January 17, 2020
Dear Editor,When this People’s National Congress-led coalition Government came to office, it removed completely the $10,000 cash-per-child award given to parents on behalf of their children at school. It was an unconscionable, uncaring and downright low blow dealt to the children of this country; but no one said a word of protest, save the Opposition PPP/C, all others were strangely silent. They were well in agreement with their party and Government in that move because, as they claim, it was the Government’s way of punishing the PPP/C for a political gimmick to get votes.How asinine that assertion was, but the facts are clear that the parents were punished for the former Government doing something worthy and caring.Little did the teachers, who are also daytime parents of our children, realise that their day would soon come, when the demonic side of their Government would be unleashed on them in a “no grant of increases in salaries and benefits”. It was the bare facts of karma hitting them like an avalanche. Teachers were caught flat-footed when the beastly side of their Government was revealed.When the situation began to sink in that they were not about to get anything from this Government, it was only then that they rose up in condemnation. Now that the situation reached boiling point. The teachers are asking for all the support they can get, and from what I gather, the parents are about now coming out in support of the teachers’ cause.With the support teachers are getting from parents, they should be humbled and thankful for the help they are getting in their time of need, when they needed that supporting shoulder to cry on. I do hope teachers get the stern rebuke message that they deserve, and get the rude awakening that they should have been more sympathetic and understanding of the parents’ plight when they were so affected.But such is the harsh situation in a place called Guyana, where politics clouds the eyes so that even when the situation is more than obvious, folks turn the blind eye until the problem hits home. At that instance, they want everyone else to lend a helping hand. As the lyrics of the Old Anglican Hymn says, “O come and mourn with me awhile, O come let us mourn … together.” Fit and proper words for the situation at hand.Guyana is a doomed place with the PNC in Government, and the sooner the masses get the message the better. Sorry the teachers got theirs so late, but as the saying goes, “better late than never.” Another day is coming; that is, general elections. I wait to see their response to that litmus test also.Respectfully,Neil Adams
To ensure respect for the rule of law and sustain Liberia’s democratic gains, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh, has decided to get tough. Justice Minister Sannoh’s stern approach comes right after the arrest and detention of one of Liberia’s popular talk show hosts, Henry Costa, of the Henry Costa Morning Show, early last Saturday morning by police officers who accosted him along with several others. Costa has since been released after spending three days in police custody. In a statement issued to the media Monday, Cllr. Sannoh warned the public that ‘Notice is hereby served,’ and he went on to strongly urge all citizens and residents in Liberia, “irrespective of ethnic, political or social status, to respect the law and all constituted authorities to use legitimate channels for addressing their grievances.” He said Liberians must refrain from deliberate acts, “such as inciting the public to actions that will compromise public order, security of the state, and the peace and stability that we enjoy today.” Cllr. Sannoh’s statement comes two days after Henry Costa’s arrest and detention by government security apparatus, which caused a public outcry. Costa, who many people consider as highly critical of President Sirleaf’s administration, is also seen by others as a tough talking media personality who is prepared to talk about issues the way they are. “I must confess that Costa can sometimes be inciting,” admitted one of his admirers who was interviewed for this story. “I know he means well and his actions against the ills of the government must be complimented, and not punished.”But it is what others see as Costa’s toughness that has irked the administration, for though Cllr. Sannoh made no direct reference to Mr. Costa, he was indirectly hinting at activities in which Costa has deeply involved himself. Cllr. Sannoh: “Some citizens, failing to realize that the use of the airwaves is not an inherent and inalienable constitutional right but one that is subject to the control of the government through an objective licensing regime, are using radio stations to incite to insurrection and violence, undermine public security and public order and challenge the authority of Government to carry out its constitutional functions.” There is no denying that Cllr. Sannoh had Costa’s activities or opinions in mind and so when he said, “I have directed the Liberia National Police, and all law enforcement agencies, that in all cases where they have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, or a law has been violated, to have the person or persons so involved, regardless of their status except so exempted by law, arrested, detained, investigated and turned over to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.” It is evident that this directive from the Justice Minister was directed at uninhibited talk show hosts whose utterances appear to be embarrassing the administration. Whatever the case, Cllr. Sannoh is determined to strengthen his resolve to build in his words, “a culture of respect for the rule of law and human rights to