SRSG Emphasizes Ebola Gravity in Liberia
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Liberia, Karin Landgren, has described as “the gravest threat” the Ebola crisis faced by Liberians since the war.Expressing the concern in her regular briefing to the Security Council yesterday in New York, the SRSG emphasized, “Liberians are facing their gravest threat since the war,” adding that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) will do all that it can to preserve the progress made during the past decade of peace – gains that are being put at risk by the Ebola crisis.“The speed and scale of the loss of lives, and the economic, social, political and security reverberations of the crisis, are affecting Liberia profoundly,” said Landgren.She recalled that in Liberia, more than 2,000 confirmed, probable or suspected cases, including 1,235 deaths, had been reported as of 7 September. She added that the actual figures are likely much higher as numbers of new cases and deaths continue to rise exponentially.Landgren outlined extraordinary measures the Government has taken since August, including the President’s declaration of a state of emergency. However, she stressed that even as Liberia and its partners respond, the disaster continues to grow.“For now, patients at advanced stages of EVD continue to be brought to facilities that cannot admit them. Four new case-management centres will be established in Monrovia, adding some 500 beds in the capital alone, but even this may not fully respond to the needs,” said Landgren.“We will know this epidemic is being outrun only when there is spare bed capacity,” she stressed.Landgren further noted that the unprecedented epidemic requires a response beyond the capacities of any one actor, noting that UNMIL and the entire UN system are fully committed to supporting the Government-led fight, which will require a massive, sustained and coordinated global response for an estimated six to nine months.“Since late July, UNMIL has turned its full focus on EVD,” said Landgren, adding that the Mission has reoriented several of its operations to support the nationally-led response.The mission’s four pillars of engagement and support in the fight against Ebola include security and rule of law; logistics; communications and outreach; and coordination at the county and national level.To ensure continued implementation of the Mission’s protection of civilians mandate and other core aspects of its work, UNMIL is taking every necessary precaution to protect its personnel from Ebola.“This epidemic of unprecedented scale would challenge any government and any society,” Landgren said. “UNMIL has pledged to provide its full support, and continues to review the range of capabilities we can bring to ending this latter-day plague which must be stopped in its tracks, and stopped soon.”Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A 26-year-old Brazilian woman was remanded to prison when she appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for illegal possession of ammunition.Mikanny Meres pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 11, 2016, at Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, she had one live .32 round of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.The prosecution’s case stated that on the day in question, the defendant was intercepted at the Aishalton check point where she was attempting to enter Marudi Backdam. The ammunition was concealed in a black handbag belonging to the defendant.In court on Tuesday, the Magistrate spoke to the defendant through an immigration translator who experienced much difficulties communicating with her as she was crying uncontrollably.Meres was refused bail and will return to court on September 8, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
A meeting of Chief Justices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ended in the capital city of Benin, Cotonou.According to the Supreme Court of Liberia, the delegates at the meeting, which included the Chief Justices of the 12 of the 15 West African States, agreed on mechanisms for improving the enforcement by National Courts of laws that strengthens integration.At the meeting, the Chief Justices also discussed the need for more resources to promote cooperation among national judiciaries, with the goal of streamlining the judicial systems of member states to in turn facilitate intra community enforcement of courts processes, affective integration and decisions.The West African Chief Justices proposed to ensure greater respect for the rule of law in the Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) member states, as well as to improve judicial services and relations with other arms of government to ensure greater independence for their judiciaries.The conference was addressed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Vice President, Dr. Toga McIntosh, the Host Chief Justice of Benin and his counterpart from the Ivory Coast, who is also the Chairman of the Counsel of the West African Chief Justices.The High Court Justices who attended the meeting were his honor Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., of Liberia, and his colleagues from Benin, Ivory Coast, Cape –Verde, Togo, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina –Faso and Ghana among others.The meeting of the Chief Justices of the economic community of West African states usually involves activities that highlight issues of national justice and how they can be addressed.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The Chinese Embassy near Monrovia has donated 10 brand new Dell desktop computers to the Faith Foundation School in Congo Town. The ceremony took place in the edifice of the Bethel Cathedral of Hope, which is the parent institution of the school.Making the donation on behalf of the Embassy, Mr. Li Zhuang, Deputy Chief of Mission, said the school was chosen because of its high quality and advanced teaching methodology, which has deeply attracted students.