Store owner shot dead
-- in brazen daylight attack
- was preparing for son’s birthday today
By Shawnel Cudjoe

The cold-blooded killing of Shirool Persaud, 42, sent shock waves among other business people and shoppers and her stunned husband and store co-owner, Ajoda Persaud, also called Boyo, 50, said it was an attack he never expected.

“Daytime in Regent Street, these things don’t happen,” he shook his head in the aftermath of the attack, trying to come to terms with the devastating tragedy.

His wife was shot several times in the head and about the body while she tried to fight off the two bandits who struck while she was in the cashier’s cage and with employees around.

Persaud said the two fled with an undisclosed sum of money, the takings from the previous day’s sale at Boyo’s Variety Store.

The couple and their two children live at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara.

Witnesses said that at about 11:40h, two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered the store and pretended they were customers while Shirool was in the cashier’s cage.

Police in a press release said the man with the gun suddenly rushed into the cashier’s cage through the doorway and demanded cash. During the robbery, the man discharged several rounds hitting Shirool about the body.

This newspaper understands she tried to fend off her attackers and was shot at least four times in the head, chest and other parts of the body.

The two men then escaped on foot after grabbing an undisclosed sum of cash and a bag with documents, Police said. Five 9mm spent shells and two warheads were recovered at the scene.

Boyo told this newspaper he and his wife went to the Robb Street branch of Scotia Bank at about 09:30 h yesterday to do business but it was not a money transaction.

He said they returned to the store about 11:00 h and he went out again for another 20 minutes and then returned. He said he then took two of his employees and went into the storeroom to cut vinolay to place on shelves while his wife remained in the cashier’s cage.

According to the distraught husband, he was at the back of the store when he heard his wife call out his name and this was followed by a gunshot. “I heard my wife shout and call my name and then I heard the gunshot and I realized it was a robbery.”

Boyo said he hesitated and mere seconds later, another gunshot rang out and this forced him to run for cover and he hid in the toilet. “I went into the washroom which was about five feet away from me and the other two girls ran upstairs,” he recounted.

He said this was followed by a few more shots before everything went quiet. “I was traumatized by then and it took me a few minutes to come out.”

But when he emerged, and rushed to his wife’s side and turned her over, the sight of the blood gushing from her head told him she was already dead.

Persons nearby said when the shooting ended, two men -- one short and slim with a hat pulled down in his face, and the other, a tall man who also had his hat pulled low in his face -- left the store and headed in an eastern direction.

One man said he saw the taller of the two put a gun in a bag and the duo calmly walked up the street. When they were in the vicinity of Kei-Shars store, they entered a gold coloured car and fled the scene, witnesses said.

Police stated that following the robbery, ranks in two mobile patrols, who were in the area, along with a third from the Brickdam Police Station, responded promptly to the report, but the two suspects managed to escape before their arrival.

He said his wife was very instrumental in the success of the business. “She was a tower of strength to the business, to me and to many other people,” he told this newspaper.

According to Boyo, his wife was very kind and was always giving persons little gifts. “Sometimes we would even quarrel because she always giving away things to persons,” he told the Guyana Chronicle last night.

They were married about 16 years ago and have two children, Feroze who turns 11 today and nine-year old Aliyah.

The father said telling the children about their mother’s death was not easy.

“I told them what happened and they both watched at me and cried.”

“It is a situation where these men come prepared and you are not, so they always have the upper hand,” he said.

Boyo described the relationship between his children and their mother as “throwing milk in porridge because you can’t separate the two.”

He recalled that whenever they travelled abroad on business, Shirool would always insist that she contact the children when she reached her destination.

“It could be as far as China, she calling them to find out how was school,” he related.

He said his wife planned to spend very little time at the store yesterday since they were preparing food for people fasting this week at their village mosque as part of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan observance.

In addition, she was supposed to buy items to prepare to take to an orphanage to celebrate her son’s birthday today, as is customary, he said.

Boyo urged the Police to have more patrols around the area to ensure that shoppers and business owners alike can feel safe.

He said it was an affront to all law-abiding citizens and people on the streets now have to be very careful. He said the Police Force needs to focus its energies on issues like this.

According to Gouveia, the force needs air-borne facilities to be able to track the movement of criminals and deter crime.

He recalled that members of the business community met Home Affairs Minister, Mr Clement Rohee Monday and the issue was raised.

He said several recommendations were made and the GCCI intends to meet law enforcement agencies regularly.

“We are going to be proactive and follow up on issues that bother us,” he said, adding that they will not be sidelined since they want to be constructive in their engagement.

Gouveia hopes the investigators do a thorough job and can produce needed results quickly.

Shirool is to be buried tomorrow.

President sticks with Keric
From special correspondent in New York

At a function in New York over the weekend, he said reform of the Police Force has already begun and in spite of the controversy over his decision to hire the services of Kerik, he needed him for "his skills and connections".

Mr Jagdeo said security and improved race relations are the priorities of his new term as President and there is need for effective strategies to combat the high incidence of crime.

The President last month shot back at critics of his picking Kerik to help reform the Police Force.

“We intend to utilise the best international expertise in the fight against crime…and yes we will hire Mr Kerik (and) we have no apologies to make about that,” the President declared during the launch of his party’s manifesto for the August 28 elections.

His declaration came in the face of criticisms from some quarters and sections of society that Kerik has a problematic background with a so-called history of ethical improprieties and as such should not be hired here.

Questions were also raised about who is or will be funding the services of Kerik in Guyana and whether this was done through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

“…I see them distorting the Bernard Kerik matter, but we already have the Scottish police here and they have been working with us and developing a programme of reforms for the past eight months; we are also working with the British government and we have asked for some assistance from the U.S. Government and yes, we will hire Mr. Kerik too,” the President said to cheers from those gathered under the roof of the historic Umana Yanna in Georgetown for the manifesto launch.

“We will not sideline the policemen like some people want,” the President said, noting that the leadership of the Guyana Police Force will be involved in reforms slated to take place in the force.

Kerik has been in discussions with the Guyana Government and is slated to play an integral part in planned restructuring and reforms of the Police Force.

“Mr Kerik is a very skilled individual. He was President Bush’s nominee for Homeland Security - a very powerful cabinet position and he has worked in the U.S. Army, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) and he managed the September 11 period as Police Commissioner in New York with a staff of some 55,000 policemen/women under his control - so his credentials in law enforcement are very impressive,” the Guyanese Head of State told reporters here last month.

Mr Jagdeo received a rousing welcome in New York City over the weekend when he attended a `victory celebration’ at Club Tobago in South Jamaica, Queens, and walked Liberty Avenue meeting shoppers and businessmen.

Early Saturday, Mr Jagdeo walked several blocks on Liberty Avenue to meet Guyanese merchants and shoppers.

He was mobbed by well wishers who greeted and shook hands with him. Many women planted kisses on the cheek of the popularly re-elected President of their former homeland.

Mr Jagdeo and his People’s Progressive Party/Reform (PPP/C) won by landslide at the August 28 elections and when word got around that he was on Liberty Avenue, crowds developed quickly.

The President posed for photographs and chatted with passersby. Even little children, born in New York, recognized Mr Jagdeo and went over to say hello and embrace him.

Over the last seven years, the President has developed an excellent rapport with community and business leaders in Richmond Hill, home to many Guyanese. They donated generously to the PPP/C election campaign and showed up Saturday evening to celebrate his victory.

At Club Tobago, the President received a standing ovation when he entered the entertainment hall for a reception for invited guests to celebrate the PPP/C victory at the polls. More than 300 people, many from The Who Is Who of Queens, hobnobbed with the President.

Mr Jagdeo told his guests he felt obliged to meet them since he was passing through New York on his way home from Singapore where he presided over the Board of Governors meeting of the World Bank and the IMF.

"I want to thank the Guyanese community in Queens which gave us so much financial and moral support" that were crucial for the party's victory, he said.

President Jagdeo spoke of how he was moved by the story of an elderly woman he met last July on Liberty Avenue. "She gave me five dollars and told me `Beta (son), this is all I have, but please try to create a better and secure life for the people back home’. It wasn't the money, but the love in her heart for her Guyana. She wants a better country in which people can live in peace and free of crime."

He referred to his meeting in Singapore, noting it was the first time any leader from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) got a chance to chair the Board of Governors meeting of the World Bank and IMF.

"I did not fail to place the economic and social issues of the CARICOM region before the policy makers of the World Bank and IMF", he said.

Mr Jagdeo also said efforts are under way to improve health care. He noted that open heart surgery will be done in Guyana soon and will cost only US$3,500 as opposed to $35,000 in New York.

He also spoke about preparations for Cricket World Cup next year, the Skeldon sugar factory and the Berbice River Bridge. The President said work is progressing on all three projects and his government is advancing plans for a hydro-power project.

He also took some questions from the audience. One person asked about his successor and the President replied that he will recommend the hardest worker to be his successor.

U.S. scientists head for Guyana
-- trip sponsored by National Geographic, Smithsonian Institute, Conservation International
By MARY ANN ALBRIGHT
(Gazette-Times, Oregon)
WHILE the sight of a bug leaves many people yelping and reaching for the fly swatter, plenty of entomophobic adults, those who fear insects, probably enjoyed running through fields with butterfly nets and peering under logs as kids.

Christopher Marshall, who oversees the Arthropod Collection at Oregon State University, never outgrew this phase.

His love of arthropods, or creepy crawlies with hard exoskeletons “that go crunch when you step on them,” has never waned.

