Cartoon: March 9, 2015
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Local NGO Gives Students Practical Human Rights Instruction
Rev. Jarvis Bestman, CARM executive directorAccording to Wikipedia, human rights in Liberia became a focus of international attention when the country’s president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was named one of the three female co-winners of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, all of whom were cited “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”But among Liberia’s very serious human rights problems are ritualistic killings, police abuse, incidents of so-called “trial by ordeal,” arbitrary arrests, the denial of due process, violence against women, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, child abuse, human trafficking, mob violence, and child labor.Since the end of the Civil War in 2003, however, there has been a great deal of activity by a number of international and local organizations with the objective of establishing in Liberia a solid democracy based on human rights.In line with this effort, Children Assistance Rescue Mission (CARM), a Liberian NGO, in collaboration with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Human Rights Protection Section over the weekend held a one day training of 50 high school students from 10 schools – and as many teachers, in Montserrado County to educate them on theirs and the rights of fellow Liberians.Held at the Rock International Town Point Church on 3rd Street, Sinkor, the workshop aimed to establish human rights clubs at these schools in an effort to entrench the doctrine of human rights in the minds of young Liberians.Speaking to the Daily Observer after the workshop, the executive director of CARM, Rev. Jarvis Bestman, said that the NGO hopes to hold the same workshop at schools across Liberia.“This is an initiative to educate the youth to know more about human rights and their responsibility to society,” he said, adding that ignorant of their human rights under the law, Liberians tend to repeat the mistakes of the past.The CEO of Women Against Female Genital Mutilation (WAFGM), Maima D. Robinson, said it is necessary that the young generation should be informed about the laws that protect people in the society. Telling the students that this takes “integrity to achieve,” Robinson called on them to stand up for the truth to help spread awareness on human rights in Liberia.“We want the children to enjoy what we enjoyed. We are our own problem as Liberians so we need to work on ourselves to move forward,” she said.Other speakers and participants at the event included representatives from UNMIL and the Ministries of Gender and Labor.Participating schools included SDA, St. Simon Baptist, St. Samuel, Angel Net, Bishop Marwieh Institute, Ocean View Christian Academy, Rock International Christian Academy, Tubman High, Richard N. Nixon, and G.W. Gibson.Rev. Bestman called on UNMIL, foreign embassies and international NGOs to assist his organization with resources to help extend the workshop to more schools.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) – Advertisement –
Linden couple killed in accident
A Linden couple was killed on Monday evening after they were struck off their motorcycle by a SUV at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden.Other reports suggest that the male involved in the accident, Oneil Deyounge, was admitted to the Linden Hospital Complex in critical condition but later died. The female victim has been identified as Sheshyka Etienne.Both were flung onto the roadway following the impact and were reportedly crushed by the vehicle.The accident reportedly occurred at approximately 21:00h. The driver of the vehicle was taken into Police custody where he is said to be assisting with investigations.
Crime Chief Alves cleared of criminal misconduct – Top Cop
…administrative issues being addressedThe investigations into allegations of corruption against Deputy Police Commissioner and Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, who is presently on administrative leave, has concluded and he has been cleared of criminal misconduct.Embattled Crime Chief, Lyndon AlvesThis is according to Police Commissioner Leslie James, who told reporters on Friday that although the probe has ended, there are still some other administrative issues that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is currently dealing with which involves Alves.“What I can say to you is that the investigation has been completed and I have obtained a file and in terms of criminal conduct, Mr Alves has been cleared. Well internally, administratively, there are some other issues that we are dealing with and that is the final position. But criminal conduct, he has been cleared of any criminal conduct.”However, it is uncertain as to whether Alves will return to his post as Crime Chief.When asked about Alves continuing this function until he retires in January 2020, the Top Cop did not deny or confirm Alves’ return.“I said that there are some other administrative issues that we are dealing with and that is going to be dealt with shortly,” the Police Commissioner stated.In June, Crime Chief Alves was sent on administrative leave to facilitate a probe into corruption allegations levelled against him.The Police Commissioner had at that time acknowledged that there is the pervasive issue of corruption among his ranks.Among the allegations against Alves is his alleged use of his influence during his tenure as Commander of B Division to protect rogue cops.Another allegation levelled against the Crime Chief is his reported influence used to prevent his daughter, who was involved in an accident, from being charged. In that incident, the young woman allegedly struck four-year-old Mohan Ramkaran close to his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home.However, after she was arrested, she was later placed on $20,000 station bail and over two years later, she is yet to be charged.In July, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had told this publication that the probe into Alves’ alleged misconduct as a serving senior member of the GPF has been completed and that his file was sent for further advice to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward.Shortly after, Minister Ramjattan had told the media that President David Granger appointed Alves, so the President would determine his fate after investigations are completed.Given that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is conducting the investigation, meaning the Police is investigating itself, which in itself has raised a number of questions, Ramjattan had also said that it is important for such cases to be investigated by the OPR to build confidence. He added that hundreds of cases have been investigated by the OPR before which have all been respected as they were even subject to further analysis.Prior to his suspension of duties at the GPF, ranks in Berbice blew the whistle on alleged corruption by the Crime Chief and claimed that he was shielding a few junior rogue ranks who have been linked to criminals.
