|
|
|
|
|
|
PRAKASHJI COMES HOME
By Parvati Persaud-Edwards
The angst felt by Guyanese at home when the funeral of Shri Prakash Gossai was held in New York was somewhat assuaged yesterday when his ashes were scattered in the waters of his homeland after a touching memorial service culminating in a simple aarti ceremony.
Participants who could not fit into the mandir sat under a beautifully-woven palm-frond shed, spilling under a couple of other large tents on the grounds of the DeHoop Mandir on the East Coast of Demerara.
Dr, Nanda Gopaul, who deputized as MC in the place of Prakashji’s brother of the soul, Dr. Suresh Narine, spoke of the many wonderful qualities of Prakashji, not least his ability to facilitate and tolerate the conduct of male colleagues who probably made risqué jokes in his presence, maybe even pulling his legs a bit in shared camaraderie because, as Dr. Gopaul said, above all things, he was a wonderful human being who could bond with everyone in any sphere.
So many persons have shared memories of bonding with Prakashji, who is revered across the world and held in high esteem by even world leaders, yet he never lost the common touch – and that was the measure of his greatness. The humility that cloaked his persona with a warmth that touched the souls of everyone with whom he came into contact was his defining characteristic. He belonged to everyone and his aura was a common meeting ground for everyone everywhere, whatever their status in society.
He had this droll way of putting situations into perspective that yet offered comfort, and Pt. Ravi recalled one: “Nobody nah pelt empty mango tree.” And that wise little saying has provided solace and comforted many who have been the victim of rumours and spiteful actions of envious, covetous persons, because his meaning is that one has to be laden with God’s gifts before they are pelted with the ill-will and spiteful actions of lesser beings, very much like Jesus once comforted the aggrieved with lessons of life contained in his parables.
He was an intellectual who interpreted scientific concepts in like manner as he extemporized on Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmaanus; moreso in such melodic fluency as to make the celestials jealous. His heavenly, soothing baritone will continue to provide solace to trouble souls for generations to come.
And when one heard his father, Shri Bissoondyal Gossai sing, it is only then that the source of that blissful voice is made manifest, because his father enthralled those who went to honour his son no less than his son did though his uniquely interpretative renditions in teaching the precepts of the Ramayan.
President Bharat Jagdeo bestowed the gift of Prakashji on this nation when he invited him to return home because, in the President’s own words: “He did not need much encouragement. Although he was serving the New York Community well, he was constrained and wanted to return home to extend his services beyond the confines of religion and make a contribution to nation-building.”
But the basis of Prakashji’s religion is seva – service to God through serving man, and extending that service to embrace humanity is the exact precepts of the Ramayan that Prakashji has espoused all his life.
The President described this great soul as a “unique individual with vital qualities to offer to the world”:
And Prakashji has done so – immeasureably. President Jagdeo said that Prakashji knew instinctively that only hard work and a change of attitude could heal this nation from the traumas of the events of the sixties and the loss of freedom in the land.
Guyana’s President spoke of the soft side of Prakashji whose peculiar gift could bring people from every divide into harmonious co-existence, saying that there is a gap in the Office of the President since the loss of Prakashji, because he was bringing together members from every community and creating a cohesion that enabled people from our diverse cultures to work together to realize the possibilities of this nation.
Expressing his regret for not having had enough time to spend with a man whom he honours, and whose contribution to nation-building and to humanity as a whole he recognizes, the President said to the effect that humans take the people dear to them and in whom they have faith for granted, without realising that opportunities may be forever lost to destiny in a moment.
Bhajans were sung by Devi Seeraj, Bhai Mohan, Evan Radhay Persaud, with the most beautiful rendition by Prakashji’s father, Shri Bissoondyal Gossai.
Prakashji’s brother, Pt Bankim Gossai, presided over the ceremonies, assisted by Bramchari Vihari Sharan.
Pt. Ravi adjured those who love Prakashji not to mourn his death, because it is only the closure of a physical chapter. Quoting from the Gita, Pt. Ravi said that a branch that started in the river of Little Biaboo encountered many obstacles before being swept by the current of existence into the ocean of bliss which is represented by the abode of the Lord
Prakashji’s very popular composition “aaye bhi akela, jaye bhi akela, do din ki zindagi hai, do din ka mela”, which means “We made our entry into the world alone and in a similar manner we shall leave alone. But life is very short and its journey is like a fair.”
But he has not gone, not while his voice resonates in our souls, and the essence of his quiet presence reverberates in our memories.
Skeldon factory will be a success when it starts producing enough
- Says President Bharrat Jagdeo
By Tajeram Mohabir
President Bharrat Jagdeo and Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud unveil plaque to commission modern Skeldon sugar factory |
|
|
|
President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the commissioning of the Skeldon Factory will only be a success when GuySuCo starts producing enough money to cover all its costs and to contribute to the national treasury.
The President made this remark at the commissioning ceremony of the new US$181M facility at the Skeldon Estate at a gathering which included Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, other ministers, Regional Chairman Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, GuySuCo Chairman Dr Nanda Gopaul, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Errol Hanoman, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) President Mr. Komal Chand, other trade union representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.
Mr. Jagdeo stressed that the modern factory reflects a serious commitment of his Government to ensure the survival of the industry.
“We can’t wait to the end of 2011 to have 1.2 million tonnes of canes in the field; this has to be done now, next year we have to start working on this, and even if it means the state providing a bit more resources, we have to find innovate ways of getting this done, it could be done from all that I have heard, the President said.
“We are going to make a serious effort. I want the Board to understand that and the minister will have to push this to ensure that this happens,” the Guyanese Head of State underlined.
Value for money
He said Government demands value for money and every single cent spent in the industry must be rigorously tested.
“The question must be asked, are we getting value for money? And, if the answer is no, the procedures have to change,” the President told the gathering.
He said the Government expects accountability on the part of managers for performance, and those who prevail will be rewarded and those who fail will be appropriately penalised.
State-of-the-art Skeldon Sugar Factory |
|
|
|
Mr. Jagdeo emphasised workers have a right to full compensation and the Corporation must constantly try to enhance their pay package; but he reiterated that they too must understand their roles in ensuring the survival of the industry and engendering its success.
Mr. Jagdeo urged the workers to be reasonable sometimes, pointing out that they have to look at the financial situation of the industry.
“You can’t break the industry when it is trying to emerge and build these big investments,” he underscored, adding that the Government is trying to secure the industry in the long term.
Diversification
The Head of State also said there is need to push diversification aggressively, not only in sugar, but in other products as well.
He said “it is a tragedy” that only a decade ago Guyana started packaging sugar, noting that there are many ways its value can be enhanced and he feels the energy and drive in this regard is absent.
The President stressed that GuySuCo has to produce more sugar and he believes it can produce 400,000 tonnes of sugar and a significant part can go into markets in different forms, as specialty sugar for instance, as is being done by smaller countries.
He lauded the Chinese Government for its generosity and support in making the Skeldon project a reality, particularly the contractors, who have managed to overcome the hiccups to deliver the product.
He said even though his Government’s plan for restructuring the sugar industry started in 1998, it was only in 2005 that the first pile was driven.
Too vital to fail
The period in between, the President recalled, was spent trying to convince the multilateral agencies that sugar was too vital to fail in a country like Guyana.
“What I find very ironic today is that the same people who argued, against this, that the investment was too large, it was close to 25 per cent of GDP at that time, (today it is about 15 per cent of GDP), they are claiming that there are sectors and industries in the United States of America, Britain and the developed parts of the world, too large to fail, and therefore they are pumping billions of state dollars into these companies to ensure their survival and these are larger economies,” he observed.
Sugar contributes close to 16 per cent of GDP and some $35B in foreign currency revenue.
“We probably could have had the investment done ten years ago, long before the EU cut prices on sugar, and maybe we wouldn’t have been in the same kind of difficulties now that we experience, when we just have a start-up of a new investment coinciding with a major cut in revenue of 36 per cent in the same year. But that’s all water under the bridge,” he added.
Mr. Jagdeo pointed out too that the Government is faced with the same kinds of arguments with the hydropower project, and disclosed that if all fails with private investment, the state will find a way in investing in that area, as it has done with the Skeldon project.
New chapter
Minister Persaud described the colossal investment as a new chapter in the saga of the country’s sugar industry.
“This particular episode has been scripted after a profound assessment of where the sugar industry is poised today, the challenges it faces and the identification of what is needed to facilitate a globally competitive industry that would continue to contribute to the development of our country and the well being of our people,” he informed the gathering.
He said the factory reflects the unfolding of a vision long before the threats that now confront the sugar industry surfaced.
“Our party and President recognised that sugar, given its share in our GDP, its contribution to national employment and foreign exchange earnings, as well as to societal welfare, could not be left unattended to face the raging tempests of a hostile external environment,” Persaud reminded sugar workers.
The minister said labour must be responsible and responsive to the financial standing of the company and management must be held to a higher level of accountability.
Working together
He stressed that the industry must be managed differently from the past, and workers and management must make the necessary sacrifices in ensuring GuySuCo returns to profitability.
“Any extended losses by the sugar corporation will mean hardships and difficulties for all stakeholders. Simply put, the future of workers is tied to the viability of the industry,” Persaud noted.
He said the Government is seriously contemplating the setting up of a refinery plant at Skeldon; and if this proves to be a viable enterprise, it will create more jobs and deepen and diversify the industrialisation of the industry.