sustain all the democratic gains we continue to make with the support of the United Nations and other multilateral and bilateral partners.” Instructively, Cllr. Sannoh said, “I encourage all our citizens and residents to respect the law, and cooperate fully with the institutions of justice, including the courts. “Especially in this regard, let me be clear that no one will again be permitted to show disrespect for the law, nor will anyone, for whatever reason, be allowed to take the law into [his] own hands.”In Cllr. Sannoh’s determination to ensure peaceful co-existence, some amount of tolerance may be needed.Tolerance and exemplary conduct on the part of the law enforcement, that is. In an attempt to neutralize any abuse of the “probable cause” by law enforcement personnel, the Justice Minister said he has “also challenged all Bureaus and Agencies of the Ministry including Prosecution to keep themselves free from any improper conduct. Law enforcement officers who violate the law that they are required to enforce, will themselves be removed from the Ministry and prosecuted so as to vindicate the integrity of the Ministry and of the law.”Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
In an effort to support Liberia’s health sector the China Medical Team over the weekend rendered free health services to 80 persons in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.In her welcome statement earlier, Paynesville City Mayor Cyvette M. Gibson said she was impressed to have the China Medical Team providing free health services to residents of the city, especially those with serious complications.Mayor Gibson said, “We are very excited by the number of doctors, including an Ophthalmologist, Gynecologist, and China Traditional Medicine practitioner and others rendering these free health services to our people.”She said Paynesville City has also completed discussion with the China Medical Team to continue free health services every three months, in the various communities in the city.“We have 42 communities in Paynesville and the team will be visiting each of these communities to ensure that our people get free health services,” she said.Mayor Gibson said, “We look forward to seeing our residents healthy and coming to see a doctor annually,” urging Paynesville residents to take advantage of the free healthcare services by the China Medical Team. David Zhang, Director of the Political Section at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Liberia, said the medical team was delighted to support Liberia’s healthcare delivery through the provision of free health services.“We are providing these free health services in response to the request from the local people. This is a part of activities that consolidates Liberia’s relation with the People’s Republic of China,” Zhang said. He expressed the commitment of the medical team to continue the free health service with other communities, adding, “We want to interact with the local people and also provide free healthcare services, especially to those suffering from complicated diseases.”“We have planned to provide more free healthcare services to the people of Liberia, but the local government needs to visit the Embassy to discuss it. We welcome other cities to visit the Embassy to form part of this initiative,” Director Zhang said.He disclosed that the China Medical Team was providing treatments and also recommending some for further medical treatment to local health centers, including John F. Kennedy Medical Center. Also speaking, Victoria Golafallah, one of the beneficiaries, lauded the China Medical Team for reaching out to the people of Paynesville.“This is the first time for such free health service and I hope that they will continue to reach out to other areas around the country,” she said.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
On Wednesday morning, several sections of Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) were covered by floodwaters as high as two feet following hours of heavy rainfall.A section of Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River covered by flood water [Photo by: RDC Region 3]Farm Village affected by floodingAlong with the heavy downpour, the Regional Chair, Julius Faerber, explained that the flooding was as a result of the deplorable canals and clogged drains in the inundated parts.Guyana Times was told that communities such as Farm Village and Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo were affected. But, the Chair additionally said he was informed of water covering the lands in Tuschen, as well as Canal Number One and Two.These villages, he said, are low and usually affected when it rains excessively.“I know the Number Two Canal is in a deplorable state, which contributes dearly to the flood that we get in both Canals One and Two. The contractor that we have there is very incompetent. He is not able to clean the canals in time and that creates a backup of water which causes flooding,” Faerber said.In addition, the Chairman complained that the regional administration has not been conducting drainage works in all of the areas, leaving more room for flood waters to invade. He explained that the Region owns six mini excavators; however, the contractors would choose the areas they prefer to work, “so the drains are very much clogged up and that contributes to the water not coming off the land as it should,” the Chair complained.Moreover, it was noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is not doing anything to help in this regard. He noted that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is cash-strapped and unable to provide any assistance because of low collection of rates and taxes.
