Welcome to guyanachronicle.com

ARCHIVES FOR SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

In address at 64th UN General Assembly -
President Jagdeo calls for…
NEW GLOBAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE
- to cater for needs of small vulnerable economies
By Mark Ramotar at the United Nations, New York

President Bharrat Jagdeo with Maria Otero, OAS Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, and Jose Miguel Insulza, OAS General secretary.

PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday sounded a clarion call to the developed world to ‘live up to their moral obligation’ of helping to solve the global economic and financial crisis, especially as it relates to the devastating effects and lasting damage exacted on the smallest and most vulnerable economies of the world.

President Jagdeo, who diverted from his prepared speech during a short, ‘direct-to-the-point’ address yesterday to the 64th UN General Assembly in New York, decided to centre his well-received presentation on two crucial issues - the financial crisis and its impact on small vulnerable world economies saddled with facing the brunt of a burden largely created in the first place by the developed world who are not “owning up”; and the ever crucial ‘global front-burner issue’ of climate change.

Noting that the theme selected for this year's General Assembly debate focuses attention on the need for more effectiveness in responses to global crises, President Jagdeo said this emphasis could not be more appropriate, or timely.

“Recent history is replete with examples of global crises that have been faced, and apparently overcome, only to be repeated with greater severity. This sequence, which has repeated itself time after time, leads to an inevitable conclusion that the lessons of earlier crises were not heeded and that the responses were not sustainable,” he said.

Nowhere, he said, is this more evident than in the global economy, which has catapulted from one calamity to another in recent years, each more severe and pervasive than the previous.

And each of them has successively disclosed new vulnerabilities in the global financial architecture, and in the development model that has been advocated by the major capitals to the developing world through the orthodoxies of the international financial institutions, Mr. Jagdeo declared.

IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS ON VULNERABLE SMALL STATES
The President said one common thread through every financial and economic crisis has been the devastating effects and lasting damage exacted on the smallest and most vulnerable economies of the world.

While acknowledging that the peculiar vulnerabilities of small states have long been identified, Mr. Jagdeo yesterday seized the opportunity to again highlight these vulnerabilities that include the minute size of their domestic markets, remoteness of location, susceptibility to natural disasters, few opportunities for diversification, constraints in institutional capacity, limited opportunities for economies of scale and scope, openness to and dependency on trade and investment, poor access to external capital, and persistent poverty.

The president said these factors have been well-known for some time, but demonstrable progress towards resolving them remains elusive.

In the case of the prevailing crisis, he pointed out that the small vulnerable economies of the Caribbean have had to bear the brunt of global recession. This has manifested itself through both depressed prices for primary commodities exported such as bauxite (as is the case in Guyana) and depressed demand for services such as tourism.

The result, according to him, has been loss in export and foreign currency earnings with attendant dislocation to exchange rates, reduced government revenues exacerbating an already tenuous fiscal and debt situation, loss of jobs and welfare, and reversal of gains previously made against poverty.

“Even as we seek long term solutions to bolster the resilience of our economies, the need for relief and support is immediate,” President Jagdeo told the General Assembly.

On this note, he highlighted the fact that the capacity of the small countries of the Caribbean to respond with countercyclical measures is virtually non-existent with no available fiscal space and levels of indebtedness that are among the highest in the world.

President Jagdeo further urged leaders at the General Assembly that the case is therefore compelling for the global community to relieve and restructure the debt of these heavily indebted vulnerable small countries, including those who were not previously considered for debt relief because of their income levels but whose debt ratios are clearly unsustainable by any standard.

H also told the Assembly the case is equally compelling for new additional flows of development assistance to be delivered to these countries by both multilateral and bilateral development partners.

Despite injections of large amounts of additional resources into some of the multilateral institutions, and approval of new facilities by these institutions, President Jagdeo said very little has actually materialised in terms of ‘additionality’ in disbursements to smaller states.

“This needs to be corrected urgently if we are to avoid the perception that there is an absence of concern at the global level for the needs of smaller countries,” Mr. Jagdeo declared.

He proposes that the solution is to have “a new global financial architecture”, one that must involve smaller countries in its articulation.

This is necessary, he said, “because our fear is that if we continue along the same path then we will have a new architecture that caters only for the concerns of the big countries - expanded now to the G-20, and the smaller countries will not see their concerns reflected in that architecture.”

“…this is why last year I called for a new Bretton Woods-type conference, where all the countries in this room helped to create that architecture,” declared the Guyanese head of state, a Russian-trained Economist and a former Chair of multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Inter-American Development Agency (IDB).

THE CASE FOR STRENGTHENED MULTILATERALISM
President Jagdeo also told the high-level gathering that “the global crises which now beset us require global solutions”.

This, he said, is the most important lesson to be learnt from the era of globalisation and interdependence. The bipolarity of the Cold War Era has yielded increased multilateralism, in which there has been a diffusion of political and economic power.

“In many ways, some forms of global governance are no longer commensurate with the needs of the international community and must therefore be suitably altered,” President Jagdeo stated.

The United Nations is now engaged in an endeavour to remedy the deficiencies of the present system by strengthening the foundations of multilateralism upon which the Organisation's Charter is based. For almost two decades now, various organs, committees and working groups have laboured to develop proposals for reform.

In this regard, President Jagdeo admitted that, for a body as large and as complex as ours, the task of finding "general consensus” is not easy. “However, I believe the time has come to assess our progress or lack thereof and, on the basis of our findings, try to accelerate the completion of our task,” he exhorted.

While acknowledging that the process has generated some tangential improvements in the operation of the international system, “the main objectives which we as small states set for ourselves at the start, remain largely unfulfilled”, he told the Assembly.

President Jagdeo said the revitalisation of the General Assembly, the most representative of the organs, must go beyond a few token changes to become truly the voice and conscience of mankind.

For one, he said, the Security Council must be expanded and enhanced to make it more democratic, accountable and transparent in the performance of its mandate to preserve global peace and security.

Access to and participation in the Council's deliberations must be guaranteed for small states.

Similarly, President Jagdeo said the Economic and Social Council must be endowed with the political weight necessary to implement the Organisation's Agenda for Development.

“The Bretton Woods Institutions and the World Trade Organization should be brought more under the United Nations umbrella to provide for the participation of small states in the decision making process and for greater cooperation in the discharge of their respective mandates,” he urged the Assembly.

“Very importantly, the principle and practice of special and differential treatment for small and disadvantaged states should be incorporated in the policies and programmes of these organisations,” he added.

President Jagdeo said above all, a profound attitudinal change will be required of all member states to strengthen multilateralism as the preferred mechanism for managing future international relations.

“Selfish interests and old divisions must be replaced by a new ethic of collaboration and a new sense of morality. Declarations of intent are no substitute for critical decision making. The very word ‘crisis’ which comes from the Greek connotes the need for decision.”

“On a final note, therefore, I would urge this 64th General Assembly to avoid further delay and ensure that its deliberations contribute concretely to advancing the progress of the United Nations Organisation and the peoples it serves,” the Guyanese Head of State concluded.

“We all have an important role to play in solving this crisis but the developed countries have a moral obligation to play a greater part in solving both the financial crisis and the climate change crisis because it is by their action that we are in this situation,” Mr. Jagdeo bluntly declared.

“I hope that they recognise this obligation, and the urgency to act on this obligation,” he charged.

GuySuCo unearths attempts to sabotage operations at Enmore, LBI estates

Steel rail and pieces.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. has viewed with dismay the attempts by unknown individuals to disrupt the positive work environment which has been prevailing in the industry over the past few weeks.

A release from GuySuCo says such an environment has been primarily responsible for workers and the Corporation as a whole achieving certain milestones. Chief among those is the production of over 10,000 tonnes of sugar for the 5th consecutive week.

When such goals are achieved, it is public knowledge that workers benefit through Weekly and Annual Production Incentives, which is why the Corporation is at a loss for the reasoning behind what has been deemed as “acts of sabotage to disrupt its production”.

The situation is even more grave as the difficult economic circumstances which GuySuCo is aggressively focusing on overcoming in the shortest possible period has been well ventilated.

On September 1, 2009, the first act of anti-industrial behavior occurred when a large boulder, weighing approximately 35 kilograms, was placed in a sugar cane punt causing significant damage to the Enmore factory.

Chain and stone.

A similar act occurred on September 20, when an additional sling chain was placed between sugar canes in a punt, again causing extensive damage to equipment at the same factory.

The following day, a section of a railway track found itself in another punt, this time at the LBI factory. However, in this case the large piece of metal was detected at the feeder table and damage to the factory was averted.

Such behavior causes unnecessary loss of production from factory down time, resulting in the Corporation incurring unnecessary expenditure.

Being Guyana’s oldest Industry, its largest employer and a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP, the management of GuySuCo remains committed to working with all stakeholders in the industry to ensure its goals are achieved.

As such, the Corporation is calling on those responsible for the recent disruptions to abandon their futile agenda and join in the effort to revitalise, modernise and secure the future of the sugar industry in Guyana, the release concludes

Kwame Mc Coy gets Court injunctions against 3 media houses
Restraining them from insinuating plaintiff is a child molester
KWAME Mc Coy, Press Liaison to the President, is claiming $150M from three media houses, whom he has taken to Court for continued harassment.

