Welcome to guyanachronicle.com

ARCHIVES FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

Addressing world leaders at UN summit…
President Jagdeo sounds urgency on REDD
- laments sloth in commitment from developed countries on financing
By Mark Ramotar in New York
IN an unprecedented display of cooperation between developed and developing countries on climate change, eighteen Heads of State gathered at UN headquarters in New York to publicly express their commitment and support for REDD – Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries.

They asserted that the new climate change agreement to be negotiated in Copenhagen must address in an effective and equitable way the role of forests as a mitigation option.

But President Bharrat Jagdeo, one of the main speakers during yesterday’s REDD meeting, lamented the sloth in commitment coming from developed countries with regard to the crucial issue of financing for REDD, and sounded an ‘urgent call’ for them to be much more decisive and firm in their financial commitment to deforestation.

“Everyone recognises the importance of REDD, but what we are lamenting is that in spite of this recognition that it is a low cost abatement solution, and forests are an important part of the solution, there isn’t adequate financing currently on the table,” President Jagdeo told a news conference he chaired at the UN headquarters last evening, immediately following the high-profile REDD meeting.

President Jagdeo also expressed concern that too many persons seem to be more focused on the problems associated with REDD rather than its potential solution.

He feels it is due to this that REDD is not getting the type of attention that it needs to be included prominently in the Copenhagen agreement.

President Jagdeo, who was accompanied and supported at the news conference by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, and the Environmental Minister from Congo, Mr. Henri Djombo, told reporters: “We hope to change that. So we are saying ‘this is an urgent matter – and the time for pilots and technical details and all of that…that time is long gone; there is urgency now and we have to get forests (REDD) included prominently at Copenhagen.”

“…we are prepared to lock our forests away for a global good, in exchange for resources to develop alternatives – to give people an alternative lifestyle, to ensure that our countries prosper while we are at the same time contributing to a global solution,” he added.

“So unless there are willing partners on the other side, we will expend political capital…” the president said.

“We don’t need to keep re-articulating and re-analysing the problem. We know that deforestation and forest degradation cause more emissions than the European Union. We know that deforestation is 17% of the climate change problem, we know that it happens because trees are currently worth more dead than alive, and we know that only action at national scale or large-scale sub-national scale will work in the long term. Above all, we know that unless we take major, impactful action urgently to reduce these emissions, we will frankly be unable to achieve climate stabilisation at 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

“ And that is why moving away from a problem focus and towards defining and implementing a solution is urgent today and in the next two months before Copenhagen. Solving deforestation and forest degradation is hard, but it is no more difficult than finding solutions for other climate solutions. Just as with technology for carbon capture and storage, or sorting out the planning process for the large-scale expansion of wind farms in European or North American countries, REDD has many issues that need to be solved. But the key to solving them is positioning REDD within the right strategic framework. That is what has been missing to date, where the focus is too often on the minuitiae and not enough on the big prize that is there to be won. And that is why getting first-order political attention on the problem is so important.”

Following the previous day’s Summit on Climate Change, and in advance of the critical Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen taking place this December, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon convened leaders and dignitaries from developed and developing countries to dialogue and publicly support REDD.

President Jagdeo spoke at the meeting on behalf of Latin America and the Caribbean, with Head of State from the Republic of Congo speaking on behalf of the Presidents and Prime Ministers from Africa; (Papua New Guinea) on behalf of Asia and the Pacific; industrialised countries (Australia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom) and World Bank President Zoellick took the stand to support progress and actions on REDD.

High ranking officials from Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan and China also underlined their commitment.

The event marked the largest gathering of countries to date on the issue of REDD, with the participation of over 80 countries and over 150 dignitaries and leaders from international and non-governmental organisations, academia, think-tanks and the private sector from around the world concerned with climate change and forests.

“This convergence of world leaders; highlights a positive, growing momentum in support of REDD and signals how this mechanism may be feasible from a technical, financial and collaboration perspective,” Secretary-General Ban said about the event.

“While drastic reductions in fossil fuel-related emissions are crucial in addressing climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from forests and land use is pivotal to the overall equation.”

According to President Jagdeo, participating developing countries expressed their willingness to undertake significant cuts in deforestation and forest degradation, provided that they receive sufficient financial support.

A report by the informal Working Group on Interim Finance for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (IWG-IFR) estimates a 25 % reduction in deforestation could be achieved with a financial commitment of 15-20 billion Euros (US$22-29B) by 2015.

Deforestation and the degradation of forests are responsible for just under one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than all the world’s cars, trucks, ships and planes combined. In addition to storing over one trillion tonnes of the world’s carbon, forests provide for essential human needs, including adaptation.

Yet under the current Kyoto Protocol, developing countries cannot receive credit for the social and environmental benefits their forests provide. The absence of rewards for maintaining forests means they continue to be cut, burnt and degraded.

A REDD mechanism that will be discussed during the climate change negotiations this December in Copenhagen proposes to change the perverse incentives that make forests worth more dead than alive.

Guyana, Brazil open talks on financing Lethem-Linden road
GUYANA and Brazil have opened talks on financing options for paving and upgrading the Linden-Lethem road expected to cost an overall US$250M, Prime Minister Sam Hinds said yesterday.

A team from Brazil on Monday met Mr. Hinds, several cabinet Ministers, including Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn and top officials from related ministries at the Office of the President for exploratory talks on the road.

At the opening of the border Takutu River Bridge on September 14, Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that a team of Brazilian officials was to visit Georgetown to discuss financing modalities for the road.

The modern highway on the 454km Lethem-Linden road is envisaged as a key link to buttress trade and other possibilities opened with the Takutu River Bridge.

Prime Minister Hinds told the Guyana Chronicle the Monday meeting was an initial exploration between the two sides on development of the road and new bridges along the route, including one across the Kurupukari River, estimated to cost about G$250M.

The first broad exploratory discussions covered various approaches on how the financing can be arranged, he said.

“Both parties re-emphasised the commitment of their governments and peoples to explore innovative ways to bring about this development which they consider very strategic for development of southern Guyana and northern Brazil”, Mr. Hinds said.

The Prime Minister said further discussions are projected on finalising the financial arrangements, including with ministers from the Brazilian Government.

Minister Benn said both parties have put forward options on the design and financing of the road.

Lula said at the bridge opening that a team is due here early next month, led by his Minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobao, to continue discussions on developing an 800MW hydropower project in the Middle Mazaruni in Region Seven.

At the ceremony, President Bharrat Jagdeo said the bridge opens new vistas for the two neighbours and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Guyana sees the bridge as the gateway for CARICOM to South America and Lula announced that Brazil will host the first Brazil-CARICOM summit next year, noting that a strong Caribbean presence is needed in South American integration.

He said the two sides are “indispensable partners” in building greater integration in the region.

The Takutu Bridge is one of 335 projects identified by the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA), an initiative by South American governments to build a new infrastructural network for the continent, including roads, waterways, ports and energy and communications interconnections.

Also on the cards with the new bridge link is a deep water harbour on the Berbice River which will offer Brazil a cheaper and faster route through the Atlantic Ocean for exports from its northern regions, including Roraima.

In tandem with the new bridge, Guyana and Brazil have been discussing plans for the hydro-power project in the Middle Mazaruni with support from the Brazilian government.

President Jagdeo recently met Charge d’ Affaires of the Brazilian embassy here, Minister Rodrigo Fonseca, and two representatives of Andrade Gutierrez Construction, Gianfranco Miceli, Commercial Director, and Pablo Arruda, Business Director, to discuss the possibility of establishing the hydro-power station.

Lula said Brazil is ready to have Brazilian firms finance construction of hydro-power plants here.

He said electricity from hydro-power stations here can also be used in Roraima State and Guyana can benefit from the success of that state in producing soya bean and rice.

At the ceremony, President Jagdeo said the bridge marks the fulfillment of a dream long held by Guyanese, pointing out that its completion faced many obstacles.

Noting that Guyana and Brazil share a common continental and hemispheric destiny, he said the bridge has implications for greater trade and economic activities and opens new vistas to be explored between the two countries and the Caribbean.

The bridge opens the way for CARICOM, through Guyana, to one of the top 10 economies of the world, the President pointed out.

“The message is clear”, he said, adding that despite recent improvements, there is vast room for improvement in trade between Guyana and Brazil and between Brazil and CARICOM.

Mr. Jagdeo declared that Guyana’s vision is clear and its political will is resolute for advancing ties with Brazil.

He welcomed the statement of support from Lula and said Guyana is committed to finding the resources and partnerships to develop other aspects of the deeper integration plans.

The President said Guyana sees its future and prosperity tied to that of Roraima State and vowed to do whatever it takes to improve relations between the two countries.

Poultry producers assure adequate chicken supplies for Christmas
By Tajeram Mohabir
GUYANA Poultry Producers Association (GPPA) representative, Mr. David Fernandes yesterday assured that there will be adequate supplies of chicken on the market, at a lower price than last year, this Christmas.

He gave the assurance in an invited comment, to the Guyana Chronicle, following a meeting with Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud.

Mr. Persaud met with poultry producers, feed manufacturers and other stakeholders to hear their concerns and offer possible solutions.

Fernandes pointed out that several producers have a decent quantity of back-up chicks which will serve well during the festive season.

He noted, however, that the current weather pattern is sending out heat waves that can negatively affect the growth of the birds.

Minister Persaud, addressing GPPA members at his Regent and Vlissengen Roads Ministry, said the prices for chicken locally has been constant for some time now at between $320 and $340 per pound.

He said, based on the Ministry’s analysis, the cost of production ranges from $150 to $180 per pound.

According to Persaud, he has been examining these numbers over the past two weeks and made comparisons on the local and international perspective and, from a consumer standpoint, there is some level of unease.