Shipp had his second straight big game with a game-high 22points as the Bruins embarrassed a porous, effortless Cal defense en route to shooting 61.1 percent from the field, but it was Mata’s prowess from the foul line that kick-started UCLA. Usually, Mata making two free throws is a windfall for UCLA, but against the Bears it was only the start. He hit his first two free throws with 3:54 remaining in the first half to cut Cal’s lead to 30-26, but it wasn’t the end. After Shipp scored on a steal and lay-in, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute drove and scored and then had a pump-fake and dunk. Mata ended the run and gave the Bruins a 34-32 lead with two more free throws 52.9seconds before the half. “It’s just a matter of confidence,” Mata said. “I’ve been shooting them well in practice. It’s just been getting them to a game. I’ll make them, so don’t foul me anymore.” Mata finished 8 of 9 from the line, and actually made nine straight dating back to last weekend’s game at Arizona. For perspective, Mata made eight of his previous 27 free-throw attempts, which came during an 11-game span. The success against Cal pushed Mata’s percentage to 37.7. “I expect him to make them like that the rest of the year,” UCLA coach Ben Howland said. “He’s been shooting them real well. We did change a tiny little thing, but it’s just relaxing. I’m just happy for him because he’s put the work in. He’s got a routine now, and I think this is a good confidence builder for him.” Mata’s success from the free throw line is parallel to his play lately. He scored in double figures each of the last three games, averaging 11.3 points. His play gives the Bruins a low-post option at a crucial time. “It’s hard to beat us (when Mata is scoring),” said Collison, UCLA’s point guard. brian.dohn@dailynews.com (818) 713-3607 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Mata, one of the worst free-throw shooters in the nation, provided the emotion with his spot-on foul shooting and career-high 14 points as the fourth-ranked Bruins increased their lead atop the Pacific-10 Conference with an 85-75 defeat of Cal in front of 11,230fans Thursday. UCLA (24-3, 13-2) can clinch at least a share of the Pac-10 title by beating Stanford on Saturday, and with it the Bruins, by virtue of holding most of the tiebreaker advantages, would likely get the No.1 seed in the Pac-10 Tournament. That came after second-place Washington State (22-5, 11-4) lost at Oregon 64-59 to fall twogames behind the Bruins. “It doesn’t mean anything to us. We just have to come out and win our game,” UCLA wing Josh Shipp said. “We’re focused on Stanford right now. (The Pac 10 title) all adds to it, but I feel like we play hard no matter what.” The Cougars’ loss at Oregon capped a stellar night for the Bruins, led by Mata. A 30.9-percent shooter from the free-throw line entering the game, Mata made his first seven attempts, with the initial two triggering a 10-2 run that gave slow-starting UCLA a lead it did not relinquish. During a ridiculously easy second half, UCLA shot 64.5percent as Shipp, Arron Afflalo and, really, any other Bruin who wanted to, scored on lay-ins, dunks and chippies as the Bears (14-13, 6-9) were crushed in transition, and carefree in the half-court. At one point, UCLA led by 26 points before Cal scored a few late baskets to distort the competitiveness of the game. “We just couldn’t play defense consistently enough inside-out,” Cal coach Ben Braun said. “It’s uncharacteristic of us. We gave up those inside baskets not to just the post players, but to Josh, Arron and Darren (Collison).” 
UCLA center Lorenzo Mata stood at the foul line, bounced the basketball a few times and released it toward the rim. The ball bounced high, off the back of the iron, and fell harmlessly to the floor. Yet, many in the sold out Pauley Pavilion crowd rose to their feet and applauded Mata, because for once his miss from the line was well beyond the norm. 
Contact with family is usually strictly controlled or non-existent, leaving the young men cooped up for weeks, rubbing shoulders with the same teammates day after day.Australia coach Bert van Marwijk admits it can be a recipe for disaster if cabin fever takes hold, causing factionalism or infighting among the squad.In 2010, the Dutchman managed to unite the notoriously fractious Netherlands enough to reach the World Cup final, despite the presence of several big personalities who each wanted to be pack leader.Thomas Mueller says Germany’s Euro 2012 squad was divided © AFP/File / Odd ANDERSEN“I told the Holland players in 2010, we will get bored. But we have to win the World Cup, we have to work together,” he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.Van Marwijk said a major part of maintaining harmony was making players understand they had to respect one another, even if they might never be friends.“Everyday a few small things happen and those things are very important for the atmosphere in the whole group,” he said.“You cannot find it in any book, it’s the way you lead the group, manage the group.”– Club v country –Club rivalries can emerge, such as those which in the past have created splits in the Spain team between Barcelona and Real Madrid players.Thomas Mueller admitted Germany divided into Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund blocs at Euro 2012 but denied a similar schism was behind their opening-round loss to Mexico at the current tournament in Russia.