Persaud said the vision for sugar is a structured and diversified industry which will allow Guyana to attain global competitiveness in production, products, and create new hubs of cane and sugar related activities.
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Mr. Zhang Jungao said the investment has brought the two countries closer together as it marks a new milestone in their relationship.
GDF SLAMS KAIETEUR NEWS FOR IRRESPONSIBLE REPORTING
The Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force are shocked, horrified and saddened at the notorious and reprehensible criminal conduct of a few Coast Guard Ranks who perpetrated the robbery and subsequent murder of Dweive Kant Ramdass of Bartica, the GDF said in a press statement last evening.
The GDF reiterates that such criminality in no way speaks to its character, the statement said.
The statement continues:
Chief-of-Staff, Commodore Gary Best has met with the decease’s family and given the assurances that all expenses associated with his interment will be undertaken by the state. He has also extended, on behalf of the entire Force, sincerest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Mr. Ramdass.
The GDF has launched an investigation into the incident and will undertake rigorous internal scrutiny to prevent the reoccurrence of any such acts.
Meanwhile, contrary to the report contained in today’s (Sunday’s) Kaieteur News’(KN) article headlined “Army Chief, Coast Guard rank differ on Lindo Creek”, the Guyana Defence Force wishes to categorically state that the allegation made by one of the arrested Coast Guard, that he was involved in Joint Services operation at Lindo Creek, are false and without substance. The GDF wishes to state that the Rank who is being quoted by KN was never involved in any activities of the Joint Services Operations Group (JSOG). In the past, Kaieteur News has printed and circulated information which sought to link the Joint Services to the occurrences at Lindo Creek. This was done despite the lack of evidence to support their reportage. Though requested, there was no retraction of those reports.
Once again, KN is misleading the public through the publication of information which is totally devoid of any evidence. The CG Rank who is under arrest for the murder of Mr. Ramdass was never involved in JSOG operations in the Lindo creek area. Under the circumstances, the GDF is requesting that KN prints a full retraction of the scurrilous information in the article.
Corbin staves off leadership challenge
OLD stager Robert Corbin staved off a challenge to his leadership of the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) late Saturday by an official overwhelming margin over his rival and fellow party stalwart Winston Murray.
But persistent claims of fraud and other irregularities in the party elections continue to dog him as he faces the daunting task of mending a seriously fractured party ahead of Local Government elections and general elections in 2011.
While the poll results showed that the Corbin camp’s machinery was well-oiled to ensure he remains in the top post, the obvious dismay among previous and the latest challengers to his leadership could leave him shorn of the support of several senior party stalwarts.
Murray, once a die-hard Corbin backer picked as the sole challenger in the leadership race, accepted the official results and told reporters he is considering his political future.
Business people and others in the Reform wing of the PNCR last week rallied to Murray’s camp as expectations rose that he may prove formidable enough to unseat the incumbent Corbin.
But their hopes were dashed with the Corbin camp delivering him a wide enough official victory margin which Murray has accepted with equanimity. Corbin polled 614 votes against 223 for Murray.
Corbin, 61, a PNCR stalwart, was elected party chairman in 2000 and retained the role in 2002. He was chosen to lead the party in 2003 following the death of former President Desmond Hoyte.
After the party’s defeat in the 2006 national elections, Corbin's leadership came under scrutiny, although ultimately his two prospective challengers withdrew before a contest could be organised and his leadership was affirmed.
Challenges to Corbin’s leadership of the party led to infighting which intensified late last year after stalwart Mr. James McAllister was removed as a PNCR parliamentarian. This prompted strong protests from senior members, including Mr. Vincent Alexander, Registrar at the University of Guyana, who had previously attempted to challenge Corbin as leader.
In a statement then, the breakaway group, called ‘Team Alexander’, said it can no longer be of service to a party that “merely gives lip service to the ideals that inspired our continued service…”
Alexander resigned as the PNCR representative on the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform and Ms. Julianne Gaul submitted her resignation from the Regional Development Council of Region Four.
Dr Richard Van West-Charles, former Health Minister and a son-in-law of the late President Forbes Burnham, returned home to challenge Corbin as leader of the party.
His main aim, he told the Chronicle, was to help bring the party his father-in-law founded in the mid-1950s into the principles and values of the 21st century and the challenge to Corbin for the PNCR top post was a central plank in this plan.
Van West-Charles last week withdrew from the race, backing Murray in elections at the party’s 16th Biennial Congress.
He sharply criticised Corbin’s leadership of the party claiming there was a clear “need for a new leader who can motivate party members at all levels to give their best effort.”
He said it was “undeniable that over the last five years our party suffered precipitous diminution which has affected its ability to effectively fulfill its mandate.”
“The steady departure of talented and established leaders from the ranks of the party has now reached crisis proportions and is resulting in disconnect between the party and its constituency. Over this period there have been several changes in the leadership team giving support to the Leader but the problem still persists”, he said.
But he said he was prepared to and “will abide by the decisions of the Congress.”
“My love and commitment for this party is not limited to an election result”, he offered.
Corbin has been dogged by leadership in-fighting and charges of rigging party elections with Norton claiming he was last month manoeuvred out of the post as Chairman of the Georgetown district, a charge Corbin has denied.
The Biennial Delegates Congress is the highest decision making forum of the party and the theme was “People’s Victory Through Local Democracy.”
Suriname to reopen border crossing following Minister Persaud's visit
- agri and other exports to resume
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud yesterday met with his Surinamese counterpart, Dr Karamchand Ragoebarsingh, and the Commissar of Nickerie B. Shankar, in Nickerie, Suriname, to discuss that country's recent closure of unofficial river crossings.
According to a release, following the discussions, the Surinamese authorities have agreed that from today the backtrack border crossing will be opened to people, goods and certified agri exports.
The release said Persaud welcomed the development and restated Guyana's commitment to collaborate in the area of agriculture development, particularly in plant health surveillance and management.
The Surinamese agriculture minister expressed commitment to working with Guyana and assured that there will be no barrier to certified agriculture trade.
Persaud used the opportunity to update Surinamese on Guyana's modern and elaborate plant and animal health surveillance system.
He urged that no rash decision be taken that can disrupt the livelihood of farmers, exporters and others who depend on legal cross border trade.
The two ministers will continue to hold discussions and push for greater cooperation at the technical level.
Ramdass to be buried today
The battered remains of Dweive Kant Ramdass, who disappeared on Thursday after allegedly being whisked away in a boat with three Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard soldiers, is to be buried today at his hometown Bartica, Region Seven.
This is according to a press release issued by the Guyana Defence Force Public Relations Department. According to the release, Chief-of-Staff Commodore Gary Best met with the family of the deceased, and gave assurances that all expenses associated with his interment will be undertaken by the state.
|
|
|
|
Infrastructure, ITC, power pivotal to a prosperous economy – President Jagdeo
A highly interactive session with meaningful ideas about moving Guyana forward can be the words used to describe Saturday’s Cabinet Outreach at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, under the theme ‘Conversation on the Future.’
President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the cabinet outreach session on national development at GICC |
|
|
|
The process, which represents government’s mandate of reaching out to the grassroots of society, had as its main focus the national development agenda which begs the question, “What is needed to move Guyana forward?”
Representatives from a large cross section of society were able to listen, comment and query as President Jagdeo proposed a few unprecedented ideas about Guyana achieving this national development.
The Government has identified, through the National Development Strategy (NDS) and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), several sectors that are important for Guyana and which the President elaborated upon at the session.
First on the list is a supportive infrastructural environment provided by the state.
“Right now, if you drive from Charity all the way to Berbice, (Molsen Creek), you would see a huge investment in roads, in bridges; territorial integration is a key part of our infrastructural plan because without adequate means of transportation we can’t generate wealth as effectively as we should,” President Jagdeo said.
Reference was also made to the road to Brazil, the deep water harbor and greater travel by air as necessary if Guyana were to be efficient, successful and competitive in production and export.
The development of Guyana’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure was also highlighted by the President as part of the agenda that will see more fiber optic cables heading in Guyana’s direction, the main aim of which is to promote greater connectivity with the rest of the world.
The President disclosed that his Government is working closely with a company to craft a fiber optic ‘backbone’ that will link the main corridors of Guyana with broadband technology.
“That could make a big difference to entrepreneurs, not only the factory that is producing shoes would need to get in touch with its consumers, but the information communication technology related services for Essequibo, or Linden or on the East Coast can all do so without having to worry about cutting the fiber optic cable which causes them to lose millions of dollars,” President Jagdeo said.
Third on the President’s list was power (electricity) which he said is critical to the unleashing of a new economy in Guyana.
At present, a new power plant at Kingston is in the process of being constructed that will add 20.7 megawatts of electricity to the grid in Demerara, while in Berbice some 40 megawatts will be included from the services of the new Skeldon sugar factory.
The President, during the half-day session, traced Guyana’s journey since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in 1992, noting that it is marked by repairing the state of neglect which was evident in Guyana and servicing debt.
“The fact is that today, we are using four percent of our revenue to service debt as opposed to 94 percent 15 years ago. We now have 96 percent of our revenue to spend back on our people rather than servicing external debt,” President Jagdeo said
Among the highlights of the PPP/C administration’s achievements, the Head of State said, are reduction in the fiscal deficit, expansion in private sector growth with thousands of house lots and housing programmes being launched, an expansion in health facilities and a renewed focus on infrastructure.
