January 12, 2020
Lindener Brandon Harding was, in the wee hours of Sunday, crowned Carib Soca Monarch 2018 after outshining his nine other finalists at Durban Park, Georgetown.Brandon Harding during his performanceThe young man, who now resides in St. Lucia with his family, returned to Guyana to enter into the Carib Soca Monarch, which was on pause for two years. The return of the monarch saw new talent being exposed, thus giving the artistes a chance to showcase same to the world.Winning the monarch was the expectation of the young Harding who, before the commencement of the competition, was full of confidence and energy. As the first performer, he set the bar for the others to follow and catch up, but this was indeed a huge task.His performance was electrifying, as he set the stage on fire and, more so, had the crowd on his side. Singing his tune “Alive” decked in all white did the job for the young musician.His stage presentation and lyrics were enough to get the nod from the judges as the best of the best. At one time, his “countrywoman” Diana Chapman seemed as though she was going to take the lead after her performance, and although she performed well, she just could not match up Harding’s lively performance.The top four of the Carib Soca Monarch 2018 competitionEventually, the judges thought she was the third best in the competition. However, coming in second was seasoned campaigner Melissa Vanilla Roberts. She rocked the stage and had a great performance; but, in the end, the judges thought she was a few points short of Harding.Coming in fourth was another Lindener, Lil Colwyn. Some thought he should not have placed in the final four, but the judges thought otherwise.Apart from the top four performers, some others did well and some not so well. Jonathan “Lil Red” King, who has been competing in the competition for quite some time, failed to impress the crowd and ultimately the judges during his performance. His performance of “Paint, water and powder” needed some more energy to get the crowd hyped and moving.Another performer, “Fluffy,” with “Bam Bam,” had a good start but failed to carry through with the same vibes and energy to the end.In addition, Roger Hinds, who performed “Money,” had a good stage entrance with some hiccups, but after a few minutes into his performance, he started to bash the former soca monarchs, Jumo Primo and Kwasi Ace Edmondson.However, at intermission, Edmondson replied to Hinds with a lyrical tongue-licking.All in all, it was a good night, even with a few disappointments. First, the competition, which was billed to commence at 20:00h, never got underway until after 23:00h.At 22:30h, the host of the event, Tameka Henry, appeared on stage; and after a few minutes of rambling, she introduced the members of the Heatwaves Band, who, without a doubt, set the tone for the night with some high quality performances from Calvin Burnette and Mark Batson.The Heatwaves dancers were also quite impressive with some energetic dance routines. At the end of the night, the newly crowned Carib Soca Monarch walked away with $1.5 million in cash, the title, bragging rights, and a chance to represent Guyana at the international soca monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago in February, 2019.
No-confidence resolutionGovernment, through Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams on Monday, filed a case in the High Court for the court to put on hold the enforcement of the no-confidence resolution, which was passed on December 21, 2018.Opposition Leader Bharrat JagdeoAt the same time, Williams also applied for a conservatory order to allow for the Government to continue in office while the matter is being heard.On the other hand, however, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has made an application in the High Court to become a party to the proceedings brought by private citizen Compton Reid.Reid is challenging the validity of the vote of former Member of Parliament (MP) Charrandas Persaud, stating that he had falsely declared that he was a Guyanese citizen.In the fixed-date application filed by Williams, the AG seeks relief under the Constitution by way of petitioning the court to grant several orders with House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as the named respondents.Williams wants the court to rule on whether the Speaker’s decision on the December 21, 2018 motion was indeed carried by a majority of all elected members and whether or not the 33 to 32 breakdown means it was validly passed.In his petition, he argued that the current total elected members of the National Assembly is 65 and the majority of members legally prescribed by Article 106 (6) of the Constitution is tantamount to an absolute majority that legally requires a vote of 34 or more.