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ARCHIVES FOR AUGUST 27, 2009

Nathoo’s daughter kidnapped
- Father refutes report about $40M ransom demand
- Intensive investigations launched by the Police

ABDUCTED: Roreema Dookie

The Police are investigating the kidnapping of 21-year-old Roreema Dookie, the daughter of the owner of Natoo’s Liquor and Beer Garden located on Pike Street, Kitty.

Roreema was reportedly kidnapped around 20:00 hrs Wednesday night shortly after she left classes at the International Business College on Thomas Street, Georgetown.

Beharry Dookie, popularly called ‘Nathoo’ told the Guyana Chronicle today (Thursday) that he never received a ransom demand for the safe return of his daughter following her abduction on Wednesday night.

I never receive a call for ransom and I don’t know where the newspapers got that news from,” he angrily stated.

The owner of Nathoo’s Liquor Restaurant and Grocery, whose daughter was abducted from her boyfriend’s car on Thomas Street, Georgetown, said they are presently working collaboratively with the police in monitoring the telephone calls at his home.

Beharry said he just wants his daughter back home where she belongs.

There, a group of friends and relatives had converged to lend support to the Beharrys who were anxiously awaiting word on their daughter’s whereabouts.

Beharry added that his daughter left home for classes at the International Business College at 5:00 pm Wednesday and when her classes ended at 8:00 pm she had her boyfriend, Joel Oudkerk waiting for her there.

It was when she was in his car that the girl was reportedly abducted and bundled into a waiting vehicle by unidentified men who, according to reports, beat Oudkerk until he was semi-conscious.

He has since received medical attention and is assisting the police with investigations.

The gunmen then sped off with Roreema, who had returned to Guyana on Tuesday after a vacation in Canada.

Dookie is enrolled in the Quantitative Methods (Association of Business Education) class and is in the diploma level at the International Business College.

She joined the school in July and attended classes only on Wednesdays.

‘BAD COPS’ IN COURT
On simple larceny charge
By Telesha Persaud
FOUR Police Officers, and the brother of two of them, who were charged in connection with the Ramdass robbery, yesterday appeared in court charged with simple larceny and supplying false information.

Leyland Fraser, 24, of 1602 Kaburi Street, Ituni; Gordon James, 28, of 80 Amelia’s Ward, Linden; and Kevon Denny, 29, of 50 ‘B’ Station Street, Kitty, faced the joint simple larceny charge, to which they were not required to plead.

Particulars of this offence said, on August 20, at Scoonard, West Bank Demerara, they stole the sum of $4.3M from Shawn Ajeda, property of Azeem Baksh.

Jermaine James, 24, of 80 Amelia’s Ward, Linden and Colin James, of 23 Richmond Hill, Linden, pleaded not guilty to a joint charge.

It is alleged that, on August 24, at Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Eve Leary, they gave false information to Inspector Reid, a public officer, intending to cause him to conduct an investigation which he would not have done if he had known the true state of the facts.

With regard to the simple larceny matter, Police Inspector Denise Griffith, prosecuting, said Denny, a Cadet Officer, was in charge of Fraser and Gordon James, who are both policemen, on the day in question.

She said they were on patrol duty when they received certain instructions to hold a road block and search for the perpetrators of an alleged robbery that involved $17M.

According to Griffith, the officers responded to this call during which they apprehended two persons with a black bag containing $5.8M.

However, she continued, the officers lodged $1.5M and claimed that was all they found.

With regard to the simple larceny offence, Griffith said Jermaine, Colin and Gordon are brothers.

She said during the investigation involving the $4.3M, Jermaine and Colin were questioned by Inspector Reid and they claimed that Colin drove motor car PLL 9051, which is owned by Gordon, to Leonora Police Station on August 20.

According to the Prosecutor, this motor car was suspected to have removed the stolen cash.

Griffith said Colin and Jermaine admitted that they lied and that it was Gordon who drove the car to the police station on August 20.

The latter story, she said, was proven to be the truth.

Griffith said legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after which the charges were instituted.

Attorney-at-law Mr. James Bond entered an appearance for Fraser, Denny and Gordon James.

He said there was no larceny by anyone as the officers lodged everything at the police station.

Bond argued that the charge would not stand in any court because the Prosecution would be hard-pressed to prove the case. “The charge defies logic in law,” he stated.

The lawyer also reasoned that the money that was in the black bag could have been interfered with prior to the officers coming into contact with it.

Prosecutor Griffith however maintained her objection to bail noting that vital evidence could be tampered with if the accused are released on bail.

However, she said the Prosecution was not objecting to bail for Jermaine and Colin James, who are facing the false information allegation.

These two defendants were ordered to post $50,000 bail each and this matter will be called again on September 2.

Fraser, Denny and Gordon James were however remanded to prison and will make their next court appearance at Vreed-en-Hoop on August 31.

The sum of $4.3M, mentioned in the charge, is allegedly part of the $17M robbery that was committed on 24-year-old Dweive Kant Ramdass that the officers recovered during the roadblock exercise.

Last Monday, three Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast guards appeared at Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court charged with Ramdass’ murder and their relatives also appeared in court charged with ‘accessory after the fact of murder.’

The GDF soldiers, Sherwin Hart, 24, of 123 Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Deon Greenidge, 20, of 166 Middle Road, La Penitence; and Devon Gordon, 21, of 108 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, were not required to plead to the capital offence.

Particulars of the charge said, on August 20, at Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River, they murdered Dweive Kant Ramdass.

The other accused, Shawn Ajeda, 22, of 123 Block ‘C’ Eccles; Viola Adolphus, 32, of 108 ‘C’ Field, Sophia; and Yvonne Beckles, 49, of 166 Middle Road, La Penitence, were also not required to plead to a joint charge.

It is alleged that, on August 20, they received, relieved, comforted, harboured, assisted and maintained Hart, Greenidge and Gordon who were wanted by Police in connection with the murder of Ramdass.

Magistrate Judy Latchman, before whom they all appeared, had refused bail for all six accused and the case was transferred to Leonora Magistrate’s court for September 24.

The two Privates and a Lance Corporal, who were manning the Coast Guard RC 12 motor boat in the Essequibo River, made off with $17M in cash which Ramdass was carrying in a box to Bartica for his employer, Baksh, who is based in the city and operates a gold and diamond business.

The three soldiers told investigators shortly after their arrest that they strangled Ramdass, took the money he was carrying and threw his body overboard in the vicinity of Bonasika Creek.

Ramdass, 24, of 95 Third Avenue, Bartica, realised he was in danger and attempted to solicit help by using his cellular phone. He was however prevented by the killers.

The GDF members took away Ramdass in their boat, relieved him of the cash, murdered him and returned to the Parika Stelling, where one of their female accomplices was waiting for them. She is the sister of one of the officers and was given $5.7M in cash to hold.

The three soldiers reportedly split the money after they killed Ramdass.

Meanwhile, the GDF said it condemns in the strongest possible terms the criminal action of its Coast Guards stationed at Fort Island.

“It is reprehensible and will be met with the full force of the law. At present the ranks implicated are in Police custody,” a GDF press statement said.

It added that it is clear from initial reports that there was a breakdown in the command and leadership structure at this unit, for which strong administrative action will be taken.

The GDF said it wishes to assure citizens, the fishing community, fishermen, small boat and other vessel operators that the Defence Force subscribes to the highest of professional standards and will continue to discharge its mandate notwithstanding this unsavory incident.

