Flood under control
- President outlines latest developments
By Chamanlall Naipaul
President Bharrat Jagdeo said flood waters are receding, the conservancy level is stable, more than 50 pumps are up and running, people are returning home and health workers are examining thousand of persons.

These are some of the latest developments on the flood situation in the country the president reported to a press conference yesterday at State House, Main Street.

The President disclosed that some 150 persons are packing sand bags to reinforce the embankment of the Conservancy.

As regards the slow rate of the drop in water levels in some villages, he explained that the pumping capacity has been significantly boosted with 52 pumps along the East Coast Demerara but the deluge of water that has accumulated in the backlands because of the overtopping at the Conservancy has to be cleared. In addition, he said seven kokers are in operation and work is being done on others to fix them.

The increase in the number of pumps in operation is due to the generosity of farmers and private individuals who have availed their pumps, and in some cases have left their families and are working round the clock to keep the pumps going.

Efforts are also being made to secure more pumps both from abroad and local individuals, the President indicated.

But, he bemoaned the vandalising of pumps in some areas, pointing out that two of them were vandalised in Buxton.

The President added that the national drainage system, with emphasis, on the East Coast Demerara may have to be redesigned, as it has been shown clearly that the present drainage system cannot handle such incidence of heavy rainfall.

The President commended the large number of volunteers and religious and other organisations for working together and making "unbelievable sacrifice" in the effort to provide relief to the victims of the floods and restore the situation to some degree of normalcy.

He added that the current situation is "a revealing experience, and he is proud of the Guyanese people."

The President is optimistic that the current disaster will be over and gave the assurance that the affected communities will be rebuilt.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION
President Jagdeo stressed that the emphasis now is to ensure food relief get to those areas that have not yet received, acknowledging that some areas in the backlands were not reached mainly because of logistical problems. One such area he identified was E Field in Sophia and disclosed that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has been delegated to oversee and ensure that relief reaches residents there.

"We are finding out where the gaps are", the President indicated, adding that as such, the situation with respect to distribution is improving.

The President debunked claims by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader, Robert Corbin that there is discrimination in the distribution of foodstuff, pointing out that he has instructed that the same brief given to him by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) be given to Mr. Corbin. He added that “if he has evidence of discrimination he should come forth with it and it will be addressed.”

So far some 90,000 hot meals and 430 tonnes of dry food have been distributed, the President disclosed.

WATER DISTRIBUTION
The President said the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has stationed about 54 static water tanks and distributed about 150,000 bottles of water, and is in the process of setting up standpipes and reactivating some of the well pumps which became inoperable because of the floods.

However, he conceded that the delivery capacity is below what is required noting that much more needs to be done to satisfy the needs of the affected communities.

HEALTH SITUATION
President Jagdeo emphasised that health is another priority area and on an average, 25 health teams daily are going out to the affected communities. So far some 50,000 people have been seen by medical personnel treating mainly incidents of cough, cold, fever and skin ailments but the situation is manageable, the Guyanese leader said.

He commended the more than 2,000 volunteers including private medical practitioners who have rallied to the cause and are providing invaluable service under extremely difficult conditions.

A massive campaign is being mounted to recruit doctors from abroad particularly from Cuba and nearby countries to boost the medical brigade, the President said, adding that in this regard the government has offered to pay air fares and provide accommodation for the doctors. He added that the Guyanese diaspora could play an important role.

A surveillance campaign is also ongoing to detect cases of dengue, filaria and other diseases likely to surface in the present situation, and a fogging and spraying programme has begun, the President reported.

However, he disclosed that there are not enough fogging machines and chemicals and noted in soliciting international support, this is one of the areas where help is being sought.

LIVESTOCK & OTHER ISSUES
President Jagdeo said that the Agriculture Ministry would be issuing advisories on care for animals as well as provide vitamins and vaccination to ensure they remain in a health condition. Feed stock is another critical area to be addressed as there is a shortage, the President added.

In relation to the national budget and economy, President Jagdeo indicated that in the face of the current disaster, the budget may have to be revised and in conjunction with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), an assessment of the economic impact of the disaster will be carried out because over 400,000 Guyanese have been affected.

An evacuation plan is still on the cards, should the situation warrant it, the President assured, pointing out that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) which has been upgraded with the appointment of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Chabilall Ramsaroop as head and the JOC are addressing this issue.

Huge public health support needed
- ECHO Rapid Response Coordinator
By Chamanlall Naipaul
The Rapid Response Coordinator of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), Ms. Amelie Yan-Goufiffes who completed an extensive assessment on the impact of the current food-stricken disaster, in order for immediate relief to be provided to Guyana, says huge support in relation to public health is needed.

Ms. Yan-Gouiffes told the Chronicle that based on her assessment, urgent help is needed in relation to accessing the sanitary facilities, environmental health, hygiene and in the provision of adequate shelter.

She said she would present her report and recommendations to the headquarters of the European Union (EU) in Brussels by this weekend and should receive a response by Monday next, and if funding is available and assistance could be forthcoming within another week.

ECHO was established to preserve and protect human lives, provides humanitarian assistance in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ms. Yan-Gouiffes said that she is very pleased with the way efforts here have been coordinated among the governmental and non-governmental agencies in the provision of relief to the victims of the floods.

She also noted that there is a risk of the East Demerara Conservancy collapsing and therefore she is pleased that she was part of discussions in which this matter was addressed. She disclosed that a draft contingency plan is in place encompassing an analysis of risks as well as an evacuation plan should the embankment collapse.

In this regard, Ms. Yan-Gouiffes offered that Guyana should seek to use the experience of international expertise in collaboration with local engineering expertise, as such exchanges of technical information could be of mutual benefit and be used to help in similar situations elsewhere.

Asked about her impressions of Guyana, she said her visit was too short to make an elaborated response but said that it is only the country among the many she has visited where she has seen a mosque, a hindu temple and church in the same street. "It is unbelievable, but it is good to see such appreciation of each other's religion. This good for the country, Ms. Yan-Gouiffes said.

Meanwhile, the European Commission's (EC) Ambassador here, Per Eklund has expressed satisfaction with the swift response of the European Commission in sending a specialist to help the assessment of the future needs as regards the aftermath of the floods.

He also reiterated the EC's commitment towards providing help to the flood relief efforts, and expressed sadness for the suffering being endured by the people as a result of the massive floods.

The EC has so far donated about GUY$197M to the flood relief efforts here.

Flood shelter occupants held with narcotics
INVESTIGATIONS are being conducted into a drug bust made at the Vryheid's Lust Primary School at about midnight on Wednesday last, according to the police.

East Coast Police acting on a tip-off, converged on the school, which is being used as a shelter for flood victims on the East Coast Demerara, and arrested four men, ages 24 to 37, with 199 grammes of cannabis (marijuana) and 1 1/2 grammes cocaine in their possession, Police Public Relations Officer said in a release yesterday.

The release added that charges are to be laid shortly.

Region Two no longer threatened with flooding
- Baksh
CHAIRMAN of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Ali Baksh has reported that flood waters which affected several communities in Pomeroon have receded completely.

But small pools remain in some areas, he told the Chronicle, mentioning that the overtopping at the Ituribisi conservancy, which contributed to the Pomeroon flooding, has now ceased.

Baksh said all the sluices leading out to sea are functioning and continuing slight intermittent showers pose no threat in the Region.

He disclosed that three pumps, on standby for any emergency, are at Andrews, Dartmouth and Lima, along Essequibo Coast.

Meanwhile, Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC) has distributed 400 hampers, containing rice, sugar, cooking oil, flour and beans, too, to victims of the flooding.

Another 30 food packages were given to other affected residents at Pomona, on Essequibo Coast, as well, who also got disinfectants and detergents, Baksh said.

He said a team of medical personnel, including doctors, visited Pomeroon and Pomona and provided treatment where necessary.

However, there has been no outbreak of any water-borne or other infectious diseases.

Baksh said Essequibians are now responding positively to the flood relief appeal for those who suffered in Georgeton, East Coast Demerara and West Berbice.

A television call-in programme in the ‘Cinderella County’ raised $330,000 and private individuals are contributing at centres established at the ECC office, Anna Regina State House, Charity, Bounty Hall and Aurora.

Canada providing additional G$15M
The Canadian Government is providing a further G$15M to help Guyanese NGOs and the Guyana Government with its recovery and reconstruction, a release from the Canadian High Commission here said.

It added that shortly after the Government of Guyana established the Disaster Relief Fund, the Canadian High Commission contributed GUY$6.1 million through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

These contributions will help meet immediate emergency needs, the High Commission said, noting that several international relief agencies and NGOs have been bringing to Guyana their wealth of experience in managing this type of situation.

