President calls for a more caring society
President Bharrat Jadgeo is calling on Guyanese to express more concern for the well being of their fellow countrymen, especially relatives.

This he said, will definitely see an end to the large number of destitute elders and children evident in the country.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the beneficiaries of the Dharm Shala, Albouystown, at its Annual Christmas Lunch.

Each year the Institution's management -- the Ramsaroop family, hosts a grand lunch for the inmates and those elders who visit occasionally at the Dharm Shala. President Jagdeo shared the lunch to those gathered and spent a considerable part of Christmas Day there.

The Dharm Shala, managed by Mr. Harry Ramsaroop and his family, was first started as a Hindu Temple in the early 1920's.

In April, 1921, the temple was converted to a home to care for the destitute, the sick, the abandoned, and those under dire economic circumstances, the poor and the aged. It is funded by the Ramsaroop family with help from public donations and a subvention from Government.

President Jagdeo was high in his praise for the work done by the Ramsaroop family to keep the facility going over the many years, despite the changing economic situations in Guyana.

"They have, with total commitment and dedication - maintained these facilities, and as a country, we are grateful for this,” he said.

While commending the efforts of all institutions that cater for the less fortunate elders and children, the Head of State noted that, should Guyanese be compassionate, then these institutions would be less burdened or probably become even extinct.

"If we have more compassion in this country, if families took care of their children and their elder more keenly, and if we looked after our neighbours and care for each other more, then all the orphanages and homes and other places where they keep children and destitute people could be closed," he said.

Such caring will help every Guyanese to find a home of their own, and "that is the kind of society we should aspire towards, not one that is materially fulfilled, but one that is fulfilling in every other way."

On this note, the President called on the religious community to take the reins of this struggle to foster compassion among members of society.

He renewed Government's commitment to making life better for all Guyanese, by not only improving the infrastructure, but also to make Guyana socially livable for all Guyanese regardless of their race and religious or political persuasion, and he expressed hope that 2003 will see significant accomplishments in this area.

Wishing the beneficiaries "a 2003 that would allow fulfillment of your deepest desires and wishes," the President urged them to take count of the blessing they are bestowed as Guyanese, since in many other countries, people are dying of starvation and lack of access to basic medication.

He also extolled the Guyanese people's ability to bear hardships and the many challenges being encountered locally, regionally and internationally.

State funeral for Hoyte
The late former President and Leader of the People's National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and the Opposition, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte is to receive a state funeral on Monday December 30, 2002.

Speaking at his post-Cabinet press conference yesterday Dr. Luncheon disclosed that Cabinet has approved a five percent pay hike for teachers across the board for 2002.

In addition, he reported that further increases ranging between six and ten percent have been approved for unqualified teachers in two categories whose salaries fall below the minimum wage in the traditional Public Service.

The HPS also announced that a five percent increase has been granted to chauffeurs, maids, gardeners, and certain categories of employees attached to the President, Prime Minister, Ministers of the Government and other holders of constitutional office.

The increase is retroactive to January 1, 2002.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon made this disclosure at his weekly post-Cabinet press conference yesterday following the final Cabinet session for this year.

Dr. Luncheon said that next Monday will be declared a National Day of Mourning and that the State funeral will take place at Public Buildings at 13:30 hours where there will be a special ceremony involving dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, state and other officials.

The HPS said that the Government has expressed full support for the arrangements of the funeral and announced that Public Servants desirous of viewing the body which will take place from 09:00 hours at the Square of the Revolution will be given time-off to do so. A circular to the effect has already been sent to the various governmental agencies and ministries, he added.

The body of the late former President will be interned at the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens where former President L.F.S Burnham and the first Governor-General Sir David Rose have been interned.

Mr. Hoyte became Leader of the PNC and Executive President of Guyana in August 1985, following the passing of the then President L.F.S Burnham. He remained in office until 1992 when he was succeeded by the leader of the People's Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan as President following the October, 1992 general elections.

Since then Mr. Hoyte remained the leader of the PNC/R and Leader of the Opposition.

He passed away suddenly on December 22, 2002 at his North Road residence, Georgetown.

Early cabinet sessions
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, yesterday indicated that Cabinet would be having its first sessions for the new year on Tuesday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at the Presidential Complex, Georgetown.

Luncheon said those sessions would be dedicated to a review of the year 2002 sector performances and would also be dedicated to a consideration of the proposed sectoral work-programme for 2003.

He said at those two Cabinet sessions, attention would be paid to an examination of the main issues and a review of the way they were handled by the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration in 2002.

Primary among those issues would be the performance of the economy, with particular interest on expenditure, revenue collection and the performances of public corporations, parliament and the parliamentary programmes and public administration, particularly in the context of the absence of the Service Commissions.

The HPS also said Guyana's accession to the prestigious Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would also be discussed at these sessions.

First Christmas Babe
Lucky Violet Ramraj of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke, Linden Highway who gave birth to a pink bundle of joy on Christmas Day, at the Georgetown Hospital, was among several mothers around the country presented with hampers by "Cheekies".

Other mothers having given birth on Christmas Day were:

** Linda Braithwaite of Hogg Street, Albouystown

** Nabeela Ali of 552 Water Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara

** Lynette Marshall of 32 Industry, East Coast Demerara

** Nalini Hack of 2585 Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt

** Rachel Chappelle of Lot 23, Bel Air, East Coast Demerara

** Vidya Sooknaraine of 222 Lamaha Street, Kitty.

The hampers distributed at the Georgetown Hospital were presented by Ms. Anji Ramroop, Accountant Executive of Inglefield Ogilvy.

Similar presentations were made at hospitals in Region Two, Six, and Ten by Cheekies promoters in those Regions.

No holiday on Monday
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that Monday December 30 2002 is not a public holiday. In a press release the Ministry said that approval has been granted to public servants who are desirous of viewing the body of the former President Mr. H.D. Hoyte, to do so on Monday, December 30, 2002 between the hours of 8:00 hrs. and 12:00 noon.

"This approval from the Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry, Dr. N.K Gopaul was made known today in a memoranda to all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments" the release
concluded.

Man killed, lad missing in Pomeroon boat collision
A BOAT accident in the Pomeroon River late Monday night has left one person dead and a lad missing.

According to reports, two boats with high-speed outboard engines, crashed head-on in the Pomeroon River in the vicinity of Sirikie, which is about one mile from Charity. The accident occurred just after 22:00 hours.

Reports said a baker from Huist T' Dieren, Mr Phillip Rajoobar, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital after his bloody body was pulled from one of the damaged boats.

According to reports, another man in his early 30s, Fitz Calvan, was also rushed to the Charity Hospital with serious head injuries. He was subsequently transferred to the Suddie Hospital.

Reports have also stated that a ten-year-old brother of Fitz Calvan, who was also a passenger in one of the ill-fated boats, disappeared in the Pomeroon River after he was thrown some distance from the impact of the collision.

The missing lad is a pupil of a Primary School in the Lower Pomeroon.

A farmer of Sirikie told the Chronicle that he was at home when he heard the loud crash in the river. The farmer recalled that he immediately ran to his stelling and saw one of the boats drifting close to the riverbank.

According to the farmer he went to the rescue of the persons in the boat and called for help. Other nearby residents came to the assistance of the men and the boat was towed to Charity.

Residents of the Sirikie community and the Police at Charity are continuing their search for the body of the missing child.

Headmaster of the Hilydale Primary School, Mr Joseph Atkinson, told this newspaper that all boats in the Pomeroon should be painted white and should carry reflectors on the front and back so as to guide drivers during the night.

The boat accident in the Pomeroon River has left the entire Charity community in shock.

The Police are investigating. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

Health Ministry issues advisory on outbreak of skin infection
THE Regional Health Services agency within the Ministry of Health, has issued an advisory on the outbreak of a skin irritation at Leguan, Hogg Island and on the adjacent coastal areas of Parika, Hydronie and Tuschen.

