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[
"Ahmed Al-Haj",
"Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:51 | null | 2016-08-26T08:27:00 | Airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition in northern Yemen killed 11 civilians, including women and children, Yemen's rebel-run news agency said Friday. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fworld%2Farticle98026077.html.json | http://www.heraldonline.com/static/images/heraldonline/facebook.jpg | en | null | Saudi-led airstrikes reportedly kill 11 civilians in Yemen | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Rafters enjoy the rapids on the French Broad River
Previewing Rock Hill and York football with Jimmy Wallace
3:32 | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/world/article98026077.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/362e3a36b84b7792b0ecd9bd41ae94c1128c4e0cbfdef895d7d1e07d2e56eea2.json |
[
"The Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-30T02:49:30 | null | 2016-08-29T22:01:00 | Four Notre Dame football players and another kicked off the team arrested during a traffic stop have been formally charged. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fsports%2Farticle98744147.html.json | http://www.heraldonline.com/static/images/heraldonline/facebook.jpg | en | null | Formal charges filed against 5 Notre Dame players | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Four Notre Dame football players and another kicked off the team arrested during a traffic stop have been formally charged. | http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article98744147.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/3e7379b360576718e0381e544226f580ac8ccf3a93cf511215fbc01289d36ca3.json |
[
"The Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-29T10:49:17 | null | 2016-08-29T06:36:00 | Mylan says it will make available a generic version of its EpiPen, as criticism continued to mount over the price of its injectable medicine. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Farticle98541602.html.json | http://www.heraldonline.com/static/images/heraldonline/facebook.jpg | en | null | Mylan launching generic version of EpiPen | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Mylan says it will make available a generic version of its EpiPen, as criticism continued to mount over the price of its injectable medicine. | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/article98541602.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/43f23b891c02192dda68d2547052cfa872afcf312e711c1996b8d514acdc631c.json |
[
"Amy B Wang",
"Washington Post"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:00 | null | 2016-08-31T10:38:00 | A man identified as a former Marine got out of his overturned vehicle with a rifle. He then shot the other driver several times, a witness reported. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fnational%2Farticle99005857.html.json | http://pics.mcclatchyinteractive.com/news/nation-world/national/9tuny6/picture99005852/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/DeborahPearl | en | null | Mom of 3 survives car crash - then is gunned down by the other driver, police say | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | 0:09 Meteor captured on video of Plattsburgh Police Department dashcam Pause
2:07 NASA's Kepler mission finds 1200 new planets
1:01 Don't let a text wreck your life
2:17 Dance helps D'Iberville boy overcome ADHD
2:12 Watch baby polar bear Nora grow up fast
0:22 NASA animates the powerful winter storm headed for the Mid-Atlantic
2:32 Vincent the cat gets very rare prosthetic legs
1:03 Video: How to wash your hands
1:08 'Lucky' Turkey to Receive Presidential Pardon
2:59 The Buzz with Buzz: the Koch brothers, money and politics | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article99005857.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/37a57410bd7e0a7daacf9eea96d9b766b1c854ef28c053a18ffb63becfc321ca.json |
[
"The Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-29T06:49:32 | null | 2016-08-29T01:57:00 | Police in New York are investigating a brawl on the campus of Cornell University that left an Ithaca College student dead and another Ithaca student injured. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fnational%2Farticle98533867.html.json | http://www.heraldonline.com/static/images/heraldonline/facebook.jpg | en | null | Police probe Cornell brawl that left Ithaca student dead | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Police in New York are investigating a brawl on the campus of Cornell University that left an Ithaca College student dead and another Ithaca student injured. | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article98533867.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/8eff2dbce366f4727c3f0a2293878c3e462a4dfcc3f16264fe81ce2b338e0edb.json |
[
"The Associated Press.",
"The Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-27T00:48:19 | null | 2016-08-26T20:07:00 | Social media is lighting up on the possibility that, at long last, Colonel Sanders' 11 herbs and spices have been revealed. KFC says it hasn't, and the original source, a relative, now says he doesn't know. Anyway, here it is. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Farticle98084482.html.json | http://www.mcclatchy-wires.com/wire_photos/y4xyow/picture98211107/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/KFC-Secret%20Recipe.JPEG | en | null | The Colonel's famous recipe (maybe, maybe not) | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Social media is lighting up on the possibility that, at long last, Colonel Sanders' 11 herbs and spices have been revealed. KFC says it hasn't, and the original source, a relative, now says he doesn't know. Anyway, here it is. | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/business/article98084482.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/49b797d9e0b3d90350f95c54c21539794a9099ef25ea2152782ba4461749b42d.json |
[
"Abbey Mastracco",
"Associated Press"
] | 2016-08-30T06:49:38 | null | 2016-08-30T02:07:00 | Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are having milestone seasons, even if the Los Angeles Angels are having a forgettable one. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fsports%2Farticle98757672.html.json | http://www.mcclatchy-wires.com/wire_photos/s672rz/picture98757647/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/Reds%20Angels%20Baseball.JPEG | en | null | Trout, Pujols homer while Angels beat Reds 9-2 | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are having milestone seasons, even if the Los Angeles Angels are having a forgettable one. | http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/article98757672.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/f333b9dbf90daf477f34e84964080ae11f8eb0eef437002f202b35c4bd331231.json |
[
"Anita Lee"
] | 2016-08-26T14:49:51 | null | 2016-08-26T09:25:00 | A village of workers and volunteers at Harrison County Emergency Children’s Shelter rescued Andrew Strachan from a chaotic home life and put him on the path to medical school. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fnational%2Farticle98036407.html.json | http://pics.mcclatchyinteractive.com/news/nation-world/national/uepxj8/picture98036392/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/Andrew%20on%20steps | en | null | How a troubled teen went from foster care to medical school | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | null | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article98036407.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/28ad10beea180635e7681328fff0ee0cb1e62f8884b5999370564f98d4725ee0.json |
[
"Jonathan Jones"
] | 2016-08-30T22:49:35 | null | 2016-08-30T17:16:00 | Andy Lee and his family already lived in Charlotte, so when the Carolina Panthers needed a punter and negotiated a trade with the Cleveland Browns to get him, it meant he got to play at home. It also gave him another audience to hear the story of why he wears No. 8. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fcarolina-panthers%2Farticle98881417.html.json | http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/j9b10c/picture98881397/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/PANTHERSPRACTICE0830_01 | en | null | Carolina Panthers punter Andy Lee plays for hometown team now | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | 0:55 Luke Kuechly gives boy a fifth birthday to remember Pause
1:30 Ron Rivera on Panthers' 19-17 loss to Patriots
0:46 Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers 'are not that good yet'
0:49 Panthers fans hungry for football
1:03 Carolina Panthers arrive in Spartanburg, SC
2:08 Panthers' Cam Newton talks about Blinn College game
1:01 Video: Northwestern football coach David Pierce previews South Meck game
2:22 How dog brains process speech
1:53 FSU research team makes Zika drug breakthrough
2:02 Rock Hill bank robbery suspect makes 1st court appearance
3:02 Woman parts with beloved dog because both are blind, dog is deaf | http://www.heraldonline.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article98881417.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/485b4567627072b63a5cbfc9ffb93a4a4aecf26a7fb5f94afc13ef9f640d4007.json |
[
"Kate Irby",
"Kirby Mcclatchy.Com"
] | 2016-08-26T16:48:06 | null | 2016-08-26T12:00:00 | Donald Dancy owns a popular pizza joint in a high-crime neighborhood, and decided he wants to try to clean it up by offering free pizza to customers who turn in their illegal guns. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldonline.com%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fnational%2Farticle98062902.html.json | http://pics.mcclatchyinteractive.com/news/nation-world/national/shor9r/picture98062892/ALTERNATES/LANDSCAPE_1140/12753147875_7be240045a_k | en | null | Restaurant owner offers free pizza for illegal guns | null | null | www.heraldonline.com | null | http://www.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article98062902.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.heraldonline.com/e764a2580c25524545e1fc5b7ae020f39480a0e8f7325011f63144aabf06db90.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:03 | null | 2016-08-26T05:14:09 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17033-switzerland-helps-municipalities-of-kyrgyzstan-regions-improve-life-of-citizens.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Switzerland helps municipalities of Kyrgyzstan regions improve life of citizens | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — Certificates for receiving grants in the amount of 42 million soms to improve public services will be awarded to 12 municipalities from Issyk-Kul and Jalal-Abad provinces of Kyrgyzstan on August 26 in Bishkek, the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic said.
The awarding ceremony is organized in the context of the Public Services Improvement Project. This project — with a budget of CHF 4 million over 4 years — helps to improve living conditions of people in rural areas through improved quality of, and access to public services provided by municipalities. It is implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation in Kyrgyzstan and Development Policy Institute with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.
In spring this year, a competition called for the best Service Improvement Action Plans amongst municipalities of the Issyk-Kul and Jalal-Abad provinces. One requirement was a contribution of at least 10% of the total amount by municipalities. It turned out that applicants committed to co-finance around 30% of the projects. This confirms the importance and urgency of improving local service delivery.
“A lot of winning projects are socially oriented and responding to the needs of vulnerable groups: women, children and youth, children with special needs,” says Danielle Meuwly Monteleone, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic. “Yet, it is crucial to keep in mind that improving service provision is an ongoing process. It is not only about procurement of new equipment or construction of infrastructure. It is mostly about good management by local self-governments, ensuring that maintenance costs can be covered and that service delivery can be sustained”.
The municipalities will improve service provision for educating and adaptation of the children with special needs; pure drinking water supply; preschool education services; working conditions of the maternity department to provide quality health care services for pregnant women; public utilities and also organize leisure for children and the youth. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17033-switzerland-helps-municipalities-of-kyrgyzstan-regions-improve-life-of-citizens | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/8b3aa23014562cee9263a310f17e8891afd3bcd879553cfbac86fd9250a33bc2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:49:39 | null | 2016-08-27T03:32:48 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17037-u-s-completes-usaid-land-reform-and-farm-restructuring-project-in-tajikistan.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | U.S. completes USAID Land Reform and Farm Restructuring Project in Tajikistan | null | null | www.timesca.com | DUSHANBE (TCA) — The USAID Land Reform and Farm Restructuring Project hosted an event in Dushanbe to celebrate the completion of this three-year project aimed at strengthening land-use rights to help create a land market in Tajikistan. U.S. Ambassador Elisabeth Millard and Chairman of the State Land Committee Ahmadzoda opened the event attended by donor representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe said on August 26.
Since 2013, the Tajikistan Land Reform and Farm Restructuring Project has been at the forefront of USAID’s efforts in land reform. The project supports the restructuring of dehkan farms and works closely with the intergovernmental working group on land reform management to submit legislation to increase land security for farmers and other land users. One of the project’s main achievements was to facilitate the adoption of the new law on dehkan farms which received approval in March 2016. This law allows dekhan farms to be recognized as legal entities and gives farmers the right to build temporary structures on their land.
The Project has increased the capacity of the government of Tajikistan to introduce progressive land legislation and policies with the aim to establish a functioning land market. Such a market would increase land productivity and efficiency and promote agriculture investment. In addition, it has informed farmers of their land rights through comprehensive training, legal assistance, and public outreach efforts, and it has provided technical training on land rights issues to local government officials, judges, public prosecutors, and defense advocates.
The USAID Land Reform and Farm Restructuring Project is one of the many assistance projects made possible by the American people through USAID. Since 1992, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe has provided more than $1 billion in programs that support Tajikistan’s security, democratic institutions, social sector, and economic growth. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17037-u-s-completes-usaid-land-reform-and-farm-restructuring-project-in-tajikistan | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/e4269162c950ee5dbed5f9c8f63f16dd00c1d06412969a37bc56a0e971d03c2d.json |
[
"Bruce Pannier"
] | 2016-08-30T04:51:43 | null | 2016-08-30T05:44:03 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17046-who-could-replace-uzbekistan-s-president.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Who could replace Uzbekistan’s president | null | null | www.timesca.com | TASHKENT (TCA) — News of Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov’s illness and hospitalization has sparked speculation about his possible successors. In his Qishloq Ovozi blog, RFE/RL Central Asia specialist Bruce Pannier analyzes who could replace Uzbekistan’s president:
Uzbekistan is on edge after learning that Uzbek President Islam Karimov, 78, has been hospitalized after suffering what an August 29 post on his younger daughter’s Instagram account said was a cerebral hemorrhage — bleeding in the brain.
In Uzbekistan, and in the rest of Central Asia and beyond, many now wonder what happens if Karimov dies or is no longer able to perform the functions of president. Who would, or could, replace the only leader the country has had since it became independent in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991?
Uzbekistan’s constitution says that if the president is unable to perform his duties, the head of the upper chamber of parliament — now the little-known Nigmatulla Yuldashev — assumes the president's authority for a period of three months.
For the longer term, the list of favorites is short: It includes three people.
Many believe the heir apparent is Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyaev, 58, who has headed the government since 2003. He hails from Jizzakh Province, which is adjacent to Karimov’s native Samarkand Province, and has the backing of the Jizzakh and presumably the Samarkand clans. It could be significant that the only official statement on Karimov’s hospitalization came from the Cabinet of Ministers, which Mirziyaev heads.
Clans will play an important role in the succession process. Karimov, who has ruled with an iron hand and tolerated little dissent, has been a master at maneuvering among the various clans in Uzbekistan and playing them off one another.
Some critics have characterized Mirziyaev in no uncertain terms, describing him as a thug who is short on reason and quick to aggression. During his tenure as governor of Jizzakh Province (1996-2001), he was reported to have physically assaulted at least one farmer who dared complain about conditions in the province. His successor, Ubaidulla Yamankulov, was eventually taken away in handcuffs, by helicopter, after numerous reports of him beating constituents and allegations that he headed a local hit squad. Mirziyaev surely knew Yamankulov well.
Among Uzbekistan’s top officials, Mirziyaev is seen as a “fist” not a “brain.” That might not stop him from becoming president, but some observers say that if he does, his government could be more repressive than that of the widely criticized Karimov.
It is worth noting that Uzbekistan has been tinkering with its constitution during the last five years. On paper, at least, some amendments have increased the powers of the prime minister. That could be a good sign for Mirziyaev, or even an endorsement.
But the Samarkand clan fell slightly out of favor in the late 1990s due the actions of the clan boss, Ismail Jurabekov. Jurabekov was instrumental in Karimov’s rise through the ranks of the Communist Party in the 1980s and was rewarded with government posts and prized business ownerships during the 1990s. But Jurabekov was far too powerful and was rumored to have been behind bombings in Tashkent in February 1999, not long after he had been sacked from his post as agriculture minister and ordered to go on pension.
Jurabekov was back in the government shortly after the bombings and remained until 2004, but Karimov’s ties to his native Samarkand clan were shaken. It is unclear how much those ties have been repaired, despite Jurabekov leaving politics and the public eye long ago.
Another favorite to take Karimov’s place is Finance Minister Rustam Azimov, 56. Azimov is from the Tashkent area and the Tashkent clan. He has been in the national government since 1998, always in a post connected to finance.
Azimov is seen as more sophisticated than Mirziyaev, and he has more experience dealing with the outside world. In the first years after independence, Azimov, as head of Uzbekistan’s National Bank for Foreign Activities, was the country’s point man dealing with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
A third, less likely potential candidate to take the reins is the chief of the National Security Committee (SNB), Rustam Inoyatov, 72. Inoyatov is one of the most powerful people in Uzbekistan, having served as SNB chief since 1995. He is from the Tashkent clan.
Many suspect he has played the role of grey cardinal in recent years as Karimov’s health has deteriorated. Many also suspect it was Inoyatov who was behind the campaign to bring down Karimov’s elder daughter Gulnara, who was once a globetrotting businesswoman but has not appeared in public since 2014, when she was reportedly placed under house arrest after her name was connected to a corruption scandal involving international telecommunications companies.
Inoyatov’s age is likely to head off any serious consideration that he would become president, though it does not rule out a transitional role.
Inoyatov is seen as a kingmaker, not a king. There is only one known photograph of him from the last 10 years — a picture taken when he was in China to meet with security officials. He clearly does not want to be seen in public.
But without his support it would be nearly impossible for anyone to become the next president of Uzbekistan or be able to rule the country without hindrances.
Some reports suggest Inoyatov is on good terms with Mirziyaev and might support the latter as Uzbekistan’s next president. It should be noted that Inoyatov really solidified his power after Jurabekov was finally removed from politics, so the SNB chief must know something about the Samarkand clan’s weaknesses.
It would be logical to believe Inoyatov would throw his support behind Azimov. They are both from the Tashkent clan. But balancing clans is a tricky business and so far the system has been kept in check with a president from Samarkand and influential officials from Tashkent. Azimov might be passed over to keep the peace. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17046-who-could-replace-uzbekistan-s-president | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/5bc037d7a423aecac8a670bc8204977dc0c83bb7155b75dfa731381729a1f572.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:50:59 | null | 2016-08-29T05:02:06 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17041-stratfor-s-global-intelligence-week-of-aug-29-2016.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Stratfor’s Global Intelligence: Week of Aug. 29, 2016 | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — The Times of Central Asia presents to its readers Stratfor’s Global Intelligence, a weekly review of the most important events that happened in the world — from Europe to Middle East to Russia to Central Asia to Afghanistan to China and the Americas.
The Week That Was
Turkish Troops Finally Enter Syria
It took Turkey shooting down a Russian military aircraft and a Turkish military coup to get to this point, but this was the week that we finally saw confirmation of our long-term forecast of the Turkish military returning to Arab soil. It was only appropriate that Operation Euphrates Shield began exactly 500 years after the Battle of Marj Dabiq near Aleppo, which culminated in the Ottoman conquest of the Middle East. Even with a limited presence, Turkey and its rebel proxies have already made significant headway in clearing Islamic State from Jarabulus along the Turkish-Syrian border. From here, Turkey's sights will be focused southward on retaking the strategic town of al-Bab. Turkey wants to prevent Kurdish militants operating under the Syrian Democratic Forces umbrella from reaching al-Bab first and using that strategic position to link up with Kurdish forces in Afrin canton. The goal of keeping the Kurdish landscape broken up is precisely why Turkey has laid a heavy expectation on the United States to keep Kurdish forces east of the Euphrates River. This is a tall order, however. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden did say while in Turkey this week that the United States will withdraw its support for the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) if they do not keep to the east of the river. That means those YPG forces that defy U.S. orders will be highly vulnerable to Turkish air power. Turkey can meanwhile use the YPG's defiance to justify a slow-expanding presence in Aleppo.
Remember the Turkish grand plan for a safe zone that the Europeans scoffed at? Well, it is back, and this time it can actually happen. We expect to see in the weeks ahead Turkish preparations to build out a safe zone for refugees in Jarabulus with the purpose of housing Syrian refugees. Turkey will argue that this is yet another move Ankara has taken to ease Europe's migrant woes and why it is deserving of the visa liberalization deal and the 3 billion euros that the Europeans owe Ankara.
Now that the Turks are finally in Syria, things are about to get a lot more complicated for the other regional stakeholders. First, Iran and Syria are profoundly uncomfortable with Turkey extending its military presence in this proxy battleground and will look for ways to obstruct Turkey's path. Enabling Kurdish militants is a card they could play. Second, Turkey made sure to bargain with Russia just enough to clear the way for its operation in northern Syria, but there are still plenty of outstanding issues between the two powers. Russia sees this as the very beginning of a lengthy negotiation that touches a host of strategic matters while Turkey is laser-focused on its immediate objectives in Syria. This may explain a strange cancellation of a meeting that was supposed to take place Friday between the Russian and Turkish chiefs of staff. (Turkey said it was indefinitely postponed while the Russian press made it sound like the meeting was never scheduled in the first place.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan then called up Putin to "inform" him of the Syrian operation that began earlier in the week.
Erdogan is trying to keep things calm with Russia, but if we are already seeing a snag in the Turkish-Russian understanding, that could point to complications on the battlefield as Moscow, Tehran and Damascus could try to obstruct Turkey's path. The stakes are obviously much higher now with Turkey physically in Syria, which is why Turkey will continue to lean heavily on U.S. support to balance against this risk.
Iran's Provocations in the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. Navy has grown to expect some level of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) harassment in the Strait of Hormuz, but the growing pace of close interceptions between IRGC and U.S. naval vessels that we saw this week is cause for alarm in the United States. There is a practical military use to such provocations, as the IRGC can test the U.S. response times and procedures. The increased frequency of such provocations may also be explained by the fact that the armed forces are operating under a new commander, Mohammed Bagheri, who hails from the IRGC and has an interest in asserting the IRGC's influence.
The IRGC is already feeling politically and economically threatened by Iran's economic opening to foreign investors with the unveiling of a new petroleum contract and is looking for ways to flex its muscles and play to nationalist sentiment at home. The Rouhani government can use the IRGC's actions to argue to the United States and the Europeans that more needs to be done to ease remaining complications to the sanctions easing if the West wants to help the moderates keep Iranian hardliners in line. There is also a broader dynamic to bear in mind: the more Russia deepens its involvement in the region on the side of the Iran-Syria axis, the more the United States feels compelled to reassure Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies. Tighter U.S.-Saudi coordination then complicates Washington's delicate balancing act with the Iranians, who use such provocations in the Strait of Hormuz to keep pressure on the United States.
Managing Relations in the South China Sea
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang said this week that he would like France and other nations to help diffuse tensions in the South China Sea. This comes after a similar announcement in June by the French Ministry of Defense calling for joint EU patrols in maritime Asia. France has a historical link to the region and is thus the most likely out of the Europeans to show interest in the idea. In addition to the French, Vietnam has also called on India, Japan, Australia and Russia to get more involved. Vietnam's intent is to internationalize the South China Sea issue as a way to complicate China's strategy. This contrasts with the Philippine approach, which, under Duterte, is more about a carrot-and-stick approach of pursuing economic deals with China while still leaning on the United States and Japan to reinforce its maritime claims.
A FARC Deal, At Last
On Aug. 23, the Colombian government announced that it has struck a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) after nearly four years of negotiations. The government will officially implement a cease-fire between its forces and those of the FARC on Aug. 29. The final peace deal between the two sides will be signed in the second half of September. The deal will eventually be voted on by the Colombian public, potentially in October.
Over the next weeks, militants from the FARC will begin gathering at predetermined locations across Colombia to begin the process of demobilizing. If the Colombian public approves the deal in the nationwide vote, Colombia's longest-running insurgency could be ended by early 2017. That said, Colombia will still face a significant threat from criminal bands, or bacrim, who will be able to attract recruits from low-level FARC ranks who are unable to find employment or unable to benefit from the amnesty deal.
Niger Delta Dialogue Underway
This week saw notable developments in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta region. First, the Niger Delta Avengers militant group stated Aug. 20 that it is willing to negotiate with the federal government, something that it had previously rejected amid its intermittent attacks against oil and natural gas infrastructure as well as other targets. Despite the potential opening, the group imposed conditions on any future talks, including some (such as the inclusion of host country representatives of multinational oil companies and sixty percent of oil revenue) that will prove unrealistic.
Moreover, traditional rulers, including those from Delta State, where the bulk of attacks have occurred, met with Nigeria's minister of state of petroleum. During the meeting, they presented the minister with demands that perhaps while not exhaustive, do underscore that a more measured approach compared to the Avengers. Both events highlight the ongoing desire for talks — either formal or informal — between the federal government and local stakeholders in the oil-producing region in an attempt to halt the attacks that have helped decrease Nigeria's oil production during a time of economic weakness.
India's New Central Bank Chief Spells Continuity
India has a new central bank governor to replace Raghuram Rajan, whose term ends on Sept. 3. Urjit Patel, the deputy governor of monetary policy in the Reserve Bank of India, will assume the post on Sept. 4. Patel's selection is a sign of continuity. Like Rajan, the Yale-trained economist is an inflation hawk and was instrumental in pushing inflation-targeting as a focus of Indian monetary policy. Yet unlike Rajan — whose candor on social issues often put him at odds with prime minister Narendra Modi — Patel is low key. Given India's inflation rate in July peaked above the Reserve Bank of India's 6 percent window, Patel probably won't lower rates during the bank's October policy meeting. Next, we will be tracking to see who replaces Patel as deputy governor and which candidates are chosen for the Reserve Bank of India's new six-member Monetary Policy Committee.
Merkel Talks Around EU Integration
The week that was saw German Chancellor Angela Merkel meeting with the leaders of several EU members to discuss the future of the bloc after Brexit. Merkel's tour offered a clear picture of the divisions within the European Union: while the Italians are requesting flexible fiscal targets and more EU investment, the Poles, the Czechs and the Hungarians are demanding better controls of the European Union's external borders and resisting any attempts to cede more attributions to Brussels. The EU will hold its first summit without the United Kingdom in Bratislava on Sept. 16. Before that, Greece will hold its own summit of Mediterranean countries on Sept. 9.
Kremlin Watch, Continued
Another Kremlin mystery emerged this week when Russian President Vladimir Putin summoned Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov to Moscow for a late night meeting on Thursday. Kadyrov, who is a bit of a social media fanatic, predictably Instagrammed his meeting, thanking the President for his "constant attention," and reporting on Chechen economic and social issues. Kadyrov also met with Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, asking for an increase in funding for his republic — a hot-button issue in the Kremlin and for the Russian people. Kadyrov then met with Vyacheslav Volodin, the Kremlin's election strategist — and someone who has been hostile in the past to Kadyrov's inner circle.
While these meetings look innocuous, the suddenness raises questions, especially after Federal Security Services (FSB) elite Sergei Ivanov, was recently sidelined. As a reminder, one of the big drivers behind the Federal Security Services challenge to Putin was Putin's strong support for Kadyrov. Adding to the puzzle was Kadyrov's meeting with Investigative Committee Chief Alexander Bastrykin, who has increasingly flirted with the FSB clan over the past year and been vocal about criticizing Putin. Kadyrov broadcast Bastrykin's praise for the Chechen leader and flaunted gifts from the chief investigator. The question now is whether Putin plans to use Kadyrov to push harder against the FSB or if he intends to restrain Kadyrov as a way to compromise with his challengers.
