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ARCHIVES FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

Despite global crisis…
Business in Guyana has rebounded, future looks good
By Priya Nauth

Michael Correia in the process of welcoming President Jagdeo at Ogle Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

CHAIRMAN of the Ogle Airport Inc. Board, Mr. Michael Correia (Jr.) has said that, in spite of the global financial crisis, business in Guyana is expected to do well for the rest of this year.

Speaking Wednesday at the international certification of the Ogle Aerodrome, he said the global problem only affected this country slightly in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.

But business, generally, rebounded in the second quarter and is looking good for the remainder of the year, Correia told the gathering, which included President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, other Government Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Recalling that he returned from Canada in 1981, he said, since that time, he has lived here and seen the country progress from when only rice flour was available to now that one can buy just about anything.

Correia declared that, today, he sees a Guyana that has better economic prospects, over the next five to ten years, than ever before.

He said Guyana is no longer considered a highly indebted country by the international community and foreign debt servicing is now down to less than five per cent of Government revenue which is generated mainly from the taxes paid.

“Most Private Sector companies cannot boast of such a low debt service ratio. Guyana’s foreign currency reserves have increased dramatically,” Correia contended.

He said inflation is stable and in single digits, adding: “These macro-economic fundamentals, as the President constantly reminds us, are impressive and will ensure that our free floating currency remains strong.”

Correia said Guyana can anticipate a continued stable exchange rate in the foreseeable future and access to foreign exchange which was once an enormous problem but is now a non-issue.

“Access to finance is now more readily available and at lower interest rates. Our banking sector is one of the strongest and most profitable in our economy,” he observed.

Correia also noted that the telecommunication sector continues to grow with increased competition and “provides the platform for our people to electronically integrate with the global society.”

He mentioned, too, the country’s natural resources and its environment, stating: “This is not just optimism. These are the facts and they are real.”

Correia said the future prospects for hydropower, oil, gas and low carbon credit developments, as promoted by President Jagdeo, actually, do look promising, once they are taken over a longer horizon.

He said the farming culture and fertile lands provide Guyana, once again, with the opportunity to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean in an environment of growing global demand for food.

Abduction of Natoo’s daughter…
KIDNAPPERS CHARGED
- remanded to prison
By Nathalene de Freitas
THREE men charged with wrongful confinement were yesterday remanded to prison for allegedly abducting the daughter of popular Pike Street businessman, Beharry Dookie called ‘Natoo’.

The men appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson.

Frenz Prince, 23, of 3 East La Penitence; Sivon Warner, 27, of Tucville Government Ground; and Tyrone Solomon, 22, of Stevedore Squatting Area were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that between August 26 and 27, 2009, they abducted Roreema Dookie with intent to keep her in wrongful confinement for a ransom of $40M.

Police Inspector Robert Tyndal, prosecuting, objected to bail and stated that the kidnapping act states clearly that bail should be refused.

Attorneys-at-law Mr. Mark Waldron and Mr. Roger Yearwood represented Solomon and requested that an early date be given for the commencement of trial. The other two accused were not represented.

The accused will appear in Court again on September 25.

According to reports, Roreema Dookie, 21, was abducted on August 26 by three gunmen as she left classes at a school on Thomas Street, North Cummingsburg, to meet her waiting boyfriend.

Reports stated that the victim’s boyfriend was hit twice to the head by one of the armed men.

Mr. Dookie told reporters on the night of the incident that he received a call from police informing him that his daughter had been kidnapped.

Dookie was reunited with her family on August 27, after she was pulled out of a house in the city by a woman who thought she may have been the girlfriend of one of her kidnappers.

RICKEY SINGH REPLIES TO 'WARNING' BY BARBADOS PM
RICKEY SINGH, the Barbados-based Guyana-born Caribbean journalist, who also writes for the 'Chronicle" newspapers, has replied to a public warning made by the Barbadian Prime Minister, David Thompson, in relation to criticisms of the government's policy on undocumented migration.

The following is the regional journalist's response, as appeared in his yesterday's (Friday) Barbados "Weekend Nation" column, under the title: "Concerns following a 'warning':

"I RETURNED to Barbados last week from a visit abroad with my wife, to further learn of concerns by professional media colleagues, family members and others about recent adverse comments by Prime Minister David Thompson that have been interpreted as directed at me as a "writer" who has engaged in "unfair and unwarranted maligning of Barbados and Barbadians" over its immigration policy.

The Prime Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at the August 23 annual conference of his Democratic Labour Party (DLP) when he made references, without calling names, to criticisms pertaining to the government's immigration policy and, in particular, what he chose to describe as "the definitive action we have taken on the issue of undocumented migration in Barbados..."

Well, as I had said earlier to other media colleagues, the Prime Minister could not seriously have been referring to me--though I must confess my difficulty in identifying the "particularly one writer, to whom this country has extended a welcoming arm and embrace...".

For starters, whatever the criticisms --some of which, admittedly, could be viewed as sharp--I have made of the current, or previous governments of this nation, I am simply not in the business of "maligning" Barbados or Barbadians --a country and people for whom I have developed deep respect and admiration as a "documented" CARICOM migrant since January 1987.

A distinction needs to be made that criticisms of a government's policies and/or programmes by a journalist--the veracity of which could be challenged, if necessary, at ANY time by the said government, should not be confused, or interpreted as being either anti-government, or, worse, "maligning" the country or its citizens.

To the best of my recollection, there is NOTHING I have written on this government's "immigration policy", or on the critical comments made about the reported mistreatment of undocumented CARICOM migrants, to warrant a public chastisement and threat as outlined in the text (of PM Thompson's address).

Those who may have chosen, out of self-interest, to mis-advise the Prime Minister should be reminded that at no time have I been challenged to correct any so-called falsehood.

Not even when I sought, in this very column space, official responses to what I had written, in relation to reports of exploitation and, worse, the disgusting treatment of illegal, or undocumented CARICOM migrants, rounded up for expulsion by immigration authorities.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, who shoulders lead responsibility for CSME-readiness, of which regional labour mobility is one of the significant pillars, would also know that disagreements between governments and professional practitioners of the media need not lead to hostility.

In this context, let me also empathise with the pain that my colleague Carol Martindale, editor of the 'Sunday Sun, had to unnecessarily suffer due to a telephone call regarding the prominence and display to be given a poll conducted for the DLP by the Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES)".

With dreams come true…
Correia details benefits from Ogle International airport
By Priya Nauth
INVESTORS and operators of Ogle Airport are now excited at its formal certification as Guyana’s second international terminal, Chairman of its Board, Mr. Michael Correia (Jr) said Wednesday.

He said it is significant that the certification occurs after the opening of the Berbice River Bridge a few months earlier and the Takutu River Bridge on Monday.

“Clearly, these developments, taken together, offer the prospect of strengthening our traditional ties with not only CARICOM but South America as well,” Correia offered.

He said the launching of the phase two expansion of this new international airport and the completion of a new 4,000 feet runway will result in the facility accommodating larger aircraft which can travel over longer distances and the project is expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, dependent on the duration of the rainy season.

Correia said the airport will provide CARICOM the opportunity for the easy movement of the Heads of Government and their support staff and facilitate many more meetings.

“Guyana is a critical part of the DNA of our Caribbean culture. We have the CARICOM Headquarters here already and now we have our CARICOM airport and a gateway to the South.

“Our Caribbean people comprise of many cultures and sometimes this presents challenges for us not only in Guyana but also in CARICOM,” he acknowledged.

Correia said present problems with West Indies cricket “will affect those within our societies, both individually and collectively.”

But he exhorted: “We must persevere and overcome.”

Correia expressed confidence that Guyana will continue to re-emerge, within CARICOM, as a force to be reckoned with, both politically and economically, in the future.