A release issued by the Acting Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Berri Ramsarran stated: "The condition is characterised by severe and persistent irritation of the skin, which in some victims is sometimes accompanied by fever. This condition arises when persons come into contact with a certain insect that has invaded these areas over the past month. The insect is a pest of crops such as citrus, coconuts, bananas, and plantains, ornamental and wild vegetation. The pest is a flying insect (moth), which has various stages of development in its life cycle, which lasts for about a month. All stages of the life cycle can cause skin irritation in humans. The stages are: caterpillars (worms), cocoons and moths (adults)."

According to the release the skin irritations are easily treated with anti-histamines and these are available in the hospitals and Health Centres located in the affected areas.

The release noted that contact with any of the stages of the life cycle should be strictly avoided. Restricted use of lights and drawn curtains could be used as measures to reduce contact with the insect.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock is advising that householders use pesticides such as Dipel, Agreo, Karate, Fastac and Servin or Matation to exterminate the pest.

The release added that persons, who are experiencing skin irritations should seek medical attention at the Leguan Hospital and other health facilities in the affected communities.

Regulatory body holds seminar on agro-chemicals in Berbice
THE Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board has warned, particularly dealers, against the illegal trading in such substances from neighbouring Suriname.

Secretary to the Board, Mr. Basudeo Dwarka, issued the warning at a recent seminar, in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), for representatives of companies dealing with the merchandise, farmers and vendors.

He said some of the drugs coming here across the border are not certified by the local unit which has received several complaints about their ineffectiveness.

Dwarka said some imported agro-chemicals came in breach of Board regulations and have proven harmful to the agriculture industry.

He explained the role of the regulatory body, which became operational last October 1 and urged stakeholders to comply with its stipulations.

Dwarka said their main objective is to provide adequate protection from the adverse effects of pesticides and toxic chemicals and access benefits from their use.

According to him, a national consultation process encouraged the submission of proposals, clarifications on the regulation and recommendations for controlling use of the targeted materials.

Dwarka said the forum offered a better understanding of the legislation, including on illicit competition, obligations to the Board, manufacturing and distribution of drugs, labelling, importation, transportation and storage, disposal and workers' protection.

Entertaining the children of Agatash
THE expressions on the faces of these children tell of their delight at being entertained by members of a lively masquerade band. The occasion was the Christmas party thrown by Omai Gold Mines Ltd for the kiddies of Agatash, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). (Picture courtesy of Omai)

Ministry of Home Affairs - significant achievements despite crime upsurge
A GINA Feature by Rekha Budhna
DESPITE setbacks in several areas the Ministry of Home affairs has forged ahead and has recorded several successes in the various departments.

At the 30th sitting of the National Assembly four Anti-Crime Bills were passed on September 19. The Bills, which were amendments, were the Criminal Law (Offences) Amendment Bill, the Prevention of Crimes (Amendment) Bill, the Racial Hostility (Amendment) Bill and the Evidence (Amendment) Bill.

President Bharrat Jagdeo held a special Cabinet session several weeks before to review existing legislation with the intention of identifying amendments and appropriate additions. Guyana has also ratified an agreement on the Caribbean Court of Justice, which was officially established on July 22 in Trinidad and Tobago but will be operational in 2003.

This agreement materialized by way of the Treaty of Chaguaramas and was signed by President Jagdeo and presented to the CARICOM Secretary General by State Counsel Mr. Naresh Parnanan at the fourth educational workshop held in Trinidad and Tobago, which discussed the roles and objectives of the CCJ.

The Ministry of Home Affairs consists of several departments including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Prison Service, and the General Register Office.

The Guyana Police Force
Following the escape of five prisoners from the Camp Street Prison on February 23, this year, the crime situation in the country increased significantly. In its efforts to curb the crime wave the Guyana Police Force has been engaged in a number of activities. As a result of Government’s aid and overseas assistance the Force received a quantity of equipment and vehicles, while training has been intensified and new squads and intelligence task forces have been set up.

During September public consultations on crime were held with residents of various communities to garner views and possible solutions to the upsurge in criminal activities countrywide. A National Steering Committee on Crime was established following the National Crime Consultation organized by the Office of the President on August 22 at the Ocean View Convention Centre. The consultations provided an opportunity for residents to voice their opinion on the mechanisms adopted by the security forces to combat the situation and offer solutions and advice on how to strengthen existing mechanisms.

A report based on the recommendations gathered was compiled and is to be presented to President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Several projects were undertaken this year by the Ministry, which includes the reconstruction of Sisters Police Station; the reconstruction of the Female Barracks at the Felix Austin Police College; the reconstruction of Reliance Police Station; the reconstruction of the Tactical Service Unit Barracks; the construction of a new Police Outpost at Wisroc and repairs to the roof of the Brickdam Police Station.

Additionally, several Police Stations were fenced including Albion, Anna Regina, Beterverwagting, Blairmont, Issano, Linden, Mahaica, Mahaicony, Number 51, Ruimveldt and Vreed-en-Hoop.

In addition to overseas training courses, 515 Police ranks were trained locally at the Felix Austin Police College in various courses. Twenty-five training courses were held overseas in the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States of America.

The Guyana Police Force received aid from institutions such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force (RCMP), Scotland Yard and overseas-based Guyanese to improve local policing.

Guyana began receiving assistance from Britain in 1999 when the United Kingdom Regional Advisor Mr. Paul Matthias visited Guyana, after which a report was submitted on the findings and recommendations arising out of the visit.

Several ranks have also received overseas training in the areas of intelligence gathering, narcotic investigation, and airport interdiction in Jamaica, the United States of America, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia and many other countries.

The Department also received a quantity of equipment and vehicles to aid in its day-to-day operations. The Department received a quantity of safety equipment, which were purchased to counter the new high profile crimes. These equipments included bulletproof vests, high tech weaponry and armored cars.

The Traffic Department
The Traffic Department has approximately forty-three thousand, five hundred and fourteen cases before the courts for various traffic offences. The Department’s efforts to curb the number of deaths of children on the roads have had a significant impact. To date, 15 children have been killed as compared to 27 in 2001.

Road safety talks have been aired on television and radio and are continuing. Officers from the Traffic Department visit schools and conduct sessions with students.

A total of 46 Police ranks have completed four-wheeled driving courses, while ten other ranks have completed two-wheeled driving courses. During this year the Traffic Department acquired approximately 18 motorcars, 16 (4x4) pick ups, four canter vans, two Bedford trucks, one (26 seat) minibus, 17 motorcycles and two (15 seat) minibus.

The Guyana Prison Service
In the Guyana Prison Service several achievements have been recorded. Achievements include the strengthening of the staff; the appointment of a staff welfare officer; the construction of a cellblock at the Mazaruni Prison, which is reported at 75 percent advanced; the rehabilitation of the Timehri Prison; the rehabilitation of the overhead water tank at the Mazaruni Prison; the rehabilitation of the Female Officers’ quarters at the Mazaruni Prison; the completion of a new dormitory at the Lusignan Prison and the rehabilitation of the Number Two male dormitory block at the New Amsterdam Prison.

The Guyana Prison Service has also received a quantity of books from the Logos II.

Prison armouries at New Amsterdam, Mazaruni and Timehri have been rehabilitated while the technological surveillance/monitoring capabilities have been improved at the Georgetown Prison.

Security capabilities have been enhanced at prison buildings at Mazaruni and Lusignan while the security in strong cell areas for high profile prisoners has been enhanced at the Georgetown Prison.

An observation post has been erected at the Mazaruni Prison and the block-making industry at the Timehri Prison has been expanded. Four stand-by generators have been purchased for various prisons along with one welding set and one compressor for the Mazaruni Prison.

In an effort to enhance the welfare of the prisoners several initiatives were launched including the expansion of training programmes in music, small business management, photography, correspondence, skills instruction for young offenders, and masonry for females. Health care in the Prisons has been enhanced through proper diet, medical, dental and optical care and improved medical supplies.

The Prisons have also received donations, including drum sets and a guitar from the British High Commissioner, Mr. Edward Glover and sewing machines and typewriters from the Food for the Poor.

To boost agricultural production stockbreeding was introduced at all Prisons in the country. There was acquisition of more farmlands, which prisoners cultivate.