Rogue cops must go
- Home Affairs Minister declares
HOME Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, yesterday said the Police Force must be cleansed of rogue cops or potential rogue elements and warned that those caught in illegal acts will suffer the full consequences.

Declaring that he felt let down by the involvement of rogue cops following the robbery and murder of a Bartica businessman by Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard soldiers in the Essequibo River last week, he said the Police Force has to work harder at ridding itself of rogue elements.

Several cops have been charged with stealing some of the $17M in cash the soldiers robbed the Bartica resident of after the booty was recovered.

Addressing ranks at the formal handing over of more vehicles to the Police Force, Rohee encouraged those “who do not allow themselves to be led into the quagmire of temptation to continue standing firm and to set the example at all times.”

“…we cannot give up. The efforts at police reform and transformation will continue. We have to work harder to cleanse the force of rogue or potentially rogue elements. We have to work harder to ensure that from the point of recruitment, intensive character assessment is done and to imbue new recruits to the force with high values and standards”, the minister said.

He said the example for the force is being set from the top, declaring that as the minister responsible for the actions of the Guyana Police Force, “I don’t take and since I don’t take then those below me should not do so. And if they do and are caught they should be made to suffer the consequences.”

“Since that incident on the Essequibo River, I have been asked several times how I feel about the matter…I feel let down, a sense of disappointment. After all, when you take into account all the hard work currently being done to transform the Guyana Police Force so that the force can be more effective in fighting crime and to improve more and more their relations with people…these sporadic but high profile criminal activities…blemish the good name and standing of the Police Force in the eyes of the public.”

“I know there are many ranks who feel the same way. I have spoken to several of them unofficially and they too feel disappointed by the actions of their colleagues”, he said.

Rohee was firm that vehicles allocated to the force are to be used for duties consistent with policing.

The vehicles, he declared, are not be used “to go to the market, or for dropping children to school, or for partying or any other activity that can bring the force into disrepute.”

“I want to warn Police ranks to whom these resources are entrusted to don’t even think about engaging in such deeds or misdeeds.”

PULL QUOTE:
I don’t take and since I don’t take then those below me should not do so. And if they do and are caught they should be made to suffer the consequences.” - Minister Rohee

Guyana, Suriname bolster agriculture links
GUYANA and Suriname have agreed to firm up cooperation in agriculture, including the major rice sector, following talks in the Suriname capital Paramaribo and the signing of a bilateral agreement.

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud and Suriname Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Mr. Kermechend Raghoebarsing met Tuesday in Paramaribo to discuss cooperation in agriculture and related fields between the two neighbours and fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members.

The meeting followed the closure by Suriname last week of the border Corentyne River to protect its agricultural sector, in particular its banana fields, from a disease reported here.

But Mr. Persaud, in a statement then, said an unidentified disease found in isolated banana fields was at a level which has not impacted production negatively and was being closely monitored by local and international technical staff.

A joint statement after the meeting Tuesday said the ministers underscored that cooperation between the two important agricultural countries can benefit the agricultural development and the peoples in both countries.

The statement said both countries are aware of the prevalence of the Carambola fruit fly which can devastate fruits and they agreed that it can best be addressed at the regional level.

Both countries are to strengthen border inspection and surveillance mechanisms on both sides and provide travellers with adequate information.

They have also agreed to a free flow of agriculture products that are in compliance with international standards and measures.

The ministers discussed the importance of trade in agricultural products and stressed that this should be done in accordance with internationally agreed measures, the statement said.

They announced that in border areas and points of entry, attention will be paid to ensure that trade and transport of agricultural products will remain as liberal as possible and at the same time guarantee agricultural health and food safety.

Suriname and Guyana will cooperate and exchange expertise in the management of pests and eventually in other areas.

The ministers noted that the two countries are important agricultural producers for their local consumption and for export.

Guyana and Suriname are also implementing major diversification programmes and in this regard food safety and security have a high priority in the policy, the statement said.

They also invest heavily in food safety and security to the benefit of both consumers and producers.

Both countries are to set up a technical working group to coordinate these activities and frequently exchange information, the statement said.

And the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) represented by General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh and the Foundation for Rice Research in Suriname (SNRI) represented by its Vice Chairman, Mrs. Caroline Rahan-Chin, have signed an agreement covering cooperation in rice.

The GRDB, through the Burma Rice Research Station, will provide technical support to conduct specific research and training projects that will benefit the industry for both countries; define the seed production and certification models used in Guyana in harmony with Suriname, as a means of differentiating the rice offered to customers; and develop ways to improve the processing system in Guyana.

It will also conduct socio-cultural studies and environmental impact assessments to ensure that the results will contribute to the long term viability of the industry, and commence and undertake regional and international market studies that will inform the countries on strategies for long-term marketing.

Under the agreement, the station is also to characterise the rice production and marketing systems in Guyana which will facilitate the diagnosis of problem areas and point to areas that will impact on the sustainability of the industry.

It will design and maintain a rice database of contacts and products for use by the industry personnel, and facilitate a process of product development and product diversification as a means of adding value to rice products and to promote diversification of the rice industry.

The Burma Rice Research Station is also to provide for training and exchanges locally, regionally and internationally for farmers, technicians and scientists. The specific areas that will benefit both countries and which will be reviewed at joint seasonal meetings include communications, improved technology, grading systems, and providing a platform for rice technology and marketing information exchange that will link Guyana to the rest of the world.

SNRI is to provide technical support to conduct specific research and training projects that will benefit the industry for both countries, define the seed production and certification models used in Suriname in harmony with Guyana as a means of differentiating the rice offered to customers, and develop ways to improve the processing systems in Suriname.

A shameful page in the history of the GDF, the PPP says
The People’s Progressive Party condemns the murder of Mr. Dweive Kant Ramdass, allegedly by members of the Guyana Defence Force.

A press release from the party stated that this is the most shameful page in the history of the army and of our country as a whole.

The release said the actions by the Coast Guard that were charged have shocked the nation since the public expects the Joint Services are there to protect and defend our people and nation, and not to harm citizens.

The PPP believes that this incident must inform the authorities to re-examine the training of ranks in the disciplined forces with an emphasis on moral education and the honour in serving the nation. Our citizens must also be constantly informed about the powers and procedures that the various sections of the disciplined forces have and have adopt in their communities.

The release added that there are far too many reports of harassment of the public by traffic police as well as non traffic officers. It also raises the issue of greater participation of the communities in oversight of our disciplined forces. The station management committees should be further encouraged and be given greater scope.

The PPP commends the role that public spirited citizens played in assisting in the apprehension of the perpetrators.

The party extends deepest sympathy to the family, relatives, friends and the Bartica Community as a whole on the grievous loss of young Dweive Ramdass, the release concluded.

GuyExpo 2009 now opening October 1
GUYANA’S largest local trade and investment exposition, GuyExpo 2009, is now set to kick off on October 1, 2009.

This announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad at a press conference at his office on South Road, Georgetown.

The highly anticipated GuyExpo 2009 to be hosted at its traditional venue, the National Exhibition Centre at Sophia, Georgetown, under the theme ‘Promoting Business in a Low Carbon Environment” was slated for September 24 to 29.

“Because of the numerous responses that we have been having from overseas visitors and overseas delegation, and to coincide with a set of people from different countries including United States and Canada who want to bring in delegations to attend our trade fair, we have decided to shift it just by one week,” he explained.