He has been granted an injunction restraining the defendants, Prime News, Enrico Woolford of Capitol News and National Media Publishing Co. Ltd., alleging persecution and seeking injunctions and damages in a sum in excess of $150M Acting Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, who heard the plaintiff’s ex parte application and heard arguments from lawyers Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj, ordered that interim injunction be granted restraining the defendants or their servants or agents from publishing or further publishing by any means words or images which have the effect of insinuating or suggesting, that the plaintiff is involved in acts of child molestation and sexual predation on minors until the hearing and determination of a summons to continue injunction, returnable for September 29, 2009 at 13:30 h.

In his endorsement of claim, the Plaintiff is claiming damages in excess of $50M for libel on the part of each of the defendants, contained in the Sunday, 20th September , 2009, issue of the Kaieteur News, and published by the defendants on the front page and on page 11 under the caption, “Kwame Mc Coy recorded soliciting sex from schoolboy” .

According to the plaintiff, the libel in respect of Capitol News was contained in the Monday, 21st September, 2009 edition of Capitol News. It read ”Indecent proposal alleged by the Office of the President staffer”

The Plaintiff’s claim against Prime News is, ”Media liaison to the President, Kwame Mc Coy has denied that he is the person on the recording although the evidence which has been accumulated by this and other media practitioners conclude otherwise.”

In his affidavit in support, the Plaintiff says, “I have suffered irreparable and irreversible harm to my character and have been brought into disrepute as a result of the actions of the Defendants and am fearful that unless they are restrained by the Court, there is the distinct possibility that the defendants will take actions causing further damage to accrue”

Child Protection Agency raising awareness on child abuse

The Child Protection Awareness booth at the City Mall.

The recently launched Child Care and Protection Agency of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security Tuesday set up booths at various locations in the city, in an effort to heighten awareness of the violation of children’s rights.

Ministry staffers set up booths in front of Courts, Main Street; Republic Bank, Water Street; City Mall, Regent Street; Gafoors’ Mall, Houston; and Demico House, Kitty, to disseminate information and sensitise the public to the devastating effects of child abuse, as well as the services offered by the Ministry.

Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Diana Lawrence, said that the fliers, brochures, and pamphlets that were being distributed sparked a lot of interest in passers-by. She noted that people were eager to learn more about the services offered by the Ministry.

The Agency is responsible for removing children from abusive situations and placing them in institutions set up by the Ministry, such as the Sophia Care Centre, Drop-In Centre and the Mahaica Children’s Centre. These institutions, which also receive assistance from various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), provide a safe and healthy environment for abused children.

Alternatively, the Agency seeks responsible individuals who are desirous of providing foster care, in an effort to allow the children to be exposed to the care and stability of a family. The foster system, though temporary, provides for a more nurturing environment.

The legal process of adoption is also encouraged by the Agency, as this would ensure the permanent security of a family.

Lawrence made an appeal to the public not to turn a blind eye to children who might be in an abusive environment. She also urged parents to discipline their children in such a way so as to assert love, not power.

Prior to the launching of the Child Care and Protection Agency in July, Government had embarked on a legislative programme which saw the passage of three of five Children’s Bill; the Protection of Children Bill, the Status of Children Bill, and the Adoption of Children Bill. The Child Care and Development Services Bill and the Custody Guardianship Maintenance and Access Bill are before a Special Select Committee.

In 2004, Guyana joined over 120 countries in observing Child Protection Week which aims at alleviating all forms of abuse of children, the most vulnerable section of the society. This year, it is being observed under the theme “Caring Communities Raise Caring Children, Protect them Now.” A road show will be held on Saturday. (GINA)

Projects underway to bolster Essequibo Coast water supply

The large storage tank at the water treatment plant on the Essequibo Coast

THE Regional Administration in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) has announced that 18,000 residents, living between Walton Hall and Queenstown, will start receiving treated water 24 hours a day when a $450M project is commissioned in December.

A release said it would fulfill a promise made in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Manifesto for the 2006 general elections.

The release said a large storage tank has already been made and work is continuing on the second largest undertaking in this country, funded by the World Bank and the Government of Guyana.

Meanwhile, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is drilling a new well at Somerset and Berks, to boost potable supply in villages between Charity and La Resource.

Manager of the Anna Regina GWI Sub-Office, also on Essequibo Coast, Mr. Ravindra Deonarine said the contractor, Mr. Mark Persaud, of Gold Field Enterprises, has three months to establish the 311 feet deep facility.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Alli Baksh, who was at the first site meeting recently, encouraged Persaud to make full use of the dry weather.

Baksh said he is happy the job has started and is looking forward to improved water pressure in the targeted area.

GTM reports good business returns despite global challenges
By Michel Outridge

Awardees with their prizes and trophies at the National Cultural Centre.

GUYANA and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company (GTM), despite global economic challenges, wrote new business amounting to $36 billion in sums insured with premium income of $174.3M, for the year ended June 30, 2009.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Harold Davis made the disclosed at the 129th annual general meeting (AGM) in the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown.

He said, after taking into account policies written off, the net increase in business amounted to $20.6 billion sums insured and $86.4M in premium income.

This indicates that GTM ended the year with business in force amounting to $183.4 billion in sums insured and premium income of $1 billion compared to $162.6 billion and $946M, respectively, at the end of the preceding year,” Davis reported.

He said the figures represent increases of 12.8 per cent in both sums insured and premium income.

Davis said fire insurance claims paid amounted to $454.5M in comparison to $385.8M for the year before.

He said, after taking into account recoveries from reinsurers of $44.8M, the net claims paid and provided were a total of $409.7M, more than the $294.4M for the previous year.

Davis, talking about investments, revealed that GTM continues to pursue a strategy which balances the portfolio between security, liquidity and exchange rates exposure.

He said that, for the year under review, the total invested income was $93.4M, up from $83.2M over the previous year ended June 30, 2008, representing a 12 per cent growth.

Davis stated that the modest growth in investment income is acceptable by the company.

This is on the comfort that all of the investments made by the company are done within the stipulated company policies, guidelines and the various laws in the countries within the company operate,” he explained.

He said GTM cash profits declaration return was 55 per cent of premiums received during the last triennium and all participating policyholders shall receive a cash return on premiums.

Davis announced the declaration for this year as $60.7M after making allowance for expired time.

He said the Balance sheet shows GTM has total assets of $3.6 billion, 11 per cent more than the $3.2 billion in the preceding year.

According to his report, the net surplus of income over expenditure was $108.4M, less than the $165.8M in the preceding year.

At the AGM, several members of staff received long service awards and trophies and bursary awards were presented to 11 children of employees and policyholders, covering a period of five years, with an additional allowance in the fifth year for the payment of examination fees for five subjects.

Kaieteur package should help boost local tourism
Guyana is blessed with one of the most unique “jewels” of the world-Kaieteur Waterfalls which has a total height of 822 feet rendering it the world’s highest single-drop waterfall (741 feet) 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.

It is however unfortunate that most Guyanese have not been able to visit this unique “jewel.” In fact, it is ironical that more non-Guyanese may have visited this gem. This has been so because most Guyanese simply cannot afford to make the visit.

In this regard, it is therefore encouraging to note that through collaboration between the Roraima Group of Companies and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce weekend flights on both Saturdays and Sundays until the end of the year cost for a trip will be reduced to US$150 per person compared to the regular price of US$220.

This is indeed a significant reduction and a fine gesture and it would be hoped this special package would enable an appreciably larger number of Guyanese to visit Kaieteur which is one of the most rewarding, enthralling and indelible experiences one could encounter in his/her lifetime.

Managing Director of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia 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.

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.

This is the direction the local tourism industry should pursue because in times of global financial crises like the current one, influx of foreigners may dry up and there may be greater dependency on local tourism.

But very importantly, more Guyanese would be given an opportunity to travel across their country and appreciate the beauty of their country which actually lies in the remote parts of the country.

Strange enough it is more than likely that if a survey is done it show that most Guyanese have travelled more overseas than they have done within their own borders. As such there are more knowledgeable about the geography of foreign lands than their own country.

It is therefore not surprising that so many Guyanese tend to be foreign minded and go for foreign products even though there local equivalents which are superior in quality and price.

It is these anomalies in our society that we have to iron out if we are to rekindle the patriotic fervour in our people which is so badly needed.

GONE--CECIL RAMSINGH, CRICKET/POLITICS LOVER
Reflections by Rickey Singh in Barbados
CECIL RAMSINGH was a great lover of politics as he was of sports, in particular cricket. As such, he was quite well known, personally, from his youth to adult life by the best known political and sports personalities of Guyana.

Think Cheddi and Janet Jagan and Forbes Burnham--all now deceased--and you will be correct about the politicians with whom he worked, socialised, supported and criticised, or opposed.

Equally popular with some of the best and famous in the game of cricket--think of legends like Clive Lloyd and Lance Gibbs for a start--Cecil, also known by the teasing name of 'Weasel", died of a heart attack on September 17 in Miami, Florida. He was 82.