“There’s an aspect of childlike wonder entomologists share,” said Marshall, adding that finding rare spiders, crustaceans and insects requires hard work that goes far beyond child’s play.

This passion is about to take him to the jungles of Guyana, a South American country rich in biodiversity, where he’ll spend a month sleeping in a hammock tent and dodging poisonous snakes in hopes of discovering new insect species.

When he leaves Guyana in November, Marshall plans to bring several hundred thousand specimens back to OSU.

“I’m going to basically be a vacuum cleaner and bring back as many specimens as I can,” he said.

Imagine explaining that many bugs packed in heat-sealed bags and padded with tampons to airport security.

Marshall, 38, specializes in beetles, and has travelled the world collecting specimens to enhance entomologists’ understanding of past and present insects, and the relationships between them.

After completing his doctoral degree in entomology at Cornell University, Marshall worked at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago before coming to Corvallis last fall.

As assistant curator, he manages OSU’s insect collection.

OSU’s Arthropod Collection currently houses about three million specimens, ranging from Central American metallic wood-boring beetles to Malaysian birdwing butterflies to local bumble bees.

The collection features the largest collection of Northwest insects in the world, Marshall said, in addition to its foreign species.

Universities such as Ohio State University, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Florida have between four million and five million insects in their museums, and Marshall wants to build OSU’s collection to that level.

In addition to accumulating new bugs, Marshall and his team of volunteers and student workers have to index the insects they already have.

When specimens come in, they are either pinned for display, mounted on a slide or “pickled” (preserved in alcohol).

Then scientists attach a barcode to the specimen and record data about what they think it is, along with details about where and when it was found, and by whom.

Right now the data is catalogued by species. Marshall said it will take another year or two to finish that process, and about 10 years to catalogue by specimen.

Marshall is one of about 30 scientists going to Guyana. The trip is supported by National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institute and Conservation International.

Claire McIntyre, a graduate student in environmental science, can’t wait to see the new insects Marshall brings back.

McIntyre started volunteering with the collection in January, and she has gone from being scared of spiders to collecting bugs near her home to study — although spiders still give her the heebie jeebies.

“I’m still at the point where I’m fascinated by any variety I see. I’m looking forward to hearing Chris’ stories about where he went and what all he had to do and how he had to improvise on the trip,” she said.

The collection does more than record what insects exist where, and when they appear and disappear. It also provides a reference library, where hobbyists can check their insect identification hunches against specimens typed by experts, Marshall said.

Even though he’s a taxonomic entomologist (someone who identifies insects) for the state Department of Agriculture, Jim LaBonte still comes to campus at least once every two weeks to compare his specimens with those in OSU’s collection.

“The OSU collection has tremendous value as a regional collection with species found in the Northwest,” he said.

Like McIntyre, LaBonte is eager to see what new acquisitions Marshall will find in Guyana.

“Now that we have a truly global economy, it’s difficult to put your finger on any part of the world and say we’ll never get any pests from there,” LaBonte said.

Farmer fatally stabbed while representing wife complaint
A VENDOR from Buxton, East Coast Demerara, has been detained by Police as a suspect in the Monday stabbing murder of Pomeroon River farmer Basil DeFreitas.

The man in custody for the killing usually operates a stall at Charity and was selling during the busy market day when he allegedly interfered with the victim’s wife.

Reports said the woman was angry and embarrassed by the lewd remarks hurled at her and told her husband who went to investigate the complaint.

A boisterous argument erupted between the two men and the seller inflicted a knife wound on DeFreitas at the back of his head close to one ear.

Eyewitnesses said the stabber threw away the bloody blade but boasted that the wounded man could not live and had to die.

DeFreitas collapsed to the ground and was unable to get up before public-spirited citizens rushed him to Charity Hospital where he died shortly after.

The deceased has also left to mourn four children.

Hit and run victim critical in hospital
KISHORE Jaywantie, 26, of Devonshire Castle, was in critical condition at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday after being injured in an accident on Devonshire Castle Public Road, also on Essequibo Coast.

He was riding his bicycle on the way home when he became a hit and run victim about 05:30 h Sunday.

People living in the vicinity where it happened told the Guyana Chronicle they heard a loud noise and then saw the hurt man lying on the roadway with blood all over his body.

An eyewitness said the driver of the ill-fated automobile sped away after hitting the cyclist off his bike and could not be found by investigating Police up to yesterday.

Jaywantie was first taken to Suddie Hospital on Essequibo Coast but was subsequently transferred to GPHC in the city, suffering from major internal injuries.

CDB launches revised procurement guidelines for Guyana
THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) yesterday launched its Revised Guidelines for Procurement in Guyana, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Deputising for Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on the occasion, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Ms Jennifer Webster said procurement should be seen as a critical factor in project management and implementation and the governing guidelines should be transparent and foolproof.

She said the programme, while seeking to provide an update on regional procurement policies, will also facilitate training for functionaries in government.

GINA said Minister Webster added that “our procurement system must be responsive to global changes and complexity.”

“Such a procurement model must allow our government to keep its promise to the Guyanese people in delivering the right product at the right price and at the right time,” she observed.

GINA said areas to be addressed for the duration of the two-day forum include contract values, procurement methods and international competitive bidding.

The agency said several new procurement policies were drafted by the CDB in 2005 and adopted in January 2006, with training and implementation commencing throughout the region this year.

Also at the launch in Georgetown yesterday were Portfolio Manager, Mr. Anthony Dupigny; Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Nirmal Rekha; CDB Operations Officer, Mr. William Ashby and several other officials representing various Government entities.

Police arrest two, destroy marijuana at Linden
TWO men were arrested and are in custody following Police destruction of a cannabis (marijuana) field at One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

The cultivation was discovered about 12:00 h on Monday when ranks from ‘E&F’ (Interior) Division conducted an eradication exercise and found a quarter acre cultivated with a nursery of marijuana plants alongside, Police said yesterday.

All were destroyed by burning and the suspects are assisting with continuing investigations into the find. 

Driver among seven arrested after Green Ice robbery
SEVEN men, including a Green Ice Taxi Service driver, are in Police custody aiding with investigations into a Monday robbery at the Georgetown base.

It was about 23:30 h that two men armed with a handgun and a knife robbed Natasha Griffith, a Green Ice dispatcher, at Lot 99 Sugar Cane Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens.

Police reported that Griffith was in the office when two bandits confronted and relieved her of $15,000 with which they escaped on foot.

Cops on patrol in the vicinity were unaware of the crime committed but stopped and searched a man who was walking along the same street, armed with an unlicensed .32 ‘Taurus’ revolver with six matching rounds and $15,000 in his possession.

A release said Griffith, subsequently, identified him as one of the two who attacked her and further inquiries led to the arrest of his suspected accomplice and five others.  

Charges will be laid shortly, Police said.

Body of dead man pulled from city canal
THE mutilated body of 53-year-old Lennox Brown was pulled out of a canal, along Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, yesterday morning.

A Police press release said, following the 09:00 h discovery, it was observed that the resident of North Ruimveldt Squatting Area, also in the city, had suffered injuries to the left side of his face.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for today on the corpse of Brown, who Police said was employed as a labourer with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Autopsy on murdered Berbice mother scheduled for today
AN AUTOPSY has been scheduled for today on the body of Camille DeJonge called ‘Millie’, the mother of two who was killed in her bed at Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice, Sunday night.

The corpse of the 35-year-old woman was discovered Monday morning with a gaping wound to the neck, at her McGowan Street home in the village.

A knife, suspected to be the murder weapon, was found in the bedroom of the East Berbice Sugar Estates weeder.

Her sister, Rayanne DeJonge, told the Guyana Chronicle that, after the post mortem examination at Port Mourant Hospital, Corentyne, the body will be taken to Arokium Funeral Home in New Amsterdam, where it will remain until the Sunday funeral.

Meanwhile, the man suspect and his wife are still in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

The body of DeJonge was found by her children who were attempting to awaken her, the day after she had been to see horse racing at Alness and received a male visitor the same night.

Special briefing for new MPs today
CLERK of the National Assembly, Mr Sherlock Issacs will at 14:00 h today be briefing new parliamentarians who will be sitting in the Ninth Parliament billed to be constituted tomorrow at a ceremonial opening ceremony.

Among the highlights of the opening are the election of a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, and addresses by President Bharat Jagdeo and the elected Speaker of the National Assembly, a release from Parliament Chambers said.

Of the elected 65 members of the new Parliament, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has 36 seats, the People’s National Congress-One Guyana (PNCR-1G) has 22 seats and the Guyana Action Party-Rise Organise and Rebuild (GAP-ROAR) party and The United Force (TUF) have one each.

IMF, World Bank to play greater surveillance role
-- President Jagdeo reports
By Wendella Davidson
THE just-concluded meeting in Singapore of the World Band and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where a number of issues of concern were discussed, saw the two institutions being called upon to play a greater role in surveillance, President Bharrat Jagdeo said yesterday.

This increased role, he said, is to ensure that current global imbalances do not lead to the shrinking of the growth of the world’s economies as such a development could have dire consequences for the economic growth of developing countries and push millions of people into poverty.

Reporting on the outcome of the meeting at a news conference at his Vlissengen Road office in Georgetown, President Jagdeo, who presided over the forum as the outgoing chair of the Board of Directors, said it proposed as a solution at the meeting, that the IMF sit in a collective fashion with the major world players - Europe, Asia and the United States – in an effort to see if imbalances could be stabilized in an orderly fashion.

