High Court permits further detention of mom, ‘stepfather’

The relatives of 16-year-old Neesa Lalita Gopaul have said that they will be burying her remains later today once the body has been handed over to them following a post mortem examination. However they were hoping to recover the teen’s head before the funeral.
The teen will be given a funeral service at 13:00 hours today at her grandparents’ Anna Catherina home.
The teen’s aunt, Sally Redman, said, “We would like to get Neesa’s head but we don’t know where to start searching. We are asking if anyone has information that can lead us to the head, for that person to come forward.”

Neesa Lalita Gopaul

Ms. Redman said that even if the head is found after the funeral then that too would be buried. She however noted that she is convinced that the teen was not killed in her Leonora home since there were no signs indicating same.
A source close to the investigation said that so far they are hoping for a major breakthrough in the case. None of the suspects detained is volunteering information in spite of all the evidence being assembled. The police have sought an extension from the High Court to further detain the trio beyond the stipulated 72 hours.
Up to press time yesterday only two of the three persons who were initially detained were still in police custody. The teen’s mother Naree Gopaul and her lover, Barry Small called Jarvis Small, are still being grilled by investigators. However this newspaper was told that Small’s wife, who was once a local beauty queen, has been released.
Meanwhile, the teachers and students of Queen’s College are grief-stricken. Some of them are at odds with the head mistress, Friedel Isaacs, who is determined that the student’s death not be linked to the school.
Mrs Isaacs is reportedly refusing to get involved in any way in the matter. The result is that the students and teachers are planning to hold a vigil at the school later this evening against Mrs. Isaacs’s wishes.

A black flag was placed at the Queen’s College gate in mourning for the late Neesa Lalita Gopaul, against the wishes of the head teacher Friedel Isaacs.

Yesterday they were in tears having recalled all that they did for the girl during her troubled times. They said that they took her to the Ministry of Human Services for help and actually succeeded in having her removed from the home only to see the very Ministry return her to the custody of her mother some time later.
They say that the Ministry of Human Services failed the child and should be made to answer.
On Saturday last, the teen’s headless remains were found in a suitcase at a creek in the abandoned Emerald Tower resort. The teen’s body was tied with a piece of rope and the suitcase anchored with a heavy object.
However it was only after investigators returned to the scene on Monday that the ‘anchor’ was removed from the bottom on the creek and found to be a pair of locally made dumb-bells.
This has now added a new twist to the investigation as they are trying to directly link the equipment to Barry Small who operates his own gym.

The house ablaze

According to one of the residents, Vanessa Braithwaite, she went home to pick up clothes from the line and to have lunch at midday.
When she was finished she secured the house before returning to work at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School. Hours later, she received a shocking phone call that caused her to her sprint home. “They tell me the house on fire.”
An emotional Braithwaite said that she has three children, aged two, six and nine.
“All I have now is the clothes on my back; everything gone…how I making out tonight?”
She further revealed that the house was divided into three apartments; her niece Natasha Kippins also has three young children aged six, four, and a one-year-old who also lived in the house with her “child father”, along with her brother Samuel Braithwaite and another sister, Esther Braithwaite.
Sixteen-year-old Melisa Thom and 14 -year-old Merissa Kingston also resided at the house.
Eyewitnesses said that the fire started after neighbours lit a fire at the back of the house to burn something.
It was also noted that there were no electrical connections to the house, however there was electricity in the building. Fire fighters also questioned whether any electrical appliances were left on in the home. Vanessa Braithwaite said that this was not the case.
It was further disclosed that the owner of the house is Eslyn Braithwaite who lives at 751 East Ruimveldt. She is the mother of the mother of Vanessa, Samuel and Esther Braithwaite.

Missing: Oslyn Richards

Oslyn Richards, of Lot 601 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, reportedly left her home three days ago after an altercation with her spouse.
The woman’s father, Robin Moses, said that his daughter is due to deliver this month.
Mr. Moses said that the family has received reports that Oslyn was last seen on Monday wandering at Timehri, and relatives were yesterday scouring the area for her.
The couple has two daughters, aged 11 and one year.
Kaieteur News was told that at around 07:30 hrs on Sunday, the couple had a misunderstanding.
The older daughter was reportedly struck when she attempted to pacify her father.
Mr. Moses said that his reputed wife reported the incident at the Ruimveldt Police Station.
According to the father, he was at work when he received the message that his daughter had disappeared.
From information he received, Oslyn had given her one-year-daughter something to drink, and told the older child to “behave herself” before leaving.
Mr. Moses said that the following day, he received a call from a friend who claimed to have seen his daughter near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
The friend had reportedly sent her to a female counsellor, but Oslyn left without being interviewed by the woman. She has not been seen since,
Mr. Moses suggested that his daughter may have become frustrated over the couple’s domestic problems.
Oslyn Richards, also called Oslyn Cush, is fair in complexion and slightly built. She was reportedly last seen wearing a pair of black jeans and green top.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts can contact her relatives on telephone numbers 223-2636, 223-2203, 643-0400, or 699-9041.