“The ruling of the Speaker that the motion was purportedly carried by a majority vote of 33:32 raises concerns of serious national interest and grave and significant constitutional issues that are central to Guyana’s democracy, stability and constitutional ethos,” the petition added.Attorney General Basil WilliamsThe AG said he has several grounds for the application and those include his ability to refer or state a question of law to the High Court especially in relation to this serious constitutional issue on the validity of a no-confidence vote pursuant to rule 61.03 of the Civil Procedure Rules 2016.The Government believes there was not a majority passage of the no-confidence motion. But the Opposition disagrees and believes that the Government is attempting to buy time in office.Under the Constitution, on the passage of a no-confidence motion, elections must be called within three months or at a time agreed to by two-thirds of the National Assembly.In his request for a conservatory order, Williams said it was necessary to preserve the status quo as Article 106 (7) of the Constitution requires that the President and all Ministers of the Government remain in office and hold elections within three months.However, Williams said the period for the hearing and determination of the matter may expire before that time. As such, he believes a stay of the enforcement of the resolution is necessary in order to avoid the process being rendered insignificant.“…and in all the circumstances the applicant is satisfied that there exists an arguable case on the questions in controversy with a realistic prospect of success on the part of the Government,” the document added, noting that the Speaker’s ruling begs for the court’s intervention.Jagdeo’s applicationMeanwhile, Jagdeo, in his application which was also filed on Monday through Attorney Anil Nandlall, said that the case put forward by Reid is aimed at nullifying the no-confidence motion and to prevent the law taking its course through the provisions outlined in the Constitution.Further, he stated that it pointed to political issues that could have far-reaching implications for national democracy, peace, order and good governance in Guyana. As such, he believes that filing a legal action will help to diminish the possibility of this ever occurring.“It is imperative that the applicant be permitted to join these proceedings not only to protect its integrity, but in order to protect and preserve the will of a majority of the elected members who voted in favour of the said no-confidence motion,” the petition filed on behalf of Jagdeo added.Jagdeo is expected to meet with President David Granger on Wednesday. This meeting is coming on the heels of the governing coalition challenging the passage of the resolution of no confidence, contending that the motion needed a 34-majority vote to be approved.This contention has been Government’s lifeline ever since Attorney Nigel Hughes, husband of Government Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, raised the argument.
Editors 1 Each week, a leading band or musician takes our special Starting XI Q&A. Stepping into the spotlight this week, Russell Leetch from Editors…Who would be the most rock ‘n’ roll signing your club could make?Most probably Mario Balotelli. He could be brilliant, could be awful . . .that’s what you get with some rock stars.If your club was a song or a lyric, what would it beThings Can Only Get Better, by D:ReamWhich football stadium would you most like to play a gig at (that’s not your club’s home ground)The Nou Camp – that would be phenomenalWhich footballer has the most potential to be a rock star?Leighton Baines loves his Indie, bet he writes some good Brit pop!Brit award or Premier League trophy?Premier league Trophy.When you were a kid, which football and music posters did you have on your wall?All Villa, so Dwight Yorke, Dean Saunders, David Platt, Paul McGrath.Elvis was the king of rock ‘n’ roll, Michael Jackson the king of pop… Who’s the king of football?Currently, Lionel Messi.If you were in charge of your club’s dressing room stereo, what tunes would you put on before a big game and why?Queen – Always Energising.Which signing got you most excited and which player’s departure broke your heart?I loved it when we signed Juan Pablo Angel. More recently, I’m going to miss the big man Benteke.Which footballer would you refuse complimentary tickets to one of your gigs?FABIAN DELPH (in capitals!).What’s the best/worst football song ever recorded?Best – New Order, World In Motion. Worst – Shout for England was pretty bad! Editors release their forthcoming fifth studio album, ‘In Dream’, on October 2nd
