‘Rotarians Are Big Hearted Distinguished Men & Women’
Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has described Rotarians as distinguished and exemplary world class citizens and professionals that are responsive to the critical needs of humanity.VP Boakai made the statement last week Friday at a lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Monrovia intended to honor founding member Joseph Richards, Al Browne and Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.He pointed that the visionary founding father of Rotary International was far back as 1905 endowed with so much urge to serve.VP Boakai reminded Rotarians and Liberians that the selfless and astute Chicago Attorney Paul P. Harris as far as back in the last century, could picture the enormous positive impact that such human bonding and drive could exact on his fellow beings in their respective communities even a century later to this day.The Liberian Vice President also noted that the ideals that attended the birth of this humanitarian organization more than 100 years ago and the embrace of its foothold in Liberia some 50 years find serene expression in the thoughtfully crafted motto.“We convene at this lunch meeting today, just as in beginnings when pioneering Rotarians – then a handful of big hearted and broad minded men- held similar regular meetings during their lunch hours on a rotational basis to plot their own service map as professionals with the urging to serve humanity,” VP Boakai asserted.VP Boakai also added that as a mark of their absolute accession to the highest of ethical standards, Rotarians carved for themselves a model guide in what they refer to as the four way test.He further stated that in aspiring to the pinnacle of ethics, Rotarians are duty bound to ask themselves in any enterprise they are set to undertake.Ambassador Boakai also explained that Rotary Clubs, like ours in this country, are noted for championing health issues, supporting hunger-fighting initiatives, providing safe and clean water in villages as well as responding to and helping rebuild when natural disasters strike.VP Boakai intimated that Rotarians rightfully designate their movement as a global network of over a million volunteers’ dedication to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.In remarks, honoree Joseph Richards urged the current generation of Rotarians concentrate their energy and time on the decentralization of programs across in order to meet the socio-economic needs of other Liberians.Rotarian Richards regretted the conspicuous absence his wife at the auspicious occasion of the Rotary Club of Monrovia’s lunch and honoring ceremony in Monrovia.Earlier, Rotary Club of Monrovia President Milton A. Weeks welcomed VP Boakai, staff, and Rotary members and guests for the lunch and honoring program.In brief statement, the Sinkor Rotary Club underscored the need for their participation in the official celebration of the 50th jubilee anniversary.Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Monrovia was founded on January 24, 1064 by few distinguished, business and professional Liberians in an effort to buttress the Liberian Government and other support partners in the country.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The Central Bank of Liberia has once again taken a major step to enhance its financially inclusive program across the country. The latest move by the Bank is the construction and dedication of credit union banks in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, in the southeast of Liberia.The two counties are among the poorest in Liberia, making access to bank loans extremely difficult. If made available, interest rates on bank loans in these counties could be very high. CBL officials, led by Executive Governor J. Mills Jones, drove to the region last weekend to open the two banks, which would be used by registered credit unions and village savings and loan associations to facilitate access to finances for businesses and residents in that part of the country. The idea of this financial inclusion scheme emanated from Dr. Jones, who believes that unless the Liberian people can have access to the national cake and poverty is reduced, the economy will not be where it ought to be, and the suffering of the people would continue. The Board of Governors of the CBL, comprised of former Finance Ministers, former National Bank governors and commercial bank executives, have endorsed this idea, which is making a strong impact in the lives of ordinary Liberians in the countries rural areas. Thousands of citizens, including business owners, government officials, elders, and youth and student groups, lined up along the roadsides in Grand Gedeh, Rivergee, Grand Kru and Maryland counties to show their support to CBL officials as they visited their counties. Governor Jones’ trip to the Southeast was based on an invitation from citizens and officials of these counties, including Maryland County District #3 Rep. Isaac Roland, a man who is desperate to see the people of Maryland County rise from poverty.Mr. Harold K. Chea, head of the Unity Savings Credit Union in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, was also on hand to receive Dr. Jones and his delegation. Chea told reporters that he is proud to welcome and honor Dr. Mills Jones for his “unprecedented, invaluable, committed and dedicated service toward the empowerment of Liberians through the practical demonstration of his indigenous approach to building the Liberian economy.” Mr. Chea noted that the people of Grand Gedeh were overwhelmed by the financial and technical support they have received from the CBL through its unprecedented loan initiative under the leadership of Dr. Mills Jones.