Kelly Ann Persaud

A senior Ministry of Education official confirmed this development yesterday, even ascertaining that it is by no means a decision by the Ministry to select the best performing student but rather the responsibility of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).
CXC not only prepares the examination but is tasked with awarding grades and by extension, identify the best performing students.
It was initially anticipated that another Queen’s College student, Saieed Khalil, would have been named the top performing student with his 15 grade one and one grade two passes. However it was related, yesterday, that there are certain criteria that the regional body uses to identify the best performing student. The student who gains passes in the sciences would be rated higher than one in the arts.
It was against this background that this newspaper understands that the 15-year-old Persaud was named the best performing student. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field with a focus on neurosurgery.
Persaud is expected to be duly awarded today when the Ministry of Education hosts its 14th annual National Awards Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre. The ceremony is geared to honour the country’s top performing students who wrote various examinations during the past academic year.
Last year it was Kia Persaud, Kelly Ann’s older sibling, who copped the award for best performing CSEC candidate. She too, a student of Queen’s College, secured 15 grade one passes and was adjudged the Best Senior Secondary School Performer and the Overall Best Performer. She was later adjudged the top performing CSEC student for the Caribbean allowing a QC student to receive the coveted best overall CSEC performance award for a fourth consecutive year.
The local education sector is hopeful that Guyana will again receive the prestigious award.
The awards ceremony today will also see top performers at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced and Subsidiary Levels and the Grade Six and Nine Assessments (Common Entrance) being honoured.
Outstanding students from the Guyana Technical Education Examination in the following categories: Craft, Advanced Craft, Technician Diploma and Science Diploma, Business Certificate, Business Diploma and Science Diploma will be awarded.
Awards will also be presented for the best performers of Carnegie School of Home Economics in the areas of Household Management, Catering and Hospitality and Garment Construction. Tucville Secondary School has earned the title of Most Improved Junior Secondary School.
President’s College will receive top honours for being the Most Improved Senior Secondary School at CSEC while the most Improved Primary School is West Ruimveldt.
Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh is expected to present the feature address today at the ceremony and will give the prize for the Best Science Student, and the Overall Best Student.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds is also expected to be in attendance.

The Guyana Police Force has issued a warning that they will not sit idly by and allow gangs, groups or persons to act unlawfully.
The warning comes in the wake of another execution-style killing of two men on Stone Avenue, Campbellville on Monday night.
At around 20:15 hours on Monday, Patrick Goodluck, 39, a mason of Perth Village, Mahaicony and Godfrey Grootfaam called ‘Mosquito’ of Canterbury Walk, Beterverwagting, were riddled with bullets shortly after leaving the home of Goodluck’s children in Campbellville.
The evidence so far has suggested that the killers used AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm and a .45 calibre weapons.
It was the same type of weapons that were reportedly used in the execution of five persons including a two-year-old child at Cummings Lodge a few weeks ago.

Police recovered several spent shells comprising 7.62x39, 9mm and .45 ammunition.

According to the police, the force has taken note of what it described as the recent spate of drive-by shootings, which has resulted in the deaths of eight persons around the city and on the East Coast of Demerara.
The force also wishes to note findings of 7.62 x 39 spent shells at each of these crime scenes suggesting the use of automatic rifles.
However, while there is not sufficient evidence to link these scenes at this point in time, the force issued a warning to all gangs, groups or persons that “this lawlessness and unlawful action will not be allowed to happen.  We are prepared to act lawfully and condignly and have upped our anti crime status of operations and will continue to take action as it is necessary.”
But the police anti-crime posture appears to be having very little effect in the curtailing of the wanton executions that have resurfaced, bring back memories of the dreaded crime wave of 2002-2006.
During that period, it was widely acknowledged that a gang of phantom killers with some amount of protection was responsible for the murders of several characters, who were said to have criminal links.
A few weeks ago, Police Commissioner Henry Greene had announced that the force’s anti-crime posture in the city had forced criminally-minded persons to shift their operations to other areas.
Greene had boasted of several patrols being deployed in strategic areas around Georgetown to maintain a lid on crime.
Within the past week those words have come back to haunt the force with two brazen executions in the city itself.
In fact, Monday night’s killings occurred within a few feet from the residences of several senior government functionaries.
Echilibar Villas, which is located on Stone Avenue, a few feet from Royal Drive where the killing occurred, houses a government minister and a judge among other government functionaries.
According to a government official, the fact the killers were so brave to come within a few feet of where there is supposed to be tight security, to commit their act and then calmly driving away, speaks volumes.
This is coupled with the fact that there is a permanent police patrol on Sherriff Street.
“Who is really locking down the town?  Is it the police or the criminals?” the official asked.
“Where were the police patrols for the Campbellville area at the time of the shooting?” was another question asked.
Monday night’s gunshots were heard almost a mile away and yet the police patrols were nowhere near to at least intercept or give chase behind the fleeing gunmen.
Last evening Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, declined to comment on the recent criminal activities and the police response or lack thereof.He indicated that he will be thinking the matter over and will respond at the appropriate time.
Mention was made of the recent acquisition by the force of a number of vehicles to aid in the crime fight.
“These ranks are driving around, sitting in fancy vehicles with air conditioning and music. Is this how you fight criminals? People are fearful because high-powered weapons are being used in the city. When will the next killing occur? These people could strike anywhere,” the government official stated.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Lawrence Carrington (centre) with Mr. Dane Gobin, Director of the Iwokrama Centre, shortly after signing the agreement