The Guyana Fire Service
Accomplishments in the Fire Service include the construction of a new Fire Station at Anna Regina (Region Two); the acquisition of three new state-of-the-art Fire Tenders and ancillary equipment; the acquisition of approximately three acres of land at Leonora (Region Three) for the construction of the Fire Service Training School; the reopening of the Alberttown Fire Station; the training of middle and junior management staff in Trinidad and Tobago through the auspices of the Caribbean Association of Fire Fighters and the increase of the staff establishment from 368 members to 400 members.

Fourteen officers of the Guyana Fire Service participated in a three-day training programme, which focused on Incident Command Systems (ICS), which was presented by Farrow and Associates of the United States of America. The programme was aimed at enhancing the ability of the Guyana Fire Service to respond to humanitarian disasters.

The knowledge gained by officers through the ICS training can be applied in various situations including major and minor fires, high-rise fires, hazardous chemical spills, natural disasters, aircraft crashes, traffic accidents and civil disorders.

General Register Office
The General Register Officer has opened another branch at Anna Regina, for the first time. The Regional Office provides services in terms of the issuing of births, deaths and marriage certificates to the people of Region Two. Residents do not have to travel to Georgetown to obtain vital documents. Meanwhile, preparations have been made for the establishment of a similar office in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which should become operational in 2003.

Two training courses were held during this year for supervisory, middle management and customer service staff.

Training seminars for Registrars were held in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/Waini), as well as in Regions Eight and Nine. These seminars were held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Towing mishap at city intersection
THESE three vehicles were involved in a minor collision yesterday at the junction of Vlissengen Road and the Home stretch Avenue. It appears that the largest vehicle attempted to cut in behind the first car unaware that it was towing the second car. No serious injury was reported. In background, workmen assemble tents and awnings for the public viewing on Monday of the body of Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, who passed away last Sunday. (Picture by Corwin Williams)

Santa flounces with the band
THE bewhiskered Santa Claus flouncing to the rhythm of the masquerade band did more than his share in entertaining the children of the Linden Centre for the Disabled when Omai hosted a Christmas party for the children. The little ones were treated to Yuletide goodies and gifts. (Picture courtesy of Omai)

Three contracts
CABINET, at its meeting yesterday, awarded three contracts valued more than $120M in the areas of Education and Home Affairs, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon.

He said a contract was awarded for the construction of the Bartica Police Station valued at $16,804,155; one for emergency repairs to Anna Region Multilateral School valued $92,996,188; and one for the printing and supply of text books valued at $11,797,920.

‘His sphere of influence was recognised in Guyana, the region and beyond’
--Says Local Government Officers Union
THE Guyana Local Government Officers Union has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte O.E. S.C. on Sunday December 22, 2002. “Indeed, Guyana has lost a great statesman and a good leader, whose sphere of influence was fully recognised not only in Guyana but also in the region and beyond,” the Union said in a statement.

The tribute continued: “Mr. Hoyte was a close and supportive friend of the Guyana Local Government Officers Union. He had an active commitment and unflinching dedication to the welfare and well being of workers. His graceful interactions with the members of the Union had come to characterise the traditional May Day Fellowship at the Guyana Local Government Officers Union Hall at Woolford Avenue.

“We hope that his dreams of better work conditions and a higher standard of living for workers will be realised for the benefit of all concerned. Guyana Local Government Officers Union wishes to extend sincere condolence to Mrs. Hoyte, other relatives, members of the People’s National Congress/Reform and all those who cared for and loved him,” the statement concluded.

‘He has made a tremendous contribution’
--Lions of Guyana and District 60A of the Caribbean
The Lions of Guyana, and of District 60A have written Mrs. Joyce Hoyte, wife of the late former President of Guyana expressing sympathy and paying tribute to the Guyanese leader.

An extract from the letter says: “It is with deep sadness, we the Lions of Guyana and of District 60A of the Caribbean, have learnt of the death of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte -- a great statesman, a stalwart in politics, an honest and faithful Guyanese.

“He has made a tremendous contribution not only to Guyana but also to the Caribbean and international development, and one who has dedicated his whole life to other people’s well being and comfort.

“We pray God grant you the peace and strength to deal with the pain of the loss. May he be granted a place in Paradise.”

GECOM head sends letters of condolence to PNC/R
Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has sent letters of condolence to Mr. Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform and Mr. Robert Corbin, the party’s chairman. The text of the letters is as follows:

“Please accept from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and its Secretariat our sincerest condolences on the death of Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., Leader of the People’s National Congress and former Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

“It is our hope that, in this time of the party’s and nation’s grief, the new leadership will display Mr. Hoyte’s lucid vision, his maturity and his patriotism while exploiting those avenues that will lead to national reconciliation and redemption.”

National Library mounts display, opens Book of Condolence
As a tribute to the memory of the late Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., M.P., the National Library has opened a Book of Condolence and also mounted a display at the Central Library in Georgetown.

A release from the institution said that the display includes some of Mr. Hoyte's main works, as well as articles and other documents written about the former President of Guyana.

The display is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 8:30 hours to 17:15 hours, and from 9:00 hours to 11:45 hours on Saturday. The display will conclude on Saturday, January 4, 2003.

The Chairman, Committee members and staff of the National Library extend condolences to the sorrowing wife, Mrs. Joyce Hoyte and other relatives, the release stated.

At Demerara Assizes…
54 of 80 awaiting trial accused of murder FIFTY-FOUR of the 80 prisoners awaiting trial at the Demerara Assizes, including two women, are accused of murder, Officer-in-charge of Georgetown Prison, Mr C. Duncan disclosed yesterday.

Presenting the Jail Delivery to Justice William Ramlall at the close of the October criminal sessions, Duncan said the others, charged with various offences, are scheduled to be tried also from January.

Duncan said 16 of those indicted for the capital offence have declared their intention to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and another 13 have requested early trials, as well.

He said two people are on attempted murder charges, a similar number are accused of armed robbery, one of robbery under arms, three of causing grievous bodily harm, two of buggery, one of manslaughter, 14 of carnal knowledge and one of illegal cocaine possession.

Christmas Day thief breaking 2003 in jail, too
TWO more men are destined to break the New Year in jail, both after being sentenced to imprisonment yesterday.

One of them, Calvin Alleyne, of Lot 30 Shell Road, Kitty, got his three months sentence for stealing a pair of rear view mirrors, valued $26,000, from a vehicle belonging to Godfrey Bess last December 15.

The other prisoner, Joel John, of Lot 13 Sussex Street, also in Georgetown, will spend a similar period in prison for larceny of a $6,000 gold chain.

He stole the jewel from Sharmilla Mahadeo on Christmas Day, Police told Magistrate Cecil Sullivan, before whom John, too, appeared.

Accused Christmas Eve snatchers granted bail
TWO men facing a joint robbery with aggravation charge were each put on $20,000 bail yesterday by Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

Both William James and Stephen Lawrence denied robbing Natasha Patterson of her $6,000 shoulder bag on Christmas Eve Day.

Police said the defendants were in a group standing on Regent Street when they pounced on the woman among busy shoppers.

They fled the scene but were later pointed out as the perpetrators of the December 24 crime, the Court was told.

Our Christmas experience
On Christmas evening my son and his friends were taking a walk in the street of our village. A group of policemen from the Providence Police Station were on patrol. As they were passing they heard someone curse, not knowing for sure who did it, they reversed their vehicle and picked up my son and his friends all ranging from the ages of 11 - 14 years.

A mother was sitting on her steps and on seeing this she ran to the vehicle asking the Police what the children had done, only to be told she is harassing them and if she wants she can take her sons out of the vehicle.

They were put in the police vehicle to sit on the floor and had to listen to the policemen cursing them even threatening them throughout the ride to the Providence Police Station. They were then put in a dark room somewhere at the back. These policemen had guns and bulletproof vests.

I am a single parent and my son just turned 14 years in December. I am struggling to raise my sons as decent citizens by giving them an education and sending them to Masjid. My son does not curse.