While such achievements are worthy of applause, the President said, the disappointment about such progress is the fact that Guyana was in such a neglected state that development was badly needed.
“The roads, many of them were there before, but then we had to spend billions of dollars to fix them and the sea defences and the schools and the hospitals. How do we expand the wealth of this country? How do we move from just rehabilitation to creating the impetus for future growth in a changing world? This is where we need to focus,” President Jagdeo said.
Several areas have been identified as part of Government’s priority agenda to promote national development, foremost among which, the President said, are to closely monitor events in the rest of the world.
Guyana, as a fledgling nation with an economy that relies heavily on its export market, will not be prosperous with an economy driven solely by internal demand, the President said.
“Everything that happens in the rest of the world will impact on our well-being, so if there are economic problems in China, and China buys rice and sugar or bauxite from Guyana, then we too will suffocate. So we can’t build a barrier between us and the rest of the world; we have to work aggressively to influence policy decisions made by the rest of the world to ensure that they do not significantly affect our economic and political interests,” the President emphasised. (GINA)
Salvationists welcome new Caribbean territorial leaders
Hundreds of Salvationists from various Salvation Army worship centres around Guyana yesterday joined Divisional Leaders – Majors Sinous and Marie Theodore and other officers of the Division, in according a civic welcome to Caribbean Territorial Leaders – Colonels Onal and Edmane Castor on their first visit to Guyana.
Among the guests present at the Divisional Holiness Meeting held at Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets were Mayor of Georgetown – Mr. Hamilton Green, who welcomed and presented them with the symbolic “key to the city”; Bishop Juan Edgill and members of the Salvation Army Advisory Board.
Seated from left are: Mr. Lawrence Farley – Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board, Bishop Juan Edghill, Mayor Hamilton Green, Major Sinous Theodore, and Colonel Onal Castor (in dark suit). At the rostrum is Captain Ernest Gachelin.
DSC 5529: At yesterday’s holiness meeting: From left: Visiting Caribbean Territorial Leaders – Colonels Onal and Edmane Castor, Major Marie Theodore – Divisonal Head of Women’s Ministries, and Captain Joan Thomas – Divisional Finance Officer.
School curriculum must be altered to instill spirit of entrepreneurship – President Jagdeo
While outlining some of the areas which Guyanese can work collectively to secure a prosperous future, during the Cabinet outreach session Saturday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, President Bharrat Jagdeo called for a renewed interest in entrepreneurial skills.
“We have to find a way to alter our curriculum. This is something that we need to work with the private sector and others in doing. In the school’s curriculum we have to find a way of instilling entrepreneurial behaviour,” President Jagdeo said.
The President said such a renewed interest will go a long way in promoting a strong “indigenous private sector,” but believes that introducing the skill to the youth as he or she grows old will be a mistake.
He also believes that it is never too late to train early school leavers and even pensioners, with the ultimate goal being a stronger work force.
“If a lot of these sectors take off, as I anticipate them to do, we will have problems with labour in our country; so the task for the future has to be that we ensure that every able-bodied and even those who are physically challenged are given a skill to participate in this new economy,” President Jagdeo said.
The achievement of this goal, the President said, calls for a modern education delivery system that determines it indeed is doing an effective job at preparing the population for the twenty first century.
Skills training continues to be a priority area of the government and through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s flagship programme, the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST), several youths who for various reasons neglected their primary and secondary education are offered a second chance.
The programme runs for 10 months residentially at the Kuru Kuru training centre on the Linden Highway, and non-residentially at the Sophia Training Centre, equipping the youths with skills in business studies, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing and sheet metal, welding and fabrication.
Several youths who pass through the programme have become employable. Many students from the hinterland have returned to their communities as entrepreneurial ambassadors.
Under the Ministry of Labour, youths and single parents are provided with life skills education and skills training through the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE).
The single parent aspect of the programme was introduced after the database of single parents was created by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to provide assistance to single parents who are unable to provide for their children.
NTPYE is funded by the Government and included a $25M allocation for single parents this year. (GINA)
Interpol has no right to conduct investigations here
- Says AG Ramson
By Telesha Persaud
ATTORNEY General Charles Ramson has said that no investigating firm has the right to conduct investigations in Guyana due to it being a sovereign state.
Ramson was speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Carmichael Street, North Cummingsburg, and was responding to a question in connection with Interpol to investigate the Guyana Government.
The main opposition People’s National Congress Reform had organised a protest recently to call for an investigation into the Administration by Interpol in connection with the Roger Khan saga.
But Ramson made it clear that Guyana is a sovereign state, hence “Interpol has no right to be here.”
“I don’t know where the press is getting this idea that Interpol has some authority to enter the territory of a sovereign state. They have no such authority,” Ramson stated.
“When anything happens in the United States, Interpol is not allowed to go in and do an investigation. Why is it that Guyana must be subjected to this kind of invasion?” he asked.
“Recently, we have been trying to get some information out of Interpol and the rules in the United States would not allow Interpol to access the information we were seeking,” he said.
In this matter, Ramson said all steps would be taken in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
He explained that the DPP has the constitutional responsibility. “An investigation has to be conducted first. Everything takes its own process. I am a firm believer that the constitution overrides every other process, legal or otherwise,” he said.
He further explained that once allegations are made in the seclusion of a court, steps cannot be taken at a political level unless a judge directs the DPP to open an investigation.
Ramson said enforcement agencies would have to play their part in inquiring whether or not there is any truth in the allegations. “Neither the Attorney General Chambers nor the Government is an investigating agency,” he noted.
According to him, President Bharrat Jagdeo has already said that this is the job of the Police Commissioner.
The Police Commissioner in turn has informed that he is waiting on information from the United States, he said.
Ramson said he is waiting to hear what penalty Khan is going to suffer since he recently pleaded guilty. “I don’t want people to believe that this Roger Khan story must override what is happening on a day to day basis in this country.”
“The diplomatic process can be used but how far it would get is another matter. There is no evidence that he exported the stuff from here,” Ramson stated.
He mentioned, too, that he did not believe that Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy was guilty of any of the allegations against him presently.
“The Minister whose name was called has categorically and publicly denied any involvement. I know Minister Ramsammy and at one stage I thought they really meant me because it is more in my kind of character makeup to get involved at that level. But I don’t believe Minister Ramsammy would ever get involved. I know the man,” Ramson stated.
He expressed concern over the reports in certain sections of the media having to do with Selwyn Vaughn’s testimony.
“I would have thought that the press would have been a little wary about relying on this man Vaughn having regard to the benefits he has been receiving. Guyanese would give an arm and a leg to become a resident of the United States.”
Ramson said it is a known fact that Vaughn not only got residence in the United States, but his wife and family received green cards as well.
He continued, “And a man who is a confessed murderer himself…you have to be very careful with his testimony. Any judge would tell you that.”
Ramson also related that the equipment that is in the possession of the United States court was manufactured in 2003, according to Peter Myers (of Smith Myers Communications).
He pointed out that Khan was charged for an offence in 2002 hence the equipment the police has must be the one that was seized from him, unless there were two sets of equipment.
According to Ramson, the court case concerned the incident that took place in 2002. “The equipment presented to the court in Robert Simels’ matter could not be the one that Khan had over here, not in relation to his case,” he said.
Worms once again causing havoc on Pomeroon Coconut Estates
By Brandon Cabose, Essequibo Correspondent
THE Coconut Caterpillars, also known to farmers as the coconut worms, have once again resurfaced on the coconut estates of Mr. Henry and Alfro Alphonso of Grant Tenneze Ferme, Lower Pomeroon River.
The farmers reported to Guyana Chronicle that the situation, which started in May of this year, was brought under control after advice from Mr. Spelling of the Agriculture Department of Region Two.
The farmers said they used the chemical TRIAZOPHOS which killed most of the worms and brought the situation under control; but farmers said a few days ago the worms have started to re-appear in large numbers.
The farmers further pointed out that the only chemical that can completely destroy the worms is the MONOCROTOPHUS but the chemical is currently off the market because of health reasons.
The farmers are now once again calling on the relevant authorities to take a look into the situation before it gets out of control and the worms spread to the large coconut plantation nearby. This could have a severe impact on the lives of the people of the Lower Pomeroon since they depend largely on the coconut business for a daily living, as many floods to have hit the Pomeroon in recent times.
The management of The Pomeroon Oil Mill also joined the farmers’ plea for help since they are concerned that if the situation gets out of control, the copra supply to the mill would decrease which can cause the production rate to slow and eventually affect the export market.
The DePress ASSociation silent
The Parrot knows of the traditional one-minute silence which is normally observed in respect of the passing of someone. Generally it is afforded to those who are considered well known; important; influential. It’s obvious that when someone is dead, they are not around; at least not in body. Dah! Anybody would know that. With this “obviousness”, it seems as if the Guyana DePress ASSociation has joined company with those who cannot physically boast of completing the final journey into the realms of the great beyond.
This “conclusion” was reached since the ASSociation has been silent over the last few weeks; even months. When Shop-Brawl was in charge, there was plenty non-silence. It was fret and quarrel and ruckus over any “lil” thing. He ensured that the DePress ASSociation was always depressed…oops, always in the Press. After all, the man is a presser. He presses for some local and foreign (well so he says) organisations. It was in his interest to keep the DePress ASSociation pressing. Since he lost, sorry, left de wuk, the only pressing he doing is on he clothes. By the way, where is he?