“Guyana, therefore, must take up the mantle and finish what we started. Let us lead CARICOM from the front on the core issue of the single market and economy and the regional integration of our Caribbean people,” he appealed.

Admitting that cricket is extremely critical to the Caribbean identity, Correia said: “Our present cricket problems can either present an opportunity to rebuild and re-energise or they could lead to our self-destruction. We must, therefore, save our cricket. This has to be the first task for business now in CARICOM.”

IMPORTANT
Correia said regional air transportation is also critically important to the integration of the Caribbean Community and, in this respect, he urged new thinking, advocating that a CARICOM airport hub, which connects the region to South America, is a good start in planning to function as a region and not as individual countries, with each operating its own airline or a single monopoly airline operating inefficiently within CARICOM.

He proposed the creation of a single airspace within CARICOM, governed by a central Caribbean aviation authority with offices in each country, one set of regulations and inspectors that regulate one common safety standard and one common CARICOM licence for pilots and engineers.

“Once such a regional framework is established, small, medium and large Private Sector aviation operators will step in and fill the gaps in each country or island in a safe and cost effective manner. It will allow CARICOM members, most importantly, to share scarce human resources and expensive technical equipment and benefit from economies of scale,” Correia argued.

He said a Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System has already been agreed on and Guyana is a signatory to it.

However, Correia said: “The concept clearly needs to be expanded and prioritised as a critical objective of CARICOM, in the view of Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana”.

Expressing thanks to all the partners in the Ogle project, he said it is dream come true, not only for Guyanese but for all the people of the Carib

Firing of senior cop ‘predictable’
- Luncheon
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, feels the recent dismissal of a senior Police Superintendent who went on a British study course without approval, was predictable and reasonable.

Senior Superintendent Simon McBean, was dismissed by the Police Service Commission (PSC) after he returned from doing a Master’s Degree course in Global Security and Policing at the University of Leicester.

At his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing Thursday, Luncheon said he did not believe that the PSC saw “any justification for exercising discretion in applying what are the straightforward rules and regulations that govern unauthorised absence.”

“If it happened in the Office of the President (or) in Luncheon’s cake shop, the person would have been dismissed”, he said.

He said this was obviously harsh punishment but “I feel strongly about it, because a senior official, particularly in security sector entities, can’t treat so trivially with norms, rules and regulations”.

Luncheon noted that McBean was granted a scholarship and said approval has to be given for anyone employed by the government to study overseas.

“…maybe the next time, those who would want to give scholarships for training of individuals who would be retained, would ensure that they do have a bit more consultation with the authorities”, he said.

He added “…because if they knew that approval would not have been given…and still pursued this course of action” it would have been a waste of time, money and more importantly, of a resource like a superintendent sorely needed in the Disciplined Forces in Guyana.

Murder at Giuseppe’s’ at the NCC Wednesday
Fun … Fright …and Food for the Guyanese public is promised by the Rotary Club of Georgetown when Murder at Giuseppe’s hits the National Cultural Centre stage.

The play, touted as an exciting Who dun it?, is directed by Gem Madoo- Nascimento and produced by Pradeep Samtani. The play is set in an Italian restaurant. A murder will take place which will have all the characters pointing at each other.

Samtani said that he wanted to give something “different” to the Guyanese public. “The concept is our own, this could be the first time something like this is done in Guyana” said the producer in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Holder of a Woman of Distinction Award from the Young Woman’s Christian Association (Y.W.C.A), Madhoo-Nascimento, whose experience in theatre goes back more than 35 years, when she joined the Guyana Public Service Union (PSU) Drama Group as an employee of the Guyana National Co-operative Bank, is a member of the Theatre Guild and a co-founder of the Theatre Company which was formed in 1981.

Samtani had a 35 year old stint at cinema ownership with the Liberty Cinema and produced the romantic comedy Rainbow Raani, which debuted in 2006, along with other stellar accomplishments in the world of cinema.

Samtani praised what he called his “brilliant” cast which consists of professional actors as well as a selection of “Rotarians” and “Friends of the Rotary”. Talking about how the idea of the play came about, Samtani said that he got the idea in India after viewing a play there. Madhoo-Nascimento “fleshed” out his idea and them “Guyanised” it, and there you have it, Murder at Guiseppes was born.

The cast includes Derek Gomes, Nasim Hussain, Dimple Mendonca, Priya Singh and Hashim Alli.

The Rotarians are Laurie Lewis, Kit Nascimento, Derry Harry and Bernadette Yassin.

The show is billed for the National Cultural Centre on September 16, at 20:00h.

Educating our children an imperative and top most priority
Minister within the Ministry of Education Dr. Desrey Fox at a recent community meeting made some extremely valid and telling points when she underscored the need for parents to pay closer attention in monitoring the behaviour of their children at school.

Too often teachers unjustifiably share the brunt of the blame for the ill-mannered behaviour of children as if they are solely responsible and are the only influence on the attitude and behaviour of children.

However, the reality is much different when one considers that of the 24 hours in a day a child spends merely five to six hours at school and therefore it is an unenviable task of teachers to undo wrong attitudes and behaviour that children may have developed outside of the school environment.

On this score it is useful to note that it is not uncommon to find parents who have never visited the school (s) their children attended, and this is most unfortunate because interaction with teachers will help parents to understand the weaknesses of their children and be in a better position to take corrective measures.

Parents should be aware that many children have a Jekyll and Hyde character. When they are at home they behave in a certain way but at school there is a behaviour change as a result of peer pressure and other influences. Some parents actually swear that their children will not misbehave when complaints are made by teachers and cite their excellent behaviour at home in support of their claim not realising the Jekyll and Hyde tendency in children. And that is why parents need to monitor closely, as Minister Fox urged, the behaviour of their children at school.

Catherine Wehlburg Hickman, Ph.D. of Stephens College in her article: “The Future of High School Success: The Importance of Parent Involvement Programmes” notes that many studies have shown a strong correlation between parent involvement and a child's success in school (Ascher, 1988; Hickman, Greenwood, & Miller, 1995; Rhine, 1981). The authors of the Coleman Report (Coleman et al., 1966) indicated that about one-half to two-thirds of the variance in student achievement could be accounted for by home variables rather than school variables. Similar evidence was found by Mosteller and Moynihan (1972) in their reanalysis of the Coleman data.

The minister in her discourse also made some other pointed observations including the issue of distractions and the fact that while some parents claim they finding it financially difficult to equip their children for school they nevertheless find the money to attend expensive entertainment shows and such like events.

With respect to the issue of distractions such as video games, cell phones, TVs etc it is indeed a tremendous challenge for parents to exercise control over their use, especially those parents who work full time. It is almost impossible to prevent access to these distractions because they can be accessed almost everywhere.

Perhaps the best approach here is one where parents educate their children of the harmful effects of over indulgence in these distractions and whenever possible turn them into beneficial use for the children.

On the issue of finding money to attend expensive entertainment shows instead of spending on children’s education this is a deep seated problem and there is no quick fix to it as parental values have drastically changed in the so-called technological era.

In the olden days, education of children was seen by the parents of that era as the top most priority and made whatever sacrifices were necessary to achieve this. Ironically, most of the parents of that era never went to school or attended school for just a few years.

Unfortunately today, many parents do not view education for their children as an imperative and consequently is low down on their priority list or is not on the list to begin with.

One of the contributing factors to this unfortunate development has been the growth of the “get rich quick syndrome” and the fact that many uneducated people are amassing enormous wealth while highly educated persons are living at the peripheral level.

Indeed, this is the only way we will be able to reverse the current trend and ensure that for all parents education of their children is an imperative and top most priority because it is the key towards wiping out many of the evils that face mankind today.