For us to grow our economy, more so to grow an economy that is built on our intact ecosystems rather than on destroying them, we need to have a labour force that understands the value and necessity to manage these ecosystems in a holistic manner.”
Singh went on to emphasize the University’s pivotal role in the process of transforming Guyana’s national economy, especially as it relates to the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Conservation International also donated funds to support the implementation of the University’s recently revised Strategic Plan. The Plan which features several components circling natural resource management sees the University playing a greater role in key areas such as scientific research and development as well as making greater contributions to future policy making.
The funds will apparently be used to lend some support to the University in achieving these goals.
Some of the areas covered under the agreement for further collaboration include building individual teaching and research capacities (skills, knowledge, education and leadership abilities) for UG staff in Natural Resource Management.
Institutional capacity-strengthening to develop appropriate human and technical resources in tertiary level course and curricula development for a multidisciplinary approach to Natural Resource Management as well as the promotion and coordination of alliances with outside organizations to enhance the capacity of UG to deliver training in this area will also be considered.
Long-term institutional support for institutional strengthening in teaching and research relating to Natural Resource Management, ecosystem services and sustainable development will also be executed under the agreement.
Meanwhile on the very next day the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. Through this agreement, both institutions have agreed to not only consult each other, but to share information and collaborate on projects of mutual interest.
The agreement will make it easier and less costly for staff and students of the University to use facilities at Iwokrama meanwhile Iwokrama’s scientists and technical personnel will have ready access to scientific collections and facilities at UG.
According to Vice-Chancellor Carrington, “The provisions recognise the value of Iwokrama’s scientists and technical officers as resources for the supervision of students’ projects and theses.”
According to Iwokrama’s Information Officer, Samata Joseph, the agreement will see greater strides in research, training and information management on the conservation and sustainable use of Guyana’s tropical rainforest ecosystems. It will also allow University staff and students greater access to all published reports, library resources, lab facilities, experience and expertise to be found at Conservation International.
The agreement between the two institutions is expected to expand the scope of work that can be achieved at the University of Guyana as it prepares itself to address the need for expanding Guyana’s capacity in science and technology, with particular reference to responses to climate change and sustainable development of Guyana’s natural resources.

–As National Week of Testing gets underway

A total of 30,000 persons are being targeted for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing next month as part of the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Programme National Week of Testing 2010 programme.
National Week of Testing will be observed from November 22 through 26 but will be kicked into motion today with the public testing of Disc Jockeys (DJs) at the National Communications Network (NCN)’s Homestretch Avenue headquarters. The activity is set to commence at 09:00 hours.
This year’s Testing Week will be held under the theme “confidential and reliable; get tested now” and will mark the fifth time Guyana will be hosting the activity.
According to NAPS’s Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Coordinator, Mrs Debra Success, it was just last week that NAPS was able to establish relationships with local DJs. The DJs were represented by Kester Dean.
According to Success, it has been discovered that DJs are very important to the testing drive as they are thought to be very influential persons, thus the need to partner with them. And as part of the partnership, Success noted that efforts will be geared at raising awareness about the National Week of Testing activity in order to amplify the need for persons to know their status.
“We are hoping that persons will be educated, sensitised and motivated to utilise the testing sites that will be established in the different administrative regions.”

From left: Debra Success, Dr Shanti Singh and Hydar Ally

The VCT Coordinator disclosed that at present there are over 400 testing sites that can be utilised during testing week.
In clarifying the purpose of the testing activity, NAPS Programme Manager, Dr Shanti Singh, noted that often it is assumed that VCT is simply about finding HIV positive people.
“I want to re-emphasise the point that voluntary counselling and testing while it is about finding positive persons and referring them into a treatment programme it is about ensuring that those people that are negative remain negative.”
For this reason, she disclosed that the activity includes a counselling component, which is characterised by pre- and post-test counselling. Some of the issues discussed during these sessions, she revealed, are risk reduction, particularly as it relates to the number of partners an individual has, and correct and consistent condom use for those persons who are HIV negative.
“Our mandate here at the Secretariat is really to control the spread of this disease. But for us to control the spread of this disease, particularly important first is how do we reduce new infections?”
Dr Singh noted that it must be appreciated that it is because of VCT programmes that new infections have decreased. HIV prevalence, she said, has moved from 2.4 percent in 2005 to about 1.3 percent as at the end of last year.
“I think that the voluntary counselling and testing programme was key and instrumental in ensuring that we continue to reduce new infections. Therefore it represents a key programme within our overall gamut of prevention services that we provide.”
According to Dr Singh, last year the testing activity had comfortably surpassed the 20,000 targets that were set, thus the expectation that the 30,000 targets this year, which was called for by Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, will be easily exceeded. Close to 29,000 persons were tested last year, an undertaking that Dr Singh regarded as a tremendous amount of work.
“We anticipate that this year will be no different…but we look forward to everyone’s participation.”
And in living up to the theme there will be certain elements that will be guaranteed during National Week of Testing, according to Dr Singh. Among these, she said, is that of confidentiality, and she insists that quality will not be compromised in anyway.
Quality teams will be dispatched to make sure that the services provided with regards to both counselling and testing will be of the same standard as if conducted as a regular VCT sites.
At the end of last year just over 85,000 persons were tested through the VCT programme, Dr Singh revealed.
“When you add that to the close to 12,000 testing in the PMTCT programme which is the prevention of mother to child transmission programme and the blood bank screening of blood products we have conducted a little over 100,000 tests for 2009.”
Despite all of the tests conducted, Dr Singh said that when the results were received from the Demographic Health Survey, it was discovered that only 25 percent of the people surveyed had been tested. But according to Dr Singh, at the moment NAPS is unable to deduce whether the 100,000 tests is in fact 100,000 people, or simply a limited number of people, given the monitoring tool that is being utilised.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health, Mr Hydar Ally asserted that the week of testing is a very significant activity and is one that has implications for the entire nation. And given the fact that HIV is a major health problem, each member of the population should endeavour to know their status.