De wuk get tek by Go-Mo from the CaPITal City news who go mosle….mostly with Uncle Bob from the Plenty Now Challenging Robert’s party and with Ruff-fella from the All Fools Congregation. This Go-Mo- fella is known for his high-decibel outburst, am…reporting. These outbursts…reports, are always crafted to malign Uncle Bharrat and his team. The “malignment” got so nasty that Go-Mo is still not welcomed at Uncle Bharrat’s office and house. Yes, this Go-Mo is one “fire----”, (I know which four letters you want to fill those blanks with), “fire-ball” (not Phillo) when it comes to doing Uncle Bob’s and Ruff-fella’s bidding in ranting against Uncle Bharrat and his guvment.
But the “fire-ball” (again not Phillo) is quiet in his discharging of his functions as Resident, my bad, I mean President of the DePress ASSociation. One would expect that with the current hot August-month sun, the “ball” would gather more heat and flare up. His colleagues talking about fire; “mo fyah-slow fyah”. The musketeers spoke about “fires now beginning to burn”. The Ministry suffered. Some allegedly involved were charged. Uncle Bob and Ruff-fella pick up fire-rage and call for protest. The CaPITal boss and JJ, who once had the same wuk that Shop-Brawl lost, firing one-sided stories from the trial in NY. The reports back-fire when some of their ASSociates names were called.
So how come Go-Mo all shushed up quiet as a church mouse when “things nah regula” (remember Lorrie?) on the media front? State media operatives are being impersonated. Operatives from the Water Fall paper have been accused of such. Weh Gordon deh? Weh ‘e mouth gone? How come he not “outbursting” about the lack ethics by some of his colleagues? The Chicken Noodle Station showed a decapitated ten year-old following an accident. Why no “outburst” Go-Mo? Why no “outburst” about the blatant bias reporting by Uncle Bob and Ruff-fella media cronies? Why no “outburst” about the omission of pro-government and developmental information in that section of the media?
The reason that he, Go-Mo, is quiet, is because he cannot “outburst” at himself and his “partners-in-crime”. His selectiveness in “outbursting” has caught up with him. He cannot go against his own practice and that of his political masters who pull his “strings”. I am sure he has found solace in the company with “Elmo”, “Miss Piggy” and “Kermit”. His silence has led to the Guyana DePress ASSociation becoming more depressed. This has in turn led to the firm belief that the ASSociation is dead. The autopsy will reveal that death was inflicted by silence. Convenient silence. Deafening convenient silence. Let’s now observe a moment of silence. Squawk! Squawk!
Ituni – The Place that Time Forgot
By R.O. Bostwick
A ‘Ghost Town’ is always a very sad sight. In most cases, it is a stark reminder of past glories. There will be an increasingly large number of potential ‘Ghost Towns’ in the United States as a consequence of the current economic crunch that is rapidly enveloping the world. Businesses are putting up shutters, banks have run bankrupt, foreclosures are escalating and several thousands are added to the ‘breadline’ daily. In small communities, this situation could be extremely vulnerable as alternative opportunities are invariably limited. Ituni, a small community located on the long trail from Linden to Kwakwani may be classified as one of our many ‘Ghost Towns’ that will surely have a worse plight as a consequence of the present economic situation worldwide.
As recent as the seventies, Ituni was known as a bustling small bauxite township connected by railway to the main bauxite operations at Linden. It had been a thriving location for well over 30 years and had been made famous for its night life and excellent entertainment as the community was known for its spontaneous hospitality. It comprised an admixture of all races and, as a consequence, there was absolutely no discrimination. There was much inter-breeding and to this day you will find a truly mixed population of all the races.
Ituni still has an abundance of bauxite but there is only periodic talk about resuscitation. As a consequence, the men-folk have to resort to cutting timber for survival of the community as the only available option. But very hard times continue to exist and it is claimed that the Guyana Forestry Commission is not making things easier with its regulatory measures, the cost of which the community’s limited financial resources could ill afford. It does not appear that consideration is given to the fact that most of the people already live at bare subsistence level; they are at times obliged to send their children as far away as Linden and Kwakwani for Secondary education and pay for their support to boot. No consideration is given to the poor maintenance of the lone trail that forces minibus operators to charge as much as $1,000 or more for a one-way trip to Linden in order to maintain their vehicles.
In a previous article some years ago, I had made the point that Ituni is a place where some of the most beautiful girls in Guyana could be found and we were making little girls mothers at the tender age of 14 or even less because of financial circumstances. There is an endless trek to Aroaima, Kwakwani, Linden, the Gold Bush and even as far away as the Caribbean to earn a living through the most devious means. And yet there is an over-abundance of lip service about HIV/AIDS prevention. Obviously not enough thought is being given to the basic causation which is associated with severe poverty.
There is no need to bring rocket scientists to Ituni for a solution. All that is necessary is a little bit of common sense coupled with on-the-spot leadership and an eagerness for self-help on the part of the community. There is an abundance of forestry so a sawmill and a Lumber yard could be established. There is always need for furniture, so a Furniture Factory could be erected. While I was studying in England, I had to tour a lovely place called High Wycombe which bordered a river and an abundance of forestry. This little town had at the time over two thousand furniture factories manufacturing and supplying furniture to Europe and North America. Ituni could certainly supply local demands for school furniture as a ready example. There is also excellent sand and clay around Ituni that could sustain a viable ceramic Industry. Here the irony is that we import ceramic ware and ornaments from all over the world when we could produce them right here at Ituni and elsewhere. There is also good terrain around for farming. I have eaten some of the largest and sweetest avocado pears and pineapples grown at Ituni. There could be room for canning and, also, the exportation of fresh fruit.
Around the bend from Ituni is a place called the ‘Goat Farm’ which had some of the largest goats and turkeys in Guyana. The place borders a creek filled with abundant fish. It ought not to be too difficult to harness these few resources and others which could make Ituni a ‘Boom Town’ once again. On a very conservative estimate, these few ventures as pioneer projects ought not to cost in excess of $300 million – less than the cost of building a single school in some cases. We need pocket micro-development and not questionable macro-development where foreign experts consume forty percent of the project cost.
This type of development will attract people back to their home-towns and re-populate rural areas that have been depressed by migration due to limited job opportunities.
|
|
|
Who will police the police
Members of a nation’s security forces are trained to kill – but to kill enemies that threaten the security of the land to which they owe filial duty, and to protect the citizens of that land.
A homeowner, on looking out of his window and seeing a police cruiser, should then be able rest peacefully with his family within the sanctuary of his home, safe in the knowledge that the nation’s protectors are protecting the nation, and that bandits will have to beware.
But what happens when the protector becomes the hunter? When security forces sent to protect the innocent citizens of the land from bandits in the backlands of the nation take the lives of innocent persons going about their simple pursuits – such as the sugar workers who were kidnapped and slain aback Buxton? What happens when arms and ammunition disappear from army bonds, only to be found later in the hands of bandits? What happens when decent citizens of the land go with hope to make a complaint to police ranks, who can only identify with the lawless elements of society and treat the decent people of the land like criminals? What happens when the citizens of the land call on police ranks for help and their response is that they do not have vehicles, yet the police vehicles are seen ferrying girlfriends and other family members, making personal airport runs, providing recreational support to ranks, but never available to render assistance to the taxpaying citizens of the land? What happens when drunken drivers are set free after paying a traffic rank a raise? What happens when someone who is not guilty of any crime gets hassled by the police on the instructions of someone to whom they are related, or by whom they were rewarded? And what happens when the coast guards of the land sent to protect the citizens from pirates instead become pirates themselves?
What happens is that they are protected by their own who may know of their culpability but choose to turn a blind eye – either because of fraternal sentiments, or else they share in the spoils.
As in the instance where police are said to have taken payoffs for turning a ‘Nelson’s’ eye to criminal and, murderous activities of army personnel.
Who will police the police – and the army? And whom can we trust?
There are numerous reports of police in the rural areas taking a beer and a meal and allowing free-for-all fetes that disturb the peace of the neighbourhood in communities.
There are reports where drug houses flourish because security ranks themselves are users and take payoffs in kind – and cash.
Citizens in the Canje area claim that the police in Reliance allow a certain set of criminals out of cells to steal in the night, providing them with an airtight alibi because they all share in the spoils.
An opposition party is always calling on their “kith and kin” in the joint services and telling them, even by implication, that they should not go after armed bandits, but are the victims also not their “kith and kin”?
Obviously they have managed to convince some members of the joint services that lawlessness is the better option, and that serving oneself – and the agenda of opposition political parties, is paramount to serving the nation, hence the many nefarious activities – theft of arms and ammunition from army stock, for instance, as well as some questionable movements by some police and army ranks who were stationed at Buxton.
How can the nation trust the law-enforcement agencies to enforce against their own? The fact of the matter is that we cannot, and that is why anti-social, even criminal activities by members of Guyana’s security services proliferate.
How could one imagine the terror and the pain of the victims, especially the 10-yr-old child, who may have witnessed the murder of his father and uncle, knowing that his turn was next?
How does one hear the word “Police, open the door,” without fear and trepidation? Because many bandits come in that guise, even if they wear the uniform legally and legitimately.
Distrust of security service personnel is palpable in the nation – and the sad and disappointing fact is that it is only a few bad eggs who have caused a stench that makes the entire joint services reek.