Kaieteur News should name squadron of Peepers to demonstrate transparency
I read with interest a bitter complaint from Peeping Tom about freedom of the press (KN, Sept. 10). This particular Peeper himself issued several salvos against the Private Sector Commission simply because the organisation praised the frank and open discussion members had with President Jagdeo. Too bad if not every member of the PSC shares the view.

Any organisation that simultaneously finds faults with the President and the Private Sector must itself be doing something wrong. I’ll tell you one of them.

Kaieteur News is screaming for transparency while it houses a dozen ghost writers who hide behind the voyeuristic symbol – Peeping Tom! These folks are ‘hired’ (with or without pay) to ruin the image of Guyana so that their favourite political party can win elections.

Kaieteur News can show us how transparency works by naming the squadron of Peepers. My guess is that if the Peepers show their faces the result would be immediate ‘dismissal.’
RANDY PERSAUD

All that glitters is not gold
AS one who was instrumental in the establishment of the Mormon Church in Guyana, I feel compelled to comment on recent happenings surrounding the failure to secure permits by some sixty Mormon missionaries in Guyana.

For whatever obscure reason or reasons these missionaries did not or could not obtain permits or renewal of permits to stay in Guyana, it strongly appears that the whole issue is latently shrouded by anti-Mormon sentiments, coupled with a strong resentment by Hindu and Muslim figures who take exception to the conversion of Indo-Guyanese to Mormonism. Other nationalists have condemned then as a cult, and without properly defining the characteristics of a cult, sensationalising and casting them in the same mould as Jim Jones.

In other words, what might have been simply a breach of immigration protocol, is now shaping into a dangerous political/religious feud, or simply put in Mormon vernacular, political persecution of the Mormon religion - an argument they, the Mormons, have perfected and successfully used from the very beginning of Mormonism. And in any political/religious battle, one does not have to guess that Mormonism will emerge the victor; especially when you consider the tremendous political and economic strength of the Mormon Church in the US - having historically fielded at least four presidential candidates and countless gubernatorial and senatorial candidates over the years, etc.; and that this is the richest Church in the US.

Sadly, the people of the United States have learned this lesson the hard way. That is why they will not touch the Mormons with a ten-foot pole - even the numerous polygamous enclaves in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Idaho. That is why when a hundred or so of children were taken two years ago from another faction of the Mormon Church, they were quickly released.

What then are the lessons to be learned here?

First of all, the authorities need to exercise a super-sensitivity in this issue and seek to avoid at all costs, the possible and likely escalation of this problem into what may well be manipulated or construed by the opposition and religious groups (Mormonism, most of all) as religious persecution or discrimination, or whatever terminology they come up with. Political expedience might necessitate bending, bending, and even surrendering. Indeed, this policy might win the populace in the end.

Secondly, the authorities need to remove the clouds that obscure their understanding and that of the people, of Mormonism. This way they can divorce the real issue of immigration protocol from other sentiments, misconceptions and lack of knowledge about the Mormon Church. The matter must be handled in a most transparent manner that highlights democratic freedoms. The essence of democracy is not to impose or dictate legislations and decisions, but these legislations and decisions must derive from the population through a process of education and understanding.

What I simply mean is, let the Mormons stay, but educate the people so that they can make their personal decisions about accepting and joining the Church.

For those who wish to know more about Mormonism, I am in the process of producing a booklet (called The Counterfeit Christ) about my involvement with it since 1988. Hopefully, the media in Guyana will publish it in a series of letters, beginning next week.

Mormonism thrives among three sets of people - those born into it, those with a little (clouded) knowledge of the Bible (a dangerous thing), and the native Indians of Americas.

The Mormon Church possesses a number of intrinsic peculiarities. First and foremost, they never initially disclose their Masonic and cultic beliefs and practices. One is led into accepting them just as one easily accepts any other denomination such as Pentecostals, Baptists, etc. Then as one progresses, (becomes hooked) the Masonic and cultic truths are released a little bit at a time. The second greatest characteristic about this Church is the presentation of the membership. Their presentation leaves little or no doubt,whatsoever that they are the one of the most disciplined, honest, diligent, altruistic and tithe-giving people in the world. This presentation, no doubt, is what catches the converts.

I, too, was caught by their genuine presentation of total goodness, and like I said earlier, I was instrumental in the establishment of this Church in Guyana.

I was in the US at the time and was "between churches", and was hungrily exploring a number of churches Brooklyn in order to decide which to attend. Co-incidentally my wife and children were doing the same thing in Guyana when this elderly couple, the Hudsons arrived in Guyana seeking a place to establish the first Mormon Church in the country.

Church News, the official organ of the Mormon Church, published at the Church headquarters in Salt Lake, Utah, mentioned Guyana in their issues of May 18, 1991; July 24, 1993; April 19, 2003; and in several other issues. In the 1991 and 1993 issues it is stated, "Among the early converts in the northern South American nation of Guyana in Indra Sukhdeo, baptized October 23, 1988.

"…She was introduced to the Church by Elder Benjamin and Sister Ruth Hudson, who arrived in August of that year. The Hudsons asked if they could hold the first Church service in her home (in Enterprise, East Coast Demerara). She agreed. …After her baptism, she served as Relief Society instructor and later served as Primary President and teacher. She saw the Church moved from her living room to a meetinghouse and the congregation to more than 130...

"The Church gained legal recognition in Guyana the following February and meeting continued in the Sukhdeo home until March 5, 1989. The Hudsons leased a large home (in Pike Street, Kitty) that was renovated as a branch meetinghouse.…

(In March 1990) the first local branch presidency was sustained, with Kenrick Latchmansingh as president…

"…a few weeks later, Sister Sukhdeo's husband, David, was baptized when he returned home from New York…"

I, David Sukhdeo, plunged head long into Mormonism and became totally immersed in Church activities and studying the scriptures and I was quickly sustained and served in several positions in Guyana.

I returned to New York in 1991, and my family came soon after and we continued our active involvement in the Church, all of us serving in various offices; I, at my zenith serving as Counselor to the Presidency of the Richmond Hill Branch, in Queen, New York.

But deep down, and in the depths of my conviction, I was never a Mormon. For fifteen years many questions haunted me, haunted me and haunted me. Then in 1996 I was excruciatingly hurt when my only daughter was married in the Salt Lake Temple and I was denied the opportunity to witness it because it was too sacred for me, having not yet received my temple endowments even though I had been faithfully and diligently serving in various positions. I was dismally relegated to being a mere visitor in the compound of the Salt Lake Temple.

In my earnest zeal to learn more, to know more, and to find answers to the questions that haunted me, I committed the most cardinal sin of the Church. I refused to accept the doctrines as dogma. I told myself God made us into thinking beings and wanted us to make decisions on our own. I started to seek answers to my questions by looking at all possible sources, including non-Mormon, former Mormon and science. This, in Mormon teaching, was allowing Satan to tempt me; it was the nadir of unfaithfulness.

I pursued these answers for maybe two years, spending sometimes, as much as twelve hours a day in research, even studying the rudiments of Egyptology in order to verify the massive fraud foisted by Smith. I visited several temples and Mormon historical places in at least half a dozen states.