By Leonard Gildarie

Amidst concerns over the operations of the country’s spanking sugar facilities at Skeldon, government officials yesterday paid a surprise inspection.
The exercise come days after President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed disappointment over the production levels, reportedly noting the critical importance of the factory to the sugar industry in Guyana.
On the surprise visit were Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, and Parliamentarian and Board Member of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Donald Ramotar.
Grilled on the visits yesterday, Minister Persaud admitted that there were a number of technical issues and coupled with the fact that it is a new factory, there were some setbacks.
The impromptu visit is but a clear indication over growing concerns of the multi-million-dollar facility, one of Guyana’s biggest investments to date, which has been plagued by a number of problems.
Persaud, hinting at closer scrutiny by government, yesterday signaled increased checks on the operations of the factory by the administration and widespread strengthening of management systems.
Recently, as concerns grew, the General Manager of the factory, Vishnu Panday resigned.
At the inspection exercise also were GuySuCo’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Raj Singh, and the factory’s General Manager (ag), Vickram Subramani.

Cane being processed at the Skeldon factory yesterday.

According to the Minister, not even management of the factory was aware of the visit since in the past there were indications that planning was done to make everything appear alright whenever inspections were announced.
Government’s immediate concern now is to ensure that factory ramps up its operations and production to realize its full capacity.
Already, changes have been made and Indian experts have been brought in to lend technical assistance to man the boilers and co-generation power plant.
Commenting on recent statements by President Jagdeo that sugar was dead without the Skeldon factory, Persaud said that it was a clear reflection of the government’s position on the facility which is a huge investment and of major significance to Guyana.
The management and Board of GuySuCo has also been warned to swiftly bring the factory to the “desired level of efficiency”, Persaud disclosed.
A boiler which blew up recently is being repaired by Chinese technicians and the cane-dumper which went down recently is back in operation, the Minister revealed.
As far as production is concerned, the factory is geared to grind for this year 700,000 tonnes of cane or 90% more than last year.
“But there is still much, much more work to be done,” the Minister cautioned.
PRODUCTION
Regarding the production of the co-generation plant, another critical aspect of the factory, this is currently supplying 10MW to the national grid, more than the 8MW required and this is a positive for the facility since the power goes up to Mahaica, in the county of Demerara.
Regarding the production target which was revised downwards, the officials, including Ramotar and Singh, were confident that the recent announcement of 264,000 tonnes of sugar announced recently could be surpassed once the rains hold up until Christmas.
According to the Deputy CEO, the revised target is the minimum and GuySuCo is fully confident that it could be met and surpassed.
One positive sign for the factory is the fact that there is enough cane and with the Bell loaders, there is all likelihood that production will be better than expected, added Ramotar.
GuySuCo is also facing a problem of poor turnout from cane-cutters, it was admitted yesterday.
With regards to the finances of GuySuCo, both Singh and Ramotar admitted that while the Corporation is cash-strapped at the moment, systems in place will prove that the challenges are temporary, and it is only a matter of time before these are gone.
Regarding questions on the further sale of GuySuCo’s assets, Ramotar noted that the Corporation has been moving for some time now, in accordance with its Turnaround Plan, to consolidate its operations. This was evidenced by the $4B sale of land to government last year for housing projects. So while some lands have been let go, more lands in areas closer to operations have been put under cultivation.
Hinting at a bright future for the Corporation, Ramotar noted that shortly the Enmore packaging plant will be up and running. Additionally, GuySuCo has not fully ruled out the building of a sugar refinery at Skeldon.

General Secretary of GTU, Coretta Mc Donald, hands over a basket of food items to the centenarian at her residence.

According to General Secretary of GTU, Coretta Mc Donald, in recognition of World Teachers’ Day, the GTU is honouring six special past teachers – two in Essequibo, two in Berbice and two in Demerara. Each district has various programmes to honour teachers.
The General Secretary said that the centenarian was a teacher for many years, and an outstanding member of the GTU, who contributed to the building of the union in her prime.
She added that the GTU will be identifying practicing teachers and honouring the standouts via the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award in the year ahead.

Headmistress of St Sidwell’s Primary, Donna Morgan, receives one of the computers from youth coordinator of the Church, Elise Benfield, while another representative, Vinsley Greene, looks on.

Youth coordinator of the church, Elise Benfield, handed over the items to Headmistress of the school, Donna Morgan.
Teachers of the school were also honoured, while various students who performed well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), received gifts.