“As developing countries, both the Chinese and the Liberian governments put education as one of the top priorities. China is deeply affected by the problems and challenges which Liberia is facing, because it has experienced almost the same during the development process,” said Mr. Li. Yesterday’s donation, he said, was a small step forward that indicates the Chinese people’s strong willingness to promote education, cooperation, and collaboration with Liberia.Mr. Li reminded the audience about the immense efforts China has made over the years to Liberia’s education sector. He said the Chinese government provides a yearly grant of 50 scholarships to Liberian students as well as training opportunities to 120 Liberian personnel in different disciplines.“We provide the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship and Chinese Enterprises Scholarship every year to 10 Liberian universities with a number of more than 300 beneficiaries,” he said.He named the construction of the Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia; the extension of the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC); three laboratories, and the newly built Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center in Zorzor, Kakata; and on the campus of the University of Liberia (UL) through the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) China Funds-in-Trust project; as tangible evidence of China’s commitment to education in Liberia.Mr. Li has meanwhile encouraged the students to take full advantage of the donation and study hard to empower themselves toward successful careers. He said the future of Liberia and China’s friendship rests with the youth, and therefore the youth must strive to make their contribution to solidify the friendship.Faith Foundation School Principal, Mrs. Della B. Belleh, who received the donation, expressed gratitude to the delegation from the Chinese Embassy for the kind gesture.Mrs. Belleh assured Mr. Li that the computers will be used by the students during the upcoming academic year.The donation, according to Mrs. Belleh, was made through special arrangements headed by Dr. Augustine Konneh, Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, who is also a member of the Board of the Faith Foundation School. The school is owned and operated by the Bethel World Outreach Ministries International.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
…as Govt blasted for tax measuresThe Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has blasted the Government’s tax measures and lack of an economic plan, saying its policies were harming rather than helping the manufacturing sector.Newly elected President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, vehemently made this declaration as he addressed participants at the annual mid-year dinner hosted by the GMSA a few days ago. The tension was palpable as Nokta voiced the GMSA’s concerns and pointed out that “there is no lack of will among the manufacturing businesses”, but the GMSA is often constrained by challenges such as access to finance, cost of electricity, and market access.And there could be no question that the Government got the message, as Finance Minister Winston Jordan was present as an invited guest and feature speaker at the event.Nokta noted that while Government has made public commitments to create an enabling environment, its removal of items from Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption and implementation of other negative tax measures and policies belie these utterances.“Such measures, coupled with increasing domestic demands and imported substitutes in the case of the wood processing sector in particular, have been unhelpful to value adding and encouraging the manufacturing sector,” the business executive said.Encouraging the Government to provide assurances that it had remedies for the malaise affecting the economy, Nokta called on the Finance Minister to provide information on the Government’s policy position.In addition, he called for the Government to make known its wider economic plan relating to other productive and export sectors.New breedIn his rebuttal, however, Minister Jordan warned the GMSA against depending on Government to promote opportunities for them. According to Jordan, what Guyana needs is a new breed of investors.Rebutting the contention that the coalition government has not done anything for the manufacturing and services sector, Jordan said: “In addition to the wide-ranging concessions granted by previous administrations, there have been several legislative and operational changes in support of the manufacturing industry in Guyana, (implemented) since May 2015.”Jordan said exemptions on duty for raw materials and for imported machinery to be used in the manufacturing process have been maintained. He also related that the importation of raw materials has not been subject to excise tax since last year. Waivers on duty and taxes for items not listed on the approved list of raw materials were also cited by the Finance Minister.But he noted the prerequisite that applications have to be made to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).The minister pointed out that the VAT rate was reduced from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, and manufacturers with a revenue flow that is below $15 million are exempted from registering for VAT.Jordan also proclaimed that the manufacturing sector benefitted from a reduction in the corporate tax rate — from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent.The sector’s meagre contribution to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was recently highlighted by Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Deodat Indar. According to Indar at a recent press conference, the sector is starved of incentives.“There is little to nothing in terms of incentives (that) manufacturers get,” Indar said. “Look at the value of the GDP that manufacturers carry; it’s miniscule. We don’t even make a hammer in this country. So for us to really seriously think about manufacturing, we cannot have a seminar (for) a half-day (and expect we) would (be able to) look at all the top-of-the-line problems manufacturers have. We need to dig down in those issues,” Indar had said.