Increased surveillance and collective discussions with the major world players could lead to an orderly unwinding of imbalances, including exchange rate flexibility, fiscal consolidation in the U.S. and structural imbalances on issues in Europe, he said.

On the issue of the IMF’s role in crisis prevention, another of the issues discussed and highlighted, President Jagdeo reported that many of the large emerging markets around the world no longer borrow from the IMF, as had obtained in the past.

This, he added, is reflective of improved conditions in the private financial markets and better governance in those countries which has allowed them to accumulate large reserves.

He made reference to the 1997 Asian crisis, where countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and North and South Korea, which during the period of exchange rate depreciations, were forced to approach the IMF for balance of payments support, as an example of what could be the end result if such issues are not addressed.

It is in this regard, he said, that the IMF needs to play a greater role but hastened to add that this cannot be done if the countries are not borrowing.

But according to President Jagdeo, IMF Managing Director, Mr Ridrigo de Rato has proposed a higher access line of credit that will be in place once the conditions in the financial market change.

The higher access line would emerge too, should such countries need recourse to that kind of credit to stabilize their economy, the President said.

Mr Jagdeo said he emphasised that such access to that line of credit “must be on reduced conditionality, focusing only on maintaining macro economic stability and reducing vulnerability.”

He told the new conference of his insistence at the meeting that such access must be there to emerge in market countries should they need it, but said this access is not needed at this point in time.

Others matters, he said, focused on the issue of voice and vote where institutions are given a greater say, while at the same time preserving the position of the low income countries; and more cooperation with middle income countries where 70 per cent of the world’s poor live.

According to President Jagdeo, it is incumbent upon these countries to find better means of working with the others.

Noting that this category of countries has great expectations among themselves, he said they are however demanding greater flexibility on the part of the World Bank and the IMF in the area of conditionalities and reduced cost of doing business.

Secure access to middle income countries; support to low-income countries to achieve the poverty reduction objective of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals; debt relief from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), trade and the resumption of the Doha World Trade Organisation round, along with the outcome of the negotiations; the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its challenges were also discussed during the meetings.

Guyana supporting Venezuela for UN Security Council seat
GUYANA will join with the rest of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in supporting Venezuela’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, President Bharrat Jagdeo said yesterday.

He confirmed this country’s intention at a news conference he hosted at the Office of the President to report on his recent meeting in Singapore, where he ended his stint as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the IMF/World Bank Group.

Responding to a question on the issue, the President said support for the candidacy for which both Venezuela and Guatemala are bidding, has had wide consideration by CARICOM.

And according to him, the Caribbean will have “to judge which of the two countries has been more helpful to the development of the region”.

Asked about the possibility of Venezuela, should it attain the council seat, using the position in an advantageous way to resolving the territorial dispute with Guyana, President Jagdeo said Venezuela has assured that this will not happen.

“We have received private and public declarations that Venezuela would not use this seat to advance their claim on the border issue”, he said.

He added that regional solidarity with Guyana was very strong on the border issue.

Reminded of the ongoing wrangling between Venezuela and the United States and asked whether supporting Venezuela would put this country’s relations with the U.S. into question, Mr Jagdeo said Guyana does not get involved in the political affairs of other states, and each country reserves the right to choose what will be beneficial to its development.

It said that happened after negotiations, involving the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), millers and exporters, for planters in Essequibo to get higher prices broke down.

GINA said the issue was on the agenda Monday when Agriculture Minister, Mr. Robert Persaud visited Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and rice farmers and officials from various agencies associated with the sector on Essequibo Coast got the opportunity to discuss the further development of the industry.

Foremost on the agenda was the price for paddy on offer to farmers by millers, against the background of the rejected $1,500 per bag as against $1,800 received during the last crop, GINA said.

Persaud commended the Essequibians for their suggestions and other contributions towards finding some resolution to the current impasse and said it will be the subject for discussion at a higher level and President Bharrat Jagdeo is to be briefed on the matter.

GRDB General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh, RPA General Secretary, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj and Regional Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh also addressed the gathering in the auditorium of Anna Regina Multilateral School, at the request of the minister in response to concerns raised by farmers, GINA said.

The agency said reduced transportation costs for rice and paddy products were previously suggested as an option to help the farmers and the Government, subsequently, lowered the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) charges by 50 per cent countrywide.

Meantime, at the Monday meeting, Persaud assured that the Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to address the identified challenges so that farmers can receive an economical and well deserved price for their paddy, GINA reported.

The agency said he advised that the Government is undertaking several initiatives to help make the industry more competitive and reduce production costs.

GINA noted that, through the European Union (EU) Rice Competitiveness Programme, two pumps at Dawa on Essequibo Coast will be replaced and new sluices at Westbury and Golden Fleece built.

Four excavators will be secured, as well, to develop the drainage and irrigation (D&I) system in Region Two and all that investment in the rice sector adds up to about $700M, Persaud explained.

He said, too, that the same programme will see the establishment of a financial facility, to be operated by a local commercial bank, providing consistent credit to farmers.

GINA said the farmers in the ‘Cinderalla County’ spoke about the need for cheaper fertilisers and Persaud said alternative sources have to be found.

On the necessity for cheaper fuel, he said the prices have dropped on the international market and, consequently, when a shipment arrives, discussions will be held with the minister who has responsibility for Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), for “some sort of arrangement” to be put in place for rice farmers to get preference and secure easier access.

About more drying facilities, Persaud said the RPA has to look at expanding these and probably developing cooperatives similar to one at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands).

Suspected poison suicide in Essequibo
FORTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Lall Krishna Ganpat, of East Reliance, Back Street, on Essequibo Coast, is suspected to have committed suicide by drinking poison.

A bottle containing a poisonous substance was near his lifeless body that was discovered by other residents on the verandah of his house yesterday morning.

However, reports said Ganpat might have succumbed Sunday night at his home where he had lived alone since his wife died some months ago.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed the lonely man was grieving over the loss of his wife and was sad.

Police are investigating the death.

Pomeroon farmers to regroup on marketing increased produce
POMEROON farmers will meet at Charity Extension Centre on Essequibo Coast next Monday to discuss plans for resuscitating the defunct Farmers’ Association.

Farmers said the purpose of the meeting is to collaborate on finding export markets for their produce.

The decision to get together in the quest follows a big increase in production that resulted from the massive desilting of canals and empoldering of farms.

The work to vastly improve the drainage and irrigation system was done by two excavators deployed by the Government along Pomeroon River after the flooding earlier this year.

First CAPE regional top awards:
Barbados, T&T students dominate
JANSEN Seheult of Naparima College in Trinidad and Tobago is the first winner of the Dr Dennis Irvine Award for the Most Outstanding Performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council, (CXC).

Dr Irvine, who died last year, was the second Chairman of CXC. Under his Chairmanship, the discussions on CXC post-CSEC certification – now CAPE, were initiated.

Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr Lucy Steward, made the announcement of the top awards during a press conference at Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica Monday.

Seheult achieved Grade I in Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Chemistry Unit 1, Chemistry Unit 2, Physics Unit 1, Physics Unit 2, Pure Mathematics Unit 1 and Pure Mathematics Unit 2, CXC stated in a press release.

Seheult also won the award for most outstanding performance in Natural Science.

Four other students from Trinidad and Tobago won top awards.

Nerisha Holder of Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain, received the Mathematics Award with Grade I in Applied Mathematics, Caribbean Studies, Pure Mathematics Unit 1, Pure Mathematics Unit 2, Physics Unit 1, Statistical Analysis and Grade III in Communication Studies.

Fadilah Ali of Holy Faith Convent was awarded the Environmental Science Prize. Fadilah achieved six Grade Is and one Grade II in the seven qualifying Units - Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Biology Unit 1, Biology Unit 2, Environmental Science Unit 1 and Environmental Science Unit 2 and Grade II in Chemistry Unit 1.

Simone Jaggernauth and Breanne McIvor, both of St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, won the Modern Languages and Humanities Award respectively. Simone achieved Grade I in Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, French Unit 1, French Unit 2, Spanish Unit 1, Spanish Unit 2 and Sociology Unit 1.

For the Humanities award, Breanne achieved Grade I in all units, including Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, History Unit 1, History Unit 2, Literatures in English Unit 1, Literatures in English Unit 2 and Spanish Unit 1.

Nesha Marshall of Queen’s College, Barbados has won the award for Outstanding Performance in Business Studies with six Grade Is and three Grade IIs. In the seven units which qualified Nesha for the award, she achieved Grade I in Communication Studies, Management of Business Unit I, Management of Business Unit 2, Accounting Unit1, Law Unit 2, and Grade II in Accounting Unit 2 and Caribbean Studies.

Another Queen’s College student, Tiffany Jenkins, copped the award for the Most Outstanding Performance in Technical Studies with six Grade Is and two Grade IIs. Of the seven units used to qualify for the award, Tiffany achieved Grade I in Art and Design Unit 1, Art and Design Unit 2, Communication Studies, Computer Science Unit 1, Computer Science Unit 2 and Pure Mathematics Unit 2, and Grade II in Caribbean Studies.

Kyle Lynch of Harrison College, also in Barbados, won the award in Computer Science. Kyle achieved seven Grade Is and one Grade II in the eight units he wrote. He achieved Grade I in Communication Studies, Computer Science Unit 1, Computer Science Unit 2, Physics Unit 2, Pure Mathematics Unit 1, Pure Mathematics Unit 2 and Grade II in Caribbean Studies.