The release also said that the Canadian Government through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will continue to monitor the flood situation closely to ensure that Canada is best placed to respond to further needs.

“As is the practice for Canada, we will be providing most of our disaster relief assistance through these organizations,” the release added.

The release further states: “The Government and the People of Canada are concerned by the excessive flooding that Guyana is experiencing. Our heart and our prayers are with those whose livelihoods and communities have been impacted by the floods.”

China US$100,000 grant adds to flood aid
THE Government of the People’s Republic of China is providing US$100,000 grant to help Guyana overcome the current flooding disaster.

China’s Vice-Minister of Commerce, Mr. An Min and Guyana's Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr. Clement Rohee exchanged notes for the aid yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown.

The visiting Minister, on behalf of his Government and the Chinese people, expressed sorrow to the Guyanese victims of the worst flood conditions in 100 years and said he hopes the assistance would help efforts to alleviate the effects.

Flood waters have enveloped mainly Regions Three (West Demerara/ Essequibo Islands), Four (Demerara/Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica/Berbice), over the past two weeks.

Rohee, speaking for the Government and people of Guyana, conveyed gratitude for the help and described the Chinese response as another demonstration of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

He noted that China has always been forthcoming in such times of need and, unlike the response from other quarters from where mere pledges were received, the Chinese gesture is a tangible one.

The grant from China follows closely contributions from several other friendly countries and international agencies, including Brazil, the European Union, Canada and Venezuela, which, on Wednesday, flew in a technical team comprising two doctors,an engineer and two technicians.

Overseas-based Guyanese groups and the local Private Sector, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have all contributed generously.

PSC launches flood relief fund
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has launched a drive to raise much needed funds to support flood relief activities which are expected to continue long after the flood has abated.

Bank accounts under the name Private Sector Commission Flood Relief Fund have been established at the following banks:

Citizens Bank Acc. No. 218-399766

Demerara Bank Acc. No. 216-2188

Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) Acc. No. SIDA 816-847

National Bank of Industry & Commerce (NBIC) Acc. No. 654-735-0

Scotia Bank Acc. No. 109-784

The business community and the general public are asked to contribute generously to bring much needed relief to the many persons who are seriously affected.

The funds donated will be used to support the extensive rehabilitation works which will be necessary after the flooding is over and will be fully accounted for an audited by a reputable Accounting Firm.

For flood relief…
Salvation Army targets thousands more with US$32,000 donation
THE Guyana Division announced Wednesday that it is now poised to make a greater contribution to the current flood disaster relief effort because of a US$32,000 donation from Salvation Army International.

Local Divisional Commander, Major Sinous Theodore, said the money received this week would allow service to more affected areas than over the last week and considerable relief to suffering persons.

He said the non-governmental organisation (NGO) is now moving to purchase hundreds of mattresses, sleeping mats and blankets for victims.

Theodore said his NGO is currently supplying hot meals and other provisions for about 1,000 persons daily but an assessment of the situation, in villages being serviced by its relief team, has revealed a need for “an almost unlimited supply” of food, clothing and other garbs to keep thousands more, particularly children, warm and clothed.

According to him, as of Wednesday, they added to their list unserviced areas such as Tuschen (East Bank Essequibo), Crane (West Coast Demerara), Mahaica and Mahaicony backlands and other riverain places on East Coast Demerara.

Large quanities of dry rations were purchased from wholesale stores in New Amsterdam, Berbice, for distribution in affected areas of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and upper Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), a press release said.

It added that distribution commenced immediately, with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rendering assistance to take the supplies to locations that could only now be accessed by boat.

The statement said that, until the commencement of this collaboration with the GDF, the Salvation Army was only able to deliver hot meals in places like Albouystown in Georgetown and Plaisance and Graham’s Hall on East Coast Demerara, using land transportation.

Meanwhile, the NGO said, in an effort to boost its supplies and distribution, it is in urgent need of clothing, bed linen and similar items to respond to the immediate needs of other flood victims whom they continue to supply.

“Our intention is to reach those people by whatever means and provide them with supplies so badly needed,” Theodore declared.

He said they are distributing to shelters and, in some areas, directly to persons, provided it can be verified that they are genuine cases.

The Salvation Army said it began its “rescue operations” on Monday, January 17 and has, so far, responded to the needs of thousands of persons in dire need.

Commenting on the exercise to date, Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Eddie Boyer, said he was pleased, as well with the collaboration with other agencies.

He said, since the commencment, the NGO has met too, with President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and the Board after several meetings, is working feverishly to assist in ensuring that hampers and hot meals reach the targeted persons.

Boyer assured that the Salvation Army will continue to work along with the Joint Operations Centre for the success of the exercise.

While advising that more donations could be made at the Lot 237 Alexander Street, Georgetown headquarters or any of its worship centres, the NGO said its counselling service can be contacted through telephone numbers 227-2619 and 226-1235.

The Salvation Army has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for collaborating to provide over-the-counter medication for treating water and persons with skin irritations and diarrhoeal and other infections.

The release said the Ministry was among the first to respond to the Salvation Army call for assistance.

Electricity for Mabaruma Settlement
Residents of Mabaruma settlement in Region One (Barima/Waini) are expected to receive electricity for the first time by the end of February.

Last September during Amerindian Heritage Day observances held at Mabaruma Settlement, the Green Light Women’s group sought President Bharrat Jagdeo’s assistance to have electricity supplied to their community.

According to Region One Information Officer, Mr. Jude Hernandes, the president made good on a promise he made to the women’s group and a 625KV generator was purchased and installed in November last year.

He said the region hopes to extend the supply of electricity to Barabina which is in close proximity of the Mabaruma compound.

Hernandes added that electricity poles are being erected and by February month end, the Mabaruma settlement, which is about one mile from the Mabaruma township, should start receiving electricity.

The regional administration has been providing electricity to the communities of Mabaruma, Hosororo and Kumaka via a 350 KV generator, Hernandes said.

Meanwhile, the Information Officer said, the region is currently extending the Mabaruma Primary school and the North West Secondary school dormitory to accommodate an additional 50 students. The present dormitory accommodates 65 students from the riverain areas, Hernandes said.

US-based Guyanese send relief to families
GUYANESE residing in the United States have sent 200 pieces of relief food packages for their families here affected by the floods.

On Tuesday last, the shipment arrived at the Caribbean Cargo and Package Service office at High Street, Georgetown via North American Airlines through a special arrangement between the airline and Caribbean Cargo.

Some 150 families in flood hit areas along the East Coast Demerara, Sophia, South Ruimveldt and Kitty have already started picking up their packages at no cost to them.

President of the New York-based Caribbean Cargo, Bobby Vieira, who coordinated the project, had said that persons who are willing to send relief items will be allowed to ship a 25-pound box to their relatives his company for a minimal cost of US$10.

He also explained that from that amount, payment would be made to handlers at the JFK Airport for packing and loading the items into special air carrier containers.

Shipping rates slashed for US based Guyanese
NEW YORK : Guyanese Americans who would like to send relief aid to relatives back home can now take advantage of discounted shipping rates.

Laparkan, a Guyanese-owned shipping company in the U.S., is offering a special rate of US$89 per barrel shipped from New York and Miami through February 12.

Guyanese in Toronto are being offered a discounted rate of CD$125.

Those who have to rush aid can use the company’s air cargo option. Currently, Laparkan officials are offering rates of US$60 for a 50 pounds box and .99 cent for each additional pound.

Additionally, for each barrel shipped to Guyana, the recipient will receive a cash donation of G$5000 on the first barrel and G$2,000 on each additional shipment.

Air freight recipients will be given G$2,000 per shipment.

Laparkan will also be collaborating with other shipping lines, the Guyana government, NGO's and several other business organizations to provide transportation support for much needed relief items and equipment.

Laparkan Trading, the parent company of Laparkan Shipping, is also collecting monies for the flood victims of Guyana.

“We must all do whatever we can possibly do. Peoples lives have been badly disrupted and it is only right at this time that we support and pray for them,” commented Glen Khan, Chairman/CEO of Laparkan. (HARDBEATNEWS.COM)

Den Amstel sea dam awaiting boulders
Residents of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara are concerned that the boulders have not yet arrived to shore up the 150-metre section of sea defence where a three-foot slippage occurred. They said the slippage could result in a disastrous situation, should it break away when pounded by heavy waves.

There is evidence that some work has been done to seal the cracks there but no further work has been done even though the undertaking was given that boulders will be used to reinforce the defective infrastructure.

However, Region Three Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Ashford Ambedkar said arrangements are in place to use the Den Amstel Primary School as an evacuation centre should the need arise, pointing out that the work on the sea defence is being executed by the Sea Defence Unit.

