Still no trace of missing men
Hoax increases tensions
Despite a rumour yesterday that the bodies of the two sugar workers - who mysteriously disappeared four days ago were seen in an area aback Vigilance - were found, efforts by the police and public-spirited citizens still did not reveal any trace of Sampersaud Taranauth and Maikhram Sawh.

About one hundred persons including relatives, friends and residents of Non Pariel and Enterprise went into the Enterprise backlands in several groups to look for the missing men. They, however, returned empty-handed about an hour later after combing the area called `Savannah Top’ and `Crown Dam’.

The atmosphere was tense in the Enterprise and Non Pariel areas yesterday and as the crowd thinned, many expressed feelings of loss and regret. Some even wept openly as frustration stepped in after the incident was deemed a hoax. Others gave up totally, and some were trying to locate the caller who reportedly saw the bodies. They wanted the fisherman to accompany them into the backlands. This newspaper was told that the caller is believed to be a well-known fisherman from Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

Up to press time last night, there was still no word on the whereabouts of the two men.

It has been more than four days since Taranauth called `Shammie’, 37 of Fernandes Street, Enterprise and Sawh, called `Bharrat”, 46, of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara mysteriously disappeared.
Yesterday, family members and relatives of both men had to be consoled by residents and friends after the search came up empty-handed once again.

They are still keeping nightly vigil with hope and constant prayers that their loved ones would be returned to them safely.

At the Sawh’s residence yesterday, family members said that they too, went into the backlands, but found no one.

The police ended the search at dusk yesterday with no sight of the men, further compounding the diminishing hope that the men are still alive.

Relatives of the two missing men met with Crime Chief Henry Greene yesterday morning who assured them that everything possible is being done to assist them.

Information Liaison to the President, Robert Persaud and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Bibi Shadick also visited the families yesterday afternoon and informed them that they will be able to meet with President Bharrat Jagdeo sometime this morning.

In a statement, the Guyana Agricultural and General Worker’s Union (GAWU) has expressed its concern over the fate of the two sugar workers.

Top members of the Union’s executive visited the families of the men on Monday and expressed sympathy with relatives during this difficult period of anxiety, strain and fear of the unknown.

The men are both members of GAWU. The union held a meeting with Greene on the situation.

GAWU has noted the courage and dedication of the workers who chose to work on a Saturday in an area which was only recently declared safe to resume operations.

GAWU said it shares the pain and sorrow of the wives and children of the men and the uncertainty as to whether the GUYSUCO workers are dead or alive. The union said it is committed to be of any assistance that might be appropriate.

Alternative Maths paper, date for CSEC
Jeffrey confirms leakage of authentic paper
AS A result of the leakage of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Mathematics paper, an alternative paper, not yet in circulation, would have to be used, Minister of Education, Dr. Henry Jeffrey said yesterday.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the Education Ministry had yesterday said it will withdraw the exam for Maths which was scheduled for tomorrow.

The Ministry had earlier warned students writing the examination not to purchase any examination papers on sale, since those papers were “fake”.

But the situation changed drastically yesterday, the Minister said.
“Apparently, someone faxed a paper from Guyana…the Math paper, and that is a real paper. We will have, in those circumstances, to withdraw the exam for the Maths to be held on Thursday,” Minister Jeffrey announced, emphasising that there is an alternative paper, not yet in circulation, that would be used. He added that the Ministry will fix another date for the Mathematics examination.

The Education Minister observed that what the Ministry will be doing is to try to ascertain where the paper originated. AS part of this process, all packaged sent out to the various regions will be recalled and returned to Georgetown. The Ministry will then examine them to see which ones are broached.

“Then, we’ll have an idea whether or not the paper is from Guyana or whether it was faxed to Guyana and now being faxed elsewhere,” the Minister said.

Asked about the security measures in place to avoid a recurrence of the situation in other subject areas, the Minister said that security was already in place when the leakage occurred.

“We have put all the security measures in place that we can. We have sat over the last month with the CXC and we tried to put in place arrangements that this would not happen. We have even put cameras in the examinations department, etcetera,” the Minister said.

Unusually long lines at petrol station
Guyoil fuel boat expected today
THOURGHOUT the day yesterday, vehicles lined Vlissengen Road awaiting their turn at the fuel pumps of the Shell Service Station, as supplies dried up at the Texaco and Esso Stations, also on Vlissengen Road.

Fuel had already run short at the state-owned Guyoil service stations which were offering gas at some $6 less per gallon than the other petrol stations, but the Government Information Agency (GINA) indicated last evening, that a Guyoil fuel boat, which was delayed in Trinidad and Tobago, is expected today. A source at the Texaco location said that the station is also expecting a supply of fuel sometime today.