As for the girlfriends and relatives of bandits and pirates who covet and collect the blood money for which many lives were devastated, including children and other dependents of victims, it is sweet until their own loved ones are gunned down, then they all protest that their murderous family members were Bible-toting angels, and vow vengeance and cry for justice, but who will provide justice to the victims? Certainly not the GHRA nor the opposition cabal, including some sections of the media, who vociferously champion the murderers – in or out of uniform, non-stop.
Who will police the police – and the army? The police and the army will. That is, if they seriously desire to re-establish trust between themselves and the nation once more, enough that the really duty-motivated ranks are not tarred with the same brush that painted over the coastguard vessel that was used to prey on and kill the innocent citizens of the land.
|
| COURTS |
|
|
|
|
Dead man voting
By Dr Randy Persaud
Nothing, I repeat nothing, has been more of a thorn in the side of the PNC than rigged elections. Judging from press reports of the party’s 16th Biennial Congress on Saturday, the proverbial albatross is alive and well. This is too bad because many in the party seemed bent on moving the PNC out of the caiman hole of internecine strife. That was not to be. And it must be said, that a party that refuses to learn, cannot lead.
During my years overseas, I had the privilege of conversing with many PNC supporters in Toronto, New York, and Washington D.C. Many of these good people are my friends. We would get down to lengthy conversations about the future of Guyana. We often differed about the extant state of affairs in the country, and as expected, we traded jabs based on our own political perspectives. The differences in our politics notwithstanding, our conversations were always polite.
One thing really irritated my friends from the PNC, namely, any reference to rigged elections. I was told time and again that there is no point in holding on to the past, that for us to make progress, we must all find ways of looking ahead. I bought into the argument. Yes, we all need to build a vision, rather than be trapped in the sordid affairs of the past. At some time, we all need to grow up.
In polite company – you know, those among us who read and write regularly, play our music quietly, and shake hands with our opponents - we never say “I told you so”. But the betrayal must hurt. It must hurt to know that the gold of the imagination has turned into the lead of reality, as V.S. Naipaul once famously put it.
Make no mistake about it - the 16th Biennial Congress was a monumental betrayal of all the good people in the PNC. More than that, it was the public burial of an opportunity for the main opposition to finally derive a modicum of legitimacy, a development that would have allowed it to speak with some degree of moral sanctity.
The loss then is not only for those who have been marginalised in their own house, but for the nation as a whole. Regrettably, the PNC remains a party of the Big Man, rather than a vehicle for the development of this land of ours.
I say to my friends in the PNC that change is a hard thing to bring about. Most of the freedoms we have in this country and elsewhere did not come about through the benevolence of men, but through the dint of hard work, dedication, and an abiding faith in what is good for the people. And so you must not lose hope. Change must come WITHIN the PNC, and change will come. Mr. Murray must now be faithful to his own programme – “mo pressha; real pressha.” (I learnt of the mo pressha; real pressha ‘thing’ from Frederick Kissoon’s Column, KN, August 23).
News reports about the PNC Congress indicated that Congress Place was a site of both pandemonium and despair. Many wanted to get in, but could not. Many got in, but soon left. Member of Parliament Judith Blair and union leader Gillian Burton, both of whom should have been automatic delegates were, instead, flapped by the albatross. According to press reports, the same thing happened to a regional chairman (KN August 23). Wrong region I suppose! One newspaper reported that stacks of delegate accreditation cards were passed around to some in the crowd, while others desperately tried to register. Many apparently stretched their hands out for hours for the right to vote.
One predictable thing happened – the name of the dead showed up on the list. It was reported that one individual was given the identity of a dead man, and that man proceeded to vote. Many had predicted the dead man voting. How I wish they were wrong.
The 16th Biennial Congress which was billed as an event that would herald a new PNC turned out to be a veritable paroxysm of irregularities, strife, skullduggery, political machinations, and worst of all, a site of broken dreams. But, there is still time and we must keep hope alive.
The time has come. The time has come for the main opposition to take stock of its history and its electoral habits. Those disenfranchised on August 22nd must take the bold but necessary steps to reform not only the electoral process of the party, but the very way of thinking that has dogged the PNC for decades now.
One small favour, please. I kindly ask you to coax the AFC into this campaign, because Mr. Trotman and Mr. Ramjattan are the new buddies of Mr. Corbin. Let us see where they stand.
|
|
|
Enmore should be made a township
ENMORE Day in Toronto reminds us that it’s time Enmore be included among the five towns of Guyana.
While much happens in Guyana to keep the culture alive, the Diaspora struggles daily to fly their hometown’s flag high. Enmore Day in Toronto was a uniquely organised event that helped us reflect on this reality.
Hats off to the organisers who have laboured selflessly and for the past three years to bring entertainment and socialising to ‘Enmoreans’ here. Families enjoyed a sunny picnic in colourful camaraderie, while memories were tested constantly, as old school mates and friends from Newton, Haslington, Blossom Scheme, Logwood, Foulis, Enmore Pasture, etc, bounced into each other, at times putting a face to Facebook! One visitor from New York commented that this event is simply outstanding as it provides non-stop entertainment.
Enmore is more than a place in Guyana. It can be a town of great value, since it boasts of a history plus the many amenities and geo-political position many others don't have. People always came here shopping, using the post office, doing business, seeking jobs, education, attending places of worship, etc. Maybe start with a bank since Enmoreans have enjoy coveted security for a long time.
It’s time this famous sugar estate receive increase governmental support which can enhance the productivity of its residents. And give due to its contribution- notwithstanding other villages have played their role too.
Enmore is the site of the Enmore Martyrs, from whence the struggle of independence arose like a phoenix, creating the inspiration for Guyana's multiple political leaders. The plantation was once the destination of Guyana’s races and has evolved into a beautiful mix of past and present residents.
This hometown truly produced scholars not only to the coveted town schools and scholarships abroad, but even scientists internationally. Do you remember Roy Fergusson and Jug Singh?
Literary maestros walked this land in the form of Peter Jailal and others.
Selfless philanthropists patted the heads of the needy and sheltered the homeless like Manman, Sugrim Ramdular and others.
Religious gurus like Hyderalli, Father, Bhawan family and others are known beyond Enmore seawalls!
National cricketer Sheik Mohamed and many other sports people are sons of this popular East Coast stop. Presently ministers from Enmore and lawyers are known personalities that have something tangible for the next generation to venerate.
Strong willed and loving, so goes the epithet Enmore people have received gracefully.
In music, the famous Vidyarthi orchestra being the household name for many until today continues in Toronto, with legendary Bhim Singh- the man that makes strings resonate, the language of love anywhere!
Indeed the political, economical, social and spiritual contributions of ‘Enmoreans’ are way beyond this brief letter. This doesn’t make us anything but humble servants of God in quest of a better life for Enmore-town-folk. One of the things Enmore Day celebrations do is to remit bursaries to the children at home. Teachers like Gulcharan and Misir cannot be left in oblivion for their masterful teaching of some of Guyana best scholars.
This is in no way an insult to the other villages and the contributions of others. It's a simple act of reminding the visionaries to make good of an endowed historical place that our children can be proud of.
You can say Enmore has talent but you have to make it a town, otherwise the growth of this giant will be like that of a dwarf. After all 'is only knife know wah deh in pumpkin belly'.
HABEEB ALLI
==========================
Freddie isn't worth it
EVER so often I do have the opportunity to enjoy the news and letters in the Guyana Chronicle.
It helps me to stay abreast with current events in Guyana. However, I am disappointed by how many letters you are publishing on Freddie Kissoon.
I think the point has been made numerous times that he is not credible, nor is he a reliable source.
By continuing to publish letters trying to rebutt his rubbish is only fueling the flame in him to spew even more venom.
So far, the letters in your paper have fallen upon Freddie's deaf ears, and I do not believe they will achieve any positive outcomes.
By publishing anything regarding Freddie only legitimizes and recognizes him. I do not believe he is worth the time and effort.
As such, I would recommend that you reconsider not publishing any letters relating to Freddie.
RICHIE POORAN
==========================
Citizens of Guyana deserve peace, quiet, tranquility
IF there is any time that citizens of Guyana deserve peace, quiet, tranquility and immunity from the horrors of noise, it is at nighttime. Today, our world is not as quiet as it had been decades ago. If it isn’t the telephone or cell phone ringing, it is the beep of this or that electronic device; neighbours having verbal brawls outside; an inconsiderate driver (especially of those trucks) honking his horn in the late night and early in the morning; someone buzzing; and one of the most familiar and popular forms of noise nuisance: is the loud, incessant (sometimes vulgar) music. Whether it is from a party, someone playing in their homes (but the entire block can hear), religious buildings, or at a ‘wedding house’, the noise culture is quickly festering. Noise is everywhere. Sometimes, unless there probably is a blackout, it is impossible to experience the environment and surroundings in their complete quiet as they were meant to be (in their natural state). And that is very sad in this day and age.
People believe that the louder they are or the louder they can express themselves, the better they are heard, not even considering the people around them.
Just this past weekend, there was a ‘wedding house’ two streets from where I am living. Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights were pure torture. I could’ve heard every beat, word and melody (or lack thereof) of every single song played. The music played until very late in the night. There was no letting up. I wondered if I was hearing the music so loudly (two streets away in Cumberland), then what must the neighbours of these individuals feeling?