Minister Prashad said the packed event will run for six days starting October 1 and concluding October 6.

Kennedy helped Guyana’s democracy struggle
U.S. SENATOR Edward Kennedy, who died yesterday, had added his considerable support and influence to Guyana’s struggle for the restoration of democracy which culminated in the historic October 5, 1992 general elections that saw the People’s Progressive Part/Civic return to government.

He was one of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history and his backing of the democracy cause in Guyana buttressed the efforts of former President Jimmy Carter.

Carter helped broker crucial electoral reforms that saw the end of almost 30 years of rigged elections under the People’s National Congress (PNC) government and the historic victory of the PPP/C at the October 5, 1992 polls.

Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, died at age 77, his family said.

Food security a most critical and challenging issue

Food security has become one of the most critical issues and challenges that face mankind, and as such it is obviously gaining increasing attention and engagements as solutions to it are being sought. The issue is even becoming more critical in the context of global warming and climate change and higher energy prices.

At the G-8 Summit, leaders of the eight largest countries agreed that food security is an international problem and they are committed to increase international assistance for agricultural development to US$20 billion over the next three years. Furthermore, President Barack Obama recently asked Congress to double its commitment to global agricultural production in 2010.

In addition, the World Bank asserts that investments in agriculture are necessary to help reduce poverty. “ ‘Agriculture alone will not be enough to massively reduce poverty, but poverty reduction will not happen without agriculture.’ The Bank estimated that agricultural sector growth positively impacts on the incomes of poorest people two to four times more than the economic growth of other sectors.”

This is how Dr Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations puts it: “Runaway food prices gave the world a wake-up call last year. Two weeks ago, another alarm went off: UN food agencies reported that the world’s hungry have surpassed one billion in number. Two hundred and sixty-five million of these people are in sub-Saharan Africa—an increase of almost 12 per cent over last year.”

“These alarms tell us that our system of growing, distributing, and selling food is not serving us well.”

“The poor and most vulnerable bear the brunt of this dysfunction. In developing countries, poor families typically spend 60 per cent or more of their household budgets on food. This leaves little margin for error. When prices soar, as they did last year, or when incomes contract, as they have in 2009, food can become unaffordable.”

According to WHO, the global food security crisis endangers the lives of millions of people, particularly the world's poorest who live in countries already suffering from acute and chronic malnutrition.

It said multiple factors are behind the crisis, including:

* rapidly increasing energy prices;

* lack of agricultural sector investment;

* rapidly rising demand for food arising from economic growth and higher incomes;

* trade distorting subsidies;

* recurrent bad weather and environmental degradation;

* subsidised production of bio-fuels that substitute food production;

* imposition of export restrictions leading to hoarding and panic buying.

WHO also noted that the health implications are immense, particularly in the 21 countries which it says suffer from acute or chronic malnutrition.

In addition it is estimated that by 2011 the world’s population would grow by six billion which would put enormous pressures on agricultural resources to provide an adequate supply of food to the world’s populace.

Therefore, the search for a solution to the food security dilemma must focus on a long term solution or else there could be dire consequences, particularly for the poor.

OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Albert Ramdin alluded to this recently, declaring: “There is no doubt that food security is a significant issue that must be country-driven and focused at the local and community level,” he said. “We must place food security as a long-term top priority in this hemisphere, not only to address needs now, but to prevent a worsening situation in the near future,” he warned.

Credit must be given to our government for recognising the above a long time ago and thus it shifted into top gear with respect to the increased production, expansion and diversification in the agricultural sector.

President Jagdeo, who has lead responsibility for agriculture in CARICOM has been emphasising the importance of food security at local, regional and international fora and has made vociferous calls and is working assiduously towards the repositioning of agriculture to the front burner in this region.

In view of the critical and crucial importance of global food security it would be hoped that there will be tangible, relevant proposals and decisions would emerge from the outcome of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) a high level food security conference scheduled for October in Washington D.C.

PANDORA’S BOX
What has race got to do with it?
WITHIN the context of nationhood, race should not be an equation for any consideration, especially for leadership of the nation because in the final analysis we are a Guyanese people and this should be the defining factor that identifies us in any national dynamic.

However, the denuded leadership within the PNC structure has left serious roles to be filled, especially with the loss of leadership challenger and former chairman, Winston Murray.

In a surprise move, Corbin reached beyond strong and able allies, including Basil Williams and Volda Lawrence, to appoint one-time minister in the former PNC administration, Cammie Ramsaroop, as Party chairman in an obvious attempt to balance the racial equation within the Party’s leadership structure and to counter the loss of Murray, whom it is said is of part Indian ancestry.

Which begs the question: What has race got to do with it?

In the first PPP structure, founded by Dr. Jagan, everyone stood on a common platform presenting a united front against the oppressive and suppressive forces.

When Burnham forced a split in the Party, race had nothing to do with the support provided the leaders of the split factions of the PPP – Burnham and Jagan, and one only has to study the history of this country to realize (what) became a factor long after, when divisive agents deliberately created distrust between the major races in this country in order to support their own nefarious agenda.

For the purpose of this Pandora column, I will not expand upon this, nor will I cast blame on any particular individual, because everyone has their own peculiar perception of our past and even our present political configurations.

What is important, however, is the perception that no one race will accept a member of another race as leader of this country unless there is a lieutenant of the other race to balance the leadership equation.

And that is wrong because, as was posited by Ralph Gonsalves, Head-of-State of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there is a dearth of good leadership material in the region and we should appreciate and utilize to the optimum the leadership skills of proven leaders.

Within this context race should not be an equation, only consideration of what can be achieved by the leaders that we have, especially leaders who have proven themselves of exceptional merit.

With great respect to the gentleman, Cammie Ramsaroop is obsolete in the political framework and the leadership structure of the PNC, because either Volda Lawrence or Basil Williams would have proven better leadership material to take the PNC forward to the next general elections.

Neither discarding Murray nor recalling Ramsaroop would have any impact in attracting new voters, because Guyanese are not easily fooled. They are aware that no matter how reasonable and decent Murray and Ramsaroop may appear to be, they were both party to PNC policies of rigging and “more fire, slow fire” strategies; and they both enjoyed comfortable lifestyles while every citizen in the land who bought foodstuff and other basic commodities on the blackmarket were criminalized by a ruthless regime of which they were integral and in which they were pivotal.

Even as Van West-Charles expounds platitudes and Raphael Trotman pretends to be the soul of honour and conscience they also were quintessential to the PNC’s destructive configurations that sent this nation into almost-irretrievable infrastructural, financial, social, and moral decay.

And race has nothing to do with it – rascality is the face of shameful, dishonourable and discredited actions, not of one’s race; so leaders should not be chosen in this nation on the basis of their race, but only on their competence, their commitment to national welfare, their caring for humanity, and their proven ability to take this nation and its people out of poverty and into prosperity; and from the utter devastation pre-1992 to our slow but sure emergence into the sphere of socio-economic progress it is a nation that has been on the move – and race had nothing to do with it.

The Observer
Hypocrisy abounds in the AFC
THE leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman, was forced out of the PNCR a few years ago. This was the result of internal wranglings within the Party’s leadership.

Following the 1997 General Elections, the PNC mounted massive protests through the streets of Georgetown to bring attention to what they perceived to be electoral discrepancies. These protests continued until elections in 2001. The setback this country suffered as a result is well documented.