The following are only a drop in the bucket of questions that previously bothered me and to which I believe I have found meaningful answers:

Is Mormonism a cult? Why are Mormons not accepted in mainstream Christianity in the US? Is Mormon theology really founded upon polygamy, and is Mormon god really polygamous? Does he really live on a planet near (the planet of) Kolob with countless wives, and are we going to be gods just like him with countless wives on our own planets if we faithfully follow the teachings of Mormonism? Does Mormon god have a mother and father, and they in turn also have mothers and fathers? Is there an infinite number of gods with mothers and fathers, all polygamous? Are Jesus Christ and Satan truly brothers? Were there any horses in America before Columbus? Are the Amerindians really Jews? What does modern DNA say about it? If the Lamanites and Nephites totally killed out each other in a great battle, where is that battle field? Did Joseph Smith really have over fifty wives, most of them young teens? Did the Mormons really commit mass murder at Mountain Meadows? Is the Mormon theology racist? Was the last president (Gordon B. Hinckley) actually involved in three murders in the 1980s? Are the Masonic beliefs and practices really sacred or secret? Did (do) they really believe in and once practiced throat slitting? Do Mormons really believe the Bible? If not why do they parade the Bible at the front of their advertisements? Do Mormons really believe that the work of redemption was done on the cross? Why was the Book of Mormon altered over five thousand times if it is the most correct book ever written? (I have an original copy) Did Smith really steal/ plagiarised Spalding's novel and the New Testament? Why did the 12 witnesses to the golden plates leave or were thrown out of the Church, and why don't the missionaries tell us the whole truth about these "witnesses"? And the jackpot question of them all - why won't the missionaries tell us that Smith's translation of the Book of Abraham is nothing more than a massive fraud, evidence of which is currently lodged at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The answers that I have found I would like to share with readers, if they are interested and indicate so to this publisher. Otherwise, I urge all Guyanese to do their own digging before joining this group. It has been said many times before: all that glitters is not gold.
GOKARRAN DAVID SUKHDEO

One ‘Norman Brown’ is more dangerous to society than ten ‘Mavados’
PLEASE allow me to respond to a letter that appeared in the Thursday, 10th September 2009 edition of the Stabroek News, titled “Mavado should not be allowed to perform in Guyana” and written by Norman Brown.

Despite all the bad that is said, it takes one (1) Norman Brown to incur far more danger than 10 Mavados to any society. This is clearly demonstrated when he stated “the government’s decision to lift the ban has not been properly spelled out. However, I looked forward to Eric Phillips’ contribution on the lifting of the ban. It is the Afro-Caribbean youth that is targeted here. This sort of music is given to them as their music. The government seems to be saying it is okay to tell our young men and women that “deh don’t know da meanin, when meh seh marrow paste on da ceiling”, obviously inferring to what he perceives as an attempt by the government to use the ‘negatives’ in Mavado’s music in a disadvantageous way to Afro-Guyanese.

But then again, it is the same government that allows ‘Rum till I die’ ‘Mo rum fuh me’ ‘Yuh cud bring it in a bottle, yuh cud bring it in a flask’ to be delivered to their Indo-Guyanese supporters and we all know the spin-offs from this.

And it is this same government that banned the delivery of “deh don’t know da meaning, when meh seh marrow paste on da ceiling” from Afro-Guyanese, who are perceived to be supporters of the Opposition, and using Norman’s logic, they shouldn’t have in the first place. It is convenient for Norman to lay blame at the feet of Mavado and his colleagues for highlighting conditions they have not created, whilst absolving himself, as I’m sure he is a parent, and those in the sphere of politics of any what-so-ever. If a child listens to Mavado music and becomes violent as a result then complicity had to be the order of the day on the part of his/her’s parents. How many guns did Mavado make available to his listeners Norman?

Norman Brown should also tell us how are the artistes to be blamed for the irresponsible actions by a few of their followers around the globe? Especially when both of whom he referred to denounced such behaviour publicly.

Have you ever visited or lived in Albouystown Norman? Such music is often the only avenue of escape for folks who have to grapple with the division, misinformation, etc protracted on them by irresponsible politicians.

Norman’s inference to the opening line in “Im So Special” to further give validity to his point is also an indication of his ignorance on the subject, which is even further highlighted by his reference to lines from Mavado tunes that were done, and on the airwaves before he was banned from Guyana which itself clearly runs in contradiction of the basis of my earlier argument that worldwide acceptance has brought about a change in his lyrics.

In the world of music, particularly, Jamaican sound systems, a ‘45 special’ is usually a customized tune that is redone by an artiste at the behest of and to the specifications of the particular sound system. Hence, Brown’s attempt to infer to what he perceives as Mavado’s reference to an instrument of violence gives further credence to the concerns of the management of another Jamaican artiste which centered around the inaccurate portrait of Buju Banton being painted by certain organisations in the U.S over a song done since 1992 and was being used by Gay Rights organizations to make their case for the cancellation of Buju’s current ‘Rasta Got Soul’ U.S Tour, rather unsuccessfully.

As I stated earlier much has changed since Mavado was banned from Guyana in terms of his lyrics and worldwide acceptance. ‘Overcome’, ‘On Da Rock’, ‘Even if we leff de gully’, ‘Ah Suh Yuh Move’, ‘Hope and Pray’, ‘Fall Rain Fall’ etc are all testimonies to that fact. Added to that is last Friday’s collaboration with multi platinum superstar Alicia Keys which saw the production of a reggae single for her impending album.

I hope Norman Brown and others see my point and quit playing politics with our music and in the mean time he could also tell us how have ‘we’, Afro-Guyanese, benefited from the actions of politicians purporting to be acting on our behalf.
JASON ABDULLA

When ‘Freedom of Expression’ becomes vehicle for violent behaviour
IT is with the disbelief and utter astonishment of my observation of an incident yesterday that I was compelled to make my views on the particular subject public via the letter pages. The irresponsibility of some of our local politicians have transcended to their supporters, likewise, their non-condemnation signifies apparent approval. This becomes all the more evident when ‘Freedom of expression’ is used rather incorrectly as the vehicle for violent behaviour particularly by people who are of the belief that they hold a monopoly on intimidation and assault disguised as a ‘Peaceful Picket’.

This is how I choose to describe the attack on Kwame Mc Coy by PNCR, supposedly ‘Peaceful Picketers’, I witnessed yesterday.

While I admired the freedom this bunch had to hold their placards aloft and chant their slogans, I bemoan the fact that their action impinged on Mr. Mc Coy’s right to freedom of movement also. This is the sort of bullyism that no longer has a place in our society.

Mr. Mc Coy was simply attempting to leave a function he had earlier attended on Vlissengen Road when he was set upon by this group who banged and shook the vehicle he was in whilst blocking the front window screen with their placards amidst the hurling of insults. The police officers present did nothing except to stand their distance laughing and possibly enjoying the drama.

What was even more distasteful was the fact that this blatant act of transgression was witnessed by my kids and an overseas visitor who accompanied us.

This kind of behaviour certainly highlights a mentality that is repressive and reflects the need for some serious education among our people who seem by their actions, idled and misguided, and those among them who succeeded in sustaining their ignorance.
DAVE MARTINDALE

Semenya was naturally made that way
INTELLIGENT Design! The tests to determine whether a South African runner is male or female are complete and the Australian Sydney Morning Herald newspaper is reporting that Caster Semenya has both male and female sexual organs.

Fundamentalist evangelicals have been bombarding us for years about how their God intelligently created only male and female genders in some garden in the Middle East. Rational people have been countering that sexuality and gender identification is a much more complex issue that cannot be simplistically understood through myth.

The gender tests ordered by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) were conducted by an endocrinologist, a gynecologist, an internal medicine specialist, and a psychologist. No pastors were asked to recount how their God made only men and women.

The Australian newspaper reports that the medical examination of the 18-year-old Semenya shows she has no ovaries, but rather has internal male testes, which are producing large amounts of testosterone. Clearly, sexuality and gender are more complicated than religious fundamentalists would have us believe.

Even more interesting is how the IAAF appears to view the results of the gender tests. “She was naturally made that way,” a spokesman said, “and she was entered in Berlin by her team and accepted by the IAAF. Our legal advice is that, if she proves to have an advantage because of the male hormones, then it will be extremely difficult to strip the medal off her, since she has not cheated.”