Elk Club Speedskaters prep for provincials
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Elk Speedskating Club members are preparing for the upcoming provincials meet next weekend after competing in Alberta last week.A handful of speedskaters were in Calgary from January 4th to 9th to compete at the Canada Cup #2 in partnership with the Long Track Team Selections for the 2018 Winter Olympics.“The kids are in a very busy part of the schedule, ” said Vice President Wim Kok. “All these events in December and the first half of January were a lead up to provincials next weekend as the team gets set to skate versus the best from across the province.”- Advertisement -The Long Track Championships take place on January 20th to 21st at the Pomeroy Sports Centre. Skating goes from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
For the record
160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! In a story Sunday on Page 1 of the Simi Valley edition, a photo caption misidentified Katherine Hillman and Jake Lucas.
Manchester United defender signs contract extension
1 Chris Smalling Chris Smalling has signed a contract extension at Manchester United – keeping him at the club until June 2019.The England defender, who joined the club in 2010 from Fulham, has won two Premier League titles with the Red Devils.Smalling, whose original contract was due to expire in 2016, had been linked with a move to Arsenal but appears to be happy at Old Trafford.Louis van Gaal said: “Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first team squad. He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”Chris Smalling said: “I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club. We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit. This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United, we are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level.”
Donegal to gather in honour of legendary ‘Fr. Mick’
There is a line we all learnt off by heart, long ago from Oliver Goldsmith’s poem.“The deserted village, He is telling about the school master and all his pupils, And still they gazed and still their wonder grew, that one small head could carry all he knew.”This line fits Fr Michael Sweeney or Father Mick as he is called by everyone who knows,likes and admires him. Although there is no doubt that he knows far more than he would ever display ,it is certain that he has given and and accomlpished very very much more than many who know him well could ever enumerate.The signs are all around in churches ,schools ,medical centres and in services for older people or those who might be disadvantaged in any way.The most important thing he ever gave was his time and he is always generous in giving that.His life has been full of giving to others,and this was recognised when his own county,conferred him with the acolade of Donegal person of the Year.On Friday next, the 30th of September in the Silver Tassie,he will be honoured in another very special and personal way. Members of All-Ireland winning teams from PCC Falcarragh, Fanad United, Holy Cross boarders and his friends from all over will come together to thank him for those great days and fantastic victories.Former pupils will remember going into his sitting room in Holy Cross to find a room crowded with students,sprawled or sitting or standing,the television at full volume showing match of the day.It was all watched over by Fr Mick and Fr Sean who where as vocal and involved as everyone else there.It was the spirit and energy engendered in that room that transferred itself to the playing fields and to All Ireland glory.There may well be another priestperson or manager who has taken teams to those heights but if ,they are ,they are few and far between,There may be other schools along the wild atlantic way who are just as worthy of praise but they would be very hard to find.It is because of this that the friends and members of those great teams and all those involved at that unforgetable time will meet to celebrate and to remember. They will gather to celebrate and to thank Fr Michael, a great Fanad man ,a great leader and sports man and a fantastic inspiration to all those people ,not so very long ago but very important years.We will finish with a misquotation from a Goldsmith poem – “But present is all his fame the very spot where many a time he triumphed will be forever remembered.”Donegal to gather in honour of legendary ‘Fr. Mick’ was last modified: September 27th, 2016 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
Livestock issues and legal action
Share Facebook Twitter Google + LinkedIn Pinterest By Ellen Essman and Peggy Hall, Ohio Law Blog, Agricultural & Resource Law Program at The Ohio State UniversityLivestock issues have been the subject of various legal action around the the nation in recent weeks.In August, Oregon passed a new law that would require egg-laying chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, or guinea fowl to be kept in a “cage-free housing system.” This law will apply to all commercial farms with more than 3,000 laying hens. A cage-free housing system must have both indoor and outdoor areas, allow the hens to roam unrestricted, and must have enrichments such as scratch areas, perches, nest boxes and dust bathing areas. As of Jan. 1, 2024, all eggs sold in the state of Oregon will have to follow these requirements for hens. The law does allow hens to be confined in certain situations, like for veterinary purposes or when they are part of a state or county fair exhibition.Meat was also in the Missouri news recently when a federal judge recently issued a decision that upholds Missouri’s meat labeling law regarding alternative meat products, for now. Missouri passed a law in 2018, which among other things, prohibited representing a product as “meat” if it is not derived from livestock or poultry. As you can imagine, with the recent popularity of plant-based meat products, this law is controversial, and eventually led to a lawsuit.However, U.S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan Jr. decided not issue a preliminary injunction that would stop the Missouri Department of Agriculture from carrying out the labeling law. He reasoned that since companies like Tofurky, who brought the suit, label their products as plant-based or lab-grown, the law does not harm them. In other words, since Tofurky and other companies are not violating the law, it doesn’t make sense to stop enforcement on their account. Tofurky, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the good Food Institute have appealed Judge Gaitan’s decision, asserting that Missouri’s law infringes upon their right to free speech. This means that the Missouri law can be enforced at the moment, but the decision is not final, as more litigation is yet to come.