Kwame Crosse

The disregard and disrespect for the game by this generation of cricketers continues unabated and the power struggles and in-fighting among cricket officials is doing little to inspire hope of a revival of the sport locally anytime soon.
Yesterday at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground, 3 Ace Warriors players left their team to ‘go out’ instead of staying at the venue to bat and their 30-7 innings closed, replying to MSC’s 255 should get the attention of the GCA officials.
Former national under-15 Captain Kwame Crosse batted well for 65 while Daniel Gravesande continued to show his all-round potential with 41 while Nichosie Barker (38) and Carlos Larose (30) all failed to build on starts against an innocuous bowling attack.
Mark Commerbatch, Terrence Clarke and Akeem Glasgow took 2 wickets each for Ace Warriors who showed no fight in their reply as Glasgow top scored with 4 as National under-19 pacer Seon Daniels took 3-9.
At GCC, the home team crushed DCC by 7 wickets after dismissing the Queenstown side for 81 with Jaron Byron offering token resistance with 20.
Left-arm spinner Trevon France (4-10), Raphael Singh (3-12) and Gavon Charles (2-36) did the damage with the ball for GCC, who reached 83-3 in 20 overs in reply.
New opening batsman Raj Nanan made 21 while Denish Haywood made 19, Delon Fernandes scored 18 and Kevin Hyman 17 not out for the hosts.
At Eve Leary, Police whipped Transport Sports Club (TSC) by 9 wickets after TSC crashed to 66 all out in 17.4 overs despite 35 from Stephan Sampson.
Randolph Knights took 3-12, Dwayne Singh 3-24 and Shameer Fazal 2-3 for Police who made 67-1 in 13.2 overs with Ameer Mohamed hitting and unbeaten 25 and Singh making 13 not out. The competition continues tomorrow.  (Sean Devers)

Action in the Sunburst Camptown/Buxton United match on Friday evening at the Enmore Community Centre ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Sunburst Camptown hammer Buxton
5-0, Riddim Squad edge Ann’s Grove 2-1

East Demerara teams have become the latest teams to walk the plank when rivalry in the 20th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament continued on Friday evening at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.
On a beautiful and windy evening at the East Coast venue, the large home crowd did not have much to cheer about as both their teams were sent packing. Sunburst Camptown who were reduced to 10 in the 42nd minute when striker Norris Carter was red carded for violent conduct (striking an opponent) shrugged off his loss to hammer Buxton United 5-0, while Riddim Squad rallied to edge Ann’s Grove by the odd goal in three.
Prior to the game it was felt that Buxton United, defending East Demerara division-one champions, were going to give Camptown a run for their money but as it turned out, the Campbellville based team dominated their opponents.
Young and exciting forward Telson McKinnon became the first player to net a hat-trick in this year’s tournament as Camptown also recorded the largest margin of victory to date.
McKinnon, a former junior national sprint champion scored all three second half goals as he rocked the back of the nets in the 51st, 63rd and 61st minute. Chris Camacho opened the scoring in the 6th minute while Lance Rolston netted with 5 minutes to the half time whistle with a well calculated shot that caught the Buxton custodian by surprise.
The win for Camptown, who won the K&S Championship in 1993/1994 and 2003/2004, saw them easing into the quarter-finals to join defending champions Pele and Fruta Conquerors as the other teams who have advanced this far to date.
They will face the winner of the Riddim Squad/Rosignol United clash on Christmas Day at the National Stadium, Providence. Riddim Squad, Western Union division-one champions in the city, jumped into the group-of-16 stage following their 2-1 triumph over Ann’s Grove on Friday afternoon at the same venue.
Goals in the 59th and 66th minute by Sheldon and Steffon Hope respectively, secured their win. Ann’s Grove FC managed to pull one back through a 79th minute effort via a free kick by Rawle ‘Bony man’ Gittens but it was too little too late.
The score-line should have read differently but both teams were guilty of several tactical blunders that made it appear as though each was trying their best to outdo the other in this department.
The action started at a heated pace with the Riddim Squad pressing forward but the eventual shot was sprayed wide of the upright.
Indeed, the Riddim Squad players attempted to justify their entrance into the nation’s premiere football tournament with several spirited charges to the opposition’s goal. They were met by staunch resistance from the Ann’s Grove who themselves were moving the ball around.
Despite spirited efforts by both teams, characterized by glaring blunders, also from players of both teams, the first half ended nil all.
Whatever instructions they received during the break, the Riddim Squad players entered the second half re-energized and 19 minutes on Sheldon Hope slammed in the first success for his team.
He should have improved his tally shortly afterwards when the referee awarded his team a penalty after the opposition handled the ball within the box. Drama followed as Ann’s Grove custodian Elton Adams left the area citing illness. His replacement, Travis Allen took his time positioning himself between the uprights and shortly afterwards effected a most magnificent save. His efforts dwindled to naught when the ball rebounded into play for Steffon Hope to convert.
Riddim Squad would be in action again tonight against Rosignol United in the feature game at Blairmont Community Centre ground, West Coast Berbice when the tournament continues.
This match-up would be preceded by a clash between Victoria Kings and New Amsterdam United with the first game of the afternoon from 16:00hrs between Guyana’s USA and local based female teams.