Emma Carr, Letterkenny Scouts, Cllr Gerry McMonagle, Letterkenny Mayor, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, County Mayor, Maolíosa Brogan and Laura Logue, aka Countess Markievicz at the opening of the County Donegal in 1916 Exhibition in the County Muesum on Thursday night.To mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 rising, Donegal County Museum will have a special Sunday opening on the 24th April for a viewing of the recently launched ‘County Donegal 1916 – Our Story’ exhibition.“This weekend is the anniversary date of the 1916 rising and a visit to this specially commissioned exhibition is a great way to reflect on the events of that year, their impact on life in Donegal and how they have influenced the Donegal we live in today” says Museum Curator, Judith McCarthy.“Whilst we will be welcoming individuals and families, we are also happy to arrange for guided tours for groups of 10 or more, however we would ask that groups book in advance to avoid disappointment” added Ms. McCarthy. The Donegal County Museum is located on the High Road in Letterkenny and admission is free.To coincide with the exhibition, Donegal County Archivist Niamh Brennan and Caroline Carr from the Donegal County Museum will be delivering a talk exploring the major events of 1916 from a Donegal perspective and a glimpse of life in the County in 1916 on Thursday 21 April. This talk will take place in the County Museum at 8pm, everyone is welcome and admission is also free.Keep up to date with events taking place in the Donegal County Museum on Facebook and Twitter.A VERY SPECIAL OPENING OF THE DONEGAL COUNTY MUSEUM was last modified: April 15th, 2016 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:COUNTY NUSEUMdonegalRising
New Drumkeen United manager Shaun Gallagher.Drumkeen United FC have appointed Shaun Gallagher as their new first-team manager, but the club have revealed they won’t be participating in the USL interim season.Gallagher is a former player with the club and won a League Cup in 2009, he also featured for Drumkeen in their historic FAI Cup appearance against League of Ireland giants Bohemians FC in 2012.However, it has been revealed that the club will opt out of the USL interim season which will run from February to May, but they will return for the new season which will start in August. Drumkeen United PRO John Cannon issued the following statement, “Drumkeen United are pleased to announce the appointment of Shaun Gallagher as First Team Manager.“Shaun is no stranger to the club having played with us for several years.“During his time with us as a player he was part of the Team that won the League cup in 2009, he also played in one of the biggest days in the history of the club when we played Bohemians in Dalymount Park in the FAI Senior Cup in 2012.“Drumkeen also wish to confirm that we will not be entering the short season of the Ulster Senior League. “We had already informed the League of this in early December but in the last few weeks we did make a further attempt to get a squad of players together but this proved to be unsuccessful.“While it is regrettable that we are not in a position to enter the short season we now have a Team Manager in place and over the coming months he will be working to put together a squad of players with a view to entering the USL regular season in August.DRUMKEEN UNITED APPOINT NEW MANAGER – BUT THEY WON’T BE COMPETING IN USL INTERIM SEASON was last modified: January 8th, 2015 by Mark ForkerShare 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:drumkeen unitedShaun GallaghersoccerSportUSL
Calls have been made for the Pillar 1 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) ceiling of €60,000 to be adopted in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by Ireland to protect family farms.According to figures released on Friday by Fianna Fail, just 1% of Irish farmers would be affected by a ceiling of €60,000 being put on the Basic Payment Scheme in the next CAP.Charlie McConalogue said: “Last year, the European Commission proposed BPS payment capping in the €60,000-€100,000 range for the CAP post-2020. “The next CAP reform should permit Member States to decide on the capping of direct payments at national level. Secondly, it is Fianna Fáil policy that the next CAP should reduce the current BPS payment ceiling to €60,000 in Ireland. The current ceiling is €150,000.“Such a policy shift would ensure that future CAP funds safeguard small and medium-sized farmers.“Based on latest parliamentary question reply data, over 99% of all eligible farmers (123,258) received a 2018 basic payment of under €60,000,”“Furthermore, a new ceiling at this level would provide a €74 million pot annually (€517 million over a 7-year CAP programme) to target supports to vulnerable sectors and strengthen measures for generational renewal,” McConalogue added. “This is a socially progressive policy which will safeguard the family model of farming and those on low incomes,” he said.“Fianna Fáil were the first political party in 2017 to call for a €60,000 BPS ceiling. We will continue to campaign to achieve this as a key plank of our agriculture policy in the time ahead.”Irish family farms on low incomes must be safeguarded – McConalogue was last modified: March 8th, 2019 by Shaun KeenanShare 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:charlie mcconalogeDonegal Farmingfarming