Efforts to get a comment from the Chief Hydraulics Officer, George Howard were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, residents of Den Amstel are calling for a disbanding of the Hague/Den Amstel/Blankenburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) alleging malpractices by officials.

They said that two men were seen in May last year removing parts during the day and loading them on a 4 x 4 pickup which later that night drove away with the removed parts. The matter was then reported to the former Chairman of the NDC who contacted the current Chairman who said the matter was reported at the Den Amstel Police Station.

However, the residents are claiming that there is some form of collaboration between the current NDC Chairman and a contractor. They said the contractor’s Hymac recently carried out excavation works in the area, noting that the NDC’s Hymac could have done the job.

Armed bandits rob three
POLICE in Georgetown are investigating three armed robberies committed on Wednesday last in the city.

A release from the Police Public Relations Department said the robberies were committed separately on a Kitty resident, a market vendor and a taxi-driver.

The release said that two men armed with hand guns went up to Harris Bremner of Garnett Street, Kitty while he was standing in Charlotte Street, held him at gunpoint and at robbed him of a $7,000 gold chain.

It added that Yvonne Williams, a vendor at Bourda Market, was relieved of her gold chain by three armed bandits about 22:00hrs the same night, when she was sitting in front of her stall.

The third victim, Salim Deen, of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, and driver of a hire car was hired by three men from outside Demico House, Stabroek.

Police said that as Deen was proceeding along Freeman Street in North East La Penitence, one of the men placed a gun to his head, threw him out of the vehicle and drove away. The car has not yet been recovered.

Festival City Day Care Centre closed temporarily
The Mayor and City Council has announced that the Festival City Day Care Centre and the school-age section of the South Day Care Centre will be closed until further notice.

Director of Day Care Mrs. Paulette Bollers has said that the facilities have been affected by the recent flood, and as a result, are not in good condition to accommodate children between the ages of three and five.

Another release issued by City Hall said that the executive body of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union has distributed over 300 food hampers to Mayor and City Council employees affected by the current flood situation. Several employees reside in hard-hit areas such as Cummings Lodge, Buxton, Atlantic Ville and Bel Air, the release stated.

The Guyana Local Government Officers Union said that it has always identified with the plight of the working-class, and is committed to bringing assistance whenever the need arises.

Bourda Municipal Market closed today for cleanup
City Hall has announced that the Bourda Municipal Market will be closed to the general public today to facilitate a massive clean up exercise.

This initiative is a collaborative effort of the City Public Health Department, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and the vendors of the Bourda Market.

CDC hot meals distribution project moving smoothly
--Coordinator
Ms Jennifer Westford, Coordinator of the relief efforts being carried out by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the food distribution process is going along smoothly.

She stated that with donations of meals from various places such as Water Chris Hotel and Demico House, the CDC has been ensuring that quite a number of persons in different areas receive hot meals every day. "As the stuff comes in, we just load it into the truck and make the deliveries," Westford said.

However, she said, the quantity of meals being provided daily has decreased significantly since more persons are now able to cook for themselves.

Some of the areas that have benefited from the CDC meals distribution process include, South Georgetown, Mocha and Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and all villages along East Coast Demerara.

Muslim group reaches out to flood victims
Flood hit residents along the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown are benefiting daily from a substantial relief drive since Wednesday last by the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), which has been providing food, grocery, fuel and water among other items .

According to a release from the GIT, it said it has mobilizing dozens of Muslim volunteers, as well as trucks, canters, 4x4s and boats and distributed items such as medications for diarrhea and dehydration, eggs, ground provision and a quantity of dry groceries.

It stated that among the areas visited so far are Ogle, Industry Crown Dam, Vryheid's Lust, Better Hope, South Ruimveldt and Sophia, adding that in some areas the water was chest-high and volunteers have routinely worked late into the nights to conduct their outreach.

The GIT has also distributed hot meals as requested by the Minster of Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadik. So far, the GIT has prepared and distributed more than 11,000 boxes of food through the assistance of various Masjids and centers, such as Good Hope. Vergenoegen, Leonora and Land of Canaan, as well as the GIT's Resource Center at Bath Settlement and the Guyana Islamic Institute.

Through a cooperative agreement with the Guyana Water Incorporated, it has to date delivered thousands of bottles of purified water, as well as gallons of drinkable water to residents in South Ruimveldt and into more remote villages and communities on the East Coast, which are their primary targets, the GIT said.

On Friday, Eid-al-Adha, over 300 parcels of meat was distributed amidst heavy rain since all Masjids on the East Coast and Georgetown were flooded, the release added. Some of the Georgetown Jamaats organized their Eid prayer and sacrifices at the MYO Building and the Municipal Abattoir.

Also in collaboration with the Lower Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, the GIT took a convoy of seven trucks last Sunday with relief supplies to villages such as Buxton, Annandale, Foulis, Hope West, Sheriga Scheme and Haslington.

Medical relief in Buxton and Mocha Arcadia
Residents in Buxton, East Coast of Demerara yesterday reported that several medical teams have been visiting the area, according to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA).

It added that medical centres are currently stationed in Buxton which usually receive medical supplies from the private sector, Government and other non-governmental organisations (NGO’s). It was reported that water has receded four inches in that village.

Residents said volunteers at the medical centres are doing a good job in treating cases of rashes, eye infections, diarrhoea, respiratory infections and other illnesses, the release said.

Also in Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara, residents reported that medical teams have been visiting the area ensuring the people are treated for any infections.

However, few serious medical cases have report in Mocha Arcadia, even though the water there has receded, GINA stated.

Food distribution continues...
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Labour, Dr.Dale Bisnauth and Presidential Adviser on Investment, Maniram Prashad teamed up with the Lions Club of Bel Air yesterday and distributed some 900 dry food hampers to residents of E Field as well as some areas in D Field Sophia.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the hampers included rice, milk, peas, oil, sardines and bread and were distributed house to house to the residents.

The distribution will be an ongoing exercise in Sophia until all 6,000 households in the area receive hampers, it added.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta distributed some 1,000 food hampers to flood victims in Central and North Better Hope, North Sophia, Industry Crown Dam and Ogle, GINA said.

In Foulis, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick delivered 525 food hampers to residents door to door.

Education Minister, Dr. Henry Jeffrey yesterday distributed 1300 food hampers with 1000 donated to the residents of Buxton. Three hundred were distributed to residents, especially farmers, in Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara.

In both areas, Minister Jeffrey said residents were very appreciative of the hampers. (Government Information Agency)

SOME AREAS WHICH HAVE RECEIVED GOVERNMENT’S FLOOD RELIEF
HAMPERS DISTRIBUTED TO DATE BY AREAS.

Head of the Department, Dr. Kenrick Elias said that due to floods, the animals were unable to graze making them weak, and so the nutrients will be boost their resistance, it said.

From today, the Ministry of Agriculture will be importing grass from Region Three to assist cattle farmers along the East Coast. Vitamins, supplements and molasses will also be supplied.

GINA added that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) is also helping the Ministry with supplies. According to Elias, the officers will be divided into four teams so that they can assist as many farmers as possible until the water recedes.

$3M for City after flood clean up
As Georgetown faces the aftermath of the most severe flood ever, the City Council will begin work today on restoring the Garden City – Georgetown.

At a media conference yesterday President Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green has set up a task force to address this part of the effort and Government has allocated $3M to the Council to fund the clean up campaign. This fund, the President said, is to remove garbage adding that the City Council has funds to do other works.

“Today (yesterday) they started several programmes to clean up the garbage and are trying to get the communities to help by distributing garbage bags.”

Apart from cleaning the garbage, Government is also doing infrastructural works to restore the City’s appearance.

The floodwater receded from Georgetown over the weekend but several City streets are now riddled with potholes created during the recent flood. The Ministry of Public Works has begun repairing some of the streets, starting with Church Street.

The Ministry’s Roads Division conducted assessments at Cummingsburg, Alberttown and Queenstown. The road repairs are being funded by the Government of Guyana.

Meanwhile, President Jagdeo has asked the Ministry of Public Works to, very shortly, put together a recovery and rehabilitation response even as the country battles the disaster.

The Ministry of Public Works and Communications has contracted DIPCON – a Trinidadian company - to pick up carcasses along the East Coast of Demerara, between Enterprise and Liliendaal yesterday.

Persons are asked to put their dead animals on the public road, where they can be picked up and be properly disposed. 

Volunteers are also asked to assist with this massive clean up exercise. Over the past few days, residents along the East Coast lost many livestock due to floods.

The Agriculture Ministry is also visiting various communities and providing treatment for animals, including vaccination and vitamins, as well as tips to residents on how to care these animals.