0Shares0000“Juve are a good example of putting pressure on Real in Madrid,” said Bayern Munich’s CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “We need cool heads and hot hearts.” © AFP/File / Christof STACHEBerlin, Germany, Apr 30 – Bayern Munich need “cool heads and hot hearts” if they are to learn from Juventus and pull off an unlikely Champions League victory at Real Madrid, says chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.Bayern face an uphill task in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium after losing 2-1 in Munich last Wednesday when a defensive slip let Marco Asensio hit the winner. To compound their problems, Bayern have lost both key defender Jerome Boateng and creative winger Arjen Robben with groin injuries.Nevertheless, the Germans jetted to Madrid on Monday determined to pull off an unlikely win.They can take solace from Juventus who went down fighting with a 3-1 win in Madrid in the quarter-finals after losing 3-0 in Turin, bowing out 4-3 on aggregate.Bayern Munich’s players take part in a training session at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on April 30, 2018 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg against Real Madrid © AFP / Christof STACHE“Juve are a good example of putting pressure on Real in Madrid,” said Rummenigge.“We need cool heads and hot hearts.”Defender Niklas Suele, who will step in for Boateng at centre-back, added: “It’s a difficult starting position, but we trust ourselves to do it.“It will be important to switch well between attack and defence.“We also did well against (Cristiano) Ronaldo (who failed to score) in the first leg.”– Pressure to score –Rummenigge says the loss of Boateng and Robben gives their replacements the chance to step up and shine.“Boateng and Robben will not make the trip and we can’t change that,” said Rummenigge.Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery takes part in a training session at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on April 30, 2018 on the eve of the Champions League semi-final second-leg against Real Madrid © AFP / Christof STACHE“I think lamenting makes no sense, we have other players who can step in.“When I look at the development of Niklas Suele, that’s been top notch.“Whoever stands on the pitch will have to go to their limits if we want to be successful.”Bayern must score at least two goals to have any chance of reaching the final on May 26 in Kiev.“We’re confident,” said right-back Joshua Kimmich, who scored in the first leg.“We did not play at our top level and still had some chances.“The aim is to score two goals and conceding wouldn’t change much.”In the first leg, the Germans were kicking themselves for converting just one of their 17 shots on goal, compared to Real’s seven, two of which Marcelo and Asensio put away.“We will get some chances and when we get them, we will have to use them,” said Bayern president Uli Hoeness.Rummenigge defended Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who was criticised in the German media for struggling in front of goal in the first leg.Bayern Munich must do without injured central defender Jerome Boateng at the Bernabeu © AFP/File / Christof STACHE“I find this discussion ridiculous, as we all actually find it ridiculous at Bayern Munich,” fumed Rummenigge, a former striker.“He has scored 39 goals again this year and we are glad that he is with us and that next year he will play with us.”Rummenigge pointed to legendary Bayern striker Gerd Mueller, who scored 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany in the 1970s. “He (Lewandowski) is a goal machine and I can remember Gerd Mueller for example, who is the number one in all (goal) statistics, not only at Bayern Munich, but throughout Germany.“He also had eight or ten games in which things did not work out, where he didn’t play the way he wanted to.“But then, there are days when you score two or three times.“I hope he (Lewandowski) has a day like that tomorrow.”0Shares0000(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)
The race for the Democratic nomination for governor enters its final stretch this week in a virtual tie, with a large chunk of voters still undecided – and unimpressed by their two choices in the June 6 primary. In part, analysts said, the two Democratic candidates – state Treasurer Phil Angelides and state Controller Steve Westly – have to overcome voter fatigue. With the recall in 2003 and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s special election last year, statewide voters have not had an off-year from the barrage of TV ads and campaign rallies since 2001. “I think there is a lack of enthusiasm for the two candidates,” said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe of the University of Southern California. “I think the whole country is in a very sour mood. People are not happy about the way government is performing at all.” A poll released last week by the Public Policy Institute of California found Angelides with a slight edge, 35 percent to 32 percent, within the poll’s margin of error. That was a big improvement for the treasurer, who was 13 points behind in a Los Angeles Times poll last month. Part of the reason for the voter disconnect and the negative campaign is the inability to distinguish between the two candidates, Jeffe said. ” … There’s very little daylight on the stands on policies between the two,” she said. A cursory look at them demonstrates more similarities than differences. Both are wealthy, well-educated middle-aged white males. Both currently hold statewide office. Both have been active in party politics for years. Both can also tout successful private-sector experience – Westly as an early executive of