He also said the Government is not oblivious to the various production cost factors as well as the need for the poultry industry, which has come a far way, to be competitive and viable but is looking at ways for consumers to pay less.

Persaud said, this year, there has been no major drop or increase in poultry prices as compared to different periods last year.

Monopoly
On the question of feed, he reported that the price for starters ranges from $4,600 to $5,000 per bag and Guyana Stockfeeds Limited has a virtual monopoly on the trade, supplying 80 per cent of the requirement.

Bounty Farm accounts for about five or seven per cent and importers supply the remainder.

Persaud said the prices for soya bean meal and corn have dropped and, based on forecasts, there should be increased corn and soya bean production and that development can cause a price reduction in cost for the industry inputs.

He disclosed that the Government is contemplating working with a company where milling capacity is low to get it up and running again, in the quest to increase supplies and competition on the local market.

“We want to encourage local production, our emphasis is to produce the feed locally rather than importing the feed,” Persaud said.

Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), in a release last week Monday, reported complaints about the comparatively high prices for meat and byproducts, due to the cost for stockfeed.

GCA strongly suggested that Guyana Stockfeeds Limited and Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce immediately review the question of making meat products cheaper.

Persaud said Guyana Stockfeeds Limited recently announced a price reduction but he is unaware how much that would have addressed the concerns of the poultry sector.

GPPA President, Mr. Patrick De Groot recalled that, last year around October/November, chicken was sold about the cost of production price and prices throughout this year, including currently, represent a recovery from the 2008 situation.

He anticipates that, with the expected hike in corn and soya bean production, there should be a drop in the current charges for chicken.

Caribbean National heads UNESCO General Conference
- CARICOM SG expresses congrats
The Caribbean Community Secretary-General Edwin Carrington has extended congratulations to Ambassador Davidson L. Hepburn on his election as President for the 35th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

A Bahamian, Ambassador Hepburn who was elected last week in Paris by the 58 Member States of the UNESCO Executive Board, is the first Caribbean National to have been elected to this post during the 60 years of UNESCO’s existence.

In a letter to Ambassador Hepburn, Secretary-General Carrington expressed pleasure with his successful candidacy, which was endorsed by the Caribbean Community and attributed the Ambassador’s accomplishment to the hard work he had invested in public, diplomatic and civic service, which the Secretary-General added had prepared him for this prestigious post.

Here is the full text of the Secretary-General’s message:

“It was with great pleasure that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) received the news that your candidature for the post of President of the 35th General Conference of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) was successful, following the elections in Paris on Monday, 14 September 2009.

“As Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, on behalf of the Community, its Secretariat and on my own behalf, I congratulate you on this significant accomplishment. This accomplishment is even more significant, given that it is the first time that a national of the Caribbean has ever served UNESCO in the capacity as President.

“Your perseverance and hard work during the years you invested in public, diplomatic and civic service have adequately prepared you for this prestigious post. Your career has been a fine example of what can be achieved with dedication and commitment and this election has demonstrated that your talents are recognised far beyond the outermost reaches of our Region.

“I also wish to extend congratulations and thanks to the Government and people of The Bahamas for their generosity in allowing one of their most talented sons to serve the Region and the wider international community.”

As president of the UNESCO General Conference, Ambassador Hepburn will among other things direct the discussions, protocols and procedures of all plenary meetings of the Conference and sits ex-officio in an advisory capacity on the Executive Board of the General Conference.

Ambassador Hepburn, obtained a Doctoral Degree in Comparative Languages and Literature from the University of Madrid and a Diploma in International Relations from the International Institute, Geneva, Switzerland. He has served as Chairman of several United Nations Committees and International Conferences. He was a Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO and Chairman of the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations from 2001 – 2005. In 1987, he was the Chairman of the Disarmament Commission, Belgrade, Yugoslavia and Vice-President of the 35th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Nationally, he has a distinguished career in Public, Diplomatic and Civic Service, and has broad experience at the inter-governmental level as well as the governmental level, serving presently as the Chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation of The Bahamas, a position he assumed in 2001. He served as Chairman of The Bahamas National Commission for UNESCO from 1991 – 2005 and was appointed Honorary Consul of Indonesia to The Bahamas in 2000. In 2001 he was appointed Chairman of the Council of Governor General’s Youth Award; a position he still holds. Ambassador Hepburn has received several awards, the most recent of which was the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008. (CARICOM Secretariat)

Affordable Kaieteur special package being offered
By Priya Nauth
GUYANESE and visitors alike can now take advantage of an affordable ‘Kaieteur special package’ being offered and experience the beauty and wonders of the majestic Kaieteur Falls.

This initiative is being made possible through the collaboration of the Roraima Group of Companies and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce with weekend flights on both Saturdays and Sundays until the end of the year at a cost of US$150 per person compared to the regular price of US$220.

Persons can take the opportunity to be mesmerised by Guyana’s premier tourist destination, the majestic Kaieteur Falls dropping 741 feet without interruption, on the Potaro River, a tributary of the mighty Essequibo and the journey takes one hour from the Ogle aerodrome to the Kaieteur National Park (KNP).

It is undoubtedly the crown jewel of all of Guyana’s natural resources, with a total height of 822 feet rendering it the world’s highest single-drop waterfall with a flow rate of 30 million gallons of water per minute.

Its environs -- an area of some 627 square kilometres (242 square miles) -- also has the distinction of being home to a host of rare and endangered species, including the rarely seen Cock-of-the-Rock, and the brightly-hued Golden Frog which spends almost all its life inside the giant Tank Bromeliad.

Speaking at the launching of the ‘affordable Kaieteur package’ at Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown, Managing Director of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia recalled that some ten years ago, Roraima first launched the affordable tours to Kaieteur Falls.

Take advantage of offer
“In the last couple years, we looked with admiration at Air Services as they also made a huge attempt to bring affordable tours to Guyanese,” he observed.

He noted that during the past few weeks, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad has been talking with tour operators about making tourism more affordable for Guyanese not only here but visiting.

He stated that Roraima has “taken a step further” and responded to the request through the joint effort of the private sector and the government.

“This is not only going to be for Guyanese, this is going to be for all people who want to see Kaieteur Falls,” Captain Gouveia pointed out.

He expressed his hope that Guyanese will take advantage of this offer since it is a US$70 reduction and also disclosed that it is going to be combined with the tours to Arrowpoint resort on the weekends with an extra US$70 added.

Noting that the group offers an array of travelling services and tourism arrival numbers to Guyana has been going up and he said Kaieteur flights and the Arrowpoint resort have been doing very well.

“But we believe that there is a big need for more Guyanese to take advantage and see Kaieteur Falls and the resort because I think Guyanese are the “greatest marketing medium”,” he stressed.

The Managing Director urged schools, churches, youth groups among others to take advantage of the offer and visit Kaieteur.

Significant
Minister of Tourism, industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad noted, “It is a very special day” and the initiative is of significant importance to his ministry and the tourism industry in Guyana.

“Sometimes when history is in the making and when you see a transformation taking place you don’t really grasp the situation until many years after,” he explained.

He said the step is as a result of efforts over the years by previous tourism ministers and a result of the call made by President Bharrat Jagdeo last June at a tourism seminar for tour operators and players in the tourism industry to make tourism more affordable to locals.

He said this will certainly promote domestic tourism and Roraima Airways has taken up the challenge at a cost and stressed, “He is investing in tourism - this is the pioneering spirit that we talk about”.

He recalled the players who were involved in tourism at “great cost when nobody was talking about tourism” who are the “trial blazers of yesteryears” stating, “That is why we have so many resorts mushrooming now. It is as a result of the sacrifices made by those people many, many years ago.”

“And here it is today we have Roraima Airways that has taken up the mantle and has taken up the challenge to promote domestic tourism,” minister Prashad posited.

Alluding to it as “public private partnership at its best”, he said the government will make its contribution in terms of the landing charge at the Kaieteur Park.

He said this move will importantly see more and more Guyanese visiting Kaieteur and promote the natural wonder noting “There is nothing like word of mouth advertising.”

He alluded to Air Services Limited who had also taken up the challenge with special domestic package to Kaieteur and noted last July, this pristine treasure saw a recording 582 arrivals, representing a 172 per cent increase in July 2008.

Minister Prashad reminded that Destination Guyana continued to promote internationally through major international trade shows and fairs and featured prominently in top tourism magazines and recently the BBC three part series - Lost Land of the Jaguar and “all over Europe people are now talking about Guyana”.

He underscored that the Roraima of Companies have been good corporate citizens which is very important giving back to the industry and the country as a whole pointing out that Captain Gouveia has been a key sustainer of the Amerindian community over the year with the entire staff at Arrowpoint resort being indigenous people.

“This is what tourism is all about. This is what we need. We need people to take the lead and take up the challenge and then the local communities must benefit,” he exhorted.

“Because our tourism is eco tourism, nature tourism and adventure tourism and this is what it’s all about. We can find employment for local communities to develop people there, they can live better lives and see a future in tourism,” he insisted.

Also, he appealed for persons to desist from littering noting, “Because I have seen many people littering Georgetown and littering all parts of Guyana basically.”

He said that with its brand of tourism, when visitors come to Guyana, they want to see “a bright, clean and beautiful Guyana” and all must be involved in its efforts.

“We have to make sure that we portray a very positive image,” he told the gathering and reminded that despite the global financial crisis, Guyana has continued recording a positive visitor’s arrival.

“We have come a long way over a short period of time and we have done exceedingly well in the light of the global financial crisis,” he reiterated.

He said that Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean that had an increase in tourism up to July this year with an 11.4 per cent increase.

He added, “However, I am not boasting because we have started from a small base and we are now developing but the fact that we have not shown a decline and we have increase shows that our marketing is being taken overseas and people are taking Guyana seriously.”