A brief reminder will stir unpleasant memories of mayhem where people were beaten and robbed and businesses destroyed and looted. It was ugly. The populace was traumatised and the democracy which returned in 1992 was severely threatened by the irresponsible and unpatriotic actions of the PNC.

A CARICOM team of auditors audited the said elections and confirmed that it was free and fair. In an effort to appease the disgruntled PNC, the intervention of CARICOM led to another elections being held in 2001, just three years after. Our Constitution allows for elections every five years.

The PPP’s agreement for a truncated term in office, despite the findings of the audit, showed the magnanimity of that Party in the interest of prosperity and unification of country and people.

The results of the 1997 elections were never in doubt. Only the disoriented and politically ambitious section of the PNC felt otherwise. They maximised their skill of intimidation to drive fear into the hearts of peaceful and law abiding Guyanese.

Children, who are considered the leaders of tomorrow, were petrified to travel to attend school in Georgetown during that period. The PNC was relentless in their protest; protest aimed at undermining the government and to ascend to the seat of power through undemocratic means.

They showed no care and compassion for how their reckless actions were affecting the lives of their fellow countrymen and women. Their actions caused some countries to brand Guyana as being unstable and visitors were warned not to travel here.

The country was haemorrhaging much needed financial resources which become available as a result of tourism activities.

Foreign investors who were interested in investing in this young democracy were not too enthused to do so. Investments provide jobs; jobs that would have been available to the said PNC supporters.

The Party was not even interested in the welfare of their own much less that of the nation. Yet the said Party would criticise the government for not making more jobs available!

These protests mentioned were led by the then leader of the PNC, Desmond Hoyte, and his close cadres within.

One such militant cadre is the leader of the AFC, Raphael Trotman. The video and photographic archives of that period would bear this out. He was an integral part of these protests which affected the lives of thousands of innocent Guyanese.

I am sure that if Party loyalists who were involved and who may be willing to speak out will attest that he, Trotman, was probably an organiser and not just a participant.

One of the demands of the protesters including Raphael Trotman was transparency. This was in the context of their baseless accusations of electoral fraud. They demanded an audit. They were embarrassed at its findings.

Years after the death of Desmond Hoyte, Raphael Trotman having conveniently realised the trauma Guyanese experienced and endured during those seditious protests, urged the PNCR (which the PNC subsequently became) to apologise to the nation.

The Party refused and Trotman was seen as an upstart. This triggered a process of his alienation and his eventual departure from the Party. His parting was far from amicable following his challenge to Robert Corbin for the leadership. He was thrashed in the Party’s internal elections and vociferously made accusations of massive electoral malpractices which led to his ouster.

He openly questioned the Party’s electoral machinery and accused members including the leader of skulduggery.

He was integrally involved in the formation of the Alliance For Change which campaigned on the Obama-like message of change and accountability.

The PNCR leadership is still being accused of electoral malpractices following its August 2009 Congress.

Leading members who walked along with Raphael in the protests mentioned, made the accusations.

They have condemned the undemocratic practices they claim to be rampant within the PNCR.

What is clear is that despite Corbin’s victory, many who do not see themselves as sourpusses are unconvinced that the elections were transparent. Raphael shared these same sentiments when he was booted.

Many delegates at the recent PNCR Congress made public claims of being disenfranchised; being unable to cast a ballot despite their eligibility. Many provided examples of what they described as fraudulent electoral practices.

These are hard-core members of the PNCR; hard-core members like Raphael once was. Today, Raphael is in collusion with the said PNCR, the Party he and former colleagues have accused of hijacked elections. Today Raphael and members of the PNCR are marching hand-in-hand protesting against the administration.

Given the AFC’s position when they launched a few years back and their continuous call for transparency and accountability in government, how is it that its leader, Raphael Trotman, is providing tacit support to the PNCR?

Why is Raphael integrally associated with the PNCR which is being accused of a lack of transparency and unaccountability? Why is he condoning things the PNCR is being accused of; things he condemned the government for? The AFC membership must demand from their leader an explanation of his blatant hypocritical shift in condoning what the PNCR is being accused of.

Is Raphael’s position that of the AFC? If it is, then the Party itself has become hypocritical in its stance on accountability and transparency. If it’s not, then they must demand that he immediately desists from this alliance with the PNCR.

This alliance, if not sanctioned by the executives and members of the AFC, must be damaging to its credibility. Decency will demand that politicians, such as Raphael who insist on adherence to fundamental principles in a democratic society, cease their opportunistic escapades as in the case of the AFC leader. He must be made to answer why he is in bed with a Party which clearly is a far distant from democracy.

Guyanese must intensify their calls for Raphael to so explain. The AFC rank and file members must be shocked to see their leader in such an alliance.

They, who were so encouraged by the said Party to vote for change as it was so coined it, must be ruing the moment they associated themselves with the AFC.

They must be vociferous in their condemnation of their leader’s hypocritical manoeuvres. His current stance is clearly an act of hypocrisy.

If not challenged by the executives and members of the AFC, then the Party will further be classified as one that abounds with hypocrisy. Guyana is now a democracy.

The AFC has articulated that their members, which include some prominent professionals, are free to question its leadership.

This is the defining moment in putting to test this articulation. Let’s see how free the AFC membership really is in questioning and demanding an end to its leader’s hypocritical adventures. If they don’t, then it would be accurate to conclude that hypocrisy really does abound within the AFC.

Torture was pervasive and widespread during the dictatorship
IN recent days, several correspondences appeared in the media about torture. Freddie Kissoon, for example, insinuated there wasn’t much torture during the dictatorship while others gave examples with names of political opponents (from the WPA and PPP) being tortured – lit cigarettes being placed on their sex organs, etc. I too know of and witnessed examples of torture. There was pervasive and widespread torture during the dictatorship.

Roy Nancoo of Canada, a brave freedom fighter, was picked up and savagely beaten by the intelligence police during a visit to Guyana in the late 1980s. After he came out of the dungeons of Camp Street, he could not be recognised. His face was bloodied and swollen taking the appearance of two heads. This torture occurred during the Hoyte dictatorship. Roy was kept in the lock up for years on sedition charges when his only crime was to advocate for the restoration of democracy and an end to election rigging. Doodnauth Singh was his lawyer in court. There was no evidence to keep him in jail. Charges against him were dropped after democracy was restored.

I saw and experienced beating of students at the hands of police on the Corentyne in February and March 1977. I saw the military police pointing guns at students with school books in their hands. Also, police came to the homes of students who were leading non-violent protests calling for religious freedom and arrested them on charges against the state. Students were terrorised and had to run into peoples’ homes and buses for shelter.

Ravi Dev was picked up by the intelligence police in 1989 for questioning after he attended a protest against the budget. He was beaten with a rubber hose and quizzed about his presence in Guyana and his association with opposition political parties and harassed over several weeks. He was told to stay away from the opposition.

There are numerous other cases of torture that Freddie needs to be informed about. He should consult Moses Bhagwan, Doonauth Singh and other lawyers who donated their time to represent those who were branded enemies of the state.
VISHNU BISRAM

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AFC must be accountable, transparent as they demand of others
THE picket exercise by a “Concerned Group of Guyanese” outside the offices of the AFC leaders is definitely biting as observed from the reaction of Khemraj Ramjattan in particular who used the opportunity to spit his venom against the PPP/C administration.