eBay and Angelides as a Sacramento-area developer. The differences are subtle. Angelides is seen as a little more liberal, a little more the political insider. He once served as California Democratic Party chairman – a post which Westly unsuccessfully had sought in the past – and has racked up more prestigious endorsements from party leaders like Sen. Dianne Feinstein and labor groups like the California Teachers Association. Westly, who has been mostly funding his campaign from his own pockets, has portrayed himself as an outsider with corporate experience and has tried a more populist route in his campaign, with town hall forums and a two-week bus tour of the state. One of the more visible differences is their attitude toward taxes. Angelides would like to increase taxes on the wealthy and close corporate tax loopholes to help fund increases in education and other state programs. Westly has not ruled out tax increases altogether but views them as a last resort. Instead, he has proposed government reforms such as improved collections of past-due taxes and dedicating more lottery funds to education. One of the other major differences is how they have responded to Schwarzenegger. Angelides was a critic of the governor from the very beginning. Westly was a Schwarzenegger ally in his first year, supporting him on his economic recovery plan. But he has since turned against the governor, saying he has failed to live up to his promises, including fully funding education. Angelides has tried to paint Westly as “Arnold lite” or “also-Arnold,” saying voters would get more of the same if they elected him. Westly has noted that other Democrats also supported Schwarzenegger’s economic recovery plan that year, including current prominent supporters of Angelides. Westly has launched a series of ads attacking Angelides’ environmental record as a developer, among other issues. Angelides has touted his environmental credentials and endorsements from environmental groups, though some, like the Sierra Club, have endorsed both candidates. The two candidates will also have to overcome a general decline in political participation that California has experienced in the last decade. During the 1994 gubernatorial race, 74 percent of the state’s eligible voters were registered, according to Secretary of State Bruce McPherson’s office. Today that figure has dropped to 68 percent. Similarly, the percentage of those who decline to state a party preference has increased from 10 percent in 1994 to 18 percent this year. California has almost 15.6 million registered voters, an increase from the 14 million in 1994. Democrats still outnumber Republicans, 42.7 to 34.6, but the state’s majority party has faced a steeper rate of decline in recent years. In 1994, Democrats were 48.9 percent of the electorate and Republicans were 37.1 percent. Los Angeles County currently has 3.8 million registered voters, with a 50-27 split between Democrats and Republicans. In the 2002 primary, with a competitive Republican race, 34.6 percent of the state’s registered voters turned out. Both candidates plan a frantic last week of campaigning to try to break through to voters who remain undecided. Westly began a bus tour of the state Wednesday and plans to stay on the road until Election Day, visiting more than 30 cities in all parts of the state. Angelides also plans to continue traveling up and down California. harrison.sheppard@dailynews.com (916) 446-6723160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MORE11 theater productions to see in Southern California this week, Dec. 27-Jan. 2Since that earlier poll, Angelides won the California Democratic Party’s official endorsement, and both candidates have turned to airing negative attacks. The PPIC poll also found a third of Democratic voters are still undecided. By comparison, at this time during the last two gubernatorial races, a quarter of voters were undecided. PPIC Poll Director Mark Baldassare said voters are following the race and the issues, and relatively high numbers have seen the TV ads but just can’t seem to make up their minds. “I think we’re at a very fluid stage of the election,” Baldassare said. “With one-third of the voters undecided, it’s very hard to say whether or not those voters are going to suddenly make up their minds or decide they’re going to opt out, in which case it would be a very close election.” He added that there is a “disconnect” between the issues voters are most interested in – education, immigration and the economy – and the issues the candidates are using to attack each other – taxes and sources of campaign donations. 
Prior to his collapse, Hoddle was presented with a cake celebrating his 61st birthday Instagram @stevesidwell14 Green reveals how he confronted Sarri after Chelsea’s 6-0 defeat at Man City Most read on talkSPORT.com Boxing Day fixtures: All nine Premier League games live on talkSPORT After his dismissal Hoddle coached Southampton, Spurs and Wolves, but he has not held a senior management role since leaving Molineux in 2006. 2 BEST OF The average first-team salaries at every Premier League club in 2019 Liverpool’s signings under Michael Edwards – will Minamino be the next big hit? He took his first steps into coaching in 1991 by joining Swindon as their player/manager, before taking up the same role with Chelsea two years later.Hoddle retired as a player in 1995, and left Chelsea the following year for England. He guided the Three Lions to the second round of the 1998 World Cup, but was dismissed seven months later after he expressed controversial opinions about disabled people in an interview with The Times. 