The Dr Dennis Irvine Award and the Regional Top Awards for outstanding CAPE performances were approved by the council in 2005 and the awards are being made for the first time this year.

The students will be presented with their awards when CXC holds its annual Council Meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines on November 30.

CCL plans hectic 80th anniversary conference here
THE umbrella regional labour body, the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), plans a hectic three-day conference here in observance of the 80th anniversary of the first moves to integrate the Caribbean labour movement, according to CCL President, Mr. Lincoln Lewis.

He told a press conference Monday at the Critchlow Labour College in Georgetown that the programme begins October 2 next and representatives are expected from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, England and international labour organisations with which the CCL has links.

Lewis, who said the labour movement is the oldest indigenous organisation in the Caribbean, recalled that it was in January 1926 in Georgetown when Guyana’s national hero and labour leader, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, initiated the integration of the labour movement in the Caribbean.

At that meeting, he recalled, principles such as self-government, federation, abolition of child labour, implementing an eight-hour working day and introduction of national health insurance were adumbrated.

The CCL eventually was formally established in 1960 in Grenada, Lewis said.

He noted that it will be 80 years after that the regional labour movement will meet to review and assess the progress in achieving those goals.

Lewis contended that many of those principles have still not been properly addressed and there is concern that the region experiences prison riots, the need for good governance and adequate workers compensation.

The conference will be opened by Bahamian Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Mr. Leonard Archer, while other Caribbean leaders and distinguished academics and professionals will also make presentations over the three days.

They include President Bharrat Jagdeo, Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor James Rose, former Guyanese Minister of Finance, Mr. Carl Greenidge and Senior Counsel and veteran trade unionist, Mr. Ashton Chase.

Outstanding Caribbean trade unionists will also be honoured and awarded and in this regards a life-size portrait of Guyana’s veteran labour leader, the late Joseph Pollydore will be unveiled, Lewis reported.

Asked whether the occasion will be used to initiate efforts to mend the split in the local trade union movement with several unions in the separate Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Lewis said he is unaware of any FITUG.

There is disunity at several levels throughout the world, Lewis offered, adding that unity for the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is more fundamental in that all parties must embrace similar principles and programmes.

However, he said all members of the GTUC will be invited to the three-day event.

FITUG includes the largest local union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Fire Service vaccinating all ranks against tetanus
ALL members of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) are to be vaccinated against tetanus with support from the Ministry of Health, according to Chief Fire Officer Lawrence David.

The process will commence shortly with the vaccination of the ranks being done by health care staffers, he said.

“We believe this exercise will enhance the morale and confidence of our firefighters, especially when engaged in firefighting duties,” he remarked.

David pointed out that the job of firefighters is extremely dangerous and, apart from the dangers when exposed to excessive heat and smoke, they usually suffer injuries, including cuts, burns, sprains and scratches.

He said firefighters, sometimes, unwittingly and, at other times, unhesitatingly use contaminated or dirty water to put out flames and, undoubtedly, they operate in an environment full of health risks.

Essequibo farmers want Rice Marketing Board reintroduced
HUNDREDS of Essequibo rice farmers have asked Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud to make representation at Cabinet for the reintroduction of the Rice Marketing Board (RMB).

Speaking on behalf of himself and the others, at the Monday meeting in Anna Regina Multilateral School auditorium on Essequibo Coast, Mr. Cornel Damon said the reintroduced RMB could negotiate international markets for their grains.

According to him, the entity would also ensure that rice farmers get good prices for their paddy and stop the unfair competition in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

Damon cited the low prices currently being offered for paddy in Essequibo and said ‘middle men’ are making profits because they are buying cheap from farmers and selling back to the big millers for much more.

Another farmer, Mr. Saywack Lall charged that millers are robbing farmers by paying poor prices and repeated a previous call for President Bharrat Jagdeo to intervene.

Lall said farmers are suffering financially and some cannot even send their children to school while the millers are doing better.

Significant little steps
THE Amerindian community will be the recipient of another hostel when Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues this week formally opens a facility at Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

Less than a week ago, the minister opened another hostel at Suddie, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).

These are significant examples of the Government’s continuing interest in the development of the country’s indigenous people.

Traditionally, Amerindian hostels were regarded as “overnight lodgings” for Amerindians. Today, these are used by patients seeking medical attention and students attending secondary schools.

The main Amerindian hostel in Georgetown has evolved into an institution which gives educational support to Amerindian students attending not only secondary schools but the University of Guyana.

In fact, Amerindian hostels countrywide have also benefited non-Amerindians because the hostels have exercised flexibility during emergencies.

Amerindian Heritage Month which concludes on Saturday has culminated into another successful cultural achievement this year.

The several events held in every region, the exhibition at the Umana Yana in Georgetown, and the main observance at Annai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), attracted a wide cross-section of Guyanese.

The feedback we have is that the entire celebration has been a resounding success - and another step forward towards integration.

The critics, who are trying to undermine the government’s positive efforts to improve the lives of the indigenous people, are not impressive.

The significant development in every sector in Amerindian communities cannot be ignored. Developments in health, education, pure water supply and transportation are testimony that the lives of Amerindians are improving.

There is still much to be done but stock must be taken of significant developments in national life.

And there can be no gainsaying that much has been achieved for Amerindians in this country.

Judge throws out Roger Khan motion against Felix
JUSTICE William Ramlal has thrown out for want of prosecution, constitutional cases brought by businessman Shaheed `Roger’ Khan, Ricardo Rodrigues, Paul Rodrigues and Gerald Pereira against former Commissioner of Police Winston Felix and the Attorney General.

Following the publication of wanted bulletins, lawyers representing Khan and the three others called for the immediate withdrawal of the bulletins and an apology from the Police Force.

The two Attorneys-at-Law, Mr Vic Puran and Mr Glenn Hanoman, despatched a letter to Felix, claiming that the Guyana Police Force had no power to issue such a bulletin for the four men for questioning.

At the time, the Police said Khan, of 133 Rotunda Place, D’Aguiar’s Park,

Houston, Greater Georgetown, was wanted for questioning in connection with investigations into the discovery of firearms, ammunition, drugs and other illegal items found during operations by the Joint Services.

The Joint Services said the four-day operations were part of the search for 33

High-powered AK-47 rifles and five pistols reported stolen from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Camp Ayanganna headquarters, Georgetown.

The lawyers had succeeded in getting the court to issue a Nisi Order against the Police Commissioner, directing him to show cause why a Writ of Certiorari should not be issued quashing the decision of Felix, in his capacity as the Commissioner of Police, and to withdraw the bulletin.

Since then, Khan was held by Suriname police and later flown to the United States where he has been jailed waiting trial on a drugs case.

Felix has also since retired as Police Commissioner.

On Monday, when the matter was called, only State Counsel Mr Nigel Hawke for the Attorney General was present, and as a consequence, the matters were dismissed for want of prosecution.

‘Black Clothes’ cop freed of manslaughter
FORMER ‘Black Clothes’ Cop Travis Hardy, who was on trial for unlawfully killing his colleague, Marlon Paul, while they were both on duty at the guard hut at Police headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on August 14, 1999, has been found not guilty by the Demerara Assize Jury.

Travis was discharged by trial Judge, Justice of Appeal, Miss Claudette Singh.

The Prosecution, led by Miss Nadeen Singh, had set out to prove that the accused had deliberately shot Paul to death and then set up a defence to the effect that the other cop was spinning the revolver on a finger of his left hand when the weapon accidentally went off and he was shot dead.

The Prosecution had called two witnesses who said Paul was awaiting treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation when he was heard to shout, “Hardy shoot me”.

This, the prosecution said was good testimony, and was accepted in evidence following a voir dire (a trial within a trial) by the trial judge.

On the other hand, defence counsel Mr Sanjeev Datadin urged the jury to find that the evidence about “Hardy shoot me” was not spontaneously made by the injured man and therefore could not be used as part of the res gestae – part of the event.

One fined, other remanded after shooting incident
TWO men who were involved in a violent confrontation with another duo over a woman, at a night club, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan yesterday on different charges.

One of the defendants, Charles Beharry, 28, who admitted unlawfully assaulting Alim Khan in the September 24 incident, was fined $10,000.

But the other defendant, Geetendra Ramphal, 23, also of the Lot 30 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown address as Beharry, was refused bail after he pleaded not guilty to unlawfully and maliciously discharging a loaded firearm at Zarafullah Persaud, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.

Beharry said he reacted after Khan used abusive language and chucked him.

Police said Beharry and Ramphal were at the ‘Night Bird’ club in Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown, when an argument arose between them and the virtual complainants surrounding the female in their midst.

Ramphal, who is alleged to have pulled a gun and shot Persaud, injuring his right index finger, was remanded to prison until September 28.

Puruni case transferred to Bartica Court
RONALD Pratt, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was granted $50,000 bail yesterday on a charge of unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Edward Cox.

The indictable offence is alleged to have been committed on September 21 at Puruni and Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan transferred the case to Bartica Court, also in Essequibo, for October 5.

Defendant refused bail on drug charges
ACTING Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan has refused bail to Roger Anthony Christopher (no address given) on charges of cultivating a prohibited plant and drug trafficking.

Particulars of the offences said, on September 21, at Five Miles, Ituni Road, Christopher cultivated cannabis (marijuana) and, on the same day, he trafficked in 512 grammes of the narcotic.

The defendant on Monday denied both allegations and was remanded to prison until October 10.