The AFC seems to be more hurt about the allegations of the actions of its leaders which bring into question the integrity of those who lead the movement. The duty-free scandal involving Ramjattan and allegations about RCMP report about Ramjattan and back tracking are important revelations that require satisfactory answers.

The leaders of the AFC seem to be suggesting they should be exempted from picket exercises maybe because it affects their ‘’holier than thou’’ image. The AFC must be accountable and transparent as they demand of others including the government. The leadership of this party loves to make spurious allegations about others but dislikes similar treatment. I believe the group of concern Guyanese picketing the AFC leaders should be commended for their important role in highlighting the actions of the AFC leaders. Good job.
JACQUELYN PRESCOTT

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Justices of the Peace support LCDS
THE Guyana Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths to Affidavits Association is fully appreciative of your initiative in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), now being hotly pursued as one of the country’s major responses to climate change on global warming.

We should be mindful also of the impending threat of the rising seas to the nation’s coastal development that may necessitate a physical displacement to higher ground in the long term.

The JP association wishes you every success in this venture for the nation’s good.
HERMON BHOLAISINGH

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‘100 years of classical music in the Guianas’ a treasured publication

FOR some unexplainable and unforgivable reasons, only this week I saw a copy of the book “100 years of classical music in the Guianas”.

This delightful production features our greats in music, and in a sense, contemporary cultural expressions.

It is co-authored by an illustrious Guyanese musician Professor Joycelynne Loncke and Mr. Herman Snijders from Suriname.

I recommend this journal to every citizen, young and old. Even if you are not a practicing musician for music transcends all barriers, every household should secure a copy.

Beyond that it’s an excellent gift to encourage our young citizens towards good music elevating and improving their musical responses and cultural appetite.

Joseph Addison in Songs for St. Cecilia’s Day said, ‘Music, the greatest good that mortals know, and all of Heaven we have below”.

Since I am at it, another treasure which should be in the Library in every office and home is Richard Allsopp’s Dictionary of Caribbean English usage”.

In little ways let us lift our spirits and awareness of what is good and healthy.

HAMILTON GREEN JP

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Grove wash bay a source of noise nuisance
I am a very old and sickly citizen who resides in Grove, East Bank Demerara. Our village used to be a very peaceful neighbourhood, which I used to enjoy and since that’s how it suppose to be. However, last year my opposite neighbour opened a wash bay. I still can’t understand how the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission approved to have a wash bay opened in a housing area. They are using a pressure wash to clean/wash vehicles which is causing a tremendous noise nuisance within our neighbourhood.

These polluters commence working as early as 7am and finish as late as 8pm every day, even on holidays. A number of complaints were sent to the Local Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Grove Police Station, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

However, one year has passed and nothing has been done by these three authoritative agencies to address this noise nuisance.

Every time I complain, one agency says that it’s the other one’s duty to get it resolved and so I have been told for over one year now. A number of officers visited this location, but during the visits, operation of the wash bay was not ongoing and when the officers asked the polluter to put on the pressure wash they would put in the silencer.

I even confronted the polluters and they were very abusive and threatening. Also other villagers are affected as much as I am, but are very scared to say/do anything, since the polluter and his relatives use very abusive and threatening language.

I would be very happy if your newspaper can print my concerns since this is affecting me and my family a lot.
CONCERNED CITIZEN
(Name and address provided)

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PNCR, members vanish like Macbeth’s witches
FORMER Minister of Health in the Burnham’s administration, his son-in-law and PNCR aspirant for the PNCR leadership, Dr Van West-Charles, has called for an enquiry into Roger Khan’s connections with the PPP/C government and the government permission for Roger Khan to purchase spy equipment, which he used in his criminal activities.

If Dr Van West-Charles has evidence that the government has connections with Roger Khan’s criminal activities, he should hand it over to the Commissioner of Police.

The President has said over and over that if any body has evidence concerning Roger Khan’s activities he can pass it on to the Commissioner of Police so that interrogation can be carried out. Inquires cannot be carried out without any information on Khan’s activities. Khan’s lawyer, Simels, had claimed that the government knew about Khan’s activities for which he is accused for killing over 200 persons.

If, I may recall, the PNCR and its leader, Robert Corbin, were accusing the former Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj of running a phantom squad; that it was responsible for getting rid of criminals. They called for a commission of inquiry but when it was set up, the PNCR or its leader never appeared before the commission. They hid at Congress Place.

If Dr Van West-Charles wants to know which government minister or if is was the President who gave permission for Khan to buy spy equipment in America, he can get that from the company that sold Khan the equipment. It would have the permit with the signature of the government minister or the president. It is simple as that.

The PNCR and its members are quick to make statements and point fingers but when it comes to prove their points they just vanish like Macbeth’s witches.
BALDEO PERSAUD

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Tendering is procedural open to all contracting services
PLEASE permit me to respond to a letter titled: ‘Why are there so many sole bids?’ in the Wednesday August 26 issue of the Kaieteur News.

Letter writer Dexter Fordyce stated that he noted recently that there have been many single bids. ‘It is as though there is a game going on in the tendering circle’, he asserted. Mr. Fordyce ranted about the apparent monopoly certain contracting firms have on certain projects; raved about how different things seem now from the time he was resident in Guyana; and asked what the functions of the procurement board are, in an effort to intimate that Government has been demonstrating nepotism in its award of contracts.

My immediate response to Mr. Fordyce’s missive is thus: When Government needs to contract out projects it does so by publishing invitations for bids. All contracting firms have equal access to invitations, and consequently, the right to respond accordingly. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) considers the bids procedurally and awards the contract based on set criteria. If only a few contracting firms, or even ONE, would register interest in bidding for projects, it is no fault of NPTAB or the Government. Perhaps, appreciating their capabilities or lack thereof, certain contracting firms would enter the bidding process, or by the same token, abstain.

Additionally, while from an impulsive perspective, one may conclude that government has ‘relinquished’ the procurement of certain equipment; government actually procures equipment and machinery to execute certain projects which can be handled by people within its employ with the relevant expertise. A case in point is the move by the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), to execute earthen works as a preparatory phase of massive civil works currently executed in Regions Three, Four and Six. The drainage and irrigation works are executed by the NDIA at a cost of $200M. Had the project been contracted out, it would have depleted the national treasury by an additional $500M. The government does not have the capacity or expertise to undertake every project it wants executed; it certainly does not decide what the contract cost of a project would be. That is the right of the firm offering the service.

Is Mr. Fordyce a contractor? Did he ever respond to invitations for bids? Does he have proof that there is nepotism on the part of NPTAB or the government? Is he aware of NPTAB’s tendering procedures? The answers to these questions may in turn answer his questions.
GUY SCHOLARI

GEN joins forces with Caribbean Fury boxing card
By Calvin Roberts

Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) president Peter Abdool (left), head of C&H Promotions Carwyn Holland and general manager of GEN Ch.2 Lorrie Ann Adams are caught rapping in the studios of GEN Ch2. (Calvin Roberts px)

THE Global Education Network (GEN) Channel Two yesterday joined forces with the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) and C&H Promotions, in aiding their upcoming card which is set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) under the theme Caribbean Fury.

According to president of the GBBC Peter Abdool who is pleased with how things have been going for the sport of boxing in the professional arena here in Guyana, there is a lot more happening for the sport, including great marketing opportunities.