These policemen are claiming the children cursed them. How can children who go to school and church and play Nintendo games in their spare time curse policemen with long rifles and bulletproof vests? I now have to be a Counsellor to my very traumatised son. The Police are supposed to protect our children and this is what they do to them.

When we the parents went down to the station in panic, as we walked in and calmly said 'goodnight', the constable told us to get outside and wait downstairs. We were standing there without anyone trying to find out why we were there. In the meantime there was no sight of the boys anywhere. By then we the mothers were in tears.

How can anyone explain to these children that policemen are supposed to protect the decent citizens of this nation? How can we the mothers say that our sons were traumatised and that it is okay for policemen to throw them in vehicles (one of them 11 years old hitting his head in the process) and throw them in a dark room scaring the lives out of these children. I know my son. He will never curse a policeman.

His friends are very mannerly and go to church every Sunday. How can they forget this experience on a Christmas evening? They were just taking a walk in the street of their village. They did nothing wrong. My heart now hurts for my son and his friends.

My small son (10 years) is still very shaken from seeing his brother being put in a police vehicle. I wonder if the police can go into Buxton and pick up young boys and do this to them.

Can anyone explain to me the police actions towards decent young boys who don’t smoke or drink?

I am writing this letter with the hope that my son or his friends or any other decent young man would never have this experience again and that these policemen can show better example to young people and not destroy them.

Why didn't these policemen find out where these children lived and try to talk to the parents? Is this the way to deal with something like this?
Distraught Mother

Striving to keep eggs price down
Seasons greetings to all our valued customers. We want you to know that we have your interest at heart and so we take this opportunity to address the issue of the cost of eggs.

It has been drawn to our attention that many of you are dissatisfied with the price of eggs being sold by us.

However, we wish to inform you that we do not produce eggs, but simply source these locally produced eggs from contracted farmers for resale.

We, therefore, continually strive to negotiate these prices downward for your benefit, as well as ours. It is also common at this time of the year for the cost of certain items to increase. But we want to assure you that our prices are not intentional but conditional.

Our aim is to satisfy you with quality products at affordable prices. You are assured that we do our business with you in mind.
B. Khan
Marketing Manager
Didco Trading Company Limited

Nation appreciates commitment
The Police and Army must be further commended for their different decisions to forego their usual annual holiday celebrations, owing to the present high crime situation and in respect of fallen and injured comrades, and to have a ready response to situations that may develop over the holidays.

It is understood that they took these decisions by themselves in the interests of the society and the country.

It is evident that the law-enforcement agencies have developed increased capacities to deal with the high crime situation and have received significant amounts of added resources in the form of equipment and training and are continually upgrading their intelligence networks and contacts with the different communities.

Surely, the nation appreciates the commitment, dedication and bravery of the law-enforcement agencies and give them full support.
Patricia Davis

We owe a lot to Cheddi
We owe a lot to the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, not only as a politician but as a Trade Unionist.

Dr. Jagan had a personal commitment to the improvement of the lives of working people.

In the early days he called for a 40-hour work week without reduction in pay, a minimum wage law for all working people, two weeks annual holiday with pay, time and-a-half for overtime and double time for Sundays and holidays, equal pay for equal work, and improvement of working conditions in respect of health standards.

He continued to champion the rights of workers by being an aggressive advocate in the Legislative Council.

There are many benefits workers enjoy today as a direct result of the ideas and advocacy of Cheddi Jagan, not only as a legislator but as a Trade Unionist.
Steven Bernard

Looking forward to Mash 2003
We are well on our way towards organising for Mashramani 2003 and each year we have seen more people participating, not only in the road marches, but in organising, in designing and producing costumes, in composing music and taking part in singing and dancing competition.

Our Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Gail Teixeira whose Ministry is responsible for promoting and facilitating Mashramani activities tells us that now half the Guyanese notion is involved.

Recently, I was reading the speech given by Her Excellency Janet Jagan a former Executive President of Guyana on the occasion of the 28th Anniversary of the Republic of Guyana and she said among other things “What is most outstanding over the years is the way Guyanese have harnessed the spirit of our Republican status in our Mashramani celebration to build national unity and show case our national identity for the world to see us as “One People, One Nation with One Destiny.”

“We have gone a far way in developing a common Guyanese identity and culture. Our cricket team, for example best captures this Guyana image. So too have our athletes, our musicians, our dancers and our writers.”

In spite of present difficulties, the majority of the people are looking forward to Mashramani 2003.
Ryan Singh

Great progress
There can be no doubt that the country is making great progress in a number of areas for example in Fisheries, other Crops, Livestock and in the Forestry Sector.

The new Guyana and Marketing Corporation (NGMC) has conducted several market surveys in the United Kingdom, New York, Toronto and the Caribbean through a joint project with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the GEO (Guyana Economic Opportunity) to develop and promote markets for local producers.

The NGMC also hosted Buy Local events in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara to help promote the support of people for locally grown or manufactured products, which have resulted in notable successes.

Great progress continues to the made in these sectors and not only already established producers will benefit but those who are now willing to invest in these activities.
Daniel Seepersaud

Natural resources
For decades, we Guyanese have been talking about our natural resources and potential rice, sugar, gold, bauxite, and diamonds.

After 10 years we are still talking about our natural resources but what we are talking about now, in addition to all the above is our human resources, which have considerably improved as proven by all relevant indicators, and enhanced by our improved social capital that is our rebuilt, rehabilitated and extended socio-economic and physical infrastructure.

Health and education and transportation among other things have significantly improved and people have greater confidence in their ability to strike out on their own and build or extend their own businesses.

There is greater confidence in our ability and possibility of advancing ourselves.

So today we are realising that when we talk about our resources and potential something new has been added and that is the greater ability to realise our dreams.
Fiona Green

Well-organised event
I was watching on television the ceremony and serving of lunch at the Dharm Shala on Christmas day and it was indeed, as expected a well-organised event.

It is now eighty-two years that this organisation has been in existence financed in part and managed by the Ramsaroop family by donations and a government subvention and provides, shelter, food, medical attention to the poor and destitute of all races.

His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo honoured the occasion with his presence and indeed helped to share out the food.

In his short address, he recognised the work being done by the organization and the Ramsaroop family.

He called on all Guyanese to have compassion, because if we had more of this, we would take better care of our parents, children and other relatives, instead of having them resort to institutions as a last resort as they do now.

The President has several times called on us to have compassion for others on other occasions and if we heeded this call, the lives of many people and their opportunities in life would improve.
Richard Fowler

Lewis captures CBA junior-lightweight crown
… Simmons outpoints ‘The Stealth Bomber’
By Frederick Halley
HUURICANE struck twice but not with much ferocity as ‘Hurricane’ Hugo Lewis captured the vacant Caribbean Boxing Association (CBA) junior-lightweight crown at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Boxing Night.

The championship bout ended with much controversy, with Lewis’ opponent Vincent ‘The Kid’ Howard labelling the result as “political”.
The third encounter between the two, in the Banks Malta Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Boxing Day card, failed to live up to its pre-fight billing as both boxers were guilty of not landing enough effective punches in the 12-round affair.

Like his charge, trainer George ‘Canchie’ Oprecht was also disgruntled with the decision while several fans left the venue displeased, many feeling that Howard had done enough to emerge victorious on this occasion. The first fight ended in a controversial draw at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground while Howard was TKOed in the second last year Boxing Day when Lewis captured the national junior-lightweight title.

Cassius Matthews registered a majority decision over Dennis Breedy in a lacklustre eight-round lightweight contest; Leon Moore scored a technical knockout over Errol Trotman in their featherweight scrap while Mark Dalton won by a similar margin over Linden Arthur in the opening bout of the night, a featherweight affair.

After the excitement generated by the Simmons/O’Neal duel, holiday fans were yearning for more in the main bout.

The USA-based Lewis looked the sharper of the two at the outset, getting the better of the exchanges in the opening round with more telling body shots.

Using the jabs to good effect with more body blows, Lewis again looked superior in the second round.