“Naturally made that way,” - now that’s an interesting phrase.
JUSTIN de FREITAS

Great work by Joint Services
WILL justice be brought to all five criminal kidnappers? Not only justice is brought to them but that they severe penalties to make them an example to deter other would be kidnappers.

The justice system is urged not to let these criminals get off on technicalities.

One thing only must be in the minds of those whom are placed to dispense justice.

Had these criminals not being caught, had their ransom demand not met this would have led to torture and eventually killing.

The justice system must also come to realise that criminals like these would never work and sweat for their livelihood. Have no mercy on criminal like these ever.

Great work by the Joint Services!
T. KING

Belated condolence to the familiy of Czerina Alli
I must express belated condolence to the family of Czerena Alli, and would have liked to be among those who bid her farewell. I was always a fan of Czerena, but became close during her visit to someone who looked out for her; one who had his own medical problems but made Czerena’s his own. Richard Ousman (deceased) I have to, like many individuals remember Richard as the humanitarian whose name and works will not be forgotten.

If the dead had power, Czerena would have said to those present, “Richie was my best friend because he was always there for me,” in good times and not so good times it was Richard Ousman.

I have grown accustomed of having to remind persons that Richard should be given the credit he deserves and his contribution to the local music and entertainment industry.

It was Richard Ousman who single handedly held a charity concert for Czerena. Yes, it was this Richard whose name seems to be erased from the lips and mind of the ingrates by design, that his name is not mentioned. It was a fitting gesture in her lifetime to demonstrate in a meaningful way Richard’s appreciation for Czerena’s contribution to the industry. I must mention Delma Lynce who was a sincere friend and remained her friend until death.

Mankind is noted to be full of deceit and wickedness who care less about you during your lifetime but present a glowing picture at funerals as if all was well. The guilty know themselves. Czerena as well as Richard is no more. The reward from Almighty Allah (God) is the best reward as he knows our thoughts before we unravel it.

May Almighty Allah favoured them both. I hope I would not have to mention the name of the deceased, Richard Ousman anymore.
UMAR SAIED

Attack on Mc Coy by PNCR supporters is totally unacceptable
ALL decent minded Guyanese should condemn in no uncertain terms, the attack on Kwame Mc Coy on Thursday September 10 on Vlissengen Road by PNCR activists under the guise of ‘Peaceful Picketers’.

It is simply appalling to note that this attack was carried out in full view of the security officers present. Some of whom seem to be enjoying the proceedings. However, it would’ve been completely different had Mr. Mc Coy struck and injured one of those that blocked the path of his vehicle, whilst hurling insults, banging the bonnet of the car and impaired his view via the placing of the placards on his front windscreen.

Had that been the case the media would’ve taken Mc Coy to task and by now we’d have heard condemnations from all arms of the Opposition and I’m sure protests would’ve also been mounted at Mr. Mc Coy’s home.

Silence is complicity! And by their silence those in the leadership of the PNC/R have signaled their approval of the actions of their members and supporters who participated in the attack on Mc Coy. Decent minded Guyanese on the other hand are the judges and jurors whilst the PNCR will continue to drown in the abyss they currently find themselves in.
BALDEO MATHURA

WICB, WIPA impasse…
CARICOM rolls out six-point plan to solve contracts dispute
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – CARICOM has intervened in the bitter contracts dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), and has rolled out a six-point plan in a bid to end the long-running feud that has crippled regional cricket.

The move comes following the breakdown last week of mediation talks headed by eminent Caribbean diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal.

With no end in sight to the dispute, CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on cricket said it had decided to step in to save West Indies cricket from total ruin.

“The current situation, if not resolved immediately, will no doubt destroy the fabric on which to base any hope of reviving the region’s standing in international cricket, or building a solid future for West Indies cricket,” a release from CARICOM said late yesterday.

“It is under these circumstances that the PMSC has decided to intervene in the process at this time and make recommendations on a feasible way forward.

“The main concern of the Heads of Government is restoring the image and status of West Indies cricket regionally and internationally.”

As a result, CARICOM has made several recommendations which they hope will bring an end to the dispute which has led to depleted West Indies teams being selected for recent series.

Under the CARICOM proposal, players will be expected to “make themselves available for selection in accordance with normal WICB requirements, in particular, participation in the regional tournaments.”

Secondly, the WICB is “to agree to the television/image rights fees (sponsor’s fees) traditionally paid to players pending the special arbitration on this issue to facilitate the signing of retainer contracts by 1 October 2009.”

Thirdly, the WICB and WIPA are to agree on the implementation of the “special arbitration process provided for in the mediator’s draft agreement, i.e. on team rights and the India tour.”

Additionally, the two bodies are to agree to the “best efforts by the CARICOM Secretariat in the first instance to facilitate the resolution of the other outstanding issues proposed by WICB and WIPA, or the pursuit of arbitration if necessary, such arbitration not to delay the return of West Indies cricket to normalcy.”

Fourthly, CARICOM will convene a Stakeholders meeting “at the earliest practicable date to discuss the future of West Indies cricket, taking account of the WICB’s Development Plan, as well as the Report of the Patterson Committee established by WICB.”

Fifthly, CARICOM indicated that WICB would be expected to inform cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council of “the action taken by Caribbean Governments with the object of returning West Indies cricket to its accustomed place in world cricket in consonance with the highest traditions of the sport as upheld by the ICC.”

Finally, the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket said it would “monitor compliance with the above agreed measures based on periodic reports from the CARICOM Secretariat.”

The dispute has decimated the regional team, leading to a makeshift squads being selected for the recent Bangladesh series and the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa after the leading players made themselves unavailable because of contract issues.

CARICOM chairman, Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo had brokered a deal to bring both parties to the bargaining table but the subsequent talks chaired by Sir Shridath broke down last week.

The situation worsened this week, with the WICB opting to continue disciplinary action against players who had made themselves unavailable, and WIPA advising these players to seek legal action.

Ride for Life Three launched
By Michael DaSilva

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony (sitting) joins `Young’ Bill Rogers in singing the hit song `Put it On’ which won the 2008 Mashramani AIDS Soca competition (Photo by Carl Croaker).

THE third annual Ride For Life cycle race was yesterday launched at the Yumana Yana under the theme `Ride on and Live Long.

The event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCY&S) and the National AIDS Secretariat Programme (NAPS), in collaboration with the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF).

The 226-mile five-stage event is set to ride off on November 4 from Corriverton, Berbice and conclude on November 8 in Georgetown.

National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed informed that the winner of the grueling event will take home $200,000. However, he was not in a position to state the other prize monies but said the other top five overall finishers will also receive cash prizes.

The event which last year attracted Regional cyclists, promises to be bigger and better this year as the GCF has sent invitations to a number of its Caribbean counterparts.

Added to that, Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, at yesterday’s launching ceremony called on other international agencies to support the event by sponsoring cyclists from the Caribbean and further afield to be a part of the race.

Dr. Ramsammy reminded those present including members of the Diplomatic Corps that the link between sports and health is an intimate one.

He said sports is the best alternative to promote a healthy lifestyle and his ministry would continue to work with sports associations in promoting healthy lifestyles, adding “As we move forward we must ensure that our people have the environment to make the right choices in life.”

He called on Director of Sports Neil Kumar and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony to assist in promoting the Body Mass Index. “We want everybody to know their Body Mass Index.”

Dr Anthony in his address supported Dr. Ramsammy in his call on other international agencies to support the event to make it the biggest such event in the entire Caribbean.

He said as far as his knowledge takes him, no other Caribbean country has such an event, even though they receive funding from Global Funds to help promote healthy lifestyles.

The minister said his ministry would work with the MOH in promoting the Body Mass Index.

Neil Kumar in welcoming those present noted that the event is a significant one as it carries a message against the spread of HIV/AIDS

GCF president Hector Edwards in brief remarks thanked the Ministries of Health and Culture, Youth and Sports as well as the National AIDS Secretariat for sponsoring such an event.