He noted that Guyana’s birding programme has attracted international attention and is being compared alongside Peru as one of the top birding destinations in the world.

He revealed that his vision at least in the short term is that when a visitor in Europe or North America is planning his vacation and is thinking about eco or nature tourism and is contemplating which part in this hemisphere to visit, certain countries come to mind immediately - Costa Rica, Belize or Guyana.

Pioneer
“Then we would have arrived, we would have done sometimes so this is what we are aspiring to and all these events and what is taking place here today is very significant because we have a pioneer in this business who does not cry and complain,” he stated.

Insisting that this is what corporate responsibility is all about, he stated, “What he is doing here is investing in the long term and I sincerely hope that other tour operators and air services in Guyana will try to emulate and follow the lead,” he encouraged.

Commending the company, the minister said this will lead to the promotion and improvement of domestic tourism for the benefit of industry and all Guyanese.

According to an Amerindian legend, the falls is named after Kaie, one of the great old chieftains of the Patamona people, who inhabited the Pakaraima Mountains in Guyana’s interior.

He is said to have committed self-sacrifice by paddling his canoe over the edge of the falls, to appease Makonaima, the Great Spirit God, in order to save the tribe from being destroyed by the savage Caribs.

Region Three Education Department fire still under investigation
CHIEF Fire Officer, Marlon Gentle, said yesterday that electrical inspectors are still carrying out investigations which will determine the cause of the conflagration, three weeks ago, that destroyed the Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) Department of Education at Plantain Walk, West Bank Demerara.

He said, however, there is a strong suspicion that something happened with the electrical equipment in the building.

Meanwhile, education officials in the region are pressing ahead with their work, despite the September 10 blaze at approximately 02:20h that consumed the three-storey edifice.

Regional Information Officer, Mr. Jaidev Dudhnath, said there will be no cancellation of any planned activity to which the department is committed for fulfilling its mandate.

Regional Education Officer, Mrs. Marlyn Jones O’Donoghue added that all programmes to facilitate delivery will be executed as scheduled.

She said, apart from the loss of the physical structure, other losses include documents pertaining to teachers’ biography data, recruitment and payment records and more that are relative to general operations.

Region Three School Welfare Office, a Human Services Ministry department and some staff of the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) were also accommodated in the burnt place.

Twenty-one of the Education Department employees have since been relocated to the Education Resource Centre next door to the gutted premises.

Other arrangements have been made for the six probation officers from the Human Services Ministry to be housed in the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Office and the remaining displaced personnel will be based in the Regional Administration Office, also at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr Desrey Fox, pledged the Ministry’s support to rebuild the facility and assist in getting the department to boost its capacity to deliver.

The devastating impact of alcohol abuse on society
The negative impact of alcohol abuse is grave problem throughout the world, except perhaps in the Islamic countries where its manufacture and use is strictly prohibited.

About 2 billion people worldwide consume alcoholic drinks, which can have immediate and long term consequences on health and social life. Over 76 million people are currently affected by alcohol use disorders, such as alcohol dependence and abuse. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the pattern of drinking, alcohol consumption can lead to drunkenness and alcohol dependence. It can result in disablement or death from accidents or contribute to depression and suicide. Moreover, it can cause chronic illnesses such as cancer and liver disease in those who drink heavily for many years.

Alcohol causes 1.8 million deaths a year, which represents 3.2% of all deaths worldwide. Unintentional injuries account for about a third of the deaths from alcohol. Alcohol is the third most common cause of death in developed countries. In the limited number of developing countries where overall mortality is low, alcohol is the leading cause of illness and disease.

Damage to human life is often described in terms of loss of “disability-adjusted life years” (DALYs). This measure takes into account the number of years lost due to premature deaths as well as the years spent living with disability.

Worldwide, alcohol causes a loss of 58.3 million DALYs annually, which represents 4% of the total loss of DALYs from all causes. Mental disorders and diseases of the nervous system account for about 40% of DALYs lost because of alcohol. (Source: WHO)

According to a study undertaken by The National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University in 2005, the following statistics about alcohol abuse and alcoholism were discovered:

* The 25.9% of underage drinkers who are alcohol abusers and alcohol dependent drink 47.3% of the alcohol that is consumed by all underage drinkers.

* Alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse cost the United States an estimated $220 billion in 2005. This dollar amount was more than the cost associated with cancer ($196 billion) and obesity ($133 billion).

* Every year in the U.S. more than 150,000 college students develop health problem that are directly or indirectly related to alcohol use and abuse.

* American youth who drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to become alcoholics than young people who do not drink before the age of 21.

* In the United States during 2004, 16,694 deaths occurred as a result of alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes. This amount was approximately 39% of all traffic fatalities. This amounts to one alcohol-related death every 31 minutes.

* Every day in the U.S. more than 13,000 children and teens take their first drink.

* The 9.6% of adult alcoholics drink 25% of the alcohol that is consumed by all adult drinkers.

* Every year, 1,400 American college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related inadvertent injuries, including motor vehicle accidents.

Here too in Guyana alcohol abuse has become a serious problem as we have our fair share of alcohol related accidents, health problems, domestic violence, absenteeism from work etc.

The overall adverse social and economic consequences are probably difficult to measure but certainly it is significant and at least in the sugar industry it has been identified as a major reason for absenteeism.

The social impact in our country has been devastating with an increasing number of broken homes, child abuse and domestic violence a variety of medical problems.

Therefore there is a need for a concerted effort by our society to aggressively work towards arresting this grave problem which could lead to terrible long term consequences which prove near impossible to reverse.

The Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy therefore correctly observed that: Alcohol is a serious social problem and Guyana is not unique to this but we cannot ignore its impact.”

And on this note the announcement by him that Guyana has joined several other countries engaged in an impact of alcohol on life survey, is heartening

According to the minister using centralised data analysis and standardised measures, the study is to improve upon previous international and European alcohol researches and better inform European public health policy, by identifying gender differences in at-risk sub-groups and by seeking to better specify and understand the differing correlates and conditions of problematic alcohol use between the genders.

He also explained that the outcome will yield information about a number of alcohol related domestic violence cases, violence and accidents, among other issues.

We would all hope that this is just a beginning of the fight against alcohol abuse and there will be several other tangible initiatives in the near future aimed at curbing this problem which is creating havoc in today’s society.

STANDARDS CORNER
STANDARDS – GETTING THE ATTENTION OF CEOS
The importance of standards to the performance of Businesses cannot be over-emphasized. Business executives must recognize that their companies can be disadvantaged if they fail to embrace the application of standards in their corporate strategies and operations.

Most companies consist of a network of interrelated activities, internal and external. Their operations may include engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, human resources, the supplier base, accounting, marketing, government relations, among others.

This is, of course, patently obvious, and some companies are investing significant resources in an effort to continuously improve the performance of their operating network. Far less obvious in this context is the fact that standards, in one form or another, play a critical role in the performance of nearly every area in the corporate network, a fact not well appreciated by Executive Management.

Every company has a strategic plan, whether it is formally articulated or not and the success of a company is measured by the extent to which it achieves or exceeds the planned objectives, assuming the plan itself is appropriately comprehensive. From the perspective of the network model it is reasonable to ask whether overall corporate performance can be optimized when standards, key to the performance of individual corporate activities, are not addressed in the planning process.

Corporate performance is measured, in part, by the extent to which revenues are increased and costs reduced, especially those costs that add no value. These two criteria apply in some way to every mode in the network. Just as standards are crucial tools in building revenues and reducing costs, they are also fundamental in optimizing corporate performance.

Standards can help businesses to stay competitive and be more profitable. Standards eliminate excess costs, boost productivity, satisfy consumer needs, and protect the workforce and the public.

Far from impeding business, standards actually break down barriers to trade, provide industry stability, and encourage commerce. Standards are the foundation for innovation, so they hasten the rate of implementation of new technology. Standards and technology are natural partners to the strategic marketing plan, which is clear evidence that standards should be given important consideration by business managers as well as of engineers and technicians.

Standards are important for every company, because standards influence the design, the manufacturing and the marketing of many products worldwide. Standards create large markets throughout the world instead of many fragmented markets.

Now, more than ever Regional and International markets are demanding standards and the activities related to certification and the truth is, if you’re not part of the process you may be left behind, constantly trying to catch-up or simply locked out. Effective participation in the standardization process and conformity assessment or certification, can help CEO’S to position their company at the forefront of major business developments that are the key to growth.

For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0069, 219-0065, 219-0062 or write to us at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia.

Don’t mess with a formula
The Parrot is not in a very pleasant mood. That’s putting it mildly or diplomatically as some would say. In other words, ah vex; real vex; blue vex. My vexation has to do with the tampering with my formula which explains and calculates the Mayor’s inefficiency. In my last squawk, patience and time were taken to painstakingly and meticulously describe the concept and components of the formula. Lo and behold, the way it was intended to be presented vastly differs from how it actually was.

This paper changed my formula as evident in last Monday’s edition. Printer’s devil was cited as the reason. Well, since there seems to be a devil in almost everything, I suppose it’s accepted. The intention is not to lament the point of the Mayor’s inefficiency. Many who read the last squawk sent me many e-squawks pointing out that no formula is needed to explain and compute the man’s lack of efficiency. His deficiency in efficiency is as clear as the sky now which is devoid of rain clouds.

Can’t argue with that. Everyday you learn. However, the formula must be presented in its right form. Some were a bit confused given the way the printer’s devil presented it last time. As a reminder, here it is: HIE = GP x (Q x H)2.
E

HIE is Hammie’s Inefficiency; GP is the sum total of all garbage piles; Q is the summation of the total weight of all the garbage piles; H is the average height of all the piles. The sum product of Q x H is squared since the piling up of garbage is a recurring one. The sum product of the numerator is divided by the denominator, E, which is constant and represents Hammie’s effort. This constant is fixed at 0. After applying this formula you would be amazed, if you aren’t already, at the answer. So much for that. The garbage is being picked up as we squawk. Thanks to Uncle Bharrat and Uncle Ashni.