Footfeed Jumps into the Check-in Aggregation Game
Why IoT Apps are Eating Device Interfaces What it Takes to Build a Highly Secure FinTech … Role of Mobile App Analytics In-App Engagement Related Posts With a number of location-based social networking applications currently available, and no clear winner as of yet, a micro-industry for universal check-in applications has sprung up, with several mobile apps available for the early adopter set. We’ve looked at a couple of these in the past, including the mobile Web application developed by the Brighkite team, Check.in, and GeoLorean, a check-in aggregator that features Check.in’s functionality. Today, we’re experimenting with a third: the oddly named, but feature-rich “Footfeed.”About FootfeedFootfeed is a universal check-in application for the iPhone (OS 3.1.3 or greater). The app supports the popular location-based services Foursquare, Gowalla and Brightkite as well as the social networking site, Facebook. In theory, the app lets you check in to multiple services at the same time. From the company’s homepage, a real-time feed of recent public check-ins shows that the app, for some, does function as advertised. In practice, however, I had issues with it not checking me in to services I had registered within the app’s settings. sarah perez Too Bad It’s Buggy!Last night, for example, I checked into L.A. Fitness. I know the location exists in Foursquare because I’ve used the Foursquare native app to perform check-ins there in the past. However, even though I’ve associated Foursquare with Footfeed, it only checked me into Gowalla. I had to launch Foursquare separately and perform the check in there myself, defeating the purpose of having a universal app. Afterwards, I checked into a second location, but this time, the app didn’t register the check-in on any service, it only registered it with Footfeed itself. On a separate occasion, that same location was registered with Foursquare, but nothing else.I also had issues with Facebook. Although Facebook is associated with my Footfeed account and shows up in my list of applications on Facebook.com with all the proper permissions, it never posted any check-ins to my Facebook profile. (I’m assuming that’s what the integration is for?) Needless to say, I’m really confused. Why isn’t the app checking me to all the services? Isn’t that the point?Features that WorkIt’s a shame the app didn’t work because beyond the check-in issues, there is a lot to like about Footfeed and its accompanying web service. Once registered, you can sign into your account online and see a list of all your check-ins and stats with the various location-based services, including things like badges, mayorshsips, friend counts, pins, stamps, fans, etc. These stats are available within the mobile application too, which is a great feature. The mobile also app includes your history, a friend list, your friends’ stream of check-ins, a list of favorite places and more. On the website, you can scroll back through your check-in history and browse through a huge listing of Footfeed users (although one that’s in no particular order and not searchable at present).While it’s great to see the aggregated list of check-ins from your friends within a mobile app, GeoLorean offers this too and the universal check-in functionality is supported by both it and the Web app, Check.in, where the feature works far more consistently. According to Footfeed’s “About Us” page, Twitter, Google Latitude and Whrrl check-ins will be supported soon. I’d recommend that the developers figure out the bugs first, before adding more services and certainly before making you pay for the app, as its iTunes page hints at. Negativities aside, it’s worth noting that your mileage may vary when you try the app. I haven’t tested Footfeed extensively using multiple iPhones, multiple OS versions or multiple locales. I’ve only used the iPhone 4. If you experience other results, let us know in the comments. I actually do hope that Footfeed can resolve its issues because a speedy universal mobile application would be handy…and it is fast – much faster than the Web app Check.in, for example.Footfeed is currently free from the iTunes App Store. An Android app is in the works. Tags:#Location#mobile#Product Reviews#web The Rise and Rise of Mobile Payment Technology