repeated doping allegations by French media since his first victory in 1999, hinted he might not take legal action over the French newspaper report. He is currently suing the authors of a book alleging he took drugs.

"Who do you take action against in this case? Is it WADA? Is it the (French sports) ministry? Is it L'Equipe? Is it the laboratory? Who is it? They're all at fault there," he said.

The Texan, a cancer survivor deeply involved in working with others suffering from the disease, said he had better things to do with his money than indulge in another costly court battle.

Armstrong is currently involved in a legal case against a Texas insurance company who have refused to pay him bonuses he was entitled to after his 2002, 2003 and 2004 Tour victories after arguing the legitimacy of the wins could be questioned.

Regardless of their scientific validity, the way in which the results of the tests on Armstrong's 1999 samples have been obtained is in breach of anti-doping procedures.

WADA chief Dick Pound said Armstrong might have to "give explanations" about the tests but said the agency could not "do anything concrete" for the time being.

Pound passed the baton to the UCI, saying it was up to the world cycling body to act. UCI chief Hein Verbruggen said there was "nothing official" and it was waiting to find out whether the report was true.

As for Tour organisers, they insisted they had no power to ban or suspend an athlete on doping offences because UCI and WADA were the only institutions entitled to take action.

Tour director Jean-Marie Leblanc suggested retroactive sanctions might be the future weapon against doping.

"This case brings a new element in the fight against doping - retroactive testing, which is now possible and could, in my opinion, be used as another tool," he said.

RETROACTIVE SANCTIONS
Leblanc agreed, however, that current WADA or UCI rules made it impossible to sanction a rider retroactively.

Comparisons have been made in France with the BALCO doping case which led to American sprinters being banned for taking the THG steroid.

The athletes did not fail dope tests for the steroid at the time of racing as it was unknown. They were banned after tests were carried out in secret.

Tour de France deputy director Christian Prudhomme said the big difference was that in the BALCO case, U.S. athletes were banned after being shown undeniable evidence of testing which had been properly carried out. Some also confessed.

By comparison, confusion rather than clarity surrounds the L'Equipe accusations.

Armstrong quoted "four or five anti-doping experts around the world that have gone on the record and said this is crazy".

De Ceaurriz, the man who devised the EPO test, insists he is one hundred per cent sure the tests were valid.

The problem is that the French scientists tested bottles bearing numbers on them, not names, and these names would never have been leaked if proper protocol had been followed.

Liverpool's Gerrard named Champions League's MVP
MONACO, (Reuters) - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was named by UEFA, yesterday, as the Most Valuable Player in last season's Champions League.

Gerrard scored the goal that sparked Liverpool's extraordinary fightback from 3-0 down to 3-3 in the final against AC Milan which they went on to win on penalties.

His dynamic displays helped drive Liverpool through to the final, while his goal and all-round example in Istanbul were instrumental in the club winning the trophy for the fifth time.

"I'm still in shock, some of the players who have won it in the past, they are unbelievable players," Gerrard said after being presented with the award.

"It's a great honour and I'm very lucky to receive it."

Chelsea, beaten by Liverpool in last season's semi-final, also featured in the awards when Petr Cech was named as the competition's best goalkeeper and John Terry the best defender.

Their midfielder Frank Lampard was edged out in the midfield department by AC Milan's Kaka.

Adriano of Inter Milan and Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan were beaten by World Player-of-the-Year Ronaldinho of Barcelona in the best forward division.

It is the eighth year of the UEFA awards, which were made, yesterday, ahead of the Champions League group stage draw.