“We didn’t have the best kind of chemistry back then, but it is totally different today,” he insisted.Sometimes players fed up with their camp routine take desperate measures.Former England forward Jermain Defoe was so mind-numbingly bored at England’s 2010 base in South Africa that he watched strike partner Wayne Rooney’s entire wedding video from beginning to end.Years later, details of Rooney’s nuptials remained seared into his brain.“Wayne had something like a flash mob, the waiters were singing, dancing, if I can remember,” he said.“Yeah, you do get bored, but all the teams get bored.”England seem to have learned their lesson and have tried to make their current camp at Repino, outside Saint Petersburg, a relaxed, fun environment.– Climbing the walls –England’s siege mentality of the past has eased as Gareth Southgate’s men race inflatable unicorns in the pool and engage in darts competitions with the media.Iceland are taking a similar approach, flying in a group of comedians to give the players a boost.Wayne Rooney’s wedding video helped keep boredom at bay for former England forward Jermain Defoe in 2010 © AFP/File / Justin TALLIS“The team is here for the long haul and we are in it together. It is important to keep us all fresh and do something entirely different every now and then,” said team spokesman Omar Smarason.World Cup boredom can lead to players literally climbing the walls to get away from camp and blow off some steam, and it’s not a new phenomenon.Former Mexico goalkeeper Antonio “Tota” Carbajal recalled how at the 1966 tournament in England two players sneaked away to a bar — with coach Ignacio Trelles hot on their heels to drag them back.Carbajal, a veteran of five World Cups, argued players behaving badly was not necessarily a bad thing.“These things unite the team,” the 89-year-old told AFP.A laid-back approach certainly worked for the late Denmark coach Richard Moller Nielsen, who gave his players unprecedented freedom — including visits to fast-food outlets — during their victorious run at Euro 92.“Perhaps it would be a good idea if we drink a beer and drive past McDonald’s now and then. I will suggest that to the coach,” current Denmark defender Jannik Vestergaard suggested, perhaps a touch wistfully.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000England coach Gareth Southgate has taken a relaxed approach with his squad at the World Cup in Russia © AFP / Paul ELLISMOSCOW, Russian Federation, Jun 24 – World Cup footballers often face an unexpected hurdle as they try to cope with the intense scrutiny and pressure of the game’s biggest showpiece — it can be boring… really, really boring.In the periods between matches, players are isolated at remote training camps in the countryside, surrounded by tight security and high walls to discourage prying eyes.
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREOregon Ducks football players get stuck on Disney ride during Rose Bowl event“I showed them to Francis \ and said we have a problem because there’s no name in this book,” Stewart said. “We hadn’t a clue when it had been donated or from whom. I just saw that they were nice treasures.” On one pendant, Stewart found the inscription “FHWGA” along with a series of dates from 1978 to 1996 with the words “club champion.” Minard suggested that the first two letters could possibly refer to the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier so Stewart proceeded to look up the club’s number in the yellow pages. “The club had the same logo that was on the pendant so we drove over there,” Stewart said. The club’s general manager, Dave Goodrich, checked the champions from the given years and found a woman’s name, Stewart said. Evelyn Perez, Goodrich’s secretary, found the woman’s phone number but no one answered the phone. “Evelyn was very sharp,” Stewart said. “She called several friends of \ until she tracked down her cell phone number. When I finally reached her I asked her if she had donated some books. She said yes and I said `I think you were more generous than you meant to be.”‘ WHITTIER – While perusing a box of books donated to Friends of the Whittier Public Library bookstore, Nancy Stewart almost threw away a book whose pages were stuck together.But when she tugged at the corner, the book fell open to reveal a hiding place carved out of the center of the pages. Inside were two pouches stuffed with several pieces of jewelry. The sleuthing that followed to uncover the jewels’ owner could rival any Sherlock Holmes detective story. Stewart, who is president of Friends of the Whittier Public Library, said the jewels appeared to be family heirloom-type items. It turned out the four sleuths had tracked down the woman within 24 hours after she had dropped off the donated books. “I was shaking I was so astounded,” said the woman. “I offered them money, a reward, but they only accepted a donation to Friends of the Library. They thought they were the world’s best detectives. It was nice for them because they’re really honest people.” The woman said her children had given her the book years before and she had forgotten all about it. Most of her jewelry is kept in a safe-deposit box in the bank, but she’d noticed some of it missing about two years ago. “The book is called `The Heart of the West’ by Penelope Williamson, it’s an actual book,” the woman said. “I remember thinking when I was going to give it away, why would I buy this book? And even then, I didn’t remember that it was a safe.” Stewart said she often finds unusual things tucked into books and forgotten. “We find all manner of things used as bookmarks from the sublime to the indecent – literally,” she said. “We were thrilled to be able to track her down.” The woman whose jewelry was found did not want to be identified for this story for fear a robber might seek her out. pam.wight@sgvn.com (562) 698-0955, Ext. 3029160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