I thought there was a law prohibiting loud playing of music beyond midnight. I was wrong. It became unbearable on Sunday evening. I thought to myself that Monday is a working day and these people are having a blast way into the new day. Upon approaching midnight, I called the Reliance Police and they promised to send the patrol. Now here are a few questions: Was no one affected by the loud music on Saturday and Sunday nights? Did they call? If they did, then why didn’t the patrol urge these people to turn the music off? Isn’t there a permit that has to be sought from the police to rent such speaker boxes and amplifiers for such events? Police must have been patrolling the East Canje road on these nights. You telling me that they were deaf to this bombarding music on both nights? Well the music was turned off shortly after I telephoned the police on Sunday evening (that was after midnight). The area had a little ease.
Not for long. The music resumed during the day on Monday—loud as ever. It is playing right now at 8:32 pm.
There have been numerous letters about the noise nuisance in the letter columns before. However, we the readers cannot feel how persons who pen these letters feel or how they are affected. Sometimes, these people have sick persons in their homes. Just imagine the torment of having such a hard day and not having peace at night to have a good night’s sleep.
Whereas in other countries, wedding receptions are held in soundproof halls, it is not the case in Guyana. Most events persons host are held in their homes, in open spaces in full view of the community, and noises emanating from these events are bound to reverberate around the area.
Yet I had to laugh when I remember I saw one name in the newspapers for Region Six noise offenders. In virtually every community in Guyana, at some time or the other, there are noise nuisances, if not during the weekdays, then during the weekends. Persons depend on the police to act swiftly when these crimes are reported and not become involved too in the fetes after being offered beer, liquor or food. Citizens’ rights to peace and quiet in their homes during the day and in the night (especially the latter) are a must.
The vast and improved technology we are seeing today is making our society noisier than ever.
The gruesome abuse of alcohol at these events, such as ‘wedding houses’ also result in the loud music being played, and there is the worst case scenario of persons beating up each other, behaving violently and using indecent language.
The “popular” music which is glamorised and overplayed at sporting events in Guyana leaves much to be desired. With songs like “Rum is meh lova”; “Radica why you leave and go”; and other morally and ethically imbalanced tunes (which the youngest child today can sing), is it any wonder that lewd behaviours have become the norm among our young people.
My example given in this letter is only one of many kinds of instances whereby people have these entertainment bacchanals lasting for days. Having them is not wrong, although consideration must be given to people living nearby. However, when you’re ‘bacchanaling’ for three days and more, consuming large amounts of alcohol, and disturbing an entire village of people with loud, continuous not to mention repulsive music (if it had been nice soft music it might have been a different story) way into the morning hours, then it is a further expression of how Guyana, through such people, are becoming intellectually, morally and even mentally poor.
LEON JAMESON SUSERAN
==========================
There are no formal requirements to be a pollster
FREDDIE has written several commentaries suggesting that only teachers (professors) are qualified to conduct polls. According to him, “Bisram is not qualified to conduct polls because he is not teaching anywhere in the world”. He also stated I am not a professional pollster.
Firstly, Freddie is right that polling is not my profession since I do not earn any income from conducting polls. I pay my mortgage, put bread on the table for my family, and donate thousands of dollars annually to charities from my salary as a teacher.
It is a falsehood that only educators are qualified to conduct polls – another of Freddie’s fabrications to mislead the public. To the best of my knowledge about polling, and I am familiar with the names of hundreds of pollsters in America and quite a lot of them in other countries, few pollsters are educators. Dick Morris, who Freddie praises as an outstanding pollster because Dick said the AFC would win the 2006 election, is not an educator. There are no formal qualifications or prerequisites to be a pollster. There are no certificates or licenses granted by any institution or the US government permitting someone to be a pollster. All one needs to conduct polls is proper training with some background in mathematics.
As I and so many others (including officials from NACTA) have indicated on numerous occasions, I teach in NYC. So even if Freddie is right about teaching being a prerequisite to do polls, I qualify. However, Freddie still insists I am not a teacher claiming his research, “utilising the services of a person in high office (who he subsequently revealed in another missive as a New York Times reporter – no name given) showed I do not teach anywhere in America or on the globe.
I advised Freddie it would have been smarter to ask a NY-based Guyanese to check into my status instead of asking a NYT reporter who has no link with the community. Freddie followed my advice and made a public call to the leaders of all the political parties and editors of all the media to check with their NY based friends on whether they can confirm I am a teacher in NYC. They recognised the stupidity of his call and wisely ignored him.
Now, to put the matter to rest, I confess I do not teach in NY. I worked as a cane cutta (and I am proud of it) at the ‘Freddie Kissoon sugar plantocracy’ in NY. That still does not disqualify me from conducting polls because I received the proper training as a pollster and have been practicing my skills for almost 20 years.
Readers must have been reading my polls under the NACTA brand since 1996 and prior to that as the Vishnu Bisram Poll. The NACTA brand first appeared in Trinidad in 1995. My teaching colleagues requested that I conduct my polls under NACTA to help publicise the newly formed organisation. As a person involved in selfless activities and since the idea of polling was more important than publicising my name, I acquiesced to the request to use the NACTA brand. Hence the NACTA poll instead of the Bisram poll.
With regards to training in polling and social science field research, I was schooled at CCNY, New York Univ., and the Graduate School of CUNY where I took courses in Maths, Econometrics, and Statistics. Some of my professors were Gary King at NYU (now at Harvard Univ), Prof Zeev Maoz of NYU (now at Jerusalem Univ), Prof Gujarati of Baruch College, Prof Niftci of CUNY, etc. The late Kester Alves was a student in my class with Prof King. Dr. Baytoram Ramharack also received the same training under Prof King and Prof Maoz. My practical experience was in NY where the professors required field work surveys. I obtained more experience working with Dr. Ramharack in Guyana from around 1989 thru 1995). Incidentally, I believe Dr. Ramharack published his early polls under his name and subsequently under TRPI because, like me, he was interested in promoting an organisation. Dr. Ramharack and I taught together for several years before he accepted a promotion and moved on to higher education.
There are no formal requirements to be a pollster. It only requires proper training. I believe I received adequate academic (with my several graduate degrees and doctoral research) and practical training as a pollster. I am not aware of Freddie receiving similar training and is certainly not qualified to assess my polling work which has been thoroughly professional and beyond reproach. I am yet to be wrong in my predictions for all the elections in Guyana. I let the public, not untruthful Freddie, be the judge of my polling record.
VISHNU BISRAM
|
|
|
WICB women’s limited overs final…
Mohammed twins, Cudjoe help T&T dethrone Jamaica
By Calvin Roberts
Well done skipper!!! Trinidad and Tobago’s captain Merissa Aguillera receives the championship trophy from president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Chetram Singh, following her team’s four wicket victory over defending champions Jamaica at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground yesterday. Player of the match Trinidad and Tobago’s Whitney Cudjoe displays her trophy. (Sonell Nelson photos). |
|
|
|
A disciplined bowling display from the Mohammed twins, backed by a calm and level headed batting display from Whitney Cudjoe, ensured Trinidad and Tobago dethrone Jamaica at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground yesterday to lift the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) regional women’s limited overs title.
Jamaica won the toss and opting to take first strike, found the going tough against spin twins Alisa (3-20) and Anisa Mohammed (3-26), before they were bowled out for 116 in the 46th over, to which the newly crowned champions replied with 117-6 from 40.2 overs, to complete a four wicket win thanks largely to Cudjoe’s unbeaten 54.
After seeing her opening bowlers Kirbyina Alexander (0-12) and Britney Cooper (1-22) keep a tight lid on the Jamaican batting in the first 15 overs in which they scored 40 for the loss of Herma Nathan-Dawes (10), skipper Merissa Aguillera introduced her spin twins who did not disappoint her.
Chedean Nation (06) added 25 for the second wicket with Jodian Morgan who had struck Cooper and Alexander for boundaries through the point region in her 20, before Cooper took and easy catch offered by Nation off Alisa Mohammed.
The spin pair continued their destruction of the defending champions’ middle order batting lineup, removing Morgan, Shanel Daly (09) and Abbie Gaye-Hendricks (11) which left them precariously placed on 76-5 in the 35th over of their innings.
Chenille Henry who was left unbeaten on 16 and the burly Tameka Sanford (05) added 12 for the sixth wicket before both Sanford and Vanessa Watts (00) were removed by Anisa Mohammed off successive deliveries.
Henry and Karla Cohen (16) then added 26 for their eighth wicket partnership, with Cohen hitting Gaitri Seetahal and Anisa Mohammed to the point boundaries, realising her team’s 100 with the second one in the 40th over.
PLAYER of the match Trinidad and Tobago's Whitney Cudjoe her tropy |
|
|
|
But that was the last hurrah for Jamaica, as Seetahal removed Cohen thanks to a simple catch taken at extra cover by Alexander, whilst Amanda Samaroo wrapped things up with the wickets of Roshana Outar and Peta Gaye Hanson who both failed to trouble the scorers in the 46th over.
Samaroo (2-2), Seetahal (1-18) and Cooper with 1-22 offered worthy support to the Mohammed twins for T&T, who found themselves in a spot of bother on 63-6 in the 16th over of their reply, including the prized wicket of Samaroo who was run out for (13).
Things started badly for T&T, who lost Devika Singh (00) and Alisa Mohammed (05) within the first four overs and when Britney Cooper (05) and Samaroo were dismissed, they found themselves in trouble at 28-4 after eight overs.