“I am very happy with the way things have been going for professional boxing here in Guyana. We at the GBBC are supporting the promoters who have been getting lots of marketing opportunities and with same being on the up, there will be changes taking place soon.”

He continued to state, “One of the changes with the sport will be the time frame boxers have in entering the ring. No longer will a boxer be permitted to enter the ring at his own pace and timings. We are having businesses pumping their money into the sport of boxing and it’s only obvious that we give them back their monies worth.”

While highlighting his body’s involvement in the three professional cards held locally to date, Abdool indicated to Chronicle Sport, his intentions of having two more cards sometime in October and December, with the latter one being the regular Boxing Night feature at the CASH.

“With regards to the GBBC organising and promoting fight cards, we have been associated with the three professional cards to date, but it is our intention to have our own, hence we are looking at doing so in October and tentatively, Boxing Night in December.”

“I say tentatively to the December card, as even though we will be having same wherein we are looking at the possibility of having Leon Moore oppose a Bahamian opponent for the Commonwealth super middle weight championship, we have to look at what is happening on that day and the first thing that comes to mind is the now annual Main Big Lime” Abdool stated.

He was however pleased with the arrangements and fights for Caribbean Fury, which promises to be the biggest fight card ever to be held here in Guyana.

“Caribbean Fury is much more of an international flavour when one looks at the pugilists slated to compete that night. We have our very own Howard ‘Battersea Bomber’ Eastman who has been defeating all and sundry placed before him locally, Moore and even Shaundell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred.”

He further stated, “Add Corrine De Groot who has Guyanese connections, Kevin Placcid and five times world champion Mauricio Pastranna to the table and boxing fans will definitely have their monies’ worth on the 26th September and I must compliment the promoters for piecing together such a card.”

Meanwhile, Carwyn Holland of C&H Promotions in his brief remarks stated that the fight would be televised live out of Guyana and into several neighbouring Caribbean countries and even in Latin America.

As part of their contribution package, general manager of GEN 2 and former national middle distance star Lorrie Ann Adams stated that they will be televising free of cost, ads leading up to the big night whilst a special Friday Night Fights (FNF) will be aired also free of cost, with the general public having the opportunity of seeing the pugilists involved on the Caribbean Fury card in action.

Whilst not much is known of the undercard, boxing fans will be seeing De Groot taking on Alfred, Moore matching gloves with Pastranna, while Eastman will be looking to continue his unbeaten streak on home soil when he go up against Placcid.

English/Kashif and Shanghai football to start September 5
…over $1M at stake in this year’s tournament
OVER $1M will be at stake in this year’s English/Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament which kicks off on September 5 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Addressing members of the media yesterday, Frank `English’ Parris said this year’s tournament will be the sixth edition and promises to be more exciting that the previous ones.

He said when the tournament got underway in 2000, 24 teams were involved, but this year there are 32 teams that will be vying for the top prize of $500,000.

According to co coordinator Kashif Mohammad, the budget for this year’s tournament is in excess of $4.5M while the total prize money values just over $1M.

He said patrons will be afforded tight security within and outside the playing venue.

Asked if the National Sports Commission is playing a part in the sponsorship, Mohammad said to date only Ansa McAl has come on board but he will be happy if other entities including the NSC could come forward and offer their support.

The company’s Marketing Director Troy Cadogan said his company is pleased to be associated with the tournament and has been part sponsoring it from 2002, but this year, Ansa McAl has decided to plug major sponsorship into the tournament.

According to Cadogan, Futsal is the fastest growing sport in the world.

Parris in brief remarks reminded that when the tournament started in 2000, Fruta Conquerors, the defending champions won it, but since then, BK International Western Tigers, Benn Street, and Flamingo have all won over the years.

Meanwhile, the 32 participating teams for this year’s competition are; Pele, Sunburst Camptown, Alpha United, Fruta Conquerors, GDF, GFC, Uprising, Western Tigers, Santos, Flamingo, Northern Rangers, Black Pearl, Thomas United, UG, Beacons, Buxton United, BV/Triumph, Victoria Kings, Mahaica Determinators, Ann’s Grove, Golden Stars, Plaisance, Cougars, Milerock, Topp XX, Silver Shattas, Winners Connection, Pouderoyen, Uitvlugt, East Bank and Riddim Squad.

Jerome hits in decisive goal for Caledonia AIA
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Guyanese forward Randolph Jerome hit the decisive strike for Caledonia AIA to beat Rangers 1-0 in Trinidad and Tobago’s Digicel Pro-League match on Tuesday.

Fresh from his recent stint with Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the United Soccer Leagues (USL), Jerome scored just after the half-hour in the match at Ato Boldon Stadium

In other matches, Joe Public beat leaders Ma Pau 2-1 to recapture the lead, moving to 34 points to lead Caledonia (34) on goal difference.

In a tight tussle at the top of the standings, Ma Pau are third on 33 points and reigning champions San Juan Jabloteh are fourth on 32.

Jerome, who late last month netted a double for Pittsburgh Riverhounds in a 3-0 win over Western Mass Pioneers in their USL Second Division match, got the winner in the 31st minute.

He met a cross from the right and eluded the Rangers goalkeeper before slotting home.

Jerome, who played in recent years for North East Stars, W Connection and Starworld Strikers, is expected to be a huge asset to Caledonia and their title bid.

“He has proven in the last three years to be one of the top strikers in the T&T Pro League,” Caledonia’s head coach Jamal Shabazz told CMC Sport.

“He is in fact one better strikers in the Caribbean region and I think he will be a big boost for our (title) chances,” Shabazz added.

In Tuesday’s other matches, Kerry Baptiste’s brace lifted Joe Public past Ma Pau 2-0, Petrotrin defeated Tobago United 3-0 with goals from Gary Glasgow, Arnold Dwarika and Nigel Daniel, and South End got goals from veteran Anthony Rougier and Nathan Homer, in defeating Police 2-0.

GPF 55th athletics Championships…
Headquarters and Guyana continue to lead after day two
THE penultimate day of competition in the 55th Guyana Police Force (GPF) championships ended without a change in the leadership as Headquarters (HQ) and Guyana augmented their respective totals.

The finish of the 200m Boys (youth club) final. Okeme Stewart dips to take the victory ahead of Dellon DeAbreu.

HQ piled up 143 points on top of their first day’s total and ended yesterday’s round with 260 points ahead of A Division, 157 points, B Division, 127 points, and C Division 46 points.

Guyana was steadfast in their campaign as they added 68 points to their first day total and ended yesterday with a staggering lead of 216 points to Trinidad and Tobago’s 60 and Barbados’ 46.

Yesterday’s events were highly competitive and exciting encounters, Roxanna Rigby, 25.33s,who won the 100m in her category on Tuesday, completed a sprint double in impressive fashion as she completely blew away her competition in the 200m Girls (youth club) race

Okeme Stewart won the 200m Boys (youth club) race in 22.40s disregarding the efforts of Inter-Guiana Games 400m champion Dellon DeAbreu who clocked 22.87s. Janella Jonas, 2:27.79, and Kevin Bailey, 2:01.03, won, in respect of that order, the Girls and Boys (youth club) 800m and Samantha Williams won the women’s 800m in 2:47.22.

The day ended on a high as the finals of the 800m Men’s “B” Class was a heated confrontation between Trevor Scotland and 400m favourite Mark Edwards, 1:59.78. Scotland the eventual winner clocked an amazing 1:59.43.