The Guyoil vessel is expected with 17 000 barrels of fuel.
Chief Energy Coordinator of Guyana Energy Authority, Mr. Joseph O’Lall indicated that the fuel will be discharged at about 18:00 hrs and fuel should be available at Guyoil stations shortly thereafter.

Several Guyoil stations in Georgetown and on the West Bank and West Coast Demerara, suffered shortages due to the delay in the arrival of the vessel. Commuters along those routes were left stranded, GINA said. It added that mini bus operators plying the West Bank/West Coast Demerara routes were not greatly affected but the situation, although many of them were concerned about the possible prolonged shortage of fuel at Guyoil stations.

The unusual lines at the Shell Station caused major congestion on the busy Vlissengen Road.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Manzoor Nadir said that up to early yesterday he was unaware of any fuel shortage.

Senior Consumer Affairs Officer within the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Clifford Zemmett mirrored the Minister's response when he said that he was unaware of any fuel shortage. Zemmett said that he was only aware of the shortage at Guyoil stations since their low prices had caused an unprecedented rush. (Timica Forrester)

Guyana Prize for Literature gears for expansion
Veterans named unprecedented co-winners
THE Guyana Prize for Literature is looking to expand regionally, according to Secretary of the Prize and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Al Creighton.

His announcement was made shortly after President Bharrat Jagdeo presented the awards to winners. Fred D’Aguiar and David Dabydeen, were judged unprecedented co-winners of the Open Best Book of Fiction award. They won for their novels, `Bethany Bettany’ and `Our Lady of Demerara’, respectively. Both writers have won Guyana Prizes before, in the poetry and fiction categories. There was no prize this year for the Best First Book of Fiction.

Paloma Mohamed won in the Drama category; Berkeley Semple won the Best First Book of Poetry award with his `Lamplight Teller’; and Dr. Ian McDonald won the Open Poetry prize with `Between Silence and Silence’. McDonald is also a previous winner of this award with his book of poems, `Essequibo’. In accepting his prize, he also took the time to voice his agreement that the Prize should be awarded regionally

Mohamed, whose work has dominated the Drama category in recent times, won this year with her `A Nancy Story’, a play focusing on the value of myth in Caribbean life. While the winners treated the large audience to readings from their works, Mohamed took the creative approach, opting for a well-received performance of the penultimate and final scenes of her play by young local actors.

Creighton told the Chronicle yesterday that the Committee was not looking to abandon the Prize in its present form, but rather to establish a separate regional Prize. He stated that the Committee was aiming to establish the new award by 2006, in recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the biennial literary award which was initiated in 1987 by President Desmond Hoyte to reward the works of Guyanese authors both home and abroad.

Creighton said that plans were already underway in at least two other CARICOM states, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados, to establish their own parallels to the Guyana Prize.

The Guyana Prize was judged this year by Chairman of the 2004 Jury, Dr. Victor Ramraj of the University of Calgary (Canada) and former editor of the literary journal ARIEL; Ameena Gafoor, founding editor of The Arts Journal; Vibert Cambridge, lecturer and Head of Department at Ohio University; Nigerian Professor Molara Ogundipe of the University of Arkansas, an authority on Women’s and African Literature; and British Gemma Robinson, researcher and Lecturer at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

For the first time also, the decision was made to award certificates of merit to the entries that were short-listed. In the Open Best Book of Fiction categories, certificates were awarded to Denise Harris for her `In Remembrance of Her’ and Jan Lowe Shinebourne for `The Godmother and Other Stories’. In the Best First Book of Poetry, Elly Niland got a certificate for `In Retrospect’, while Julie Hinds’ got hers for `Insight’, Cecil Roopnarine for `Upriver’; and James Bond for `Moods: Pages in the Light’.

As in previous years, the issue of works by locally based amateur writers going up against works written by overseas-based writers who benefit from professional support was raised.

“The judges were somewhat concerned,” said Dr. Ramraj in his Judges’ Report, “about the possible unfairness that saw manuscript publications, particularly by locals, compete against published texts that had the advantage of editors’ supervision and editors’ suggestion for improvement.”

Dr. Ramraj said it was the thinking of the judges holding inter-session workshops between Prizes – involving writers, judges, editors, academics and other interested persons – that would help to level the playing field. He stated that many judges voiced a willingness to voluntarily aid in developing such workshops, sentiments which were communicated to the Prize Committee.

“I was pleased to see [that] Al [Creighton] is addressing our concerns,” said Ramraj. (Ruel Johnson)

Canadian company conducts migration seminar here
THIS was a section of the gathering at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown on Sunday, when Worldwide Immigration Consultancy Services Limited (WWICS) hosted a seminar for potential migrants.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company targeted professionals and business persons for the free advice but others attended, as well.

WWICS Director, Mr Parvinder Sandhu told participants they can facilitate people with “the right education and, or job prospects” to migrate to the United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (UK), Dubai, Australia and New Zealand, too.