However, the salient point herein is that no formula should be messed with. Even the devil should not mess with formulas. Messing with them has dire consequences. A simple recollection of what was intended at City Hall in 1994 and what has actually happened exemplifies such consequences of messing with a formula. Following the results of Local Government in 1994, the elected agreed upon a rotational Mayorship. Hammie served first, since his GGG got the highest amount of votes for the three Parties. The PNC served second, through Ranwell Jordon, since they got the second highest number of votes.

Great. Things went well; at least up to then. When it was time for the PPP to be entrusted with the Mayorship, the two other Parties concocted and prevented Aunty “Fireball” Philo from becoming Mayor. Since then it has been Hammie, Hammie and more Hammie. As a result, it’s chaos, inefficiency, garbage and more garbage. You see, the GGG and the PNC tampered with the agreed formula for the Mayorship. Had they not, then Hammie would not have been there, since given the two year agreed rotation, now, he nor his GGG, which no longer exists, would have been in the Mayor’s chair; another person would have. Do the maths.

Messing with that formula led to a now messy City. The consequences have been expounded. Many would have read the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Mr. Hyde, which symbolises evil according to the story, was as a result of a formula that Dr Jekyll messed with by consumption. The consequences are an integral part of that story. The late Albert Einstein created a formula, E=MC2. Basically, it translates into energy (E) being equal to the mass (M) of a substance times the speed of light (C) squared. Physicists would know that even with a very small amount of a particular substance, the energy which can be created, as explained in the formula, can be enormous.

Nuclear energy works on this principle. The principle of this formula has been used to create weapons of mass destruction as in the case of atomic bombs which if, God forbid, is used recklessly, can annihilate all living organisms on the planet. The world has seen some of the consequences of such bombs following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during World War 11. It’s reported that Einstein expressed regret at inventing the formula when he saw how it was misused to bring harm to the human race. They messed with his formula. Some believe that life on earth is at the mercy of someone who has access to such a bomb! Whew!!

With these scary possibilities for the future and with what has actually happened, the Parrot would like to remind and warn people not to mess with a formula. Take note Hammie. Take note Mr. Devil. Messing leads to mess; confusion too. Right Hammie? Squawk! Squawk!

Be warned against these agents of change
CHANGE can sometimes be good and at other times be very detrimental. Some people change for the better and others for the worst. As in the case of what happened recently in my village on the Essequibo Coast, some rice farmers thought it best to change their thinking the moment they were approached by the infamous C.N. Sharma. Assembled outside the Regional Chairman’s office, Mr. Sharma with willful intention totally misled the farmers just to create chaos. I can’t remember which year on the Essequibo Coast I saw rice farmers behaving in this manner. How can a normal television talk show host, who seems to only be a problem instigator, tell farmers that he will get a better price for their paddy? I wonder if he has “changed” his profession from a TV host to a miller/exporter.

He stood there from around 9:00am and kept erroneously telling the farmers that the government can fix prices for their paddy. This is total nonsense. As an old farmer, we have had a taste of price fixing and it’s not something we want to go through again. He then lied to the farmers that the Hon. Minister of Agriculture will be present to meet with them within 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Everyone knew that the meeting was set for 2:00pm. This was advertised from the Regional Democratic Office level and both television and the newspapers.

It must be noted, however, that the Minister came one hour before the allotted time and commenced the meeting even though the talk show host created a massive confusion in the minds of the farmers. What was evident is that, while the minister was speaking to farmers and the truth of the matter was brought to them, the talk show host and others abandoned the farmers. The truth does hurt. I guess it was very hard for them to “change” their words at this moment. Now who must we believe and who should we listen to?

I must say that the farmers whose minds were earlier “changed” by these so called leaders, did not remain that way for too long. At the end of this meeting and very fruitful discussion with the Minister, all farmers were happy with the outcome of the meeting. It must be noted that this is the not the first time since the Minister has visited the Coast on this matter of rice prices; it’s the third time. We can clearly see that the Minister, unlike others who were there, has our interest at heart. The outcome clearly shows that once we sit and discuss matters of such nature, then we will get good outcome. As a farmer, I am very pleased to know that the price and payments methods were amongst some of the matters that were resolved. These proclaimed leaders who come and create uprising and protests will not bear positive fruits.

My friends-be warned against these agents of change. This was yet another attempt to mislead the people. Long live the rice farmers of this land.
SHAMSHUDEEN KHAN
…………………………………………
President commended for quick response to rice farmers plight
FOLLOW up to my letter dated 19 September 2009; I would like to commend the President for reacting so quickly in offering $400 million to rice farmers.

Regardless of how the money is split there will be dissatisfaction among some people. If I were in charge this money, I will distribute it as follow with justifications.

To cultivate one acre of paddy, one will spend $60,000. He should harvest 30 bags of paddy at $2,500 per bag. I am assuming that $60,000 per month will be enough to sustain his family. I am considering 6 months for this crop.

With the above numbers the farmer should make $15,000 if he cultivates one acre. This will mean that he will have to be subsidized to the tune of $345,000. Discounting $15,000 per acre, at 25 acres the farmers will be making equivalent of $360,000. So anyone who cultivates above 25 acres should not be offered any money.

I know for a fact that the Caribbean Rice Association (CRA) office along with the Rice Producers Association (RPA) had done an inventory on farmer’s and the amount of land they own.

If by chance there is any money left over from the $400 million, then I will allocate this towards bringing down the cost of inputs for the next crop.
BENI SANKAR
…………………………………………
Amerindians have seen many improvements under the PPP/C
THE PNCR calls for the closing down of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is nothing more than a strategy by the PNCR to restrict the influence, support and work of the PPP/C government has been doing for the indigenous people.

Strategists in the opposition PNCR party realised that the PPP/C party can only win the 2011 elections with the support of the Amerindian people. This is because the PPP/C support base, the Indian people, is about 43 per cent of which is not the 50 per cent the PPP/C needs to be victorious. Amerindian votes are therefore crucial for a PPP/C victory.

By closing the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as being advocated by the PNCR, the party hopes to wield influence go get the Amerindian support. The PNCR can then attack the government of neglecting the indigenous people.

Over the years the PPP/C government has made tremendous improvements in the life of the Amerindians. They have benefited from new schools, health centres, hospitals, land titles, roads, rights to elect their representatives and water supply while under the previous PNC government administration the Amerindians were neglected.

The government will be stupid to close down the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to please the PNCR who has its own agenda. The indigenous people must protest this statement
BALDEO PERSAUD
…………………………………………
Why do we have extra-lessons?
I sincerely thank Mr. Pemberton on his nice offering regarding ‘extra

lessons.’ His point is valid. However, my contention is with the

practice of lessons superseding normal school sessions. This I think

is the hidden fear of Mr. Suseran. The school terms are so laid out,

the days are so planned, and the teachers so employed that effective

teaching is quite possible, right in the class room. So why the

prevalence of after hours and extra-mural sessions?

Many teachers go through the motions. Many teachers are un-inspiring.

Many teachers are not qualified. Well guess what happens-exploitation.

I have noticed that the ‘lesson-culture’ redounds into a club

setting-cassette/cd’s exchanges, cell phone parades, attire boastings

just to name a few. Also the actual physical setting is a deterrent to teaching and learning. This is what I am against, and this is what the

authorities that be must look into and investigate.

I can understand extreme circumstances of teacher sicknesses, shortages, weaker students, sports etc. allowing for a few extra and make up sessions. This also can be conducted right in the school building. I mean why should students make an extra trip to go a teacher’s house, mostly males, for classes that can be conducted right at the school? I think it is far more accommodating to be at the particular school. Something is horribly wrong. If the teaching salary is too small, that is a matter for the teachers and the ministry and not for anybody else. Again I implore the Minister of Education toinvestigate this phenomenon.

As a matter of personal interest, I invite the comments of educators regarding the comparison of the GCE of old and the current CXC/CSEC
examinations. I have encountered many outstanding achievers under the
current system who just cannot read-I mean it.
SHANE RIZWAN.
…………………………………………
The AFC will always be on the periphery
BETWEEN now and the next election, one will find some ex-members of the PPP campaigning for what they see as better prospects with another party. This isn't the first time. Among their reasoning is the evocation (praising) of the name of the late Guyanese President and PPP founding member and leader Dr. Cheddi Jagan

A recent attempt is from Mr. Boyo Ramsaroop in a letter appearing in another section of the Guyanese press (see "Reasons for changing from PPP to AFC", SN, 22 September 2009). Though honest in some places (he correctly says Dr. Jagan wasn't responsible for the Apaan Jhatt outlook) the reasoning is unconvincing.

Let us look at some of his reasons:

---He refers to (long standing PPP member) Philomena Sahoye being "passed over" for a Minister's position. As Ms. Sahoye would undoubtedly agree, a person joins the PPP to advance the interests of the Guyanese working class, farmers and patriotic businesspersons of all races. Joining is not to get some prestige or privilege through a Minister's position or otherwise. A Minister is appointed through internal party democracy.

---He laments the alleged absence of stalwarts "from Dr. Jagan’s time". Aside from the fact that younger members have joined and attained leadership positions, Mr. Ramsaroop seems to forget about the many other dedicated and disciplined leaders at other levels who have stood with the party. Don't they count for anything? The more significant point is that Dr. Jagan's, and the original party programmes, are being continued --- not that particular individuals are present, though such personal continuity counts for something.

-- He refers to the alleged situation with one O'Lall and Dr. Jagan and which he (Mr. Ramsaroop) apparently intimately knows about. O'Lall is dead. Of course, dead men tell no tales, don't they?