Full Articles
The World's Economies Are Learning to Share
One of the most profound — and potentially disruptive — developments in the world's economy over past five years has been the rapid growth of the so-called "sharing economy." The technologically driven networks underpinning the concept, also known as the peer-to-peer (P2P) economy, have grown so much that many countries are trying to add P2P to their official gross domestic product data to better monitor the sector's development. Recently, a P2P technology platform was at the center of one of the largest acquisitions in China's history, when Chinese network transportation company Didi Chuxing agreed to acquire Uber's China operations for $35 billion. Technological advancements, specifically in communications, have already brought substantial changes to a number of sectors, and with continued double-digit growth, the P2P economy will transform more and more industries in the future.
Constitutional Reform: A Change Turkey's Parties Can Believe In
Since the Republic of Turkey became a multiparty constitutional democracy in 1946, its governmental institutions have been used as tools of patronage in a highly polarized political system. The arduous process of rewriting the Turkish Constitution offers a prime opportunity for parties to co-opt Turkish political institutions to advance their agendas. Sometimes, these agendas coincide. The constitution of 1982, for instance, was in many ways drafted around various protections for the military. But in the years since its adoption, civilian political parties have rallied around the common goal of redacting those protections to keep Turkey's democratic system from descending into martial law.
Reforms to Stabilize Italy May Backfire
When Matteo Renzi took over as Italy's prime minister in February 2014, he had two main goals. The first was to introduce a series of policies — most notably, a new labor law — to fight unemployment and generate economic growth. The second was to remodel Italy's political system to ensure more stable governments and to reduce the financial risk that political uncertainty posed. Though Renzi's economic reforms have been only moderately successful (unemployment is falling slowly, while growth has been timid), it is the political reforms that will define the future of his government and that could open a new phase of uncertainty for the rest of the eurozone.
Russia Minds Its Budget Gap
After two years of recession, the worst may be over for Russia's economy, but not for its leaders. As the year approaches its final quarter, the Russian government is still trying to finalize its 2016 budget. Though the federal budget has long been a point of contention in the Kremlin, this year's budget battle has been especially divisive amid dwindling funds and disappearing options for spending cuts. To make matters worse for the Kremlin, just weeks before September's parliamentary elections — a bellwether for the ruling United Russia party ahead of the 2018 presidential vote — Russians are protesting their economic straits in droves. Facing an unhappy public and a $31 billion shortfall in the current budget drafts, Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev has been given a tall order: plug the gaping hole in the budget while also allowing for billions more in social spending.
The Week Ahead
Syria Negotiations in Focus
Negotiations on a way forward on Syria between the United States and Russia will enter a critical period this week. The negotiations aim at direct U.S. and Russian cooperation in airstrikes against extremist factions in Syria. Important progress has already been achieved at the technical level, particularly on delineating the positions held by the Islamic State and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. This was a key hurdle to overcome given previously opposing views on which areas where held by extremists. However, key disagreements remain on the grounding of the Syrian Air Force, the separation of U.S.-backed rebels from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, and the status of Assad during the political transition. While some progress could be made in terms of closer US and Russian cooperation on the battlefield in the negotiations, the differences between the two sides and their allies on the field remain too intractable for a panacea.
Turkey and Russia will engage in a round of football diplomacy next week when Putin attends a Turkey-Russia friendship match in the southern Turkish city of Antalya. This provides an informal negotiating opportunity for the Russian and Turkish leaders at a time when a number of complications are surrounding Turkey's military operation in Syria.
Saudi Arabia Seeking Investments in Asia
Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit China and Japan next week in a visit that will be primarily focused on maintaining and building energy and economic cooperation. In the context of a Saudi Chinese Business Council meeting, delegations of Chinese and Saudi private and public sector businesses will be meeting to sign Memorandums of Understanding to build an already healthy bilateral trade relationship that amounts $74.4 billion. In East Asia in particular, Saudi Arabia wants to build a ring of refineries in which Saudi Arabia has a large stake. Within the context of the Deputy Crown Prince's Vision 2030 plan, building out Saudi Arabia's downstream capacity through joint cooperation with East Asian oil and gas companies is a primary goal. ARAMCO and Sinopec already have a good history of cooperation, embodied in such refineries as Saudi Arabia's YASREF refinery in Yanbu. In Japan, the subject of increasing Saudi Arabia's crude oil storage capacity will be on the table for discussion. This could help increase Saudi Arabia's already sizeable crude export capacity in East Asia in the future, especially since China and Japan are primary export destinations for Saudi Arabia's crude exports.
Protests in Venezuela
On Sept. 1, Venezuela's Democratic Unity Roundtable — the country's opposition political coalition—will hold a demonstration in Caracas intended to pressure the government to hold a recall referendum against President Nicolas Maduro in 2016 that would lead to new elections. The government has so far been able to successfully delay a referendum, and intends to delay the referendum call until next year, when a successful recall vote against Maduro would result in power passing to the vice president. The opposition's protest will begin at several locations across the capital, and government forces such as the National Guard will likely attempt to block routes into the city to slow or stop the protesters.
The opposition coalition's leadership has called for a peaceful demonstration, though there is the potential for some violence at the protest, particularly wherever demonstrators and security forces come into contact. The Maduro government will try to draw people away from the protests by selling food at discounted rates – another example of how hunger is being used as a weapon in Venezuela. We will be watching the security response closely as the military tries to avoid direct clashes with protesters. Maduro meanwhile is trying to place more responsibility for food imports in the military's hands, hoping to reassign blame to the generals when food scarcity becomes intolerable.
Brazil Impeachment Saga Wraps Up
Brazil's Senate on Aug. 29 will conduct a final vote on whether to impeach President Dilma Rousseff. If the Senate votes to remove Rousseff, it is plausible that there will be demonstrations in Brasilia and other major Brazilian cities. Once the impeachment process is wrapped up, the government under interim president Michel Temer will turn its attention to implementing economic and fiscal reforms intended to spur investment and cut government spending. Some reforms, such as removing a legal requirement that Petrobras operate all pre-salt fields, can realistically pass through congress. The implementation of a spending cap on public investment is also going to be discussed and potentially voted upon in coming months. More politically sensitive issues such as pension reform to rein in Brazil's heavy public spending on retirement pensions may run into roadblocks, given that any attempts to limit spending on these may affect a significant segment of the population.
Eastern Economic Forum
Russia is holding its annual Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok this weekend, where Moscow will present to foreign investors more than a hundred projects pertaining to the Far East worth more than $30 billion. Along with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, nearly 3 thousand businessmen from China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, India, Australia, Singapore and the United States will attend. With sanctions from the West continuing, Russia has been on a long courtship looking for investment from the east. At the St. Petersburg Economic Forum — the EEF's counterpart — East Asian firms signed a string of large agreements worth tens of billions of dollars. The EEF deals are tailored for investment in the Far East. Already, Russia has raised $17 billion worth of foreign investment for the region. One of the stand-out projects being launched at the EEF is a new stock exchange program (called Voskhod, sunshine) for Russia's Far Eastern companies to facilitate exchange with international investors. Also important will be Russian President Vladimir Putin's sideline with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. The two leaders are eager to thaw relations with discussions on a deal for the island dispute resuming. With elections in September, Russia still has to balance nationalist sentiment in any deal with Japan.
Europe Back From Vacation
With the summer reaching its end, political activity is slowly resuming in Europe. The European Parliament resumes work on Aug. 29, and has a significant list of pending issues, including the decision on a date to debate the controversial proposal to grant visa liberalization to Turkey. In Spain, the first of several votes of investiture to appoint a new government will take place on August 31. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is likely to lose the first vote, because he does not have an absolute majority in parliament. But more votes will follow, where only a relative majority (more positive votes than negative votes, excluding abstentions) is required. Spanish political parties have two months to come up with a government if they want to avoid the third general election within a year.
Hajj Begins
The month of Dhu al-Hajj begins next week on the Islamic calendar, which heralds the beginning of the pilgrimage season in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's King Salman holds the title the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques — a reference to the important guardianship role that Saudi Arabia holds in managing and maintaining a safe pilgrimage season for the world's Muslims. Though the busiest period of the Hajj will be between Sept. 9 and Sept. 14, Saudi Arabia is building out its security plans and is already welcoming pilgrims to its borders. Saudi Arabia has taken a considerable amount of criticism for last year's crane disaster and the issue of fatal stampedes, and always unveils new security initiatives, like this year's program that will geolocate some pilgrims using a watch distributed at customs. Nonetheless, there are significant concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's ability to monitor the safety of thousands of pilgrims from potential attacks and accidents. The Hajj is also a month typically seized by jihadist groups to carry out spectacular attacks in the region.
Elections in Gabon
The Central African country of Gabon is gearing up for its first presidential election since 2009. The contest will pit the incumbent president, Ali Bongo, against a number of opposition candidates totaling more than a dozen. The contest is a referendum on the continuation of the Bongo family's rule (President Bongo's father ruled from the late 1960s to 2009), especially in light of the financial difficulties facing the country amid the persistence of low oil prices (Gabon produces over 200,000 barrels per day). The president and his ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) retains significant electoral advantages over his opponents and the possibility of post-electoral violence in the form of street protests and skirmishes is high given the divisions within the country. Despite the possibility of such unrest, severe economic disruption — especially in the country's energy sector — remains unlikely.
Indian Economic Diplomacy in Action
On Sept. 1, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will begin a 3-day trip to India to meet with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will discuss combating terrorism and boosting economic links and are expected to sign $100 million in economic cooperation deals. Sisi is also expected to seek Indian investments in developing an IT training center at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Meanwhile, U.S. secretary of state John Kerry and commerce secretary Penny Pritzker will fly to New Delhi on August 29th for a two-day visit. There, they will meet with their Indian counterparts and co-chair the second annual U.S.-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, a key platform for discussing bilateral economic ties for both nations. As part of that trip, Kerry will also stop in Dhaka, Bangladesh where he will call upon prime minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss strengthening security and development ties. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17041-stratfor-s-global-intelligence-week-of-aug-29-2016 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/0795f1eb9654e0fcd3d50f590872bcf73229651f90c0ac416a28f4acc0469d11.json |
[
"Maria Levina"
] | 2016-08-28T02:50:24 | null | 2016-08-28T04:04:20 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17040-kyrgyz-farmers-can-not-enter-foreign-markets.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Kyrgyz farmers can not enter foreign markets | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — Small volumes and irregularity of supply are the main problems of Kyrgyz agricultural producers. A business forum held on August 25 in Bishkek discussed development prospects of the agricultural sector in Kyrgyzstan.
Whom to sell?
According to the National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyzstan produces one million tons of vegetables and 500 thousand tons of fruit and berries per year. Local farmers can produce more but they do not know where and to whom to sell their produce.
Kyrgyzstan exports to Kazakhstan and Russia about 95% of processed products. The markets of Kazakhstan and Russia need 4 billion liters of canned fruits and vegetables, 2.7 billion liters of juice, 260 thousand tons of dried fruits. There is a great demand for these products but Kyrgyzstan’s producers cannot provide large volumes regularly.
Kyrgyzstan has favorable climatic conditions for growing agricultural products including many sunny days per year and mountain water, which allows farmers to grow fragrant and tasty fruits, vegetables and berries.
The Government has consistently emphasized that agriculture is a priority sector of the economy, but the sector has declined over 25 years of independence.
Since 1991, Kyrgyzstan’s agricultural sector has received grants worth $850 million but the sector still faces many problems. Kyrgyzstan is exporting less than importing. Unsolved problems with certification do not allow farmers to sell their products in Eurasian Economic Union member countries.
The country grows 50-70 thousand tons of apricots annually, mainly in the Batken province (about 70%), Jalal-Abad and Osh provinces in the south and in Issyk-Kul and Chui provinces in the north.
Export at low price
About 20% of grown apricots are usually consumed fresh, about 55% dried, and less than 1% processed. In Kyrgyzstan, 15 plants can process fruit, berries and vegetables, but they use only 10% of their capacity.
About 15% of apricots go to the local market and 85% for export, mainly to Tajikistan, at a very low price. Tajik businessmen process Kyrgyz apricots and export them to Russia and Kazakhstan. Tajikistan is the largest supplier of apricots to these countries.
It is much more profitable to export processed products than to sell them fresh due to their low value added.
The similar situation is with apples, strawberries and raspberries. Kyrgyzstan grows 255,000 tons of apples a year, of which 36% is fed to livestock or rotted instead of being processed into juice. In 2015, the country imported 811 tons of apple juice.
About four thousand tons of raspberries and five thousand tons of strawberries are grown annually and less than 5% of them were processed at local plants while there are 19 plants that can produce jams.
No marketing policy
Kyrgyzstan needs to expand markets and diversify products, and to enter new markets with existing and new products.
Foreign importers come to the local market, despite the distance and transportation costs, and additional administrative expenses. Last year, they imported processed fruit and vegetables for $16 million and berries for $25 million.
According to the forum participants, it would be good if donors invest more in infrastructure and equipment. However, there were cases when newly built plants stopped operating within a year due to the lack of customers or raw products supply. All this proves the need to develop the industry’s strategy and marketing policy.
In recent years, thanks to the help of international organizations and investment projects, the sector has begun to revive, which benefited all participants in the production chain including producers, processors, retail chains, exporters, and foreign partners.
The missing link in this chain is the lack of cooperation between producers and buyers of the finished product. Under market conditions, it is convenient for trade networks and distributors to order and purchase finished products in bulk, but Kyrgyzstan cannot provide it due to the lack of developed trade marketing. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17040-kyrgyz-farmers-can-not-enter-foreign-markets | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/724954f6c52f1983400e92c52007bddf5d730f45c6ad3998a16e0732808822ef.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T06:51:36 | null | 2016-08-30T07:18:25 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17049-turkmenistan-s-president-visits-germany.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Turkmenistan’s president visits Germany | null | null | www.timesca.com | ASHGABAT (TCA) — After her talks with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in Berlin on August 29, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Turkmenistan has agreed to discuss the possibility of giving foreign diplomats access to its prisons, RFE/RL reports.
"We talked about the fact that it would be desirable having diplomats get access to the prisons in Turkmenistan," Merkel said at a joint news conference with Berdymukhammedov on August 29. "President [Berdymukhammedov] promised that the [German and Turkmen] foreign ministers will talk about [the issue] now and that international diplomats will later be able to have a look there and assess the situation," she added.
International rights group Human Rights Watch has called on Berlin to challenge the Turkmen leader to end its secretive imprisonment of political opponents, free a prominent jailed journalist, and eliminate arbitrary bans on people leaving the country.
Berdymukhammedov said Turkmenistan was working on reforming its constitution and will introduce a human rights ombudsman.
The Turkmen leader also said his country, which has some of the world's largest natural gas reserves, is discussing diversifying its gas exports and selling gas to European Union countries.
Ashgabat has already presented the European Commission with proposals for how to proceed, he added.
Germany is Turkmenistan's main foreign trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade worth $466 million in 2014, the most recent figure available. Much of the trade focuses on Germany exporting machinery and other industrial products to Turkmenistan. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17049-turkmenistan-s-president-visits-germany | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/0ab3963e67bcfa4fb6743b2fde8748112e4a6dcb45bd9688c03559c1a58a058f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:40 | null | 2016-08-26T05:28:20 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17034-usaid-assists-kyrgyz-farmers-in-supplying-products-to-a-supermarkets-chain.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | USAID assists Kyrgyz farmers in supplying products to a supermarkets chain | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — USAID’S Agro Horizon Project (through local Public Association Agro Lead) earlier this month sponsored business-to-business meetings in Bishkek and Osh for local agricultural producers. The meetings enabled 58 farmers and small and medium enterprises to explore commercial opportunities for the supply of fresh and processed agricultural products to Frunze, one of the country’s largest chains of supermarkets, the US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan said on 25 August.
Nine participants signed contracts with Frunze valued at over $365,000 to supply fresh vegetables, dried fruits, juice, and dairy products, while seven others continued contract negotiations after the events.
The Frunze chain has seven big supermarkets in Kyrgyzstan and plans to extend its business to Kazakhstan and Europe. Therefore the company needs the highest quality local products and produce that meet market requirements and international standards.
“We need to collaborate closer with producers, processors, and entrepreneurial businesses within the rapidly emerging supermarket culture. We are looking for quality products, improved standards and continuity of supply. To support the fresh and processed product supply situation, we recently initiated a consolidation/logistics center near Bishkek, and construction of a new center in Osh will start in September of this year,” emphasized Baktybek Amatov, the Director of the Frunze chain.
These meetings are one of many opportunities organized by USAID to link producers and markets. USAID has been working with local farmers under Agro Horizon project in Batken, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, and Osh oblasts to increase their incomes by boosting their productivity, improving product quality, and expanding markets for agricultural goods since 2014. U.S. technical cooperation with these farmers resulted in doubling, or even tripling yields, as well as better market access and ability to sell at higher prices.
The USAID Agro Horizon Project is one of many economic growth initiatives funded by the United States to increase employment and strengthen business opportunities in the Kyrgyz Republic. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17034-usaid-assists-kyrgyz-farmers-in-supplying-products-to-a-supermarkets-chain | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/52340d5e20d8a57b2f7acdcdd2d0c2e5e1456a1c291ec7bfeca3a5ebc4aa3d52.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T04:50:56 | null | 2016-08-29T06:31:14 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17042-uzbekistan-s-president-islam-karimov-hospitalized.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov hospitalized | null | null | www.timesca.com | TASHKENT (TCA) — Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov has been hospitalized and is receiving “in-patient medical treatment,” the press service of the Uzbek president announced on August 28.
The press service added that specialists say the President’s health “requires a full medical assessment”.
The press service’s statement did not elaborate on Karimov’s medical condition or provide a reason for his hospitalization.
Karimov, 78, is the oldest of the Central Asian presidents. He has been ruling Uzbekistan with an iron fist for more than 25 years.
He is known to have health issues — including previous reports of a heart condition and respiratory ailments, but the government has never previously issued a statement about his health, RFE/RL reports.
RFE/RL's Uzbek Service began receiving unconfirmed reports on August 27 that Karimov has been seriously ill for several days.
Reports about Karimov’s ill health are difficult to verify, since information in the country is very tightly controlled.
Karimov has no obvious successor, raising questions about the long-term stability of the country that has never held an election judged free and fair by international monitors.
Muhammad Salikh, the leader of opposition Popular Movement of Uzbekistan (based in Turkey), published on the movement’s website his version of what has happened to Karimov. According to Uzxalqharakati.com, on August 26, in his residence near Tashkent, President Karimov gave a reception to honor the Uzbek Olympic team that returned from the Rio Olympics with a bag of gold, silver and bronze medals. At the reception, Karimov reportedly consumed some alcohol and suddenly lost consciousness at around 10 pm. Doctors diagnosed a heart attack.
The website reports that medical specialists from Israel and Germany have been urgently summoned to Tashkent. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17042-uzbekistan-s-president-islam-karimov-hospitalized | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/9f8d78a2d33170a47573663c5e3c4e73c88d391fb9ad513456dce97c890f9105.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T04:51:40 | null | 2016-08-30T06:30:55 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17048-u-s-helps-preserve-turkmenistan-s-cultural-heritage.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | U.S. helps preserve Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage | null | null | www.timesca.com | ASHGABAT (TCA) — On August 29, the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat awarded $85,600 to the National Administration for the Study, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural and Historical Monuments of Turkmenistan from the 2016 Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) program. The award ceremony was held at the Fine Arts Museum of Turkmenistan with the participation of U.S. Ambassador Allan Mustard, U.S. Embassy staff members and officials from the Government of Turkmenistan involved in administering AFCP projects, and representatives of local cultural institutions involved in the study and preservation of Turkmenistan’s cultural and historical heritage, the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat said.
The award serves to finance the study, conservation, and restoration of the Mokhammed II Mosque of Khorezmshakh, a 13th century mosque located in the city of Misrian in the Ancient Dekhistan Historical and Cultural Park in the Balkan Region of Turkmenistan. This project is one of only 25 projects worldwide to be awarded a grant from the AFCP program this year. The selection of this project speaks highly of the merit of the proposal, the strength of the partner organization in Turkmenistan, and the esteemed regard in which the project is held by the U.S. Government.
AFCP is an annual grant competition administered by the U.S. Department of State. AFCP is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and enjoys a positive, long-standing relationship with Turkmenistan’s historical institutions. Since 2001, the Fund has supported 23 projects in Turkmenistan, more projects than in any other country in the world. With this 24th project, AFCP has invested over $1.5 million dollars to support the preservation of Turkmen culture. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17048-u-s-helps-preserve-turkmenistan-s-cultural-heritage | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/75f59b61b859c640792cae1989d35c01018cd268d358d0a1a9d5cd683593f2f7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:30 | null | 2016-08-26T06:52:10 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17036-tashkent-tractor-plant-and-german-laas-to-set-up-jv-in-uzbekistan.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Tashkent tractor plant and German СLAAS to set up JV in Uzbekistan | null | null | www.timesca.com | TASHKENT (TCA) — In line with the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan dated 5 August 2016, a joint venture will soon be established on the grounds of the Tashkent Agricultural Machinery Plant (formerly Tashkent Tractor Plant) with Germany’s СLAAS, one of the world’s leading agricultural machinery producers, Novosti Uzbekistana news agency reports.
According to official sources, Uzbekistan and the German company plan to invest more than $50 million in modernization of the largest agricultural machinery plant in Uzbekistan.
Modernization will be carried out in several stages and would complete by the end of 2019. During the first stage in 2016-2017, the plant will deepen its production localization and extend production of components for agricultural machinery of the German company.
During the second stage in 2018-2019, the plant plans technological modernization of its foundry, hot stamping and forging facilities, and organization of engines assembly.
In the early 2015 the former Tashkent Tractor Plant saw the beginning of a bankruptcy procedure. According to local media reports, the plant operated at only 20 percent of its production capacity, due to the absence of modern equipment, low purchasing power of the domestic market, and poor export.
The Tashkent Tractor Plant was built in 1942. During the Second World War it produced military machines, and later manufactured tractors for Uzbekistan’s agriculture. The plant’s design capacity was 12 thousand tractors and 13 thousand trailers per year. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17036-tashkent-tractor-plant-and-german-laas-to-set-up-jv-in-uzbekistan | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/9a5f02c005279ae2717c74f0ca979a2b028fdd55d1d68ac14b62b722b52c509d.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:52:14 | null | 2016-08-31T06:11:34 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17053-osce-assesses-the-impact-of-economic-crisis-on-independent-media-in-tajikistan.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | OSCE assesses impact of economic crisis on independent media in Tajikistan | null | null | www.timesca.com | DUSHANBE (TCA) — Enhancing the professional development of journalists, training young reporters, making greater use of multimedia, establishing commercial departments as part of editorial offices, and creating an alternative system of newspaper distribution were some of the recommendations presented by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan in their survey on the impact of the financial crisis on the country’s independent media, the OSCE Office said.
The report’s recommendations seek to help the media outlets which do not receive state funding to continue their work. More than 30 representatives of the government, media community, media-related NGOs and international organizations attended the report’s presentation in Dushanbe.
The survey questioned 60 media executives and editors of various media outlets throughout the country.
Among the report’s other recommendations are considering rent exemptions for media and printing houses, reducing utilities’ costs for media premises and providing tax incentives for independent media.
Nabi Yusupov, Head of the Media Consulting NGO, which conducted the survey said: “Independent media outlets in Tajikistan have faced serious financial and economic problems. The situation is aggravated by the fact that they have lost hope in waiting for a change of attitude towards the media, a favourable legislative framework or direct financial support.” He added that these problems will be unlikely solved in the short-term.
The Office will continue to support the independent media in Tajikistan as part of its mandate by building the capacities of media workers in international standards and in best practice, said Farrukhsho Dzhunaydov, the OSCE Office’s National Media Officer. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17053-osce-assesses-the-impact-of-economic-crisis-on-independent-media-in-tajikistan | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/9518f6aaa6baa9b54b6cee7617d36243331ac97417c0fe1d534d83c71502f3f9.json |
[
"Maria Levina"
] | 2016-08-31T06:52:24 | null | 2016-08-31T08:00:15 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17056-kyrgyzstan-s-budget-spending-up-revenue-down.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Kyrgyzstan’s budget: spending up, revenue down | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — Kyrgyzstan will allocate 20.1 billion soms for repayment of the public debt in 2017, Minister of Finance Adylbek Kasymaliev said at the public hearing of the country’s draft budget for the next year. Of these, 11 billion soms will be allocated for the repayment of the external debt and 9 billion for the domestic debt. In subsequent years, this amount will grow to 26.9 billion soms in 2018 and to 29.2 billion soms in 2019.
The Parliament has discussed the draft budget without going into details. Meanwhile, the MPs should carefully understand and analyze the budget’s revenue and expenditure, and particularly the public debt.
Living in debt
The state budget is not covering the urgent needs of society for a long time. According to experts, the government has led the country to bankruptcy over 25 years of the country’s independence.
Since the 1990s, Kyrgyzstan has been living in debt and appealed to international organizations for loans and grants, which were spent for the public debt service. Kyrgyzstan’s foreign debt has already exceeded $4 billion, and to repay it the country will have to pay $200 million annually for 20 years.
According to experts, the money earned by the country is only enough to cover 65% of budget expenditures.
This year, 9.8 billion soms will be spent for external debt service, of which 3.7 billion soms will be allocated for the payment of interests on loans and 6.1 billion soms for the repayment of the principal debt.
During his visit to Bishkek in August 2012, President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev advised Kyrgyzstan’s citizens to work more and not to rely on loans and foreign aid only. Kyrgyzstan should create more jobs, he said. “It is impossible to raise the country by humanitarian assistance and loans only,” Nazarbayev then stressed.
Low indicators
The country’s economic indicators remain low in the first seven months of 2016, Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov said. GDP has reduced by 1.2%, exports decreased by 28.4% and tax revenues by 1.4 billion soms.
The Government says the reduction in exports is due to different statistical methods used before Kyrgyzstan’s entry to the Eurasian Economic Union and now.
Poor tax base
The State Tax Service of Kyrgyzstan (STS) did not fulfill the tax collection plan for the first half of 2016. The STS collected 31.06 billion soms in taxes, with the plan of 32.59 billion soms. However, tax revenues have increased by 8.96 billion soms (40.5%) compared to the same period of 2015.