Both fighters upped the tempo in the third round, with Lewis catching Howard in a neutral corner and landing more blows to the mid-section. As the fighters moved back to the centre of the ring, Howard fought back well and as Lewis fell on the canvas, referee Eion Jardine ruled it a slip, to the disapproval of some fans. It seemed an even round.

Lewis again started as the aggressor in round four but Howard would have none of it, employing right and left jabs with regularity. The round ended with Howard getting the better of the exchanges to claim it.

Round five was another good one for Howard as the boxers suddenly began a clinching match, slowing down the action in the process. The determined Howard seemed willing to take the attack to Lewis.

Endeavouring to keep his opponent on the ropes once more, the tactics paid dividends for Lewis at the start of the seventh round but once off the ropes, the round took a different turn as Howard retaliated with some clean jabs. Another even round.

Lewis rushed at Howard at the start of round eight, seemingly aiming for a knockout but Howard was equal to the task, evading most of the punches thrown by Lewis. In a furious exchange, Lewis was warned for hitting low, losing a point in the process. It was one of Howard’s best rounds.

The fighters exchanged punches at long range at the start of round nine, a change from the clinching style they had adopted in previous rounds, but the combinations were timid as Chronicle Sport again saw the round even.

It was back to clinching again at the start of round 10, but they were quickly apart as the even round proved quite lacklustre.

The penultimate round was a good one for Howard, whose left-right combinations and effective jabbing had Lewis at bay.

Howard connected with a solid right to the body of Lewis early in the final round which saw some fine exchanges while Lewis attempted to “go for the kill” but missed his target frequently. The bout ended tamely with the champion and challenger exuding confidence before the result was announced.

In the end, judge Trevor Arno had the fight 118-113 in favour of Howard; judge Mohan Persaud 115-113 in favour of Lewis and judge Ian Alves 117-111 for Lewis.

The victory earned Lewis an automatic Top-20 ranking in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the champion said, optimistically, he was looking forward to a world title crack.

Acknowledging that he did not expect such a tough fight from Howard, Lewis pointed that his opponent “cannot keep running all over the place and expect to win.”

Howard was however adamant that he had done enough to come out victorious, saying that he’s having second thoughts about fighting in Guyana. “A win the fight, Hugo can’t box,” he emphasised.

Oprecht declared that it was clear case of wanting to give Lewis a break, but said that Howard also deserves one. “This is a planned decision,” a dejected Oprecht said.

Unlike Howard, Oprecht said he wants a return bout between the two boxers.

In the main supporting bout, ‘The Stealth Bomber’ learnt that her robust/wrestling style was not going to prevail once she met a boxer who was prepared to stand up to her as the American Simmons did.

The world-rated O’Neal was warned on several occasions for pushing and holding while the crafty Simmons made her look out of sorts with a skilful display, jabbing and hitting with precision.

Judge A. Hernandez saw it 58-56 and Rawle Caesar 59-56 for Simmons, while Arno scored it even 57-57.

Simmons, whose trainer is former Guyana world-rated boxer, Lennox Blackmore, now has three victories from as many professional bouts. Simmons declared that she feels great beating the world number three, especially since she had not fought for more than a year as she was not getting fights.

Blackmore promised to take Simmons to the top, pointing out that this victory was only a stepping-stone.

Simmons said that at no time was she scared of O’Neal and her bullying tactics and felt she had hurt her in both the second and third rounds of the six-round contest.

Matthews and Breedy almost sent the near-capacity Sports Hall into a slumber in their eight-round bout, hardly throwing any punches in their ‘love affair’.

Mohan Persaud scored the fight 78-75 and Caesar 77-76 for Matthews while Alves had it 79-73 for Breedy.

Leon Moore was quite impressive in his victory over Errol Trotman, sending his opponent to the canvas in 1:17:0 of the first round. The blow caught Trotman in the left eye, necessitating the intervention of ring doctor, Dr Max Hanoman, who ruled that Trotman could not continue.

Moore was therefore awarded the fight by a technical knockout.

In the opening bout, Mark Dalton got the nod of Mohan Persaud (40-35) and Hernandez (40-36) while Caesar went for Linden Arthur (37-38) in their four-round slug-feast.

The other scheduled fight, featuring Guyanese Shondel Alfred and Canadian Lisa Browne, did not come off as Browne was reportedly suffering from a virus.

The holiday crowd was well behaved and the Guyana Boxing Board of Control must be commended for its continued promotion of the fistic sport in the absence of local promoters.

Kashif & Shanghai Football Festival
All-Georgetown final on New Year’s Day
By Isaiah Chappelle
FOR the second time in the twelve years of the Kashif & Shanghai Christmas Football Festival, an all-Georgetown final will engulf the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on New Year’s Day.

This repeat of the 1995 final materialised when victories in the Boxing Day quarter-finals went to Conquerors and Western Tigers. The Christmas Day quarter-finals were also won by Georgetown clubs, Santos and Camptown.

It would be the first time in the history of the tournament that there will be an all-Georgetown semifinals.

However, Conquerors won an uninspiring game against two-time champions Milerock who could not overcome a ten-man line-up from the city. It was the only boring match of this 13th tournament. At halftime, after several wasted opportunities the match was nil-all.

With an unimaginative midfield, Conquerors eventually put together a good build-up, started by National Under-17 captain Konata Mannings at centre field, who found Anthony Abrams at left. Abrams sent a neat pass to Dexter Bentick who made no mistake in netting the lone and winning goal in the 49th minute.

Five minutes later, guest player Charlie Rose was booked a second time and was ejected. It came as no surprise because he was doing all the work in the midfield, as creative National midfielder Neil Hernandez did not even make the team list a second time. According to coach Deryck White he was having an attitude problem.

In the 75th minute, Milerock had a glorious chance to equalise but Rawle Gittens kicked the ball past the last post from five metres out at left. He had received a nice pass and stood in front of a clear goal. Changes on both sides did not improve the quality of the game.

Conquerors will now meet Santos in the semifinals tomorrow at the same venue.

Western Tigers produced the needle to burst the bubble of the seemingly unstoppable Stewartville of West Demerara.

Both teams boasted solid defences and the play concentrated at midfield where Tigers’ Rayon Thomas was most noticeable with nippy play, keeping the opponents busy. The only corner in the half came just before the break, forced by Western.

Stewartville had a glorious chance to score after 18 minutes of play in the fast-paced encounter. The left forward received a beautiful through pass, raced with the ball, reached the box, drew the goalkeeper and crossed. The centre forward hit the ball high over the crossbar.

Then in the 33rd minute, the Tigers attacked on the right wing, a stiff cross dipped in front of the goal mouth and Raymond Giles was accurate with a superb head-shot from ten metres out into the western goal. That turned out to be the lone and winning goal.

Seven minutes after the resumption, Western introduced Eron Hayde who came off the bench in the previous encounter and blasted a hat-trick.

But four minutes later, Stewartville had a glorious chance to rock the net. In a nice change, captain Owen McGarrell at left, received the ball from the wing. He raced towards the goal, drew the goalkeeper, crossed and Kevin Archer in front of a clear goal, hit the ball over the crossbar from three metres out.

Fresh legs were introduced on both sides, but the score line remained the same. Stewartville had one more close shave with the goal, just before regulation time. Two strikers broke away from the defence, and a free Archer received the pass. As Archer shot, goalkeeper Dwayne James, who had a very good game, intelligently advanced to block the shot, thwarting the possible equaliser.

With that victory, Western Tigers reached the semifinals for the first time, their best ever performance in the tournament. They clash with Camptown in the semifinals, in what should be a virtual final.

AUSTRALIA first innings
J.Langer c Caddick b Dawson 250

M.Hayden c Crawley b Caddick 102

R.Ponting b White 21

D.Martyn c Trescothick b White 17

S.Waugh c Foster b White 77

M.Love not out 62

A.Gilchrist b Dawson 1

Extras: (lb-11, w-5, nb-5) 21

Total: (for six wickets dec., 146 overs) 551

Fall of wickets: 1-195, 2-235, 3-265, 4-394, 5-545, 6-551.