He will make his next court appearance at Christianburg, also in Upper Demerara River, to where his cases have been transferred.

Do not give up
IT IS with deep regret and concern that I write this letter.

I am a concerned Guyanese living in Florida in the United States. I have been reading the news daily, and was appalled at the senseless killings of the two young men in Victoria, East Coast Demerara last week.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of these two men.

My dad was born in Victoria. I still have a lot of relatives living there and I will always love there.

To the people of my dad's village, please do not give up; do not blame yourself for what those animals did.

You are strong, hard-working and God-fearing people; they will be judged for what they did and nothing goes unpaid in this world.

To my family of Victoria, God is in charge. I will always come home there whenever I visit.

I will continue to support and read the news.

It is still a beautiful place; let us continue to keep our heritage and history rich and proud; let’s love one another and be safe my fellow Victorians.

My dad has since passed away and he would have wanted me to do this.

I will continue to pray for you.

To the families, may kind thoughts and cherished memories sustain you in your time of sorrow and bring you some measure of peace.
ANNIE SKEETE

Always been proud
THANK you for your stories about Amerindian Heritage Month.

I am from Jawalla in the Upper Mazaruni.

As I can remember I have always been proud to be an Amerindian. I can recall my mom, Rita Hunter, saying that to the whole nation and it was published in the Chronicle sometime in the late 70’s.

So what the minister is saying, ”…today Amerindians are proud of their heritage and identity, as well as their contribution to nation building”, let her know it’s not only today.

What I am proud of today is that we are being recognized. The country (government) has chosen a day and month to celebrate our culture. Thank you -- whoever idea this was.

We all appreciate your recognition. 
KATHY

Find someone else
THE President must not let allow himself to be blinded by criticism or any other feelings he may have towards those who question the hiring of former New York Police Commissioner Mr Bernard Kerik. 

A new book out criticizing how the U.S. handled the reconstruction of Iraq, was critical of Mr Kerik’s performance as the Iraq police trainer as self serving and ineffective.

He was also accused of leaving the job before his appointment was up. I think any serious review of his record will see a disconnect with his "resume". 

Mr President, find someone else; it is not your pride we are worrying about but the security of Guyana. 

Now I want to ask the opposition -- are your legal actions simply to defend the Constitution or to delay what appears to be a government not of your making? 

I could see the legal basis for the arguments, especially the appointment of ministers, but to prevent the sitting of the National Assembly to start the people's business doesn't seem to be justified. 

It is in the assembly that the government must be held to account and the opposition to show their mettle, not the court. 
A REAL PATRIOT

Sorry, R. Khan
I WOULD like to say sorry to R. Khan for my wrong perception of him/her.

I have reconsider my response to his letter after reading his letter in yesterday’s Guyana's Chronicle.

Yes, Chandrika Persaud could have used "better judgement".

However, if her perception is that "this is how things are done", then she certainly acted as "expected" of her by the supposedly incorruptible police officer.

Once again, sorry.
SEAN ADAMS

Lighting a fuse?
IT IS not accidental, I believe, that Archbishop Ratzinger recently used a derogatory quote about the Islamic faith.

Archbishop Ratzinger, Pope Benedict to Roman Catholic believers, in 1997 called Buddhism an "autoerotic spirituality" that offers "transcendence without imposing concrete religious obligations."

Hindusim, he said, offers "false hope," in that it guarantees "purification" based on a "morally cruel" concept of reincarnation resembling "a continuous circle of hell."

After the 9/11 attacks, the Pope, then Cardinal Ratzinger, told Vatican Radio that "it is important not to attribute simplistically what happened to Islam" -- but then he added, "the history of Islam also contains a tendency to violence."

The Archbishop of Rome did not reflect on Christianity’s own history of violence: the Crusades, the Inquisition and several other detours from the path of peace and tolerance.

Before he was Pope Benedict, Cardinal Ratzinger declared that Turkey should not be allowed into the European Union because its Islamic culture is incompatible with Europe's "Christian" culture.

Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of the Jewish magazine, TIKKUN, and rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in San Francisco says, “While many of us agree with Ratzinger's critique of moral relativism, he extends that critique in illegitimate and dangerous ways, equating secularism with moral relativism and suggesting that secularism is now repressing religion. Ratzinger also publicly critiques all those inside the Church who are tolerant enough to think that other religions may have equal validity as a path to God. This is a slippery slope toward anti-Semitism and a return to the chauvinistic and triumphalist views that led the Church, when it had the power to do so, to develop its infamous crusades and inquisitions.”

James Carroll, writing in the Boston Globe of Sept 25 says, “President Bush famously used the word 'crusade,' then backed away from it. But playing by bin Laden's script, Bush launched a catastrophic war that has become a crusade in all but name. Now Benedict has supplied a religious underpinning for that crusade. Claiming to defend rationality and nonviolence in religion, the pope has made irrationality and violence more likely, not less. Bush and Benedict are in sync, and bin Laden is grinning.

“Even abstracting from the offending citation, the pope's lecture reveals a deeper and insulting problem. Benedict properly affirms the rationality of faith, and the corollary that faith should be spread by reasoned argument and not by violent coercion. But he does so as a way of positing Christian superiority to other faiths.

“That was the point of the passing comparison with Islam -- which, supposedly, is irrational and therefore intrinsically violent, unlike Christianity which is rational and intrinsically eschews coercion. . .

“Benedict seems to have forgotten that the European rejection of violent coercion in religion came about not through religion but through the secular impulses of the Enlightenment.

“The pope's refusal to reckon with historical facts that contradict Catholic moral primacy has been particularly disturbing in relation to the church's past with Jews. Last year, he said Nazi anti-Semitism was ‘born of neo-paganism,’ as if Christian anti-Judaism was not central. This year, at Auschwitz, he blamed the Holocaust on a ‘ring of criminals,’ exonerating the German nation. By exterminating Jews, the Nazis were ‘ultimately’ attacking the church. He decried God's silence, not his predecessor's. A pattern begins to show itself. Forget church offences against Jews. Denigrate Islam. Caricature modernity and dismiss it.

“In all of this, Benedict is defending a hierarchy of truth. Faith is superior to reason. Christian faith is superior to other faiths (especially Islam). Roman Catholicism is superior to other Christian faiths. And the pope is supreme among Catholics. He does not mean to insult when he defends this schema, yet seems ignorant of how inevitably insulting it is. Nor does the pope understand that, today, such narcissism of power comes attached to a fuse.”
JUSTIN DE FREITAS

Gross misunderstanding
THE entire provisional text (without footnotes) of Pope Benedict XVI’s lecture at the University of Regensburg has now been released by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

It is a 6-page philosophico-theological discourse addressed to the representatives of Science titled, “Faith, Reason and the University Memories and Reflections”.

A careful reading of the text makes it abundantly clear that the much-publicized quotation from the Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, has been taken completely out of context by media reports and its importance exaggerated, thus causing gross misunderstanding and sparking outrage in many quarters – a grave injustice to a scholarly Pontiff sincerely seeking peace and dialogue between different religious cultures and modern science.

The quotation is actually prefaced by the Pope with the words: the emperor addresses his interlocutor with a “startling brusqueness”, implying that its content is not to be taken too seriously.

It is only cited as an example whose purpose is stated by the Pope in the very last sentence of his speech: “Not to act reasonably, not to act with logos, is contrary to the nature of God”, said Manuel II, according to his Christian understanding of God, in response to his Persian interlocutor.

It is to this great logos, to this breadth of reason, that we invite our partners in the dialogue of cultures. To rediscover it constantly is the great task of the university.

Media reports seem to have missed another quotation in the very first paragraph of the talk, in which the Pope mentions a colleague from the university as having said, “There was something odd about our university: It had two faculties devoted to something that did not exist: God.”

Would it be right for believers in God to lift these words out of their context, label the Pope as an atheist, and furiously demand an apology from him?
JOSEPH M. DIAS, S.J.

Unfair assertions
IT IS with some regret that I find myself responding to an article by Ms. Nicosia Smith which appeared in the daily Stabroek News dated Monday September 18, 2006.

The newspaper’s reporter sought to address the issues relating to the supply of quarry material in Guyana. It was only morally and ethically fair for the reporter to seek clarification before casting assertions.

Linden quarries Inc., our subsidiary, assumed the ownership and management control of Teperu-Itabu Quarries previously managed by Mazaruni Granite Product Limited. We took a company that was virtually starved of investment and on the brink of collapse in the interest of national development and of course foreseen business opportunities. The physical infrastructure was ruined, vandalized and to a large extent rendered inoperable.

At the time of the acquisition we were fully aware of the heavy capital investment that would have been required to bring the plant to a reasonable state operation. Our massive restructuring and revitalizing plans was ironed out and put to work.

To this and as the reporter correctly reported, we have invested in two 375 B LME excavators, expensive and critical spares, two 100-tons Euclid and four 50-tons Terex mining trucks and most importantly the rehabilitation of the once dilapidated and neglected computerized operated control system, the heartbeat of the plant, which required technical expertise from the plant manufacturers in France who are still present in Guyana.

This investment stands testimony to the fact that we are committed to our national responsibility in producing quarry products at the right price, quantity, quality and at the right time.

Contrary to the newspaper’s belief, Linden Quarries stands committed to its national responsibility to produce and make available to meet the demands of the local market as priority its quarry products at a competitive price with reliable services.