“They will be working with the farmers and others to make sure that those animals that are safe, are maintained throughout this period,” he said.

Hard truths about today’s world
‘The vast movement of capital and technology that characterises globalisation is thus leading to a situation where developing countries stand to benefit far more from private sector investment than they do from Official Development Assistance…While 80 percent of Foreign Direct Assistance goes to a small group of high growth developing countries, the majority of countries in the Third World have to make do with only three percent of the total…These are hard truths to accept, yet they are the features of the world of tomorrow: less money for development, and more money for Foreign Direct Investment - but only for those countries, which can offer an attractive investment climate.’
--Ms Elena Martinez, Assistant Administrator UNDP, November 1999

WHILE addressing the students of the Foreign Service Institute in Guyana in November 1999, UNDP official Ms Elena Martinez made a number of insightful disclosures about the changing configuration of financial relations between the industrialised world and the developing countries.

Over the preceding five years, she said, Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing countries had been undergoing decline, and in 1999, this assistance, which included both bilateral and multilateral aid, was just under US$40 Billion. At the same time, however, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stood at US$250 Billion annually.

The UNDP official emphasised the situation that in an increasingly globalised economy, the leaders of developing countries will have to accept the reality that unless they can offer an environment that appeals to overseas investors, they will not benefit from any of the US$250 Billion that is expended annually by those who control the levers of Foreign Direct Investment. Ms Martinez, who also held the post of Director of the Regional Bureau of Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLAC), was visiting Guyana in November 1999 to observe the progress and challenges of the Poverty Eradication Programme for communities of the North Rupununi.

While it was generally known that financial aid flows from the industrialised world to the developing countries have been rapidly drying up since the early years of the 1990s, not many citizens were aware that some 80 percent of Foreign Direct Investment is concentrated in 12 developing nations that are categorised as “high growth” countries. And since the Martinez lecture, the planet has endured the horror of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, and on the Pentagon in Washington. The economic implications of these terrorist attacks extended to the Caribbean since the airline industry contracted and the hospitality sector suffered a lean period for months. Last month’s tsunami disaster, which hit several countries bordering the Indian Ocean, will no doubt further sharpen the competition among states for the bounty of Foreign Direct Investment in the coming years.

The concept of “less money for development and more money for foreign direct investment” has been gaining currency in economic circles and could very well come to spell doom and marginalisation for many economically backward countries, whose hopes of achieving modernity in an increasingly technology-driven world dwindle by the year. More pertinently however, Elena Martinez’s assertion that Foreign Direct Investment will go to those countries, which offer attractive investment climates, speaks directly to state authorities, social organisations, the small businessperson and even the itinerant pavement vendor in Guyana. For while state officials can implement critical policy decisions to lure investors to the country, all elements in the society will have to play their part in helping to create a business-friendly environment that will encourage foreign investors to view the potential of this country as a valuable prospect for their dollars. All stakeholders in Guyana would be well advised to consider these hard truths of international financial systems and adopt the necessary mechanisms to surmount these challenges.

Burglar jailed for other theft, too
HERALALL Nadir, convicted on a joint burglary charge and another of larceny, was yesterday sentenced to a total of 15 months imprisonment.

But the one year for the break and enter and the three months for the other theft will be served concurrently, Magistrate Maxwell Edwards stipulated.

Charged jointly with Kishore Dookie (no address given either), the prisoner admitted that, between January 17 and 20, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Nirnapa Nauth, at Herstelling New Housing Scheme, from where he stole gold jewellery, clothing, cosmetics and United States currency, valued a total of G$546,500.

Dookie denied the allegation and is to make his next appearance at Providence Court, also on East Bank Demerara, to which the case has been transferred, for February 9.

For the other conviction, Nadir pleaded guilty to stealing a hammer, a bag, an umbrella, an all-purpose mill and other articles worth $6,400, belonging to Hanarine Somai, between January 19 and 20, in the same East Bank Demerara village.

Police said the convict had been entrusted with the things to deliver to Somai’s wife.

Accused gold jewel robber refused bail
MAGISTRATE Maxwell Edwards yesterday refused bail to Clint Gobin (no address given) and remanded him to prison on a robbery with aggravation charge.

Particulars of the offence said, on January 20, the defendant and another man used personal violence to rob Simone Singh of a $21,000 gold chain.

Police Inspector Kevin Adonis, prosecuting, said the victim was walking along Water Street, when she was attacked from behind and dealt a cuff to her jaw before the jewel snatch.

Adonis said Singh chased and caught Gobin on Cornhill Street, in Georgetown, where she stopped a passing Police patrol and had the robber arrested.

Gobin has to be back in Court on February 16.

East Ruimveldt murder trial begins
THE story of the manner in which a young man was shot to death while sitting on the patio of his home at East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme in June 2003, was told to a judge and jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday.

On trial for the murder of Keith Hopkinson is Troy Garraway, called ‘Troy King’. Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a mixed jury heard yesterday that Keith Hopkinson and a relative were sitting on the patio of the East Ruumveldt house on June 12, 2003 when Garraway, who was armed with a gun, invaded the yard and fired two shots - one at Travis Ridley and the other at Hopkinson.

Hopkinson collapsed after being hit. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Corporation Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The results of a post mortem examination disclosed that Hopkinson died from shock and haemorrhage resulting from gunshot injuries.

In her opening address to the jury, Prosecutor Nyasha Williams disclosed that the shooting that day followed a quarrel between the accused and another person, when someone in the company of the accused broke open the gate to Hopkinson's home by removing a padlock.

Other persons, the Prosecutor said, entered the yard with the accused at about 10.30 o' clock in the morning.

The hearing continues today. (George Barclay)

Court frees man charged with unlawful killing of stepson
SEVENTY-one year-old Reginald Hennis called 'Reggie', who was charged with the unlawful killing of his stepson Hardat Lakan in August, 2002, was yesterday found not guilty of the offence by a Demerara Assize jury.

As a consequence, Hennis was discharged by judge Mrs. Yonnette Cummings-Edwards.

At the beginning of the trial, State Prosecutor Mr. Arudranauth Gossai had promised the jury to lead evidence to prove that Hardat Lakan, 39, was beating his mother, when his stepfather Hennis intervened and struck him with a hammer on the head. The State said that it was a clear case of manslaughter.

The unconscious Lakan was taken to hospital, where he later died as the result of a fractured skull.

In his statement from the dock, Hennis said that on the day in question when he saw Lakan beating his mother with a piece of wood, he attempted to restrain him, but was unsuccessful. “I fired a lash at him with a hammer. He was struck on the side and not on the head as alleged. After receiving the blow, he fell and struck his head," Hennis related. (George Barclay)

Economic impact of flood unpredictable
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) normally increases in an economy after a disaster. This is a result of more money spent in the economy especially by Government.

Some of these funds come by way of grants and donations of course.

It is a bit ironic however, since many businesses are closed during these periods. Other economic variable are agitated during a time of heavy spending too. An increase in aggregate demand can be a result. It will be difficult to see if this happen in Guyana, since the relief effort is not given along monetary lines.

A few sectors may definitely gain such as the main food line industries, drugs manufacturers and fast food suppliers, including bakeries.

Much of the impact of this disaster will be felt at the end of 2005 when the financial statements of the Government and the Private Sector are made out.

In Guyana’s case aggregate demand can result in increased revenue for businesses and economic growth for the country or slower growth as a result of slow business now and after the flood. This flood may have
a negative impact on inward investment flows as well.

As will be expected, Government’s hands may become a bit tighter too.
Radcliff Samaroo

Get your facts right
Eusi Kwayana, maybe writing from Northern climes, has written a letter headed “Aim for a coalition of the willing to tackle the floods” in Stabroek News of Thursday, January 27th, 2005.

For some reason, not clear, there is a sub-headed “An open letter to the Government of Guyana.”

He says among other things that “The thing I want to question today is the government’s handling of relief in this disaster. In a country riddle with discrimination, this charge is not surprising.

I mentioned that Kwayana must be writing from northern climes, that is, out of the country because I am mystified by his apparent lack of knowledge and information on this matter.

His letter, from some of its content should, maybe, have been on open letter to the main opposition party, the PNCR.

The government has been very transparent and accountable in all its response to the flooding, caused mainly by the excessively high rainfall, and its actions to bring and facilitate relief to the many affected communities.

There is no justification of any allegations of discrimination against the PPP/Civic government but such allegations are always expected from the main opposition party, the PNC/R.

Everyday, in the media, there are full reports of aids and donations received for flood victims and regular reports of what form of aid and other help going to the affected areas and people.