Today, a funeral service, organised by his daughter Titanya, whom he once admitted was "the apple" of his eye, is scheduled to take place at the Cabellero Rivero Woodland Funeral Home in Miami where a close family friend, Kelly-Ann Cartwright, will deliver the eulogy.

Titanya, who lives with her own family in Miami and knows of my long friendship with her dad, said that arrangements were being made to have him cremated and the ashes taken to Guyana to be laid at the grave of his mother, Ada, in keeping with his wish.

I never asked him how he came to be known also as "Weasel", the small nimble animal defined in the dictionary to be "ferocious and carniverous". I recalled him as quite an amiable fellow, who could also be quite irascible in discussions on party politics and personalities.

I recall observing revealing moments with him and Burnham socialising at their once favourite watering hole, the old Woodbine Hotel, without myself being a participant. They kept company, teasing and even cussing out each other, long after the fondly called 'Odo' became the powerful 'Kabaka' in firm control as Executive President of Guyana.

Burnham, like Cheddi and Janet Jagan, would have had some fond recollections of the tall, skinny romantic Ramsingh from the early days of a then united People's Progressive Party (PPP).

There was both warm friendship and tension in the relations that existed between him and Burnham and the Jagan duo. Some of his close associates cheerfully recall aspects of his romantic life that extended to four wives. Not a matter of interest here.

Yesterday, in response to my question how would Cecil Ramsingh be remembered by the PPP, General Secretary Donald Ramotar, lost no time in stating:

"As a most outstanding party stalwart, one of the foundations on which our party has developed through the years since he was there from the beginning..." Ramotar also recalled Cecil's "faithful commitment" to the party and the New Guyana Company (publisher of the party-backed weekly "Mirror".

Those who also knew him in the field of sports would recall that when the cricket season came around--national, regional and certainly international, politics had to compete for his time and attention.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) comendably remembered the contributions Cecil made through the years and most certainly in serving as a liaison officer during the visits of international teams, most recently for Cricket World Cup 2007.

In extending "deepest condolences" to his widow, relatives and friends, the GCB said in a media statement earlier this week, that Ramsingh's "comments on the game, his constructive criticisms and his recollection of significant events, on and off field, will be sorely missed..."

Cecil had left Guyana in failing health to visit his daughter (Titanya) and son (Cecil Ramsingh Jr) and their children and also to seek further medical attention As explained to me in a note from Titanya, "Dad" was making one of his usual yearly visits to them , and although ill, insisted on turning up.

"I was shocked to see how he looked, He was very weak and had difficulties walking..." lamented the distraught Titanya

On September 10 she accompanied her dad to the doctor and awaited results while he was planning to visit her brother and family in Delaware. He did not make it. On Thursday morning, September 17, after taking some juice and seeing his daughter leave to take her kids to school, Ramsingh went back to bed. He never woke up.

The lover of sports and politics, the 'weasel', the guy who was a big party-going fan, passed away in bed, diagnosed as suffering a heart attack. Miami, Titanya agreed, was not where he wanted to die, but in Guyana. His ashes will be here.

Friday Musings
Rabbit salesman
By Sharief Khan
I WAS mistaken for a rabbit salesman on the pavement outside Fogarty’s on Water Street, Georgetown yesterday.

I was not unhappy at that case of mistaken identity and thinking more about it later I wanted to believe that the real rabbit salesman is a really smart rabbit salesman and picked me to help boost his sales.

He was unlike some other so-called rabbit salesmen I saw on Sharma TV on Wednesday night, including a former Information Minister who tried to pull rabbits from a hat, like those magicians on TV.

Those of you who know me by now know that I am not averse to being associated with bunnies.

I have not yet had the good fortune to be invited by Playboy magazine to pose with or be with their centrefold bunnies – those hot, hot women dressed as rabbits with furry little tails and ears and hardly anything else. Get the picture?

I enjoy Bugs Bunny’s antics in the TV cartoons but I’ll dump those for the Playboy bunnies any time.

That’s why I suspect that the real rabbit salesman spotted me as I waited for a taxi on the Fogarty’s pavement yesterday and decided to seize the moment to make some sales.

You really can’t beat Fogarty’s as one of the best spots for shopping and passing the time in GT. It’s in a prime location and after five minutes on the pave, or in the store any working week-day or a Saturday morning, you are bound to run into people you know and may not have seen in years.

Fogarty’s is just a great spot to be and there I was on the pave, waiting for the taxi and watching the traffic go by (who’s talking about vehicles?) when the rabbit salesman stopped right next to me and parked his cage with some really cute white rabbits with pink ears, and a brown one.

“The heat must be really getting to them”, I said to him and he replied “You bet.”

Within seconds, women were gathering around me asking how much for a rabbit.

They weren’t flocking the real rabbit salesman – they were jostling me for the rabbits!

For a fleeting minute I thought it was because they thought I was cute, but then I began to wonder if they were after me because they felt I looked like a softie and could smile and get free rabbits from me.

I once tried selling life insurance policies and managed to sell only two to friends who felt sorry for me before I gave it up, realising I am not cut out to be a salesman. So I sensed that the women sensed that I was no real rabbit salesman and would have given away the rabbits for little or at giveaway prices.

I don’t know if the rabbit salesman managed to capitalise on his brief association with me and sell his cage of rabbits after I left. I would have loved to stay to enjoy the rabbit salesman limelight but the taxi came shortly after and I had to head back to work.

Maybe it’s the heat wave that’s driving some people silly too but I also saw some scared media rabbits on CN Sharma’s Channel Six TV Wednesday night and could have almost predicted the headline in yesterday’s Kaieteur News.

Mr. Sharma aired a recording of the US Embassy-sponsored public discussion on `The Principles of Press Freedom: the U.S. Experience’ at the Pegasus Hotel Wednesday afternoon. That session featured a presentation by visiting American journalist Herb Frazier and remarks by former Information Minister Moses Nagamootoo and TV journalist Enrico Woolford.

Mr. Frazier made some points from his working experience as a journalist, including the need for hard work and perseverance in going after stories, forever striving to be balanced and getting all sides before publishing, which I feel local journalists have to take seriously if they want to be taken seriously.

A lot of what he said was food for deep thought by the local media corps but that was not reported on by the Kaieteur News yesterday.

Instead and true to my self-prediction, it seized on the remarkable remark by Mr. Nagamootoo, who was a journalist at the Mirror newspaper under the government of the late President Forbes Burnham, that there is greater fear in Guyana today than during the Burnham reign.

Nagamootoo, a practising attorney and Member of Parliament of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic, claimed he is seeing in Guyana “large doses of fear” by the media in reporting stories that could be deemed offensive to the administration. He said he is sensing in Guyana an “unease” that was never experienced before.

Mr. Nagamootoo is an old and close friend, but I, who also battled for my very survival as a journalist during the Burnham era and after, am dumfounded by what he said he senses in the media here today.

Father Darke, a photographer for the Catholic Standard newspaper, was murdered in broad daylight not far from the Brickdam Police Station during the Burnham era. Journalists like Rickey Singh, Hubert Williams, Ulric Mentis and others had to leave the country because Burnham saw the media as his nemesis and brooked no dissent.

Because he did not like my reporting for the then Caribbean News Agency, now the Caribbean Media Corporation, Burnham leaned heavily on the news agency to get rid of me as their Guyana correspondent and I bore the brunt of his attacks and even threats to my life.

It was not much different under his successor the late President Desmond Hoyte, with agents from the Police Special Branch detailed to tail me, among others.

I am sorry friend Moses – but I just don’t see the media fear you see.

Your fear fright might have sounded like a good sound bite but I don’t see scared rabbits in the media, and trust me – some people think I can sell rabbits!

And at least you are free today to say what you feel in public. Can you imagine Enrico Woolford or Adam Harris doing the same under Burnham?

JAGDEO PENETRATES THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
Dear Editor:
Many people, possibly through partisanship, find it uneasy to echo the many strides President Bharrat Jagdeo has made and continues to make on the international scene. Undoubtedly, President Jagdeo is now internationally accepted and a force to reckon with in international relations. This President stands up to his duties quite confidently, competently, proudly, and resolutely, and has hobnobbed with most of the top world leaders. And clearly, his work extends well beyond the borders of Guyana.

He brings new zeal, new vision, and a new methodology to development. We see this in a clear direction of his economic strategy of diversification and international competitiveness. Lest we forget, let us for the record document President Jagdeo’s historic and relentless efforts to secure adequate debt relief for Guyana, by virtue of the state of the economy in 1992, and the interim eight or nine years that Guyana took to reach financial viability. And debt relief is not automatic, contrary to misconceptions peddled by the President’s detractors.

Today, President Jagdeo continues to push for a consolidation of democracy, sustain macroeconomic fundamentals, and advance his international Initiatives on Agriculture and Climate Change.

As lead Minister of Agriculture for CARICOM, he remains committed to agriculture as a business; as holistic, with a spread across the whole agri-product chain and with natural links to other productive sectors; and as significant to promoting value-added food products and non-food products.