Our expansion plans would continue over the coming months as we have secured successfully a line of credit with MACORP to satisfy our equipment needs for future planned expansion.
EGAN BAZILIO
DIRECTOR
LINDEN QUARRIES INC

Rekindle the dream
MY NIECE, a former housewife, her husband formerly a "hire car" driver and two teenage kids migrated to New York City five years ago with two suitcases and a few dollars - no different than the average immigrant.

They worked hard, they worked long hours and made sacrifices in their social life. In two years they took a huge risk and bought an 88-year old "two family" home in Richmond Hill.

Last year, they sold that home, made US$300,000 profit, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and bought a brand new home with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living rooms, breakfast room, dining room, two-car garage, and an in-ground swimming pool, on a 1/2 acre lot, all for $194,000 cash.

She drives a brand new car to a supermarket job, her husband drives a pick-up truck for his construction repairs job, and together they schedule drop off and pick up of their kids to and from high school. College/University for the kids is already worked out.

I said to her recently, "So Shanto, you are really living the American Dream". She looked at me for a while and then said, "No, Maamoo (Uncle), we are living the Guyana Dream. This is what we always wanted in life", since back home.

So much has been written recently about the American Dream and Guyanese immigrants, some good, some bad, and some ugly.

The truth of the matter is that people who come to America are really running away from their own country because they can no longer realise their dreams of a better life in their country. Coming to America, they soon realise that their personal dreams coincide with the American Dream.

There was a time in British Guiana, when we too had the same dream that if we worked hard, we worked extra hours, and made the right sacrifices we could become lawyers, doctors, engineers, or become rich and powerful, or we could be just content with a home, a decent job, and the ability to push our children to achieve those successes.

In fact, we could be anything and anybody we wanted to be, except President.

But we fought the British and won that right to be President. And that was when our dreams started to become a nightmare.

Some leaders tried to impose on the people their "dream" of a socialist society defined by the political leaders of the then Soviet Union, a people and society so far away and so different in culture and "dreams".

Maybe that is the main reason that they failed. Maybe that is the main reason for people leaving the country in such large numbers. People's dreams have been suppressed and the dreams of the politicians made paramount.

If President Jagdeo and the politicians are serious about keeping people in Guyana, they must, with all sincerity, try to rekindle that dream - the dream of becoming anybody you want to be in Guyana, and having the freedom, equal opportunity, and unhindered access to the resources to do so.

But to do so they must stop trying to impose their "dream" on the people and start over by asking them "What is your dream? What is it that you want?"

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a poor Austrian boy, came to America and could not speak English. Yet he worked his way to become a movie superstar, a multimillionaire, and now Governor of California.

Every Guyanese has the potential to be an Arnold or a Shanto. But to do that the people must demand of the government the use of the "American Dream" as a model for success.

Let the people dream and give them the freedom and resources to make those dreams a reality right here in Guyana.
SHAWN MANGRU

Not a green light
I agree with the removal of oppressive laws. 

But those who practice an alternative lifestyle should not try to perceive that the removal of these laws is a green light to try to impose their lifestyle on others as is being done in the U.S. 

This is standard practice in the U.S.  Everywhere gays and lesbians are trying to impose their lifestyle on others, especially those who are children with subjects that John has two mommies and daddies etc.

This is not correct and I hope this attitude does not prevail in Guyana.
BREHAS

Unacceptable behaviour
THE water main in front of my home on Levans Street, Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, has been broken for more than six weeks.

Due to this breakage, water is flowing continuously, damaging the road that was built four years ago and my neighbours cannot get water.

Everyone involved has been calling in or visiting the GWI office every day during this period and was told by the Supervisor that they have other pressing issues to deal with. A complaint was even made to the head office with no results.

This is unacceptable behaviour since GWI fines you if they pass and notice that water is wasting from your tap or disconnect if you do not pay their annual fees.

What can be more important that conserving on water?

Why is GWI not sending anyone to make the necessary repairs? Would they deduct those weeks from us not having water supply from our yearly bill?

What other issues are they dealing with that cause them not to repair this breakage?

How long are we to suffer due to someone's negligence?

My neighbours and I are willing to pay someone to repair the damage but were unsuccessful in locating a plumber in our district. 

I would really appreciate if this problem can be solved as soon as possible.

Could someone in authority address this problem?
CONCERNED RESIDENT

Secondary Schools cricket ...
Richard Ishmael Secondary emerge as Under-16 zone champions
By Ravendra Madholall

DESPITE a fine performance against Cummings Lodge in one of the semi-final matches, St Winefride’s Secondary this time sank to an ignominious defeat at the hands of Richard Ishmael Secondary who beat them by a comfortable six-wicket margin and more importantly emerged the Georgetown zone champions in the Under-16 Secondary Schools 40-over knockout cricket competition at the Everest ground yesterday.

St Winefride’s won the toss and immediately decided to take first strike on a docile pitch and were tumbled out for a meagre 78 in the 28th over in which Richard Ishmael replied successfully cantering home to 79 for four in the 19th over.

Skipper Ranole Bourne once again was the leading light in their victory hitting an elegant unbeaten 35.

On his way to that innings, he hit a six and a solitary four while his not-out partner was Dennis Heywood on one when the victory came and inevitably sparked wild jubilation among the Richard Ishmael supporters.

Earlier, St Winefride’s began their innings shakily losing wickets in quick succession and at one stage tottering at 64 for six and were eventually dismissed for 78.

Only Lakeram Goberdan stayed around for a while striking two fours in his 22 while Andre Durant, who also hit two fours, made a watchful 15 , while the two were engaged in a face-saving 30-run third-wicket stand.

Pacer Dwayne Dudson claimed three for nine from his five overs while leg-spinner Hakeem Belle and Sheldon Agard had two for 14 (8) and two for five (3.4) respectively, bowling for the Woolford Avenue School, who in pursuit of their target, lost four wickets.

Skipper Kwame Crosse took two for 20 from five overs while Durant nabbed one for 19 from seven overs bowling for the losers.

Richard Ishmael will now meet the West Bank of Demerara winner tomorrow at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground on Thomas Lands.

The competition is staged under the auspices of the Guyana Cricket Board, National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers’ Union.

Premier League wins for Alpha United, Camptown and Pele
ANTHONY Abrams struck twice against his old club Fruta Conquerors who went down 2-1 to Alpha United in the city’s Premier League at the GFC ground, Bourda, Sunday night.

Western Tigers’ Devon Millington also hit a double but that did not stop Pele from taking a 4-2 victory, while Camptown edged out Beacon 2-1.

In the feature game, National striker Abrams, fresh from his Digicel Cup exploits in the Cayman Islands, found the net when the match was 38 minutes old and Alpha United led 1-0 at halftime.

Six minutes after the resumption, he was again on target, but Vernon Mills pulled one back for Conquerors, nine minutes from regulation time.

Earlier, Millington rocked the net within 15 minutes of play for the Tigers, but Cleveland Shepherd equalised in the 25th minute and Konata Mannings gave Pele the lead, two minutes from halftime.

One minute into the second half, Anthony Gibson increased the lead for Pele and Gregory Richardson, also fresh from the Cayman Islands, effectively sealed the victory in the 62nd minute.

Millington again struck in the 84th minute, but no more goals materialised in the match.

All the goals in the first match of the triple-header were scored in the first half. Beacon’s Andre Mayers scored the first within 12 minutes of play, but Jevon Lindy equalised, five minutes later.

Another three minutes elapsed and Jonathan Peter sealed the game in the 20th minute.

The morning match at Independence Park (Parade Ground) between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Santos ended in a 2-2 draw.

Roberto Osdurme was on target in just eight minutes after kick off and Santos led 1-0 at halftime.

But seven minutes after the resumption, GDF replied with two goals, four minutes apart, the first coming off the boot of Steve Brewley and other from Keith Fraser.

Rondel Fraser produced the equaliser in the 77th minute.

No matches have been fixed for Friday because the referees will be involved in a training programme that starts that same evening. They will be available on Sunday afternoon.

Western Tigers take on Mocha Champs tonight
CITY club Western Tigers will invade Thirst Park, tonight, to take on Mocha Champs in the first match of the double-header from 17:30 h.

The second match will pit points-leaders Timehri Panthers against Banks Sports Club in the Banks Milk Stout Super League second round.

Panthers will be playing their last game and stand on 21 points. Royston Burgess, Hilton Baptiste and Colin David will spearhead their attack, while Banks will have former National defence player Seon McKenzie and former National youth striker Michael Oie, along with Eon Peters.

The next fixtures will be next week Wednesday.

All eyes on 15-year-old Geron Williams this weekend
ALL eyes will be on 15-year-old Geron Williams in the feature 35-lap race, this weekend, in the 7th Annual DeSinco meet at the National Park.

Williams won the 35-lap for the first time last Saturday, after dropping the highly touted Alonzo Greaves and John Charles, then beating the seasoned Kalamadeen Baksh by at least half a wheel. He had already won the Juveniles ten-lapper.

There will also be races for 12-14 years Boys, Veterans, Upright and BMX riders.

Representatives of the sponsor will present the prizes. National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed organised the meet.

Money needed if Windies cricket is to develop - King
BENNETT King, the West Indies coach, has said that cricket authorities in the Caribbean must provide money and assure their commitment to the game, if cricket has to develop in West Indies.

"They are still very passionate about cricket in the West Indies but we just haven't had the money to move forward with some of the other countries in terms of how they have developed," King told AFP.