They also cater for students and refugees, all of whom must be between the ages of 29 and 49.

WWICS Director of Global Placement Services, Mr Curtis Panke spoke on the resettlement process and opportunities overseas.

Guyana not ready for CSME - Yesu Persaud
PRIVATE Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Yesu Persaud has said Guyana is not ready yet for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Alluding to its imminence at the opening of a seminar on Monday, he said the reason is because this country does not have the required manufactured products and is still depending heavily on commodities such as sugar, rice and bauxite which are subjected to fluctuations by international market forces.

Mr. Persaud, Executive Chairman of the beverage giant, Demerara Distillers Limited, said political stability and incentives are essential for creating the climate to stimulate investments in the manufacturing industry.

He added that, in the past 40 years, there have been “ups and downs” with respect to economic growth.

According to him, between 1990 and 1996 the rate averaged seven per cent after some growth from 1964 to 1970. But, from 1970 to 1990, there was steady decline.

Persaud reiterated the need for PSC members and the Government to work in tandem in order to transform the national economy and accelerate its development.

The cake could only get large by offering the products that are in demand through value-added production and not depending mainly on commodities, as is currently the case, he told participants at the start of the two-day workshop at Regency Hotel, on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Under the theme ‘Enhancing the Understanding of Trade, Business and Investment Issues’, the sessions which ended yesterday were jointly organised by the Governments of Guyana and the United States (U.S.), as part of the ongoing programme to promote trade and investment in this country.

For the transformation to take place, Persaud stressed, there must be greater investment levels which require that “we put our house in order first” by providing the appropriate incentives and motivation to encourage and attract investors.

The leading businessman emphasised that the climate is very important and experience has shown that countries with the best incentives, a high standard of education and appropriate technology have been successful in attracting greater levels of investment and creating dramatic economic growth rates.

Defending GO-INVEST…
DaSilva calls for a stop to negativity
‘If we want to promote Guyana, we have to stop this negativity’ - GO-INVEST CEO, Geoffrey DaSilva
CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-INVEST, Mr. Geoffrey DaSilva, has acknowledged that there are weaknesses in the system to foster investment but said they can be found in both the public and private sectors.

DaSilva listed the Skeldon Sugar Factory Modernisation Project (US$110M); US$5M from Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T); Karlam Timbers (US$14M); Cel*Star (US$10M) and investment in the bauxite industry by the Russian Aluminium Company (RUSAL) and Cambior among the major schemes.

He said some companies which have been here for “quite some time” are also re-investing, giving the indication that they are “happy here.”

“If we want to promote Guyana, we have to stop this negativity,” DaSilva declared, stressing that both the positives and negatives must be highlighted.

He also rejected the notion, being peddled in some quarters, that only foreign investment will develop Guyana.

DaSilva said sustainable development is dependent upon both foreign and local investments, particularly through the growth of small and medium-scale businesses.

He said it is important to increase sales and find more markets internationally and, in this regard, disclosed that, with help from United Sates Agency for International Development (USAID), which co-sponsored the workshop, 134 local companies participated in recent trade shows in the Caribbean.

DaSilva exhorted local enterprises to develop a business culture in which there is, simultaneously, a spirit of cooperation and competition.

The CEO spoke after PSC Chairman Yesu Persaud had criticised the way in which GO-INVEST is operating and said, for its liberalisation, free trade has to be fair.

Persaud had charged that DaSilva’s is not the “one stop agency” it ought to be and many potential investors have turned away from Guyana, complaining about the “bureaucracy and royal run around” they experience when attempting to do business here.

Persaud noted that, in several countries which have been successful in attracting higher levels of investment and making impressive economic progress, Ireland, Singapore, Mauritius and Malaysia among them, the time for processing relevant documentation is very short.

He called for the issue to be expeditiously addressed locally, pointing out that growth of the economy is essential to create the necessary level of security which would make Guyanese inclined to remain at home and attract others abroad to return and contribute to its development.

Persaud said, unfortunately, the sharing of information here is lacking, unlike elsewhere.

Responding to the charge about “royal run around”, DaSilva said the very nature of some investments necessitate long processes but straightforward issues are processed expeditiously.

In support of this assertion, he recalled that the procedure for the establishment of the US$4M juice processing plant for TOPCO, a DDL subsidiary, took about two weeks and the factory was “up and running” in another eight months.

DaSilva said the biggest challenge within the public sector is the implementation of projects and a USAID survey has determined that GO-INVEST is understaffed.

However, he announced that, with the assistance of USAID, GO-INVEST will soon be equipped with an “entity tracking system” to facilitate projects analysis and keep track of their status.

Mr. Winston Harlequin, of USAID, agreed that trade and investment are of critical importance to sustainable development and mentioned the necessity for good corporate governance and a vibrant and strong stock exchange.