The tax base has been depleted due to the lack of large enterprises. Apart from the Kumtor gold mine, there are few running businesses including the Kant Cement and Slates Plant, Tokmak Glass Factory and Mailu-Suu Electric-bulb Plant. The country's budget is mainly supported by the import of goods.
According to experts, due to the lack of money, the funding of healthcare, education, culture, science, roads, water management and land reclamation has been reduced tenfold compared to 1991. The Finance Ministry used to reduce the funding of the social sector by up to 30%. So the Healthcare Ministry received only 15 billion soms instead of the planned 20 billion soms in 2015.
Amending the budget
The Finance Ministry can revise any budget item and the Parliamentary Finance Committee often proposes amending certain budget items at the end of a year.
The ministry proposes to decrease the revenue part of the state budget for 2017 down to 126.5 billion soms against 141.3 billion in 2016. The expenditures of the national budget for 2017, on the contrary, have been increased by 27 billion soms compared to 2015, up to 146.9 billion soms.
Hope on mining and SMEs
The Government pins hopes on the mining sector, including the Kumtor gold mine, which would allow the country to achieve the planned 2.9-percent GDP growth in the second half of this year.
The Government expects that the business will come out of the shadows and will increase domestic investment.
There is a hope on the newly-created Guarantee Fund, which should solve the problem of collateral for small and medium-sized businesses. About 72 million soms will be provided for the Fund’s capitalization. The Asian Development Bank also plans to allocate a $3 million grant to the Guarantee Fund.
The Government also pledges to improve the business environment, including the reduction and streamlining of inspections and simplifying the provision of fiscal incentives. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17056-kyrgyzstan-s-budget-spending-up-revenue-down | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/c6e4f1f4c967b3af8924a9fb5beb2325532e43bcca9ed2bf3c9508a9ce9ed441.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:52:20 | null | 2016-08-31T06:30:16 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17054-central-asia-often-overlooked-because-of-relative-stability-us-official.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Central Asia often overlooked because of relative stability - US official | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — The top U.S. diplomat for Central Asia says the region's relative stability means it often does not get much attention, but that a top priority when the next U.S. president takes office will be to explain the area's importance to that new administration, the Voice of America reported on August 30.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Rosenblum said he is confident that the group of countries that includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be seen as a good investment of State Department resources.
“We want stability. We want these countries to be able to be secure and not become havens for terrorist activity," Rosenblum told VOA's Uzbek Service in Washington. "We saw what happened in Afghanistan in the 1990s and what that resulted is in terms of a threat to our national security and we don’t want the same to play out in Central Asia.”
In addition to security, the U.S. is also prioritizing economic success in the region including cross-border trade and infrastructure improvements.
The five Central Asia nations are 25 years removed from being part of the Soviet Union and, given their proximity, remain of interest to Russia and also neighboring China.
Rosenblum said the fact that three powers are involved in the region does not mean it is a contest with a winner and a loser.
“We think that we have a lot of common goals with other countries in the region, including Russia and China," he said. "The stability goal I talked about, the economic connectedness goal, the idea that these countries should be more prosperous and should succeed, I think these are shared goals, and our belief is that our relationship and our activity in the region is not coming at the expense of anyone else." | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17054-central-asia-often-overlooked-because-of-relative-stability-us-official | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/ff16465c2423d4f8f291c5fb8a13fe94ee111a1f30872722d51b1f6f9308104f.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:52:23 | null | 2016-08-31T05:41:52 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17051-fao-launches-new-global-initiative-coping-with-water-scarcity-in-agriculture.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | FAO launches new global initiative: Coping with water scarcity in agriculture | null | null | www.timesca.com | DUSHANBE (TCA) — The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) is launching a new Global initiative named “Coping with water scarcity in agriculture: a global framework for action in a changing climate” during the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (CoP22) in Morocco, which will be held in November, the FAO office in Tajikistan said on August 30.
This was said by Viorel Gutu, FAO Representative in Tajikistan, in his speech during High Level Symposium on SDG6 and targets: Ensuring No One is Left Behind in Access to Water and Sanitation, held in Dushanbe recently.
According to Gutu, this initiative is to help countries, communities and businesses to scale up successful responses to the threats posed by water scarcity to agricultural production and to secure food supply in the face of climate change, while conserving ecosystems and the services they provide and respecting the sustainable use of landscapes. FAO is inviting all the interested organizations around the world to become partners of this important initiative.
Evidence suggests, continued Gutu, that two-thirds of the world population could be living in water-stressed countries by 2025 if current consumption patterns continue.
Crops and livestock already account for 70 percent of all water withdrawals, and up to 95 percent in some developing countries. Water withdrawal for irrigation and livestock will increase as global population growth and economic development drive food demand up.
“FAO is working with countries towards ensuring that water use in agriculture is made more efficient, productive, equitable and environmentally friendly,” mentioned Gutu in his statement. “This involves producing more food while using less water, building resilience of farming communities to cope with floods, droughts and water scarcity, and applying clean water technologies that protect the environment.” | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17051-fao-launches-new-global-initiative-coping-with-water-scarcity-in-agriculture | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/fbf2271f64ce24f5adb2381212d7a80844daa8a01bd9f18c9a6fb77b7be0fe72.json |
[
"Maria Levina"
] | 2016-08-27T02:49:41 | null | 2016-08-27T03:40:21 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17038-kyrgyzstan-to-launch-new-mining-enterprises.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Kyrgyzstan to launch new mining enterprises | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — A processing plant at the Kuru-Tegerek copper and gold mine located in the Chatkal district of the Jalal-Abad province in southern Kyrgyzstan would start operating at the end of 2017.
Geological preparatory works are currently being conducted and the processing plant and other industrial and administration facilities are being built.
The reserves of underground resources at Kuru-Tegerek include about 98 tons of gold, more than 370 thousand tons of copper, and significant reserves of silver.
The deposit is developed by a Chinese company. About 400 local employees and the same number of foreign personnel are now working in the field but after the mine is launched, locals will become a majority, the mine managers said.
Ambitious goals of new Committee
Recently, taking into account the importance of the mining sector, the State Committee of Industry, Energy and Subsoil (SCIES) was created on the basis of the State Agency for Geology and Mineral Resources.
The status of the new Committee is higher than of a ministry, as the ministry is just conducting sectoral policy while the new Committee coordinates cross-sectoral policies, said Committee Deputy Chairman Ulanbek Ryskulov, who was recently elected the head of the CIS Intergovernmental Council for Exploration, Use and Conservation of Resources.
The overriding objective of SCIES is to launch new production capacities and create jobs at enterprises. The SCIES is now considering several mining projects. There are deposits in the country that could not run due to the lack of power generating capacity. The new committee is trying to solve such issues. According to Ryskulov, two companies that own the license to develop the Sary-Jaz deposit have agreed to build a hydroelectric power plant on Sary-Jaz River in the Issyk-Kul region at their own expense.
The Shambesai gold mine will start operating in 2017. The deposit’s balance reserves are 7.8 tons of gold.
Shambesai, the only gold deposit discovered since the independence of Kyrgyzstan, is located in the Kadamjay district of the Batken province in the south of the country. All the other deposits, including the country’s largest deposits Kumtor and Jerooy, were discovered in the Soviet time.
Complying with local legislation
For successful operation of foreign investors, it is important that they comply with the legislation of Kyrgyzstan.
Investors usually face problems with the law because they do not fully understand local laws, so they have to seek the services of local lawyers, Ryskulov believes. For example, developers of Ishtamberdy and Taldy-Bulak gold deposits had problems, which have been eliminated and the investors are now working according to the project approved by the Kyrgyz Government.
President’s view
Over the past five years, the situation in the mining industry has changed radically, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev said in his welcoming article in the August issue of the Russian "Mining Journal".
The journal’s issue was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence, which the country will celebrate on August 31.
According to the president, Kyrgyzstan has restored order in the mining industry, striving to make all the processes transparent and open.
Mining, one of the most promising sectors of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, accounts for 47% of the country’s industry, and 31.8% of foreign investments are involved in it.
Kyrgyzstan’s budget has received more than 8 billion soms ($130 million) from the mining auctions and tenders in the past three years.
It is vital to balance the interests of the State, investors and the local communities. One of the main problems of the mining industry is related to protests of the local population against mining companies’ operation. These problems continue to exist, although the number of protests has decreased, the president said.
“Advocacy should stand at the forefront in the development of all deposits, because the consent of the local population and environmental safety regulations should be observed,” he added.
About US $1.5 billion had been spent for the development of the mining industry in Kyrgyzstan from 1938 to 1991. During 20 years of independence, Kyrgyzstan spent 40% of that amount, but not one significant mineral deposit, except Kumtor, has been put into operation. The overwhelming corruption has led to a critical situation in the economy, the president explained. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17038-kyrgyzstan-to-launch-new-mining-enterprises | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/f9351973cf5c7e447d537630f59fb765909c6e6e4d56b0e5b07fe2bc304348db.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:16 | null | 2016-08-26T05:58:37 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17035-kazakh-agricultural-producers-seek-access-to-china-market.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Kazakh agricultural producers seek access to China market | null | null | www.timesca.com | ASTANA (TCA) — The Government of Kazakhstan and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan have joined forces to promote the export of Kazakh agricultural products to the Chinese market, Atameken reported on its website.
In particular, the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture is working on removing existing restrictions and barriers on the Chinese side. This past May saw the signing of a Joint Action Plan between the Ministry of Agriculture and the General Directorate of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China on phytosanitary requirements in the field of sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation of both countries. Currently, the Chinese authorized body has audited the veterinary system of Kazakhstan for the removal of restrictions and provision of access of Kazakh products to the Chinese market. An inspection of Kazakh enterprises will also be held in September to meet the requirements for export to China.
In this regard, the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs recently hosted a meeting with the participation of Kazakh Deputy Agriculture Minister Gulmira Isayeva, the business community and representatives of interested organizations.
Participants noted that the ongoing collaboration would make it possible to open the Chinese market for Kazakh entrepreneurs at the end of 2016.
Isayeva spoke about Kazakhstani products that are the most promising in China. "Today, the Chinese diet has changed, they give preference to proteins of animal origin, that is, they eat more meat. Here Kazakhstan can compete with Australia, Brazil, and Argentina from the organic point of view. China clearly recognizes this. We evaluated our forecast for exports and concluded that even at an early stage, we can supply 30 thousand tons of beef and 360 tons of lamb,” she said.
The deputy minister also said that Kazakh honey is very popular in China, as well as cereals, oilseeds, and vegetables.
The meeting paid particular attention to the licensing procedures for Kazakh producers seeking to export to China. "This is a complex procedure; Chinese requirements are sometimes tougher than international ones. But I think it is good for us, as our products due to their organic nature are more competitive compared with other suppliers," the deputy minister added. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17035-kazakh-agricultural-producers-seek-access-to-china-market | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/a43c5f462e72c778751e2442d557663b820fc1c3a81c0666ff57a654ed0cc736.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:51:44 | null | 2016-08-30T12:58:15 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17050-suicide-bomber-attacks-chinese-embassy-in-bishkek.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Suicide bomber attacks Chinese embassy in Bishkek | null | null | www.timesca.com | BISHKEK (TCA) — An unidentified suicide car bomber attacked the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek in the morning of August 30, killing himself and wounding three embassy employees.
Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister Jenish Razakov said the driver rammed through a gate to get inside the Chinese Embassy compound and detonated an explosive device that was inside the car, RFE/RL reported.
Kyrgyzstan's Health Ministry said the three people wounded by the blast were Kyrgyz nationals and had been hospitalized with shrapnel-like injuries — suggesting the explosive device may have been prepared as a fragmentation bomb.
Kyrgyzstan's security service sources said several hours after the attack that investigators were still working to identify the man found inside the car after the explosion. They said the investigators also were trying to establish the identity of the car's owner.
China is shocked and strongly condemns the car bombing near the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, a China Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on August 30, Xinhua reports.
The Chinese embassy in Bishkek was attacked by a car bomb Tuesday morning, causing injuries to three people of the embassy, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press conference in Beijing.
The Foreign Ministry has launched emergency procedures, and China requires Kyrgyzstan to take immediate and necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese people and institutions, Hua said.
She also urged the Kyrgyz side to investigate the bombing and bring the perpetrators to justice. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17050-suicide-bomber-attacks-chinese-embassy-in-bishkek | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/3c079a4504df499b12b1351de0f77f07f67625cd97ba17c4f107812acc7cc9c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T04:51:42 | null | 2016-08-30T06:19:38 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17047-kazakhstan-and-china-to-increase-rail-cargo-transportation.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Kazakhstan and China to increase rail cargo transportation | null | null | www.timesca.com | ASTANA (TCA) — At the meeting of the Kazakhstan-China Border Railroads Commission held in Astana last week, the head of Kazakhstan’s national railways company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Askar Mamin, and the Chief of Urumchi Railway Shan’ Liczyun expressed the readiness to increase the container shipment volumes along the China-Europe-China route through Kazakhstan, and agreed on the volume of cargo transportation through the Kazakh-Chinese railway border in 2017 to reach 11.5 million tons, the press service of KTZ said.
The parties intend to work together to increase the cargo flows by improving the quality of services and organization of straight-through trains on the routes China-Kazakhstan-Europe-China and China-Kazakhstan-Central Asia-China and the development of new transportation projects.
In recent years, both sides have carried out extensive work to develop the international transportation and increase the capacity of the Dostyk and Alashankou rail stations, and increase the cargo traffic along the Altynkol–Khorgos rail line.
In 2015, the volume of cargo transportation between Kazakhstan and China amounted to 7.089 million tons. In the first seven months of 2016, 4.495 million tons of cargo was transported through the railway border Dostyk-Alashankou and Altynkol-Khorgos, 127 thousand tons more than in the same period of 2015. It is planned to transport up to 9 million tons of cargo by the end of this year, 23 percent more than last year.
During the seven months of this year, 554 container trains passed along the China-Europe-China route through the territory of Kazakhstan, 2.5-fold more compared with the same period of 2015. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17047-kazakhstan-and-china-to-increase-rail-cargo-transportation | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/b3f464ca41a6bf6745b62f9a65f3b34d424868e8e00f0ad7be658b4cb843e96a.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:51:01 | null | 2016-08-29T07:34:07 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17044-adb-s-240m-loan-to-help-kazakhstan-modernize-transport-improve-connectivity.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | ADB’s $240m loan to help Kazakhstan modernize transport, improve connectivity | null | null | www.timesca.com | ASTANA (TCA) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $240.3 million loan to help Kazakhstan modernize its transport system. Improved transport connectivity will help increase trade links between Kazakhstan and the markets in East Asia, the Caspian Sea region, and further to Europe, ADB’s Country Office in Kazakhstan said on August 29.
“Improved connectivity and mobility will play a catalytic role in the sustainable social and economic development of the country, open new opportunities for trade and investment, and support poverty reduction by raising local living standards,” said Zheng Wu, a Senior Transport Specialist with ADB’s Central and West Asia Regional Department.
The project will reconstruct and upgrade about 299 km of a deteriorated section of the Aktobe–Makat road in the western part of the country, and introduce a modern transport information system to increase road traffic safety and logistics effectiveness. It will also establish fast transportation links connecting Astana and Aktobe with the major oil and mineral–rich city of Atyrau, and the country’s only international commercial seaport in Aktau.
The road is part of the Trans-Caspian Sea Transit Corridor Baku–Astrakhan–Atyrau–Aktobe–Aktau–Turkmen border, which connects Kazakhstan with Azerbaijan and Europe in the West, with the Russian Federation in the North, and with Turkmenistan in the South. It also links to the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 1b at Aktobe and Corridor 6a at Makat, providing further access to China and Southeast Asia.
Kazakhstan, rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and metal, has huge potential for economic development but infrastructure constraints result in significant travel time and cost, and hinder access to foreign markets. A recent study estimated that transport costs account for 8%–11% of the final cost of goods—almost double the cost for most industrialized countries.
The decline of global oil prices since 2014 and lower external demand has encouraged the government to create a favorable environment for business-driven regional economic development. The priorities are modernizing the transport system to increase the flow of freight through the country, improving domestic transport links of strategic importance and regional impact, connecting the capital Astana and other urban centers, and developing infrastructure centers in regions. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17044-adb-s-240m-loan-to-help-kazakhstan-modernize-transport-improve-connectivity | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/d99a7da7e13f325d0235991f1b37926045b8d22ada7a8d09d4fa49f0716e3734.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T04:52:18 | null | 2016-08-31T05:59:27 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17052-iran-and-armenia-to-create-free-trade-zone-to-expand-iran-s-ties-with-eeu.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | Iran and Armenia to create free trade zone to expand Iran’s ties with EEU | null | null | www.timesca.com | TEHRAN (TCA) — Armenia, a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) that also includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, says it is working on a plan with Iran to create a free economic zone between the two countries, Iran’s PressTV news agency reported on August 29.
Armenia’s Minister of Economy Artsvik Minasyan was quoted by the country’s media as saying that the planned zone will help expand relations between Iran and the EEU.
The goods produced in the two countries will also enjoy preferential trade regimes Armenia has established with the EU, United States, Canada, Switzerland, and Japan, the media reported.
The Armenian minister told reporters that production and export of goods would be carried out from the zone.
Iran and Armenia have been recently intensifying efforts to promote their mutual relations. The two countries announced in early August that they had lifted their visa regime to enable their citizens to freely commute between the two countries. The move is also expected to help boost ties between the two countries.
Iranians and Armenians can now cross the border without a visa and stay for maximum 90 days within a 180-day period.
Iran is currently exporting natural gas to Armenia and is in return importing electricity from the country to support demand in its northern provinces.
Iran reportedly exports nearly one million cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia per day. Officials in Tehran previously said that the volume could be increased to as much as six million cubic meters per day. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17052-iran-and-armenia-to-create-free-trade-zone-to-expand-iran-s-ties-with-eeu | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/125a5e2f4321872ccb3fc2f2a891a04d1112dd3c6d88c9f5f892f7ff9b6d00ba.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T06:51:03 | null | 2016-08-29T07:13:26 | The Times of Central Asia - central asia news - Founder and Publisher by Giorgio Fiacconi | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesca.com%2Findex.php%2Fnews%2F17043-edb-extends-first-20-million-tranche-of-efsd-financial-credit-to-tajikistan.json | http://www.timesca.com/images/favicon.png | en | null | EDB extends first $20-million tranche of EFSD financial credit to Tajikistan | null | null | www.timesca.com | DUSHANBE (TCA) — Tajikistan has received the first, US $20 million tranche of the financial credit from the Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development (EFSD) managed by Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). The tranche was extended as a result of the country's compliance with all the conditions precedent for its provision set forth by the Resolution of the EFSD Council dated 8 December 2015 and the Loan Agreement signed on 15 August 2016 between EDB and the Republic of Tajikistan, EDB said.
The EFSD Council is expected to consider the provision of the second, US $20 million tranche in the fourth quarter of 2017.
The mid-term expectations are that the optimisation of customs and tax preferences (by improving the transparency of information about respective rates and abandoning inefficient preferences) will help to support the public budget significantly. This optimisation is the key condition for the provision of the second tranche of the credit, also totalling US $20 million. The date for checking compliance with the conditions of the second tranche will be determined during the Resources Manager's visit to Tajikistan scheduled for early September 2016.
Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial institution founded by Russia and Kazakhstan in 2006 with the mission to facilitate the development of market economies, sustainable economic growth, and the expansion of mutual trade and economic ties in its member states. EDB's charter capital totals US $7 billion. The member states of the Bank are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
The Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development (EFSD) amounting to US $8.513 billion was formed in 2009 by the governments of the six countries. The objectives of the EFSD are to assist its member countries in overcoming the consequences of the global financial crisis, ensure their economic and financial stability, and foster integration processes in the region. The EFSD member countries signed the Fund Management Agreement with EDB, giving it the role of the EFSD Resources Manager. | http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17043-edb-extends-first-20-million-tranche-of-efsd-financial-credit-to-tajikistan | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.timesca.com/2194d9a28130803924fd131e070892158324bf96ba4a622b05f20770112c629f.json |
[
"Observer Media"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:53 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:42 | We had to hear it to believe it. It came via a three-minute, 21-second video on an international media outlet, which elicited so much outrage, that it might | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fthis-land-is-our-land%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/observer_favicon1.png?da4e36 | en | null | This land is our land | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | We had to hear it to believe it. It came via a three-minute, 21-second video on an international media outlet, which elicited so much outrage, that it might have drawn blood from a burst national blood vessel.
A daughter of the soil, through anguished tears, told a story of how she had been hounded by homophobia to the point where she had to flee her homeland, Antigua, leaving kith and kin behind.
She said she had been discriminated against to the point where life became unbearable, and in order to live her true self, she had to depart to more tolerant climes.
Warming to her theme of unbearable harassment, the former beauty queen, turned gay rights activist, said she did not want to become a statistic and join the ranks of those who had been slaughtered for their sexual orientation.
Her oscar-winning performance evoked strong backlash that only few things could in Antiguans and Barbudans.
The barrage of criticisms, which burned up social media over the weekend, would have rivalled any international incident in which there was loss of life.
The video would have received so many hits that it is a wonder that it did not crash. It did go viral though.
Were the charges levied against the country not so serious, we would be lining up behind the numerous callers, texters and social media users on WhatsApp and Facebook, who said that they would be nominating Tasheka Lavann for an Academy Award for ‘Best Actress’ in a Leading Role.’
Look out Meryl Streep, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts and Scarlet Johansson. For the fiancée, there is ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’.
We were pleasantly surprised, however, when the flag was hoisted high within hours of the Huffington’s Post video, as Antiguans and Barbudans roundly and soundly criticised the activist for the remark she made about people being killed because they were gay.
Some say Antiguans and Barbudans are not overly patriotic, at least not like certain Caribbean nationalities, but after the firestorm which was unleashed at the remark, that viewpoint would have to be revised.
People of all political persuasions, sexual orientation, educational standing or religious leanings soundly condemned both the statement and the woman who made it.
They pointed to numerous examples of people who have come out of the closet and who live peaceably here. They noted that this country has always had gay people, who lived until they died of natural causes. They cited examples of people in high places who are known to be gay and still command admiration and respect in this society. And they asked the activist to name one person who was killed here because of his or her sexual preference.
More importantly, the callers, texters and social media crowd asked the activist to consider the harm she is doing to this country by making this outlandish claim.
Given that our main industry is tourism, the patriots — new and old– in droves, asked the Ministry of Tourism to intervene to clear the country’s good name, as it cannot be good for us to be branded as a country where all are not welcomed.
The more virulent demanded an apology from the activist and calls were made for her to be declared persona non grata.
In response, Ms. Lavann has denied the statement that caused the firestorm but few have accepted that
Although questions about motive were raised, most people are aware that Lavann is seeking to become a permanent resident of Canada, where she currently resides. That country has an open door policy for people who claim discrimination, on account of, among other issues, their sexual orientation.
We would be naïve if we discounted those who say this is setting the stage for the big prize – Canadian citizenship. If this is remotely true, we wonder why the activist would go to such lengths to smear the name of her birthplace.
A remark from a born Antiguan brought out the overwhelming emotion of love of country, this weekend, as few things could.
Talk about turning a bad situation around. It was good while it lasted—there’s no place like ‘Fair Antigua & Barbuda. | http://antiguaobserver.com/this-land-is-our-land/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/7adb2248233dbd1c8258d34b7ff7e03b408dcb0773e8ab5bd2ff28807584ffed.json |
[
"Observer Media"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:54 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:37 | Malpractice lawsuits may be on the increase if the migration of experienced nurses from Antigua & Barbuda and the Caribbean continues, the head of a regional | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fnursing-school-head-says-loss-of-experienced-nurses-could-mean-more-lawsuits%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/InternationalNurses.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Nursing school head says loss of experienced nurses could mean more lawsuits | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Malpractice lawsuits may be on the increase if the migration of experienced nurses from Antigua & Barbuda and the Caribbean continues, the head of a regional school of nursing has warned.
Dr Oscar Ocho, dean of the University of the West Indies School of Nursing based in St Augustine Trinidad, made the remarks while commenting on the age-old problem of nurse migration in Antigua & Barbuda.
Dr Ocho said the population of the region has become “more conscious and sensitive of their legal rights” as it relates to not just doctors but other health professionals.
“If we continue to have serious, not brain-drain, but migration of the experienced, [nurses] the economic implication of settling lawsuits or potential lawsuits, there will be an increase,” Dr Ocho told OBSERVER media.
Superintendent of Public Health Nursing in Antigua & Barbuda, Coralita Joseph said last week that the nurse migration problem had not abated and suggested that better remuneration may be one solution to keeping nurses at home.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/nursing-school-head-says-loss-of-experienced-nurses-could-mean-more-lawsuits/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/57b5965cbe886e2c2e0b64f61f0968e39cdeb22d5743f25120f0a6deea5282b1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:23 | null | 2016-08-26T11:06:33 | The Belize government has welcomed the findings of the Organization of American States (OAS) into the shooting death of a Guatemalan teenager earlier this year | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbelize-welcomes-oas-report-on-shooting-death-of-teenager%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/police-car-blur.png?da4e36 | en | null | Belize welcomes OAS report on shooting death of teenager | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
BELMOPAN, Belize, Aug 26, CMC – The Belize government has welcomed the findings of the Organization of American States (OAS) into the shooting death of a Guatemalan teenager earlier this year that had threatened to escalate the border dispute between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Wilfred Elrington is to make a statement to Parliament on Friday regarding the 22-page report by the OAS that investigated the April 20th killing of 14-year-old Julio Rene Alvarado Ruano.
His father and brother were also injured during the incident that occurred within the Adjacency Zone administered by Belize.
Following the incident Guatemala, which has laid claim to parts of Belize, sent it troops along the Sarstoon River escalating the tensions between the two countries.
Prime Minister Dean Barrow, who has returned home from a medical check-up in the United States, said the OAS report is a clear vindication of the country.
“It is clearly vindication, we are very pleased; we always knew, though, that that was in fact the position. Still a little worrying as to how the Guatemalans will react now, because this is clear vindication for the Belize Defence Force (BDF).
