‘We appreciate Ghana’s help’
Vice-President, Joseph N. Boakai, has commended Ghana for its support during the crisis and reconstruction in Liberia. “When we were in crisis, you (Ghana) saved our people and country and gave us hope,” he said.Mr Boakai gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy call on the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, as part of activities marking the V.P.’s visit to Ghana. Hundreds of Liberians fled the civil war that engulfed that country beginning December 1989 and were camped at Budumburam in Ghana’s Central Region.Mr. Boakai said his country was proud of Ghana, as the Liberian refugees were being treated like kith and kin, adding, “There is a strong bond of friendship between the two countries.” “We are here to show you support and we assure you that we appreciate all that you have done for us. We want to continue to build on this relationship,” he stated. On African unity, Mr. Boakai underscored the need for togetherness on the continent to enable it to marshal its resources for the benefit of the people. Mr. Quansah, for his part, briefed Mr. Boakai on the potential of the region, which he said was strong in agriculture, tourism, education and security, saying, “We have a great history.” Mr. Boakai also called on the Paramount Chief of the Ogua Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II. During their interaction, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta condemned the pockets of wars on the continent and stressed, “We have to live together as one.”Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The Fall Armyworm is capable of causing economic damage to varieties of cultivated species of cereals and vegetables. (Photo: UTnews.com)The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently completed a two day training workshop for 40 extension officers of the Ministry of Agriculture choosen across the country on how to sustainably manage “Fall Army Worms (FAW).The workshop was held at the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County.FAW is a voracious feeder with a host range, and can survive on more than 80 plant species; capable of causing economic damage to varieties of cultivated species of cereals and vegetables. High infestations can lead to significant crop yield loss.Although it is too early to know the long-term impact of FAW on agricultural production, productivity and food security in Liberia and Africa at large, as an aggressive transboundary/migratory pest, it has the potential to cause serious economic damage to food crops of Liberia.The overarching objective of the exercise in Liberia is to build the capacity of stakeholders on the identification, impact and management strategies of the pests; assist the government develop a national action plan as well as advise the government on sustainable management of FAW.FAO Consultant (and former representative to Liberia), Dr. Winfred Hammond is currently visiting three West African Countries; (Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea) to identify the FAW and provide technical guidance that will effectively help governments control the pest.Dr. Hammond informed participants that the best practice to control the pest is to put in place a periodic surveillance/ monitoring system.“This training is intended for attendees/participants to identify the pest and at the same time help farmers to understand the danger associated with the pest”, he said.He further lamented that the pest is causing many farmers in neighboring Sierra Leone and Guinea to abandon their fields; he further stressed that the pest attacks varieties of crops (such as cereals, rice, maize, sorghon etc..) and vegetables (tomatoes, watermelon garden eggs/bitter balls).He noted that controlling the pest needs the involvement of everybody, “Everybody needs to understand FAW, its behavior, and how it develops; this will allow the farmer to start early control.Dr. Hammond also added that the ultimate goal of the training is to build the capacity of extension workers that they can raise the awareness among farmers on the impact of the pest. “FAO stands prepared to assist the Ministry of Agriculture to educate farmers on the danger of the pest.”Roland Varkpeh, Regional Agriculture Coordinator for Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties welcome the efforts of FAO to educate farmers in the country on the danger of the FAW. He stressed the importance of reaching out to the community and education smallholder farmers on how to control the pest.He called upon participants to take whatever knowledge acquired to reach out to farmers within their assigned areas and spread the message for early control.FAO also undertook series of quick actions such as the development and sharing with countries of a technical guide for FAW identification, protocols to assess levels of infestation and damage, and recommendations for management options including support to governments in the development of actions plans.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Little Quavon Forde, who died a few months after his birth, was said to have suffered from respiratory issues according to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This was revealed in a statement released by the entity weeks after it was reported that the child received burns from a headlamp in one of the incubators.He was born in December 2018, but his birth was premature since he arrived one month earlier than expected.Before and after Quavon Forde was burntThe hospital claimed that the post-mortem examination of the burns, which were termed superficial, were not life-threatening. It explained that this was sourced from the physician that looked at the child after the lamp exploded. The bundle of joy had been transferred to the Burn Care Unit.This comes as a far cry from what relatives of the deceased child indicated when they accused the GPHC of negligence at the hands of practitioners.His grandmother, Sharon Harding, in an interview with this publication on Wednesday, explained that the baby was incubated until he was fully developed and his parents were allowed to visit every day.