He said USAID is also helping GO-INVEST to produce a user-friendly investors guide that is nearing completion. (Chamanlall Naipaul)

Guyanese workers show solidarity in Barbados
THE Guyana Consulate in Barbados has again sponsored a Contingent of Guyana Contract Workers in the annual May Day street parade of the Barbados Workers Union (BWU).

The Guyanese later manned a ‘Guyana Contract Workers’ booth at the union’s street fair showcasing Guyanese dishes.

Consul Norman Faria said he was pleased to assist the workers. The slogan of the Guyanese banners read ‘Friendship and Solidarity’.

Faria took the occasion to raise concerns about “immigration consultants” and other intermediaries in Barbados “preying” on Guyanese. He said the Guyana government wasn’t opposed to Guyanese travelling overseas to work on contract and send remittances home.

“This is a worldwide thing. Barbadians are leaving to work at farms in Canada, nurses to health institutions overseas and hospitality workers to the U.S. The Consulate is indeed suggesting that Guyana can supply skilled personnel such as carpenters to Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean in a structured way so that their rights wouldn’t be violated,” he said.

He added that the Consulate was concerned about what he termed “active recruiters” who prey on Guyanese, taking large sums of money while in general giving an incomplete picture of their operations.

Such involvement of intermediaries also runs against the spirit of the Caribbean Common Market whose planned unfettered movement of peoples is designed to retain skilled people and benefit regional economies, said Consul Faria.

The BWU is Barbados largest labour body. Its General Secretary, Sir Roy Trotman, commended the involvement of Guyanese workers in the May Day activity.

Not even rain will stop ‘Soca Unity Show’
- promoter Fung
NOT even rain will stop it, declared local promoter Mike Fung who is staging the ‘Soca Unity Show’ with Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires.

The venue will be fully covered with tents,” Fung told a Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel press conference, in the city, too, the day after the group arrived from Trinidad.

The ‘Soca Unity’ is expected to be an exciting affair with irresistible reggae songs, as well as giveaways.

Additional entertainment will be provided by Pluto Shirvington, Mingles, Fusion and King Scorpion.
Patrons have nothing to lose and a whole lot to win, Fung said, announcing that Banks DIH Limited will launch its newest Heineken beer offering and Swansea would distribute free ‘GSM’ phones after its dancers perform.

A lucky person will also win a BWIA ticket for a return trip for two to Trinidad and Tobago as a gate prize and GT&T plans to give surprise packages.

Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires frequented Guyana in the 1960s and again from 1994, after a 25-year break.
The latest album by the much loved performers is titled ‘Sweet Soca Music’.

GNBS intensifies campaign against unregistered cell phone dealers
GUYANA National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has intensified its campaign against unregistered cellular phone dealers countrywide.

Executive Director, Dr Chatterpaul Ramcharran said the agency warned four West Coast Demerara defaulters last week.

So far, 17 dealers have registered with GNBS and he urged members of the public to buy only from those on the register.

He named them as Auto Supplies Company, Cell Phone Shack, Payless Get More Shopping Centre, Raj Sales & Services, Rite Price, U Mobile Inc. (Cel*Star Guy), Wireless Connections, Brassonic, Swansea, Cell King, Quick Connect, Lindsay Digital Communications, X Cell, Gismos & Gadgets, Connection International, Courts Guyana Inc and William Fogarty’s.

Ramcharran said customers should ensure that they are given a warranty and check call time features.

According to him, the instruments must have original chargers and be properly labeled while the sellers are obligated to indicate whether the cell phones are new, used or refurbished.

Ramcharran said customers need to ascertain if the accessories, too, are new and original.

Head of the GNBS Information Department, Ms Evadnie Fields said they have heard about “a lot of wild deals” and she advised people to spend time asking questions.

She said the price range, as well, could give an idea of the kind of merchandise an individual is purchasing.

Minister Bisnauth to address Region Two independence celebrations
MINISTER of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Dale Bisnauth will today address Essequibians in Region Two ( Pomeroon/ Supenaam), when the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) hosts its 39th Independence celebrations at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground.

The celebration will include a grand cultural show with dances, songs and drama, all focusing on Independence. The cultural presentation will also look at the historical perspective of Guyana’s Independence.

Additionally, 14 Essequibians will be honoured by the RDC for their outstanding performance in various fields, including agriculture, fishery and education. The outstanding persons are to receive certificates.

The flag of Guyana will be hoisted at midnight by members of the Disciplined Services.

Ministers fan out for Independence celebrations
(GINA) - SEVERAL Ministers will be participating in the 39th Independence anniversary celebrations which will be observed countrywide with cultural presentations and flag-raising ceremonies.

The following is the schedule for Ministerial fan-out:
* Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Harripersaud Nokta - Region One (Barima/Waini), Mabruma Compound.