2 gameday cracker LATEST revealed latest scrap Gerrard launches furious touchline outburst as horror tackle on Barisic sparks chaos tense Three stents were added during his surgery, and it is hoped Hoddle will make a full recovery now he has left intensive care.According to The Sun, Hoddle has no recollection of collapsing, and is both sitting up and talking to his family.Hoddle, who spent the majority of his playing career with Tottenham before also enjoying spells at Monaco, Swindon and Chelsea, won 53 caps for England and is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation. Every time Ally McCoist lost it on air in 2019, including funny XI reactions Glenn Hoddle is sitting up and talking to his family following the heart attack he suffered on Saturday, his 61st birthday.Hoddle, the former England player and manager, is out of intensive care having undergone surgery over the weekend after collapsing and cracking his head in the BT Sport studios, just minutes after playing keepy-uppies live on Robbie Savage’s show, Saturday Morning Sav. whoops Liverpool news live: Klopp reveals when Minamino will play and issues injury update Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ndidi bid, targets named, Ozil is ‘skiving little git’ Sky Sports presenter apologises for remarks made during Neville’s racism discussion Did Mahrez just accidentally reveal Fernandinho is leaving Man City this summer? Hoddle appeared in good spirits and fine health during his morning appearance on BT Sport TOP WORK SORRY BT Sport 
A special Cabaret Craiceailte, Irelands top Irish language entertainment event, held monthly in Hiudai beag’s pub, An Bun Beag, gaoth Dobhair, will be held next Friday, 12 July, as part of the Errigal Arts Festival.Some of the bands playing on the night include Breag, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre.Bréag – One of Ireland’s best Reggae/Ska bands were formed in Belfast 20 years ago and played one of their first gigs at the Feile Craiceailte, a 3 day music festival run by the Ciorcal Craiceailte in Rath Cairn, County Meath, in November 1993. They have played at the Cabaret many times, at home Tigh Hiúdaí, An Bun Beag, and at the Cabaret in Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Monaghan, and Conamara. Sharing the same birthday, (as the Craiceailte gigs started in 1993 as well), Bréag bring their mighty skanking sounds to the Cabaret Craiceáilte , Friday 12th July. Zoe Conway and John Mc Intyre : Amazing solo musicians, and a mighty traditional music duo, the Gaoth Dobhair crowd are very excited that they are finally visiting the Cabaret. Zoë, no stranger to the stage, has performed with an impressive list of international artists including Riverdance, Damien Rice, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Rodrigo y Gabriella to mention but a few. In contrast to this, Zoe has been an important figure within more serious music circles in Ireland, as her discipline has allowed her the pleasure of appearing as soloist with acclaimed orchestras such as The Irish Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra; pieces recited include works composed for her by world renowned Irish composer, Bill Whelan.John began his career as electric guitarist with Irish indie band, The Revs. Through this he has also known the privilege of performing on many famous stages and festivals. John studied classical guitar and has a background in traditional music. Aside from musical performance, he has worked as a producer for numerous recordings and has composed music for guitar and various ensembles.Diane Ní Chanainn agus a cairde : Local singer Diane Ní Chanainn, from Mín Lárach in the Cloich Cheann Fhaola Gaeltacht, Donegal, recently won the Eamonn Ghrainne – Amhranaí is fearr i gCloich Cheann Fhaola, sean nós competition at Feile na Sean Bhearaice. With a backgroung in Country Music, having performed with her fathers band ‘The Clubmen’, Diane, took up sean nós singing around 5 years ago and will be joined by renowned Traditional/Folm musicians, Barry Kerr, and Ryan O Donnell, for a very special Cabaret Craiceailte performance on Friday 12 th July, Tigh Hiudai, An Bun Beag, Gaoth Dobhair.The Cabaret Craiceáilte is always, unpredictable, so expect guest singers, musicians and sean nos dancers and much more, Tigh Hiúdaí, Friday 12th July, 9pm. And, it’s only a fiver on the door! HIUDAI BEAG’S HOLD A SPECIAL ‘TWELFTH’ CABARET! was last modified: July 3rd, 2013 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:Craic CabaretHiudai Beags
ST. LOUIS – The Drake University men’s soccer team had three student-athletes earn Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete awards, the league office announced on Wednesday morning. Junior Ryan Merideth (East Moline, Ill.) and graduate transfer Jake Taylor (Whitefish Bay, Wis.) were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team while redshirt sophomore Alex Peterson (Duluth, Minn.) garnered MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention honors. Merideth, who holds a 3.86 cumulative grade point average in biochemistry & molecular biology, played in 19 matches, scored two goals and tallied two assists. The forward has played in 55 career matches for the Bulldogs. Print Friendly Version Taylor, who owns a 4.00 GPA in Drake’s masters of business administration program, started every match at defender in his first season at Drake after transferring from Marquette. He scored one goal and recorded two assists. Taylor was a two-time All-BIG EAST academic selection at Marquette. Peterson made his debut for the Bulldogs this season after missing two seasons due to injury. He started all 19 matches and scored two goals, including the game winner at Evansville on Oct. 28. Peterson, a double major in finance and marketing, holds a 3.95 GPA.