The games conclude tomorrow with the finals of the 100m, the 200m Men “A” class, the 400m and the relays among other events.

T&T national sports teams re-dubbed `Soca Warriors’
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Call them, “the Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors”!

A deal has been struck between the Government and the island’s football administrators to officially rechristen all national sports teams “the Soca Warriors”.

“Every national team that leaves this country, whether it is basketball, football or cricket, can use the name Soca Warriors,” said T&T Football Federation special advisor Jack Warner.

This followed a meeting between Warner, who is also a FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF President, and T&T Sports Minister Gary Hunt.

The first team to benefit from the scheme will be the national cricket team which takes part in the Twenty20 Champions League in India in October.

Permission to use the name Soca Warriors for the national cricket team came after a request was made by T&T Cricket Board President Deryck Murray.

Warner noted that the name Soca Warriors was patented and solely given to the two-island republic’s football teams.

But he and Hunt have devised a scheme under which they will look at all the legal ramifications and try to around them, as the T&TFF has agreed to release the hold of the title Soca Warriors to every national team that leaves T&T.

Camacho scotches rumours Logie lined up again as coach
HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) - West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief Steve Camacho has scotched rumours in Bermuda that departing national coach Gus Logie is being lined up again as coach of the Test side.

Logie, a 48-year-old Trinidadian, who played on the dominant West Indies team of the 1980s, and later coached the team from 2003 until October 2004, leaves Bermuda shortly after deciding not to seek an extension to his four-year contract.

He has so far kept his future plans under wraps.

Pouring cold water on the idea of Logie returning to the West Indies set-up, Camacho, the WICB's acting chief executive officer, told the Royal Gazette: "We have had no application from Gus for the job and we have not contacted him."

Reports are that the WICB is targeting former West Indies players, batsman Phil Simmons and bowler Ottis Gibson for the West Indies coaching job after Australian John Dyson was sacked earlier this month.

Simmons is currently national coach of Ireland while Gibson is England's bowling coach.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) chief executive Neil Speight is remaining tight-lipped on who might replace Logie, whose final match in charge ended with a 45-run defeat by Uganda in a 50-overs match here on Monday.

Little is known about the BCB short list, although the Gazette said former West Indies fast bowler Franklin Stephenson was believed to be interested.

Former BCB president El James believes Logie will be a hard act to follow as national coach.

James, a former all-rounder who is now Minister of Education, thinks that what Logie achieved during his reign will only be truly appreciated now that he is no longer in charge.

"I don't think people realise what we had in Gus, and many times Bermudians don't realise what we have until it's gone," said James.

"And I think once he is gone we will realise. I think Gus has brought a bit of professionalism and he's brought some success. He came, he took us to the World Cup, which was a dream that most folk thought Bermuda could not achieve.

"Unfortunately while Gus has professionalism and everything else, he obviously did not have the talent (to work with) that he would like to have had.

"I think Gus is a very quiet man, but very determined, and very thorough, and he's the consummate professional.

"I enjoyed working with him, when I was working with the board, and I wish him well. Wherever he goes is going to be blessed to have him."

Although Logie steered Bermuda to their World Cup debut in the Caribbean in 2007, he was upset with the team's poor performance during qualifiers in South Africa in April when they failed to earn a place in the 2011 World Cup to be staged in Asia.

Defiant Ponting keen to carry on as captain
SYDNEY, (Reuters) - Australia's Ricky Ponting was determined to carry on as captain despite his team's Ashes series defeat in England and could even return for another attempt in 2013, he said after arriving home yesterday.

"I still think I've got a lot to offer the team, as a batsman and as a captain and as a leader," Ponting told reporters at Sydney airport.

"If it ends up getting to the point where I'm not the captain, my hunger and determination to keep playing this game are as good as ever."

His captaincy has since come under scrutiny in sports-mad Australia, which has basked in its cricket team's dominance of the game for the better part of two decades.

Ponting is the first Australia captain in more than a century to lose two Ashes series in England after the hosts won the fifth test in London by 197 runs on Sunday, giving Andrew Strauss's team a 2-1 series victory.

"I've got to worry about the next 12 or 18 months and see if all that hunger or commitment is still there," added Ponting.

"Right at the moment it most definitely is. It's probably higher right now than ever before."

"I would love to go back and give it (the Ashes in England) one more crack. Who knows, 2013 might be something achievable."

PUBLIC SUPPORT
The 34-year-old said he was pleased with the public support he had received from his players, Cricket Australia and the selection panel after the test series.

"Leaders are always judged on results," he said. "I learned that in 2005, and I expect it's going to be similar this time around. I can understand those points of view being out there.

"The pleasing thing for me is I'm getting some support from Cricket Australia and the selectors as well."

Ponting, who is home for 10 days before he returns for the final four one-day internationals in England, said his desire to continue playing was high even if the selectors decided to split the captaincy or continue to pick him just as a senior player.

"Could I play on without being captain? Absolutely," Ponting said. "If that's the way that I or others outside of what I'm thinking decide (is) the right way to go, there's absolutely no reason why that couldn't happen.

"It has happened in the past with Australian teams. It is happening with other teams around the world right at the moment.

"Paul Collingwood is captain of the England Twenty20 team and Andrew Strauss is captain of the one-day and test cricket teams.

"Those things are things that need to be thought long and hard about," he said.

Vettori becomes first left-arm spinner to join 300 club
… and eighth Test player to take 300 wickets and score 3,000 runs.
COLOMBO, (Reuters) - New Zealand's Daniel Vettori became the first left-arm spinner to take 300 Test wickets yesterday.

The Kiwi captain, a veteran of 94 Tests, reached the landmark by dismissing Kumar Sangakkara for 50 on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

The next most successful left-arm spinner is England's Derek Underwood with 297 wickets.

All-rounder Vettori also became the eighth Test player to take 300 wickets and score 3,000 runs.

"It's nice to reflect on it and achieve something like this," the 30-year-old told reporters after Sri Lanka closed on 262 for three. "It's really special for me after all these years.

"Being a frontline spinner is important to me but it is difficult as a spin bowler with the nature of our conditions back home so I think I've had a pretty good career."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan led the tributes for Vettori.

"This is a huge honour for Dan, he can be rightfully proud of his record as a pre-eminent test cricketer," Vaughan said.

"To have achieved to the standard of players of the calibre of [Shaun] Pollock, [Ian] Botham and [Imran] Khan ... speaks volumes for Dan's ability with ball and bat."

Vettori made his Test debut at 18, the youngest player to represent New Zealand.

SRI LANKA first innings:
T. Paranavitana c Taylor b Vettori 19

T. Dilshan c & b O'Brien 29

K. Sangakkara c Oram b Vettori 50

M. Jayawardene not out 79

T. Samaraweera not out 78

Extras: (4-lb, 1-nb, 2-b) 7

Total (three wickets; 90 overs) 262

Fall of wickets: 1-34 2-75 3-115

To bat: C. Kapugedera, P. Jayawardene, D. Prasad, R. Herath, M. Muralitharan, T. Thushara

Bowling (to date): Martin 14-2-45-0, O'Brien 16-3-52-1, Vettori 30-11-65-2 (1-nb), Oram 18-6-45-0, Patel 9-1-32-0, Ryder 3-1-17-0

New Zealand: Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Jesse Ryder, Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori (captain), Jeetan Patel, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin

Jayawardene and Samaraweera lift Sri Lanka to 262 for three
COLOMBO, (Reuters) - Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera scored undefeated fifties to lift Sri Lanka to 262 for three against New Zealand at stumps on the first day of the second Test yesterday.