* Minister of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, Reverend Dale Bisnauth - Region Two ( Pomeroon/Supenaam), Anna Regina Community Centre Ground

* Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security Bibi Shadick - Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), West Demerara Secondary School

* Minister of Finance, Sasenarine Kowlessar - Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), RDC Compound, Fort Wellington

* Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manzoor Nadir - Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), State House, New Amsterdam

* Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee - Region Seven (Cuyuni/MAzaruni), Regatta Pavilion Compound

* Minister of Education, Dr Henry Jeffrey - Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Mahdia

* Minister of Agriculture (ag) and Minister of Fisheries, Crop and Livestock, Satyadeo Sawh - Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo)

* Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Clinton Collymore- Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), Kwakwani

President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Teixeira will be at the National Park tonight for the flag-raising ceremony.

After the ceremony spectators will be able to enjoy fireworks sponsored by the insurance company CLICO.

President visits Region One for Moruca Day
To meet residents, public servants, Toshaos
GINA - The Amerindian community of Moruca in Region One, will come alive this weekend, as Moruca Day will be celebrated.

President Bharrat Jagdeo and a high-level team of officials will join residents in celebrating the occasion.

The President and his team, including Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford will be at Moruca on Friday, 27, May 2005 at 10:30 hrs. There, they will be joined by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodigues.

The following is the President’s schedule during the three-day visit.
Friday, 27, May 2005
11:00 hrs Meeting with Public Servants, Teachers, Government workers and Toshaos from surrounding communities: Manawarin, Assakata, Waramuri, Kwabanna, Warapoka and Santa Cruz

14:00 hrs: Public meeting

Saturday, 28, May 2005: Moruca Day activities

Sunday, 29, May 2005:  Church service

10:00 hrs: Community meeting at Waramuri
The President and his delegation return on Sunday.

French vessel visits
MAYOR of Georgetown Mr. Hamilton Green, extended a warm welcome to the captain and crew of a visiting French vessel, at City Hall yesterday.

They arrived from French Guiana, Cayenne. The crew had left Cayenne since Sunday last and had encountered a bit of turbulence en route to Guyana, the French captain said.The crew, which included one female, were presented with small tokens of appreciation by the Mayor.

The captain said that the visit was planned to coincide with Guyana’s 39th Independence and that they will be taking part in the anniversary celebrations.

Another crew member Mr. Allan Forieille, Military Attaché, said that this is his second visit to Guyana and that the French government is hoping to promote better relations between the two countries.
The ship which is moored at Port Georgetown will depart these shores on Friday.

CARICOM electoral observer mission now in Suriname
(CARICOM Secretariat) - THE six-member CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission mounted at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Suriname to monitor the conduct of that country’s General Elections today is on the ground in Suriname.

The Mission will be charged with monitoring the preparations for the Elections, the campaign and media coverage, the conduct of the Poll and the counting of the ballots. To this end, the team will be deployed in five Electoral Districts, namely Paramaribo, Wanica, Saramaca, Commewijne and Para, which represent 66 per cent of the 51 seats in the National Assembly.

As part of its preliminary work, the CARICOM Electoral Observer group met with President of the Suriname, His Excellency Drs Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan, and held consultations with a number of stakeholders. These include representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Policy Commission, the Central Elections Office, the Independent Elections Office/Bureau and the Commissioner of Police. In addition, the Electoral Mission held extensive discussions with political parties and representatives of civil society, including youth groups and the business community.

In a statement, the CARICOM Observer Group said that through its exchanges with the Electoral Officials, the Police, representatives of political parties, civil society and the business community, the Mission gained much insight into the preparations for the conduct of the Elections, particularly in relation to the Voters' Lists and the distribution of polling cards. The CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission felt that such consultations, coupled with the opportunity to witness the electoral process first-hand, would serve to influence an objective assessment of the outcome of the Elections and a Preliminary Statement based on the team’s observations and findings.

Former Chief Elections Officer of Dominica, Mr. Clem John, is leading the Core Group of the CARICOM Electoral Observer Mission. Other members include representative of the CARICOM Secretariat and Coordinator of the Mission, Mr. Eugene G. Petty who formerly supervised Elections in St Kitts and Nevis and Mission member and Administrative Officer to the Mission, Ms. Mignon Bowen, Project Officer of the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Observer Group comprises Chief Elections Officer, Elections and Boundaries Department of Belize, Ms Myrtle Palacio; Speaker of the House of Representatives of Grenada, Hon. Lawrence Joseph and Regional Elections Supervisor of Jamaica, Mr. Neville Parkins.

The team expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname, for supporting its efforts in the run up to the elections. They are expected to compile and submit a report to CARICOM Secretary-General, His Excellency Edwin Carrington.
The group will leave Suriname on Saturday.