“Studies of performance for Liberian businesses after you took over as Governor of the CBL up to present reveal significant transformations in contrast to the past,” he said. “Liberian businesspeople have seen a new day. Access to finance is no longer a major issue; acquisition of skills and knowledge through capacity building is a milestone achievement that is accelerating the growth and expansion of Liberian owned businesses. We must commend you significantly for that,” Governor Jones,” lauded Mr. Chea.Rep. Isaac Roland was among several Liberians who praised the CBL Executive Governor for his loan initiative “that is helping our people significantly”.In response, Dr. Jones expressed his gratitude to the people of Maryland, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Grand Kru Counties for appreciating the work of the CBL. The CBL boss reiterated: “no one, irrespective of his/her geographic location, should see poverty as their destiny or as a badge of honor.” The CBL boss assured rural dwellers that the Bank remains committed to working with the Board of Governors, management and staff for the sustainable transformation of the Liberian economy.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Oil exportation licence scrapping…says cancellation of contract unwiseOpposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said that Guyana only has a mere 24 days fuel reserve capacity, pointing that the decision to revoke an oil exportation licence granted to China Zhonghao Inc is not a wise move for the country.Opposition Leader Bharrat JagdeoJagdeo made this comment at a Wednesday afternoon news conference at his Party’s Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters.According to the Opposition Leader it is odd the Government would want to deny a company which wants to invest in Guyana’s bulk fuel storage capacity, noting that the State oil company, Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) having a measly 14 days storage capacity, which simply means, if the country is unable to import fuel for more than three weeks it will be out of supply.“Some countries try to encourage people to build more storage… we have 24 days of storage capacity. We should encourage people to invest and build more storage capacity. The Chinese can’t fetch away the tanks when they build them there, they can’t fetch them back to China, they are investing in our country,” he argued.The former President rhetorically questioned why the Government would go after a legitimate company, which was intended to boost Guyana’s low bulk fuel storage capacity.Duplicitous approachJagdeo also lambasted the APNU Administration for what he described as a duplicitous approach, pointing to a recent statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who said that the Governments of Guyana and Brazil were holding discussions to approach the Chinese Government to fund the Linden to Lethem Highway contraction and other infrastructural projects here.“So on one hand there is this big assault on the Chinese companies … and then on the other hand they are looking for money from the Chinese Government to build the road from Brazil to Guyana and the other infrastructure… looking for money from the Chinese Government and on the other hand chasing away all the Chinese investors,” Jagdeo highlighted.Jagdeo urged the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana to intervene and say clearly to the Guyana Government that the harassment of Chinese investors must cease.Abide by the lawsJagdeo also made it clear that if any company, Chinese or otherwise, break the laws of Guyana in anyway, then they must be sanction; however, the Government must not target these companies because of a hidden agenda.“I must point out that the Chinese and any foreign investor must comply with all our laws. If they sign agreements, like BaiShanLin and the others, they must comply, if they don’t comply then there must be penalties, but they must not be treated unfairly,” he reasoned.Possible litigation costsEarlier a legal expert told Guyana Times that the State faces the possibility of humongous litigation costs if the Chinese take legal action over a breach of contract without any solid justification.“Contracts can only be terminated for just cause in accordance with the terms of the contract, since many contracts provide grounds upon which they can be terminated,” the expert, who practises civil law… In other words said “a contract cannot be whimsically and arbitrarily terminated. If that happens, the affected party can launch legal proceedings for damages and compensation for wrongful and/or unlawful termination of the contract and that can run into hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the subject matter of the contract,” the civil lawyer outlined.The expert said while not being fully privy to the terms of the contract, based on the trend in recent months, said that there seems to be some misperception by the Government that contracts signed prior to their assumption to office could be arbitrarily quashed.“The Government seems to believe that they are not bound by contracts entered into under the previous Government. That is a terribly flawed view. Contracts with the State of Guyana, entered into by the Government of the day, continue to be enforced, notwithstanding that there may be a change of government,” the expert highlighted.The Government and the company have not officially commented on the termination of the contract.Only recently there were reports of fuel smuggling in Guyana with prominent businessmen names being called din the illicit ring. In one instance, the High Court granted an injunction after several local businessmen moved to the court following accusations of inducement to smuggle fuel from Venezuela.