Barrow said the OAS report exposed “the falsity of the position taken by their President, taken by their Foreign Minister and taken by their officials.
“So I am hoping that they will be mature enough to accept that they were wrong; that the allegations that they made against the BDF were utterly unjustified, and that they owe Belize an apology,” he added.
The report has not yet been made public but according the media here, the OAS investigation confirms that the incident occurred within the Adjacency Zone administered by Belize.
The media here note that the report points out that it is not the first time that the minor was inside the Cebada area of the Chiquibul, while the joint patrol of BDF soldiers and rangers from the Friends of Conservation and Development were active.
Commander of the BDF, Brigadier general David Jones told television viewers that following the incident Guatemala unfortunately deployed its armed forces along the border.
“I suspect that it was because of emotions and also I suspect because they believed that they had a right to protect their citizens; they believed that we were hunting their citizens. In other words, they deployed their soldiers to protect their people.
“People can take that otherwise as a build-up of forces. I wasn’t concerned about it because I knew that the response wasn’t the adequate one; it showed that it’s not good to make drastic measures based on emotions.
“It is best that you know what the facts are before you move. And that was the stance that we took. We were sure that we acted in self-defense and we acted in accordance with how our soldiers have been trained and they did the right thing and they did an exemplary job,” he said.
Jones said that the relationship that the BDF has maintained afterwards with the Guatemalan military has been cordial.
“It has actually improved in particular the area of the Sarstoon where we are not having any tensions at the moment with the Guatemalan army, which is good. They are a professional army as we are and as professionals we get along well.
“The problem is at the diplomatic level what the politicians will do because what happens at the diplomatic level will filter down to the military. But we as professionals are getting along fine and it is now up to the diplomats. We will now have to wait and see how the Guatemalans will treat the results of the investigation,” he added. | http://antiguaobserver.com/belize-welcomes-oas-report-on-shooting-death-of-teenager/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/0b464165012f57cc5cb08ceb29b9857ffa85211d029ebd46657fd3e7ae232a03.json |
[
"Theresa Gordon"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:41 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:46 | The deputy principal at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, is advocating for a complete overhaul of the education system in the region, | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Feducators-call-for-a-complete-overhaul-of-the-system%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UWI-Professor-Rhonda-Reddock-Ashworth-Azille.png?da4e36 | en | null | Educators call for a complete overhaul of the system | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The deputy principal at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, is advocating for a complete overhaul of the education system in the region, from one that provides credentials and certificates to one that offers knowledge and learning.
Professor Rhonda Reddock said for far too long people within the region have confused education and learning with examination and passing, which is the first area where there is a serious problem.
She said even when students pass compulsory subjects such as mathematics and English, they still lack the competencies and ability to apply the knowledge attained.
“I think that we need a much more comprehensive discussion than simply who can pass and who cannot pass, and look really at the quality of education and the facilities for learning that we need to have,” Professor Reddock said.
The professor was among a panel of experts who were reflecting on the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).
The country recorded a 13 per cent drop in the pass rate for mathematics, which Education Minister Michael Browne suggested should not be blown out of proportion.
The professor of gender, social change and development said recent reviews of the teaching of mathematics at the university, primary and secondary levels, revealed a direct link between that core subject and English Language, and once there is weaknesses in one it will be reflected in the other.
The professor was supported by President of the Antigua & Barbuda Teachers Union (A&BUT) Ashworth Azille, who also outlined that there are systemic issues that are driving away potential candidates for the teaching service.
“People are finding it far more beneficial to move into other areas. At the end of the day, however, we have got to look at who we have, to the extent that they lack the necessary competence; create the environment.” Azille said. | http://antiguaobserver.com/educators-call-for-a-complete-overhaul-of-the-system/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/818b6961f0c2efeed01c3421cd177346677a334bddd6a87ee18bb73cb8fe9ff3.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T10:47:19 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:45 | LAUSANNE, Switzerland (CMC) - New sprint queen Elaine Thompson sped to victory in the 100 metres at the Lausanne Diamond League meet on Thursday to build on her | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fthompson-wins-in-lausanne%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Elaine-Thompson-1.png?da4e36 | en | null | Thompson wins in Lausanne | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (CMC) – New sprint queen Elaine Thompson sped to victory in the 100 metres at the Lausanne Diamond League meet on Thursday to build on her double success at the recent Olympic Games in Brazil.
The Jamaican sprinter, who won Olympic gold in the 100 and 200 metres, overcame a start fiasco by producing a dominant run to cross the finish line in 10.78 seconds.
Thompson finished ahead of American Jenna Prandini who clocked 11.11 seconds.
“There was a mix-up at the start and we had to do a re-run. To be able to produce 10.78 on the second attempt is great,” said Thompson, who became the first woman since American world record holder Florence Griffith Joyner at the Seoul Games in 1988 to win the sprint double at the Olympics.
“The reality of being double Olympic champion has not really sunk in. I’m looking forward to going back to Jamaica to celebrate with my people and my family, but I will first run a few more races in Europe.”
There were mixed fortunes for Thompson’s teammates Omar McLeod and Asafa Powell at the event. | http://antiguaobserver.com/thompson-wins-in-lausanne/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/fb93bb86f819a38a01b7c7c45264c87f199f1c509e1657040aa8a3b73d0e4936.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:38 | null | 2016-08-29T08:09:18 | Iran has deployed the Russian-supplied S-300 surface-to-air missile defence system around its Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility, Iranian state | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Firan-deploys-russian-made-s-300-missiles-at-its-fordow-nuclear-site-tv%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-4-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Iran deploys Russian-made S-300 missiles at its Fordow nuclear site: TV | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Iran has deployed the Russian-supplied S-300 surface-to-air missile defence system around its Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility, Iranian state media reported on Monday.
Iranian state TV on Sunday aired footage of deployment of the recently delivered missile system to the nuclear site in the central Iran.
“Our main priority is to protect Iran’s nuclear facilities under any circumstances,” Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ (IRGC) air defense force told state TV.
Iran and the six major powers reached a landmark nuclear deal in 2015 aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Tehran over its disputed nuclear work.
Enrichment of uranium at the Fordow facility, around 100 km (60 miles) south of Tehran, has stopped since the implementation of the nuclear deal in January.
Russia, under pressure from the West, in 2010 canceled a contract to deliver S-300s to Iran. But Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted that self-imposed ban in April 2015, after an interim deal was reached between Iran and the six powers.
In August, Iran said that Russia had delivered main parts of the system to the country, adding that the missile system would be completely delivered by the end of 2016.
The IRGC’s Esmaili did not say whether the system was operational, but added: “Today, Iran’s sky is one of the most secure in the Middle East”.
Iran’s top authority Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that the country’s military power was for defensive purposes.
“The S-300 system is a defence system not an assault one, but the Americans did their utmost to prevent Iran from getting it,” Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. | http://antiguaobserver.com/iran-deploys-russian-made-s-300-missiles-at-its-fordow-nuclear-site-tv/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f289f771865e9c2a680eee917343df53f4fcec2a5f59fe0984b0faf6ee49667c.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:33 | null | 2016-08-28T09:02:19 | The European Union grinds back into action this week after its August break, still dazed by Britain's midsummer vote to quit the EU and facing much the same | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fnew-tans-same-old-polycrisis-as-europes-summer-ends%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-26-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | New tans, same old ‘polycrisis’ as Europe’s summer ends | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The European Union grinds back into action this week after its August break, still dazed by Britain’s midsummer vote to quit the EU and facing much the same “polycrisis” as a year ago: a mass of refugees, a fragile economy, hostile Russians and, yes, those Brits, now more awkward than ever.
When President Jean-Claude Juncker makes his annual State of the Union address to Parliament in Strasbourg on Sept. 14, he might easily repeat last year’s warning: the EU had a “last chance” to save itself from a tide of centrifugal nationalisms.
Last week, the EU’s remaining Big Three — German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and their host, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi — felt they needed to renew their vows at the wellspring of the union, the island of Ventotene, where in 1941 prisoners of Mussolini wrote a manifesto for a united Europe.
That they met on the deck of the aircraft carrier Garibaldi reinforced the sense of beleaguered leaders rallying to the EU’s defense as they contemplated an obstacle-strewn political calendar for the year ahead.
The EU leaders are first preparing for a summit on Sept. 16 in Bratislava — without Britain — that aims to sketch out a post-Brexit future for the Union.
On Oct. 2, Hungary’s right-wing prime minister, Viktor Orban, is set to deliver another slap to Brussels: a largely symbolic referendum to reject an EU quota system for relocating refugees among member states — a scheme Juncker invested much capital in a year ago, but which has barely got off the ground.
TRUMP
On Nov. 8, Orban is hoping for victory for a man he calls the “valiant” Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election. Few of Orban’s EU peers are so enthusiastic. They see Trump as a disruptive maverick whose endorsement of and by Brexiteer-in-chief Nigel Farage marks him as no friend of the Union.
A Trump win could snap a transatlantic coalition on Russia that is already fraying in Europe, where governments from Paris to Bratislava are seeking a review of Ukraine-related sanctions when measures expire at year’s end. Trump might also inject a new dose of post-Brexit uncertainty for world trade.
At home, all the Big Three leaders face their own electoral challenges from euroskeptics.
It starts with Renzi, today trying to persuade Italians he has the youthful energy for rebuilding after the latest earthquake in the Apennines, unlike the scandal-tainted Silvio Berlusconi at L’Aquila in 2009, when more than 300 people died.
Probably in November, Renzi will put to a referendum the constitutional reforms he says are needed to break a political deadlock that is choking the Italian economy. Polls are tight and the euroskeptic upstarts 5-Star are gunning for the socialist premier, who is expected to resign if he loses.
Hollande is threatened with a drubbing on April 23 at the hands of far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in the first round of France’s presidential election.
Her appeal has been enhanced by Islamic State carnage in Paris and Nice and the summer row about burkinis on the beaches, although pollsters doubt she can win a May 7 runoff vote against Hollande or any other survivor from a mainstream party.
As for Merkel, she has yet to confirm she wants a fourth term at parliamentary elections due in just over a year. The biggest threat to her re-election remains her decision last year to welcome a million migrants to Germany as EU borders buckled. That has already weakened support for her conservative party.
HARDBALL
Such threats to domestic survival have often spurred leaders to take potshots at Brussels — even if only the British have taken it to the length of turning most voters against the EU entirely. But even if little has changed in Brussels since last summer, optimists might see reason to hope for more unity now.
While rows go on about how, indeed whether, EU states should share out the burden of asylum-seekers stranded in Greece and Italy, what is new is how few are arriving, at least in Greece.
Rights groups were outraged this year by hard-nosed deals with non-EU Balkan states to bar the routes north from Greece and with Turkey to stop Syrian refugees reaching Greece in the first place. But those deals did slash the numbers arriving.
It’s something EU officials find hard to boast of. Many admit privately to unease at policies that, along with efforts to pay African governments to stop people setting off for Italy, sit uncomfortably with the Union’s lofty humanitarian ideals.
But look again at Merkel, Hollande and Renzi on the Garibaldi, flagship of an EU mission off Libya that is part rescue operation and military deterrent against people smugglers, and a slightly different image of today’s EU emerges.
EU ARMY
All three spoke of Europe getting tougher and more cohesive on security. It is the kind of language that may resonate with skeptical voters dissatisfied with Europe’s struggle to thrive in a globalizing world and with the likes of Orban and other eastern leaders alarmed by Merkel’s earlier open-door policy.
Relieved of the need to keep Britons from bolting, Juncker wrung howls of outrage last week from London’s europhobic press when he called national borders “the worst invention ever”. He also renewed his call for a “European army”, which was long just a pipe dream for the Luxemburger as long as Britain had a veto.
The past few days have seen Merkel and a succession of other leaders she has met, including Orban, echo such hopes of joint military structures, indicating one area where EU integration may now forge ahead in response to the British departure.
That still leaves a host of issues dividing European leaders in the coming year: whether to be nice or nasty to Britain once it decides to open negotiations; how to shore up weaknesses in the economic cooperation that underpins the euro; how far to ease sanctions in the hope of better ties with Moscow.
Consensus will be a tall order. Merkel, standing on the deck of the Garibaldi, cited security, investment and youth opportunities as three priorities for a post-Brexit new start for a Europe united and strong. But, she warned: “Danger exists, of fragmentation, of selfishness, of retreating into ourselves.” | http://antiguaobserver.com/new-tans-same-old-polycrisis-as-europes-summer-ends/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/6188fa285f7e72bb475afb9a3d5c9f9657b8cf5ee34fea724c57c6ee4e7cdf97.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:26 | null | 2016-08-27T09:45:10 | GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 27, CMC – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) says it will not tolerate members acting unprofessionally and so far this year 15 officers have | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fpolice-officers-on-charges-ranging-from-attempted-murder-to-assault%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/judges-gavel.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Police officers on charges ranging from attempted murder to assault | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 27, CMC – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) says it will not tolerate members acting unprofessionally and so far this year 15 officers have been dismissed for unprofessional conduct.
Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine said there has been increased dismissal actions against police officers so far this year as compared to the previous year when 12 members were fired.
He said the dismissals were for corrupt transactions, firearm and narcotic related offences, assault, simple larceny and rape.
Allegations of unprofessional conduct are most often made against traffic police and anti-crime officers, Ramnarine said, adding “we do robust investigations of complaints and malpractice”.
He said that there had also been an increase in court cases brought against police officers.
Last year, 21 police officers were interdicted for offences ranging from conspiring to commit murder to assault. This year that number stands at 24 with officers charged with offences ranging from attempted murder to assault.
He said the most recent sting operations have nabbed a constable and a rural detective involved in “corrupt transaction” and another that was said to be “a menace” to patrons of the seawalls.
Meanwhile, Ramnarine acknowledged that “a large percentage of lower level” ranks of the GPF consists of young people who lack “much needed experience, patience (and) tolerance”, but assured that efforts to strengthen their capacity continue.
“It’s got to be constant supervision, you’ve got to be driving in their head all the time, they’ve taken an oath to serve… that their conduct and their discharge of those responsibilities are always under focus,” Ramnarine said, adding “the force is more of a public force now; it serves the public.
“We now have a capacity and capability in the Criminal Investigation Department of this GPF that is unparalleled,” he added. | http://antiguaobserver.com/police-officers-on-charges-ranging-from-attempted-murder-to-assault/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/32a69b5fb4cf69ef280376e4fa4d757b40eb35ebd4bf1cc04c6aa6ef1228523c.json |
[
"Makeida Antonio"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:49 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:22 | The son of the late Eustace Cochrane spoke movingly while presenting the eulogy of his father, at the Thanksgiving Service for his life, at the St John’s | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fneil-cochrane-remembers-the-life-of-late-father%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/official-funeral-of-the-late-Eustace-Cochrane.png?da4e36 | en | null | Neil Cochrane remembers the life of late father | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The son of the late Eustace Cochrane spoke movingly while presenting the eulogy of his father, at the Thanksgiving Service for his life, at the St John’s Pentecostal Church on Friday.
Neil Cochrane highlighted many of the achievements of his father throughout his lifetime, including his political career.
“Dad was a committed member of the Antigua Labour Party as it was called until relatively recently, and a star member of the parent organisation — The Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) from where he gave service to trade unionism for more than two decades, and worked as a strategist for the AT&LU. He served as the deputy leader for the Antigua Labour Party during his days of opposition during the 1971-1976 period,” Cochrane said.
“Dad was just not a member of the Antigua Labour Party, but a true comrade, meaning he held deeply the ideologies of the party and worked unceasingly to help the party realise its goals.
He was also in sync with the late Father of the Nation and then leader of the venerable institution, Sir VC Bird. They were friends in arms, and they shared a mutual respect for each other.” | http://antiguaobserver.com/neil-cochrane-remembers-the-life-of-late-father/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/6fe74eb17989506109755049fd1404f114bc765a0441baab9d6c95fa4afb8736.json |
[
"Kadeem Joseph"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:24 | null | 2015-05-05T05:00:47 | Minister of Labour Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin has promised a review of the earnings of workers to bring them in line with the rise in cost of living in the | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbenjamin-workers-salaries-must-increase-to-match-cost-of-living%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Salary-Increase-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Benjamin: Workers’ salaries must increase to match cost of living | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Minister of Labour Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin has promised a review of the earnings of workers to bring them in line with the rise in cost of living in the nation.
Speaking at the Antigua & Barbuda Trade Union Congress’s rally at Country Pond, yesterday, Benjamin said a wage review would be a priority for the new Labour Board and National Minimum Wage Committee.
“It is my duty to make sure that workers in this country enjoy the rights to which they are entitled. When the cost of living index rises, your salary must rise as well. I will make sure that I will do that,” he said.
He said while government works to ensure the nation becomes the “economic powerhouse” of the region, the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) will also ensure people become “the economic powerhouse in their homes.”
The labour minister was first greeted with a cold shoulder by some at the event, who were wearing UPP branded shirts and grumbled and left when he rose to speak. However, those who remained cheered after the minister’s announcement.
Meantime, Benjamin has asked the members of the TUC to consider changing the Labour Code to address matters surrounding workers’ health and safety or drafting an entirely new law.
“As you can recall, the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Code is the most progressive in the Eastern Caribbean. So, if we were to take out welfare, health and safety from the Labour Code, we will do violence to that Act,” he said. “So I am going to challenge you to consider whether or not you think it is appropriate to have a new Act introduced, which cater for the health, safety and welfare of individuals or we merely amend the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Code.”
The minister also asked the unions present to review the Workmen’s Compensation Act, which he said needs to be changed to further protect the rights of workers.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/benjamin-workers-salaries-must-increase-to-match-cost-of-living/ | en | 2015-05-05T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/cfeb0516910f0b8713548d9e0f08c9be7948f8f10e5e6edb98d3d25e1fcdd900.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T10:47:29 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:43 | ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration will place greater emphasis on environmental issues as well as structural and | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fdominica-to-place-more-focus-on-environmental-issues-one-year-after-tropical-storm-erika%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/dominica-rains-300x276.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Dominica to place more focus on environmental issues - one year after Tropical Storm Erika | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration will place greater emphasis on environmental issues as well as structural and engineering designs as the nation continues to recover from the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika that slammed into the island one year ago.
In a message on Friday, one year after Dominicans witnessed the wrath of the storm, Skerrit said the government has worked hard to reconstruct lives and rebuild the nation.
“We are not yet where we would wish to be, in terms of the rebuilding effort, but I am sure all would agree, that our progress has been remarkable, and we are on course to building back better, our beloved nature isle.”
The prime minister told the nation that the process of rebuilding is not one to be rushed.
“The reality is that replacing and rebuilding the entire damaged infrastructure and resettling displaced persons is a mammoth task. This concept will be applied to our construction practices, and very importantly, to architectural and engineering designs. There will be greater emphasis placed on environmental issues and this will be appropriately reflected in our overall national land use policy.”
Skerrit said Dominicans will not forget the carnage that revealed itself, on the morning of August 28, 2015.
“We have spoken about it repeatedly over the last 365 days, and since then, every single community has been touched in a positive way by the efforts we have made, as a government, and as a people, to reconstruct and recover from this ordeal.”
He called on the nation to pause and remember those who lost their lives.
More in today’s Daily Observer. | http://antiguaobserver.com/dominica-to-place-more-focus-on-environmental-issues-one-year-after-tropical-storm-erika/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/5530699ffdc3e9c3291d2034ff5bbc990004b436e0f4e98d7e19b1cf7a2b9696.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:27 | null | 2016-08-26T05:10:08 | DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – West Indies can clinch second spot in the International Cricket Council’s official Twenty20 rankings, once they can make a | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fwindies-eyeing-second-spot-in-t20-series%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1-WINDIES-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Windies eyeing second spot in T20 series | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – West Indies can clinch second spot in the International Cricket Council’s official Twenty20 rankings, once they can make a clean sweep of their two-match series against India, starting Saturday.
The reigning World champions are currently third on 122 points, with India second on 128 and New Zealand top of the standings on 132 points.
However, providing West Indies can beat India 2-0, they will move to 127 points which will be enough to put them second, with India dropping to third place on 124 points.
On the flip side, should India sweep the series 2-0, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side will join New Zealand on 132 points but would remain second when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.
West Indies would then slide to fourth on 118 points.
A 1-1 series stalemate would keep West Indies third on 123 points and India second on 128.
The hastily arranged T20s will see West Indies and India play matches in a bilateral series in the United States for the first time ever.
The first game is set for Saturday at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, with the second game carded for the same venue on Sunday.
Both squads have already assembled for the series which comes on the back of the four-Test series in the Caribbean which India won 2-0. | http://antiguaobserver.com/windies-eyeing-second-spot-in-t20-series/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/fe6b40c6a54d353219116ed5978b65fc6e969e7adec2c10761b0b1573cdc040c.json |
[
"Tameika Malone"
] | 2016-08-27T10:47:28 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:58 | Relatives, co-workers and well-wishers were brought to tears as a MEDIVAC helicopter lifted from the helipad at Mount St John’s Medical Hospital with burn | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Flatest-burn-victim-airlifted-for-treatment%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Gayan-Williams-airlift.png?da4e36 | en | null | Latest burn victim airlifted for treatment | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Relatives, co-workers and well-wishers were brought to tears as a MEDIVAC helicopter lifted from the helipad at Mount St John’s Medical Hospital with burn victim, Gayan Williams onboard.
Williams, 41, was airlifted yesterday to a medical facility in Guadeloupe for treatment for the burns she sustained in a fire at her home on Wednesday morning.
Her toddler son, Jadean, 3, was also airlifted to a facility in Martinique on a second MEDIVAC flight, almost two hours after his mother.
Williams, her two young sons, her fiancé Eddy and his daughter were rushed to hospital by ambulance, after a fire, believed to have been electrical, burnt their dwelling.
Minister of Health Molwyn Joseph confirmed the government will be footing the bill to get the mother and son treatment for the second-degree burns William sustained to the face and torso and the toddler to his face and upper body.
“It is difficult at this time to ascertain the cost, but we have a working relationship with the French authority. As long as we document our commitment as a government to cover the cost, they will provide the services,” Joseph said in an interview.
More in today’s Daily Observer. | http://antiguaobserver.com/latest-burn-victim-airlifted-for-treatment/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/2a29e1925aa8c1d6f312bbb7e043f462e968d411146333ee3e6f59bd5f543368.json |
[
"Bbc Sports"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:07 | null | 2016-08-26T05:15:52 | Polish discus thrower Piotr Malachowski has donated his Olympic silver medal to raise funds for a three-year-old boy with a rare form of cancer. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Folympian-donates-medal-to-help-three-year-old-with-cancer%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Piotr-Malachowski.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Olympian donates medal to help three-year-old with cancer | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Polish discus thrower Piotr Malachowski has donated his Olympic silver medal to raise funds for a three-year-old boy with a rare form of cancer.
Malachowski, 33, won his second Olympic silver in Rio, finishing 82 cm adrift of Germany’s Continued on page 30 Cancer from page 29
Christoph Harting.
His donation enabled compatriot Olek Szymanski, who has retinoblastoma – an eye cancer affecting young children, to go to New York for treatment.
“My silver medal is worth a lot more than a week ago,” said Malachowski.
“It is worth the health of little Olek.”
Malachowski, who also won silver in Beijing eight years ago, said fate had given him the chance to “increase the value of my silver”.
He added: “We were able to show that together we can do wonders. It is our great shared success.
“Winning an Olympic medal is one of an athlete’s life dreams. Of course, the most precious is gold.
“I did everything in my power to get it. Unfortunately this time I did not succeed.” (BBC Sports) | http://antiguaobserver.com/olympian-donates-medal-to-help-three-year-old-with-cancer/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/bc53b91c1f08b0b6bf95d17aed5b627e15d5ee35a97c04f37efa162731d0e57d.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T12:47:15 | null | 2016-08-27T08:46:42 | A group allied to Kurdish-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said it was bombarded by Turkish warplanes on Saturday, after Turkey's military launched an | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fkurdish-aligned-group-in-north-syria-says-targeted-by-turkish-warplanes%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-18-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Kurdish-aligned group in north Syria says targeted by Turkish warplanes | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
A group allied to Kurdish-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said it was bombarded by Turkish warplanes on Saturday, after Turkey’s military launched an incursion this week into northern Syria against both Islamic State and Kurdish forces.
Turkish officials had no immediate comment on the report which, if confirmed, would signal Turkey’s action against Kurdish-aligned forces was being ratcheted up a notch.
The Jarablus Military Council, a group that is part of the SDF, said jets hit positions near the strategic town of Jarablus. It reported civilian casualties and called the strike “a dangerous escalation”.
Early on Saturday, a Reuters witness in Karkamis, a Turkish town on the other side of the border from Syria’s Jarablus, saw warplanes flying from Turkish air space into Syria and then heard several explosions. The identity of the planes was not clear.
Syrian rebels backed by Turkish special forces, tanks and warplanes entered Jarablus this week, seizing the frontier town that had been an Islamic State stronghold. The rebel force backed by Turkey were largely Arab and Turkmen.
The Turkish campaign pre-empted action by Kurdish-backed forces which had sought to get to Jarablus first.
But Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials has made clear that the incursion is as much about pushing away Islamic State as it is about preventing Kurdish forces filling the void left as the Islamists withdraw.
Turkey wants to stop Kurdish forces gaining control of a continuous stretch of territory along its southern border, which Ankara fears they could use to support the Kurdish militant group PKK that is fighting an insurgency on Turkish soil.
RIVALRIES AND ALLIANCES
The Jarablus Military Council said the village of al-Amarna, which lies a few km south of Jarablus, was hit. In response to the Turkish strike, it said: “If they do not attack our forces, then we will keep the border strip secure.”
The newly formed Jarablus Military Council has said it is made up by people from the area with the aim of capturing the town and the surrounding area from Islamic State militants. However, the Turkish-backed rebels seized Jarablus first.
The Jarablus Military Council has aligned itself with the SDF, which encompasses several militias including Arabs and the Kurdish YPG group.
The SDF is also backed by the United States, putting Ankara at odds with its NATO ally Washington in its engagement in Syria, where the multi-faceted conflict has raged for five years, creating complex rivalries and alliances.