There are other shortcomings in Mr. Ramsaroop's reasoning but maybe others can pick up of this.

Mr. Ramsaroop conveniently omits to explain that the PPP is a party whose members have to be disciplined and have good basic theoretical knowledge. He has been in the party long enough to know this. No person --Mr. Ramsaroop refers to present AFC co leader Mr. Trotman-- is above the collective discipline. Those who wish to tarnish the good image of the party and bring divisions within it will have to leave in the interests of the overall good.

A main reason that the PPP has persevered and is currently the governing party is because of this discipline and faithfulness to its original philosophy and its dedication in struggling for the genuine interests of all the Guyanese people.

We respect the freedom of Mr. Ramsaroop to align himself with the AFC. But he has to come down to earth. Historically worldwide, and certainly in social formations such as Guyana with a deep rooted working people's party such as the PPP, the chances of a so called third party like the AFC ever getting more than a handful of votes is illusionary. Look at the case of the Liberal Democrats in England. They have been and will forever be on the periphery. The overwhelming bulk of the AFC's votes in the last poll came from the PNC.

Political party commitment means discipline and selflessness. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made. I am not saying, this plies to Mr. Ramsaroop, but some people do not want to make them. It makes it easier to have these noble attributes if one' looks at the overall picture and in general terms. Again, one respects Mr. Ramsaroop's positions but they are flawed and will not affect the present and growing support for the PPP.

There are challenges with the present government. But which country is without them? In Guyana the hands-on and down-to-business approach are producing unprecedented benefits and achievements for all Guyanese. Such progress would have been even greater if the government would be given breathing space as it is entitled to and not face attempts at every turn to hamstring it by less than responsible opposition parties whose opportunism are only harming the overall good..

Mr. Ramsaroop mentions his health challenges. We sympathise with him and pray for a successful outcome of treatment. He is however mistaken with regards to the AFC and PPP.
JOHN REED
Barbados
…………………………………………
Unfair attacks on RPA’s General Secretary
THERE have been many commentaries and letters critiqued Mr. Dharamkumar Seerajr, General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producer's Association (RPA).

No one can dispute that Seeraj and the late Fazal Ally made enormous contributions to the rice industry.

The people who critiqued and attacked the RPA and Mr. Seeraj were praising them when the paddy prices were $6,000 per bag. I will not expose their names but they are a bunch of opportunists who would sell their souls for money and position rather than act on principle like some of us who fought the dictatorship.

The number of protesters at picketing exercises in front Parliament Building by rice farmers was often small. Sometimes a few of us stood picketing while police dogs were set upon us; we were laughed at and scorned. I remember one individual the ultimate opportunist, who never participated in a picketing exercise because of the fear of recriminations from Burnham. Today, that individual is fighting down the RPA for its leadership position.

He wrote the harshest critiques on Mr. Seeraj and Parvati Edwards and there are many more examples of individuals who owed the RPA million of dollars who have reversed their positions on Seeraj. There is nothing wrong in changing one's positions on issues or about individuals. In fact, I believe Mr. Seeraj deserves the highest praise for changing this organisation into a business oriented one.

But in reversing one's position on how one feels about Seeraj, is it done for opportunistic reasons to facilitate appointment to a position by the opposition? Challenges and problems are there for us to overcome, when we meet together and work in a civilised manner
MOHAMED KHAN
Former RPA Extension Officer
…………………………………………
Guyanese in Aruba unenthusiastic about upcoming polls
ARUBA, where many Guyanese are settled, goes to the polls on September 25. I was on the island earlier this month and met several Guyanese inquiring how they plan on voting. Many want political change but a lot are also undecided – which generally also reflects the mood of the electorate.

Aruba is an autonomous territory of the Netherlands with its own constitution and government with Holland determining foreign and defence policies. Guyanese earn on average about US $1,500 a month but cost of living is higher compared with the US. Everything on the island is imported as virtually nothing grows there although enterprising Guyanese use creative ways to grow vegetables and fruits. The local currency is the Florin which trades at about 1.75 to the dollar.

The island’s electoral system is similar to Guyana’s – PR. There are 21 seats in the legislature and elections are held every four years. The ruling party, MEP, has 11 seats and feels confident of making gains. Prime Minister Nelson Oduber feels he will be returned as PM. The official opposition, AVP, has 8 seats with two other parties a seat each. Opposition Leader Mike Eman is confident he will replace Oduber as PM.

The Guyanese voters on the island are small and it is not certain if they will vote; only citizens (not residents) could vote. Guyanese did not show much voter enthusiasm in my conversations with them. However, Surinamese ethnic are enthused about voting and most said they plan to vote for change. Other groups like Colombians, Venezuelans, and Dominicans (from Dominican Republic) are more excited about voting though many said they cannot vote. Immigration is an issue in the election and both parties are trying to walk the middle lane so as not to upset any group though natives would like to see immigration from Spanish countries curtailed. Guyanese and other West Indians said they do not experience ethnic animosity with natives.

The immigrant groups are leaning towards the opposition which has promised to do away with onerous and expensive annual registrations and work permits to remain on the island. Based on my interviews of Arubans at random a majority of them want change and many who voted for the MEP in 2005 said they have lost confidence in it.

However, a lot of disenchanted voters said they have given up hope on politics and will not vote. This happens to be a worldwide trend as I found in elections in other states. Voter abstentions will benefit the MEP. So it will not be surprising if the MEP gets a reduced number of votes and still emerge victorious. The trend though and the feeling Arubans displayed is one in which they will vote out for change based on economic dissatisfaction which is widespread.

I will not rule out a coalition government as disenchanted voters could break for the mini-parties to prevent the two major parties from dominating the system.

Although small, the Guyanese vote could help determine the outcome of seats as small percentage fractions for the parties could make the difference on seat allocations in the PR system as we in Guyana know from the elections of 1992 thru 2006. So I hope they vote.
VISHNU BISRAM
………………………………………
Georgetown citizens may not need the City Council
I must agree with the Chronicle that if the government is fixing roads, drainage systems, markets etc., and now should be held responsible for the disposal of garbage then clearly the citizens of Georgetown may not need the City Council. I have previously asked why the GoG does not simply take over the functions of drainage, roads and sanitation until a new City Council can be elected. The Council could use the time to institute the changes recommended by Burrowes Commission.

The GoG should pay the other newspapers to carry the "Minister Lall corrects Stabroek News distortions" release, which was published in the Chronicle, in their newspapers for all their readers to see. Can a taxpayer sue the Council for failing to collect the reported PNCR $100M outstanding rates and taxes, and other big non-payers?
N. AUGUSTUS

Champions Trophy cricket ...
Windies lose to Pakistan after brave fightback
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) – Career-best bowling from Gavin Tonge helped the depleted West Indies side pose a stiff challenge before Pakistan held their nerve to outclass them by five wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy yesterday.

Tonge finished with a career-best four wickets for 25 runs from his allotment of 10 overs, as West Indies – predictably – failed to successfully defend a modest target of 134 in the second match of the competition.

The match was brought to an anti-climactic end with 117 balls to spare, when Tino Best delivered his fifth wide of the innings down the leg-side to Shahid Afridi, who was leading Pakistan in the absence of Younis Khan – sidelined with a finger injury.

West Indies next face defending champions Australia on Saturday at the same venue which also stages their final group match next Wednesday against the current World No.2 India.

West Indies are fielding a depleted squad for the competition, after efforts to resolve a long-running contracts dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) proved futile.

They were expected to be manhandled by Pakistan, but Tonge, bowling fast, full, and straight, was virtually unplayable – like the Pakistan bowlers earlier – on a typically hard, bouncy Wanderers pitch, and the contest became far more competitive.

He struck twice before and after the interval, then Dave Bernard Jr scalped Misbah-ul-Haq to leave Pakistan 76 for five in the 23rd over.

West Indies, however, could not sustain the effort, as Man-of-the-Match Umar Akmal struck 41 not out from 51 balls and added 58 – unbroken – for the sixth wicket with Afridi to navigate the winners to safe harbour.

Greeted by the helpful pitch, West Indies strangely chose to bat, and crashed to 47 for seven in the 15th over.

But Nikita Miller struck six fours and one six in the top score of 51 from 57 balls to inch West Indies to a final total of 133 all out from 34.3 overs.

Only two other West Indies batsmen reached double figures – Darren Sammy made 25 and Devon Smith got 18 – as Pakistan’s bowlers exploited the pitch to gain appreciable seam movement.

Mohammad Aamir collected three for 24 from seven overs for Pakistan whose Umar Gul snared three for 28 from eight overs, and Saeed Ajmal bagged two for 16 from four overs.

Tonge then rattled Pakistan early, when he removed their openers Imran Nazir for five and Kamran Akmal for the same score, as the Asian side reached 35 for two from 10 overs at the scheduled interval.

But the 26-year-old Tonge bowled Nazir in the second over, when he spectacularly extracted the opener’s middle-and-leg-stumps, and then had Akmal caught behind for the same score four overs later, when the Pakistani wicketkeeper/batsman – opening the batting – flirted with a delivery outside the off-stump.

Tonge could have poached a third scalp before the interval had Sammy held a low catch, diving to his right at second slip, when Pakistan’s most accomplished batsman Mohammad Yousuf was one in the eighth over.

After the interval, Tonge added the scalps of Shoaib Malik for 23 and Yousuf for the same score to leave Pakistan 61 for four in the 16th over.

Tonge had Malik caught behind in the 14th over, and he gained a fortuitous verdict from umpire Steve Davis of Australia to have Yousuf caught behind down the leg-side in his next over.

Bernard added to West Indian optimism, when he found the edge of Misbah’s bat and wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton held his fourth catch of the innings, but Pakistan’s penchant for imploding failed to surface.