The pair shared an unbroken 147 run fourth-wicket partnership to leave Sri Lanka with a solid first innings platform on a dry pitch.

Jayawardene batted the longest, facing 210 balls for his workmanlike 79, an innings of patient accumulation that included just seven boundaries.

Samaraweera was left unbeaten on 78 from 139 balls having hit 10 boundaries by the close.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori became the first left-arm spinner and second New Zealander after Richard Hadlee to take 300 test wickets.

Vettori passed the milestone when he dismissed Tharanga Paranavitana (19) and Kumar Sangakkara (50) either side of lunch.

The left-arm spinner was New Zealand's best bowler, finishing the day with two for 65 from 30 overs.

Although disappointed not to have taken more wickets, Vettori would have been pleased with the efforts of his bowlers, who showed greater discipline than in the first test.

Sri Lanka had to graft for runs and scored only 146 in the first 56 overs in the morning and afternoon before Jayawardene and Samaraweera raised the tempo in the final session.

The only casualty for the hosts during a truncated 90-minute morning session was opener Paranavitana, who was caught by Ross Taylor in the slips off Vettori.

After the lunch interval, Tillakaratne Dilshan was caught and bowled by Iain O'Brien off a leading edge for 29.

Sangakkara stroked a stylish 50 from 96 balls with nine boundaries before mistiming a slog sweep and being caught at mid-wicket off Vettori.

Sri Lanka made three changes to the team that won the first test, bringing in batsman Chamara Kapugedera, spinner Rangana Herath and fast bowler Dammika Prasad.

Spinner Ajantha Mendis was left out due to a back problem, Angelo Mathews was omitted with a hamstring strain and Nuwan Kulasekara was rested as a precautionary measure after a heavy workload in recent weeks.

New Zealand were unchanged.

Sehwag ends Delhi selection revolt as officials relent
NEW DELHI, (Reuters) - Delhi cricket authorities have averted a player exodus led by India vice captain Virender Sehwag after agreeing to take steps to ensure the fairness of the selection process.

Sehwag, fellow India opener Gautam Gambhir and pacemen Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra threatened to walk out on the Delhi Ranji Trophy team due to what they called unfair selections, even for junior squads.

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) chief Arun Jaitely finally met Sehwag and Gambhir, along with former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, before promising to set right the system of selection.

Selectors often come under pressure in the cricket-mad nation and the Delhi panel faces heavy criticism. Jaitely blamed extra pressure from those close to players in the capital.

"Steps should be taken to ensure that standards of fairness at the highest level are maintained," Jaitely told reporters.

"We'll maintain the highest standards in this regard. This year it should be reflected better in terms of the past experiences."

Federer, Safina named the top seeds for the U.S. Open
NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Five-times defending champion Roger Federer and Russian Dinara Safina will be the top seeds at the U.S. Open when it begins next Monday, the U.S. Tennis Association said on Tuesday.

Tournament organisers followed the ATP and WTA rankings to determine the men's and women's singles seeds. The draw for the two-week event was announced yesterday.

Federer, winner of the 2009 French Open and Wimbledon titles, is the top seed at the U.S. Open for the fifth time. The Swiss is seeded ahead of number two Andy Murray, Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal at number three, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Roddick.

The 28-year-old Federer, who has won four titles this year, became the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam following his triumph at Roland Garros in June.

Safina is followed by number two seed and defending champion Serena Williams, her sister Venus Williams at number three, 2008 Beijing Olympics singles gold medallist Elena Dementieva and 2008 U.S. Open runner-up Jelena Jankovic.

The 23-year-old Safina has won three titles this year, including her back-to-back victories at Rome and Madrid. But the Russian is 0-3 in grand slam finals.

Afghans clinch low-scoring thriller to win maiden first-class match
THE rise of Afghanistan's cricketing fortunes continues unabated. Four months after they qualified for ODI status in South Africa, they have won their maiden first-class match as an international country by stunning Netherlands, a side far more experienced, with an extremely tense one-wicket win in Amstelveen.

The rain-affected match was so dominated by the ball that it was some surprise the match lasted as long as it did. But not even Edgar Schiferli's five-wicket haul was enough to prevent a gripping, successful run-chase by Afghanistan.

(Scores: Afghanistan 107 (Mangal 41*) and 209 for 9 (Ali 56, Shenwari 25*, Hassan 1*, Schiferli 5-57) beat Netherlands 181 (de Grooth 54, Hassan 4-45, Nabi 4-52) and 132 (Borren 63, Ashraf 4-24, Zadran 4-28) by one wicket

Afghanistan are a country still at war, and are continually reliant on benevolence by charities and organisations such as MCC, who have helped provide equipment, training and pitches to schools in rural communities.

They remain highly inexperienced, raw and rusty. But as their barnstorming performance in the World Cup Qualifiers earlier this year suggested, they are never to be underestimated.

The day commenced with Afghanistan requiring 168 runs to win, with eight wickets to spare, on a pitch that had troubled all the batsmen, but Noor Ali and Nowroz Mangal set about the task well.

They added 23 to the over-night total, before Mangal (19) was caught by Wesley Barresi while having a go at a wide delivery from Mark Jonkman.

The wicket brought Asghar Stanikzai to the crease, who began to build another sturdy partnership with Noor, as Afghanistan began to take control.

The pair put on 49 for the fourth wicket, edging within a hundred of the target, before Schiferli - Man-of-the-Series in April's World Cup Qualifiers tournament - managed to find the edge of Ali's bat, caught behind for a well earned 56.

Stanikzai soon followed - late onto a delivery from Pieter Seelaar which kept low and shot on to hit the base of his middle stump for 26.

Mohammed Nabi didn't make much of an impact either, as he miscued a drive off Peter Borren, providing Schiferli with an easy catch. By lunch, the match was hanging in the balance with Afghanistan needing a further 64 with four wickets remaining, having battled back into contention.

With prospects of an exciting afternoon ahead for the crowd in Amstelveen, the visitors restarted by adding a further 18 runs before they lost Raees Ahmadzai, an agriculturally-effective free-swinging batsman, for 26. He edged to Barresi in the slips, who took an outstanding catch to maintain the pressure on Afghanistan.

Netherlands tight bowling attack pinned down Mirwais Ashraf and Samiullah Shenwari, making runs very hard to come by, but they stuck in there, scoring in ones and twos.

With Afghanistan edging nearer their target, Netherlands found the breakthrough they were after, as Ashraf was finally removed by a diving catch by Mudassar Bukhari off Schiferli for 31.

This left Shenwari and Shapoor Zadran with the nerve-wracking task of scoring the remaining ten runs, facing the aggressive bowling of a pumped-up Schiferli.

By this stage, even defensive strokes were being cheered by the Afghanistan contingent from the sidelines. And with only six runs required, Zadran (1) failed to offer a shot as Schiferli wrapped him on his back pad to claim his fifth wicket, leaving the match on a knife-edge.

But, in the next over, Shenwari threw his hands at a Bukhari delivery, the ball slashing over the slips for four as Afghanistan snatched an unlikely victory, their first in the Intercontinental Cup, and another significant achievement for a country so new to the international fold. (Cricinfo)