On Thursday, a day after Turkey began its cross-border offensive, Turkish troops fired on U.S.-backed YPG forces, which is part of the SDF. Turkey’s state news agency described that salvo as warning shots. The use of Turkish warplanes against an SDF-aligned group would point to tougher action.
A Reuters witness in Karkamis heard blasts and smoke rising from the nearby Syrian village of Kivircik.
Several militias under the SDF banner pledged support to Jarablus Military Council after it reported the Turkish bombing.
The Northern Sun Battalion, an SDF faction, said in a statement it was heading to “Jarablus fronts” to help the council against “threats made by factions belonging to Turkey”.
Tension has mounted in the past year between the Kurdish YPG force and its allies on one hand and Turkish-backed rebel groups fighting President Bashar al-Assad on the other, in the Aleppo region. The two sides have clashed on several occasions. | http://antiguaobserver.com/kurdish-aligned-group-in-north-syria-says-targeted-by-turkish-warplanes/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/bde780c41ade7f8276c735c649d47efdbee8989600a2dca5c0f4982dee718dae.json |
[
"John Public'S Gay Son"
] | 2016-08-28T00:47:21 | null | 2016-08-27T18:57:05 | ......you do not speak for all LGBT individuals- (DISCLAIMER- I in no way am trying to tear you down but someone needs to remind you of the vast spectrum of the | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fgay-mans-open-letter-challenging-tasheeka-lavaan%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/buggery.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Gay man’s open letter challenging Tasheeka Lavaan | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Dear Young, Lesbian, Celebrity Beauty Queen, LGBT activist, asylum seeking, singing, journalist who ran for your life to Canada,
I am a young ‘Antiguan’ individual who has also, at a point in my life, decided that migrating to another country was indeed the most ideal thing for me to do. In doing this, I not only looked at the fact that I was constantly being treated differently and it was exhausting, but I also looked at the fact that I have always wanted to migrate and the fact that I needed opportunities to pursue a career that Antigua & Barbuda does not yet have available for me. I was not and am not a ‘celebrity’ or ‘significant figure’ in Antigua as you have been. I am an individual who simply wanted to find happiness without the fear of persecution, constant judgment and antagonism. Let’s face it: the Antiguan community can be very critical of a lot of things including one another. I respect the fact that you have come forward and ‘established’ yourself as LGBT activist stationed……..in Canada.
If I’m being honest….. I have followed your LGBT up rise from the beginning, and I follow your page on FB (Facebook). I respect the fact that you want more for our country…. I even respect the fact that you’re not afraid to boldly show your love to the world. That is your choice, however. I have always been private, not hidden, but as a concerned LGBT youth…. it would be remiss for me not to make you aware of a few things.
……you do not speak for all LGBT individuals- (DISCLAIMER- I in no way am trying to tear you down but someone needs to remind you of the vast spectrum of the LGBT community and also share with you their views…even if it could be deemed as conflicting). We don’t all run away (NB not every LGBT individual who migrates, runs away). We all have our reasons…. I am sure you may know some others who have done it because they have become tired of the discrimination, but we all cannot be painted with the same brush. Some of us leave for better opportunities for work or education. Some of us leave for love. Some of us leave because we want to explore the world and much more. It becomes a terrible idiosyncrasy when you constantly paint our community with the brush of hardship and struggle. I personally know many LGBT men and women who strive under the hardships we ‘sometimes’ face. Some who are senior level staff, managers, entrepreneurs who although (they) live in a place that can sometimes be damning, have made a name for themselves and are respected and looked to for the work they produce and their professionalism or in general…for being good human beings. I cannot say I know every LGBT person because I only know the ones around me. Also my opinion does not negate the fact that there are persons who are struggling to fit in and to be accepted. We all have those issues. Sorry to burst your bubble….. but as far as the LGBT movement is concerned….. as a lesbian, you may be on the better end of the totem pole. I’m really not trying to grind your gears or break the movement but gays and transgenders have had it waaayyy harder than you. I understand that your truth is your truth but a realistic question would be……. “How many times have you heard about a lesbian being interfered with to the point of persecution?” I worked in Tourism and have encountered quite a few open ‘butch-like’ lesbians. I was a bubbly-spirited worker who constantly got picked on and harassed by different people almost every other day and I never identified myself as gay or straight. I say this to say….. that the sad fact is….. gay men and transgenders tend to be more harassed and persecuted than lesbians. Some lesbians can hide behind lipstick and dresses and femininity while if a man happens to be a bit flamboyant…. he is quickly marked and branded with disdain and disgust and will forever be seen as a joke to society. A lot of individuals tend to feel that we as men and transgenders are the abomination while lesbians will ‘grow out of it eventually”. I respect lesbians (P.S. some of my closest friends are strong open lesbians) and all my other LGBT counterparts but why don’t you state the facts as is, you tend to mislead and misinform. Moreover, it makes you look like a liar especially when there are men and women who all know and have experienced the truth to be different. And when I say men and women, I speak not only of the LGBT community but Antiguans and Barbudans in general. Is the Antigua &Barbuda LGBT community an advocacy platform for you or simply a platform with meal-ticket? Gurl………sometimes you confuse me. I really want to believe the things you write as an LBGT activist on your Huffington Post blog or the things you say in your famous Facebook rants and tantrums, but the things you do sometimes leave me and many others to wonder, is it because you care or is it for attention? I want to believe that WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY deep down inside there is some sincerity in ‘your truth’ but you always leave me wondering. In one breath, you promote equality and (that) love wins. Yet in another, you bash the country YOU decided to leave with such harshness. You speak on the love of the LGBT community in Canada and then jump to stand arms in the pain and suffering of Black America then you leap over to smite Antigua & Barbuda once more. Really Gurl? Then we see you advertise a performance…. then a guest appearance……and the list goes on. It’s exhausting sometimes. I know if I don’t want to see it I can always block and delete or unfollow but unfortunately… you seem to be the ‘last hope for LGBT existence’. Sadly, you are one of my current events as a gay man. I know we have others who are fighting the good fight for equality but…. no one, to me, has gathered more attention as an activist than you have….unfortunately.
I’m sorry for the things that have happened to you. The things that would make you feel the need to run away from your home. I know it is never an easy decision to move….. especially to another country. I do not doubt your patriotism but I do find fault with your approach to LGBT issues. In one breath, you want everyone to accept us for who we are, yet in another you try to degrade and tear down the same people from whom you seek attention to your issue. It’s like telling a child, “don’t cry”, after giving the child a beating. I feel like sometimes your approach could interfere with the way the world perceives our people. I not only look at the fact that we are hurting, but you have to look at it from the other side. For example, Tourism takes up a great percentage of our GDP. The greater your platform becomes, the more you are heard which could mean being heard by tourists, whose money unfortunately we rely on. Therefore, you are now messing with families, their incomes and their livelihoods. ‘To every action there is an equal or opposite reaction’.
You always post #LoveWins. Well, if love wins then why not keep to that approach. Stick to facts. Be unbiased to “your truth”. Make your platform less about the fact you are a former Jubilee Carnival queen and more about the fact that all we want in our community is to be loved and respected as human beings on this earth. No one would choose a life of marginalization, persecution, and discrimination if this were a choice. This is what I would like for my LGBT activist: To promote change and not self in between. The attention should come from your hard work and dedication to our cause but it is blurred by the misrepresentation that is sometimes displayed. At this point, I wouldn’t want others to think that we ALL think this way and all share the sentiments you submit. This is why I wrote this public letter to you.
I am not seeking attention, nor am I trying to promote you. I am not expecting a response to my letter, and if there is one, then, you can definitely be sure that there will not be a rebuttal to anything being said. I just hope you can look at what I am saying to you as hope for you to adjust rather than to continue a highly flawed approach to winning people over. I have really tried to speak to you intelligently and without being disrespectful to you or your character. I wish you all the best, and I hope that your direction will be shifted in a way to bring about ‘real change’.
With respect and high regards,
John Public’s gay son | http://antiguaobserver.com/gay-mans-open-letter-challenging-tasheeka-lavaan/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f720d4b32eea5924e345da78d6bfdfdc4c3a6973187ce270a080db070891f548.json |
[
"Neto Baptiste"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:36 | null | 2016-08-26T05:10:28 | Members of the Antigua & Barbuda team to the just ended Rio Olympics returned home Thursday afternoon, to what parents and supporters at the VC Bird | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fno-official-welcome-for-olympians%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/antigua-national-swimmers.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | No official Welcome for Olympians | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Members of the Antigua & Barbuda team to the just ended Rio Olympics returned home Thursday afternoon, to what parents and supporters at the VC Bird International Airport dubbed a low-key and disheartening effort by those in authority to properly welcome the athletes and officials.
No one from either the National Olympic Committee (NOC) or the Ministry of Sports was present to officially welcome the team.
Coach Teddy Daley said this was noticed by athletes whom, he added, were disappointed.
“They felt that the Olympic Association would have had representation up here (at the airport). We would have gone through the VIP, and while we were standing in line waiting to come out, they were seeing people going through VIP and thought that ‘I just came from representing my country. I might not have been as successful as all of us hoped, but I did the best that I could under the circumstances and I had to stand in line with everybody else’,” Daley said.
More in today’s Daily Observer. | http://antiguaobserver.com/no-official-welcome-for-olympians/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/78f9342fad5c496c6b8657eeaed4728606f886825703d16632e82b3c88646cc2.json |
[
"Makeida Antonio"
] | 2016-08-31T10:48:04 | null | 2016-08-31T05:01:50 | Carnival is in need of a cultural intervention, was the view of those in attendance at the 2016 Carnival Symposium yesterday. Director at Shiva’s School of | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fcarnival-stakeholders-share-concerns-over-culture%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Front-5-Concerns-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Carnival stakeholders share concerns over culture | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Carnival is in need of a cultural intervention, was the view of those in attendance at the 2016 Carnival Symposium yesterday.
Director at Shiva’s School of Dance, Tavia Hunte who lecturers at the Antigua State College, said carnival appears to be empty because individuals who are knowledgeable about the culture of Antigua & Barbuda are not given the platform to educate the youth.
“One of the concerns that I have is that our carnival seems to have fallen off the cliff because of imbalance. Now, you can’t have a house without a steady foundation. Our carnival appears to be empty, and I use the word appear, because the persons who know about the culture of this country and understand the history have not come to the platform or are prevented from coming to the platform where they could advise or maybe steer the ideas that come forward for the celebrations,” Hunte said.
She also said while she is happy that the church has come forward by virtue of attending the symposium, it takes much more than offering criticisms of the festivities to fix it.
“The church has stepped forward, and I’m happy about that. But you can’t condemn and embrace; you can’t criticise and help. You, as the church body, if you feel that there is a shift in the souls of the people, you have to step in and support the community; not by judging them but by educating them in a manner in which you can reach them,” Hunte said.
Meantime, Chairperson of the Antigua & Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, Dorbrene O’Marde also expressed his concerns to Bishop Charlesworth Browne about the church’s involvement in carnival and questioned the efficiency of church leadership.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/carnival-stakeholders-share-concerns-over-culture/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f70c81b20a4ed8fef6abfe1393f1df31a6d0cd575f4b9c4ee4da6dbc011d7a1c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:58 | null | 2015-05-06T07:00:24 | Police Commissioner Wendell Robinson has confirmed that crime on the island is down. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fpolice-commissioner-says-crime-down%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/CRIME-STORY-LOGO.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Police commissioner says crime down | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Police Commissioner Wendell Robinson has confirmed that crime on the island is down.
Speaking on State media, Tuesday, Robinson said over the last three or four months the police have been successful in reducing the number of crimes in Antigua & Barbuda.
“In some areas aggravated robbery has been reduced by well over 50 percent,” the commissioner said.
“We have areas where crime has become so low that it is even more than 75%. But, I don’t like to use statistics so soon because as soon as you talk about crime, something happens.
He said usually by this time of the year the island would have recorded somewhere in the region of five homicides. However, there have only been two so far.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne used the same statistics in his Labour Day address on Monday, while lauding his government for its approach to crime in the country.
Robinson also said he believes public confidence in the force had increased over the past few months.
Additionally, Senior Sergeant Frankie Thomas said it is critical for the force to have the public’s support in its crime -fighting initiatives and took the opportunity to remind the public of the force’s “See something. Say something” programme.
“That’s the tagline and it’s very important. If you see something, don’t hold that information close to your chest, because you never know how important it is in terms of solving a matter.”’
His appeal comes as both the police and the family of the teen found in Lightfoot Pond urge the public to come forward with any relevant information about the teen’s mysterious death.
“I think we have been getting the level of support that we anticipated. Of course, there is always room for improvement. But, our outlook, in terms of support, is encouraging and we continue to appeal to the general public to lend us its support,” Thomas said. | http://antiguaobserver.com/police-commissioner-says-crime-down/ | en | 2015-05-06T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/c290b0f6d90e23ae569ece2b826e8673a2158c7bd3b888fb34ef2bb8fa9baa6f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:01 | null | 2016-08-26T11:04:52 | Prime Minister Perry Christie has dismissed claims that lawyers have instructed him not to divulge details about the latest deal with the Baha Mar tourism | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fprime-minister-dismisses-claims-of-secret-deals-with-baha-mar%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bahama-mar.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Prime Minister dismisses claims of “secret deals” with Baha Mar | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
NASSAU, Bahamas, Aug. 26, CMC – Prime Minister Perry Christie has dismissed claims that lawyers have instructed him not to divulge details about the latest deal with the Baha Mar tourism project due to the sensitivity of the matter and the among of money involved in the agreement.
During a groundbreaking ceremony at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute on Thursday, Christie said there is “nothing secret” about the deal that has been struck with the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) for the remobilization of Baha Mar.
Additionally, in a statement, released late Thursday, Christie said his administration will not be distracted from its efforts and “will continue to work for and on behalf of the Bahamian people”.
The Prime Minister sought to dismiss several reports including one that the government has sold islands as part of the agreement.
“This is false, there have been allegations that we have given away or sold islands. This is false, nothing has been given by way of concessions that has not been offered before to previous investors.”
He also dismissed speculation that his administration has offered citizenship grants in relation to the Baha Mar deal.
“This is false, nothing has been given by way of concessions that has not been offered before to previous investors.”
Christie added that thousands of former Bahamian employees of Baha Mar will receive outstanding amounts due to them including “unpaid salaries, severance pay, accrued vacation pay, and notice payments due to termination (and) sums deducted from employees and former employees’ salaries and pension contributions will be repaid”.
He also said funds will be made available to enable Bahamian creditors and contractors to receive a significant part, and possibly all of the value of their claims.
Christie outlined several facts in support of the deal.
“The fact that Bahamians holding commercial leases and concessions, will be permitted to continue to hold them; the fact that many of the same people and companies who were previously contracted, will be re-engaged to complete the Project, the fact that the Government of The Bahamas and the Bahamian utility companies, such as BPL, will receive payment for some of their outstanding claims against the Baha Mar companies…..”
He said Baha Mar, the largest project ever of its kind in the region, is a complex, commercial transaction that requires significant attention to detail.
“The Government, together with other stakeholders will continue to work to implement the obligations under the Agreement.
On Monday, Christie announced that once completed, the hotel will be sold to a “world-class” hotel and casino operator”.
In a live address to the nation late Monday, the Prime Minister said construction is scheduled to resume in September and under the terms of the agreement, the EXIM Bank has committed to funding the costs to finish the project and the resort’s general contractor, China Construction America (CCA) Bahamas, will complete the outstanding work. | http://antiguaobserver.com/prime-minister-dismisses-claims-of-secret-deals-with-baha-mar/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/d90a3e705a42fbcd13d188ece2b36167760c4c11cc07ecf8cc356fef5ad3a885.json |
[
"Yahoo"
] | 2016-08-28T14:47:34 | null | 2016-08-28T10:09:47 | Since it was founded in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s goals have been civilian. The agency’s main objective, to explore outside our | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fnasas-spinoff-is-the-coolest-magazine-youve-never-read%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/nasa-logo-web-rgb_0-Custom.gif?da4e36 | en | null | NASA’s “Spinoff” is the Coolest Magazine You’ve Never Read | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Since it was founded in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s goals have been civilian. The agency’s main objective, to explore outside our orbit, was part of a larger mission to provide “the most effective utilization of the scientific and engineering resources of the United States.” Consider that a success: Each year, thousands of consumer products benefit from “spin-offs,” integration of technologies and processes originally developed for and by NASA. That makes the agency’s existence a boon for the economy, pushing forwardrobotics and agriculture, medicine and computing. Plus, knowing there’s a little Space Shuttle in your electric toothbrush is just plain cool.
So, in 1976, NASA began releasing a magazine to summarize its influence on civilian items. Aptly titled Spinoff, each issue is 100-plus pages of essential nerd material and trivia fodder, charting the diaspora of space technology. Like how the Viking Mars lander program informed winter car tire compounds, or silica fiber Orbiter tiles were repurposed to help jewelers solder precious metals. Because it’s clearly an exercise in justifying NASA’s funding, Spinoff doesn’t discriminate in its coverage; some inventions are incredible (cool suits to slow multiple sclerosis symptoms, 1993), while others are hilarious (helicopter rotor-inspired, and Glen Campbell-endorsed, acoustic guitars, 1978) or downright idiotic (ungainly, pod-like anthropometric in-home relaxation chamber, 1987.) Invariably, though, they are wonderful.
NASA has digitized hi-res scans of every Spinoff, cover-to-cover, and made the collection available online as downloadable PDFs. Just follow this link, then key the desired year into the URL (e.g. “1976.pdf”) and bask in all the retro glory. | http://antiguaobserver.com/nasas-spinoff-is-the-coolest-magazine-youve-never-read/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/a02ef01f0fcb957bb13bd95c3490baa0d9adee64e6a2ef7f6a607bccf61b8e37.json |
[
"Neto Baptiste"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:06 | null | 2016-08-26T05:00:31 | Chief Antigua & Barbuda and Central American & Caribbean (CAC), bodybuilding judge, Errol Williams has urged the athletes here to get involved in the National | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fchief-judge-urges-athletes-to-compete-more%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1-BODY-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Chief judge urges athletes to compete more | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Chief Antigua & Barbuda and Central American & Caribbean (CAC), bodybuilding judge, Errol Williams has urged the athletes here to get involved in the National Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini Championships.
His call comes just two days before the competition, slated for August 27 at the Grand Royal Antiguan Resort.
According to Williams, bodybuilders here are “afraid” of competition.
“I don’t think that they love competing. Some of them have demonstrated to me that they are afraid of competition. They will be in the gym and they will train hard, they look good and somebody says, you’re going to compete, and they slink off in the corner They don’t like to lose; nobody likes to lose, but you must love to compete,” he said.
“By competition, you are going to improve your physique, your standard, your knowledge and you’re improving everything because you’re against somebody else who is trying to win. So you have to bring your best game,” Williams added.
A record number of 48 athletes are set to compete at the championships, on Saturday night, of which only seven are bodybuilders.
Williams also highlighted what he calls a dying aspect of the sport — women’s bodybuilding — stating that it has lost its appeal even to sponsors. | http://antiguaobserver.com/chief-judge-urges-athletes-to-compete-more/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/e800ae89835bb0fc33cb7905f5c7fd43950df130cf1464bd618d872533bef7be.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:48:00 | null | 2016-08-30T11:46:12 | Gene Wilder, whose wild curls and startling blue eyes brought a frantic air to roles in the movies "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Young Frankenstein" | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fgene-wilder-star-of-willy-wonka-blazing-saddles-dead-at-83%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/willy-wonka.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Gene Wilder, star of ‘Willy Wonka,’ ‘Blazing Saddles,’ dead at 83 | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Gene Wilder, whose wild curls and startling blue eyes brought a frantic air to roles in the movies “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Blazing Saddles,” died on Monday at the age of 83, his family said.
Wilder, whose best work included collaborations with director-writer Mel Brooks and actor-comedian Richard Pryor, died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, the family said in a statement.
Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said the actor had chosen to keep his illness secret so that children who knew him as Willy Wonka would not equate the whimsical character with an adult disease.
Wilder’s barely contained hysteria made him a go-to lead for Brooks, who cast him in “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers” in the 1960s and ’70s.
“Gene Wilder – one of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship,” Brooks said on Twitter.
Besides his classic collaborations with Brooks, Wilder paired memorably with comedian Richard Pryor in hits “Silver Streak” and “Stir Crazy.”
Wilder also was active in promoting ovarian cancer awareness and treatment after his wife, “Saturday Night Live” comedian Gilda Radner, whom he married in 1984, died of the disease in 1989.
He helped found the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center in Los Angeles and co-founded Gilda’s Club, a support organization that has branches throughout the United States.
Born Jerome Silberman to Russian immigrants in Milwaukee, Wilder studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre in Bristol, England, and then studied method acting at the Actors Studio.
A leading role in a play that also starred Anne Bancroft, who was dating her future husband Brooks, led to Wilder becoming a top member of Brooks’ stock company of crazies, some of whom branched out with Wilder into other film ventures.
Wilder’s first movie role was a small part as a terrified undertaker who was abducted by Bonnie and Clyde in Arthur Penn’s 1967 film of the same name.
The following year he was panic-stricken Leo Bloom to Zero Mostel’s conniving Max Bialystock in Brooks’ “The Producers,” picking up an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
While it initially got a tepid response, the movie with its over-the-top song “Springtime for Hitler,” went on to become a cult favorite and, years later with a different cast, a monster hit on Broadway.
Wilder was a last-minute fill-in as the “Waco Kid” in Brooks’ “Blazing Saddles” in 1974, and with Brooks wrote the screenplay for “Young Frankenstein” released later that year, also to big box office returns.
The two were nominated for best screenplay Oscars, but lost to Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo for “The Godfather Part II.”
With Brooks alumni Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldman, Wilder made his directorial debut with 1975’s “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother,” and directed several other movies with uneven results.
Wilder’s title role in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” earned him a Golden Globe nomination in 1971, and he was nominated again in that category in 1976 for “Silver Streak.”
He won an Emmy in 2003 for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for appearances on “Will and Grace.”
Wilder’s memoir, “Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art,” was released in 2005 and he collaborated with oncologist Steven Piver on the book “Gilda’s Disease” in 1998.
He was hospitalized in 1999 with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma but was said to be in complete remission in 2005.
Wilder lived in Stamford in a house built in 1734 that he had shared with Radner, writing and painting watercolors with his wife Karen Boyer, whom he married in 1991. | http://antiguaobserver.com/gene-wilder-star-of-willy-wonka-blazing-saddles-dead-at-83/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/3abbbaef7839f87a1962b0a6d0ac74c87111a291d15fd4c8183a94c80651b143.json |
[
"Neto Baptiste"
] | 2016-08-27T10:47:23 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:48 | Cyclists across Antigua & Barbuda are gearing up for what has become one of the most gruelling events on the cycling calendar, the Subway 3 Stage Race starting | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fcyclists-prepare-for-grueling-three-stage-race%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/3-CYCLING.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Cyclists prepare for grueling three-stage race | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Cyclists across Antigua & Barbuda are gearing up for what has become one of the most gruelling events on the cycling calendar, the Subway 3 Stage Race starting on Saturday morning.
One member of the Antigua & Barbuda Cycling Federation’s (ABCF) PR team, Alistair Savoury, said cyclists are in for two tough days of competition.
“We start with a time trial at 8 am on Saturday morning. It’s a short course from Police Recreation Grounds up to the North Sound roundabout and back, and then in the afternoon at 2:30 we have the circuit race up at the old Pan Am base. That could be quite intense, so it’s good for spectators because it’s got good views, lots of long straights, short sharp climbs,” he said.
“On Sunday morning, we’ll be having the road race which is the combination of the three stages, which start at the entrance of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and we ride to the gates at St James’s Hotel and turn around and come back,” he added. | http://antiguaobserver.com/cyclists-prepare-for-grueling-three-stage-race/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/9979262eb5084cc5c21598b4a49acf30a7a8d748b710b98c088c1c0dbe50ce30.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:39 | null | 2016-08-26T05:25:09 | PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) -Frustrated West Indies head coach Phil Simmons says he has not been successful in getting a number of new measures implemented to | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fsimmons-wants-support-for-new-measures-to-improve-windies-performance%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Phil-Simmons.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Simmons wants support for new measures to improve Windies performance | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) -Frustrated West Indies head coach Phil Simmons says he has not been successful in getting a number of new measures implemented to help improve the performance of the regional squad.
Simmons made his revelation during a news conference following the West Indies 2-0 defeat in the four-Test series against India.
The former Windies all-rounder, head coach for a little over a year, says he has requested that a meeting of regional coaches be held about three times a year to review training modules, improvement in practice facilities and at least
three competitive matches for the West Indies A team each year.
“There are a lot of things that I have asked for but it’s not coming to fruition. I have asked for coaches to meet twice, maybe three times a year and discuss cricket,” Simmons disclosed.
“We need to make sure that whatever we are doing upstairs is going down to everybody. You and I might be two coaches and we coach differently, but the same objective we need to have. If we don’t have the same objective then we are spinning top in mud”.
West Indies have been languishing at the bottom of the ICC rankings in Test cricket for some time now as officials ponder ways of reversing the trend. | http://antiguaobserver.com/simmons-wants-support-for-new-measures-to-improve-windies-performance/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/ad9c9b99313ebcf91b33c19665ccbaf93535d57bf38aa88afa31c5a9c6a238f1.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:47:52 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:32 | PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 29, CMC – Captain Kenwyne Jones says Trinidad and Tobago are highly motivated for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Guatemala, | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fjones-says-warriors-fired-up-for-guatemala-contest%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Kenwyne_Jones_TT_950153707.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Jones says Warriors fired up for Guatemala contest | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Aug 29, CMC – Captain Kenwyne Jones says Trinidad and Tobago are highly motivated for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Guatemala, especially following their difficult away trip there last November.
In what was the opening Group C encounter of the fourth round at the Estadio Mateo Flores in Guatemala City, T&T battled their way to a 2-1 victory but Jones said the memories of the trip were still fresh.
“We also have some fire in our bellies. In some way we have a recompense for Guatemala … for the way we were treated in Guatemala,” Jones said.