By Elliott Teaford STAFF WRITER On the day after he torched the Seattle SuperSonics by scoring 16 of his 20 points in the third quarter of the Lakers’ exhibition victory in Bakersfield, Kobe Bryant did the same to his teammates Friday in practice. “He took a personal challenge and he pretty much destroyed all the teams we put out there (against him),” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGame Center: Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 10 a.m.Playing and talking basketball the last two days seemed to be cathartic for Bryant, whose third-quarter surge led the Lakers to a 126-106 victory Thursday over Seattle. He spoke with reporters before and after the game and again following Friday’s workout. Normalcy prevailed for a second straight day. “I just play basketball, that’s all I’m going to do,” Bryant said. “I don’t pay attention to what people say. They get it wrong half the time anyway, so there’s no sense getting frustrated about something you can’t control. “I just focus on what I do best.” In other words, Bryant is committed to playing well for the Lakers for as long as he’s with the Lakers. Outside of a few wild rumors earlier in the week, there have been no indications that the Lakers are prepared to trade their superstar guard. Team owner Jerry Buss said last week he “would certainly listen” to offers for Bryant, which sparked a round of speculation that Bryant’s days with the Lakers were numbered. Bryant asked to be traded in May and has not rescinded his demand. Bryant seemed more concerned Friday about a case of tendinitis in his left knee than with knocking down each and every rumor. “When it’s time to play, I’m ready to play,” Bryant said. “I practice as much as I can and work extremely hard. Health is always first and foremost. It’s just a long season and you should take care of your body.” Bryant also praised several teammates for their fine play in Thursday’s victory. “I was proud of the way Ronny played,” he said of Ronny Turiaf, who had 13 points. “Andrew (Bynum, who had 19 points and 10 rebounds,) had a great game. Chris Mihm had a great game. I’m very excited, particularly for Chris (11 points on 5-for-5 shooting) because he’s had a long journey back (from ankle surgery).” Bryant’s new role Jackson plans to use Bryant in his familiar role as a scorer, but also as a playmaker this season. It’s a bit of a departure, but Bryant said he’s happy to tackle a new role if it helps to diversify the Lakers’ offense. “I’ll do both,” he said. “I’m more of a designated facilitator, so I’ll do both.” Said Jackson: “I don’t know how well it’s going to work. We’re trying it out now to see how it works. Obviously, there are situations where he’s placed in the scoring position and he embraces that wholeheartedly.” Odds and ends The Lakers face the Charlotte Bobcats tonight at 7:30 at Staples Center, their second exhibition in a span of six in nine days. They also play Sunday against either the Clippers or Phoenix Suns, who play today at 4:30. … Lamar Odom (left shoulder surgery) remains confident he will be fit enough to play opening night. If not, he’ll be content to take the floor “when it’s ready.” … Mihm needed several stitches to mend a cut on his lip after Kwame Brown cracked him with an elbow in practice. … Bynum, who turns 20 next week, said he’s grown an inch since last season and stands 7-foot-1. elliott.teaford@dailybreeze.com160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Dinny McGinley TDDeputy Dinny McGinley, has said that Enterprise Ireland figures for 2015 show that the Government’s job creation plan is working in Donegal.In Donegal, 3,567 people are employed in the 142 companies supported by the Department of Jobs, through Enterprise Ireland.Deputy McGinley said “These companies created 272 additional new jobs in Donegal in 2015, an increase of 8% on the previous year.“Over 300 additional new EI jobs have been created in Donegal since the Government was elected. This compares to 786 job losses in the last three years of the previous Government. “This job creation is having an important knock on impact. For every job created in an EI supported company, it is estimated that one additional job is created elsewhere in the economy, so approximately another 300 indirect jobs have been created in Donegal since the Government was elected.