The decibels for President Jagdeo rise astronomically when a discussion of ‘climate change’ surfaces internationally. President Jagdeo, without demur, has become one of the leading exponents of the climate change initiative, now integral to this Government’s developmental strategy.

President Jagdeo met with worldwide leaders at Summit of the Americas early this year, championing the virtues and significance of agriculture and climate change within CARICOM and beyond the shores of the Caribbean; creating opportunities to further advance these matters in bilaterals where significant discussions of a micro nature generally take place.

And today, President Jagdeo continues to gain international respect and acceptance by meeting with more top world leaders, such as, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon; President of the World Bank Robert Zoellick; President of Republic of Congo Denis Saaou-Nguesso; Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg; Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Michael T Somare; and Prime Minister of Sweden Fredrik Reinfeldt, at a UN Summit in New York to discuss their commitment and support for REDD – Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries. Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, among others, also graced this historic discussion on climate change.

For these reasons, let us set aside political differences and feel proud of Guyana’s President Jagdeo whose inexorable efforts to champion initiatives on climate change, agriculture, and macroeconomic fundamentals, beyond the Caribbean, incrementally advance the international stature of Guyana, and simultaneously add to the rising international prominence of this President. At last, President Jagdeo has penetrated the global village!
Prem Misir

What does Boyo Ramsaroop want?
Boyo Ramsaroop who recently switched to the AFC needs to clarify for the reading public what exactly the PPP owes him. The gentleman apparently believes that because he served the party for a long time he should be entitled to some unnamed privilege(s). I very much doubt that this is what Dr. Jagan stood for.

Ramsaroop has now taken it further. In his ‘Tribute to Cecil Ramsingh’ (KN 9.23.09), he again referred to PPP ‘ungratefulness’. It is actually quite unfortunate that he would use the passing of Mr. Ramsingh to score political points. Moreover, Boyo Ramsaroop’s representation of Mr. Ramsingh’s sentiments regarding the PPP are just plain wrong. Ramsingh stayed loyal to the PPP to the end. Shortly before his passing he actually called PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar and offered advice on how to deal with the rampant opposition skullduggery. Mr. Ramsingh had no taste for opportunists of yesteryears and I doubt that he would have suddenly developed a menu laced with betrayal.

Now as for Joseph O’Lall, Boyo Ramsaroop is way off the mark. O’Lall was on the District Committee of the PPP when he passed away. His body was taken to Freedom House where he received glowing tributes from Mrs. Jagan and Mr. Ramotar. In what world is Boyo Ramsaroop living in?

Donald Ramotar told this writer that “both O’Lall and Ramsingh were held in the highest regard by the PPP.”

Ramsaroop also attacked Minister Maniram Prashad because Mr. Prashad was once associated with President Hoyte. But Ramsaroop cannot have it both ways. He wants the current administration to reach out to competent people in the broader community irrespective of their party affiliations, and at the same time complains that old party members should be given special rewards. You cannot have it both ways sir.

Boyo’s credibility has crash landed in a way that must be of grave concern to the AFC. Let me explain. The man claims that he served the PPP for 60 years. Let us check this out. He is now 71 years old, which means that he was born in 1938. Now that we are in 2009, it means that he started serving the PPP at the age of eight! More than that, since the PPP was founded in 1950, it means that Boyo Ramsaroop started serving the PPP before it came into existence!

Mr. Ramsaroop noted that his son has joined the AFC. That is his right in a democracy, and the senior Ramsaroop is also entitled to push his son’s political career. He should not, however, use an old dispute with the PPP to cultivate a landscape of opportunities for his son. At the moment he is doing more bad than good for his son. The AFC is in another pickle with this one.
RANDY PERSAUD

Sitting of CSEC by Orealla students is wonderful news
A wonderful announcement was just made that students from the Orealla community will be preparing to sit the CSEC 2010.This is indeed good news especially that this month has been dedicated to Amerindians.

Being aware that many rural communities are always at a disadvantage and face much tougher challenges, I don't believe that it is the wisest of ideas to have those students sit those exams at home. There could definitely be a conflict of interest.

The Education and Amerindian Ministry's respectively might very well be faced with financial constraints, but I think this issue should be taken to the CSEC head office in Barbados for approval or not.

An option that could work is that part proceeds from monies that will be generated from the upcoming GUYEXPO 2010 hosted by the Tourism Ministry could be used as a generous donation to offset expenses for the short exam period at the nearest location that will house other exam students.
T. PEMBERTON

Justices of the Peace urged to adhere to correct practice
THE President of Guyana Justices of the Peace (JP) and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits (COA) association, Mr. Hermon Bholaisingh is calling on all its members to adhere steadfastly to correct practice when witnessing documents. This ……..is relevant and timely since at its recently held statutory meeting members reported that general the public is still sending documents to be witnessed without the presence of the deponents. Perhaps the simplest and most frequently encountered application is the request for JPs/COAs to witness a signature. There is literally no limit to the number of documents which may require a signature to be witnessed. Examples may include declaration with respect to registration of births or damage to documents. It is vitally important that the person witnessing the document needs the document to satisfy himself/herself that their signature will be satisfactory to the person or authority to whom it is going to be submitted in due course.

Most will specify a list of individuals whose signature will be accepted – usual suspects in addition to JPs/COAs being ministers of religion (which will not be taken as including only the Christian religion), solicitors, doctors, established civil servants and police officers. Not every such document will actually specify a JP/COA as being an acceptable signatory, especially if it comes from an overseas jurisdiction where the role does not exist, and it has not been unknown for disappointed individuals to find that they have to start again.

If the individual making the application is not known to you, then you should always ask for some form of visual identification such as a passport or national identification card. The signature should be attached to the document in your presence – you should never be prepared to witness a pre-written signature. If your signature is not readily legible, then you should write your full name underneath followed by your qualification “Justice of Peace”.

The second request which is frequently is for you to attest to the identity of a person whose photograph is attached to a document. The one you are most likely to meet is passport applications. Again you should carefully study the document before placing any signature – in this case you are being asked to conform that you have known the applicant for a significant period of time in addition to certifying that the photograph is an accurate likeness.

It may finally be worth drawing attention to a rather underused power available to JPs/COAs which allows for an affidavit being used in connection with any piece of civil proceedings in the High Court or the Magistrate Court to be sworn (for affirmed) before any one of a number of people including an Justice of Peace/COA you will need to satisfy yourself that the document which the deponent is swearing complies with the requirements of the rules. You should also be aware that it is your responsibility to complete the ‘jural’ which contains the signature of the deponent and the name, qualification and address of the person before whom the document is being sworn. There is no reason why the address should not be a professional one.
HERMON BHOLAISINGH

Western governments become more concerned with interests of large corporations
OLD dancing partners, with new faces, are making well-coordinated steps across the countries of Africa and Latin America. In the face of the global financial recession and, what appears to be, the end of the Monroe Doctrine, these partners are moving lightly across the geopolitical spectrum to the increasingly sweet sound of south - south cooperation. They are, in effect, creating a different, not new, perspective of geopolitics and giving substance to it in this 21st century. But what are the implications for good environmental governance and global warming in the south.

For quite some time now, the concept of good governance, as against good government, has been the watch word for international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations and other institutions. It is about enhancing the ability of the people to gain better life, greater options to choose from and ensuring transparency and accountability in administration. It is also about greater participation, by the people, in the way their communities are governed by political administrations. Add to that the environment and good governance defines itself as multi-level interactions – local, national, international/global – among but not limited to three key actors, state, market, and civil society which interact with one another in formal and informal ways in articulating and implementing policies in relation to the environment for sustainable development. As applied, in this article, it immediately sets the framework by which governments, corporations, and local communities must account for their stewardship of the environment. We, at ECHO, have always held and will continue to hold the view that stewardship of the environment or the lack of it is the main cause of global warming.

As a result, planet earth is responding, in unprecedented ways, to our quest for greater development. Both developed and underdeveloped countries are constantly pushing to improve the state of their economies and the standard of living of their citizens. It is a good thing. But in their quest many countries, particularly in the north, have destroyed their natural environment. Therefore, their insatiable quest for development has encouraged them to seek natural resources in countries whose forests, waterways and other aspects of the ecology are intact. Many countries of the north are paying greater attention to investment opportunities in the south. However, within recent times, countries of the south have elevated the scale of investment and cooperation with other countries of the south. There now appears to be a noticeable shift in the political engagements in the south. Russia, China, India, and Iran are all examining business prospects and in some cases making heavy investments in the south in an apparent south -south cooperation. Many reasons can be advanced for this shift including the global financial meltdown, which sent many corporations reeling in bankruptcy, America’s lack of attention, in Latin America because of other international events, significant among them, the war on terror, and the demand for raw materials by China and India. This cooperation is very visible between Asia and Latin America.