The first ever Manchester derby on foreign soil will be held in Houston this summer.Manchester City and Manchester United will do battle at the NRG Stadium in Texas on July 20 as part of this year’s International Champions Cup.It will be the second attempt for the rivals to do battle on foreign soil after last summer’s friendly in Beijing, China was cancelled due to the quagmire pitch.Ferran Soriano, chief executive of Manchester City, added: “The Manchester derby is one of the world’s most iconic games.“We are very excited to play it in front of our passionate American fans. There are so many great memories from this game in history and we can’t wait to create some new ones in Houston.”United last played in Houston in 2010 when they ran out 5-2 winners against the MLS All-Stars.“The game in Houston gives our large US family of fans another chance to see the team play live,” United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said. “The last time we played in Houston, over 70,000 packed the stadium and we are looking forward to entertaining them again.”The derby comes midway through United’s pre-season trip to the USA, with friendlies scheduled against the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Barcelona and Real Madrid.City will take on Real Madrid in Los Angeles and face Tottenham in Nashville after playing United. 1
Nixon Alexander, Andy Hunter, Joe Cullen and Ruth Crawford.CYMS title was only decided on the last end when Ruth Crawford, Joe Cullen and Nixon Alexander, Ballylennon, protected the winning bowl to ensure victory over Jimmy O’Donnell, Patsy Boyle and PJ Gallagher, Burtonport.Semi final spots were filled by Pat McSorley, Terence Patton & Mark Beattie, Strabane CC and Stephen Brewster, Alan Irwin and Johnny Calvin, Loughanreagh Rec. Quarter finalists were Matthew Lyttle, Paul Mahaffey & Gerald Bates, Donoughmore, Margaret Ferry, Noel Hanlon & Owen Ferry, Burtonport, Neil Langan, Gary Glackin & Jamie Glackin, Maghery and James, Marcus and Norman Rutledge, Sixmiletown.CYMS would welcome new members to their club. Why not call on a Sunday evening and see if this is the game for you. Picture; Nixon Alexander, Andy Hunter, Joe Cullen and Ruth Crawford.INDOOR BOWLS: BALLYLENNON LIFT TITLE was last modified: March 7th, 2013 by BrendaShare 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:INDOOR BOWLS: BALLYLENNON LIFT TITLE
The Bulldogs advanced competitors to Saturday’s finals in two events as Mary Young (Urbandale, Iowa) clocked a finish of 14.07 in the 100-meter hurdles. Her time was the seventh-fastest on the day to advance her to the finals. The men’s 4×100-meter relay team of Aaron Chier (Belgium, Wis.), Caulin Graves (Overland Park, Kan.), Malik Metivier (Toronto, Ontario) and Kundai Maguranyanga (Glen Zorah, Zimbabwe) had the sixth fastest qualifying time of the day in 40.95 to also advance to Saturday. 5:21 p.m. – Men 200 Meter FinalsT7. Caulin Graves, 21.159. Kundai Maguranyanga, 21.32 3:25 p.m. – Men 4×400 Relay Prelims12. Metivier, Priebe, Graves, Maguranyanga, 3:17.79 Results (HTML) 3:03 p.m. – Women 4×400 Relay Prelims10. Ahmed-Green, Young, Giuliano, Coombe, 3:47.79 7:27 p.m. – Men 1,500 Meters Finals5. Kevin Kelly, 3:50.25 Print Friendly Version 1:26 p.m. – Men 4×100 Relay Prelims6. Chier, Graves, Metivier, Maguranyanga, 40.95 The Drake University track and field teams enjoyed clear skies, the warmest day of the year and a great crowd Saturday at the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee. Chier also finished 11th in the preliminary heats of the 100 meters with a wind-aided personal best of 10.59. Graves enjoyed similar favorable winds to clock a personal best of 21.25 to finish tied for seventh in the 200 meters while Maguranyanga was ninth. 10 a.m. – Women Long Jump23. Taryn Rolle, 17-0 (5.18m) 2:49 p.m. – Men 100 Meters Prelims11. Aaron Chier 10.51 The Bulldogs opened the day in the javelin with big personal bests from Max Harlan and Jake Taylor as each threw beyond 170 feet with Harlan finishing 17th at 172-3 while Taylor threw 171-1. Also in the field events, Christina LeMunyon cleared a season best of 11-7.75 to finish 17th in the pole vault. 12:30 p.m. – Women Pole Vault17. Christina LeMunyon, 11-7.75 (3.55m) Story Links 12 p.m. – Women 100 Meter Hurdles – Prelims7. Mary Young, 14.07 In addition to the two performances that qualified for Saturday’s finals, the Bulldogs are expected to compete in eight other events Saturday at Drake Stadium Kevin Kelly (Kilcok, Ireland) closed the evening by finishing fifth in the 1,500 meters in 3:50.25. Results (PDF) Drake Individual Results10 a.m. – Men Javelin Throw17. Max Harlan, 172-3 (52.51m)19. Jake Taylor, 171-1 (52.15m)26. Erik Olson, 151-8 (46.24m)
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