Victoria Kings caption Tichard Joseph (right) collects some of the gear from Giftland’s Teresa Narine.

As the 2009/10 Kashif and Shanghai football tournament is underway, Giftland Office Max has come to the support of Victoria Kings Football Club to aid their preparation.
The East Coast side has also secured the services of three overseas based players to boost their chances in the tournament. Mr. Eon Ramdeo Chief Executive Officer Giftland Office Max noted that he was happy to support a team from the rural areas.  He said, “I am impressed with the statistic of football clubs like Victoria Kings that have limited resources to utilize. I must say thanks to the management of the club for approaching us to wear the company logo at this year K&S tournament.
“I wish the team all success in this year’s tournament and hope the come out successful. I also take this opportunity to congratulate K&S on their 20th anniversary,” Ramdeo noted. Victoria Kings is a force to reckon with the have the included three overseas players along with a balance of experience and youth for this 20th edition of the tourney.   Kings President said thanks to Giftland Office Max for supporting their effort with gear and uniforms.

Krystal Sukra

Gavin Lewis

National junior champion Anthony Downes made light work of challenger Jeremy Miller to capture the 18 and under title in this year’s Banks DIH Invitational Masters Tournament which continued yesterday, at the Pegasus Hotel Hardcourts.
In a match littered with double faults by both players, Downes who is in his final season as a junior, proved too explosive for Miller and wrapped up the match in straight sets 6-3, 6-2.
In the other final that was played, Gavin Lewis was also a straights sets winner over Daniel Lopes, who he beat 6-3, 6-1, while Krystal Sukra took the girls 14 and under crown, defeating Nicola Ramdyhan 6-2, 6-1.
The marquee match-up between Downes and Miller failed to live up to the hype, except for a few exciting points.
They held serve until the fifth set when Miller broke Downes to take a 3-2 lead, but the latter retuned the favour immediately to put the contest back on serve.
Miller then squandered two break points in the following game, before Downes hit back-to-back forehand cross court winners to hold.
The failure to win that game seemed to have taken a toll on Miller as he double faulted consecutively to present Downes with the opportunity to serve for the first set.
He, too, seemed to be affected by nerves, having to save two crucial break points, before wrapping up the set.
Miller was broken at the start of the second set, but broke back instantly to level the score at 1-1.
After a slight rain interruption came with the scores at  3-2 in Downes’ favour, he then reeled off three more games to take the set, match and title which duly confirmed his status as the best junior this year.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport after the match, Downes disclosed that he was playing ill throughout the tournament, but was happy to come away with the title in his final appearance at this level.
“I was playing with the flu throughout the tournament, but I’m extremely happy to win in my last game at this level,” Downes said.
The Mixed Doubles final was being contested as well.

BCB Secretary Angela Haniff (left) handing over one of the Hygienic Kits to Pansy Howell Fedee in the presence of inmates of the Children of Promise Eden Orphanage.

Children of Promise Eden Orphanage first to benefit

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday last launched its Christmas Outreach Programme with a donation of $75, 000 worth of items to the Children of Promise Eden Orphanage in Smythfield, New Amsterdam.
Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board Angela Haniff and Senior Cricket Selector Winston Smith visited the Children’s Home and handed over the donation of educational and hygiene kits along with a collection of school text books.
Ms Haniff in making the presentation stated that the BCB for the first time in 70 years of existence is now involved in community development and social activities as the Board seeks to contribute towards the personal development of youths and the less fortunate.
Haniff challenged the children at the home to make education the main goal in their lives and to develop a culture of discipline, commitment and respect for others.
Founder of the Home and CEO Ms. Pansy Howell Fedee expressed gratitude to the BCB for the donation and for showing so much interest in the welfare of the children at the Orphanage.

Young Dexter Marques (left) is on the go during sparring sessions after his lone loss to Moore.