Things did not improve for T&T when Stacy Ann King (05) and Aguillera (00) were dismissed, which left them staring down the barrel of defeat on 63-6 in the 16th over while at the same time, placing Jamaica in a position to make a clean sweep of all regional cricket competitions played so far for the year, at all levels, whether male or female.
But Cudjoe, who entered the scene at Samaroo’s dismissal, and Anisa Mohammed had other ideas in mind as they staged Operation Recovery for their team with a level headed approach that netted them 55 valuable runs for the seventh wicket.
Cudjoe fought fire with fire, when she steered Hanson through point, followed by a tickle off her legs which sped through backward square leg for boundaries.
A straight hit back over the head of Watts indicated her intention to put up a fight for her team and she did not hesitate to show her driving skills, when she drove Hendricks through mid on with disdain, followed by a push through backward square leg off the same bowler to raise her team’s 100 in the 34th over.
Cudjoe who was later adjudged the player of the match, duly reached a well deserved half- century, when she struck Watts for her ninth four from the 68th delivery she faced, exquisitely through extra cover, before she had the distinct opportunity of hitting the winning run through midwicket to spark off celebrations on the field amongst her teammates, with Anisa Mohammed unbeaten at the other end on 14.
Watts (2-20) and Daly who offered her support with the ball by claiming 2-34 tried desperately to bowl their team to a well deserved victory, but such was not to be as Cudjoe singlehandedly guided T&T to the title with a four wicket victory.
At the simple presentation ceremony that followed, prizes were distributed to Pamela Lavine (most runs), Anisa Mohammed and Danielle Small (most catches), Aguillera (most dismissals by a wicketkeeper), Anisa Mohammed (most wickets) and Cooper most valuable player.
T&T sweep Caribbean senior squash team titles
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago swept both men’s and women’s team titles Saturday night to emerge as the top squad at the 2009 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Senior Championship.
T&T beat Barbados 3-2 in the men’s final, knocked off hosts Cayman Islands by a similar score in the women’s decider and picked up the overall team crown as a result at the South Sound Squash Club.
In the men’s team championship match, Barbados had jumped into a 2-0 lead and seemed poised for the title when veteran Mark Sealy got past Ryan Abraham who retired hurt and Fabian Goodridge beat Kale Wilson.
Sealy led Abraham 11-6, 2-11, 11-7, 7-11, 1-0 when the T&T opening player aborted his bid with an injury.
“I felt something snap, it looks like I pulled something,” Abraham said after the game.
Goodridge tightened the Barbados hold on the play-off when he beat Kale Wilson 10-12, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8.
But the new champions roared back when men’s individual runner-up Colin Ramasra outgunned the tall left-handed Shawn Simpson in five games and Don Lee knocked off Gavin Cumberbatch in four games.
Ramasra outlasted Simpson 11-8, 2-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-8 before Lee shot past dethroned men’s individual champion Gavin Cumberbatch 11-4, 8-11, 11-9, 11-6.
With the tie locked at 2-2, Paul Deverteuil delivered a tremendous comeback performance from two games down and outplayed Bryant Cumberbatch 3-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 11-4 for a fine win that landed T&T the title.
“I’ve come from two down a few times so I knew I could do it again,” Deverteuil said after the dramatic finish.
“It’s just fantastic for the team and what a great way to win it,” he added.
T&T’s women also had to overcome a titanic struggle to win their final against the Cayman Islands, who came from two down to level the tie at 2-2.
Amy Gillezeau beat Samantha Hennings 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-9 and Nakita Poon Kong got past Melissa Evans 11-6, 13-15, 11-4, 11-5 for T&T’s 2-0 lead but Kerrie Sample and Rhea Khan lost the next two games to heighten the local fans’ hopes of a title success.
Veteran Marlene West rallied to beat Sample, the 2008 Caribbean Under-18 champion, 6-11, 12-10, 11-4, 11-7, and Caroline Heal drew the tie level by stopping Khan 11-1, 11-4, 11-1.
In the deciding match, Joanna Scoon beat Cayman’s Chantelle Day 11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 11-6 to complete another nail-biting divisional crown for T&T.
In the men’s third-place play-off, Cayman ran past Jamaica 4-1 with men’s individual champion Chris Binnie scoring Jamaica’s only win and Barbados edged Guyana 3-2 in the women’s third place match.
Barbados No.1 Karen Meakins clinched a rare win over Caribbean champion Nicolette Fernandes, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-13, 11-7 to inspire the Barbados victory.
Reigning Caribbean U19 champion Cheri-Ann Parris and Lea Solomon, on a walk-over, were also in winners’ row for Barbados while Caribbean U15 champion Victoria Arjoon and Kayla Jeffrey won for Guyana.
Cayman captured the veterans’ crown, 3-2 over Barbados in the final and T&T topped Jamaica 3-2 for third.
AUSTRALIA first innings 160 (S. Katich 50, S. Broad 5-37)
England second innings 373-9 declared
(A.Strauss 75, J.Trott 119, G.Swann 63; 4-98)
Australia second innings (80-0 overnight
S. Watson lbw b Broad 40
S. Katich lbw b Swann 43
R. Ponting run out (Flintoff) 66
M. Hussey c Cook b Swann 121
M. Clarke run out (Strauss) 0
M. North st Prior b Swann 10
B. Haddin c Strauss b Swann 34
M. Johnson c Collingwood b Harmison 0
P. Siddle c Flintoff b Harmison 10
S. Clark c Cook b Harmison 0
B. Hilfenhaus not out 4
Extras: (lb-7, nb-6, b-7) 20 Total: (all out; 102.2 overs) 348 Fall of wickets: 1-86 2-90 3-217 4-220 5-236 6-327 7-327 8-343 9-343 10-348
Bowling: Anderson 12-2-46-0 (1nb), Flintoff 11-1-42-0 (1nb), Harmison 16-5-54-3 (4nb), Swann 40.2-8-120-4, Broad 22-4-71-1, Collingwood 1-0-1-0.
Jubilant England regain
Ashes with 197-run win
… Hussey defends stoutly with 10th Test century
By John Mehaffey
LONDON, (Reuters) - England regained the Ashes with a sweeping 197-run victory over Australia in the fifth Test at the Oval yesterday despite a battling century from Michael Hussey which threatened to take the game into a fifth day.
A capacity crowd basking happily on a sun-baked evening erupted in scenes reminiscent of the corresponding Test four years ago when a draw was enough to bring the Ashes back after 16 years.
"It's a special moment for us, we had to dig deep in a very hard series. It has not sunk in yet," England captain Andrew Strauss said in a pitchside interview.
Australia, who needed at least a draw to retain the Ashes they won back by crushing England 5-0 in 2006-7, were dismissed for 348 in their second innings after being set a record 546 for victory. The series was tied 1-1 after Australia won the fourth test at Headingley within three days.
Only Hussey defied the England attack for any length of time, scoring his 10th Test century. He was the last man out, caught at short-leg by Alastair Cook for 121 in five-and-a-half hours at the crease. "We have not been good enough. Full credit to England and Andrew Strauss for the way he has led the team," Australia captain Ricky Ponting said.
Australia made brave noises on Saturday evening about scoring more than 100 runs more than any team to win a Test.
Their confidence had been boosted by an assured opening partnership of 80 before the close but in reality both the target or the prospect of batting more than six sessions to secure the draw were out of reach.
Simon Katich and Shane Watson resumed on another fine, hot day with a capacity crowd anticipating an England victory.
The partnership lasted only another six runs and 15 minutes before Katich (43) misjudged an arm ball from Graeme Swann. The little left-hander thrust his right pad out without offering a shot and was given out lbw.
Watson succumbed for 40 in the next over, also lbw, when an off-cutter from Stuart Broad thudded into his pads.
DETERMINED PONTING
An early finish seemed likely with Broad exploiting the variable bounce and Swann getting the odd ball to grip and turn.
But Ponting, at his most determined, and Hussey, at his most obdurate, fought hard against the pair who had taken nine wickets between them in the first innings.
They went to lunch with the score at 171 for two, after Hussey had offered a half-chance to Paul Collingwood at first slip when the bell flew between the fielder's legs to the boundary.
Ponting mistimed several attempted pulls but otherwise played with stern self-discipline.
He reached his half-century in what will probably be his final Ashes Test in England before edging Swann on to Collingwood's left boot. Collingwood turned quickly but was unable to gather the rebound.
Two runouts in the space of six balls accounted for Australia's two best batsman.
Hussey called for a swift single after driving Steve Harmison to Andrew Flintoff at mid-on. Ponting (66), who hesitated momentarily, was run out to a magnificent flat throw which struck the stumps at the striker's end.
Clarke followed to a bizarre dismissal in the following over without scoring when he played the ball on to the foot of Alastair Cook at short-leg.
Strauss, running around to leg from first slip, seized the ricochet and flicked the ball on to the stumps with Clarke scrambling in vain to make his ground.
Hussey on 55 survived a chance to the unfortunate Collingwood before Marcus North was stumped by Matt Prior off Swann for 10.
Hussey and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin raised Australia's hopes with a lively seventh wicket partnership of 91 from 135 balls. Haddin used quick footwork to counter the bounce, cutting and gliding his way to 34 before hoisting Swann to Strauss in the unaccustomed position of deep mid-wicket.