It is not that trading between Asia and Latin America is new but the huge scale and almost overnight investments that are connected to China and India are new. In fact, the current level of trading between Latin America and Asia has made China and India very significant actors in Latin America because they have the scope to influence the politics, and level of development of those countries involved. As it now stands, China is Brazil’s largest single export market. This is so because of the negative global financial situation and the fact that Brazil can meet the demand. About five months, ago, talks between President of Brazil, Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the President of China, Mr Hu Jintao resulted in an agreement by which the Chinese Development Bank and Sinopec will lend Petrobras $10b. This will permit a return of about 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day for ten years from that country. Again, Chinese corporations and companies have made significant investments in oil in Ecuador and Venezuela. It is also looking at stakes in Argentina. It is possible that Chinese companies have become the biggest foreign investors in Ecuador’s oil industry.

But for Latin America one pertinent question remains: how will this cooperation affect the health of the natural environment? This is an important question because the environment is the basic unit upon which all life in their forms depends for their existence and survival. Therefore, all nations must take into account the integrity of the environment in any programme, project or activity aimed at development. It is clear, that the heavy impact of the demand for raw materials, by China and India, has ratchet up world prices for various commodities. On the one hand, it is good for economics as it helps to advance the interest of developing countries. On the other, it pushes for greater exploitation of the natural resources of the environment. Sometimes, this is done at the expense of the health of the environment, whether its deforestation, pollution of rivers and waterways or the destruction of biodiversities. These affect the traditions, cultures and values of communities. Therefore, such actions, in the name of development, have the potentials to disrupt entire local communities and the lives of people. Many of these developing countries are attempting to put in place the appropriate environmental laws and relevant supporting institutions with the requisite capacity, to ensure good environmental governance. This is a serious problem because the environmental systems are yet fragile and could not adequately address certain environmental challenges. In some cases, even where these are in place, governments are willing to flex, to multinational corporations to encourage development because they can then use it as a justification to hold on to the reins of political power. In some countries the regimes are propped up by large corporations. For example, there is much speculation, by Earth Rights International – a rights group – that Total and Chevron are propping up the Burma’s military government by gas projects in that country.

However, it is in this space that, political and corporate interests become intertwined. As a result, governments become more concerned with representing the interest of large corporations than the welfare and well being of the people, who have entrusted them with power. This constitutes a democratic deficit.

The thing is ordinary citizens are too busy scraping out a living, from the doldrums of economic woes in development countries, that they really cannot spare the time or energy to worry about the business of governments. Therefore, many governments and corporations get away with policies and activities that destroy the environment.

Add to that, the lack of financial and other resources for poor countries to even begin to think about addressing environmental problems. These countries need development anyway and everywhere. Therefore, they settle for anything.

Then, what about the environmental laws and rules of India and China? In many areas these countries are pressing against challenges to develop alternative sources of energies. China, in particular, holds the sharp two-edged sword of providing a defense against global warming by pursuing technologies in alternative energies and an offense to the environment by being the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, in the world.

There are terrifying concerns about environmental degradation in China and India; there is the on-going problem of pollution. For example, water quality is a major problem in certain parts of China. According to Jin Jiamin, of the Global Environmental Institute, the reason is industrial pollution. Smog blankets large Chinese cities.

Also, the industry of importing dangerous e-waste (derelict computers and other electronic waste) continues to increase in Guizhou despite laws that are in place to shot the trade. Monitoring the environmental activities and stewardship of corporations is tedious in these countries let alone in developing nations. It is highly possible that such companies would feel no sense of obligation to maintain standard that would protect the health of the natural environment in poor and developing countries. In India, pollution is frightening in many parts. There were reports, in the British Guardian newspaper, that in the Punjabi cities of Bathinda and Faridkot high levels of uranium are contributing to a sharp increase in the number of birth defects, physical and mental abnormalities and cancers. This is not to say that corporations working out of developed countries, in the north, do not commit similar environmental transgression but they have a greater level of accountability. Recently, Brazil returned a large shipment of waste to the United Kingdom. The waste was shipped to that country under the guise of recyclable plastic. Since that incident three persons have been arrested in connection with it. Accountability, transparency and ethical standards are the guiding principles of the system, in those democracies, to prevent corporations and companies from breaching rules and regulations even beyond their borders.

Therefore, the countries involved need to examine whether this cooperation is really helping or retarding growth in the south. Looking at the wider picture it may appear to be improving the economics of Latin America but it could also just be assisting the prosperity of some countries, in the south, while keeping others in poverty for generations. Unless this south - south cooperation can set the framework for good environmental governance it would not be able to sustain real development in Latin America.
ROYSTON KING

S&S/Holland Promotions Caribbean Fury Boxing card ...
Boxers ready to rumble tomorrow
By Michael DaSilva

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony (centre) strike a pose with Shondell Alfred (left) and Corinne deGroot after yesterday’s press conference.

BOXERS, appearing on the S&S Promotions/Holland Entertainment `Caribbean Fury’ boxing card, are all ready to rumble at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tomorrow night.

Guyana’s Shondell `Mystery Lady’ Alfred is down to do battle with Canadian `American Gladiator’, TV star Corinne deGroot for the WIBA (Women’s International Boxing Association) bantamweight world title in the main bout while the main supporting bout brings together Guyana’s world-rater Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore and Colombia’s six-time world champion Mauricio Pastrano in a bantamweight clash.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday at the National Communications Network (NCN) studio, Guyana’s WIBA Iberian-American Bantamweight champion Shondell Alfred reminded those present and warned deGroot that she is a `Mystery Lady’ of few words and she prefers to do her talking in the ring tomorrow night.

In response, deGroot who has Guyanese roots said she is the `American Gladiator’ and she too is a woman of few words and come tomorrow night, she and Alfred would do their talking in the ring.

Alfred informed that when promoter Carwyn Holland offered her the fight, she did not hesitate to take it since she long wanted to fight for a recognised world title.

She said after signing the contract she learnt about her opponent being an `American Gladiator’ that appears on the television and that she (deGroot) is undefeated.

The `Mystery Lady’ however cautioned deGroot saying “you’re the American Gladiator but I’m the Guyanese boxer and come the 26th (tomorrow), you’ll see the `Mystery Lady’ in action.”

deGroot in response said, “I’m the undefeated American Gladiator and my heart and everything within me is for winning on the 26th, like Shondell, I’m not a woman of many words, so come Saturday night, we’ll do the talking.”

She informed that most of the things she has done in life, most of the sports she has been involved in are male-dominated.

Asked if she thinks deGroot has an advantage over her, Alfred promptly said she does not think so “we’re both fighters and we represent what we do.”

Leon Moore (right) squares up with Colombian Mauricio Pastrano while looking on from left are Pastrano’s trainer Nelson Lopez, Stanford Solomon and Carwyn Holland (Photos by Sonell Nelson)

Asked what she (deGroot) knows of Alfred, the Canadian said she is aware that Alfred is a tough fighter and at the end of the day they both would want to come out victorious.

For the main supporting bout, Pastrano, speaking through an interpreter, said tomorrow night’s fight will be the ultimate test for Moore.

The Colombian said he has been training very hard for the fight and is not worrying too much about Moore since his experience will carry him through.

He noted that Moore is taller and younger than he, but stated “we know how to deal with that. Come Saturday night, it will be a new champion and it will be me.”

Moore, in response, welcomed the Colombian and his entourage to Guyana but stated “you will enjoy Guyana until the 26th (tomorrow night)” adding “when the going gets tough the tough gets going.

Pastrano was quick to reply “that’s how everyone talks, but when I hit him with my right hand he’s going to forget everything he said.”

However, Moore was quick to reply “You will be throwing your right hand in the air, because there will be no Leon Moore there for it to land on.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony who was present at the press conference welcomed the foreign fighters, saying all Guyana is pleased to have them here.

He congratulated the promoters – Stanford Solomon of S&S Promotions and Carwyn Holland off HE Promotions – for putting together such an attractive card.

He said they have created a world class event and reminded that sports tourism is a niche on the international market.

He said tomorrow night’s card should serve as an impetus for sports tourism and hopes that there will be more international sporting events in Guyana in the near future.

Demerara and Essequibo locked in tight struggle
… homesters need 93 runs for victory with five wickets in hand
By Calvin Roberts in Anna Regina
(Compliments of Lifetime Realty and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Reena’s Snackette, Pomeroon Sports Committee and GM&R Trading)

DEBUTANT Essequibo medium-pacer Trevor Benn bowled with gusto to claim his first five-wicket haul at this level, despite Ramnaresh Sarwan and Troy Gonsalves striking half-centuries.

Essequibo eventually bowled out Demerara for 278 after lunch on the penultimate day of their first round clash in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) four-day match at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground yesterday.

The homesters needing to score 195 for victory, struggled to 24-2 at tea, but ended the day on 102-5, with Norman Fredericks unbeaten on 51 and Trevon Garraway (5), needing a further 93 runs for victory over their illustrious opponents.

Scores to date Demerara 119 and 278, Essequibo 203 and 102-5

Earlier in the day, Sarwan who top-scored with 31 in his team’s meagre first innings total of 119 resumed from his overnight 46 and immediately reached his 50 when he steered national fast bowler Trevon Garraway to third man for two.

He faced 138 balls and batted for 162 minutes while hitting four fours, but to the detriment of the Demerara dressing room and the delight of their opponents, he lost his leg stump to an inside edge off the next delivery, bringing a 47-run fifth-wicket partnership with Barnwell (26) to an end.