Bowling: Caddick 36-6-126-1 (nb-3, w-1), Harmison 36-7-108-0 (nb-1), White 33-5-133-3 (nb-1), Dawson 28-1-121-2, Butcher 13-2-52-0 (w-4)

ENGLAND first innings
M.Vaughan b McGrath 11

M.Trescothick c Gilchrist b Lee 37

M.Butcher lbw b Gillespie 25

N.Hussain not out 17

R.Dawson not out 0

Extras: (b-2, lb-2, nb-3) 7

Total: (for three wickets, 34 overs) 97

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-73, 3-94.

Bowling: McGrath 7-2-18-1, Gillespie 8-4-8-1, MacGill 11-3-36-0, Lee 8-1-31-1 (nb-3).

Langer’s epic 250 puts Aussies in control
By Greg Buckle
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Justin Langer scored 250 yesterday as Australia compiled 551 for six on the second day of the fourth Ashes Test against England.

England, who started their innings after tea was taken 19 minutes early, were 97 for three in reply at the close of play with captain Nasser Hussain on 17 and nightwatchman Richard Dawson yet to score.

Australia, who resumed at 356 for three with Langer on 146, piled on another 299 runs in two sessions before captain Steve Waugh, who made 77 including 15 boundaries, declared with debutant Martin Love unbeaten on 62.

Langer, who was dropped by Michael Vaughan on 223, became only the eighth Australian to reach 250 and the third to do so at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the first Test match between Australia and England was played in 1877.

Australia have already retained the Ashes, winning the first three Tests of the five-match series by comprehensive margins.

MARATHON INNINGS
Langer was finally caught by Andy Caddick in the gully from the bowling of off-spinner Richard Dawson in the 144th over of the innings after a 407-ball stay which lasted 22 minutes short of 10 hours.

The left-handed opener blasted 30 boundaries and one six in his 13th Test century.

The gritty 32-year-old, who credits captain Waugh with resurrecting his career during the 2001 Ashes tour, had put on 195 for the first wicket with fellow left-hander Matthew Hayden. Hayden was out for 102 on Thursday, his third century of the series.

Langer had added 129 in 239 balls for the fourth wicket with Waugh before the 37-year-old, playing in his 155th Test, edged a ball from all-rounder Craig White to wicketkeeper James Foster at 394 for four after an hour's play.

Love, with two centuries in tour matches against England already in 2002-03, hit four boundaries in his 141-ball knock.

Love and Langer kept the pressure on England with a 151-run partnership for the fifth wicket off 242 balls.

England's attack, led by White's three for 133 from 36 overs, bowled to mainly defensive fields yesterday with often only one slip in position as the runs continued to flow.

EARLY WICKET
Yorkshire opener Michael Vaughan, who gave a forgettable display in the field including three dropped catches, was bowled by Glenn McGrath for 11 in the seventh over of England's innings.

Opener Marcus Trescothick and Mark Butcher played confidently to put on 60 for the second wicket before Trescothick was caught behind off Brett Lee for 37.

Hussain survived a loud appeal for caught behind two balls later off Lee and reached 14 before he was given not out by the third umpire.

Hussain hit a delivery to Jason Gillespie at mid-off from the bowling of leg-spinner Stuart MacGill who dived forward and claimed the catch.

Langer said he thought Gillespie had made a fair catch.

``I was disappointed the result didn't go his way,'' he said.

England coach Duncan Fletcher said the decision had to be left to the third umpire. ``If you look on the replay there was some doubt,'' he said.

The tourists suffered a further blow in the penultimate over of the day when Gillespie dismissed Mark Butcher lbw for 25 and there was also another addition to the long injury list.

Pace bowler Matthew Hoggard underwent an operation yesterday for an ingrown toenail. A team spokesman said it was expected that he would be fit for next week's fifth Test in Sydney.

Becca calls for dropping of Lara
THERE comes a time in the life of every man when he has to take a stand, and for the West Indies selectors, the time has come.

Anytime now, the selectors will be announcing the West Indies team for the World Cup in South Africa, and apart from deciding who the bowlers will be, Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge and Joey Carew also have to decide what to do with Brian Lara.

The question is this: should Lara be in or should he be out?

In the interest of West Indies cricket, he should be out.

As a batsman, Lara, certainly when he is fit and ready, is one of the best if not the best batsman in the world, and there is no question that in the West Indies' bid to win the World Cup he would be an asset to the team.

Cricket, however, is a team game, no one is bigger than the game, and as brilliant as he has been, as great as he is, Lara is not indispensable.

On top of that, he has shown little respect, not only for the game but for its administrators and for the people of the West Indies.

No one with any respect for the game, especially a professional, would treat it as he has done as far as preparing himself is concerned; remembering his history and, according to the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control, Lara's response, his arrogance, to the query re his participation in the country's recent preparation for the regional tournament, no one with respect for its administrators would treat them as he has done; and in a region where cricket means so much to the people, no one with respect for the people would treat West Indies cricket as he has done.

There are other reasons, however, why Lara should not be selected, and although it was due to injury, they include the fact that he has been out of action for some time, that he has not been training and practising, and that no one knows if he is fit enough, physically and mentally, to represent the West Indies or if he is in good form.

There are also other reasons why Lara should not be selected, and one is that, according to the president of the TTCBC, he refused to attend Trinidad and Tobago's preparation and in doing so made no effort to prepare himself.

Another is this. Although, like Mervyn Dillon who participated in the trial matches, he would not have been selected for the Trinidad and Tobago squad because he would not have been available for most of the regional tournament if selected to the World Cup squad, by not attending the preparation Lara made it clear, not only that he did not need to train and practise, but also that he was not interested in representing Trinidad and Tobago.

Barring injury, illness or something else that is beyond the control of a player, selection to the West Indies team should follow selection to territorial teams, and if that is so, by not making himself available for Trinidad and Tobago, Lara has disqualified himself from the West Indies team for the World Cup.

In times past, the selectors, despite grumbling about Lara's attitude, despite whispering about its affect on the team and on West Indies cricket, failed to act. Hopefully, this set of selectors will stand up and be counted and say to Lara, enough is enough - win, lose or draw. (Jamaica Gleaner)

2003 NBIC Under-15 cricket
Khans spearhead No.70 MYO to easy win
THE Berbice leg of the 2003 countrywide National Bank for Industry and Commerce Under-15 cricket competition got started recently with first round matches.

Highlighting the early matches were the outstanding performances by two youngsters for Number 70 MYO, which resulted in their team gaining an easy victory over Number 53 Pathfinders. Opening bowler, Areef Khan, took seven for 24 and six for 48 to become the first player to attain a 13-wicket match haul in this year's competition, to bowl out Pathfinders for 83 and 99.

Imran Khan, batting at number six, slammed an unbeaten 121, the first century in the competition, to see Number 70 MYO to 238 for five declared and to victory by an innings and 56 runs. D. Sampson had scored 50 not out in Number 53 Pathfinders’ first innings.

Young Warriors reached 264 for six declared, thanks mainly to 64 from all-rounder Richard Ramdeen, 55 from Daryl Narine, 40 from Gajanand Singh, and 30 each from K. Gangerpersaud and S. Naresh. They then bowled out Sheet Anchor for 19 and 23 due mainly to a seven-wicket match haul from Delroy David.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Ron Matheson with 57 runs and effecting six dismissals behind the stumps and an 11-wicket haul by pacer Mark Griffith spearheaded Kildonan to an outright win over Albion Community Centre B.

Crabwood Creek medium pacer Satesh Baldeo had a nine-wicket match haul while opening batsman Anil Soloman scored a half-century for Rose Hall Community Centre.

In scores from the matches played:

At Number 70, Number 70 MYO beat Number 53 Pathfinders by an innings and 56 runs. Number 53 Pathfinders 83 (D. Simpson 50 not out, A. Khan seven for 24, S. Khan two for 34) and 99 (A. Donald 25, A. Khan six for 48, I. Khan four for 35).

Number 70 MYO 238 for five declared (I. Khan 121 not out, A. Khan 38, R. Jahudo three for 69, D. Simpson two for 51).