“Yes we know it’s all part of football but we are fired up for Friday.”
T&T lead Group C on 10 points, three clear of CONCACAF giants United States on seven, with Guatemala on six and the already eliminated St Vincent and the Grenadines lying bottom without a point.
Importantly, the Trinidadians are yet to lose a game having racked up three wins and a draw, but Jones said his players were taking nothing for granted as they chased qualification for Russia 2018.
“I’ve already had that conversation with them so they know what they rewards can be,” said the former Sunderland, Stoke City and Cardiff City frontman.
“We know that we have a lot of work to do and a long way to go still before we qualify. Even though we have done so well in the group, no game is an easy game and we expect to always have a fight on our hands.
“I think the team is well prepared to go through the all the ups and downs as a team. We have matured over some time as a unit and I am quite confident in my group.”
For the first time in 12 years, the World Cup qualifiers find Jones based at home where he is currently on loan to Central FC from Major League Soccer expansion club, Atlanta United.
He said not having to travel long hours from Europe this time around would be key to his fitness.
“Of course there is going to be a difference but at the same time I haven’t been training with the national team so this week is still very important in terms of us coming together as a team again,” the 31-year-old said.
“I am fit but who knows, you don’t know what a game will call for. I have the advantage of not traveling long hours anymore to come to play but there is still the preparation to be done before the match.”
Head coach Stephen Hart has called up a 24-man squad for Friday’s encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. | http://antiguaobserver.com/jones-says-warriors-fired-up-for-guatemala-contest/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/7e0dc129c1bc22c575ff9015d990e82e388ad83b07dd02f72dd404f3f6cb0302.json |
[
"Dave George"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:49 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:41 | Amidst the debate about government’s recent decision to pass legislation to relax the usage of marijuana to five grammes, member of the Marijuana | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Ffranki-says-ganja-law-premature%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/weed-2-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | ‘Frank-I’ says ganja law premature | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Amidst the debate about government’s recent decision to pass legislation to relax the usage of marijuana to five grammes, member of the Marijuana Decriminalization Committee, Franklyn ‘King Frank-I’ Francis said the Cabinet’s decision to take this route is premature.
Francis, who also sits on a Caricom commission on the matter, said the government should wait on recommendations to be submitted.
“I think that what has happened so far is Cabinet has suggested to the attorney general that legislation be prepared, but I think it’s a little premature and pre-emptive, since the Caricom commission hasn’t given their proposals to the Heads and neither has the Antiguan Commission done so.
“So just to say five grammes for recreation use is infinitesimal, to say the least. It shows an ignorance in the situation as it exists in Antigua.
“The amount of five grammes, that is smoked before daybreak, is an indication that the amount is inadequate,” Francis added.
He attributes his expertise on the matter to over 40 years of study and research on marijuana.
Francis believes that since the Cabinet set up the local commission comprising Transformation Minister, Samantha Marshall), the Chief Medical Officer, Rhonda Sealy Thomas, Bishop Charlesworth Browne, Senator Maureen Hyman-Payne, Leon Symister and himself, to address the concerns from decriminalising the drug, he’s surprised this decision has been made before any consultations or recommendations from the commission.
He admitted the commission attempted to have a few public consultations that weren’t well attended and Marshall subsequently proposed the commission took a break to resume after the Carnival festivities this year.
Francis reminds that the issue of marijuana and its use requires in depth studies and consideration, since it has the potential to produce economic benefits and medicinal properties.
According to Francis, another important component to consider is the issue of granting amnesty to marijuana users, so a more accurate picture can be determined, as part of the research, of the volume of persons currently using the drug, since persons may be fearful of being exposed.
At a regional level, he said that the Caricom Marijuana Commission, chaired by Rosemarie Belle-Antoine, a law professor at St Augustine University, is proposing that recommendations be made to Caricom Heads to advance the cause.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/franki-says-ganja-law-premature/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/85c229a9be77743d399a045623d683863e6eeb057bdc311014e96a2333473a85.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:47 | null | 2016-08-29T08:19:55 | Actor-director Nate Parker says he never gave another thought to his trial and acquittal on rape charges in 2001 until forced to confront the issue again as the | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbirth-of-a-nation-filmmaker-reflects-on-his-2001-rape-trial-acquittal%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-8-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | ‘Birth of a Nation’ filmmaker reflects on his 2001 rape trial, acquittal | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Actor-director Nate Parker says he never gave another thought to his trial and acquittal on rape charges in 2001 until forced to confront the issue again as the promotion for his film “Birth of a Nation” was gaining steam this month.
In an interview with Ebony magazine published on Saturday, his first since learning in recent weeks that the women who accused him of rape in 1999 had committed suicide, Parker also acknowledged his previous comments to the media about the case were “insensitive.”
“When I was first met with the news that this part of my past had come up, my knee-jerk reaction was selfish,” he told the magazine. “My only thought was I’m innocent and everyone needs to know.”
Parker, 36, whose film about an 1831 Virginia slave revolt is set for commercial release in October, said he was only now coming to terms with issues of “toxic masculinity” and “male privilege” that influenced his “disrespectful” behavior toward women as a younger man.
Parker, who was little known before “Birth of a Nation” made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival in January, has been at the center of a controversy since the 17-year-old rape case involving him came to wide public attention earlier this month.
A debate over whether the artist can be separated from the art has gripped Hollywood, the black community and women’s groups, while some civil rights leaders have suggested the media was dredging up the rape case to discredit a powerful story about slave resistance.
An 18-year-old fellow Penn State University student accused Parker, then 19, and his friend, Jean Celestin, of raping her while she was unconscious from heavy drinking.
A jury acquitted Parker in 2001. Celestin, now credited as a co-writer on “Birth of a Nation,” was found guilty of sexual assault, but the verdict was overturned on appeal.
Initially addressing the case two weeks ago in interviews with Hollywood publications Variety and Deadline, Parker told Variety, that the case was litigated and, “I was cleared of it. That’s that. Seventeen years later, I’m a filmmaker.”
His remarks struck many as callous, especially when it surfaced days later that the woman had taken her own life in 2012 at age 30.
Parker wrote in a subsequent Facebook post that he was devastated by news of her death, while reasserting that their encounter had been “unambiguously consensual.” | http://antiguaobserver.com/birth-of-a-nation-filmmaker-reflects-on-his-2001-rape-trial-acquittal/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/cd6462c32c51059121b7348912ca5cb04562153cdaae38b37023b9a905519d20.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:48:06 | null | 2016-08-31T05:01:27 | Former Education Minister Dr Jacqui Quinn has castigated her successor Michael Browne over his response to the decline in the performance of mathematics and | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Feducation-minister-blasted-over-reaction-to-math-results%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/arrow-down.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Education minister blasted over reaction to math results | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Former Education Minister Dr Jacqui Quinn has castigated her successor Michael Browne over his response to the decline in the performance of mathematics and other subject areas at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate level (CSEC).
Last week, Browne attempted to “deflate the sensation relating to the dramatic fall in the mathematics scores,” adding that it was “not true at all.”
Overall 54.7 per cent of students passed math last year, compared to 41.7 per cent in 2016, a 13 per cent decline, which Browne said was the second highest pass rate in math in the last 10 years.
However, Dr Quinn who served as Minister of Education between 2009 and 2014 drew the nation’s attention to individual schools, where she highlighted “a dramatic and dismal performance” in math.
In scrutinising the results in individual schools, Dr Quinn said All Saints Secondary went from 39 per cent in 2015 to 13 this year, while Glanville’s Secondary’s math performance dropped from 60 to 30 percent between 2015 and 2016.
She said the results for Jennings and Clare Hall Secondary Schools also dropped by significant percentages.
“In 2015, you know how we were celebrating Barbuda, 47 per cent, they were higher than many of the schools in Antigua, in 2016 they are at 8 per cent,” the ex-minister said.
“Somebody has to answer for that,” Dr Quinn insisted, accusing the minister of highlighting the “global figures” while ignoring the troubling reality in individual schools.
She said this may be among reasons why Browne “abruptly cancelled the press conference” to announce the CSEC results.
The number of students passing only five subjects to include English and mathematics is also “extremely troubling” to the former education minister.
“So out of a total of 1363 candidate’s sittings, you had 442 which would have qualified with at least five subjects, including Math and English,” Dr Quinn said.
“These figures should give us cause to pause and to ask the very important question what is happening in our education system,” she added. | http://antiguaobserver.com/education-minister-blasted-over-reaction-to-math-results/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/98bc9573c56db48e1594cd36ac7e32314bcfb9c073b24305c3b38833d7c200bd.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:40 | null | 2016-08-29T09:50:46 | HAMILTON, Bermuda, Aug 29, CMC — Bermudians were breathing a sigh of relief Monday after a third Atlantic storm in just over a week missed the British Overseas | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbermuda-escapes-as-three-storms-pass-by%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/weather.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Bermuda escapes as three storms pass by | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Aug 29, CMC — Bermudians were breathing a sigh of relief Monday after a third Atlantic storm in just over a week missed the British Overseas island.
Tropical Depression No 8 formed between Bermuda and the Carolinas of the United States on Sunday and forecasters say it may strengthen to become Tropical Storm Hermine.
Later on Sunday, Tropical Depression No 9 formed in the Florida Straits.
After several days of being monitored as it began to enter the Gulf of Mexico, the so-called Invest 99-L reached tropical depression status as No 9.
Forecasters predict the depression will move slowly northwards and north eastwards over the eastern Gulf later in the week before making a turn towards the west-northwest. A drop in forward speed is expected on Monday, including a turn towards the northwest on Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall and gusts are likely to continue over portions of the north-western Bahamas, central and western Cuba, the Florida Keys and portions of southern Florida, forecasters added.
On Sunday, Tropical Depression No 8, was 269 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, travelling north at nine miles per hour. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 35 mph with higher gusts.
Meanwhile, Gaston reformed as a hurricane on Saturday night well to Bermuda’s east, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC).
Gaston is gathering strength as it moves to the northwest, but forecasters say it poses no immediate threat to land, although some reports suggest it could hit the United Kingdom next weekend.
Gaston was packing maximum sustained winds of 105 mph as a Category 2 storm on Sunday. The storm was located about 600 miles east of Bermuda and moving northwest at around five mph.
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) said Gaston’s closest point of approach to the island will be 477 miles to the east at 2 p.m. on Monday.
“As newly-designated Tropical Depression 8 to our west moves further away from the area, a ridge will build from the north with mostly fair weather and light winds well into the week ahead,” a BWS spokesman said.
“Distant Hurricane Gaston will recurve towards the northeast by early Monday. Tropical Depression 8 will be monitored as it moves towards North Carolina’s Outer Banks.”
Tropical Storm Fiona, which formed last week, also missed Bermuda as it passed to the southwest. | http://antiguaobserver.com/bermuda-escapes-as-three-storms-pass-by/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/cfa16a2064828c697a789ad3b1c158670853597e64d9ea8f078a86bd39cb4881.json |
[
"Yahoo"
] | 2016-08-28T14:47:29 | null | 2016-08-28T10:04:32 | My latest descent into messaging hell came two weeks ago, when I saw a notification for a friend’s message pop up in the growing list of notifications on my | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fheres-why-email-is-still-the-best-messaging-app%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/email-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Here’s why email is still the best messaging app | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
My latest descent into messaging hell came two weeks ago, when I saw a notification for a friend’s message pop up in the growing list of notifications on my Android phone. I reflexively tapped the button to clear the list — and then realized I didn’t remember which app the notification came from.
Was it a Twitter direct message? No. Facebook message? Nope. A Google Hangouts message? Hmm, that wasn’t it either.
And then I got distracted by something else, because smartphone life sometimes shaves my attention span down to seconds. A week later, I was in my SMS app and I realized I’d had an unread message — the one from my friend that I’d lost track of before.
Messaging mania
That led me to inventory the apps on my phone, besides email and text messaging, that somebody could use to ping me with a quick note. Let’s see… Facebook Messenger, Twitter (via direct messaging), Google’s Hangouts, WhatsApp, Skype, Slack, Evernote, Yelp.
(Yes, Yelp. The only message I’ve received there was from a Washington Post colleague seven or eight years ago. His observation after I’d added him to my friends list: “it’s not just you… EVERY site on the web is becoming a social networking portal.”)
As bad as eight messaging-capable apps seem, things could be worse. I could not be over 40 and therefore actually use Snapchat for interaction with friends.
And Google (GOOG) would now like to add messaging apps number nine and 10 to my collection.
Last week, it shipped Duo, a one-to-one video messaging app for Android and iOS—think FaceTime, but without the Apple exclusivity and with end-to-end encryption. Duo will soon be joined by a “smart messaging app” called Allo, which is to WhatsApp what Duo is to FaceTime: a catch-up effort.
Apple (AAPL), for its part, is adding enough interactive features — stickers! giant emoji! Handwriting! — into iOS 10’s version of Messages that Macworld called it an “overloaded attack on Snapchat.” And this week, Bloomberg reported that the iPhone maker has begun work on a video editing and sharing app.
But look, everybody’s trying to catch up here. When it works, messaging can tie your users to your app by making it the place where they hear from their friends.
And failing to take advantage of that opportunity might kill you. AOL’s neglect of AOL Instant Messenger — with its user profiles and a friends list, it could have become Facebook — ranks as one of the worst social-networking strategic blunders of all time.
(Yahoo Finance’s parent firm made a similar mistake with Yahoo Messenger.)
How to make email look good
Messaging apps, by virtue of being their own proprietary platforms, can innovate in ways that would be harder when other companies are involved. They can quickly add features like encrypt messages, which secures them while in transit and when stored on your device — something far easier to do in Facebook Messenger than in e-mail.
They can get past limits enforced by wireless carriers: WhatsApp makes a U.S. phone number relevant for free overseas, even when I’m using a prepaid SIM.
And some social networks really do need their own messaging channels. Direct messages in Twitter (TWTR) provide a necessary complement to public tweets, although they also allow for the occasional “DM fail” when a user taps the wrong button before dispatching instead of a message sends a tweet.
But each new messaging app requires a new assessment of its privacy issues, as WhatsApp’s announcement that it would begin sharing users’ phone numbers with its corporate parent Facebook (FB) should have reminded all of us.
Each app can require a new password and (if management there have their security priorities set right) a new two-step verification scheme to ensure that a compromised password alone won’t result in your loss of the account.
Messaging apps’ emphasis on immediacy can not only make them an intrusive interruption but also often leads to willful neglect of search functions and other ways to surface messages from a week, a month or a year ago.
They also often skimp on contacts management and don’t tie into your existing address-book apps. What’s more they force you to maintain your own mental contacts list of who likes which platform: Is this guy a Twitter DM type, or does he spend more time on Facebook Messenger? | http://antiguaobserver.com/heres-why-email-is-still-the-best-messaging-app/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/bef83a092d086123ea74be5b2924dc93670f9070b1d6ca87313f12a523b2d46c.json |
[
"Dave George"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:43 | null | 2016-08-29T05:01:12 | In a gruelling three-stage race organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation over the weekend, Marvin Spencer dominated the field to capture the | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fspencer-captures-cycling-stage-races-title%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Marvin-Spencer-cycling.png?da4e36 | en | null | Spencer captures Cycling Stage Races title | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
In a gruelling three-stage race organised by the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation over the weekend, Marvin Spencer dominated the field to capture the overall title.
In the men’s elite class, Spencer was followed by Conroy Thomas into second place and Alvin Merrick third. Garfield
Henry captured the Masters class, Jeffrey Kelsick second and Sean Weathered third.
Competing in the Men’s Elite Class, on Saturday, Spencer completed the sprint time trial from Police Recreation
Grounds to North Sound and back in a time of 9 minutes and 25 seconds.
Tesheed Gordon finished a commendable second with a time of 9 minutes and 54 seconds. Joshua Gayral rounded off the top three in a time of 10 minutes and 34 seconds.
In the Junior Male category, Emmanuel Gayral won the time trial in an impressive time of 10 minutes and 12 seconds.
His brother, Renee Gayral Jr was 9 seconds behind, while David Simmons finished third in 10 minutes and 36 seconds.
Garfield Henry led the Masters division after completing the short sprint in 9 minutes and 36 seconds, while Alistair Savoury finished his lap in 11 minutes and 24 seconds to win the Sports class. Nathan Graham finished second with Peter Kelsick settling for third.
The second stage, which was the circuit race contested at the PanAm Base, saw Marvin Spencer once again stamping his dominance on the rest of the field. | http://antiguaobserver.com/spencer-captures-cycling-stage-races-title/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/64fd8e6737a7ebd8767366eb44dd9bbf9f25f4dc83172d8e05676dcbbac147d0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:08 | null | 2016-08-26T10:52:57 | Boasting a "bat tracker", a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbatman-suit-boasting-23-gadgets-earns-guinness-world-record%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Batman.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Batman suit boasting 23 gadgets earns Guinness World Record | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Boasting a “bat tracker”, a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has earned a place in the Guinness World Records book.
The bulky black-caped suit, made by Batman fan and special effects expert Julian Checkley, takes the title for “the most functional gadgets on a cosplay suit”, Guinness World Records said in a statement.
The costume, which will feature in the “Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition 2017”, is based on the suit the superhero wears in videogame “Batman: Arkham Origins”. | http://antiguaobserver.com/batman-suit-boasting-23-gadgets-earns-guinness-world-record/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/2f911ef587df8d88cc37151fad5c482be68be47a5c0759f6308e356f55d9dd86.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:50 | null | 2016-08-30T11:48:13 | Disgraced Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is joining the "Dancing With the Stars" cast, ABC television announced on Tuesday, as the gold medalist said he thought | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fryan-lochte-to-dance-with-stars-says-rio-scandal-overblown%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ryan.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Ryan Lochte to dance with stars, says Rio scandal overblown | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Disgraced Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is joining the “Dancing With the Stars” cast, ABC television announced on Tuesday, as the gold medalist said he thought reaction to his tale about being held up at a Rio de Janeiro gas station had been blown out of proportion.
Lochte, 32, was dropped by four of his major sponsors after admitting he “overexaggerated” a tale about being robbed and held at gunpoint with three other swimmers after a party during the Rio Olympics. Brazilian authorities say the group destroyed a bathroom and urinated in public, and have recommended that Lochte be charged with falsely reporting a crime.
The swimmer, who was also vilified in the media over the incident, did not say whether he planned to return to Brazil to face the charges.
“I think it’s everyone blowing this way out of proportion. I think that’s what happened,” Lochte told ABC television’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday, when asked whether he had embarrassed the United States with his actions.
“Like I said, I did lie about that one part,” said Lochte, referring to his claim that a gun was held to his head. “I take full responsibility. I’m human. I made a mistake. A very big mistake.”
“Everyone has got to be sick and tired about hearing about this. I just want to move forward,” added Lochte, his silver-dyed hair now returned to a more natural brown.
The 12-time Olympic medalist said his appearance on the 23rd season of “Dancing With the Stars,” was under discussion before he went to the Rio games. After the London Olympics in 2012 he was given his own, short-lived, TV reality show “What Would Ryan Lochte Do?”
Other “Dancing With the Stars” contestants in the season starting on Sept. 12 will include 16 year-old U.S. Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, former Texas governor Rick Perry, and rapper Vanilla Ice.
“Dancing With the Stars,” in which celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers and voted off by the public, has been a popular venue for those seeking a comeback or trying to change their public image. Past contestants have included Bristol Palin, daughter of the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, singer Donny Osmond, and retired Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno. | http://antiguaobserver.com/ryan-lochte-to-dance-with-stars-says-rio-scandal-overblown/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f8398d623b3bb2064a9dd17a4930447b0ff30ec933f8f9ab0b477fb8d8debc34.json |
[
"Dave George"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:51 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:29 | Five days after Gayan Williams suffered second-degree burns about her body in a house fire, and was airlifted to Guadeloupe, relatives have confirmed she | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fburn-victim-dies%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Front-burn-victim.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | BURN VICTIM DIES | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Five days after Gayan Williams suffered second-degree burns about her body in a house fire, and was airlifted to Guadeloupe, relatives have confirmed she succumbed to her injuries and died yesterday.
In speaking to one of her uncles, Regon Williams told OBSERVER media the family is obviously devastated by the news of her death.
“It’s sad, but we have to be strong for each other. After I received the news, all I could do is cry,” he said.
He added that the two children, step-daughter Jadea and son David, who were also affected by the fire, are being monitored and treated for smoke inhalation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Mount St John’s Medical Centre.
According to Williams, he has no information on when Gayan’s body will be flown back to Antigua.
Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Sealy Thomas said all the persons involved tried their best to save the life of the 41 year old, who worked at the Mount St John’s Medical Centre as an anesthetist.
“I want to say thanks to the staff at MSJMC who worked tirelessly on Gayan and her family. I also want to thank the French Embassy and the honorary counsul in Antigua who worked between Wednesday and Friday last week to evacuate them.
“I also want to thank the doctors in Martinique and Guadeloupe. I was in contact with them over the weekend. They really tried their best, and I want to thank the French government for the assistance they provided, the people and government of Antigua & Barbuda,” Sealy Thomas said.
Sealy Thomas noted that Williams’ three-year-old son, Jadean, who also suffered second degree burns during the same house fire, and had to be flown to neighbouring Martinique, is in stable, but critical condition. She is asking everyone to keep him in their prayers.
Jadean sustained burns to his face and upper body.
Last Wednesday, Williams along with Jadean, her eight-month-old son David, her fiancé Eddy, and his seven-year-old daughter Jadea, were rushed to the hospital by ambulance, after a fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical problem, engulfed and burnt their house.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/burn-victim-dies/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/390458c5864942e96baec6a1f3c02c389d68b483d74b5e3a9af34971b39f303d.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:48:02 | null | 2016-08-30T11:44:24 | The impeachment trial of Brazil's suspended President Dilma Rousseff entered its fourth day in the Senate on Tuesday with closing arguments by her defense and | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbrazil-rousseff-impeachment-trial-enters-fourth-day%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/brazil-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Brazil: Rousseff impeachment trial enters fourth day | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Rousseff was cross-examined by senators for more than 14 hours on Monday. The 81 senators will make final statements on Tuesday and vote on the verdict on Wednesday morning, said Supreme Court Chief Justice Ricardo Lewandowski, who is presiding over the trial.
The impeachment trial of Brazil’s suspended President Dilma Rousseff entered its fourth day in the Senate on Tuesday with closing arguments by her defense and accusers, who are seeking to remove her from office for breaking budgetary rules.
Community Rules
antiguaobserver.com is really happy to provide this forum in which all are encouraged to freely state their opinions without ridiculing anyone or being ridiculed. We've found that happens really easily if each comment is limited to the topic at hand. We will approve any comment that speaks solely to the story to which it is attached and is free from name calling and defamatory statements.
While we will not post comments questioning moderators' judgement, we will take such suggestions into consideration as possible ways to improve the experience of all community members. If you feel your submission has been disallowed unfairly or if a breech slips through our net, please let us know by e-mailing customer_support@antiguaobserver.com. | http://antiguaobserver.com/brazil-rousseff-impeachment-trial-enters-fourth-day/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/48fd1da4e2c27436deb67e30d07ceb037fe497a9719e0cd672d742197a39e826.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:53 | null | 2016-08-30T11:58:42 | The manager of a pro-opposition radio station here is to return to court on September 13 in relation to comments he allegedly made one day after the December 9 | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fradio-manager-pleads-not-guilty-to-statements-made-regrading-general-election-results%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/court-legal-justice-gavel-web-generic.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Radio manager pleads not guilty to statements made regrading general election results | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Aug 30, CMC – The manager of a pro-opposition radio station here is to return to court on September 13 in relation to comments he allegedly made one day after the December 9 general election that had been won by the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.
Douglas DeFreitas of Nice Radio pleaded not guilty to 10 public alarm charges that the prosecution said he made on December 10.
According to the charges, DeFreitas published a false statement indicating that “in North Leeward, reliable resources, the lawyers have taken photographs of unsealed ballot boxes”, which is likely to cause fear or alarm or to disturb the public peace, contrary to section 64(1) of the Criminal Code;
The prosecution is alleging that he also made a statement indicating that “six ballot boxes unsealed and one missing; that alone tells you that something went radically wrong”, and that he also sought to encourage people to descend on Layou “in Central Leeward to show solidarity and support, if you have six ballot boxes unsealed for recount, that is contamination”.
DeFreitas is also charged with making a false statement indicating “I am telling you that there is something radically wrong with the results of North and South Leeward”, which the authorities said was likely to cause fear or alarm or to disturb the public peace.
He is also alleged to have told radio listeners that they should “remember what the people of Saint Kitts did to protect democracy?
“We need to do that because an alleged major fraud has taken place in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Magistrate Bertie Pompey, who read the charges to DeFreitas recused himself from the case in light of another legal matter involving him and the accused.
The matter has since been transferred to the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court for the next hearing on September 13.
The main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) has claimed that the December 9 polls were rigged in favour of the ruling party and had filed petitions challenging its outcome. | http://antiguaobserver.com/radio-manager-pleads-not-guilty-to-statements-made-regrading-general-election-results/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/d5ee299bfd42f34e1bb517bae1d63c8b863c66ef49e731def0da8d1d0be2058f.json |
[
"Kieron Murdoch"
] | 2016-08-31T10:48:13 | null | 2016-08-31T05:01:56 | The government has conceded to shift the proposed 2016 date for the referendum to accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to a date in early 2017, after | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fccj-referendum-set-for-next-year%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Front-2-Referendum-1-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | CCJ Referendum set for next year | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The government has conceded to shift the proposed 2016 date for the referendum to accede to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to a date in early 2017, after rigorous debate in the Lower House of Parliament by the Leader of the Opposition, Baldwin Spencer.
Although the government had planned to have the referendum on October 27 2016, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has agreed that it will now be held “perhaps no later than March of 2017”.
The change in the dates came about after Spencer argued that for the two -thirds majority to be achieved in the referendum, the public needs more time to be persuaded to shift from the Privy Council.
“I would like to move to the CCJ tomorrow. But you have to have the people with you, and if you’re setting mechanisms in place, consulting, and getting the people on board, you need time,” Spencer said. He warned that if the public’s perception was that the government was “pushing the question down the throat of the people” that those opposed to the CCJ would only “harden their positions”.