It is to be further noted that there are different efforts at providing relief from different sources, all of which may not be as accountable or transparent as the government and suggestions or allegations of discrimination or unaccountability could perhaps be more legitimately made against some of them.

I don’t see why there must be a coalition, according to Kwayana and when there cannot be cooperation and collaboration and interaction as now exists.

We do not have an authoritarian, dictatorial or undemocratic government that would want to impose its will on the free actions and initiatives of others.

Guyana, is widely recognized as a country with free media.

Kwayana should learn that digging for facts is better mental exercise than jumping to conclusions.
Phyllis Johnson

Sharma should act responsibly
I was one of those persons that thought initially that the government may have chosen the wrong time to suspend Sharma’s license. After listening to his last few tapes however I am convinced that it was the
right move.

The fact is that it is difficult enough for the government to have total control of the country with the joint services preoccupied with the much needed relief effort.

Considering this, I thing Sharma should be suspended until Guyana return to complete normalcy.

If Sharma further incites people with his lawless TV programme and violence erupts in Guyana now, people will blame the Government for not being stern and sharp enough. Sharma needs to be more responsible and credible for a change.
Satesh Deodat

Apology accepted
There has been much controversy over the pamphlet issued in the name of the CIOG which said things about other religions which were objectionable to Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

I, as a supporter of the CIOG, know that the objectionable matter was far from the policy and the wish of the CIOG, and indeed most Guyanese Muslims, and there is deep regret and apology. I am sure that the CIOG would be very careful in future not to allow such erroneous matter to creep into its publications. Our brethren of other faiths as well as our Muslims brethren who were hurt by the publication have understood, and we hope have forgiven.

I would like to remind young, enthusiastic, and inexperienced Muslim writers to explain Islam to others in a non controversial and rational way. On the Internet there is about one million anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic entries and anyone who wishes to attack Islam has ready-made and devastating ammunition. No modern and really believing Muslim picks rows with others. Our best way of defending Islam and propagating it is by decency, sensitivity to others and rationality.

That unfortunate and regrettable lapse is now buried in the past never to raise its head again.
Altaf Hussain

Flood response exemplary
The response by the government to the sudden disaster that has hit us has been exemplary and compares favourably to the responses by other nations, including developed ones to such sudden disasters.

Within a short time, the resources of the nation were mobilised, both public and private to assist the affected.

Even individuals and ad hoc groups organised themselves to provide aid and assistance to residents in all affected communities.

The humanity of the majority of people came to the fore and this shows that Guyanese are basically a decent, peace-loving and compassionate people.

In this critical time, these qualities would have been strengthened and our togetherness more solid.
Floyd Adams

Flood will have lasting effect
The suffering and threats to the health and welfare of citizens as a result of the highest rainfall in a century and the massive floods which followed will affect us for a long time to come.

The effects are not only immediate, but will develop as time progress and some will be cumulative over time.

The resilience of Guyanese to problems and difficulties has not been noticed and there have been praises by many observers, local and foreign to our reputation of overcoming such formidable setbacks.

Guyanese must continue to unite as we have seen during this flood, and as we approach our national festival, Mashramani, which means the coming together of people after hard work, we will all look back at the flood situation after the waters would have receded and lives return to normalcy and say, Guyanese are indeed a united people.
Clement Anderson

2004 Sports Awardees to be selected today
THE selection of the 2004 Sports Awardees will be done today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 10:00 h.

And heading the list for the top awards as sportsman and sportswoman of the year are: Central American and Caribbean (CAC) bodybuilding bantamweight champion Sylvan Gardner, and Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) light-heavyweight champion Gwendolyn `The Stealth Bomber’ O’Neal.

Other categories up for awards today are: runner-up sportsman and runner-up sportswoman, junior sportsman and junior sportswoman with their runners-up, sports association, sports team, sports journalist (a) print, (b) non-print, sports journalist photographer, male sports personality, sports coach, female sports personality, and most improved association.

In addition there will be an award for persons with disabilities.

Today’s special selection panel will include journalists and members of the National Sports Commissio (NSC).

Young Reggae Boyz beaten in CONCACAF Under-20 opener
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras, (CMC) - Jamaica’s young Reggae Boyz opened their CONCACAF Under-20 Group B World Cup Qualification Final Round in

disappointing fashion when they were hammered 4-2 by Honduras on

Wednesday.

Playing at the Estadio Francisco Morazán, Jamaica went behind early and trailed 0-3 by halftime and despite scoring two goals in the second half to fight their way back, surrendered a late goal to lose badly in the end.

The win for Honduras was their first over the young Reggae Boyz in a

CONCACAF Under-20 Qualifying match since a 5-1 victory on November 10, seven years ago in Guatemala.

Jamaica were undone by strikers Cesar Guity and Ramon Nunez who both bagged braces to give the hosts the upper hand while Akeem Priestley and Obrion White scored for the losers.

Cesar Guity struck in the 23rd minute to open the scoring for the Hondurans and added a second four minutes from halftime to send his side 2-0 up.

On the stroke of halftime, Ramon Nunez put the game out of the reach of the Jamaicans with a 45th minute strike.

Priestly restored some Jamaican pride when he scored 10 minutes after the break, and when White netted in the 69th, Jamaica were back in the hunt for full points.

But Nunez scored three minutes later to knock the steam out of the Jamaicans and ensure there would be no resurgence from the visitors.

Jamaica will now face Mexico today and Canada on Sunday.

In the other game, Ryan Gyaki scored twice to lead Canada to a 2-1 win over Mexico and extend the Maple Leafs’ unbeaten streak to seven in CONCACAF Under-20 Qualifying games.

Marco Parra had the only goal for Mexico.

Two teams from Group B will join Panama and the USA as the CONCACAF representatives at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands.

Federer loses aura of invincibility
By Simon Cambers
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Roger Federer's dramatic loss to Russian Marat Safin in the semi-finals of the Australian Open yesterday not only brought to an end the defence of his title but also proved something to the rest of the tennis world.

The Swiss world number one is not invincible.

Three grand slam titles out of the past four, 11 titles in 2004 and a run of 21 straight matches without defeat had helped make Federer one of the hottest favourites in Australian Open history.

Since October 2003, Federer had won 24 straight matches against top-10 players, and five matches without dropping a set served only to reinforce feelings that the 23-year-old would stroll to his fifth grand slam title.

But after almost four and a half hours of the most dramatic tennis imaginable, Safin showed the rest the way with a stunning victory, saving a match point and squandering six of his own before clinching a 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6, 9-7 victory.

Despite having a match point at 6-5 in the fourth-set tiebreak, Federer had no arguments about his defeat.

"Losing by having match point, it's always going to hurt, no matter how great the match was," he said.

On his match point, Federer ran back for a Safin lob and played a between-the-legs shot which found the net.

'GUTSY LOB'
"I thought I would have lost the point anyway. He came up with a good shot to lob me. Got to have some guts to do that, so it's well done."

Federer, who struggled with a nerve-end problem and a blister on his foot, said: "I surprised myself by coming back because I had all these problems, and he has a great serve and a great game."

He needed treatment for back problems during the four-hour 28-minute match and came back from 5-3 down in the final set.

"He was obviously more fresh than me, so I thought there was probably no way coming back. I had the feeling, like he gave me a second chance, you know, and I almost took it.

"It's really a pity. A point here and there changed the match. I had my chances, but he didn't allow me to take them.

"But at least I can leave the place feeling good about myself because I thought I gave it all I had, and that's all I got. He was the better player in the end.

Federer, whose number one ranking is not under threat, said he was looking forward to getting his revenge over Safin.

"Of course, I'm hoping for a rematch so I can beat him again. I haven't been involved in too many such great matches. But it was a thrill actually to be a part of it, that's very clear.”

Barbados drop Hurley and Graham for Leewards match
By Keith Holder
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) - Experienced all-rounder Ryan Hurley and middle order batsman Shawn Graham have been dropped from the beleaguered Barbados cricket team for the fourth round Carib Beer Cup match against Leeward Islands starting at the Kensington Oval today.

They have been replaced by former national Under-19 captain Kenroy

Williams and seasoned left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, as skipper Sherwin Campbell called on his batsmen to produce more runs collectively to help pull the repeat double crown holders from an unfamiliar cellar position.

At the same time, Leeward Islands captain Sylvester Joseph said he

would sustain the pressure on the Barbadians, who have lost their last two matches against Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica following a complete washout against the Windward Islands - all on home turf.

With a mere four points, Barbados are desperate to make up lost ground

in what will be the longest ever regional first-class championship

comprising ten matches for each team on a home-and-away basis.

The Cup champions will then clash with the runners-up for the Challenge Trophy.