Things got worse for the visitors as they lost both Barnwell who was caught by Fredericks at mid-off when he drove uppishly at Benn, and Mohammed was caught by Andrew Williams who had to put on a diving display at mid on.

Barnwell faced 62 balls, hitting two fours and one maximum during his 109 minutes vigil at the crease, but more importantly for Essequibo, they had claimed three important wickets without a run being scored, leaving Demerara on 176-7 in the first hour of play.

Former West Indies Under-19 skipper Steven Jacobs entered the scene at the demise of Sarwan and took the attack to the home team, hitting Dillon Heyliger who had replaced Garraway, through mid-wicket and over mid-on for four, then watched as Gonsalves hit Benn to long on for another four.

Essequibo’s skipper Ramesh Narine thought he saw enough from his fast bowlers and introduced spin in Williams and left-arm orthodox spinner Anthony Adams after the water break. He should have had a breakthrough but Heyliger who was stationed in the solitary slip position grassed the opportunity offered by Gonsalves off Williams’ first delivery.

Jacobs continued to be the aggressor when he struck Williams over long off for six, but when he looked set to resume his innings after the lunch break, he picked out Rohit at long off in his attempt to hit Narine over the boundary on the stroke of lunch.

Jacobs faced 58 balls for his 37 and batted for 96 minutes hitting three fours and one six during his 57-run eighth-wicket partnership with Gonsalves who was on 14 at lunch. Demerara, who were 227-8 stretched their lead to 143 with two wickets in hand at the break.

Gonsalves then batted like a man possessed and saw Essequibo take the new ball five overs later, hitting Garraway for two fours, while Benn was struck for three consecutive fours, as he motored his team’s total past 250.

He followed Sarwan by posting the second 50 in Demerara’s innings from 85 balls, hitting seven fours from 119 minutes of batting and celebrated by hitting Benn over wide long on for his lone six and the fifth of the Demerara innings.

That was the last hurrah for Demerara, as Benn removed Perry and Scott within three balls to end with 5-63 from 20 overs of nagging medium pace on a flat wicket, receiving amicable support from Garraway who took 3-76.

When Essequibo began their reply, they lost Mahendra Boodram (3) and Yogeshwar Lall (3) to be 24-2 at teatime, with Fredericks on 14 staving off a strong challenge from Gonsalves and Mohammed who bowled eight maiden overs together.

Demerara reaped more success after tea, when Latchman Rohit (0) was caught by Mohammed at point off Gonsalves but Heyliger who was Essequibo’s first innings hero, joined Fredericks at the wicket and they cautiously set about to repair the damage done by the opposition bowlers.

Rash shots were met by a loud “no” from the crowd which grew in the final session and when Fredericks broke the maiden drought by hitting Gonsalves for four, the crowd roared in appreciation, more so when the same batsman hit Mohammed for another four through midwicket in the next over.

Heyliger followed suit by hitting Gonsalves over midwicket for six to push the score to 48-3 in the 26th over, then watched as Fredericks hit Mohammed for three more fours during their 56-run fourth-wicket partnership.

But when they looked set to bat their team to safety, Barnwell was reintroduced into the attack and he immediately sent back Heyliger who got a faint edge through to Perry, bringing a patient 80-minute innings which netted him 29 valuable runs from 56 deliveries to an end.

Narine joined Fredericks who continued to pick up the odd boundaries and even though the former struck his first delivery from Barnwell through point for four, he never suggested permanence and gloved an easy catch to Shemroy Barrington at silly point off Jacobs to leave his team on 89-5.

Garraway joined Fredericks who posted his 50 from 164 balls, batting for 210 minutes and hitting six fours from the final delivery of the day bowled by Sarwan and together they saw their team to 102-5 at the close, with Fredericks on 51 and Garraway 5. Gonsalves has so far taken 2-21.

Today is the final day, with Essequibo looking for a further 93 runs to pull off an upset victory over their star-studded opponents, with five wickets in hand on a flat wicket that is offering assistance to the spinners.

GCB four-day cricket…
Berbice in sight of victory over Rest Team
BERBICE were scenting an outright victory over the Rest Team at the end of the penultimate day yesterday in the first round of the 2009 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) four-day inter-county cricket competition at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, in Queenstown.

The Rest Team, facing a massive 415 for victory, closed the day on 223-8 still in arrears of 214 with a maximum of 90 overs and two wickets in hand.

Scores in the game so far are: Berbice 205 and 437; Rest Team 228 and 223-8.

Yesterday Berbice, resuming from their solid overnight position of 290-3 with Narsingh Deonarine on 101 and Homchand Pooran on 47, had progressed to 437 all out, approximately one hour after lunch.

The left-handed Deonarine went on to accumulate 145 runs before he was nicely taken by Seon Daniels at long-off to off-spinner Steven Latcha, while the right-handed Pooran scored a fine 88, which included four fours from 189 balls.

Deonarine occupied the crease for 177 balls and in the process struck 11 fours and three sixes.

Esaun Crandon was the other useful scorer yesterday with 20 as Latcha ended with four for 79 from 25 overs, while off-spinner Deon Ferrier and left-arm spinner Sauid Drepaul nabbed three for 79 and two for 125 respectively.

When the Rest Team began their second innings’ chase, they lost first innings’ top-scorer Trevon Griffith for 14, while his opening partner Ryan Ramdass followed shortly for 22.

Left-handed Vishaul Singh steadied the innings momentarily with a compact 70 which included eight fours and two sixes from 85 deliveries after skipper Derwin Christian (0) and Ferrier (4) fell in quick succession.

Drepaul followed up his fifty in the first innings with another impressive 50.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo has been the most successful bowler for the boys from the Ancient County so far with four for 52 from 14 overs. Deonarine, bowling off-spin, has picked two for 30.

Egypt off to U-20 World Cup flier
… thump Trinidad and Tobago 4-1
EGYPT'S Young Pharaohs earned a thumping 4-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago in the opening game of the Under-20 World Cup yesterday.

Two goals from Hussam Arafat, plus strikes from Moustafa Afroto and Mohamed gave the hosts victory, with Trinidad's Jean Luc Rochford netting a consolation.

A frantic start showed that the players were perhaps too eager to make an impression on the opening night of this global event, in front of a crowd of 80 000 at the stadium of Borg el-Arab.

Both sides were guilty of squandering presentable chances in the early stages after good work in the midfield.

But on the half hour, after some sustained pressure, Egyptian striker Afroto took the ball beyond the Caribbean defence and side-footed it past the Trinidad keeper in style.

It was a tremendous goal and Egypt should have had a 2-0 lead shortly afterwards, but Mohamed Talaat's header was straight at the goalkeeper.

Instead, on the counter-attack, Rochford eased through the static home defence to level things at 1-1 and it stayed that way until halftime.

It took only five minutes after the break for Egypt to restore their lead as Trinidad failed to clear a corner and Arafat had time to control and fire home from just inside the area with a stinging shot off the inside of the post.

And the Young Pharaohs made the game safe after an hour when Talaat pounced on a rebound off Glenroy Samuel in the Trinidad goal to make it 3-1.

Trinidad continued to create chances - the best with five minutes to go when Juma Clarence's shot cannoned away off a post, but Egypt held on for the win and added gloss to the scoreline as Arafat added his second in stoppage time.

Tens of thousands of Egyptian fans had gathered many hours before kick-off in a brand new stadium outside Alexandria for the first of 52 matches in the competition, culminating in the final in Cairo on October 16.

The venue was built as part of Egypt's ultimately unsuccessful bid to host the 2010 World Cup, but with searchlights beaming into the night sky and a fervent crowd, it provided a spectacular opener for the tournament.

The crowd left in good spirits - but the next generation of Egyptian stars will have to work on their defence before they take on Paraguay and Italy in their remaining Group A fixtures. (BBC Sport)

Lethem beat East Demerara 1-0 in GFF Women’s League opener
… to play Berbice today
By Michael DaSilva
LETHEM defeated their counterparts from the East Demerara Football Association 1-0 when the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Women’s Inter-Association League got under way on Wednesday at the Tucville ground.

Sonia Griffith registered the competition’s first goal in the 22nd minute but failed to convert many others.

The Lethem team, currently in Georgetown for the Amerindian Heritage celebrations, will be in action once again today at the same venue where they take on Berbice from 16:00 h.

In Wednesday’s match, the team from the hinterland dominated play for most of the 90 minutes duration and displayed better ball control than their East Coast counterparts.

So dominant were the Lethem players that they forced eight corners during the first session and four in the second half as against a mere one during the entire game by the East Coast side.

From the first whistle, Lethem took the attack to their opponents passing the ball nicely through empty spaces and putting together five and six passes at a time.

After raiding East Coast’s goal on six occasions, the Lethem team went ahead by counter-attacking down the right flank and the ball was squared to the centre in East Coast’s 18-yard box where Griffith took control and slotted it past the opposition’s custodian Ruth George.

As the battle for ball possession continued, East Coast had a few good moments but found it difficult to get past Lethem’s stout central defender Vowseima Michael who enjoyed a really good game.