By Michael Benjamin
Boxing, the noble sport that has brought Guyana untold glory, is now tottering on the ropes, already the victim of several mandatory eight counts. One more trip to the canvas and the referee, in keeping with the rules, would have no other option but to wave the proceedings off.
Indeed, the rich legacy left by such pugilists like Patrick Ford, Lennox Blackmoore, Kenny Bristol and Cleveland Denny among others is now relegated to the history books that present day fighters seem either reluctant or unwilling to peruse. Those were the good old days.
Have you ever noticed how these terrible days quickly become the good old days? Well, around the late seventies and early eighties when local pugilists toiled away in pursuance of that elusive world title, boxing pundits lamented over the fallen standards then.
Those in the know compared the above named fighters with the likes of Caesar Barrow, Cliff Anderson, Wilf Boodhoo and other pugilists of their era and found the former group deficient.
The prolific days of the Fordes, Blackmoores et al are now history and the pundits are at it again. They are ridiculing the current crop while placing those of the seventies and eighties on a pedestal.
Ironically, despite the paucity of good talented fighters, local pugilists have eventually managed to break the world title jinx.
Obviously, winning a world title these days is ridiculously simple. When Blackmoore fought Aaron Pryor, the latter boxer was the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion while Eusebio Pedroza held the World Boxing Council version while the International Boxing Federation (IBF) was still to be born. Blackmoore’s loss signaled the end of his ambitions while Forde’s case, after losing a close points decision to Pryor attempted to regain some ground in the Pedroza fight.
He was knocked out and his career plummeted thereafter.
No one is debating the authenticity of Andrew Lewis’ victory over James Page in mid February 2001 that suddenly opened the floodgates. Suddenly, it was world title season as first Wayne Braithwaite defeated Vincenzo Cantatore to lift the World Boxing Council (WBC) light/heavyweight belt.
Soon afterwards it was Vivian Harris who knocked out Diosbelys Hurtado to join the merry bunch. Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil’s victory over Kathy Rivers was also a victory for all Guyanese women shortly before Gary StClair claimed another world title. ‘The Superman’ had enjoyed a career boasting a world title belt and multiple title challenges with various luminaries such as Cassius Baloyi and Malcolm Klassen. StClair is now retired from the sport and reports are that he has commenced a career as a trainer in his adopted homeland, Australia.
These achievements appear glossy on Guyana’s resume but the logical question is, ‘Have these victories improved the lot of Guyanese pugilists? And, what were the effects on the local boxing front?
Almost every time the question of quality at the professional level pops up, I am forced to reminisce on the good old days. Odinga Lumumba was my manager when I had the two epic encounters with Barrington Cambridge.
On the night of the first fight, he picked me up from the place where I had camped out for the past 6 weeks while preparing for the fight, and transported me to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Upon approaching the CASH we were greeted with a long line of vehicles parked on the northern and southern side of Homestretch Avenue from as far as the Revolution Square right down to Mandela Avenue. As we arrived at the venue, Lumumba said to me, “You are responsible for all of this confusion.”
‘All of this confusion’ was a boisterous crowd pushing and shoving to gain entry and secure a seat before they were all gobbled up.
I hardly had time to revel in ecstasy. I had an engagement and was most concerned with the job at hand.
During my infancy years, I still reminisce on the fights that kept me on the edge of my seat or in some cases, on my feet screaming and gesticulating. Who could forget the Blackmoore/Nani Marrero clash or the Patrick Forde/Cecil Fernandes bout where the latter fighter was knocked out and eventually died while being ‘medivaced’ to Miami for medical attention.
Who could forget such fights like Kenny Bristol/Eddie Marcelle, Mark Harris/Luis Resto and the numerous others that have left a rich legacy in the fistic arena? Today, unfortunately, these fights are relegated to nostalgic memories.
Over the past five years, local promoters have been recycling one batch of fighters while hoping that a young star would arise to fill the slot for main bouts.
After his historic world tile victory over James Page, Andrew Lewis has had a topsy-turvy ride and spent more time in the valley than at the apex of those curves. His fall from grace after the Mayorga fight was further worsened by his questionable performances against Denny Dalton and Howard Eastman.
Among the newcomers to the scene, Dexter Marques has shown some promise of being a crowd pleaser.
He comes from a family of boxers that include Vincent, Richard and Peter Howard. Obviously, a fighter of immense talent, the youngster became over ambitious and called out Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore to a war. He died at the first bullet from Moore’s gun.
Fortunately for him, he managed to rekindle some hope in his career after defeating Paul Lewis (Snr) in his first fight after the loss. Marques is a boxer for the future but his management team should aspire to nurture him along the way.
Moore, on the other hand, is on the right track in terms of his career but he has already started to hunt outwards since the local arena can offer him nothing.
Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil is now residing in the USA but is scheduled to return for a bout against Lindener Sharon Warde on a Holland Enterprise Promotions effort, scheduled for December 26.  While O’Neil may be able to provide some entertainment on the local front she definitely would have lost all hopes of regaining international glory. That is unless Laila Ali decides to vacate the scene soon.
Shondell Alfred has recently won the bantamweight version of the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) crown and would need expert guidance to pilot her career in the right direction if she is to etch her name in the local annuls of history.
After the Kenny Bristol’s, Mark Harris’s and Patrick Forde’s had left the scene they were replaced by the Anthony Andrews, Darius Forde’s, and the Barrington Cambridge’s.
When the latter group became battle worn and vacated the scene there was the Andrew Lewis’s, Howard Eastman’s and the Howard’s clan.
Now that those fighters are unable to continue beating the bag with gusto, they are ready to pass on the baton.
Unfortunately, no one is there to collect and continue the journey.
It is a pathetic state of affairs. At the moment the referee is tolling away the mandatory eight count—one, two three——. Hopefully, boxing manages to beat the count this time around and it is not the death knell.