"Academies have actually been disbanded because of lack of finances. Those academies elsewhere are mostly government-funded," he said referring to the Shell Cricket Academy at St George's University in Grenada that had to be closed down because of lack of funds.

King said that the school structure supported cricket but after the players stepped out, no facilities were available for them to continue working on their game.

"For cricket to become a career, you need to have a good set of resources behind them. At the moment, we would still be considered amateur in that phase."

Keith Mitchell, the Prime Minister of Grenada, echoed King's views when he said that cricket was no longer a hobby and that a professional approach was required in administering the game.

"The West Indies Cricket Board, the Players' Association, governments and the private sector throughout the region must work together to adopt a transparent, efficient and sustainable approach to the financing of cricket," said Mitchell.

King felt that the venues for the World Cup should be maintained after the tournament ends so that players can train and practise in good facilities. He said that some governments took an interest in sports because it helped boost tourism revenues. "It helps the nation look like a strong nation," he said. "But in the West Indies, well, those are questions that the West Indies governments need to answer."

On West Indies' defeat against Australia in the finals of the DLF Cup, King said that the coach and the support staff can motivate the players as much as possible but it was ultimately up to the players to bring the trophy home.

"I'm like a compass and I try and point them in the right direction but ultimately it is what the players do on the field that matters and how they approach their training. (Cricinfo)

India want umpire Hair omitted from Champions Trophy
NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India have asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to omit Australian umpire Darrell Hair from next month's Champions Trophy.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Niranjan Shah told Reuters yesterday president Sharad Pawar had written to ICC chief Percy Sonn.

"Our president has shown some concern," he said. "There was a lot of controversy and there are certain issues like crowd behaviour, etc. We wanted to avoid unnecessary incidents."

Pakistan have already asked the ICC to drop Hair, a member of the elite umpires' panel, from the tournament in India between October 7 and November 5 after his role in last month's fourth Test against England at The Oval.

The Pakistan team forfeited the match after refusing to take the field in protest following a decision by Hair and fellow umpire Billy Doctrove to change the ball and penalise them five runs for alleged ball-tampering.

An ICC spokesman in Dubai confirmed a letter had been sent but added: "It is up to the ICC to appoint the best umpires and officials which we will do in due course."

Hair will attend a two-day ICC hearing starting at The Oval today to consider charges of ball-tampering and bringing the game into disrepute against Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Lawson could play for Maharashtra
JERMAINE Lawson, the Jamaican and West Indies fast bowler, appears set to represent Maharashtra as one of their overseas players in the upcoming Indian domestic season. Lawson has been in discussions with officials of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and is expected to sign a formal contract soon.

"I am supposed to come there for the season," Lawson told The Times of India. "We have not signed anything, but hopefully very soon we should be finalising things. The first-class season in the West Indies is finished. If I go to another country, it will add to my experience."

Lawson's international career came to a halt after he was called twice for throwing, and the most recent instance was during a league match in Jamaica in April this year. He hasn't played Test cricket since the Brisbane Test against Australia in November 2005.

He trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai recently under the guidance of Dennis Lillee and TA Sekhar to remedy his action. Things started to develop from there.

"It was at this (MRF foundation) camp that the idea to play for Maharashtra first came up," he added. "A few officials met me. I saw the facilities at Pune. They were good. I even bowled at the Cadence Academy."

Maharashtra are interested in roping in overseas players and coaches. It started with the appointment of Australian Darren Holder as their coaching director last season.

Darren Gough, the England fast bowler, was expected to play for Maharashtra this season and said recently that he would relish the opportunity to play in India and help out the youngsters should the opportunity arise. (Criicnfo)

ICC adopts anti-racism laws
NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - Racial abuse at cricket matches may result in fans being ejected or banned for life from venues in line with anti-racism laws adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

National boards failing to uphold the code may also be fined or have their grounds stripped of international status if racist incidents occur at their venues.

The amended code was adopted by the ICC at its two-day chief executives committee (CEC) meeting that ended on Monday.

"The adoption of the amended ICC anti-racism code is a further illustration of cricket's zero tolerance to racism," ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said in a statement.

"That is already enshrined in the ICC code of conduct where racism is considered one of the most serious acts that can be committed, with the possibility of a life ban for anyone found guilty of such an offence.

"Cricket is a sport which reflects the world's diversity with a range of races and religions all involved," he said.

"That diversity is something the game can be proud of and our anti-racism code is something that emphasises the commitment of all our members to maintaining and enhancing it."

The ICC code was first adopted three years ago.

The issue flared earlier this year when the ICC held an inquiry into complaints by South Africa and Sri Lanka that players were the target of "racist taunts" during tours of Australia.

India's solicitor-general Goolam Vahanvati conducted a probe and delivered recommendations, which were further discussed by a group comprising Speed and the CEO's of Australian and South African boards.

There have been other incidents of racism in international cricket. In February 2003, former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann was banned for five matches after passing a racist remark during a one-day game against Sri Lanka in Brisbane.

The meeting also decided to appoint a lawyer to prepare draft legislation to deal with racist behaviour at cricket matches, with national boards to take it up with their governments for adoption.

Umpires disagreed over timing of ball change
By Osman Samiuddin
PAKISTAN’S defence against the charges of ball-tampering and subsequent forfeiture of the Oval Test against England will rely heavily on the initial disagreement between Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove, the two on-field umpires, over the changing of the ball, Cricinfo has learnt.

Hair and Doctrove changed the ball in the 56th over of England's second innings on the fourth afternoon. Hair then awarded England five penalty runs, indicating that the ball had been tampered with.

But Cricinfo has learnt that Doctrove, as written in his match report on the incident, was initially of the opinion that the umpires allow play to carry on for a few more overs to help identify the cause of the change in the ball's condition. Eventually, though, Hair is thought to have reasoned that if both umpires were in agreement that the condition of the ball had been altered then they should change it immediately. Doctrove then agreed and the ball was duly replaced.

Legally, this development has no effect on the case; the fact that both umpires consulted and eventually agreed on the final action means that they have acted in accordance with Law 42.3, on ball-tampering, which states that umpires shall change the ball "after consultation."

But Pakistan's lawyers, DL Piper, are expected to seize upon this initial difference in opinion to argue that Hair had acted in haste. "This is a key aspect of the defence and it is a strong point in favour of Pakistan, that the tampering charges are unjustified," a source pointed out.

As no specific incident was highlighted and no individual accused, Inzamam-ul-Haq, as captain, faces the charge on behalf of the team. Backed up by the lack of any incriminating video evidence,­ though, it isn't required, definitively proving any misconduct becomes additionally problematic, as the source pointed out: "It is difficult for the ICC to prove ball-tampering unless they actually catch someone doing it."

If the ball-tampering charge is not proved, then Pakistan are likely to argue in favour of dropping the second charge against Inzamam, of bringing the game into disrepute by refusing to play.

Pakistan's contention will be that one led to the other, that they were first falsely accused and thus had no choice but to protest.

It has also emerged that Mike Procter, the ICC match referee, failed to inform Pakistan of their forfeiture soon after the decision had been taken by the umpires in the afternoon. "Hair instructed Procter to tell Pakistan that they had forfeited the game in the afternoon. Procter failed to do so and officially, much later at around 10 pm, did they learn that the Test had been forfeited," claimed the source.

The ICC has refused to confirm or deny these revelations. A spokesman told Cricinfo that "Ranjan Madugalle will look at all the evidence provided to him by various parties and make a judgment based on that.” (Cricinfo)

Pakistan officials confident Inzamam will be cleared
By John Mehaffey
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Pakistan officials are confident captain Inzamam-ul-Haq will be cleared of ball-tampering charges at a hearing in London this week while accepting that he is likely to be penalised for bringing the game into disrepute.

Inzamam is due to appear before an International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct hearing at The Oval today and tomorrow.

The hearing was convened after Pakistan refused to take the field after tea on the fourth day of the fourth Test against England at the same venue last month.

Pakistan's protest followed a decision by umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove to penalise Pakistan five runs for ball-tampering. England were awarded the match by forfeit when Pakistan failed to emerge from the dressing room.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources told Reuters both Inzamam and board chairman Shaharyar Khan believed the ball-tampering charges would be dropped.

One source said in the past umpires had changed the ball after suspicions of tampering.

"But they didn't charge the concerned team with the serious allegation to avoid any unpleasant situation," the source said.

"There have also been situations where umpires have called the captain, spoken to him, warned him and then changed the ball.

"Our lawyers are going to take the stand that if they (the umpires) were so convinced the ball was tampered with they must have substantial evidence to make them so confident and Pakistan has the right to be shown the evidence by the ICC."

A PCB official said Inzamam and the board were prepared for some sort of ban and a fine for bringing the game into disrepute. The charge carries a potential ban of two to four Tests and four to eight one-day internationals.

"We have already prepared our appeal to be filed with the ICC so that he can play in the Champions Trophy at least," the official said. The one-day tournament, a prelude to next year's World Cup in the West Indies, will be staged in India next month.

Pakistan were particularly angered by what they regarded as Hair's insensitivity at The Oval and the PCB have asked the ICC to ensure that the Australian, who had clashed with Pakistan players before, does not officiate in any more matches involving the team.

Hair was then embroiled in further controversy when the ICC revealed that he had offered to retire in exchange for $500 000.

Inzamam left for London on Sunday where he will be accompanied at the hearing by Khan, coach Bob Woolmer, Pakistan lawyer Ahmed Hussain and the British lawyers representing the Pakistan skipper.