For the first time this season, the internationally acclaimed

Kensington Oval, will be the venue after outings at the 3Ws Oval, Crab Hill (Mount Gay North Stars) and Lucas Street (Windward Club).

Psychologically, Barbados have not lost to the Leewards since 1997 when they went under by eight wickets at Kensington. The championship was then also played on a home-and-away basis - the only other occasion - with straight champions, who were Barbados.

But the concern now for Campbell is his team’s batting. Totals of 206, 208, 152 and 147 - all batting second - have not gone down well with Campbell, the selectors and an unforgiving local public as feelings have been vented on radio call-in programmes, in bars and on the streets.

“All the batters have to sit down together and try to work things out.

We are definitely not batting together as a team and we are definitely not performing on the field,” Campbell said.

“When you lose there is always pressure. Barbados is a team that is

accustomed to winning and winning handsomely, so I am not used to being in this position.”

Campbell, himself under pressure with just 74 runs at an average of 18.50, reckoned Barbados could not afford another slip at this stage if they were to mount a late challenge for the title again.

“We have to reflect on the last two games and look to move on. We have some serious thinking to do,” the former West Indies opening batsman said.

Asked if he felt confident his team could turn around their fortune,

Campbell responded: “We have no choice. We certainly have to turn it around and we have to look forward and move on in this competition. The batsmen definitely have to come to the fore.”

Campbell also asked fans to be patient.

“The fans are used to winning and I hope they will just bear with us because there are a few inexperienced guys in the team. Just bear with us for a little while until we get things together,” he pleaded.

Graham has been one of the leading batsmen in the local first division
championship over the past five seasons but he managed just 29 runs at an average of 7.25 in this year’s Carib Beer Cup.

Former West Indies player Hurley, an off-spinning all-rounder, picked up five wickets at 35.80 runs apiece and scored 70 runs at an average of 17.50.

His manner of dismissals angered all and sundry, especially in the second innings of the ten-run defeat against Jamaica when he was bowled by pacer Jerome Taylor, essaying a slog after making 27 off 39 balls.

Williams is a gifted batsman and occasional off-spin bowler, who was
one of two century-makers in the Arawak Cement Cup, which has been used for the past three seasons as trials for the national team.

It will be his first match for Barbados but he has played six games for West Indies ‘B’(Under-23).

Benn was surprisingly left out of the original training squad for a one-week camp and then added for the previous round. He has been one of Barbados’ top bowlers since his debut five years ago and boasts of 105 first-class wickets at 26.07 runs apiece.

Meantime, Joseph told CMC Sports yesterday that the Leewards, on ten points, were gradually improving after a late preparation to the start of the season, in addition to their badly rain-hit third round match against Trinidad & Tobago in Port-of-Spain.

“We are getting into our strides now and we are coming to put the
pressure on Barbados. Definitely. They are down so that’s even better for us,” Joseph said.

“We were off to a late start in terms of preparation and so on and the more we get to play, the more we are coming into our strides.

“I think we are going forward in a good way. We had two good net sessions (at 3Ws Oval) and I hope we can put our heads together and come out victorious in this game.”

Joseph said his main concern was the bowling of off-spinner Omari Banks, who has seven wickets at an average of 33.57.

German ref admits fixing matches, apologises
… FIFA deeply shocked
By Kevin Fylan
FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) - German referee Robert Hoyzer admitted yesterday that he had fixed matches and offered to cooperate with the investigation into the country's biggest football scandal in over 30 years.

"The allegations against me which have been raised in public are in essence true," the 25-year-old Hoyzer said in a statement released by his lawyers.

"I deeply regret my behaviour and apologise to the German Football Association (DFB), my refereeing colleagues and all football fans."

Germany's football community reacted to the confession with disgust, while Berlin prosecutors said they had received a complaint highlighting a suspected link with Croatian gamblers.

Hoyzer told separate German television stations that he had profited by a five-figure euro sum from his actions and said other people in football were involved.

Volker Roth, head of the referees committee of both the DFB and UEFA, was visibly shaken at a news conference in Frankfurt and said steps had to be taken to prevent a repeat of the affair.

"As a former head German and European referee, I shouldn't let myself be thrown out of kilter, but this business really does upset me," Roth said. "It's unforgivable."

FIFA said it was deeply shocked and president Sepp Blatter has written to the DFB stressing the need for the case to be resolved with the World Cup in Germany next year.

"Referees are guarantors for impartiality and fair play and for ensuring that matches are conducted impeccably," Blatter said in a statement.

"They therefore have greater moral and ethical responsibilities. FIFA is deeply concerned that a promising young referee has violated those requirements in the worst possible manner, as well as by the fact that his actions went undetected for so long."

News of the scandal broke on Saturday evening when the DFB announced that Hoyzer was under suspicion of rigging Hamburg SV's Cup defeat by Paderborn SC last August after betting on the result.

Hamburg took a 2-0 lead but went on to lose 4-2 after Hoyzer sent off striker Emile Mpenza in the first half for insulting him and awarded two penalties to the regional league side.

INVESTIGATION WIDENS
The DFB has since widened its investigation to look at Hoyzer's involvement in five more second division and regional league matches, four of which he refereed. Hoyzer did not referee any first division games.

Earlier this week Hoyzer denied betting on any matches that he had refereed, while his lawyer strongly criticised the DFB's handling of the case and said his client had been pressured into signing a resignation letter.

Hoyzer changed his story yesterday after a second consultation with his lawyers.

"I have documented completely and unsparingly my behaviour and my entire substantial knowledge of all facts and people known to me in this matter and am available to prosecutors and the DFB to provide a full explanation," concluded the statement, released by lawyers Holthoff-Pfoertner.

Public prosecutors said yesterday they had been involved in the case since Wednesday in response to a complaint lodged by the DFB and also a private individual in the southern town of Passau.

"The essence of the criminal complaint of the DFB is ... the 'urgent suspicion' that the referee influenced the result of a match under his control," the statement read.

"According to the complaint, it could 'not be ruled out' that 'Mr Hoyzer had contact with betting customers in a Berlin locale mainly frequented by Croatians' where there was 'evidently betting targeted at matches under Mr Hoyzer's charge'."

Germany was rocked by a corruption scandal in 1971, with sanctions imposed on 53 players, two coaches, six officials and clubs Arminia Bielefeld and Kickers Offenbach.

Record entry for Grand National
By Dave Thompson
LONDON, England (Reuters) - The Grand National has received a record entry of 152 for April's race at Aintree, beating the previous high of 149 in 2003 and last year's 122 entries.

On race day, April 9, a maximum of 40 will face the starter.

Under the new sponsorship of a brewery company, the race has record prize money of 700 000 pounds ($1.31 million), up 100 000 pounds on 2004.

The entries feature the first seven home from last year's race when Amberleigh House, trained by Ginger McCain of Red Rum fame, beat Clan Royal by three lengths.

There are 36 entries from Ireland, beating the previous high of 34 in 2003, and four from France.

Noted owner JP McManus has 19 entries, including Clan Royal, joint favourite at 14-1 with course winner Silver Birch. Amberleigh House is on offer at 20-1.

The weights for the race, which is run over 4-1/2 miles (7.2 km) and 30 fences, will be announced on February 8.

Aintree managing director Charles Barnett said: "This is an exciting year ... with both a new sponsor and a major increase in prize money so we are delighted to see this record number of entries including so many with strong claims from Britain, Ireland and France.

Pietersen and Bell inspire England to victory
A THRILLING 97 from Kevin Pietersen inspired England to a six-wicket win over South Africa A at Kimberley. (Scores: South Africa A 251-8 (50 overs) v England 252-4 (42.4 overs.

Pietersen blasted nine fours and three sixes, sharing 169 in 27 overs with Ian Bell, whose assured unbeaten 87 guided the team home with 7.4 overs remaining.

Acting captain Marcus Trescothick hit six fours in the first five overs in a fluent 40 as England chased 252.

Kabir Ali earlier staked a claim for a regular place by taking 4-40, three of his victims clean-bowled.

He out-bowled James Anderson and Alex Wharf, who had figures of 0-65 from nine overs and 0-40 from six.

Opening batsman Morne van Wyk hit 102 off 147 balls for the home side before he was caught off Kabir with three balls of the innings remaining.

van Wyk shared a second wicket stand of 110 with Boeta Dippenaar, who made 66.

Trescothick and Geraint Jones were the only members of the Test side which completed a 2-1 series win on Tuesday, to take part in the game.

But Trescothick's decision to give Jones a break from wicket-keeping duties proved a painful one when he took a blow on the hand trying to collect a throw from Anderson mid-way through the home side's innings, necessitating 12 overs off the field for treatment.