Tomas Pranciliauskas made five 3-pointers and scored 15points for Pepperdine (6-20, 2-8 WCC). The Waves, 7-20 a year ago under Paul Westphal before hiring Vance Walberg last April, have lost 20 games in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. San Bernardino Valley 77, Antelope Valley 74: Lewis Leonard scored 28 points, including two 3-pointers in the last two minutes, as the Wolverines won at home in Foothill Conference play. Antonio Kellogg scored 16 of his 23 points in the secondhalf and had eight assists in San Francisco’s 82-70 win over visiting Pepperdine on Saturday night. Alan Wiggins also had 23points and added sevenrebounds for the Dons (10-15, 6-4 West Coast Conference), who beat the Waves for the fourth straight time. Henderson had 13 points and 10 rebounds for San Diego (19-5, 8-2). Cal State Fullerton 86, Cal State Northridge 79: Charlee Underwood scored 24points to lead the host Titans (12-12, 6-4 Big West), who rallied from a one-point halftime deficit. Krisztina Fuleki led the Matadors (11-13, 7-4) with 21points, and LaJoyce King added 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. CSUN fell to 0-12 when allowing more than 70 points. BASEBALL No. 23 Pepperdine 5, UC Davis 4: Danny Worth (Valencia) went 2 for 2 and scored twice and the Waves received some solid relief pitching at Eddy D. Field Stadium. Daniel Farris, Jordan Durrance, Nick Gaudi (Paraclete) and Jason Dominguez (Chatsworth) combined to pitch 4
San Bernardino Valley (23-6, 10-1) is ranked No.12 in the state JC poll, while the Marauders are No.7. Ade Dagunduro led AVC (26-4, 10-1) with 24 points and 13 rebounds. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Pepperdine 51, San Diego 50: Morgan Henderson’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer rattled in and out as the visiting Toreros’ rally from 20points down came up short. Teiosha George (Palmdale) recorded her third career double-double and second of the season by scoring a team-high 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting and adding a team-best 10rebounds for the Waves (12-14, 5-6 West Coast Conference). Teammate Teena Wickett had 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting and added eightrebounds. 
“We definitely want it to be a Superfund site, because it is,” said state Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Los Angeles. “I’m very happy that the EPA is going to assess the site again, with an eye toward whether it can be declared a Superfund site.” Kuehl has pushed for the highest cleanup standards at the lab. She has legislation pending that would add the lab to the state’s Superfund list and prohibit Boeing from selling the property until the state director of Toxic Substances Control certifies that contamination has been completely remedied. Boeing spokeswoman Blythe Jameson said the company is working closely with all the regulatory agencies on site decontamination. “All the radiological and chemical cleanups that the company has undertaken throughout the site continue to follow standards that have been carefully set by scientists and engineers and are fully protective of public health and safety,” Jameson said. One of the big controversies surrounding the lab is decontamination of the former Energy Technology and Engineering Center, where the federal government developed nuclear reactors – and where one had a partial meltdown in 1959. Critics of the DOE said the agency’s proposed cleanup would leave 99 percent of the tainted soil on site, and Boeing could eventually sell the property for residential use. In 2003, the EPA said there hadn’t been enough analysis of the site and the cleanup would leave the site unsafe for anything but limited picnicking and camping. At the same time, however, EPA officials said the former nuclear-research portion of the lab did not qualify for Superfund status because nobody lived on site and few people were in immediate risk from the contamination. Similarly, in 1987, the EPA said the field lab didn’t score high enough on its hazard-ranking system to qualify for the National Priorities List. At that time, however, the EPA did not consider radiological contamination on site, only the toxic chemical pollution. This time, the EPA’s Curnow said, the agency will consider the entire lab and all chemical and radiological contamination. EPA officials will score the site based on contamination and how many people might have been exposed if pollutants moved off site. If the site scores high enough, it will be considered for inclusion on the National Priorities List. Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Thousand Oaks, has long sought EPA involvement in the site cleanup and praised the EPA for its decision Thursday. “My goal has always been to have the site cleaned to the highest standard possible in a timely and complete manner,” Gallegly said in a written statement. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said the agency’s decision to reconsider the lab is long overdue. “Now the EPA should as quickly as possible ensure that public health is protected by using the best information to make its decisions, not old or inadequate data that could mask the dangers posed by radiation and chemicals at the site,” she said. Staff Writer Harrison Sheppard contributed to this report. kerry.cavanaugh@dailynews.com (213) 978-0390160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! “Given all the community concerns about this site and the fact that it’s not being studied and cleaned up under Superfund, this would be appropriate to go back and look at the whole site.” Longtime field lab watchdogs hailed the EPA’s decision but remained wary Thursday, noting that the agency has twice previously rejected the lab site for Superfund status. “I’m hopeful and cautious at the same time,” said Dan Hirsch of the Committee to Bridge the Gap. “On the face of it, it’s positive. EPA has recognized, belatedly, that the site should be looked at as a whole. But twice before they’ve declined to list it, so there has to be some skepticism about why they’re doing it now.” Activists have pushed for EPA Superfund status so one agency would supervise and coordinate cleanup of the 290-acre lab, owned by Boeing Co. Currently, regulation of the field lab cleanup is divided among several agencies. The Department of Energy oversees its own cleanup of the former nuclear research section of the lab. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control is responsible for monitoring chemical cleanup on the site, and the state’s Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board monitors surface water flowing off the lab. Twenty years after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency first refused to designate the Santa Susana Field Lab as a high-priority cleanup site, the federal agency said Thursday that it is now reconsidering its decision. In a move long sought by community activists, the EPA said it will reassess testing data from recent years and, if necessary, conduct further analysis to determine whether the lab qualifies for the National Priorities List, also called the Superfund program. Reserved for the worst-contaminated sites, Superfund status would give the EPA authority to conduct a new investigation and oversee cleanup at the hilltop lab. “What we’ve heard from the community for many years is that they’re concerned that the site isn’t being addressed as a whole under Superfund,” said Betsy Curnow, chief of the EPA’s regional site assessment section. 
Pointing towards his ears, the former AC Milan and Manchester City striker then tried to leave the pitch, only to be stopped by his teammates and Verona players, some of whom hugged him.The match was suspended for a few minutes before a message was read out of the stadium loudspeaker threatening both teams would all leave the field if there was a repeat of any abuse.The message was whistled loudly by a large number of the home fans, who have a notorious reputation in Italy for hard-right politics and open racism.With the game back underway Matteo Pessina doubled the hosts lead when he squeezed home a neat finish with nine minutes left before Balotelli pulled one back with a superb curling long-range effort.Balotelli’s side remain in the bottom three after the defeat, while Verona jumped up to ninth, level on points with Fiorentina ahead of their match with Parma.A number of black players have been racially abused by supporters in Italy in the opening weeks of the season, with Milan midfielder Franck Kessie targeted by Verona fans in September and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku abused by Cagliari fans, also serial offenders.Balotelli has a particularly hostile relationship with Verona fans, who six years ago targeted him with ironic cheers after then-mayor of the city Flavio Tosi called him a “troublemaker” who brought racist abuse on himself.0Shares0000(Visited 15 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Mario Balotelli has been a frequent target for racist abuse during his three spells in Italy © AFP / Marco BertorelloROME, Italy, Nov 3 – Mario Balotelli threatened to leave the pitch on Sunday after apparently hearing racist abuse by Hellas Verona fans before scoring for Brescia in their 2-1 Serie A defeat.With his side a goal down to Eddie Salcedo’s powerful header Balotelli, who has been a frequent target for racist chants during his three spells playing in his home country, booted the ball into the crowd after around an hour and charged towards Verona fans.