Change of locations for registration
The Recovery Planning and Implementation Secretariat has announced the following changes in the locations for the final registration exercises.

In Lamaha Park and Festival City, registration will now be done at Tyrone’s Shop, Festival City Entrance.

In South Ruimveldt, registration will now be done at Triple K Shop, Macaw Lane (opposite South Ruimveldt Secondary School)

In Lamaha Springs and North Ruimveldt, registration will now be done at Brenda’s Shop, Kaikan Street.

In Charlestown, registration will now be done at Dolphin’s Secondary School and not at Jerrick’s residence as was previously advertised.
The Secretariat apologises for the inconvenience the changes may cause.

Essequibo schoolgirl injured in fall
A TEN-YEAR-OLD pupil of C.V. Nunes Primary School on Essequibo Coast was seriously injured after she fell through a hole in the bridge leading from the compound to the public road.

Reports said Esther Yudhistir, in Level Three, was on her way home when she met with the mishap and suffered injuries to her feet, hands and head.

She also lost most of her books in a trench.
Her parents collected and rushed her to get medical treatment.

Guest Editorial
GUYANA AWARDS
A WORTHY MOVE  
THE Guyana Consulate in Barbados has, commendably, taken one step further in what the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been doing on a triennial basis in recognising the contributions to the region in general by outstanding nationals of member states of the Community. CARICOM's highest honour to recipients is the Order of the Community (OC).

In 2002, the Guyana Consulate in Barbados, headed by Honorary Consul Norman Faria, initiated with the approval and active cooperation of the Guyana Government, a system of awards to express "appreciation" in recognition of long years of contributions to the Barbadian society by Guyanese nationals who have made this country their adopted homeland.

With a careful blending of gender, ethnicity, professions and specific areas of contribution, the 2005 awards ceremony, which took place on Sunday at the Esplanade on Bay Street, coincides with other activities marking Guyana's 39th independence anniversary celebration, to be officially observed on Thursday, May 26.

Recognising the contributions of nationals of CARICOM states who have migrated to other countries of the 15-member Community to become integrated in various aspects of societal life, is certainly a positive approach in encouraging the concept of "one people, one Community", which is a core promotion feature of what CARICOM seeks to achieve.

In the particular case of the Guyana "appreciation awards" on Sunday, the second such event in three years, it also coincides with official efforts in Guyana and Barbados to overcome some recurring immigration problems and promote better relations between Barbadians and Guyanese as peoples of a socially/culturally integrated CARICOM state.

Joining the (first batch of recipients in 2002), 2005 awardees on Sunday, for which Guyana's Tourism Minister, Manzoor Nadir, came as a special guest, were: guest house proprietor Jean Brathwaite; agricultural worker Baby Bourne; business executive and current head of the Private Sector Commission, Chris deCaires; sugar factory engineer Compton Hendy; art gallery co-owner/proprietress Indranie Whittingham; and businessman Lee Farnum-Badley.

These recipients, along with the community of Guyanese nationals living and working in Barbados, as well as the fledgling Guyana Association of Barbados (GAB), have a special responsibility to cooperate in deepening the bonds of friendship.

Not just between Barbadians and Guyanese, but also with the nationals of other CARICOM states living in Barbados. Together, they can all show, by example, how different ethnicities, cultural norms and multi-talents, could be mobilised for national progress and make of diversity a cause for celebration to be emulated by Barbados' Community partners.
(Courtesy Tuesday May 24, 2005 edition of Barbados Daily Nation)

Rape, abduction accused freed at Berbice Assizes
ALVIN Bhola, 29, indicted at the Berbice Assizes for abduction and eight counts of rape, was freed yesterday.

He was discharged by Justice William Ramlall, who had earlier instructed the jury to formally return a not guilty verdict in his favour, at the close of the case for the Prosecution.

Earlier, the mother of the victim told the Court that her daughter is now residing in Paramaribo, Suriname and has no interest in proceeding further with the matter.

Bhola, who had recently served eight years imprisonment for robbery under arms, was accused taking the unmarried girl, under the age of 16 years, out of the custody of her mother and against her will, on February 22, 2003.

Bhola was also alleged to have had forced sexual intercourse with the virtual complainant on eight occasions between February 22 and March 1, 2003 but he had denied the allegations.

However, the judge reminded the ex-convict that, although under the law he is free, he will not be in the sight of God and man.

Inmate jailed, fined for marijuana in prison
MAGISTRATE Kim Kyte yesterday sentenced an inmate to three more years in jail for drug possession at the New Amsterdam penitentiary.

Winston Winters pleaded guilty to the offence, in New Amsterdam Court where he admitted that he was found with 25 grammes of cannabis (marijuana) on his person while assigned duties in the ‘Tailor Shop’ last May 13.

In addition to the imprisonment, Winters was fined $10,000 with the alternative of having 20 days added to the period of incarceration.