Earlier, the batting again let the depleted West Indies side down, and either their lowest total of 54 in ODIs or 80 in this competition appeared to be a distinct possibility early on.

But Miller, who reached his 50 from 51 balls, when he turned Afridi into mid-wicket for a single, added a valuable 38 for the eighth wicket with Sammy, and put on 36 for the ninth wicket with Tino Best in a late flurry that helped West Indies avoid the embarrassment.

West Indies were set back from early, when Dale Richards was caught and bowled for one off Aamir from the last ball of the first over.

Andre Fletcher was caught at square cover for seven off Rana Naved-ul-Hasan in the fourth over, and Travis Dowlin was caught behind off Aamir in the following over to leave West Indies in strife at 14 for three.

West Indies captain Floyd Reifer joined fellow left-hander Smith at the crease and they succeeded in stemming the fall of wickets, but four wickets fell for 11 runs in the space of 26 balls to leave the Caribbean side in tatters.

Smith was caught at second slip off Gul fending an awkward short, rising ball in the 11th over, Bernard was comprehensively beaten and bowled for six by Aamir in the 15th over, Reifer was caught at first slip guiding a short, lifting ball from Gul, and Walton was lbw for a duck to Gul playing across the line off successive balls in the 15th over.

But Miller and the rest of the tail wagged, and the weakened West Indies side walked away with their heads held high.

WEST INDIES (50 overs maximum)
D. Richards c & b M. Aamir 1

A. Fletcher c I. Nazir b Naved-ul-Hasan 7

D. Smith c U. Akmal b U. Gul 18

T. Dowlin c wkp. K. Akmal b M. Aamir 0

F. Reifer c Misbah-ul-Haq b U. Gul 7

D. Bernard b M. Aamir 6

D. Sammy b S. Ajmal 25

C. Walton lbw b U. Gul 0

N. Miller c S. Malik b S. Afridi 51

T. Best stp. K. Akmal b S. Ajmal 8

G. Tonge not out 4

Extras: (w-5, nb-1) 6

Total: (all out, 34.3 overs) 133

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-11, 3-14, 4-36, 5-43, 6-47, 7-47, 8-85, 9-121.

Bowling: Mohammad Aamir 7-1-24-3 (w-1), Naved-ul-Hasan 7-0-26-1 (nb-1, w-2), Umar Gul 8-2-28-3 (w-2), Shahid Afridi 8.3-0-39-1, Saeed Ajmal 4-0-16-2.

PAKISTAN (target: 134 runs from 50 overs)
I. Nazir b Tonge 5

K. Akmal c wkp. Walton b Tonge 5

S. Malik c wkp. Walton b Tonge 23

M. Yousuf c wkp. Walton b Tonge 23

Misbah-ul-Haq c wkpr Walton b Bernard 6

U. Akmal not out 41

S. Afridi not out 17

Extras: (lb-2, w-9, nb-3) 14

Total: (5 wkts, 30.3 overs) 134

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-21, 3-54, 4-61, 5-76.

Bowling: Sammy 7-0-29-0, Tonge 10-3-25-4 (nb-2, w-1), Best 6.3-0-50-0 (nb-1, w-5), Bernard 7-0-28-1 (w-3).

In the Guyana Corner - Shondell Alfred!!
No ‘Mystery’ after Saturday Night
HER mother Ingrid is one hundred percent behind her and her boxing career. “After all,” declared Shondell Alfred, “she lived with a boxer my father Cecil ‘Koker-Dog’ Alfred who campaigned in Guyana’s ring during the fifties and sixties.

Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred was explaining one reason she has stuck to the ring which is both her parents are boxing-oriented.

Shondell, a current WIBA Iberian-American Bantamweight Champion, will fight Guyanese-connected Canadian Corinne de Groot on Saturday for the WIBA (Women’s International Boxing Association) Bantamweight World Title. Since the Canadian ‘American Gladiator’, TV star has so far been quite hyped up in the local media, we thought we’d find out what makes our own Shondell tick.

She is twenty-eight and turned professional ten years ago when she beat her apparent ‘favourite’ rival Stephanie George for the first time

Growing up in the socially-challenged community of Albouystown, she was a tree-climbing Tom Boy who loved “being rough” probably to make up for her short stature.

She is still only 5’ 3”. At St Stephen’s Primary School, despite her size, she took naturally to athletics and much later karate. Against that background boxing was soon to dominate her athletic interests.

‘MYSTERY LADY?’
Besides keeping her actual age a secret for a while, the description ‘Mystery Lady’ had another origin. Another traditionally depressed Georgetown community, Tiger Bay, boasted Stephanie ‘Razor’ George who had beaten Ann Howard (of Albouystown) for the national bantamweight title and Albouystown wanted its title back.

From precious few candidates, boxing referee Eion Jardine and Shondell’s own father stirred up interest in her to defend Albouystown’s honour by fighting Tiger Bay’s Stephanie. It took little to persuade the pint-sized, big-hearted Shondell.

Because the boxing community did not know of Ms Alfred then, hence the name ‘Mystery Lady’. Former amateur light-middleweight champ-turned-trainer Wincel Thomas quickly fashioned a fighter out of the bold little lady, over a mere two- to three-week period.

The title fight between Shondell and Stephanie was to be the first of a rubber series. Of course, the little newcomer beat George over four rounds to return the title to Albouystown. And Shondell’s show was on the road - a mystery no more.

She has since boxed in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and Denmark. Opponents included the well-known Alicia Ashley, Doris Hack and Alexandra Mattheus. She defeated Trinidadian Vicky Boodram for her current regional WIBA Iberian-American title.

Regarding the imminent ‘fight-of-her-life’ on Saturday night, the diminutive, undaunted warrior declared that she is in “no way” intimidated by de Groot’s age, her current glamorous ‘gladiator’ career or her impressive ring record so far. “I’m feeling great and confident. She has everything to lose,” reasoned Shondell.

“I’m training hard, road work and weights in the mornings and rigorous combat and defence techniques in the ring every afternoon … two mountains don’t meet but two ladies will,” she said a bit philosophical in her own esteem.

Her training ring is at the very modest James Street, Albouystown Forgotten Youth Foundation Boxing Gym. Her trainers who will also be in her corner come fight night are Sebert Clarke, Wincel Thomas and Joseph Murray, all former local champions.

Thomas, her longest-serving trainer, explained that much of the final week has to do with “preparing her mentally to make the technical adjustments; to fight the leftie/southpaw that Corinne de Groot is.”

He further explained that Shondell is doing explosive sparring with taller fellows, some of whom are themselves southpaws. Her speed work is right and there are no weight problems as Shondell is a natural (114-118) bantamweight, Thomas asserted.

Fighters Dexter Marques, Germaine King and Dellon Allicock are among those testifying to Shondell’s grit, determination and skills.

She has everything to fight for on Saturday. Victory over the classy Canadian lady with Guyanese roots would catapult Alfred’s career to the very top. The boxing world would take even more notice of this Mike Tyson fan from Albouystown.

Albouystown and all of Guyana should be in Shondell’s corner - despite the formidable odds. You Go Girl, Shondell!

Mohammed grabs five as Demerara regain control
By Calvin Roberts
(In Anna Regina, compliments of Lifetime Realty, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, GM&R Trading, Pomeroon Sports Committee and Poonai’s Snackette)

NATIONAL off-spinner Zaheer Mohammed grabbed 5-37 as Demerara regained control of their first round match in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) four-day competition against Essequibo at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground yesterday.

Resuming on their overnight score of 109-4 in reply to Demerara’s 119, Essequibo got an 84-run lead when they were bowled out for 203 which was wiped off by Demerara, who, thanks to their skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan’s unbeaten 46, were 168-4, a lead of 84 with six second innings wickets in hand.

When Essequibo’s innings began on the second day at 09:52 h with Dillon Heyliger on 35 and Trevon Garraway yet to score, they progressed to 155, before they lost Garraway who was bowled by Troy Gonsalves in his attempt to cut a delivery that spun and left him.

The two had started cautiously against the pace spin attack of Barnwell and Jacobs, but cut loose when Heyliger swept Jacobs through forward square for four and watched at the other end as Garraway turned the same bowler to fine leg for two to give his team the first innings lead.

Heyliger got into his stride and turned Barnwell to fine leg for four to move to 49 and brought up his half-century with a maximum over wide long on, struck off Jacobs from the 110th delivery he had faced whilst batting for 119 minutes, counting four fours and two sixes in the process.

The 19-year-old Heyliger watched from the other end as Garraway hit Barnwell exquisitely through extra cover for four, then joined in the act by hitting the same bowler through the same position for another one of his seven fours.

But just when they were looking to further consolidate things for their team, Garraway got an inside edge from Troy Gonsalves and had his timber work disturbed and even though skipper Ramesh Narine struck four fours in his robust 15-ball 21, Demerara fought their way back thanks to Zaheer Mohammed.

First, he had Narine snapped up by an alert Shemroy Barrington at leg slip and three deliveries later, had Lennox Andrews adjudged lbw without scoring, with Heyliger at the other end on 73 and Essequibo 183-7, leading their star-studded opponents by 64 runs.

Essequibo progressed to 203-7 at lunch with Heyliger on 81 and Andrew Williams who struck Leon Scott through point for four on 9, as 94 runs were added in the first session from 28 overs, losing three wickets in the process, with Heyliger accounting for 46 of those runs.

It took Demerara 21 balls to wrap up Essequibo’s innings after lunch without any addition to their score, as Mohammed got the wickets of Williams and Trevor Benn (0) who were both caught by Johnson at forward short leg, while Gonsalves had Heyliger who was dropped by Barrington at mid off from the bowling of Scott, stumped by wicketkeeper Joseph Perry.