United Teachers Los Angeles officers will camp out in an RV at Los Angeles Unified headquarters starting today to protest payroll glitches that have led to over- and underpayments for thousands of employees since February. The camp-out is the latest effort by the union to step up pressure against the district to resolve the problems. Superintendent David Brewer III has said the district can fix all the problems by next July. “July 2008 is way too late,” UTLA President A.J. Duffy said. “We’re going to continue to support our teachers and highlight the problems for the community. “They have sent out so many contradictory messages that we’re not sure what’s accurate and what’s not and what’s true and what’s not.” Reed said the language of the union’s collective-bargaining agreement precludes the union from engaging in work slowdowns including walkouts. Any legal action against the union would require school board action, he said. UTLA has already called for teachers to boycott after-school faculty meetings. But Reed said he hopes the teachers union will work with the district to resolve the problems. “We don’t know if (walkouts are) going to happen, but it is a situation where we believe that the instructional programs and operation of our schools are going to be impacted,” Reed said. “Right now we’re hoping to de-escalate with meaningful conversations.” naush.boghossian@dailynews.com (818) 713-3722160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Brewer announced Thursday morning that he expects 5,000 certificated employees, including teachers, to be affected by problems with today’s paychecks, roughly the same number as the last pay cycle. Of those, about 300 will be underpaid, and the district has already contacted those to give them emergency checks. The district has also extended customer-service hours to the weekend to help those with paycheck problems. But amid the increasing tension over the issue, LAUSD general counsel Kevin Reed has issued a warning that UTLA should not be encouraging teacher walkouts to protest the problems. Duffy had threatened walkouts while testifying about the payroll problems in a Senate committee hearing last week. 
THE union representing rank and file Gardai and a representative for elderly people have both criticised cuts which led to closure for the last time of two Co Donegal garda stations.The shutters come down for the last time today at Dunkineely and Culdfaff. Thirty more rural stations will also close today around the country with the Department of Justice claiming a saving of €79m.The Garda Representative Association has consistently opposed the move, claiming the station closures would “change the DNA of policing in Ireland.” Age Action Ireland also expressed concerns over the closures, saying a growing sense of isolation and fear among the elderly will be added to, especially in rural areas.Donegal South West TD Thomas Pringle said: “At a time of recession the dogs in the street know that crime increases but this Government closes Garda stations in Donegal.“As many of my constituencies live alone in very isolated areas these are the most vulnerable in our community and need the protection of their local Garda. In fact just to know the Gardaí are around is peace of mind for them.“There has been a huge increase in break-in to houses in rural areas now criminals will have a free for all with the announced closure of the Garda Stations.” ANGER AND SADNESS AS CO DONEGAL GARDA STATIONS CLOSE TODAY was last modified: March 31st, 2012 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
LIVE FROM CROKE PARK.Donegal lead Cork by a single point at half-time – 0-08 to 0-07.It’s been a sea of green and gold at Croker – and the noise to match. The Donegal men have more than held their own against Cork and could have been further ahead, missing some chances to extend the lead.It has been a nerve-jangling first 35 minutes and despite what the pundits have said, Donegal are leading by a single score.The sides have been level seven times in a very tight contest.Michael Murphy opened the scoring in the second minute, pointing from a free but Corkk equalised through Paul Kerrigan. Paddy Kelly then put Cork ahead only for Colm McFadden to square it at two points a piece from a free.McFadden scored again after a superb move – Donegal’s first point from open play; but Cork’s Donnacha O’Connor squares it again from a free.It was end to end stuff – and Donegal took the lead again, this time Murphy scoring a point from a free after McBrearty was flattened.Ciaran Sheehan in the 20th minute brings it level again at 0-4 to 0-4.Both sides traded scores until Mark McHugh gives Donegal a half-time lead – 0-08 to 0-07. It could have been two points but Michael Murphy misses an easy chance.More nail-biting to come!DONEGAL: Paul Durcan (Four Masters); Paddy McGrath (Ardara), Neil McGee (Gweedore), Frank McGlynn (Glenfin); Eamonn McGee (Gweedore), Karl Lacey (Four Masters), Anthony Thompson (Naomh Conaill); Neil Gallagher (Glenswilly), Rory Kavanagh (St Eunan’s); Ryan Bradley (Buncrana), Leo McLoone (Naomh Conaill), Mark McHugh (Kilcar); Patrick McBrearty (Kilcar), Michael Murphy (Glenswilly), Colm McFadden (St Michael’s).DONEGAL LEAD AT HALF TIME BY A POINT was last modified: August 26th, 2012 by BrendaShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)
Los Molinos >> It’s been more than a decade since Los Molinos football won a playoff game, but you wouldn’t have known it Friday night when the Bulldogs ran roughshod over the visiting Weed Cougars for a 72-0 first round win. Alex Russell took the opening kickoff to the house, Henry McHale picked up a Cougars’ fumble and Hunter Landingham went in from the 25 to put the Bulldogs up 14-0 inside the opening minute of play, setting the tone for the evening.The Cougars moved the ball well on a …