But it soon looked like the one-day specialists were set for a long, hard day in the field despite Darren Gough having Loots Bosman caught behind for 12 in his opening spell.

Anderson was withdrawn after only three overs with the new ball, but with Wharf also suffering at the hands of van Wyk and Dippenaar, it was left to spinner Gareth Batty to try and slow the scoring rate.

He broke the partnership when Dippenaar was superbly caught by Ian Bell at long-on after hitting nine fours and picked up another wicket when JP Duminy (11) picked out Pietersen at mid-wicket.

Adam Bacher, recalled by South Africa for the one-day series, managed only three before he was bowled by Kabir, whose ability to bowl a tight line was rewarded with further successes late in the innings.

Albie Morkel played over a full-length delivery after making 21 off 19 balls and Johann van der Wath followed for five in the final over.

Two balls later van der Wyk was on his way back to the pavilion after batting for almost four hours, an innings which included seven boundaries.

Paul Collingwood was the other England wicket-taker, bowling Justin Ontong for eight as he backed away from his stumps to try and force the ball through the off-side.

England lost Vikram Solanki second ball, and Kabir's elevation to pinch-hitting number three lasted nine balls when he backed away and was bowled for nine.

The required rate when Bell and Pietersen began their partnership was nudging six an over, but sensibly they chipped away at the deficit, mixing attack and defence expertly.

Pietersen's first three scoring shots were boundaries and he soon overtook his partner, hammering successive sixes over long-on as 16 came from Ontong's solitary over.

Having passed his highest one-day international score, he moved into the 90s with a four and a six, but three short of a maiden century he was brilliantly caught by a diving Dippenaar at mid-wicket.

The composed Bell, who also made his highest score, won the match in style with a drive through the covers for four, his eighth boundary. (BBC Sport).

SOUTH AFRICA A

M. van Wyk c Wharf b Ali 104

L. Bosman c Trescothick b Gough 12

H. Dippenaar c Bell b Batty 66

J. Duminy c Pietersen b Batty 11

A. Bacher b Ali 3

J. Ontong b Collingwood 8

J. Morkel b Ali 21

J. van der Wath b Ali 5

A. Thomas not out 3

G. Kruger not out 0

Extras: (b-1, lb-6, w-10, nb-1) 18

Total: (for eight wickets, 50 overs) 251

Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-158, 3-187, 4-191, 5-204, 6-232, 7-246, 8-247.

Bowling: Gough 10-2-38-1 (w-1), Anderson 9-0-65-0 (w-6), Ali 10-1-40-4, Wharf 6-0-40-0 (nb-1, w-2) Batty 10-0-42-2, Collingwood 5-0-19-1 (w-1).

ENGLAND XI

M. Trescothick b Thomas 40

V. Solanki b Kruger 0

K. Ali b van der Wath 6

I. Bell not out 87

K. Pietersen c Dippenaar b Bacher 97

P. Collingwood not out 9

Extras: (lb-4, w-9) 13

Total: (for four wickets, 42.2 overs) 252

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-38, 3-57, 4-226.

Bowling: Kruger 6-0-39-1 (w-4), Mbhalati 6-0-38-0, van der Wath 8-1-43-1, Thomas 6.2-1-30-1 (w-1), Morkel 7-0-38-0 (w-1), Bacher 8-0-43-1 (w-1), Ontong 1-0-17-0.

Williams rallies to reach final against Davenport
By Julian Linden
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Serena Williams teetered on the brink of defeat yesterday before exacting revenge on Russian teenager Maria Sharapova to set up an Australian Open final against fellow-American Lindsay Davenport.

Williams, beaten by Sharapova in last year's Wimbledon final and the season-ending tour championship, saved three match points before winning 2-6, 7-5, 8-6.

Davenport overcame a dreadful start and a hip injury to wear down Nathalie Dechy of France 2-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Williams seemed destined for a third defeat when the 17-year-old Siberian won the opening set and served for the match in the second and third sets.

But the former world number one broke back both times in a struggle reminiscent of her semi-final against Belgian Kim Clijsters in the 2003 Australian Open when she saved two match points before reaching the final and winning the title.

"Those are always the best wins, when you're down match point because you can't give up at any," Williams said.

"She has a fighting spirit and I think that's gotten her to where she is today ... but I'm still the top fighter out there."

There was no hiding Sharapova's disappointment but she still managed to put on a brave face.

TOUGH LOSS
"Of course I'm sad, and obviously it's a tough one to lose but I've got a long way ahead of me," she said.

"I'm 17 years old and I got to the semi-finals of the Australian Open so nothing's negative.

"This is not a sprint, it's a marathon and I'm just riding along."

Davenport, champion at Melbourne Park five years ago, also needed to draw on her wealth of experience to beat Dechy, who was appearing in her first semifinal in a decade as a professional.

Davenport had her left thigh heavily strapped, is struggling with a hip strain and got off to a sluggish start, gifting Dechy the first set in only 24 minutes with a string of uncharacteristic errors.

Dechy was aggressive from the back of the court to shut Davenport out early but the American top seed used her powerful serve to battle her way back and force a tiebreak.

Dechy was two points away from winning the match but Davenport won the second set decider 7-5 on a Dechy double fault and then finally sealed the match when the Frenchwoman surrendered her serve to love in the final game.

"I'm a little perplexed," Davenport said. "I don't think I'm playing well but I'm in the final. I got lucky but I'll take it."

It will be the first time two Americans have contested a women's grand slam final since Wimbledon 2003 when Serena beat older sister Venus as she had done at the Australian that year.

Russians have won the last three grand slam women's tournaments.

Safin stuns Federer to reach Open final
By Julian Linden
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Marat Safin brought Roger Federer's grand slam streak to a shuddering halt, beating the seemingly invincible world number one 5-7, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6, 9-7 in a heart-stopping semifinal at the Australian Open yesterday.

Safin, runner-up in two of the last three Australian Opens including last year when Federer beat him, twice came back from a set down and saved a match point in the fourth set tiebreak before triumphing in one of Melbourne Park's greatest battles.

"It was one of the toughest matches I ever had in my life," Safin said.

"Normally he toys with all the other players ... but for some reason I found the power to fight, to wait for my opportunities and eventually they came."

Safin, whose only grand slam title was at the U.S. Open in 2000, will now play the winner of today’s second semifinal between Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt in Sunday's final.

The women's final, to be held tomorrow, will be an all-American clash between Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport after they also clawed back from the brink of defeat to win their semifinals yesterday.

Williams saved three match points before beating Russian teenager Maria Sharapova 2-6, 7-5, 8-6 while Davenport came within two points of losing before she wore down Nathalie Dechy of France 2-6, 7-6, 6-4.

"Those are always the best wins, when you're down match point because you can't give up any," Williams said.

"She has a fighting spirit and I think that's gotten her to where she is today ... but I'm still the top fighter out there."

Davenport was a bundle of nerves in her match with Dechy but regained her composure when it mattered to reach her first grand slam final since 2000.

"I'm ecstatic to be back. It seems like forever for me," she said. "I was pretty despondent about the chances of getting back to a final. I haven't been in one in almost five years but I'm ready."

FOURTH TITLE
Federer had not lost a match since last year's Athens Olympics in August and was chasing his fourth grand slam title in 12 months after winning last year's Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open crowns.

The Swiss master had also won his last 24 matches against players ranked in the top 10 and was the hottest favourite in a century to win the Australian Open after romping through his first five matches without dropping a set.

Everything seemed to be going according to script when he won the opening set but the first hint of a boilover came when Safin won the second.

Federer appeared to have regained control when he won the third and held match point in the fourth but the Russian produced a perfect lob to stay alive.

Federer saved six match points in the final set but his resistance finally snapped after four 1/2 hours as Safin celebrated his 25th birthday with a victory that brought the capacity crowd to their feet.

"I live my whole life with pressure, so this is nothing different," Federer said.

"It's always going to hurt, no matter how great the match was but at least you can leave the place feeling good about yourself because I thought I gave it all I had."

Williams lost last year's Wimbledon final and the season-ending tour championship to Sharapova and seemed destined for a third defeat when the 17-year-old Siberian won the opening set and served for the match in the second and third sets.

RESILIENT WILLIAMS
But the former world number one broke back both times in a struggle reminiscent of her semifinal against Belgian Kim Clijsters in the 2003 Australian Open when she saved two match points before reaching the final and winning the title.

There was no hiding Sharapova's disappointment at wasting her opportunity but she still managed to put on a brave face.

"Of course I'm sad, and obviously it's a tough one to lose but I've got a long way ahead of me," she said.

Davenport also drew on her wealth of experience to beat Dechy, who was appearing in her first semifinal in a decade as a professional.