The hearing will be conducted by the ICC's senior match referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Chappell believes Warne would have been a great Aussie captain
By Ed Osmond
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Shane Warne could have been one of Australia's great captains if he had been given the chance to lead the Test side, according to former skipper Ian Chappell.

The blonde leg-spinner, Test cricket's leading wicket-taker, is still an integral part of the team, but at the age of 37 appears to have missed the chance to captain his country.

"It is one of my greatest disappointments as a cricket person and former Australia captain that Warnie has never had the chance to lead the team," Chappell told Reuters.

"The first time I saw him captain was for Victoria in a Super 8 competition a few years ago. He just made it so bloody exciting. Rather than think 'how can I save runs here?' it was put in a catching fielder and give the ball to the best bowler and let's see if we can get another wicket."

Chappell, 63, said he immediately rang his close friend Richie Benaud, another former Australia captain, to tell him about the potential for another great leg-spinning captain.

"That's how exciting he made it for me. To me that's the sad part, I think the public would have loved him to have captained the side." Chappell thinks it does rankle with Warne that he never had the chance to lead his country despite the experience gained from playing 140 Tests; though he appreciates it would have been a brave move to appoint the controversial spinner.

"I think it probably does, he's a competitive person," Chappell said. "Having said that, I understand that it would have been a pretty gutsy decision by the board to appoint him.

Chappell believes Warne could keep playing Test cricket for a few more years, though he has doubts about whether he can retain the necessary motivation. Warne has been critical of Australia coach John Buchanan over matters including last month's boot camp, which he was forced to attend.

"Warne is a very old time common sense cricketer," Chappell said. "He bowls a lot. That's what he was saying about the boot camp: 'I don't need to be pushing cars up hills, I need to bowl.' "To play at your best you've got to love what you're doing and if a little bit of love for the game is killed off then suddenly it goes."

MAJOR ISSUE
Chappell does not believe Warne's relationship with Buchanan, whose brainchild the boot camp was, should be a major issue for captain Ricky Ponting.

"If I'm the captain and I've got a bowler who has 685 Test wickets and I've got a coach I know where my loyalty lies because here's a guy who can win me games," he said.

"My idea of team solidarity is not when you've got everyone saying the same thing. I learnt a lot about captaincy by having about six larrikins in my team not afraid to speak their minds, coming up to me and saying 'what the hell are you doing?'

"Chappell, an uncompromising captain who led his country in 30 Tests between 1971 and 1975, rates Mark Taylor as Australia's best recent skipper, ahead of Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ponting.

"Of the last four Australia captains I think Mark Taylor was far and away the best," Chappell said. "Ricky is more Steve Waugh than Mark Taylor." Chappell rates Warne along with two great Australian cricketers of the 1950s, all-rounder Keith Miller and batsman Neil Harvey, as players who should have captained their country on a regular basis.

"I'd put him alongside Keith Miller and Neil Harvey as three blokes who probably should have captained Australia and would have been very good ones," Chappell said.

Wenger marks 10 momentous years at Arsenal
By Trevor Huggins
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Ten years after being greeted by the headline ‘Arsene who?’, Arsenal's hugely successful manager Arsene Wenger will certainly be able to savour the milestone which awaits him tomorrow.

Unknown in north London before his arrival on September 28 1996, the 56-year-old son of an Alsace restaurateur can look back on a decade that has brought his club three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and an historic unbeaten season in 2003-04.

In May, they were just 14 minutes away from being crowned champions of Europe in Paris.

The Frenchman has transformed Arsenal in terms of the football they play and, off the pitch, has been a driving force behind their modern training complex and the new 60 000-seater Emirates Stadium.

Long tagged as 'boring, boring Arsenal' for the dour, defensive triumphs before his arrival, the biggest criticism now levelled at Wenger's team is that they over-elaborate in search of the perfect goal.

Bespectacled, urbane and looking very much the French intellectual on his arrival after two years in Japan, Wenger wasted little time ringing the changes from Bruce Rioch's reign.

His attention to detail in terms of players' diet, fitness regime and lifestyle went well beyond simply banning chocolate bars in his first week in charge. His approach set new standards for the English game, let alone for Arsenal, whose then captain Tony Adams subsequently admitted to being an alcoholic.

REAL FLAIR
Wenger took Adams' disclosures in his stride, standing by the player and going on to build a side that combined a vastly experienced defence with real flair going forward.

Arsenal gradually evolved into a side of fluid passing and movement, inspired by some shrewd moves on the transfer market that were topped by the signing of Thierry Henry from Juventus in 1999.

Going nowhere during a short spell in Turin, Wenger signed Henry as a left winger and promptly converted him into one of the deadliest centre forwards of his generation and the Premier League's top scorer in four of the last five seasons.

Dutch forward Dennis Bergkamp, already signed by Rioch, was able to flourish in a 'French revolution' which put a premium on individual technique, while the grit came from Patrick Vieira, signed at Wenger's request before he had even arrived.

Striker Nicolas Anelka provided the goals before leaving in 1999 for Real Madrid, who paid more than 22 million pounds ($41.86 million) for a player who had cost only 500 000 pounds two years previously.

Wenger's ability on the training pitch and in the transfer market paid dividends in his first full season, 1998, when Arsenal won the league and FA Cup Double -- a feat they went on to repeat in 2002.

They added two more FA Cups in 2003 and 2005, along with that unbeaten league title in 2004 -- English football's first, since Preston's ‘Invincibles’ in the inaugural 1888-89 season.

FOURTH PLACE
Last season's run to the Champions League final was the highpoint of a difficult year, though. Arsenal were unable to keep pace with champions Chelsea and needed a late surge to snatch fourth place -- the worst finish of Wenger's reign.

Wenger, who says he has no prizes, photographs or foot-balling memorabilia at his home, will certainly not be dwelling on his past achievements this week.

"The only thing that is interesting to me is the future; always turning to the next game and showing that you have improved," he said last week.

Arsenal and their fans are in no hurry to part company with a man who notched up his 500th game in charge last year and who is one of the most respected coaches in the European game.

Given everything that followed, today's contrast with the mood of September 1996 could not be more pronounced.

Nick Hornby, the British best-selling author and Arsenal fan, recalled how newspapers had touted a list of possible replacements for Rioch in a newspaper article in 2003.

"It was (Terry) Venables, (Johan) Cruyff and then at the end Arsene Wenger. I remember thinking as a fan, 'I bet it's Wenger' ... trust Arsenal to appoint the boring one that you haven't heard of.

India selector More says no need to panic
By Sanjay Rajan
MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India's outgoing chief selector Kiran More says there is no need to panic ahead of next month's Champions Trophy, despite the team coming in for severe criticism after a poor showing at a tri-nation series in Malaysia last week.

India were expected to cruise into the final of the Kuala Lumpur event, which also involved Australia and the West Indies, but won just one of their four matches.

Former players have slammed the team for a poor batting display, which they say was caused by unnecessary experimentation with the batting order.

"This is only one tournament. They are trying out different things," More, whose term as selector ends later this week, told Reuters.

The board will announce the new selection panel after the two-day annual general meeting concludes tomorrow.

"We are preparing for the World Cup. There is no need to panic," he said.

"We are not the only team experimenting. Everybody is trying out something. Australia experimented with Shane Watson who had not opened in one-dayers before the Malaysian tournament."

India have experimented with their batting order since last year seeking flexibility going into the World Cup in March.

PACEMAN PROMOTION
The shuffling of middle-order batsmen Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif and the promotion of paceman Irfan Pathan up the order last season had been a unique move, and one that bore results.

But coach Greg Chappell has come under intense criticism for persistently opening with skipper Rahul Dravid, India's mainstay in the middle-order, and pushing dynamic opener Virender Sehwag down the order in the Malaysian series.

Dravid has not scored a half-century in his last nine innings -- after opening in seven of them -- since the second one-dayer against the West Indies in May. India lost the away series 4-1.

Sehwag opened in only India's final match in Malaysia and had a poor tournament, scoring just 28 runs.

India fell 18 runs short in their must-win match against Australia after having bowled out the eventual champion for a paltry 213.

"It's time Chappell stopped his experiments with the team," former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri told Dunai-based Gulf News after the Kuala Lumpur defeat.

More said there was no confusion within the team and that Sehwag was aware the experimentation was necessary to try to find flexibility.

"I don't think there in any confusion," he said.

"It did not click. But we can always go back to the original order.”

New jobs for Jones after TV slur
FORMER Australia batsman Dean Jones is to return to commentating after being sacked last month for an offensive remark which was heard live on air.

Jones was dismissed by Ten Sports after referring to South Africa's Hashim Amla as "the terrorist" during a Test match.

But he will be working for an Indian network at next year's World Cup and has also agreed a two-year contract with Australia's Southern Cross radio.

"I've spoken to Hashim three times and everything's fine," he said.

"There are a few ugly things in the world to worry more about than that."

Jones, who played 52 Tests between 1984 and 1992, made his original remark when Amla, a devout Muslim, took a catch during a Test match in Sri Lanka.

As well as Ten Sports, the game was also being carried on South Africa's Supersport channel.

And Cricket South Africa later reported that their switchboard had been jammed by angry callers.

"It was a completely insensitive thing to say and obviously never supposed to be heard over the air.

"It does not represent who I am, how I think or what I believe," Jones said at the time.

"I will apologise to Hashim as soon as I get the chance, and I will assure him that prejudice against anybody, on any basis, is unacceptable and not something I will ever condone.” (BBC Sport)