“What we need to be doing is a massaging exercise. We still have a lot of work to do,” the leader of the Opposition added. His comments were made during Tuesday’s sitting of the Lower House, where the Constitution (Antigua & Barbuda) Referendum Bill 2016 was debated.
The Bill sought to lay out the procedure for the referendum to take place. While Spencer maintained that more time was necessary, Browne argued that the original October 27 date was envisioned strategically.
“It is well known that Grenada will be hosting their referendum [on the CCJ] on October 27. We had initially planned for October 20 before Grenada announced their date. We were advised that it would be good if both countries could have their referendum on the same day, so that the result of one country’s referendum would not impact the other.”
At the same time Browne called on the United Progressive Party (UPP) to use the extra time to bring more of its members and supporters on board with the move to the CCJ.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/ccj-referendum-set-for-next-year/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/4eede774525bc681674b7d1f285f519a44acb8f1512ca8cc61ed2bb7fc735b5c.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:47:39 | null | 2016-08-29T09:47:55 | ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug 29, CMC – Grenadian authorities says they will launch a comprehensive inspection and fogging of primary and secondary schools as part | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fauthorities-launch-initiative-to-rid-schools-of-dangerous-mosquito-borne-viruses%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mosquito.png?da4e36 | en | null | Authorities launch initiative to rid schools of dangerous mosquito-borne viruses | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug 29, CMC – Grenadian authorities says they will launch a comprehensive inspection and fogging of primary and secondary schools as part of the efforts to rid the island of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that is responsible for the spread of the Zika virus.
The Ministry of Health said that the initiative prior to the opening of the new school term on September 5 “is aimed at identifying and destroying all mosquito breeding sources and to kill adult mosquitoes that can spread dangerous mosquito-borne viruses”.
Senior Environmental Health Officer, Kenny James, said “what we intend to do is to deploy our teams of vector control personnel at the different schools compound and surrounding areas to carry out the inspection during the day.
“Then we will return later in the evening to carry out the fogging component,” James said, noting that the success of the operation will be based on the co-operation of the principals, managers and caretakers of the schools and access to the respective facilities.
“So we are depending on them to make the schools available by opening up the gates, doors and windows of classrooms and offices as well as toilets so that the exercise can run smoothly and successfully so that the teachers, students, and everyone can reap the health benefits.
Grenada has so far recorded 72 confirmed cases of Zika infections and the statement said “this latest initiative is another key intervention strategy of government’s ongoing efforts to curb and prevent widespread Zika outbreak in the country”. | http://antiguaobserver.com/authorities-launch-initiative-to-rid-schools-of-dangerous-mosquito-borne-viruses/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/54b40258ee5cb890705dcdeb8841b5fc8f478d65ea4dda516d9535e7ec20b3d2.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:43 | null | 2016-08-29T08:15:58 | Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, a musical icon across Latin America for more than 40 years, died on Sunday of a heart attack at age 66, broadcaster Televisa | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fmexican-singer-juan-gabriel-dies-of-heart-attack-aged-66%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-7-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Mexican singer Juan Gabriel dies of heart attack aged 66 | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, a musical icon across Latin America for more than 40 years, died on Sunday of a heart attack at age 66, broadcaster Televisa reported.
The prolific songwriter and performer, who was known for his powerful love ballads, died in Santa Monica, California, Televisa reported. He was due to sing at a concert in El Paso, Texas, later on Sunday.
Gabriel, whose real name was Alberto Aguilera, was born in 1950 into a poor family in the western Mexican state of Michoacan and rose to sell millions copies of his albums and have his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Gabriel, who lived much of his young life in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, entertained generations of Latin Americans with his energetic performances of songs such as “Querida” and “Amor Eterno” in glittering mariachi outfits.
“A voice and a talent that represented Mexico,” Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Twitter. “His music, a legacy for the world.” | http://antiguaobserver.com/mexican-singer-juan-gabriel-dies-of-heart-attack-aged-66/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/727f7d2c60a6584da10e44e7101319d0996574bfe05488087e91850977251a23.json |
[
"Dave George"
] | 2016-08-30T10:47:48 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:28 | With growing concerns over more people being infected with the Zika virus, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has said Zika blood samples, for | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fsend-zika-blood-samples-in-five-days-insists-carpha%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/mosquito05-e1433085960103.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Send Zika Blood Samples in five days, insists CARPHA | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
With growing concerns over more people being infected with the Zika virus, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has said Zika blood samples, for laboratory confirmation, must be taken and sent to the agency no more than five days from the onset of the first sign of illness.
Based on the technology the agency uses to perform the Zika tests, Executive Director at the CARPHA, Dr James Hospedales said any samples received after a five-day period may not be valid for testing.
He pointed out that since dengue and chikungunya are still circulating in the region, and the symptoms are similar, CARPHA routinely tests all samples for these three diseases.
The health agency has also placed a limit on the number of samples countries can send for testing each week.
According to Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Sealy Thomas, they were advised by the agency recently of this development.
“Now that we’ve established that Zika is in the Caribbean, and with increasing local transmission in various territories, they’re advising countries not to send every suspected case, and only about five samples per week are taken per country, and maybe in only severe cases where the officials need to make a diagnosis under special circumstances.”
CARPHA is one of only two laboratories in the English-speaking Caribbean that has the technical capacity to accurately test for the Zika virus. Realising the important role the health agency plays, it continues to work on offering additional testing methods that are valid beyond five days.
The agency is reporting that local transmission of the Zika virus has been reported in 45 Caribbean and Latin American states, with almost all CARPHA member states having confirmed cases. In countries where local transmission has already been confirmed, there is no need for everyone to be tested.
In light of this, only persons who are in ‘high risk’ categories, such as pregnant women, children under five years, adults over 65 years, hospitalised patients and persons with chronic illnesses will be tested.
To date, Antigua & Barbuda has reported seven confirmed Zika cases, to include two imported and five locally transmitted cases.
CARPHA has also confirmed they don’t accept samples directly from the public, nor does it draw a person’s blood, and is therefore appealing to persons exhibiting symptoms of Zika such as fever, rash, red eyes, muscle and joint pains, to visit their health care provider.
In countries where local transmission has not yet been established, CARPHA will continue to receive and test samples from the national referral laboratories in member states.
(More in today’s Daily Observer) | http://antiguaobserver.com/send-zika-blood-samples-in-five-days-insists-carpha/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/9b8b887d446d6729a1fe08a6c079f2cc1d64e95fdda30244cb9a1979bed29e15.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:28 | null | 2016-08-27T09:41:33 | GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 27, CMC – Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, is leading a delegation to China for talks with officials of the Huawei | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Ftelecom-minister-holding-talks-in-china%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/guyana.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Telecom Minister holding talks in China | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 27, CMC – Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, is leading a delegation to China for talks with officials of the Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd that that constructed the US$32 million E-Government network in coastal Guyana.
This network consists of a fibre optic system in Georgetown, and a 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network that extends from Skeldon, Berbice to Charity, Essequibo Coast.
This is the system that the David Granger government is now utilising to provide internet access to schools and governmental agencies along the coastal plain. The inter-connectivity programme is progressing well, and the ultimate objective is to have every single public entity connected to the national network.
Prior to her departure, Hughes said the delegation will meet with Huawei’s principals and the main objectives are to secure the long-term viability of Guyana’s telecommunication networks, and to acquire technical assistance and training capacity.
The government said the intention is to expand the ICT networks into all unserved areas including Bartica, Linden, Kwakwani, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Annai and Lethem.
According to Head of the E-Government Unit, Floyd Levi, the unavailability of the severely damaged fibre CMC/gt/ir/2016 | http://antiguaobserver.com/telecom-minister-holding-talks-in-china/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/14936015a619f4e3d9e3e079f4a31903af0fd750778fc9852df2915679d09dad.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:47:52 | null | 2016-08-26T10:46:20 | Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday the European Union should start setting up a joint European army. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fhungarian-pm-orban-calls-for-joint-european-army%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/r-3.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Hungarian PM Orban calls for joint European army | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | “We should list the issue of security as a priority, and we should start setting up a common European army,” Orban told a news conference after a meeting between Central European member states and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Warsaw.
Community Rules
antiguaobserver.com is really happy to provide this forum in which all are encouraged to freely state their opinions without ridiculing anyone or being ridiculed. We've found that happens really easily if each comment is limited to the topic at hand. We will approve any comment that speaks solely to the story to which it is attached and is free from name calling and defamatory statements.
While we will not post comments questioning moderators' judgement, we will take such suggestions into consideration as possible ways to improve the experience of all community members. If you feel your submission has been disallowed unfairly or if a breech slips through our net, please let us know by e-mailing customer_support@antiguaobserver.com. | http://antiguaobserver.com/hungarian-pm-orban-calls-for-joint-european-army/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/9091b0710d6bba9f1c5561dadfe8df06c1007a02da052bbca1e48a1eaff784d1.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:35 | null | 2016-08-28T08:58:18 | Iran has arrested a member of the team that negotiated a landmark nuclear deal with world powers on suspicion of spying, a judiciary spokesman said on Sunday. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Firan-arrests-nuclear-negotiator-suspected-of-spying%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-24-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Iran arrests nuclear negotiator suspected of spying | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Iran has arrested a member of the team that negotiated a landmark nuclear deal with world powers on suspicion of spying, a judiciary spokesman said on Sunday.
The suspect was released on bail after a few days in jail but is still under investigation, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said at a regular weekly news conference, calling the unidentified individual a “spy who had infiltrated the nuclear team,” state media reported.
The deal that President Hassan Rouhani struck last year has given Iran relief from most international sanctions in return for curbing its nuclear program, but it is opposed by hardliners who see it as a capitulation to the United States. | http://antiguaobserver.com/iran-arrests-nuclear-negotiator-suspected-of-spying/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/4276b60a781dd00f185a16b134e91d8c46a38323d91d0425e4f63532ae09ecdc.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:54 | null | 2016-08-30T11:55:14 | Prime Minister Andrew Holness has congratulated eight nationals who have been selected to participate an entrepreneurship programme announced by US president | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Feight-jamaicans-named-in-us-president-business-initiative%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/andrew-holmes.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Eight Jamaicans named in US President business initiative | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug 30, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has congratulated eight nationals who have been selected to participate an entrepreneurship programme announced by US president Barack Obama during his visit to Jamaica in April last year.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Holness extended “a big congrats” to the eight nationals who have been listed among the first 250 young leaders to benefit from the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative that is aimed at expanding opportunities for the emerging entrepreneurs and civil society innovators in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The US Embassy here said the participants will travel to the United States for a five-week programme that will strengthen their leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills and provide networking opportunities with U.S. entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors; Diaspora communities; and among each other to increase connectivity throughout the hemisphere.
Among those named are Patria-Kaye Aarons, the chief executive officer of the local candy company, “Sweetie,” that distributes its products to 150 Jamaican retail locations and exports to the US, UK, and Caribbean, as well as Craslyn Benjamin who began a small backyard farming with her grandfather and is now farming and producing on a wide scale production level.
Tishauna Mullings, the owner of NexxStepp Personal Development Services and Inspirational Products, a company aimed at maximising their customer’s potential by offering inspirational products and services, is also among the eight Jamaicans named. | http://antiguaobserver.com/eight-jamaicans-named-in-us-president-business-initiative/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/b1b69dcd101929de0d7f2079ef0c4a1b3ad75efd82a8e9dd146284ebc77021c8.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:42 | null | 2016-08-29T08:12:14 | Iran's military detected a U.S. drone entering Iranian airspace on Monday and issued a warning for it to leave, which it subsequently did, Iran's Tasnim news | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fu-s-drone-enters-irans-airspace-leaves-after-warning-tasnim%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-5-Custom-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | U.S. drone enters Iran’s airspace, leaves after warning: Tasnim | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Iran’s military detected a U.S. drone entering Iranian airspace on Monday and issued a warning for it to leave, which it subsequently did, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.
“Iran’s army air defense detected and warned an American drone in the eastern airspace of the country. It was coming from Afghanistan. The drone left the area,” Tasnim quoted the Iranian military as saying.
Tasnim gave no details on how the Iranian authorities had warned the unmanned drone to leave its airspace.
A U.S. defense official said last week that four of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels ‘harassed’ a U.S. warship on Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran said the ships had only been carrying out their regular duties monitoring foreign ships near Iranian waters. | http://antiguaobserver.com/u-s-drone-enters-irans-airspace-leaves-after-warning-tasnim/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/8bb6223b858573ba62572df23d5fe6d6a7ee9bb813d1341c3eeb85110fe21599.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:46 | null | 2016-08-26T10:54:18 | The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investigating a new incident involving actress Leslie Jones, who has been targeted by online abusers, after hackers | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fu-s-homeland-security-probes-hacking-of-actress-leslie-jones-website%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/leslie-jones.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | U.S. Homeland Security probes hacking of actress Leslie Jones’ website | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is investigating a new incident involving actress Leslie Jones, who has been targeted by online abusers, after hackers posted nude photos and personal information on the “Ghostbusters” star’s website.
“The investigation is currently ongoing. In order to protect the integrity of the case, no further details are available at this time,” Rachel Yong You, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said on Thursday in an email to Reuters.
ICE, as the agency is known, is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. Representatives for Jones did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
On Wednesday, Jones’ website, www.JustLeslie.com, was taken offline after nude photos and photos of the comedian’s passport and driver’s license were posted, reportedly accessed through her personal cellphone or iCloud account.
The hackers also juxtaposed images of the actress with photos of Harambe, a deceased gorilla.
Jones became a top trending topic on social media where many Twitter users including celebrities showed support for her.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was among those expressing encouragement on Twitter for the NBC Saturday Night Live co-star.
“@Lesdoggg, no one deserves this—least of all someone who brings us so much joy. I’m with you. -H,” Clinton wrote online.
Jones, who was a target of cyber bullying on Twitter in July, briefly quit the micro-blogging platform because she was bombarded by racist and abusive comments after starring in the female-led reboot of “Ghostbusters” this summer.
Jones almost quit Twitter last month after receiving a barrage of sexist and racist abuse and harassment from a number of users.
After Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) interjected and permanently suspended numerous users accounts for harassment, Jones returned to Twitter, where her humorous live tweets during the Olympics earned her an on-air contributor role in Rio de Janeiro for NBC. | http://antiguaobserver.com/u-s-homeland-security-probes-hacking-of-actress-leslie-jones-website/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f2890912400bd82b745e8b96a6e63badca8688c064a10a90b78bc966c1fdd3a0.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T14:47:21 | null | 2016-08-27T08:58:48 | Boasting a "bat tracker", a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbatman-suit-boasting-23-gadgets-earns-guinness-world-record-2%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/batman-312342_960_720-Custom.png?da4e36 | en | null | Batman suit boasting 23 gadgets earns Guinness World Record | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Boasting a “bat tracker”, a bat sign projector for the nighttime sky, smoke guns and an array of other devices, a Batman costume fitted with 23 gadgets has earned a place in the Guinness World Records book.
The bulky black-caped suit, made by Batman fan and special effects expert Julian Checkley, takes the title for “the most functional gadgets on a cosplay suit”, Guinness World Records said in a statement.
The costume, which will feature in the “Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition 2017”, is based on the suit the superhero wears in videogame “Batman: Arkham Origins”. | http://antiguaobserver.com/batman-suit-boasting-23-gadgets-earns-guinness-world-record-2/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/37fcc2a473a178340ae755f158425033a1e6c68c97600687edcdc07b421591b2.json |
[
"Makeida Antonio"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:37 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:46 | Author of the book ‘Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of British Emancipation’ donated funds to a local secondary school, raised at an event hosted | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fprofessor-assists-refurbishing-of-all-saints-secondary-school%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/observer_favicon1.png?da4e36 | en | null | Professor assists refurbishing of All Saints Secondary School | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Author of the book ‘Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of British Emancipation’ donated funds to a local secondary school, raised at an event hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda
National Association (London) and the Waltham Forest, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association.
Professor of History at Columbia University and author Dr Natasha Lightfoot had a book signing at the charitable event and the proceeds went to help repair the administration block at the All Saints Secondary School (ASSS), which was destroyed by a fire earlier this year.
The funds were used to purchase items for the school, including a projector, laminating machines, paper shredders and other equipment to replace items destroyed by the fire.
The High Commissioner for Antigua & Barbuda, Karen Mae Hill, presented the items to the school during a visit to Antigua, shortly after the book launch.
Hill commended Lightfoot for her efforts in trying to unite the diaspora of Antigua & Barbuda. She noted that history is of high importance in order to understand where we are in the present moment.
“The importance of history can never be overstated. It is, however, what we do with the facts of history that determines the real worth of that history to our present existence. It is important to understand the challenges our ancestors faced and the role that others played in shaping their story.
“It is, however, equally important to engage with their story in such a way that it awakens our social consciou | http://antiguaobserver.com/professor-assists-refurbishing-of-all-saints-secondary-school/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/9e1b62f84bffea1ca5d4772813c301b5c656578bd41c56adfae455c62bcdf2c5.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:51 | null | 2016-08-30T11:52:56 | The man who shot and killed John Lennon in New York City nearly 36 years ago has again failed to persuade a state parole board to release him from prison on | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fjohn-lennons-killer-denied-parole-for-ninth-time%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/john-lennon-killer.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | John Lennon’s killer denied parole for ninth time | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The man who shot and killed John Lennon in New York City nearly 36 years ago has again failed to persuade a state parole board to release him from prison on parole, officials said on Monday.
Mark David Chapman, 61, will remain behind bars at a maximum-security prison in Erie County near Buffalo, New York, after his request for parole was rejected for the ninth time since 2000.
Chapman, an obsessed fan of the musician and his former group the Beatles, was convicted of shooting Lennon as he arrived with his wife, Yoko Ono, at his apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Dec. 8, 1980.
Chapman received a sentence of 20 years to life after pleading guilty to a second-degree murder charge. His petition for parole has come up every two years since 2000.
“In spite of many favorable factors, we find all to be outweighed by the premeditated and celebrity seeking nature of the crime,” the New York Board of Parole said in a statement on Monday rejecting Chapman’s request.
“From our interview and review of your records, we find that your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate that seriousness of the crime as to undermine respect for the law.”
Chapman will next appear for a parole hearing in August 2018, according to online state records. | http://antiguaobserver.com/john-lennons-killer-denied-parole-for-ninth-time/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/48a4fbac160940d0bed5481ba934a1cf55a82f5717f7d9a76519c7429307f5ed.json |
[
"Theresa Gordon"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:39 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:15 | Antigua & Barbuda has recorded what appears to be the third homicide for 2016, when 31-year-old Tyrone “Yankee” Lewis was gunned down in the wee hours of | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fgrays-farm-man-shot-dead%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Tyrone-Yankee-Lewis.png?da4e36 | en | null | Gray’s Farm man shot dead | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Antigua & Barbuda has recorded what appears to be the third homicide for 2016, when 31-year-old Tyrone “Yankee” Lewis was gunned down in the wee hours of Sunday morning, on Christian Street, Gray’s Farm.
It is alleged that the father of one, was alone at a home, when he heard a knock on the door and went to enquire who it was.
Reports further indicate that upon opening the door, he was accosted by an armed man who opened fire, shooting him in the chest.
The incident occurred around 4 am, according to police.
Villagers, who gathered on the scene reported hearing two shots before Lewis collapsed.
He was transported to the Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) where he died while undergoing surgery.
At the time of going to press, police sources revealed that a ‘person of interest’ was in custody assisting with the investigation. | http://antiguaobserver.com/grays-farm-man-shot-dead/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/e83248593312d406b2bb68da0f63bbd33ec69017f15fbb3cb1afa65e7f0d78fb.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:37 | null | 2016-08-28T09:20:57 | KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 28, CMC – The United States has allocated US $1.4 million towards strengthening the governments Information and Communications | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fu-s-allocates-funds-to-strengthen-ict-service-provider%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/computer.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | U.S. allocates funds to strengthen ICT service provider | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 28, CMC – The United States has allocated US $1.4 million towards strengthening the governments Information and Communications Technology (ICT) service provider – eGov Jamaica Limited.
The money has been drawn from the US$37.6-million Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project, which seeks to strengthen public resource management and support selected public-sector institutions in facilitating a more enabling environment for private-sector growth.
The initiative was formalised during a recent signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance
Finance Minister, Audley Shaw informed that the components and estimated costs are strategic positioning and operational strengthening, US$610,000; governance and management, US$140,000; training, US$434,000; and tooling, US$216,000.
He said the institutional strengthening of eGov Jamaica Limited will be undertaken to provide medium to long-term support of the Public Financial Management systems under Component Three of the Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project.
Component three is the adaptive public-sector approaches to promote fiscal sustainability. This component will support activities that will contribute to the sustainability of the Government’s reform process in public administration, fiscal sustainability and growth.
Shaw said the modernisation seeks to ensure that the requisite governance, organisational structure, processes, methods and standards are in place and are consistent with modern ICT solution providers.
For his part, Technology Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley said the partnership paves the way for the financial and technical resources to modernise eGov Jamaica and strategically position the public sector into the information age.
“We have been and remain committed to transforming Jamaica into a digital and knowledge-based society while at the same time driving better ICT governance throughout Government to make it more efficient.”
Wheatley said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to the increased use of technology in the public sector.
The Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project also seeks to create a transformation framework, which is in direct support of the Vision 2030 outcome of achieving an enabling business environment through improvements in ICT.
It also aims to proliferate and promote the delivery of first-class, easily accessible and secure e-Government services.
Of the figure, US$35 million is through loan financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), while the remainder is a grant from DFID. | http://antiguaobserver.com/u-s-allocates-funds-to-strengthen-ict-service-provider/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/9c0b6b0a167ad55588d4d2117563ccb47d523b40a85d9a71cbfe9cf9ea9c1314.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:47:56 | null | 2016-08-30T05:00:26 | Jamaican Tony Maragh logged his first successes of the Woodbine season on Sunday when he produced a handsome double on the 10-race card at the prestigious | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fmaragh-opens-woodbine-account%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1-HORSE-1.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Maragh opens Woodbine account | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
TORONTO, Canada, Aug 29, CMC – Jamaican Tony Maragh logged his first successes of the Woodbine season on Sunday when he produced a handsome double on the 10-race card at the prestigious western Canada racetrack.
In his only two rides of the day, the 28-year-old rode winners in race three over a mile and sixteenth with 3-1 choice Sleek Idea and returned in race five over seven furlongs to win with another 3-1 bet, Fair Astronomer.
Maragh has ridden only 24 mounts at Woodbine this season but stood out on a quiet day where the leading riders struggled to assert themselves.
In race three, he hooked up with trainer Reade Baker’s four-year-old gelding, Sleek Idea, to edge out the three-year-old and upward maidens going distance.
Lake Simcoe, with former champion jockey Luis Contreras aboard, posted the early fractions as D’s Dark Knight and Rebellion’s Dream chased, with Maragh sitting Sleek Idea in fourth along the rails just ahead of First Around.
Maragh brought the gelding into contention on the late turn, bid in the upper stretch and then battled to the wire with First Around – ridden by Barbadian Simon Husbands – before winning on a head bob.
In race five, Maragh partnered with four-year-old bay filly Fair Astronomer to beat the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by a length.
Maragh settled in mid-pack as Izitlegal produced the early pace but conjured up a strong stretch run to overpower the leaders and take command in the final sixteenth. | http://antiguaobserver.com/maragh-opens-woodbine-account/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/1574f4c097b27f96eb8f08ac7d8a581045c3c4ef11db2617553c1a98a64a74de.json |
[
"Makeida Antonio"
] | 2016-08-27T10:47:24 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:40 | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration has extended its sympathies to the Republic of Italy which experienced a massive earthquake | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fantigua-barbuda-sends-condolences-to-italy%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/italy-2.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Antigua & Barbuda sends condolences to Italy | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration has extended its sympathies to the Republic of Italy which experienced a massive earthquake which caused loss of life in the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, Arquata del Tronto, Pescara del Tronto, Posta, and other areas.
In a diplomatic note to HE Matteo Renzi, Prime Ministry Gaston Browne said that Italy will be in the prayers of the country.
“The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda share the profound sorrow of the people and Government of the Italian Republic over the heavy loss of lives and destruction of property wrought by the devastating earthquake. We, in Antigua and Barbuda, pray for the victims and their families, and are especially affected by this tragedy given the sizeable Italian community that resides on the island. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has every confidence that country will continue to move forward in due time, and that rescue operations and reconstruction efforts will be highly effective under the leadership of the Government of the Italian Republic.”
This massive earthquake struck central Italy on Wednesday and measured 6.0 on the Richter scale.
Currently, 250 individuals are reported dead with the toll rising, and according to CNN, 2000 people are living in camps. | http://antiguaobserver.com/antigua-barbuda-sends-condolences-to-italy/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/0a3789ae8d5bbcb0bfc9ab798fd297fc4e1ee60c6bf299ccd0fb4d02d52e8ef5.json |
[
"Bbc Sport"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:44 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:34 | BBC Sports - Manchester City continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a victory over West Ham that took them to the top of the Premier League. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fman-city-remain-undefeated-in-epl%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Manchester-United-undefeated-EPL.png?da4e36 | en | null | Man City remain undefeated in EPL | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
BBC Sports – Manchester City continued their 100 per cent start to the season with a victory over West Ham that took them to the top of the Premier League.
City scored first when Raheem Sterling finished off a superb team move and Fernandinho headed in a second from Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.
West Ham pulled a goal back in the second half when Michail Antonio nodded in Arthur Masuaku’s cross.
Sterling added his second late on when he stroked home from a tight angle.
The season may be in its infancy but already the title contenders have put down a few markers with three games gone.
Chelsea and Manchester United both secured victories on Saturday, which turned the focus on Pep Guardiola’s side before the international break, and they responded with a determined display.
A blistering start – underpinned by the attacking triumvirate of Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Nolito – yielded a slick goal finished off by Sterling.
It was not just the polished passing and intense pressing which caught the eye. City’s second goal ensured four of their nine Premier League goals this season have come from set-pieces.