So difficult was it to get past Michael that the Lethem custodian Leonie Robinson was only called upon twice throughout the game and on both occasions she displayed maturity.

Robinson was a member of the National women’s team that participated in the triangular tournament played in the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this year.

After today’s game, the Lethem side will be in action once again on Sunday when they tackle Upper Demerara at the GCC ground from 16:00 h.

Sunday’s game is one on a triple-header card that will feature two GFF Senior League matches.

GFF General Secretary Noel Adonis had said earlier in the week that the idea of having the women’s game played on the same card was to give the local ladies some prominence.

He said also the women’s league is part of his Federation’s development plans for women’s football in Guyana.

During the women’s matches, members of the GFF’s Technical Committee will be talent-spotting in order to select a squad for training for a planned Goodwill series during the month of December right here in Guyana.

Adonis said invitations have been extended to Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Guyanese Diaspora in North America.

Parnell, AB de Villiers keep South Africa hopes alive
... hosts bounce back to beat NZ by five wickets
SOUTH Africa, led by Roelof van der Merwe and Wayne Parnell with the ball and AB de Villiers with the bat, recovered from their opening-game loss to beat New Zealand in Centurion.

New Zealand struggled to put up runs after being put in under slightly overcast conditions, with van der Merwe starring with ten cunning overs while Parnell claimed five wickets.

(Scores: South Africa 217 for 5 (de Villiers 70*) beat New Zealand 214 (Taylor 72, Parnell 5-57) by five wickets)

Ross Taylor played a responsible innings that gave New Zealand stability after they were reduced to 92 for 3, but losing their last seven wickets for 51 was a crime.

With this win, impossible without de Villiers' cool half-century, Group B is now wide open with England yet to play a match.

The pitch was the same one used a couple of days ago when South Africa were mauled by Sri Lanka, but the result was very different.

Early on it offered more pace and bounce than the track on which Tillakaratne Dilshan blazed away, but as the afternoon wore on stroke play became increasingly tougher, especially against the older ball.

By the time New Zealand were midway into teir innings, after Parnell took two early wickets, their spinners found appreciable bounce and the abrasive nature of the pitch made the ball grip the surface.

van der Merwe and Johan Botha bowled with control and the effort was complemented by the attacking fields Graeme Smith set, which played a major role in suffocating the batsmen. Runs came at a trickle with New Zealand managing just 72 between the 15th and 35th overs. During that span, the spinners conceded just three boundaries.

Taylor had a few close shaves against van der Merwe but overcame his nerves to play a substantial role. He was pleasing when cracking the ball in the arc between point and gully but more than those odd field perforations his contribution was valuable for the manner in which he shored up the pressure of seeing New Zealand through difficulty.

Grant Elliott had his moments of indecision when balls from van der Merwe just about missed the edge of the bat, yet managed to pierce the wall of fielders with some excellent shots through cover.

His dismissal for 39, bowled by a peach from van der Merwe, snapped a 71-run stand and allowed South Africa back spectacularly.

The last five fell for 11 runs in 18 balls, with Parnell nipping out three in the batting Powerplay, and that decided the match.

Taylor had carried the innings but the lack of sizeable partnerships hurt them: there were four stands of 30 or more, but none topped 71 as South Africa plugged away. The bowlers did a fine job, and the sharp turn the spinners achieved suggested that batting in the evening would be even more difficult.

This is where de Villiers made the difference. Smith failed to get going, chipping Daryl Tuffey to mid-on, after which Jacques Kallis briefly put New Zealand on the back foot. Kallis biffed a 39-ball 36, batting as if the world was his stage, but his dismissal left de Villiers to shepherd the chase.

Warning of de Villiers' intentions came early with two sumptuous drives down the ground off Daryl Tuffey. He didn't lag thereafter, embellishing his presence with lovely clips off the pads and excellent judgment of singles and doubles. Daniel Vettori got sharp bite and used his arm ball well, and it was with one that gently turned that he sent Hashim Amla on his way for 38 from 65 deliveries.

Kyle Mills returned and was the beneficiary of a wicket as an attempted cut from JP Duminy went off the bottom edge and Brendon McCullum took a sharp catch.

de Villiers refused to panic. He collected the singles, punished the loose balls, and didn't buckle under the pressure exerted by a tight spell from Vettori. Singles were vital to South Africa's progress, yet sporadically, to give the fans something to purr about de Villiers found the boundary.

He brought up his 19th ODI fifty off 54 balls and Mark Boucher seemed set to seal the win with him until he lost his concentration in the 36th over. South Africa, though, already had the game wrapped up. Cricinfo)

NEW ZEALAND (50 overs maximum)
B. McCullum c Duminy b Botha 44
J. Ryder c van der Merwe b Parnell 8
M. Guptill c Amla b Parnell 21
R. Taylor lbw b Parnell 72
G. Elliott b van der Merwe 39
N. Broom lbw b van der Merwe 1
G. Hopkins c Duminy b Parnell 13
K. Mills c de Villiers b Steyn 0
D. Vettori not out 1
D. Tuffey c Duminy b Parnell 4
S. Bond c de Villiers b Steyn 0

Extras: (b-4, lb-5, w-1, nb-1) 11

Total: (all out, 47.5 overs) 214

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-58, 3-92, 4-163, 5-171, 6-203, 7-204, 8-209, 9-213.

Bowling: Steyn 9.5-1-32-2, Parnell 8-0-57-5 (w-1), Kallis 8-0-24-0, Morkel 3-0-13-0 (nb-1), Botha 9-1-44-1, van der Merwe 10-1-35-2.

SOUTH AFRICA (target: 215 runs from 50 overs)

G. Smith c Vettori b Tuffey 7
H. Amla lbw b Vettori 38
J. Kallis c wkp. McCullum b Bond 36
AB de Villiers not out 70
JP Duminy c wkp. McCullum b Mills 11
M. Boucher c wkp. McCullum b Tuffey 28
J. Morkel not out 19

Extras: (lb-2, w-4, nb-2) 8

Total: (5 wkts, 41.1 overs) 217

Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-74, 3-108, 4-138, 5-180

Bowling: Mills 8.1 0 45 1 5.51 (nb-1), Bond 10-0-51-1 (w-2), Tuffey 9-1-52-2 (w-1), Vettori 10-1-34-1 (w-1), Ryder 2-0-15-0, Guptill 1-0-13-0 (nb-1), Elliott 1-0-5-0.

Points: South Africa 2, New Zealand 0

Regional, North American riders for Tour of San Fernando
... Guyanese riders Bently and McKay taking part
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Riders from Guyana, Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean and North America, will join local competitors in the Tour of San Fernando annual four-stage Cycling Classic this weekend.

The event, organised by Southampton Wheelers Club which has been active since 1954, rides off under lights this evening at San Fernando’s Rienzi Kirton Highway.

Apart from attracting cyclists from Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Barbados, Grenada, and several top local clubs, the field this year includes riders from the USA and Canada.

American Ryan Parnes will lead debutants Team EXUSTAR, which also includes Canadians Daniele De Franceshi and Jean Micheal La Chance.

Trinidadian Roger Farrell is Director of Team EXUSTAR.

The Tour this year opens this evening with the first stage, a Criterium race, with the second stage being an individual time-trial at 07:00 h tomorrow at the San Fernando Hill.

Stage Three will be a road race from Pointe-a-Pierre to Tabaquite, Brasso, Gran Couva, and back to Pointe-a-Pierre, starting at 13:00 h tomorrow.

Stage Four on Sunday will be a road-race from San Fernando to Point Fortin and back, starting at 07:00 h in front of City Hall, Harris Promenade.

COMPETING CLUBS/RIDERS:
Team Trek: Colin Wilson, Gevan Samuel, Gene Samuel, (T&T), Warren McKay, (Guyana), Linford Blackwood, Dean Martin, O’Neal Samuels, (Jamaica).

Rafmon-Mecalfab Heatwave: David Alves, Ronnie Moses, Glen Whiby (T&T), Marloe Rodman (Jamaica), Jude Bently (Guyana).

Rigtech Sonics: Mark Codrington, Njisane Phillip, Rudy Ashton, Ancil Roberts, Orlando Frontin (T&T).

Madonna Wheelers: Varun Maharaj, Shannon Metivier, Roger Smart (T&T)

Team Foundation: Joshua and Adam Alexander (T&T), Lisbon Quintero (USA), Jasette Bromfield (Jamaica).

Team EXUSTAR: Ryan Parnes (USA); Daniele De Franceshi, Jean Micheal La Chance (Canada), Director – Roger Farrell.

Clijsters to play all four grand slams in 2010
TESSENDERLO, Belgium (Reuters) - Former world number one Kim Clijsters will play about 16 tournaments next year including all four grand slams, the 26-year-old Belgian said yesterday.

"I try to spread out my trips abroad. The most important thing is that it remains doable as a family," Clijsters told reporters.

The U.S. Open champion will play only one more tournament this year, in Luxembourg next month, and will start her 2010 season in Brisbane, Australia, followed by the Australian Open.

Clijsters, who rose to world number one in 2003, plans to play the first round of the Fed Cup in Poland in February before heading to the United States.

After Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Clijsters will travel to Beijing and Doha in October.

With 12 scheduled tournaments in four continents, plus three to four which could be added at a later date, Clijsters' schedule could appear punishing for a young mother.

"It takes a lot more planning than a few years ago .... For a tennis player I don't think it's that busy. I've taken out a lot of tournaments that I used to play when I wasn't a mother," she said.

"It was up to me to say, with Jada, our daughter, how long I want to travel, where I want to travel to and where not," she added.

Clijsters went from a player with no ranking to 19th in the world with her spectacular win at the U.S. Open this month.

She won her only previous grand slam event at Flushing Meadows four years ago before retiring in 2007.

Conquerors, Pele register GFA/Cellink Plus wins
… another double-header billed for this evening
By Michael DaSilva
FRUTA Conquerors and Pele both registered victories when the Georgetown Football Association/Cellink Plus Premier League continued on Wednesday evening at the Tucville ground.

In the feature match, the home team Fruta Conquerors beat BK International Western Tigers 2-0 while in the opening game; Pele defeated GFC by a 3-0 margin.

The competition will continue this evening at the same venue with another double-header that will be preceded by a Guyana Football Federation Women’s Inter Sub-Association fixture between Lethem and Berbice. This match is set to kick off at 16:00 h.

In Wednesday’s feature game, Devon Forde sent Fruta Conquerors into the lead with a 6th minute goal and the 1-0 lead was maintained until the completion of the first session.

This lead was however further extended in the 79th minute when Manasseh Primo found the back of Western Tigers’ net.

The win by the North Ruimveldt-based team earned them three points and this, added to the 20 points they already had, ensures they remain in fourth position, eight adrift of points leaders and defending champions Alpha United who have 31 points from ten wins and a draw.

To date, Fruta Conquerors have won seven of their 13 matches. They drew two and lost four.

Western Tigers for their part have 12 points to their credit after securing three wins, losing seven matches and being held to a draw on three occasions. They will remain in sixth place in the point standings.

Pele, with Wednesday night’s victory, progress to 16 points from five victories, one draw and seven losses, but they will continue to occupy the fifth spot in the standings.

Meanwhile, in the feature match this evening at the same venue, second place Sunburst Camptown, with 28 points to their credit, play third place GDF who are on 25 points.

Kick-off time is 18:00 h in the curtain-raiser which pits defending champions Alpha United against bottom-of-the-table and winless Flamingo on three points.

With the four teams all playing their penultimate match and seeking to enhance their respective positions, football fans and supporters can expect an evening of entertaining football from the first whistle.

A victory for Alpha will enable them to retain the title with an unsurpassable 34 points; while the relegation-bound Flamingo will be seeking to create a major upset in securing their first win.

A victory for Camptown can propel them closer for the runner-up spot, and an Army victory will draw them level with their opponents on points, but ahead on goal difference.

Ten-man Man Utd see off Wolves 1-0 in League Cup
… Chelsea, Everton, Villa and Man City go through
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON, England (Reuters) - Holders Manchester United overcame the 29th-minute sending-off of teenaged Brazilian defender Fabio Da Silva to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday.

League leaders Chelsea made it eight wins out of eight in competitive games with a 1-0 win over west London neighbours Queens Park Rangers, Peter Crouch bagged a hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur won 5-1 at Preston North End and Everton put Phil Brown’s future in jeopardy by thrashing Hull City 4-0 away.

Aston Villa beat Cardiff City 1-0 while near-full strength Manchester City needed extra time to beat Fulham 2-1.

Manchester United fielded an entirely changed team from that which won the Manchester derby on Sunday and the stand-ins were presented with a stiff test of their character when 18-year-old Fabio’s first appearance of the season ended after 29 minutes when he was sent off for hauling down Michael Kightly.

United, with Michael Owen among the starters, remained the more dominant side though and won it in the 66th minute when Danny Welbeck finished off a neat passing move.

“That never-say-die attitude runs through this club and the goal was of magnificent quality,” United manager Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports.

Chelsea equalled their all-time club record of 23 unbeaten matches but had to work hard for their win, secured when Salomon Kalou beat the offside trap after 52 minutes.

Chelsea welcomed back England international Joe Cole and Portuguese defender Paulo Ferreira after long injury layoffs and gave a debut for 18 million pounds ($29.59 million) summer signing Yuri Zhirkov.

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins told reporters: “It was a testimony to how well QPR played that we had to use Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and John Terry as substitutes in the second half.”

Last season’s runners-up Spurs chalked up their third 5-1 away win of the season, with Crouch completing his hat-trick in the last minute, while Everton made it 11 goals in three games, effectively wrapping up Wednesday’s win after 24 minutes when they were 3-0 up.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes bucked the trend by making only one change from the Sunday’s starting team but his side found it hard going against Fulham’s second string.

The visitors went ahead with long-range Zoltan Gera shot after 34 minutes, Gareth Barry heading the equaliser after 52.

The game went into extra time and Kolo Toure won it with nine minutes to go when he thumped in a shot from close range.

The draw for the fourth round takes place tomorrow.

Hikers men dominate second night of GHB/Banks Night c/ship
THE Hikers men enjoyed a solid evening of performances as both their first and second division men registered victories when the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB)/Banks DIH Limited Annual Night Hockey Championships continued on Wednesday evening at the Thirst Park ground.

Hikers’ men’s Division One team upstaged Old Fort 3-0, while the Hikers `B’ team edged Flora GC Ladies’ team 1-0 in a Division Two fixture.

In the feature match of the evening, Hikers’ Jerazeno ‘Skillaxe’ Bell wasted no time in making his presence felt, as he carved a space through the tight Old Fort defence and let fly a blistering shot in the 9th minute of play that proved too quick for Old Fort’s custodian Michel Smith.

Bell continued his artistry in setting up the second goal just before the end of the first half by drawing the defence before slipping the ball to team mate Shane Samuels who made good on the strike.

While the Hikers enjoyed much of the possession, Old Fort seemed the more determined to score in the second half but their offensive efforts left them vulnerable in the back and Bell pounced once more with a second-half strike to complete a 3-0 victory for his side.

Earlier in the evening the Flora GCC ladies put on a heroic performance in matching the Hikers ‘B’ men in an evenly matched game that was kept even by fine goalkeeping at both ends.

The Hikers boys, however, eventually pulled ahead with a well-timed deflection from Hardeo Jaganandan in the 42nd minute to give his team the 1-0 victory.

The tables were turned in the following match as the Hikers ladies took the field against the GCC second division men.

The Hikers were never in the match, however, as GCC steamrolled them and won by a 10-1 margin.

Shaka Gill, Stuart Gonsalves and Leonard George each scored doubles for GCC while Andrew Xavier, Mark Sargeant, Brian Gomes, Eric Hing and Stephen Xavier scored one apiece. Hikers’ lone goal came off the stick of Ashley Birkett.

Western Dragons also tasted success on the evening, getting off the mark with a flying start against Old Fort in the second division.

The Western Dragons ensured that their long trek from Uitvlugt was not in vain.

Despite another evenly matched battle, the Dragons scored two goals in the first half through Jermaine Murray and Chauncey Phillips to Old Fort’s one by Dwight McCalman.

The second half remained scoreless leaving the Dragons to enjoy the 2-1 victory.

Meanwhile, GCC and Hikers share the lead with three points each in the first division competition, while Hikers men lead the second division table also with six points edging ahead of second-place GCC men with four, followed by Western Dragons on three.

Carib Degenerates, Flora GCC ladies and Old Fort ‘B’ each have one point to their names while Hikers ladies are yet to get off the mark.

Matches continue at Thirst Park next Wednesday with a ladies’ clash between Flora GCC and the female Hikers followed by another GCC vs. Hikers battle in the men’s second division.

Old Fort ‘B’ take on the Western Dragons prior to a feature first division clash between pool leaders GCC ‘A’ and Hikers ‘A’.

More than 35 golfers to vie for Torginol Paint trophy
FOLLOWING an action-filled competition last weekend, local golfers will return to the Lusignan course for the Torginol Paint-sponsored Stableford tournament tomorrow.

More than 35 golfers are expected to participate in the tournament including most of the top performers from last weekend's two-day event.

Among the participants listed to compete are Joann Deo, Munaf Arjune, Christine Sukhram, Alfred Mentore, Mike Mangal, Bholawram Deo, Patrick Prashad, Colin Ming, Ayube Ally, Mohanlall Dinanauth, Ian Gouveia, Gavin Todd, Brian Hackett, Ronald Bulkan, Jerome Khan, Mel Sankies, Lester Alvis, Avinash Persaud, Clifford Reis, Maurice Solomon, Imran Khan, Albert Russell, William Walker, Mike Guyadin, Dr Ram Singh, Robert Hanoman, Brian Glasford, Albert Semple, Mark Lashley and the Cummings brothers Bruce, Andre and Roy.

The course is in top shape so another keenly contested tournament is anticipated.

A representative of the sponsors is expected to be on hand to assist in the presentation of prizes. Tee-off is at 12:30 h.