Social welfare recipients will be receiving their extra Christmas payments in the first week of December 2019, the Department of Employment and Social Affairs has confirmed.Over 1.2million people in Ireland will receive their payments in the week commencing Monday 2nd December.A total of €279.4 million will be paid pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents, long-term unemployed people and many other recipients. The bonus is paid at a rate of 100% for people on long-term social welfare payments.Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty said: “Last year, I was particularly pleased to announce the restoration of the additional Christmas Payment at a rate of 100%. I am very happy that despite the current climate of uncertainty generated by Brexit, the Christmas Payment will again be paid at a rate of 100% this year.“This payment recognises the seasonal needs of people who are long-term financially dependent on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income, such as pensioners, people with disabilities and carers. This payment will help those people meet the extra expenses incurred over the Christmas period as well as provide an additional boost for local economies.”Date confirmed for social welfare Christmas bonus was last modified: November 22nd, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlinShare 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)
SAMOA >> On a small, gritty grass field under the half shadow of Peninsula Union Elementary, head coach Nick Parker of the AC Samoa Soccer Club drilled an up-and-coming U14 girls’ team — the only ripples of activity in the otherwise still backdrop of a sunny Wednesday afternoon.“How is it that they got all the way through the middle?” Parker exclaimed to the team, hobbling in to center field in his signature track pants, matching wind breaker and tan boonie hat. “I’ll give you a hint. It has …
22 August 2013 The Department of Environmental Affair has invited members of the public to provide their input on maps reflecting the natural distribution range of 21 indigenous wild mammal species in South Africa. The species include impala, springbok, white rhino, eland, Cape buffalo, giraffe, kudu, black wildebeest and Cape mountain zebra. The department said earlier this month that it was developing the maps in phases, with the current set of maps including 21 indigenous mammal species “that are most commonly translocated within the wildlife industry”. Translocation of the animals is regulated in terms of both provincial and national biodiversity legislation, although factors considered in evaluating permit applications often differ between provinces. The maps are therefore expected to give clarity on the natural distribution range of South Africa’s wildlife, and to help with the evalutation of permit applications. The maps were developed based on a set of predetermined principles, including the historical distribution of species, as well as vegetation types indicate the sustainability of habitats to different species. To access the template for input submissions, and for more information on the distribution maps, follow this link. Members of the public are invited to submit their input by downloading the template and returning it via e-mail to distributionmaps@environment.gov.za by 31 August 2013. Source: SAnews.gov.za
20 January 2014 Madiba’s dream of a secondary school at his birthplace of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape was finally realised with the official opening of the Nelson Mandela School of Science and Technology on Friday. The R100-million school, built in partnership by German engineering company Siemens, the Mvezo Development Trust, the community of Mvezo and South Africa’s Department of Basic Education, will enable 700 learners from about 24 feeder primary schools to study engineering, science, technology and agriculture. Speaking at the opening of the school, President Jacob Zuma said, “Madiba had to travel far to obtain secondary education because there was no secondary school in this area. Siemens has ensured that the children of Mvezo receive a state-of-the-art science and technology school.” Zuma said Mandela was passionate about education and the plight of children, as they were the future of the country. “That is why he was always raising funds to build a school in the country, particularly among the most disadvantaged communities. This is a legacy that should be continued.” Although there was an improvement in the country’s matric results, particularly in maths and science in 2013, Zuma said there was still a long way to go to getting learners to take a real interest in the subjects. “Societies advance through science and technology, and our country should not be left behind. We should make science and technology a joy for our learners.” Zuma urged the school’s new learners to use the opportunity and build a bright future for themselves. “The Mandela School of Science and Technology must be a training ground for the leaders of tomorrow. We want you to produce leaders in various fields, in honour of the distinguished man after whom the school is named.” The school is part of the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative, an R8.2-billion public-private initiative which aims to eradicate the 496 “mud schools” in the country, and provide water and sanitation to 1 257 schools and electricity to 878 schools by March 2016. Source: SAnews.gov.za
Recent Comments