Man with ‘crush’ on assault charge
ALLAN Rose, 36, of Angoy’s Avenue Squatting Area, in New Amsterdam, Berbice, has been charged with assault after touching a female with whom he allegedly is fascinated.

The defendant appeared before Principal Magistrate Krishendat Persaud, in New Amsterdam Court yesterday, when he was put on $25,000 bail until May 30.

Particulars of the offence said Rose assaulted Kamani Angad while she was walking along Pilot Street, New Amsterdam, last March 29.

But Police said Rose held on to the virtual complainant’s hand because he has “a crush” on her.

Previouly refused carnal knowledge accused granted bail
PREVIOUSLY denied Jagjeet Balkrisin was granted $100,000 bail when he again faced a carnal knowledge charge on Monday.

His application for pre-trial freedom was reviewed by Magistrate Kumar Doraisami at Blairmont Court.

The allegation against the accused is that he carnally knew a 10-year-old girl, in his Shieldstown home, also at West Bank Berbice, last April 12.

The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the charge is scheduled to commence June 13.

Injured man gets compensation, wounding case dismissed
MAGISTRATE Kim Kyte dismissed an unlawful wounding charge against Mark Johnson, 31, last Monday.

It happened after the virtual complainant, Mark Braithwaite received the last $140,000 of a compensation package at New Amsterdam Court in Berbice.

Johnson, of Lot 52 Stanleytown, Greater New Amsterdam, was charged with having wounded Braithwaite in front of New Amsterdam Market, on December 6, 2003, when they were both consuming alcohol.

Police said an argument arose between the two over foreign currency exchange and Johnson inflicted several wounds on the virtual complainant’s right hand.
The injured was a patient at New Amsterdam Hospital for four days.

Confessed jewel snatcher jailed
CONFESSED thief Shawn Hollingsworth, 24, of Lot 37 Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was yesterday sentenced to nine months imprisonment by Magistrate Maxwell Edwards.

The prisoner pleaded guilty to a larceny from the person charge which said he stole a $27,000 gold chain from Ruschelle Richardson last Saturday.

The virtual complainant was walking along Croal Street, in the city, too, when he snatched the jewel off her neck and escaped.
But Richardson subsequently pointed out Hollingsworth, Police said.

Get a grip and grow up
Dear Editor,
SOME letter writers from abroad, especially from Canada and the United States, need to `get a grip’.

Being issued a resident visa is not the same as achieving some academic degree or being anointed with a special social privilege or title which make a person beyond reproach.

If writers use the local letters forum to advertise their points of view they should expect to have their opinions scrutinised and where necessary, rejected.

Recently, a series of letters have been appearing in the Guyana Chronicle, each suspiciously carrying just a first initial and a last name and all taking offence that some local people are not sufficiently worshipful of the writer’s personal contributions to his/her own family in Guyana. These writers complain of `hurt’ feelings.

The letters are different in tone from other overseas-based writers like Emile Mervin and GHK Lall who seem not only to welcome constructive criticism, but who show great deference to those who hold views that are dissimilar to their own.

So to the `kids’ writing from Canada and America – grow up, will you? If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

Your feelings, if you think them extraordinarily special or unnaturally fragile, will easily get hurt. You want to read stuff that gives you good `feelings’? Go visit a Hallmark store; they might have a postcard made just for you.
Yours truly,
David Seegobin

Only Canada support for Third Force?
Dear editor,
IT APPEARS as though the only support for this so called third party is coming from Toronto, Canada.

I too agree that only a third party can break the stranglehold of the PPP and the PNC.

But no third party consisting of former members of PPP or PNC could ever dream of forming a party to dislodge either PPP or PNC.

Firstly Mr. Ramjattan will have to face supporters from his own PPP party and tell them why he was kicked out.

He will also have to face PNC supporters and tell them the wrongs that the PNC did in order to get their votes.

Like I said before and I will say it again, Mr. Trotman will have to face all his PNC party supporters and tell them what his PNC party done to Guyana and its Guyanese people for 28 years.

Mr. Trotman's latest interview with Stabroek News said Mr. Hoyte should have been given another five years for his vision of the ERP to work.

Supporters of Mr. Trotman and likely supporters do not take those statements lightly because we want to know who should have given Mr. Hoyte another five years.

Was Mr. Hoyte elected to the Presidency by the Guyanese electorate?

Mr. Trotman must tell the truth in order to gain the confidence of all Guyanese.

If these men do not have to guts to go out all over Guyana in the heart of PPP and PNC supporters and tell the truth, then I am afraid this so called third party dream will be a nightmare.
Good luck and God bless.
T. King

Good things are happening
Dear Editor,
SO OFTEN we hear of unfortunate happenings in our country. I think it is worth reporting some good things that are happening also.