At Rose Hall in Canje, Young Warriors beat Sheet Anchor Primary School by an innings and 222 runs. Sheet Anchor Primary 19 (D. David four for five, R. Ramdeen two for six) and 23 (D. David three for five).

Young Warriors 264 for six declared (R. Ramdeen 64, D. Narine 55, G. Singh 40, K. Gangapersaud 30, S. Naresh 30 not out, R. Ramessar two for 40, M. Davis two for 65).

At Kildonan, Kildonan beat Albion Community Centre B by an innings and 73 runs. Albion Community Centre B 54 (M. Griffith five for 15, A. Park two for seven) and 35 (M. Griffith six for 20).

Kildonan 262 for six declared (R. Matheson 57, A. Park 44, R. Dhoman two for 19).

At Crabwood Creek, Crabwood Creek beat Number 65 by an innings and 56 runs. Crabwood Creek 187 (G. Raghubeer 48, A. Kayram 47, P. Kallicharran 20, A. Itwaru five for 32, T. Roopram four for 28).

Number 65 - 53 (A. Kayram four for 11, S. Baldeo four for 17) and 78 (A. Itwaru 32, S. Baldeo five for nine, T. Jitlall two for 15).

At Rose Hall, Canje, Rose Hall Community Centre beat Tucber Park B by and innings and 51 runs. Tucber Park B 31 (A. Soloman three for six, G. Hussan two for 10) and 50 (D. Jones 21, G. Hassan three for 20, A. Soloman two for nine).

Rose Hall Community Centre 132 for five declared (A. Soloman 56, L. Singh 29, R. Kyte four for 27)

At Whim, Young Talent took first innings points from Young Strikers in their drawn match. Young Talent 116 (D. Appadu 44, R. Balkarran 21, T. Davis three for 13, H. Hunte three for 19 and 110 for eight (G. Madramootoo 36, M. Basdeo 26 not out, T. Allen two for 20).

Young Strikers 89 (M. Lovell 20, D. Appadu four for 30, B. Madramootoo three for 20).

Western Union Under-19 cricket
Moore (100 not out) spurs Tucber Park A to quarter-finals
THE 2002 Western Union Under-19 40-over cricket competition, sponsored by Grace Kennedy, Remittance Service (Guyana) Ltd and run by the Berbice Cricket Board, continued recently.

Highlighting the latest matches was the outstanding batting performance of opening batsman Julian Moore who batted through the innings for Tucber Park A, to hit an unbeaten 100 (seven fours) and along with 41 from Kellon Henry rescued Tucber Park A from a disastrous 66 for six against Bermine. The two put on 108 for the seventh wicket to help their team reach 248 all out in 48 overs.

Henry then came back to take three for 18 and pacer Jeremy Gordon helped to bowl out Bermine for 98. This preliminary round victory assured Tucber Park A of being the winners of the New Amsterdam/East Bank Berbice zone thus earning a place in the quarter-finals.

Achievers' all-rounder Permaul Singh scored 34 and then took six for 24, which helped his team to defeat Paradise by 58 runs despite Delbert Hutson taking five for 37 for Paradise.

Leon Johashen's five for 16 helped Number Five defeat Rainbow Generation while Omdat Bharrat's 66 was not enough to save Sheet Anchor Primary School from going down by 82 runs to Gangaram Juniors Strykers.

Albion Community Centre B bowled out their A team counterparts for a meagre 66 runs and then hit off the required runs for the loss of only four wickets to create one of the most unlikely upsets in the competition. Albion A are now in grave danger of being knocked out of the competition if they lose to Rose Hall Town GT&T.

In scores from the matches played:

At the Bermine ground, Tucber Park A beat Bermine by 150 runs. Tucber Park A 248 in 48 overs (J. Moore 100 not out, K. Henry 41, O. Fraser four for 39, R. Ramsarran two for 31, S. Kunjaal two for 39).

Bermine 98 in 30.1 overs (K. Henry three for 18, J. Gordon three for 23).

At D'Edward, Achievers beat Paradise by 59 runs. Achievers 177 in 38.2 overs (J. Reynolds 38, P. Singh 34, T. Haley 25, D. Hutson five for 37).

Paradise 118 in 32 overs (J. Alleyne 39, P. Singh six for 24, A. Johnson two for 12).

At Albion, Albion Community Centre B beat Albion Community Centre A by six wickets. Albion A 66 in 17 overs (T. Mangru three for seven, V. Permaul two for eight, S. Sirgobin two for 16).

Albion B 67 for four in 26 overs (D. Bishu two for 20).

At Number Five, Number Five beat Rainbow Generation by 49 runs. Number Five 136 in 18 overs (A. Bailey 34, G. Ward three for 18, D. Downer two for nine, C. Halley two for 17).

Rainbow Generation 87 in 20 overs (L. Johashen five for 16, H. Watts two for six).

At Ganagaram, Ganagaram Junior Strykers beat Sheet Anchor Primary School by 82 runs. Ganagaram Junior Strykers 210 in 27 overs (J. Persaud 36, V. Barran 27, L. Hussain 23, S. Ramcharran 22, A. De Freitas three for 46, O. Bharrat two for 22, J. Etwaroo two for 26, V. Persaud two for 29).

Sheet Anchor Primary 128 in 27 overs (O. Bharrat 66, V. Barran three for 13, L. Hussain two for 27, J. Persaud two for 33).

At Bush Lot, Bush Lot Sports Complex beat Shieldstown by five wickets. Shieldstown 89 in 28.1 overs (D. Denoo two for six, D. Persaud two for seven, Z. Ramganal two for nine).

Bush Lot Sports Complex 89 in 22 overs (S. Sooklall three for 14, K. Ally two for 17).

SOUTH AFRICA first innings (o/n 250-5)
G.Smith c K.Akmal b M.Sami 16

H.Gibbs c F.Iqbal b W.Younis 11

G.Kirsten c Y.Khan b S.Mushtaq 56

J.Kallis b M.Sami 105

B.Dippenaar c K.Akmal b S.Mushtaq 1

N.McKenzie b W.Younis 24

M.Boucher c F.Iqbal b S.Mushtaq 55

S.Pollock c K.Akmal b W.Younis 21

N.Boje not out 37

M.Ntini c T.Umar b S.Mushtaq 0

M.Hayward b M.Sami 10

Extras: (b-4, lb-5, nb-23) 32

Total: (all out) 368

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-33, 3-155, 4-159, 5-214, 6-252, 7-286, 8-344, 9-344.

Bowling: Waqar Younis 25-3-91-3, Mohammad Sami 26-5-92-3 (nb-10), Abdul Razzaq 19-3-57-0 (nb-4), Saqlain Mushtaq 37-4-119-4 (nb-9).

PAKISTAN first innings
T.Umar c Smith b Hayward 39

S.Elahi c McKenzie b Ntini 39

Y.Khan lbw b Pollock 1

Inzamam-ul-Haq c and b Ntini 18

Y.Youhana c Smith b Ntini 12

F.Iqbal run-out (Pollock) 6

A.Razzaq c McKenzie b Hayward 1

K.Akmal not out 0

S.Mushtaq b Hayward 0

W.Younis not out 0

Extras: (lb-1, nb-2, w-1) 4

Total: (for eight wickets) 120

Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-83, 3-83, 4-107, 5-119, 6-120, 7-120, 8-120.

Bowling (to date): Pollock 14-5-23-1 (nb-1), Ntini 15.2-3-45-3 (nb-1), Hayward 8-1-29-3 (w-1), Kallis 6-0-22-0.

Pakistan slump to 120 for eight as S.Africa tighten grip
By Telford Vice
DURBAN, South Africa, (Reuters) - Fast bowlers Mornantau Hayward and Makhaya Ntini picked up three Pakistan wickets apiece to strengthen South Africa's grip at the close on the second day of the first Test yesterday.

Hayward took three for 29 and Ntini three for 45 as Pakistan crashed to 120 for eight before bad light ended play, in reply to the home side's first innings of 368.

Openers Taufeeq Umar and Salim Elahi both scored 39, but Inzamam-ul-Haq's 18 and Yousuf Youhana's 12 were Pakistan's only other double-figure scores.