He said the ministries were looking for a vehicle to get their programme across the wider cross section of Guyana and they recognised that sport can generate that interest and cycling was used as that vehicle.

Edwards, a former national cyclist said it is his hoped that the event would become the premier cycling event in the Caribbean.

He noted that in the inaugural event, there were no foreign cyclist but last year, the event attracted a few Regional riders and expressed the hope that this year there would be more Regional participation.

He said Dr. Ramsammy has found himself in good company with Dr Anthony.

Alonzo Greaves won the inaugural race in 2007, while Junior Niles won last year.

Windies selectors name..
Two Guyanese among four new faces in women’s squad for S.A.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) - The West Indies selectors yesterday named four newcomers in a women’s squad touring South Africa next month.

The rookies are the all-rounders Britney Cooper, a standout for champions Trinidad and Tobago at the West Indies Cricket Board’s Tournament in Guyana last month, Guyana’s Tremayne Smartt; and teenagers Amanda Samaroo (T&T) and Shemaine Campbelle (Guyana).

They all earned selection to the team after performing well in the regional competition.

The 14-member side will be led by wicket-keeper Merissa Aguilleira and includes West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Player of the Year Stafanie Taylor, a recent long list nominee for the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Experienced all-rounder Anisa Mohammed is the new vice-captain, replacing Kirbyina Alexander, who is not in the squad for the series of four One-Day Internationals and three Twentty20 Internationals.

The games will be played at the historic Newlands Ground in Cape Town and the Boland Bank Park in Paarl.

The squad includes five changes to the side that played in the ICC World Twenty20 Championship in England in June.

Making a return to the team is Jamaican batting all-rounder Chadean Nation, who last represented the Windies during the tour of Europe in the summer of 2008.

Missing from the squad from the WT20 in England are Alexander, the experienced Debbie-Ann Lewis and Juliana Nero, Danielle Small and Charlene Taitt.

The tour will be part of the West Indies team’s preparation for the International Cricket Council’s World T20 Championships to be played in the Caribbean next year.

West Indies are ranked fifth in the world in both ODIs and T20s following their final position at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia in March and the ICC World T20 Tournament in England in June.

SQUAD - Merissa Aguilleira (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice-captain), Shemaine Campbelle, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Cordel Jack, Stacy Ann King, Pamela Lavine, Chadean Nation, Amanda Samaroo, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.

Whipple to be Technical Director to national rugby Sevens team
HEAD coach of Rugby West Indies Team, Joe Whipple, has accepted an invitation from the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to serve as Technical Director to Guyana’s National Men’s Sevens Team.

Whipple will work along with Laurie Adonis, who has been appointed Head Coach of the National Team. Robin Roberts has been appointed Team Manager.

The National Rugby Team has begun preparations for participation in the North American & Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Men’s and Women’s Sevens Championships, to be contested by the national teams of eleven Caribbean countries and Mexico, which will be held in Mexico City on 14th & 15th November this year.

The Mexican tournament takes on additional importance as the winner will qualify to represent the North America and Caribbean Rugby Region along with Rugby Canada at the Commonwealth Games to be held next year.

Guyana are the current Men’s Sevens Champions, having won this tournament for the past four years in succession.

The Guyana Squad called to trials includes a number of Rugby West Indies caps, among them, Claudius Butts, current West Indies Captain, Albert La Rose, Theodore Henry, Richard Staglon (who will return from Trinidad & Tobago), Elwin Chase and Kevin Mc Kenzie, currently playing for Bracknel Rugby Club in the UK. Rupert Giles, who lives and plays rugby with Hartpury Rugby Academy in the United Kingdom and was called to trials for Rugby West Indies but was injured, has also been invited to join the squad.

Jordan takes place in Basketball Hall of Fame
By Mike Shalin
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, (Reuters) - Michael Jordan, considered by many the greatest basketball player of all time, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame yesterday.

Jordan joined former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson, ex-Utah Jazz guard John Stockton, long-time Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers University women's coach C. Vivian Stringer in the new class.

Unsurprisingly, Jordan was the centre of attention.

"Contrary to what you guys believe, it's not just me going into the Hall of Fame," Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and then finished his career with a two-year stay with the Washington Wizards after taking a stab at professional baseball, told a news conference.

"It's a group of us and I'm proud to be a part of them and, believe me, I'm going to remember them as much as they remember me."

He enters the Hall of Fame alongside Stockton and Sloan, who, respectively, played for and coached the Jazz team Jordan's Bulls defeated in the 1997 and 1998 NBA finals.

GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Jordan's game-winning shot against Utah to win that last championship was a major highlight in a career filled with too many outstanding achievements to count.

Asked to talk about his most special basketball accomplishment, Jordan said: "It's so hard. It's like asking 'which one of your kids is your best kid?'

"I've had so many great accomplishments, so many spectacular plays, big plays, game-winning shots. It's hard for me to pick out one."

Jordan, currently the managing member of basketball operations of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats and a major global advertising force, said he would never say he was the greatest player of all time.

"People say that I was the greatest who ever played the game, I cringe a little bit. I never played against Jerry West, I never played against Elgin Baylor, I never played against Wilt Chamberlain," he said.

"Yeah, I would have loved to but to say that I'm better than those people is not for me to decide.

He said he saw "some resemblance" between himself and current NBA players LeBron James and Kobe Bryant but added: "Don't be in a rush to try to find the next Michael Jordan -- there's not going to be another Michael Jordan."

After applause, he clarified, saying players from every era had their own special qualities.

FIA boss says Piquet offered immunity if tells truth
By Alan Baldwin
MONZA, Italy, (Reuters) - Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet has been offered immunity from prosecution if he tells the truth about his former Renault Formula One team, FIA president Max Mosley said yesterday..

The offer is similar to one made to McLaren drivers in 2007 when that team was being investigated over Ferrari documents found in their possession.

McLaren were fined a record $100 million and stripped of all their points in that case but Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, now with Renault, faced no sanctions after giving evidence.

"He (Piquet) has been told that if he tells us the truth then he will not be proceeded against individually," the head of the governing International Automobile Federation told reporters at the Italian Grand Prix.

Renault face a hearing in Paris on Sept. 21 after the FIA investigated allegations that they ordered Piquet to crash deliberately at last year's Singapore Grand Prix to help team mate Alonso win the race.

If found guilty of fraudulent behaviour and bringing the sport into disrepute, the team could be kicked out of the championship.

Renault have accused Piquet and his father, who shares the same name and was a triple Formula One champion, of making false allegations and attempted blackmail. The driver was dropped by Renault in August after failing to score a point this season.

Mosley stressed that the accusations were unproven but said the Renault case was potentially more serious than the McLaren one of 2007.

He added that Renault had asked for more time to submit documents and had been given until the middle of next week.

MORE SERIOUS
"One of the bad things about McLaren was that they did not tell the truth, so that went against them," he said.

"But on the other hand, what is alleged to have been done here, is probably more serious. But to assess that, it is a matter for the world council, it is not really for me to say."

Mosley said race fixing was "one degree worse than cheating".

"If you're a cyclist and you take dope, that's cheating. If you bribe the other cyclists, or you get somebody to have a crash in the peloton so the yellow jersey guy crashes, that's more serious," he added.

"Then if it puts human life at risk, whether it's the spectators, the marshals or the drivers, then it's more serious again."

Mosley said documents circulating on the internet, including a damning statement from Piquet to the FIA, appeared to be authentic. He also confirmed that there was nothing to suggest Alonso knew anything about any attempt to rig the race.

"I haven't seen anything which I believe to be a forgery," he said, while adding a note of caution.

"We are in a situation at the moment where we have heard one side of the story and have investigated to the best of our ability," he said.