Last Saturday May 21, the girls of St. Ann’s Orphanage and the boys of St. John Bosco’s in Plaisance were treated to a fest of songs and entertainment by John Drepaul, alias Slingshot.

As a child, John had suffered by being a homeless orphan himself, so he has always had a special interest in children in unfortunate circumstances. Since last Christmas, he had promised me that when he came for Mash in February, he would give some of his time to making our children happy. But February Mash was knocked out by the flood, so he said; “When I come for the May happening”.

So, although there is not much of a Mash in May and in spite of a sprained ankle, he kept his word and came to give us the concert he had promised. For over an hour, he, his wife Ingrid and some of his friends sang and entertained us, and his five-year-old daughter Annabelle made friends with our girls.

He told us that he learnt to love and to give to other from the Jagan family who befriended him when he was a homeless youngster in Corentyne. We are hoping that our children will also learn to love and to give others through the kindness of so many others who come to bring joy and happiness to them.
God bless Slingshot and all those who give us a helping hand.
Sister Mary Peter Ngui

Repeated claims are objectionable, unacceptable
MR. BHULAI has been carrying on a correspondence on the question of the Christian Religion and Science for some time. There are a number of factual errors Mr. Bhulai makes from time to time, one of the most usual being his claim that the God of Islam and the God of Christianity are the same.

The God of Islam and the God of Christianity are not the same and differ in fundamental ways including the following;

Allah has no human offspring. The Christian God had a son.

Allah is one and indivisible. The Christian God is a triune God consisting of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Almighty Allah does not tire nor does he sleep. The Christian God does take a rest sometimes as he did after the six days of work of creation.

Allah, by being always alert and never tiring or sleeping, is able to know all who do good or evil and no one escapes his attention. The wrongs of evildoers could escape the attention of the Christian God during his rest and could lead to confusion on Judgment Day.

Allah is formless and no one could visualise him. The Christian God has a form and Man is made in that God’s image.

Allah never incarnates himself on Earth. The Christian God has incarnated himself as Human Being, as Fire when he appeared to Moses and the Disciples, as a bird (Dove) and as an animal (lamb).

Muslims would therefore find Mr. Bhulai’s repeated claim that God in Islam and Christianity are the same to be both objectionable and unacceptable.

Actually, the Christian God is much like God in Mr. Bhulai’s ancestral Hindu religion where God sometimes manifests Himself as Man (avatar) and as fire (Agni).

Before I end, allow me to make another corrective to Mr. Bhulai. In one of his recent letters he wrote that Muslims could be accommodated in the Christian Heaven. May I inform Mr. Bhulai that Islam has its own Paradise and Muslims have never had any wish to go to Christian Heaven which is far less pleasant than the Islamic paradise.
P. Bhagwandas

Investigate, learn real science
Dear Editor,
I WRITE in relation to Christian elder Sydney De Young’s letter in SN of May 23. In it he enjoins writers to his debate of creationism, which he cleverly dissembled as one dealing with “intelligent design”.

In the New Yorker online of the same day author H. Allen Orr in a piece titled: `Devolution - Why intelligent design isn’t’ wrote, “Many scientists avoid discussing I.D. for strategic reasons. If a scientific claim can be loosely defined as one that scientists take seriously enough to debate, then engaging the intelligent-design movement on scientific grounds, they worry, cedes what it most desires: recognition that its claims are legitimate scientific ones.”

Orr added that, “Biologists aren’t alarmed by intelligent design’s arrival . . . because they have all sworn allegiance to atheistic materialism; they’re alarmed because intelligent design is junk science.”

De Young’s quotes extensively from William Dembski who he describes only as “a notable mathematician”. He neglected to mention that Demski was recently appointed to the new Center for Science and Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and that Demski is also a master of divinity in theology. The man is first and foremost a Christian and everything he writes streams from that perspective.

“Dembski’s arguments have been met with tremendous enthusiasm in the I.D. movement. In part, that’s because an innumerate public is easily impressed by a bit of mathematics. Also, when Dembski is wielding his equations, he gets to play the part of the hard scientist busily correcting the errors of those soft-headed biologists. Despite all the attention, Dembski’s mathematical claims about design and Darwin are almost entirely beside the point,” Orr reports.

Despite the protestations of its proponents, “intelligent design” is basically the Christian myth of creation in disguise.

The newspaper letters column is not suitable to debate a subject in which players actually write books of very many pages to get their ideas across. Persons interested in these debates would do better researching the topic on the internet or the local library.

To debate Christian apologists in the newspapers is to play directly into their hidden agenda which is to gain credibility and recognition for their dogma, to use the press as a pulpit for their religious faith. The rationally scientific must resist this temptation and instead urge readers to be investigative and to learn real science, so that they can recognise the attempts at pseudo-scientific entrapment.
Yours sincerely,
Arnold Chance.