That they could not convert their first-half dominance into more goals will be mildly concerning to Guardiola as they allowed West Ham back into the contest after the break.
However, a steely response to see out the victory when put under pressure, before Sterling calmly passed the ball into the net in injury time, will have pleased the City boss. | http://antiguaobserver.com/man-city-remain-undefeated-in-epl/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/ab87af414abff6a66a03efbdbb5878d61c1bd150f3ec87a72cee76ecbfbf9f91.json |
[
"Shermain Bique"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:42 | null | 2016-08-26T05:10:20 | Despite fresh protest, government has made its strongest statement yet about turning the Five Islands Facility into the University Campus of Antigua & Barbuda. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Funiversity-act-goes-to-parliament%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UNIVERSTIY.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | University Act goes to Parliament | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | Despite fresh protest, government has made its strongest statement yet about turning the Five Islands Facility into the University Campus of Antigua & Barbuda.
Education Minister Michael Browne said the attorney general will draft the University Act of 2016, which will have its first reading next Tuesday when the Lower House convenes for a sitting.
“This is very exciting for our nation. This is the first time that the UWI will open another campus,” Browne said.
According to Browne, the campus will include
the Five Islands, State College and the Golden Grove Facilities. “It also gives us room to expand,” he said.
Cabinet notes on Tuesday said a telephone conference was held with the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the UWI, in Barbados, who commended the Cabinet and reminded that Antigua & Barbuda’s bold move to establish a campus of UWI at
Five Islands was the first such move in more than 50 years.
The latest pronouncement came as groups,
teachers and citizens have been protesting against the move.
On Sunday, hundreds turned out for a whistle stop organised by ‘Then Movement,’ protesting against the Five Islands Facility being used as a university. They want it to be opened as a secondary school instead.
More in today’s Daily Observer. | http://antiguaobserver.com/university-act-goes-to-parliament/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/0bc07119eb78ec3531b9226a5090840ff29da0b4f688f504d8dc7ddbfcc23c0e.json |
[
"Kadeem Joseph"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:38 | null | 2016-08-29T05:00:29 | The crackling of burned wood, the strong smell of char and scorched metal were the only remnants of the Villa home of a family of five after fire destroyed | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fseven-displaced-after-fire-ravaged-their-homes%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Alfred-Peters-Street-fire.png?da4e36 | en | null | Seven displaced after fire ravaged their homes | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The crackling of burned wood, the strong smell of char and scorched metal were the only remnants of the Villa home of a family of five after fire destroyed their dwelling.
The intense blaze, which started around 2 am Saturday, destroyed the home of Victor and Esme Jeffrey and three others who lived with them.
Esme told OBSERVER media that she and the rest of her family were able to escape the blaze, in the house they had been renting for 17 years.
“Because of how the dog was behaving, I got up and when I peeped out I saw a boy running past the house,” she said.
The woman explained that it was at that point she noticed that something was wrong and tried to leave her bedroom only to be greeted by intense heat.
“When I opened that bedroom door, the heat that struck me, I had to just run back, hold on to my husband and tell he, ‘Fire! Fire!
Come let we get out.’ I start waking up the others in the house and we get out,” she recounted.
Esme said in their haste the family was not able to save any of their personal possessions.
The woman and her family are staying with her daughter Melanie Benn who lives two houses away from where the fire occurred.
She said it was her daughter’s dog which kept barking when the fire started.
During the Saturday telephone interview Esme, complained of chest pains. | http://antiguaobserver.com/seven-displaced-after-fire-ravaged-their-homes/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/b2e48cbc8d391e5fe7026b49d79e920ae452e80d7931d455acf6ad160051e7d7.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:31 | null | 2016-08-28T08:59:58 | German Chancellor Angela Merkel's domestic popularity has declined, a poll showed on Sunday, with 50 percent of Germans against her serving a fourth term in | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fhalf-of-germans-against-merkel-serving-fourth-term-poll%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/download-25-Custom-2.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Half of Germans against Merkel serving fourth term: poll | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s domestic popularity has declined, a poll showed on Sunday, with 50 percent of Germans against her serving a fourth term in office after a federal election next year.
A series of violent attacks on civilians in July, two of which were claimed by Islamic State, have focused attention on Merkel’s open-door migrant policy, which allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere into Germany last year.
Half of the 501 people questioned in the Emnid poll for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper were against Merkel staying in office beyond after the 2017 election, with 42 percent wanting her to remain.
In November, the last time Bild am Sonntag commissioned a survey on the issue, 45 percent had been in favor of Merkel serving a fourth term, with 48 percent against.
The head of Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), Frank-Juergen Weise, told the newspaper that he expects a maximum of 300,000 refugees to arrive in Germany this year.
Merkel, asked about her plans for the 2017 election in an interview with regional newspapers published on Tuesday, said: “I will comment on that at the appropriate time. I’m sticking to that.” | http://antiguaobserver.com/half-of-germans-against-merkel-serving-fourth-term-poll/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/462d9f8008fc317ad6f6a0af55b59fd5ee953940879079668fc8d802ffd37e3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:47:30 | null | 2016-08-28T13:00:12 | The family members of country’s latest homicide victim are calling on eyewitnesses to say what they know about the incident. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fgrays-farm-shooting-victims-family-wants-answers%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Shooting-Investigation.jpeg?da4e36 | en | null | Shooting victims family wants answers | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
The family members of country’s latest homicide victim are calling on eyewitnesses to say what they know about the incident.
Police confirmed that Tyrone Lewis better known as Yankee was shot in the chest at around 5 am.
He died hours later at the Mounte St Johns Medical Center where he was undergoing surgery.
Family member Candia Carbon said “the streets will tell but we don’t know what happened. We know that someone will talk and we are awaiting”.
According to Carbon, up until last night, Yankee was seen on the street corner hanging out.
“My son saw him last night dancing relaxing on the corner. It came as a surprise,” she said.
She says the family members are now focused on Yankee’s mom, who is in a state of distress.
“Our focus is on his mom. She is very disturbed. She has been crying all day,” Carbon said.
Yankee, thirty-one- who was deported from the United States some six years ago fathers one boy.
This is the islands third homicide for the year. | http://antiguaobserver.com/grays-farm-shooting-victims-family-wants-answers/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/d1e30940fd3a95ac9e45dc108dca8b2a37cdf9b24316cc4b0b39fa85fc1ea4a1.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T10:47:18 | null | 2016-08-27T05:00:32 | This date, August 27, is forever etched in the minds and hearts of the people of Dominica, who on this day felt the wrath of Tropical Storm Erika which left | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fremembering-erika%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/observer_favicon1.png?da4e36 | en | null | Remembering Erika | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | This date, August 27, is forever etched in the minds and hearts of the people of Dominica, who on this day felt the wrath of Tropical Storm Erika which left death and destruction in its path.
The storm as we may recall was projected to pass close to Antigua & Barbuda in the wee hours of the morning. The prognosis was that this country would have received significant rainfall and strong winds.
Residents battened down and waited for Erika. Nothing happened. Instead, our neighbour, Dominica, was not so lucky as the storm shifted its trajectory and landed on the steps of unprepared Dominicans.
By the time the storm winds subsided after six hours, there were 31 people dead, 500 homes destroyed in the southeast part of the island and one billion dollars in damage to the infrastructure.
One year later, Dominica is still on the path to recovery, as, according to the prime minister, the storm set the country back 20 years.
Dominicans of a certain age will remember Hurricane David, in 1974, which wreaked havoc with infrastructure, but which had far fewer fatalities.
On the eve of the anniversary, the prime minister of the country has asked his countrymen to pause and remember those who lost their lives.
“As a nation, it is important that we remember those who perished and those who are still suffering, physically and emotionally, from the passage of Erika. Infrastructural damage can be repaired and, indeed, our surroundings can and will be made better than before. But the emotional impact of Tropical Storm Erika shall forever be with us. Those who died have left a void that can never be filled. I believe it is incumbent upon us to intercede unceasingly on their behalf, and to celebrate their lives.”
According to the prime minister, his administration will place greater emphasis on environmental issues, as well as structural and engineering designs.
Old people have a saying, when your neighbour’s house is on fire, wet yours. And, the Jews have as their motto, “Lest we forget.”
So, as we commiserate with our neighbours, and whisper a prayer this weekend for those who lost their lives, we ponder on how fortunate we are to have escaped relatively unscathed last hurricane season.
This hurricane season is predicted to be near to normal, but more active than last year’s. There have been six named storms, to date, but no major tropical cyclones.
What is instructive is that in the wake of Erika, last year, governments in the region were once again forced to look at many of the practices we engage in that are deleterious to the environment.
Here in this country, almost on a daily basis voices are raised lamenting the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in the waterways. The pleadings appear to be falling on deaf ears, as more and more dump heaps are discovered in ecologically sensitive areas.
It appears not to have sunk in that there is a strong correlation between how we treat the environment, and the damage it will sustain during a storm.
Much of the damage to infrastructure during a storm is caused by floodwaters. If the drains are blocked by debris, there is no place for the water to go except in homes and business and highways; it’s that simple.
So, even as we reflect on the damage to Dominica caused by Tropical Storm Erika one year ago today, we can’t help but remind ourselves that the hurricane season is only half-way over and that the months of September and October are traditionally the ones to watch.
We invite you to visit www.antiguaobserver.com and give us your feedback on our opinions. | http://antiguaobserver.com/remembering-erika/ | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/fb4c9f6a41eb871b9140b8678ef06797c4581b0bff0bae9e7d0df6b7bd3e8c83.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T10:48:00 | null | 2016-08-31T05:00:30 | MIAMI (CMC) - Former West Indies middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is continuing to protest his unceremonious expulsion from the regional squad, | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fchanderpaul-continues-to-protest-his-expulsion%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/4-CHANDERPAUL-Custom.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Chanderpaul continues to protest his expulsion | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
MIAMI (CMC) – Former West Indies middle order batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is continuing to protest his unceremonious expulsion from the regional squad, saying he has given yeoman service without being honoured.
Chanderpaul, 42, who was dropped from the West Indies squad before the series against Australia last year, says his departure “was not handled properly”.
The veteran left-hander was axed after a poor run of form that saw him make 183 runs at 16.63 in the 11 innings that followed his 30th and final Test century a few months earlier against Bangladesh.
“You’ve put in so many years. A lot of times you’ve been injured and you still go out and play,” said the Guyanese cricketer, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
“A lot of times I went back home to Guyana injured from tours that I’ve been on for West Indies and go back home and play, and you give so much service for your country and to West Indies and on the back end you were not properly honoured for it.”
Chanderpaul, who boasts a career average of 51, has averaged just 16 from his last 11 innings.
Overall, however, he has scored 11,867 from 164 Tests, with 30 hundreds and is just 87 runs short of overtaking Brian Lara as the leading West Indies run-scorer of all time.
“I ended up getting the same treatment in the back end of it, where you are totally disrespected and you were not treated right, and you’ve given so many years of service to the Caribbean,” he complained.
“There’s nobody there to properly honour you and send you off properly, maybe like what Sachin [Tendulkar] got in India or some of the other players I’ve seen got a proper send-off. It was nothing like that. It hurt in the end because you’ve done so much for the West Indies”.
Chanderpaul played five games for Guyana in the last edition of the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL), averaging 49.83 to help them to defend their title.
Considered a West Indies cricket legend, Chanderpaul insists that there has been a lack of gratitude for his service to the region but conceded that he was not the only one who received an undignified farewell.
“I don’t think [the selectors] handled it properly. It was not the way they should have done something. They should have done it better,” said Chanderpaul whose last appearance came in May 2015, against England, where he made a nine-ball duck.
“This is something that happened way back in the past, when I started my career with some of the senior players, maybe like [Courtney] Walsh and other guys, Desmond Haynes. These are things that happened to those guys and it was not handled properly”. | http://antiguaobserver.com/chanderpaul-continues-to-protest-his-expulsion/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/d98053120d78b498b85386642bcf7b34bd61627052cfd63c7065c9f7b031f293.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T18:47:34 | null | 2016-08-28T13:09:18 | ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug. 28, CMC – With less than two years before the constitutional date for a general election, the main opposition National Democratic | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fopposition-holds-consultations-with-members-of-jamaican-opposition-party%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Flag_of_Grenada.svg-Custom.png?da4e36 | en | null | Opposition holds consultations with members of Jamaican opposition party | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug. 28, CMC – With less than two years before the constitutional date for a general election, the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is seeking regional assistance to help rebuild the party .
Three persons associated with the public relations and mobilising team of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) in Jamaica are presently in the island having meetings with representatives of the NDC.
The consultants from Jamaica are Alston Stewart, Donovan Nelson and Attorney at Law Michael Vaccianna .
The three arrived here last Thursday and have so far met with Political Leader Nazim Burke and other executive members of the NDC .
However, in a interview on Sunday, Stewart who served as PNP’s Campaign Administrator in 2011 was tightlipped about his visit but confirmed that he met with Burke on Friday.
“I am here not at the invitation of the party but am here in Grenada and have met with officials or persons associated with party,” he replied when asked if he was in Grenada at the invitation of the NDC.
It is widely known that the NDC is associated with the Jamaican political party and has in the past used some of its operatives during election campaign.
In the lead up to the 2008 general election, there was a heavy presence of the Jamaican politicians in the lead up to the general election in which the NDC won 11 of the 15 seats.
A party official – who did not wish to be named, described Friday’s meeting as productive, stating that in the 2013 general election, their Jamaican counterparts were less involved.
The NDC won no seats in the February 2013 election but has three representatives in the Senate.
The official said the party will be monitoring the outcome of the Constitution Reform Referendum Vote scheduled for October 27, as it is believed that it will have an impact on the party in the lead up to the 2018 general election. | http://antiguaobserver.com/opposition-holds-consultations-with-members-of-jamaican-opposition-party/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/16f2740d05f1f2641e31ba89b26521ccb5222ebd848b5f7b96a9d03a5bf54967.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:48:10 | null | 2016-08-26T10:45:00 | Bolivian miners lifted the roadblock where violent protests had taken place this week, a day after a government deputy minister was beaten to death, with | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fbolivian-miners-lift-roadblock-after-official-beaten-to-death%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bolivian.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Bolivian miners lift roadblock after official beaten to death | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
Bolivian miners lifted the roadblock where violent protests had taken place this week, a day after a government deputy minister was beaten to death, with President Evo Morales calling Friday a day of “deep pain” for the country.
Deputy Interior Minister Rodolfo Illanes, 56, was killed on Thursday after being taken hostage by workers who had blocked a major highway in Panduro, around 160 km (100 miles) from capital city La Paz. Officials said he died of blows to the head.
The workers were demanding more mining concessions with less stringent environmental rules.
“Our natural resources belong to the people, which is why I call brother Illanes a hero in the defense of our natural resources,” Morales told local media, calling for a three-day period of mourning.
Illanes had traveled to Panduro to negotiate with the miners. His body was found in the early morning by the side of the highway that connects La Paz with the city of Oruro, wrapped in a blanket, said Edwin Blanco, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation.
“The cause of death was basically bleeding in the brain. Ribs were also broken,” Blanco told reporters.
Morales said the protests and Illanes’ death looked to be part of a “political conspiracy rather than a legitimate social claim” made by the miners.
Morales, an ex-coca grower, nationalized Bolivia’s resources sector after taking power in 2006, initially winning plaudits for plowing the profits into welfare programs.
But his government has been dogged by accusations of cronyism and authoritarianism in recent years. Some labor unions have soured on him as falling commodity prices have crimped spending.
The Panduro protest turned violent this week after a highway was blockaded. Two workers were killed on Wednesday after police fired shots. The government said 17 police officers had been wounded.
Bolivia’s Panduro area has zinc, gold and silver mines. Most of the country’s miners, including those involved in the protests, work in cooperatives. Unlike neighboring Peru and Chile, there are few foreign-owned mining companies. | http://antiguaobserver.com/bolivian-miners-lift-roadblock-after-official-beaten-to-death/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/97d26187508c89ffd86ad5670b9c7c76859eb4aa36745bfd9dcfd3dd732edf26.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:48:04 | null | 2016-08-30T12:01:14 | ROSEAU, Dominica, Aug 30, CMC – Attorney Cabral Douglas is seeking three million US dollars from the Dominica government following the cancellation of a show | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fpromotor-seeking-millions-in-compensation-from-dominica-government%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Make-Money-online-450x300.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Promotor seeking millions in compensation from Dominica government | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
ROSEAU, Dominica, Aug 30, CMC – Attorney Cabral Douglas is seeking three million US dollars from the Dominica government following the cancellation of a show that would have featured Jamaican artiste Tommy lee in 2014.
The concert, organized by Douglas, was cancelled as Tommy Lee and three members of his management team were detained and arrested by police on arrival at Douglas-Charles Airport and subsequently deported.
The Ministry of National Security issued a statement then indicating that Tommy Lee, whose given name is Leroy Russel, was a denied entry in the interest of public safety.
“I have taken the step to officially file legal proceedings against the Commonwealth of Dominica in my capacity as a Dominican at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), under the provision of the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Article 2:20,” Douglas said in a statement.
The Roosevelt Skerrit government had earlier expressed interest in settling the matter in May 2015 but according to Douglas this offer was later rescinded after he submitted proof of the claims as per the negotiation process.
In a letter dated 18 May 2016 from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Douglas was informed that “the government (of Dominica) does not accept any liability or responsibility these claims”.
According to the court documents, Douglas is seeking just over three million US dollars in pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages as several artistes were unable to honour their performance contract due to the “illegal behaviour of the government of Dominica”.
“I have launched a proceeding on my own behalf, in my own name and it is now for the other plaintiff aka Tommy Lee and others as well as the government of Jamaica to make a decision as to whether or not they will join as party to the proceeding” as was done in the case of (Jamaican) Shanique Myrie, who successfully sued the Barbados government after she was denied entry into the country in 2013.
Douglas said that the claim was filed and served on the Attorney General’s Chambers which, acknowledged receipt on Thursday 25 August 2016.
Douglas said that his dispute is not only a violation of the free movement ability of CARICOM nationals under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, but also a constitutional issue for the CCJ to determine. | http://antiguaobserver.com/promotor-seeking-millions-in-compensation-from-dominica-government/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/f3640eafe56cafe0e884678fcb51582a6b14ceeac895377324d53f7247ece317.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:45 | null | 2016-08-29T08:23:31 | GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 29, CMC – President David Granger was re-elected un-opposed Sunday to the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fpresident-granger-remains-leader-of-pncr%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/guyana.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | President Granger remains leader of PNCR | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 29, CMC – President David Granger was re-elected un-opposed Sunday to the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main party in the coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) government.
Delegates to the party’s 19th Biennial Congress also re-elected unopposed Attorney General Basil Williams as chairman as well as Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan as treasurer to the 59-year-old political party.
In his address to delegates following his re-election, Granger said that the PNCR must show leadership, stewardship, fellowship and statesmanship and that it must inspire and advise, and that “from top to bottom the coalition must be on its best behaviour.”
Granger called on the newly elected executive to show stewardship to members and supporters.He said social cohesion was a central plank of the PNCR and the coalition and in an obvious reference to recent remarks by the Opposition Leader, Bharat Jagdeo said “we are faced with reckless, racists ranting; we must not go into the gutter with them…”
“We are their servants; they delegated us to represent them.”
Earlier Granger said the PNCR’s ideology is inspired, largely, by the ideas of the late founding member and president Forbes Burnham, saying his ideas grew out of historical experience and social action.
“He employed these ideas as instruments to transform society. The local situation in British Guiana, during his childhood and adolescence and the international situation and intellectual currents in the British Empire convinced him of the injustice of colonialism and the common destiny of the Caribbean peoples. “The unequal distribution of wealth and the denial of opportunity to the masses – at the global, regional and local levels – combined to mould Forbes Burnham’s thought.”
Granger said that the PNCR, over the past four years established three new institutions to ensure that Burnham’s ideas continue to inform current leaders and inspire future generations.
The congress was held under the theme: “PNCR the Vanguard of Green Economy”. | http://antiguaobserver.com/president-granger-remains-leader-of-pncr/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/11e213eb69b588c0084c53f0c9b9b5c40c3d74e69c28499e82fc16ac8a6cc305.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:47:32 | null | 2016-08-28T09:18:21 | KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 28, CMC – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, is scheduled to hold talks with industry stakeholders in Canada this week, to | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fjamaica-tourism-tourism-minister-to-lead-delegation-to-canada%2F.json | http://cdn3.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/JamaicaFlag-1.png?da4e36 | en | null | JAMAICA-TOURISM- Tourism Minister to lead delegation to Canada | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug. 28, CMC – Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, is scheduled to hold talks with industry stakeholders in Canada this week, to discuss strategies to boost visitor arrivals from that country to Jamaica.
Bartlett, who is leading a Jamaican delegation to Canada on Monday, says the meetings will involve representatives of several of Jamaica’s longstanding partners, including airlines, tour operators and travel agents.
Additionally, he said the opportunity will be used to re-launch Jamaica’s advertising and marketing campaign to strengthen promotion of the island to Canadians as a destination of choice for vacations and other visits.
Bartlett explained that this is being done to enhance Jamaica’s presence in Canada, which has recorded a decline in the number of persons visiting the island in recent years.
In acknowledging that this development could be attributed to “economic shifts”, he indicated that innovative strategies are being explored to better enable Jamaica to regain a strong foothold in that market.
“We are going to lift the quality of the destination’s [Jamaica] offerings so that the visitor feels fully comfortable to pay what is required (for these) while getting high value [for their money],” he said. | http://antiguaobserver.com/jamaica-tourism-tourism-minister-to-lead-delegation-to-canada/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/3863c42236b17f02c1466d6f6c1fa5b9396a3483124d47d1cefb28f99997cddc.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:47:52 | null | 2016-08-30T11:57:26 | At least 1,500 delegates from 40 countries will meet in Jamaica in October as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country hosts FOROMIC 2016. | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fjamaica-to-host-foromic%2F.json | http://cdn4.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/es-banner.png?da4e36 | en | null | Jamaica to host FOROMIC | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Aug 30, CMC – At least 1,500 delegates from 40 countries will meet in Jamaica in October as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country hosts FOROMIC 2016.
FOROMIC, which is described as a space for business and financial innovation, as well as a platform for microfinance, is being organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF).
The October 24-26 event will be held under the theme “Creating Opportunities through Financial Inclusion.”
At the opening ceremony FOROMIC will honour winners of the Inter-American Awards for Financial & Entrepreneurial innovation, locally and internationally.
This is the first time that Jamaica will be hosting FOROMIC, referred to as Latin America and the Caribbean’s largest and most important annual event on financial inclusion, financial innovation and entrepreneurship.
The first FOROMIC was held in 1998, “as a space to promote innovations in the microfinance and medium and small enterprise) MSME development sectors.
The organisers said that 18 such events have been held since and “it has demonstrated that serving low income households and small businesses is possible, sustainable and profitable.
“Also, experience has shown that financially active and empowered micro, small and medium sized enterprises constitutes one of the most effective ways to overcome the challenges of poverty,” the organisers said in a statement. | http://antiguaobserver.com/jamaica-to-host-foromic/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/13a8e9dc2cfeb4bb5488bf59095f843518a41402e51a02f6306911d1a8c73c7c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:08 | null | 2016-08-26T10:55:39 | It's empty now, but in four days New York's Madison Square Garden will be filled with some of the world's biggest music stars for the annual MTV Video Music | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Frihanna-ariana-grande-set-to-perform-at-mtv-video-music-awards%2F.json | http://cdn2.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rihanna.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Rihanna, Ariana Grande set to perform at MTV Video Music awards | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
It’s empty now, but in four days New York’s Madison Square Garden will be filled with some of the world’s biggest music stars for the annual MTV Video Music Awards show.
Beyonce leads the nominations with a career-high 11 nods, Adele has notched seven and Rihanna has multiple nods for her collaborations with DJ Calvin Harris on “This is What You Came For,” and with Drake on “Work.”
One of the most anticipated moments on Sunday will be Rihanna receiving the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award – the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award – and performing live on stage .
“I think everyone wants to tune in for Rihanna … What she’s doing with the Video Vanguard moment is like no one has ever done,” executive producer Jesse Ignjatovic said on Thursday.
Other confirmed performers include Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Nick Jonas.
The always unpredictable rapper Kanye West will attend and be seated in the front row with his reality star wife, Kim Kardashian. Producers will not say whether he will perform.
“We were happy to have him coming and I’m excited to hear what he’s going to do,” Ignjatovic said.
Other celebrity presenters include U.S. Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps and the Rio gold medal-winning women’s gymnastics team.
The show will air live on MTV on Aug. 28. | http://antiguaobserver.com/rihanna-ariana-grande-set-to-perform-at-mtv-video-music-awards/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/531430dbb897c8f1d0fab9031d95ebcc5d10c39beaeb0be9481b596558d90388.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T12:47:41 | null | 2016-08-29T08:22:01 | BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Aug 29, CMC – How to generate a viable environment in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to develop businesses around water and | http%3A%2F%2Fantiguaobserver.com%2Fdiscussing-business-around-water%2F.json | http://cdn.antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/water-shortage.jpg?da4e36 | en | null | Discussing business around water | null | null | antiguaobserver.com | New Story
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Aug 29, CMC – How to generate a viable environment in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to develop businesses around water and sanitation will be among matters discussed at a two-day conference that begins in Washington on Tuesday.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said the “Eye on Latin America and the Caribbean” event will bring together international experts to discuss water and sustainable development in the region.
The event is part of the Stockholm International Water Institute’s (SIWI) 2016 World Water Week with the presence of high-profile experts and panellists from government agencies, water utilities, international organizations, universities, private sector, and donor agencies, among others.
The IDB said the meeting will address four topics including water and sanitation as a business: the circular economy of water and exploring the opportunities and challenge to meet the water-related Sustainable Development Goal.
The IDB said the two-day event is being coordinated through its Water and Sanitation Division, in cooperation with FEMSA Foundation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and the World Bank Group among other international sponsors. | http://antiguaobserver.com/discussing-business-around-water/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | antiguaobserver.com/2501ba38df4ef16f9a68b5f847da7b10100161ab95b1572160752d858995bcf7.json |
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