"Now we are waiting for Renault's side of the story, and it is only when we have got both sides, and both of them have been heard, that one can actually reach a conclusion.

"In most places, you assume someone is innocent until they are proven guilty. And that is the situation we are in at the moment."

Windies play first of two warm-up matches today
POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies will face provincial side Cape Cobras in the first of two warm-up matches today, as they continue their preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy later this month.

The side, which arrived here Monday, have been embedded in a training camp and this will be the first chance for them to get match practice on South African soil.

The match is scheduled to get underway at 10 am (4 am Eastern Caribbean Time) at the Markötter Stadium in Klerksdorp, a small city located in North West Province formerly known a Western Transvaal.

On Monday, the Windies will clash with North West Dragons also at 10 am local time.

After the camp concludes on Wednesday, the Windies will play official warm-up matches against South Africa next Friday before facing Sri Lanka on September 20.

West Indies, depleted by the loss of their leading players because of a contracts dispute, have a tall order in the Champions Trophy and will be hard-pressed to make it out the group stages.

Drawn in Group A, they will clash with Pakistan, Australia and India

Rain washes out first day of GCA/Cellink Plus final
..but GCA president vents his frustration
By Calvin Roberts
EVEN as the rain was pouring on the outfield of the world famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, forcing the abandonment of play on the first day of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA)/Cellink Plus three day final yesterday, president of the GCA Alfred Mentore vented his frustration at the club’s administrators.

The final of the tournament which is in its second year, is being contested between defending champions Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) who shared the title with Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) last year and Everest Cricket Club.

“It is appalling to know that if the rain was not falling, these guys who came here to compete in a final would have had to do so on a prestigious ground as this one, with boards and galvanized sheets lying on the outfield, from a dismantled stand” said Mentore.

“I am very disappointed with this situation. The administrators of this club were aware of the final being played here since Monday, hence they had enough time to ensure the ground was in shape for cricket, the wicket is fully covered, but the works being done on one of the stands leaving debris on the field, for a final like this, is bad for cricket.”

He further stated, “GCC is one of the premier grounds in Guyana, or is known as the cricket headquarters in the country but it don’t seem as if those in charge are very much concerned for the game or what is really happening here and I am disappointed at this.”

Mentore continued to state that checks were made on the ground, wherein the GCA ask for certain defaults which they pointed out to the administrators of the club to be corrected, but apparently their pleas and concerns fell on deaf ears.

“While we have no control over the weather, I came here to witness a cricket final being organised by my association and my main concern would be the debris on the outfield, as well as the hockey goal that is still up at the northern end of the ground.”

“GCC has actually strike themselves off the list or shot themselves in the leg technically speaking, for this blunder which could have been avoided by putting things in place for cricket and whilst I don’t want to go on record as saying that we won’t be playing any final at this venue anymore, I have to consulted my executives on such a situation” said Mentore.

When contacted for a comment, manager of GCC Gladstone Fausett told the media personnel who had gathered at the venue that he has nothing to say with regards to the issue.

While there was no play on the field, the action was switch to inside where Marketing Officer 1 of the sponsors Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Phaedra Cramer-Phillips presented Mentore with a cheque of $750,000. towards the running off of this year’s first division tournament.

Weather permitting, play will get underway from 09:00h at GCC on the second day of the final, which will see the winner pocketing G$100,000. and the runner-up $50,000., from 09:00h this morning.

Caption:

Watched by a selected number of players from the finalists, president of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Alfred Mentore receives the sponsorship cheque from Marketing Officer 1 of sponsors Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Phaedra Cramer-Phillips.

Five matches slated for tomorrow in GFF Super League
THE Guyana Football Federation’s Super League will continue tomorrow with five matches at four different venues.

According to a release, the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden will host a double header that will see Sunburst Camptown of Georgetown coming up against Milerock of Linden in the feature game from 20:00h, while from 18:00h, Topp XX, also of Linden will match skills with Liquid Goal of Bartica.

Guyana Defence Force will face Victoria Kings of East Demerara at the GFC ground in Georgetown from 20:00h., while from 18:00h., Riddim Squad will take on Houston Stars in a Georgetown Football Association Division one fixture.

Over at the Uitvlugt ground in West Coast Demerara, Alpha United will face Seawall FC from 16:00h.

Rosignol United who registered a surprise win over Victoria Kings on Sunday last when the tournament was declared open at the GCC ground will come up against another East Demerara tomorrow, as they are down to face Buxton United from 16:00h at the Blairmont Community Centre ground.

Keen rivalry is anticipated at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, as all four teams that will be showcasing their talents will be looking to register victories and football fans and supporters can expect an evening of classical football.

In the opening encounter from 18:00h., five-time Kashif and Shanghai champions Topp XX will have in their line up senior national Keiron Cameron along with Michael Crandon, Troy Nelson, Michael Wills, Ruel Williams and Junior Bastani, while Liquid Love will be spearheaded by youth national Andel Norton, goal keeper Prakash Jaisari, Rondel Washington, Vernon John, Whutney Welcome, Hamley Martindale, Sean Benn and John Joseph.

For the feature game at the same venue, Sunburst Camptown will be looking to rebound from the 1-3 defeat they suffered at the hands of Alpha United last Sunday when the tournament got underway, as well as the 1-0 defeat handed to them by Fruta Conquerors in the GFA/Cellink Plus Premier League on Wednesday.

So come tomorrow, they will be coming up against the Upper Demerara champions Milerock and will be putting their hopes on senior national goal keeper Richie Richards, as welll as former `Golden Jaguar’ Nigel "Powers" Codrington, Telson Mc Kennon, Orlando Gilgeous, Troy Prescod, Rishawn Sandiford, Sherwin Codogan, Bevon Moseley, Chris Comacho and Geovennie Leitch.

Milerock’s challenge on the other hand will come from Marlon Maxius, Dwayne Fraser, Kelvin Sullivan, Steve Breweley, custodian Owen Williams, Derrol Dainty, Randy Saunders and Kenny Williams.

In Georgetown, GDF will be looking to start this tournament on a positive note with a win against the former Kashif and Shanghai Champions Victoria Kings and they will be depending on senior nationals Warren Gilkes, Devon Harris and Delroy Deen along with Jerome Ricardson, Shiek Kamal, Ryan Morrison, Seon Breweley, Eusi Phillips, Stellon David and custodian Delon Young, while Victoria Kings is hoping that their charges could rebound from their devastating upset loss last Sunday against Rosignol United.

They will be depending on former national player Pierre Joseph and other outstanding players Andrew Holder, Winston Pompey, Kwesi De Souza, Aubrey Gibson, Kojo Huntley and Rashleigh Morrison.

Over at the Uitvlugt ground, Alpha United will be going all out to maintain their unbeaten run when they tangle with Seawall FC which is being coached by former Technical Director of the GFF, Canadian Based Guyanese Claude Bolton.

Formely known as Pouderoyen FC, Seawall FC will want to make a statement that they are not only in to compete, but to put up a good fight and they will depend on prolific striker Clement Brown along with Zevon Atkinson, Delyon Josiah, Toine Lopes, Adami Hoyte, Gideon Payne and Canadian striker Aaron Thompson.

Alpha United on the other hand will have in their line up a number of current and former nationals including team captain Howard Lowe, Dwayne Jacobs, Quincy Madramootoo, Dwight Peters, Edison Gomes, goalkeeper Ronson Williams, Andrew Murray, Abassi Mc Pherson, Philbert Moffat, Shawn Bishop, Kelvin McKenzie and Brazilian striker Elsio Diaz.

Up in the Ancient County of Berbice, the youthful Buxton United, coached by Technical Developmental Officer of the GFF Lyndon France will be depending on senior national Clive Andries along with junior nationals Les Charles Critchlow, Michael and Randy Phyll and goal keeper Brian Robinson.