Mitchell Johnson fell for a duck caught at second slip by a grateful Collingwood off Steve Harmison. Peter Siddle was out to the same bowler for 10 and Stuart followed next ball to put Harmison on a hat-trick.
Swann, who took the final wicket, was the most successful of the bowlers with four for 120 from 40.2 overs.
Aussies drop to fourth in Test rankings
…Ponting’s men removed from top spot for first time since 2003
AUSTRALIA has been knocked off its long-held perch as the number-one team in the Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship after losing the Ashes series 1-2 in England.
England won the final Test at the Oval by 197 runs and regained the Ashes sparking joyful scenes across sunny south London. But for the visitors, the picture was far more bleak.
Ricky Ponting’s side has now slipped to fourth position in the rankings with South Africa assuming top spot due to Australia’s demise.
Such is the competitive nature of Test cricket at present, there are now just six ratings points separating the Proteas and Australia with Sri Lanka currently occupying second spot, ahead of India in third by just a fraction of a point.
For being defeated by fifth-placed England in the series, Australia loses eight ratings points and is knocked off top spot for the first time since the current method of ranking was introduced in May 2003. The Test team rankings are only updated at the end of each series.
For its part, England stays fifth but gains six ratings points and now sits just 11 behind Australia.
Reliance Mobile ICC Test Championship (as of 23 August 2009)
Rank Team Rating
1 South Africa 122
2 Sri Lanka 119
3 India 119
4 Australia 116
5 England 105
6 Pakistan 84
7 New Zealand 82
8 West Indies 76
9 Bangladesh 13
(Developed by David Ken
Santos, Conquerors to clash in Pee Wee final
SANTOS and Fruta Conquerors will meet in the final of the Georgetown Football Association/Courts Pee Wee Under-11 Football final after registering victories over their respective opponents on Saturday at the Thirst Park ground.
Santos edge Renaissance 1-0 with the winning goal coming off the boot of Pernel Roberts in the 10th minute while Fruta Conquerors scored the same margin of victory over Uprising with the team’s captain Ryan Hackett netting the winning goal in the 17th minute from the penalty spot.
The two teams will meet in the final on Thursday at the same venue while Renaissance and Uprising will contest the third place play off, beginning at 17:00hrs.
Bekele completes world distance double
… U.S. win both 4x400m relays to top medal table
By Mitch Phillips
BERLIN, (Reuters) - On a frantic final day of competition in the Olympic Stadium Kenenisa Bekele underlined his place as one of the all-time greats of distance running when he added the world 5,000 metres title to Monday's 10,000 gold.
The unprecedented world championship double comes after he won both events at the Olympics last year, while he is also the world record holder at both distances.
Yusuf Saad Kamel's bid to match him with a middle distance double failed as the 1500 metres champion finished third in the 800 after a front-running win for South African Mbulaeni Mulaudzi.
Maryam Yusuf Jamal crossed the line second in the women's 1,500 metres but retained the title after race winner Spaniard Natalia Rodriguez was disqualified for pushing over Ethiopian favourite Gelete Burka.
Brittney Reese of the United States won the women's long jump with a 7.10m leap while Norway's Andreas Thorkildsen won the men's javelin with an 89.59 throw. China's Bai Xue, 20, won the women's marathon in the morning in 2:25:15, ahead of Japan's Yoshimi Ozaki and Aselefech Mergia of Ethiopia.
The United States, who failed to get either team into Saturday's sprint relay finals after changeover errors, finished on a high by winning both 4x400m relays in emphatic style.
That ensured they finished top of the medals table with 10 golds and 22 medals in all, ahead of Jamaica, who had seven golds and a total of 13. Kenya and Russia both claimed four golds with a host of countries taking two.
Ethiopia was one of them and both came courtesy of Bekele.
MIGHTY DOUBLE
A week ago he matched Haile Gebrselassie by winning his fourth successive 10,000 title and on Sunday did something not even his great compatriot managed by also taking the 5,000 title.
The 27-year-old hit the front with two laps to go but for once did not have things all his own way.
A nervous glance over his shoulder showed he had concerns but though American defending champion Bernard Lagat briefly drew level on the home straight, Bekele forged clear again to win in 13:17.09.
"I'll never forget this race," Bekele said. "I won double gold and I am so happy."
Mulaudzi, 2004 Olympic silver medallist, took the 800 by the scruff of the neck and though he almost blew it when he stumbled at the finish, he stayed upright just long enough to win in 1:45.29.
Defending champion Alfred Yego of Kenya was second and Kamel third, both given the same time of 1:45.35.
Mulaudzi's win gave South Africa an 800m double after teenager Caster Semenya won the women's race earlier in the week hours after the IAAF announced she was undergoing gender verification tests.
The women's 1,500 was a physical race from the start but Rodriguez took it a step too far when she tried to squeeze past Burka on the inside and sent her sprawling.
The Spaniard went on to win but must have suspected her glory would be short-lived as she barely celebrated and instead tried to console the tearful Ethiopian.
After she was duly disqualified, Jamal was promoted to the gold medal position, Britain's Lisa Dobriskey moved up to second, with American Shannon Rowbury awarded bronze.
The U.S. women won the 4x400m relay by a street as individual champion Sanya Richards brought them home in 3:17.83, more than three seconds clear of Jamaica and third-place Russia.
For the eighth time in the last nine championships, the curtain was brought down by the Americans winning the men's 4x400.
Angelo Taylor, Jeremy Wariner, Kerron Clement and LaShawn Merritt, all individual Olympic or world champions in the 400 or 400 hurdles in their careers, came home in 2:57.86, well clear of Britain and surprise bronze medallists Australia.
"Putting the best quarter-milers and the best 400m hurdlers in the world out there, we expect greatness," said Wariner. "And that is what we did today.
Caption:..
Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele holds off a charge from defending champion Bernard Lagat of the USA to add the 5,000 gold to his 10,000 m title, becoming the first man to do so at a world championships..
US quartet Lashinda Demus, Allyson Felix, Debbie Dunn and Sanya Richards dominate the 4x100m relay but Great Britain are unhappy to finish fourth.
Jubilant England regain the Ashes
Andrew Strauss holds aloft the Ashes to spark wild celebrations, after England beat Australia by 197 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval to take the series 2-1. See story on page 22.(Yahoo Sport)
Triumphant Barrichello ends five year F1 wait
… Button's lead trimmed to 18 points.
By Alan Baldwin
VALENCIA, Spain, (Reuters) - Brazilian Rubens Barrichello ended five years of frustration yesterday with an emotional victory for championship leaders Brawn GP in the European Grand Prix.
Barrichello, whose last victory was with Ferrari in China in September 2004, beat McLaren's world champion Lewis Hamilton by 2.3 seconds on a sizzling afternoon at the Valencia street circuit.
"I wish this moment could last forever. I want to stay here until Monday," said the 37-year-old, who sobbed in his helmet as he took the chequered flag for Brawn's seventh win in 11 starts.
Hamilton had led from pole, with Barrichello qualifying third on a heavier fuel load, but his hopes of winning for the second race in a row went out of the window when his team bungled the second pitstop.
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen finished third.
Championship leader Jenson Button, Barrichello's team mate, laboured to seventh place after a shocking start but, astonishingly, saw his overall lead trimmed by just half a point to 18 with six races left.
The Briton now has 72 to Barrichello's 54 and 51.5 for Red Bull's Australian Mark Webber. Mercedes-powered Brawn have 126 points in the constructors' standings, with Red Bull on 98.5.
BADOER LAST
Webber finished out of the points in ninth place while German team mate Sebastian Vettel retired with a blown engine after a similar failure in pre-race practice. He has 47 points.
Barrichello's victory was the 10th of a career that started in 1993 and the Brazilian, the oldest driver on the grid until Luca Badoer was drafted in at Ferrari to replace the injured Felipe Massa, was ecstatic.
"It's fantastic," said the Brazilian, whose career had looked to be over when Brawn's predecessors Honda pulled out in December. "It's been a weekend I will never forget.
"After five years you don't forget how to win but it's tough. There was a lot going through my mind," added the Brazilian, racing with a message of support on his helmet for friend and compatriot Massa.
Hamilton, whose win in Hungary was the first of a troubled season for McLaren, refused to blame the team.
"We win and we lose together," he said. "These things happen, but very rarely. Perhaps this is only the second time. I think they deserve a pat on the back."
Vettel's race had already been ruined by a problem with the fuel pump at his first stop, forcing him to return to the pitlane next time around.
"What happened? Too much. Too many issues. First stop, we did not put fuel in the car. Then the race was lost. After that we had an engine failure, or it was exhaust," he said.
"I will fight for the championship until the last breath but days like this... not finishing the race is not a good thing."
At the back, Badoer at least finished the race but there was little else positive to say about the 38-year-old Italian's return after nearly a decade away. He chalked up his 50th race without a point, 17th and last of the finishers.
Badoer also collected a drive through penalty for crossing the white line at the pit lane exit and was lapped early on.
"I thought it would be a lot worse," he said. "The press made me worry too much. I reached my objective, the objective was to finish the race and I didn't make any mistakes. As a test, I passed.
"I really hope to improve at Spa. It suits my style of racing. It will be a different story."
|
|
|
|
TOP | HOME | NEWS | EDITORIAL | FEATURES | COURTS | LETTERS | SPORTS | CONTACT
|
white space |