Gonsalves (2-38) and Barnwell 2-43 offered support to Mohammed in the bowling department for Demerara, who commenced their second innings with an 84-run deficit, but got a pugnacious start as Barrington and Chandrika carried them to 44 before they were dismissed.

Barrington was the more aggressive of the two, hitting Garraway through forward square leg for four, followed by a six back over the head of Garraway and a sweetly timed four through extra cover two balls later.

It took a running one-handed catch at mid off by Norman Fredericks off Garraway to account for Barrington at the water break. On the resumption of play, Benn had Chandrika adjudged lbw to one that pitched and straightened, leaving Demerara on 44-2.

Johnson and Krishna Deosarran saw their team to 71-2 at tea, with both batsmen hitting Benn and Williams for boundaries as they sought to repair the damage done to their team’s batting by the home team, with Johnson on 11 and Deosarran 15.

Johnson went in the second over after tea, caught by Heyliger at first slip off Adams who watched as a Deosarran outside edge went between Heyliger and wicketkeeper Andrews two deliveries later, as Demerara were 75-3.

Deosarran went on to hit Adams through extra cover twice for four, followed by a pull through midwicket off Williams for another boundary, followed by a maximum over long on, as Demerara moved to 108-3 and a lead of 24 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Deosarran and Sarwan added 56 for the fourth wicket, before the former got an under edge from a short delivery from Garraway and was caught by at the wicket by Andrews for a well-played 36 which took him 66 balls to compile during his 106-minute vigil at the wicket, hitting four fours and one maximum.

Sarwan, who hails from the neighbouring island of Wakenaam, and was given a life by Yogeshwar Lall at gully off Garraway when on 34, was joined by Barnwell who showed grit and determination in negotiating the spinners in Adams, Williams and even Narine to see their team to 168-4 at the close.

The 22-year-old Barnwell who will resume his innings on 23, having so far struck two successive boundaries through mid-wicket off Garraway and a maximum over that same area off Narine while Sarwan has four fours including two audacious extra cover drives off Adams.

Garraway has so far taken 2-47 and along with Benn (1-30) and Adams (1-32), will be looking to limit the opposition’s batting, hence giving their team an opportunity to record a rare victory against their illustrious opponents when play resumes on the third day today, with his team already facing an 84- run deficit.

Deonarine’s unbeaten 101 gives Berbice the ascendancy
WEST Indies batsman Narsingh Deonarine hit a fine 101 not out to give Berbice the ascendancy at the end of the second day’s play against the Rest Team in the opening round match of the Guyana Cricket Board four-day inter-county cricket competition at the Demerara Cricket Club ground yesterday.

Berbice reached 290-3 when bails were removed after they had earlier bowled out the Rest Team for 228; they quickly wiped out the deficit of 23 after they made 205 in their first innings.

Homchand Pooran was with the left-handed Deonarine on 47 and also shared an impressive, unfinished 136-run fourth-wicket stand so far as their team enjoy a lead of 267 runs with two days to go.

Deonarine has so far faced 119 balls, striking eight fours and a six.

Scores from the match so far are as follows:

Berbice 205 and 290-3: N. Deonarine 101*, Delbert Hicks 66, Assad Fudadin 57, Homchand Pooran 47*.

Rest Team 228 all out: Trevon Griffith 61, Sauid Drepaul 54, Alex Amsterdam 25, Vishaul Singh 21, Derwin Christian 18 and Deon Ferrier 18; Veerasammy Permaul 4-36 (19.2), Devendra Bishoo 3-64 (19).

MCY&S/NSC inaugural Day of Interaction set for September 27
THE Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCY&S) in conjunction with the National Sports Commission (NSC) will be hosting the inaugural Day of Interaction on Sunday September 27 at the Better Hope Community Centre Ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

Over 500 participants from communities on the East Coast of Demerara are expected to participate in the various sporting disciplines which include: softball cricket, football, dominoes, volleyball, table tennis, circle tennis, martial arts, track and field, draughts, chess and a host of other activities.

This initiative is aimed at using sports as the catalyst to encourage the youths of today to live healthy, active lives. It is also pointed at bolstering the ideals of camaraderie and healthy interaction among peers to curb the strain of violence in society, HIV/AIDS awareness and drug awareness.

The ball will roll off in traditional sporting fashion with an official opening ceremony which will include an assembly and march past of the athletes and officials. Early registration is advised and on the day of the event registration will take place between 08:45 h and 09:15 h.

The charge will be delivered by senior officials of the Government, Political Parties, and Regional Administrators who are expected to attend. A big ride, which will be kicked off by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, is also on the day’s itinerary.

Weakened Windies still deserve respect - Ponting
AUSTRALIAN captain Ricky Ponting says his team will not be taking Saturday's Champions Trophy encounter against the West Indies lightly despite the Caribbean side fielding a weakened lineup.

Australia begin their defence of the title with a rematch of the 2006 final but due to a contractual dispute between the West Indies board and its leading players, an unfamiliar team will be lining up against Ponting's men.

"We all know the contractual issues the West Indies have been having but although their strongest team is not here, they will be as dangerous as they always are," Ponting told reporters yesterday.

"They are naturally very attacking and flamboyant and, with one-day cricket being the way it is, we will give them the respect they deserve."

Australia have had a packed year of cricket, including Test series against South Africa and England as well as a host of one-dayers and the Twenty20 World Cup, but Ponting insists the team remains focused on performing well at the Champions Trophy.

"This is not just another tournament, it's the second-biggest one-day event we play in, and post-Ashes it was all about making sure that we could produce our best cricket in these two weeks," he said.

"We've managed to keep in really good shape, both mentally and technically, and we just need to acclimatise to being at (altitude) here.

But having played a lot of cricket recently is a positive and we're in as good shape as anyone.

England edged Australia 2-1 in the Ashes series but Ponting was buoyed by his team's subsequent 6-1 thrashing of the hosts in the one-dayers.

"The mood in the squad the last few weeks has been particularly good. Even though we lost the Ashes, we gave it our best shot and it was a special series to be part of," he added.

"And there's no doubt we enjoyed the last couple of weeks because we've been winning well."

Flower admits Pietersen may not make South Africa tour
ANDY Flower, the England coach, has admitted that Kevin Pietersen may not return from injury in time for the tour of South Africa.

Pietersen is making slow progress following the Achilles surgery he had after the second Test against Australia and his recovery has been hampered by an infection.

England name their squad for the South Africa trip after the Champions Trophy with the one-day series starting in November followed by the Tests either side of Christmas.

There had already been concerns that Pietersen was struggling to make the one-day series and Flower isn't sure of his participation.

"We're still taking that day by day. We're still not sure whether he's going to be fit or not," Flower told reporters.

"The infection that he got initially and the subsequent lack of healing that's taken place since then has set back his recovery. He had quite a horrible wound after the infection took hold.

"I'm not sure exactly of what he's able to do at the moment; the medical people have been handling that. I would have wanted him back at the start of this one-day tournament."

Jonathan Trott's debut century against Australia ensured Pietersen's loss for the final three Ashes Tests wasn't terminal, but the one-day side has struggled hugely in his absence. Without Pietersen, who has scored two of the three ODI hundreds England have managed since the start of 2008, the middle order lacked any presence against Australia.

While Pietersen may yet recover in time for the tour of his homeland, one man who won't be there in any capacity is Andrew Flintoff.

He was already ruled out following his knee surgery and last week he turned down the offer of an incremental contract from the ECB, so he can take up a series of lucrative Twenty20 and TV opportunities, but Flower said he wasn't too shocked at Flintoff's decision.

"I wasn't overly surprised he turned down his incremental contract because it is not a lot of money," he said. "I haven't chatted to him just recently, but let's wait and see how fit he gets and when he comes back first.

"Fred (Flintoff) has made himself available for one-day international and Twenty20 cricket.

So I'll take him on his word that he's going to be available. As far as I understand it he wants to play for England again in one-day internationals and Twenty20 cricket and I look forward to having him back and I'm sure he'll be fully committed when he comes back. (Cricinfo)

Yuvraj out of Champions Trophy with fractured finger
… how injury could change India's plans
INDIA’S Champions Trophy campaign suffered a major setback even before it started with Yuvraj Singh fracturing a finger during a practice session in Johannesburg.

The injury will sideline him for six weeks, which puts him in doubt for the home ODI series against Australia. Virat Kohli will replace him in the Champions Trophy squad while Gautam Gambhir takes over as vice-captain.

Yuvraj's absence presents fascinating challenges to a batting line-up struggling to cope with Virender Sehwag's unavailability and the failures of Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina. Rahul Dravid was recalled as a result of those problems, and his role grows in stature with the current crisis.

There has been a pattern to India's innings since Sehwag's injury: Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir are solid at the top, MS Dhoni anchors the innings during the middle overs, while Yuvraj provides firepower to propel India to a strong total.

That will now have to change.

Yuvraj's injury is likely to most affect Dhoni. Of late Dhoni has adopted a more sedate approach and has almost cut out his big shots.

It could be said that even when Dhoni tried to play big shots during the final overs of ODIs, and in tournaments like the World Twenty20 and IPL, he could not pull them off consistently.

However, with Yuvraj in the team, Dhoni could play the anchoring role, which he has done brilliantly. Time and again he promoted himself, especially when India made a good start, to steer the side through the middle overs, allowing Yuvraj to flex his muscles at the end.

That worked like a charm but it may change now. Dhoni could be forced to do what he has given up, turning the clock back and playing the aggressive shots that captured the imagination of his fans.

It will be intriguing to see what route he takes: Will he bat at No.4 and leave the attacking roles to his younger team-mates, or will he take it up himself?

Dhoni's re-adjustment process could be helped by the presence of Dravid, whose much-discussed, and in some quarters much criticised, comeback couldn't have been timed better. Dravid can play the anchoring role, one that obviously suits him, and it might help him as well. He might have been under pressure earlier to increase the run-rate but now his role will be to bat through the innings.