Umar and Elahi batted cautiously to add 77 for the first wicket when Taufeeq (39) steered a Hayward delivery to Graeme Smith at third slip.

Elahi had a life on 27 when his top edge off fast bowler Jacques Kallis was dropped by Nicky Boje at first slip.

But Pakistan, having reached a reasonably solid 81 for one at tea then lost seven wickets for only 39 runs in the final session as South Africa took control.

Four overs later, Younis Khan was trapped behind the crease by a delivery from fast bowler Shaun Pollock and was out leg-before for one.

Elahi went next when he mistimed a pull shot off Ntini and sent a dipping catch to Neil McKenzie at mid-wicket.

Pakistan slipped to 107 for four when Inzamam fended a throat ball from Ntini back to the bowler.

Faisal Iqbal suffered perhaps the most ignominious dismissal after Yousuf Youhana turned a delivery from Pollock to short leg. Youhana sent Faisal back, but he was run-out for six by Pollock's direct hit on the stumps.

Abdul Razzaq succumbed for one to a tame catch in the gully off Hayward, who uprooted Saqlain Mushtaq's middle stump to complete the carnage.

The hosts, who resumed on 250 for five, lost their sixth wicket in the fourth over of the day when Kallis left an inswinger from fast bowler Mohammad Sami and was bowled for 105.

TWO SIXES
Kallis had batted for more than five hours, faced 236 balls and hit 11 fours and two sixes.

Captain Pollock scored 21 before he attempted to hook a delivery from fast bowler Waqar Younis and was caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Mark Boucher and Boje consolidated with an eighth-wicket stand of 58 before Boucher fell to a looping catch by Faisal at short leg off the bowling of off-spinner Saqlain.

Boucher's 55, scored off 108 balls and including eight fours, took him past 2 000 runs in Test matches.

Saqlain claimed his fourth wicket when Ntini, on nought, lofted a drive towards the long-on boundary and was well held by Umar.

The innings ended when Hayward, who had scored 10, had his middle stump uprooted by Sami. Saqlain finished with figures of four for 119.

Sri Lanka recall veteran Tillekeratne for World Cup
By Scott McDonald
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Three years after he was discarded for being too, old following the last World Cup, Sri Lanka batsman Hashan Tillekeratne was recalled yesterday for next year's tournament.

A cricket board official said the 35-year-old had been named in the squad but a formal announcement would have to wait until the island's sports minister confirmed the team.

``We are still waiting for the minister to reply,'' the official said.

Sri Lanka, who won the World Cup in 1996, failed to qualify for the second round in 1999 in England.

Their 2003 campaign starts on February 10 against New Zealand in Bloemfontein and the cricket-obsessed island has turned to the old faces, including Tillekeratne and 37-year-old Aravinda de Silva.

de Silva retired from Test cricket in October but remains on the one-day scene where he famously hit a match-winning century in the World Cup final against Australia in 1996.

Tillekeratne has played just two one-day matches since 1999 but since returning to the Test side in 2001 he has been one of Sri Lanka's best batsmen and scored the country's first Test century in South Africa on the recent tour.

He will also act as reserve wicketkeeper, replacing Romesh Kaluwitharan, who has failed to impress on Sri Lanka's tour of Australia, where the visitors have lost once to Australia and twice to England.

Tillekeratne and de Silva, who missed the three one-dayers for personal reasons, will fly to Australia for the rest of the tour, the board official said.

de Silva, Sri Lanka's all-time run scorer in one-day matches with 8 894 runs from 293 one-dayers, will play in his fifth World Cup while Tillekeratne will make his fourth appearance.

Tillekeratne has scored 3 457 runs in 183 one-dayers.

Also named to the World Cup squad were opener Avishka Gunawardene and seam bowler Buddika Fernando.

Spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has recovered from a hernia operation and is expected to play in the remaining one-day matches in Australia.

Sri Lanka World Cup squad: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva, Russel Arnold, Jehan Mubarak, Avishka Gunawardene, Hashan Tillekeratne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Pulasthi Gunaratne, Prabath Nissanka, Buddika Fernando.

St. George’s University, WICB committed to Academy
ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada - Changes are coming at the Grenada-based Shell Cricket Academy, which grooms young Caribbean players.

An Academy press statement yesterday said that officials of the St. George's University and the West Indies Cricket Board met in Grenada on December 16, and agreed on amendments to the programme.

It was agreed that students at the Academy be taken out of their 'comfort zone' during the programme, that greater emphasis be placed on discipline, a positive work ethic and self-motivation, and that stricter rules be introduced into the players' Code of Conduct.

The release said that both partners are in accord with the high quality of the facilities and services at the University, the need to employ additional staff, and the necessity to continuously upgrade the Academy's programme, equipment and technology.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of the Academy during the last two years and previewed its programmes and activities for 2003.

The University and WICB reaffirmed their confidence in the Shell Cricket Academy and their commitment to work closely and cooperatively to ensure the continued success of the Academy. (Windiescricket.com)

Lehmann rules himself out of fifth Test
MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia batsman Darren Lehmann, who missed the fourth Ashes Test against England with a groin infection, has ruled himself out of next week's final Test.

The 32-year-old left-hander, who was admitted to a Melbourne hospital on Monday, said yesterday he had been released from hospital for an hour to greet the team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground but had felt tired and had headed back to hospital.

Uncapped Queensland batsman Martin Love took Lehmann's place in the fourth Test, which started on Thursday, and made an unbeaten 62 in Australia's 551 for six declared.

The fifth Test starts in Sydney on January 2. Australia lead the five-match series 3-0.

Lehmann, the South Australia state captain, said he hoped to be released from hospital today and play in Australia's next one-day match against Sri Lanka in Sydney on January 9.

``When I get back to Adelaide it will then be a case of following a regime I've been given to get back my strength with a programme of walking, weights and biking with the aim of getting back for the match on January 9,'' Lehmann said in a statement yesterday.

``The doctors think it is a common bacteria but apparently they managed to catch things early before it grew too much.

``I've heard (former Olympic basketball captain) Andrew Gaze had the same thing and it kept him out for three weeks.

``The experts have said it's likely I got it through a blister on my right foot.''

Ferguson puzzled by United's slump
By Jeremy Butler
MANCHESTER, England, (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admits he does not understand why his team have lost two games in a row despite returning to full strength.

Ferguson was forced to play his fringe players as injuries bit in November and December and the side went 10 games without defeat, including victories over Liverpool and Arsenal.

But the return of David Beckham, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc has seen United lose their last two games to Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough.

``I have only 12 players to pick from, then when all the players come back, we start losing,'' Ferguson told reporters yesterday. ``Whether it is coincidence or not - it is strange. It is frustrating to lose these games, but it was two difficult away games.

``A lot of teams' home form has been very good this season. We have been caught on counter-attacks twice. We were in complete control of both matches. When you are in control of games, you have to make sure you have the patience to play.''

United have a chance to return to winning ways tomorrow when ex-Old Trafford captain Steve Bruce brings his Birmingham side to his former employers.

``Steve Bruce has done very well,'' Ferguson said. ``There is a lot of enthusiasm about him. He was the same as a player. He was bubbly and I'm sure his team is reflecting that. Birmingham are certainly determined.

``They have a lot of energy and have a great chance of staying in the premier league because they are consistently getting decent results.

``Any team who comes out of the first division always finds it difficult. There have been one or two exceptions like Ipswich, but even they went down the following season.

``It is important to get off to a good start which Birmingham did. Hopefully, they gather experience as they go along. If you have a bad start, you don't have the experience to recover.

Ferguson may rest Keane to allow him time to catch his breath after playing in two games since returning from a hip operation.

Defender Mikael Silvestre is also struggling and the United manager may consider changes to freshen up his side.

``We have to win the next two games,'' Ferguson said. ``Home form is going to be important. I look at the side in terms of freshness. See if we can bring in one or two to make it fresher. We will have to wait and see how Roy Keane is after his exertions yesterday (Thursday).

``It was his first full game at that level. He did remarkably well but we will have to see how he has come through that.''