Alicia Williams

Lauriann Toney

USA and locals to play mixed match today at Blairmont ground

By Franklin Wilson in Linden
Against all the odds yesterday afternoon, the local based Lady Jaguar’s defeated Suriname’s National side 2-1 in the final match of the Goodwill series which also included Guyana’s USA based team that won the tournament with two wins in as many matches, the local side taking the runner up position with one win and a loss to the USA team.
The local Lady Jags came with a purpose and a plan and they executed accordingly despite losing their first game.
Suriname eased into the lead after only 8 minutes of action when Jennifer Buyne shot from close range beating goalkeeper Leoni Robinson at the near post.
But the local ladies never buried their heads in the sand and kept pressing forward and defending when needed. The Guyanese were rewarded just before the break when the hard working Alicia Williams banged her shot past Suriname’s custodian Nathalie Adang in the 45th minute.
The second half saw both teams going at each other and it was indeed a bruising half, the local side kept up the pressure, their determined and positive attitude keeping them in the hunt. Both sides came close to scoring the go ahead goal but it was the Guyanese who did it at the death.
Lethem based Lauriann Toney daughter of former National Coach Paul James saw the Suriname keeper off her line in the 90th minute and with excellent precession from just over the half way line, lobbed a well taken shot into the back of the nets.
The USA based ladies were very supportive of their local counterparts as they encouraged them through the game.
Commenting on the performance of his charges after the game, Coach Wayne Dover said they did well and he was happy that they stuck to the game plan. “We worked with them with regards to thinking and being positive and it worked out well. Suriname no doubt is a well prepared team but our girls stuck to the task well.”
An elated Technical Director Mark Rodrigues stated that he was very proud of the team and their achievement.
“Today I feel very proud and happy to see Guyana defeating Suriname, both teams did it and I am very proud of that. The ladies played well and did what they had to do, they were persistent and positive.”
Both local teams will be in action again this afternoon when they play as a mixed unit at the Blairmont ground.
“The coaches will have another chance to look at the players before we sit down and pick the Guyana squad which will be announced shortly.”
The other Coaches in the programme here are Chris Brown, Tony De Rosario and Rohan Naraine.

Abigail McDonald

By Michael Benjamin
After a three weeks sojourn in Malaysia to compete for international accolades at the World Scrabble Championships, national scrabble champion, Abigail McDonald return to Guyana with a wealth of experience and the resolute belief that she could transform her fortunes on the world stage at the next forum of this nature.
McDonald earned the right to represent Guyana at the championships, after defeating former national champion, Fred Collins in a best of five duel at the Ocean View International Hotel, Lilliendaal ECD, earlier this year. Several business entities answered the call for corporate help and coupled with the fund raising activities organized by the executives of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP), McDonald was able to accrue the required funding to facilitate the trip.
She admits that the journey to her final destination was an arduous and taxing one. After departing the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Timerhi, McDonald arrived at the JFK Airport USA and spent the night in that country. The following day she traveled to China and then onto Singapore and finally on towards her final destination, Malaysia. “It was a tough journey and I arrived in Malaysia a mere twenty four hours before competition,” McDonald revealed.
She said that she was further affected by the twelve-hour time difference and the change of cuisine.  Nevertheless, the local scrabble champion said that she battled the vicissitudes in readiness for the grueling championships. “The atmosphere was charged and the Zon Regency Hotel (where most of the contestants stayed) was a hive of scrabble activity,” she disclosed.
McDonald admitted that she began to feel nervous as the competition time approached but being a devout catholic, gathered spiritual strength while reciting the Hail Mary. “I also received strength from one of the elders in the church who sent me an e-mail to let me know that I was in their prayers,” McDonald intimated.
She said that such support kept her in high spirits. She received a further boost to her morale when she won her first game against Swedish player Marc Roddis 369-288, a spread of 81. On the first day also, she defeated Herve Bohbot of France (395-385) and Malaysian Michael Tang (485-365) to finish on three wins from eight matches.
She added a further 21/2 points to her tally on day two with two wins and a draw. She then chalked up four games on the final day, her best performance in the tournament. “After winning two games on the first day I resolved to play harder the following day,” McDonald said she said that she could not utilize her vast vocabulary reserve since she was not drawing good tiles. “Scrabble is like a game of cricket-replete with glorious uncertainties. She further explained that the ‘bag was against her.’
This meant that she was not buying favourable tiles. She said that her poor luck made her feel dejected. To make matters worse McDonald said that she contracted the flu on the semifinal day and was forced to compete on the final day with the sniffles. Nevertheless, she resolved to ignore her discomfort and apply herself to the task. That day she turned in her best performance and managed to win four games. “I played Trinidadian, Leslie Stewart in the first game of the final day,” McDonald disclosed. She said that she remembered the ferocious battles between local word formers and those from the Twin Island Republic. These two groups are constantly engaged in fierce rivalry at the yearly Tri-nation tournament that also involves Barbados. Last year Trinidad and Tobago dominated the tournament with Barbados finishing second and Guyana occupying the cellar position.
McDonald said that she regarded the Leslie Stewart victory as a personal accomplishment. “I thought to myself that my colleagues back home would feel happy to know that I have defeated Stewart so I played with great intensity,” McDonald disclosed. She won that encounter 457-379, a spread of 78.
Now back home, McDonald professes to have acquired a wealth of valuable tips, something she feels would stand her in good stead in the future.
She said that she was able to engage some of the world’s best players and procured valuable tips towards the improvement of her techniques.
“I am now equipped to challenge the best locally and at the Caribbean level after engaging some of the world’s best players,” she boasted.
Local scrabble players are currently engaged in fierce practice sessions in preparation for the Tri-nation tournament early next year in either Trinidad or Barbados. Her participation in the just concluded world games has served to boost her morale to the extent that McDonald exudes a high degree of confidence.
“The next national championship is slated for 2011 and already I am anticipating the keen rivalry,” she intimated.  Quizzed of her plans for this tournament McDonald brashly stated, “Based on my newly acquired knowledge, they will have to literally wrestle this title from my grasp.”