Dravid normally starts slowly but by the end of his innings his strike-rate is usually acceptable. Now, he can afford to start slowly without the added pressure.

Yuvraj's injury could also affect Tendulkar's role. With Dravid at No.3 and Yuvraj to come, Tendulkar, as he showed recently in Sri Lanka, started to bat more fluently at the top.

Because Dravid's strike-rate was likely to be low at the start of the innings, Tendulkar had to bat positively to seize the momentum. But now with Yuvraj missing, will he feel he has to bat through the innings? Will it hamper his fluency?

The good news is that Kohli, Yuvraj's replacement in the squad, is in fine form. He scored 398 runs at an average of 66.33, with two hundreds and two fifties, in the Emerging Players tournament in Australia and is a genuine talent in limited-overs cricket. Kohli was unfairly bracketed as a Twenty20 player; his skills are actually more suited to the 50-over format.

He is not a power-hitter in the conventional sense; he likes to take his time to settle down but possesses the shots to dictate terms later. Along with Dravid, he can be expected to take the lead during the middle-overs and allow Dhoni, Raina and Yusuf Pathan (or Abhishek Nayar) freedom during the final overs.

Ironically, even if India can compensate for Yuvraj's batting skills, they are likely to miss his left-arm spin. He has taken 12 wickets at 30.91 this year and Dhoni has increasingly used him in ODIs.

He has allowed India to get away with just one regular spinner in Harbhajan Singh and his absence is likely to upset the balance of the team. (Cricinfo)

Strauss confident of ODI revival in South Africa
By Osman Samiuddin in Johannesburg
DAYS after a resounding 6-1 beating at the hands of Australia, England arrived in South Africa for the Champions Trophy hoping not only to wipe the slate clean, but to begin turning around over a decade of ODI mediocrity.

England have lost 13 of their last 20 ODIs and their only wins have come against relatively weaker sides such as West Indies and Ireland.

The run includes not only the Australia loss but a fierce 5-0 thumping at the hands of India at the end of last year.

But the results are part of a much broader, longer trend of limited overs poverty and disenchantment with the format, stretching back arguably to the 1992 World Cup final, a period when England were last a formidable ODI side.

Andrew Strauss was upbeat, however, about his side's prospects not only in South Africa but in the longer run. Strauss believed a change of environment, and a variety of opponents, will help. "A change in environment can make a big difference actually," he said.

"There is something quite exciting and intoxicating about world events, with all the world's best players. It's not difficult to be energised by that. It's not a long tournament, a bit of a sprint and quite exciting to know if you play well in three games you're in the semi-final. We can wipe the slate clean to be honest."

It will take some doing not only on current form but also without their best two ODI players. Both Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff are injury casualties but Strauss believes the opportunity was there for others to step in.

"Freddie and KP are two of our best ODI cricketers and whenever you lose that it's hard work. But Freddie has been out quite a lot recently and we are used to that and we've got to move on. KP is our best ODI batsmen but it's a chance for other guys to step up and make a name for themselves."

Strauss' own revival in ODIs - he averages over 40 in his last 14 games after a mid-career slump - will be key to any long-term improvement.

"Our ODI cricket has been an ongoing concern for a number of years, decades rather than a few years. I'm excited about making strides in ODI cricket and having a real look at what we've been doing and how we can improve on what we can do in practice and the middle. It's a good project to be involved in.

These things have to happen and it will take a bit of time to happen. In the meantime I maintain we are capable of beating anyone."

And whatever is to happen will happen mostly with the current crop of players. There will be no wholesale cull, insisted Strauss. "That's not helpful. These are the guys who have performed consistently in domestic limited overs cricket.

There is an incentive to think there is a magic cure lurking somewhere in the counties but the reality is that the cure lies within the group of players and how we approach our cricket. I've got a lot of faith in the players we have." (Cricinfo)

Witness X sealed Briatore's fate
A RENAULT employee, codenamed Witness X, has emerged as a key whistleblower in Formula 1's race-fixing scandal.

Renault were given a two-year suspended ban for ordering Nelson Piquet Jr to crash so that team-mate Fernando Alonso won the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix.

Ex-team boss Flavio Briatore was banned indefinitely and ex-engineering chief Pat Symonds excluded for five years.

It had been thought that Piquet, Briatore and Symonds were the only people who knew about the race-fixing.

However, a fourth team member, who had not himself been a conspirator, was aware of the plan before the race but was opposed to it.

The FIA says in a report on its website that Witness X had told their investigators he had been "personally present at a meeting shortly after qualifying on Saturday, September 27 2008, when Mr Symonds had mentioned the possibility of a crash plan to Mr Briatore".

The report continued: "The FIA's advisers were confident Witness X himself played no active role in the conspiracy and that, indeed, he had objected to it and sought to distance himself from it."

The FIA was not made aware of the whistleblower until five days ago, when Renault provided additional documents.

And it was Renault's third and final set of written submissions on Saturday that sealed Briatore's fate.

Renault F1 added: "As a result of the evidence, including Mr Piquet's admission, Mr Symonds' responses and Witness X's evidence, Renault F1 concluded that they and Mr Briatore must have known about the conspiracy."

Meanwhile, Symonds has apologised for his role in the scandal that resulted in his being excluded from Formula 1 for five years.

"I would like to acknowledge my role in this incident," stated Symonds.

"I was the one who, when the idea was first suggested to me by Nelson Piquet Jr, should have dismissed it immediately.

"It is to my eternal regret and shame I did not do so. I can only say I did it out of a misguided devotion to my team and not for any personal gain whatsoever.

"I consider the role I have played in bringing the team to where it is today to be my life's work.

"In a single action I have destroyed the high reputation I have built up during a 33-year career in motor sport. On that night in Singapore last year I made a mistake the consequences of which I could never have imagined at the time.

"For that mistake I can only offer all of you, and all those touched by the action I was involved in, my profound apology."

Piquet Jr apologised for his role in the scandal but claimed: "I bitterly regret my actions to follow the orders I was given. I wish every day that I had not done it."

He was given immunity from individual sanctions in exchange for volunteering his evidence to the FIA.

Briatore and Symonds parted company with Renault last week at the same time as the French car giant said they would not contest the charge. (BBC Sport)

Klitschko and Arreola collide for heavyweight title Saturday
By Edgar Gonzalez
ON one of this summer’s hottest days in Southern California, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko and #1-ranked Cristobal Arreola yesterday hosted their final press conference at the Nokia Plaza in Los Angeles CA.

Both fighters are scheduled to collide for the heavyweight title on Saturday, at the Staple Center.

“It is very hot today and I didn’t want to leave my house but I am here for all my fans,” stated Arreola after being introduced by Michael Buffer. “I’m taking this fight personal now, what bugs me is that Klitschko is taking me lightly.”

“I just found out that Klitschko has a set date to fight in December, he hasn’t beaten me and he’s already planning to fight someone else. I find it to be disrespectful. I am no walk in the park, Yeah, he will fight in December but isn’t going to be for a world title, that I guarantee.”

Klitschko responded to the rumour. “I don’t know of any fight in December, I too just read about that on the Internet.”

“I am ready to show my performance on Saturday night,” said Klitschko. “Arreola is a tough fighter, he’s a big puncher, but he doesn’t have the skills like I do and that’s the difference. I am more experienced.”

On Saturday, ‘Dr Ironfist’ (37-2, 36 KOs) will make history by becoming the first fighter to headline three times at Staples Center. If triumphant, the dangerous-punching ‘Nightmare’ Arreola (27-0, 24 KOs), of Riverside California, will also have his chance to be recorded into the annals of boxing by becoming the first boxer of Mexican descent to capture a world heavyweight championship.

“I have a chance to win; this is not a fight for money. I am here to make history. To me that’s worth a lot more,” stated Arreola. “It really pissed me off about him fighting in December, but it’s a good thing because it motivated me to really kick his ass.”

The undercard features the hard-hitting, undefeated heavyweight Alexander Ustinov (17-0, 14 KOs) of Minsk, Belarus, as he takes on the once-beaten Cedric Boswell (31-1, 24 KOs) of Atlanta, GA, in a twelve-round championship fight for Ustinov’s WBA strap.

The other compelling heavyweight match features two talented American brawlers as Jonathon Banks (21-1, 15 KOs) takes on Javier Mora (22-4, 18 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round fight.

The world title fights, which will be promoted by K2 Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions, will air live on HBO at 22:00 h ET/19:00 h PT.(Fightnews.com)

Messi hits back over his Argentina performances
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Lionel Messi hit back on Tuesday over criticism of his Argentina performances and said they would reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“We have to get together and go forward because Argentina can’t stay out of the World Cup,” the Barcelona forward said.

Coach Diego Maradona’s team, who lost their last two qualifiers 3-1 to Brazil and 1-0 in Paraguay, are in fifth place in the South American group, which is a playoff berth.

“I alone won’t win a match … this is down to all of us who are in the team,” Messi told a radio station in Rosario, the city of his birth.

Argentina face Peru at home and Uruguay away in their last two qualifiers in October, looking to climb into the top four for an automatic World Cup berth or remain fifth for a two-leg playoff with the CONCACAF’s fourth-placed team.

Messi also denied reports in Argentine media that he and Maradona did not speak to each other, saying: “The relationship with Diego is great. There are no fights (in the squad), on the contrary.

“When we started with Diego (as coach) we won all the friendlies, we played well. Now it’s important to win these two remaining (qualifying) matches.”

Brazil and Paraguay have qualified. Chile are third with 27 points, Ecuador have 23 and Argentina 22. Behind them, Uruguay and Venezuela have 21 points and Colombia 20, while Bolivia and Peru are out of the reckoning.