Dechy was two points away from winning the match in the second set tiebreaker but a double fault allowed Davenport back into the match and the current world number one seized her chance.

"That's why she's there at the top," Dechy said. "I was close to winning that match but I don't regret anything. I did the best I could.”

Celtics cruise as Jackson fails to lift Pacers on comeback
NEW YORK, NY (Reuters) - Paul Pierce scored 23 points and Ricky Davis added 18 to spark the Boston Celtics to a 100-86 win over the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday.

Back in Indiana's line-up for the first time since receiving a 30-game ban for brawling with Detroit fans November 19, forward Stephen Jackson played 38 minutes and contributed 17 points.

Jackson, whose suspension was the third longest in NBA history, showed no signs of rust, hitting his first three shots. But his production tailed off in the second half, picking up only six points.

Raef LaFrentz had 12 points and 11 rebounds while Gary Payton chipped in with 10 points as the Celtics won at home for the ninth time in 10 games to move top of the Atlantic Division.

In Cleveland, LeBron James continued his torrid play with 27 points, a career-high 15 assists and nine rebounds to power the Cavaliers to a 114-111 win over the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies.

James crumpled to the floor in pain clutching his left ankle with less than 10 minutes to play. He was helped off by team-mates before returning to the court to thunderous applause with 4:53 to go to help seal the victory.

The Grizzlies, without leading scorer Pau Gasol, suffered their third loss in 15 games.

In Auburn Hills, Ben Wallace notched 14 points and 12 rebounds as the NBA champion Detroit Pistons broke out of a season-high, four-game losing skid with an 87-70 rout of the Denver Nuggets.

The Pistons received double figure efforts from six players and limited Carmelo Anthony to five points.

In Milwaukee, Shawn Marion drained 24 points while Amare Stoudemire added 23 and Steve Nash had 21 points and 17 assists to help the high-flying Phoenix Suns tame the Bucks 121-115 for their third straight win.

In Washington, Gilbert Arenas poured in 33 points to carry the Wizards to a 117-107 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers, who were without Allen Iverson.

With Iverson out due to a shoulder problem, Willie Green did his best to fill the void, hitting for a career-high 32 points. Washington's victory was the team's fourth in a row.

In Los Angeles, Elton Brand scored 28 points and Bobby Simmons 20 as the Clippers pounded the Lakers 105-89 to register the first win over their city rivals in six contests.

In New Orleans, Tracy McGrady had 33 points and Yao Ming chipped in with 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Houston Rockets squeezed past the last-place Hornets 82-77.

In Toronto, Shaquille O'Neal claimed 33 points and 18 rebounds and Dwyane Wade added 16 points while dishing out 10 assists to drive the Miami Heat to a 111-96 win over the Raptors.

In Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz had seven players in double figures, led by 20 points from Raul Lopez, to defeat the Seattle SuperSonics 109-100 and break out of a two-game losing skid.

In Minneapolis, Latrell Sprewell notched a season-high 32 points and Kevin Garnett posted 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Atlanta Hawks 104-87.

In Portland, Dirk Nowitzki recorded 24 points and 15 rebounds and Michael Finley added 22 points to guide the Dallas Mavericks to a 95-88 victory over the Trail Blazers.

In Oakland, Brian Scalabrine had 29 points as the New Jersey Nets cruised past the Golden State Warriors 113-99.

18 wickets tumble on day one at Arnos Vale
Windwards reeling on 23 for eight
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) - Medium pacer Richard Kelly turned in a tremendous bowling performance to rip the heart out of the Windwards batting and put Trinidad and Tobago in a commanding position at the end of the opening day of their Carib Beer Series match at the Arnos Vale Playing Field yesterday.

Kelly, bowling in late afternoon sunshine, grabbed five for 14 to leave the Windwards reeling on 23 for eight, replying to Trinidad and Tobago’s first innings total 160.

The stockily built right-arm seamer displayed good control on a pitch which played low for most of a day that saw 18 wickets falling for less than two hundred runs.

He started the Windwards slide in his second over when he removed opener Devon Smith (3) and Sergio Fedee (0) in the space of two balls.

Smith was caught at mid-off by Daren Ganga off a mistimed flick and Fedee was a palpable lbw victim next ball.

Debutant Hyron Shallow (2) then ran himself out and Kelly then sent back Liam Sebastien (1) and Darren Sammy (0) to smart catches by Shazan Babwah at short leg and Rawl Lewis (0) to a neat take by Lendl Simmons at second slip.

Kyron Lynch, who had given good support, then claimed the wicket of Craig Emmanuel (8) the most assured of the Windwards batsmen when he touched an outswinger to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin after close to an hour at the crease.

Leg-spinner Dave Mohammed, who bowled one over, picked up the wicket of Deighton Butler who drove his first ball straight to Sherwin Ganga at cover.

When play ended, Junior Murray was on six and with him was Shane Shillingford on two.

Lynch finished with one for six and Mohammed, one for one.

Earlier Trinidad and Tobago, who won the toss and batted, were indebted to Babwah (45) and Imran Jan (29 not out) for their eventual total.

Babwah, who batted for three minutes short of three hours, shared a 48-run, third-wicket partnership with Ramdin (14) after they had slipped to 56 for three just after lunch.

Jan who was missed three times before he had reached five, shepherded the lower order to add vital runs after the Windwards had grabbed four wickets in the post-lunch session as the Trinidadians, who had gone to lunch at 51 for two, slipped to 119 for six.

The Trinidadians lost the wickets of Daren Ganga (16), Ramdin (14) Babwah (45) and Richard Kelly (3) in another slow session, which saw the Windwards send down 28 overs.

Ganga, who went to lunch on 13, edged left-arm seamer Butler to wicketkeeper, Junior Murray for 16 with the total on 56, and he was followed by Ramdin who went the same way off Sammy.

Babawah then fell lbw to Sammy with the total on 112 and Kelly went in similar fashion off the first ball of the final over in the session to offspinner, Liam Sebastien.

In the opening session they the lost the wickets of Lendl Simmons (12) who was adjudged caught at the wicket by wicketkeeper Junior Murray off the bowling of Deighton Butler with the total on 19.

Simmons, who seemed prepared to take on the Windwards bowlers by hooking Butler to the square leg boundary, was disappointed with the decision and indicated to umpire Luther Kelly that the ball had come off his forearm.

Five runs later Sherwin Ganga, who survived an lbw appeal was called through for a quick single by his brother after the ball had rolled into the offside, but failed to beat a direct throw from Liam Sebastien.

TRINIDAD and TOBAGO first innings

S. Ganga run-out 9

L Simmons c wkp. b Butler 12

D. Ganga c wkp. b Butler 16

S. Babwa lbw b Sammy 45

D. Ramdhin c wkp. b Sammy 14

I. Jan not out 29

R. Kelley lbw b Sebastien 3

R. Emrit c Fedee b Shillingford 7

A. Jaggernaut lbw b Sammy 7

K. Lynch c wkp. b Sammy 0

Extras: (b-1, lb-2, nb-8, w-1) 12

Total: (all out, 73 overs) 160

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-25, 3-56, 4-103, 5-112, 6-119, 7-141, 8-144, 9-160.

Bowling: Peters 15-2-33-0 (nb-1, w-1), Butler 17-3-36-2 (nb-3) Sammy

15-5-21-4 (nb-1), Lewis 11-4-25-0 (nb-2), Shillingford 12-1-28-2, Sebastien 3-0-14-1 (nb-1).

WINDWARDS first innings

D. Smith c D. Ganga b Kelley 3

C. Emmanuel c Ramdin b Lynch 8

S. Fedee lbw b Kelley 0

H. Shallow run-out 2

J. Murray not out 6

L. Sebastien c Babwah b Kelley 1

D. Sammy c Babwah b Kelley 0

R. Lewis c Simmons b Kelley 0

D. Butler c S. Ganga b Mohammed 0

S. Shillingford not out 2

Extras: (nb-1) 1

Total: (8 wkts, 15 overs) 23

Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-4,3-11, 4-17, 5-18, 6-18, 7-20 8-21.

Bowling: R. Kelley 8-2-14-5, K. Lynch 6-1-8-1,Mohammed 1-0-1-1.

Jamaica reach 91 for two before the rain
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) - Heavy rain caused play to be abandoned on the opening day of the fourth round Carib Beer Series match between Jamaica and Guyana at Kensington Park yesterday.

Jamaica had reached 91 for two when rain stopped play at 12:58 p.m.

Umpires Cecil Fletcher and Clancy Mack officially called play off at 3:46 p.m.

SUMMARISED SCORES:

JAMAICA 91-2 (Brenton Parchment 51 not out, Donovan Pagon 35; Imran Jafferally 2-21).