Rosignol will have in their line up Delroy Fraser, Tyson Carmichael, Travis Henry, Garson Baker and Keiron Boston.

Rain stops US Open play
… tournament to conclude on Monday
NEW YORK, (Reuters) - A steady rain yesterday forced the cancellation of play at the U.S. Open, meaning the last grand slam of the year will spill over to Monday for the men's final, tournament officials said.

Thursday's rain-suspended quarter-final between Rafael Nadal and Chile's Fernando Gonzalez will begin today’s programme.

When rain halted the last men's quarter-final on Thursday, the third-seeded Nadal led number 11 Gonzalez 7-6 6-6 with the Chilean serving at 2-3 in the tiebreak.

That match would be followed by the women's semi-finals, with Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark facing Belgian Yanina Wickmayer, and champion Serena Williams playing Kim Clijsters.

Since Nadal and Gonzalez will be completing their match Saturday, the men's semi-finals have been rescheduled for tomorrow with the championship final to be played on Monday, officials said.

The women's final is now scheduled to take place tomorrow.

NEW ZEALAND innings
: B. McCullum lbw b Nehra 3

J. Ryder lbw b Nehra 0

M. Guptill c Dravid b Yuvraj 22

R. Taylor c Dhoni b Singh 11

G. Elliott c Dhoni b Yuvraj 22

J. Oram c & b Sharma 24

N. Broom c Raina b Yuvraj 21

D. Vettori b Sharma 25

K. Mills b Singh 6

I. Butler c Harbhajan b Nehra 6

S. Bond not out 10

Extras (lb-4, w-1) 5

Total (all out, 46.3 overs) 155

Fall of wickets: 1-1 2-4 3-19 4-51 5-66 6-101 7-116 8-134 9-142 10-155

Bowling: Nehra 8.3-0-24-3, Singh 8-2-22-2 (1-w), Sharma 10-2-26-2, Yuvraj 10-0-31-3, Harbhajan 8-0-39-0, Raina 1-0-4-0, Pathan 1-0-5-0.

INDIA innings

D. Karthik lbw b Mills 4

S. Tendulkar c Guptill b Vettori 46

R. Dravid lbw b Oram 14

Y. Singh c Guptill b Vettori 8

M. Dhoni not out 35

S. Raina not out 45

Extras (lb-3, w-1) 4

Total (four wickets; 40.3 overs) 156

Fall of wickets: 1-7 2-67 3-71 4-84

Bowling: Mills 5.3-1-25-1, Bond 10-3-30-0 (1-w), Butler 4-0-25-0, Vettori 10-0-33-2, Oram 7-1-19-1, Elliott 2-0-9-0, Guptill 2-0-12-0.

Did not bat: Y Pathan, I Sharma, H Singh, R Singh, A Nehra.

Nehra and Yuvraj bowl India into Tri-series final
COLOMBO, (Reuters) - India left-armers Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh shared six wickets yesterday to take their team to a six wicket win over New Zealand and a place in the Tri-series final against hosts Sri Lanka.

After dismissing New Zealand for 155 from 46.3 overs, India reached their target in the 41st over.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (35 not out) and Suresh Raina (45 not out) shared an unbroken 72-run stand for the fifth wicket after they had lost their first four wickets for 84. Sachin Tendulkar contributed 46 off 55 balls.

New Zealand, who won the toss, failed to find any momentum.

Man-of-the-match Nehra trapped openers Jessie Ryder and Brendon McCullum lbw off successive overs with McCullum's dismissal giving him his 100th wicket in one-day internationals.

After the initial damage had been done by Nehra, the left-arm spin of Yuvraj crippled the New Zealand middle order. Yuvraj ended with figures of three for 31 and Nehra with three for 24.

India will play Sri Lanka in their second match today in what will be a dress rehearsal for Monday's final.

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Prior, Onions and Swann given England central contracts
…Harmison and Panesar overlooked
THE international careers of Monty Panesar and Steve Harmison are at the crossroads after both were overlooked by the ECB for a central contract.

Panesar is now rated behind Adil Rashid, who received an incremental contract for 2009-10, while Graeme Onions and Tim Bresnan were favoured ahead of Harmison on the 18-man list.

The omission of Panesar is short of surprising, given Rashid's solid returns for Yorkshire and the England one-day teams this year and Panesar's own declining fortunes.

Panesar has claimed just 14 wickets at 85.00 in the County Championship for Northamptonshire this season, and was largely ineffective in his sole Ashes outing at Sophia Gardens.

Harmison, though, has more cause to feel aggrieved. His 46 wickets at 19.91 have been instrumental in Durham's surge to the championship crown this season, and his performances against the Australians at Headingley and The Oval were spirited.

Reports earlier in the season suggested Harmison was considering retiring from international cricket, and it remains to be seen what impact, if any, his omission from England's central contract list will have on that decision.

"I am sure he is disappointed not to have one but Steve could still play a role for us in our stock of fast bowlers," said England's team director Andy Flower.

"He could go to South Africa with the Test team, and play a very significant role. He has talked about retirement recently and that is a decision only he can make. When I spoke to him he was still quite keen to play but still had not made a decison. I would love him to carry on.

"Central contracts don't decide selection - performances do. I would like him to be available for England. He's still a very fine fast bowler and he's got a lot to offer. There's no reason why he cannot be a permanent fixture in our bowling unit."

Aside from Panesar and Harmison, the trio of Samit Patel, Tim Ambrose and the retired Michael Vaughan also lost their contracts for 2009-10, while Andrew Flintoff received an incremental deal as he embarks on a limited-overs career. Onions, Matt Prior and Graeme Swann were awarded full 12-month contracts for the first time, and Rashid and Jonathan Trott were among those to secure incremental deals.

The move to award Ian Bell a full contract is of significant interest, coming less than three months after he was overlooked for the Ashes opener in Cardiff.

Bell was recalled for the Edgbaston Test after Kevin Pietersen underwent series-ending Achilles surgery, and posted two half-centuries in five innings, including a vital first innings 72 at The Oval.

He now appears to have possession of the No. 3 position in the immediate term, with contenders Ravi Bopara, Owais Shah and Trott receiving incremental contracts.

"Bell's situation is he played in the last Test match, he batted No. 3 for us, he played a very important role in us winning that last Test match," Flower said.

"England have invested a lot in Ian Bell; he's played 49 Test matches, he's got a lot of experience and he's still relatively young. I hope that he's still got a lot to offer English cricket in the future, but only he can determine how well he does. That comes from within. But I look forward to seeing him being a very successful international batsman."

Players awarded full 12-month contracts are divided into three salary brackets, the highest of which is believed to be worth around £250,000. Those on incremental deals are understood to receive a base salary of £40,000 and can top-up their earnings with match payments.

Flintoff's ECB earnings, therefore, will largely be determined by the success and speed of his recovery from knee surgery.

The all-rounder, who retired from Test cricket after the Ashes series, could be sidelined for nine months as he attempts to return to fitness and fulfill his ambition of representing England in the limited overs formats.

"The decision to award an incremental contract to Andrew reflects our view that he will still have an important role to play in our one-day side going forward and we wish him well with his rehabilitation from injury.

As we saw in this summer's Ashes Test series, he remains a world-class talent," said Geoff Miller, England's national selector.

"Likewise, the award of incremental contracts to Tim Bresnan, Adil Rashid and Jonathan Trott for the first time is in recognition of the excellent start they have all made to their international careers and their potential to develop still further as cricketers over the next 12 months."

Full contracts James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Graham Onions, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ryan Sidebottom, Andrew Strauss and Graeme Swann

Incremental contracts Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Andrew Flintoff, Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Jonathan Trott and Luke Wright. (Cricinfo)