“In total, over 135,000 new jobs have been added to the economy since the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs. Unemployment has now dropped to 8.8%.“Today’s EI results also confirm that this is not just a Dublin based recovery. Aside from the job creation success in Donegal, almost two thirds of the new jobs created were outside Dublin. All of the regions recorded increases in full-time employment in 2015. Our Regional Action Plans for Jobs are designed to increase employment in every region by 10-15% between now and 2020.“Fine Gael has a plan to keep the recovery going and ensure that everyone can feel the benefit. Crucial to this is continued job creation. Having more people in work creates the resources to cut taxes for working people and invest in better services. We will finish the job and replace all the jobs lost in the crash to ensure a better quality of life for all in Donegal.”272 NEW JOBS SUPPORTED BY ENTERPRISE IRELAND IN DONEGAL IN 2015 was last modified: January 6th, 2016 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:DEPUTY DINNY MCGINLEYdonegaljobs
The stunning McElhinneys Christmas window display.McElhinneys is poised for a bumper Christmas season following its participation in a retail incubation programme at Google Ireland.In association with Retail Excellence Ireland, Google invited applications from Irish retailers to join a programme that would equip them with the skills and tools to accelerate their fledgling online businesses.And the Ballybofey store has excelled in the programme – and so has its online sales! Google Ireland Country Manager, Cera Ward, explained, “The companies who qualified for participation in the retail incubation programme had to display a basic knowledge of online business practices. They also agreed to commit resources internally to develop this side of their business and set clear objectives, the results speak for themselves and they are now in a great position to capitalise on the Christmas season ahead.”She added, “Shoppers expect access to what they are looking for 24/7 and on the Internet, the shops are always open. For example, according to Visa Europe over the month of December alone, Irish online shoppers will ring up seven million e-commerce transactions with their visa cards, bringing the total level of e-commerce spending over the four week period to €474m. If as a retailer you are not selling online then you are not in a position to maximise on these opportunities.”McElhinneys department store, which has been in business since 1971, revamped its store website in 2012 and senior manager Roisin Woods says that the Retail incubation programme has helped in surprising ways.“It was a really great opportunity for likeminded retailers to come together and share knowledge and experiences, this sort of opportunity doesn’t come along very often. Since completing the programme all metrics have increased. “Site revenue has increased by 65% this year compared to last year, with sales transacted on mobile and tablet driving that increase. Sales transacted via mobile have increased 174% and mobile 255% over the last 12 months. The incubation course offered great insight into key metrics which if monitored by online retailers can really drive revenue or goals.”Throughout the year the managing directors and senior managers of more than eight businesses came together once a month at Google to get expert advice on topics including analytics, website user experience, online advertising, search, using hangouts and online video to attract customers.All participants found the programme of immense value which helped to steer their digital marketing strategies to target the estimated 4.6bn euro spent by Irish consumers online.McElhinneys say that online is driving their in-store sales with customers regularly requesting items they have seen online, in store. This is borne out in the Google Consumer Barometer which shows that 61% of Irish people research online before making a purchase.The advice for Donegal businesses looking to do well this Christmas is to pay as much attention to your online shop as your physical shop window Christmas display. McELHINNEYS ENJOYING BOOMING CHRISTMAS AFTER UNIQUE LINK-UP WITH GOOGLE was last modified: December 17th, 2014 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Tags:BallybofeydonegalGoogleincubation programmeMCELHINNEYS
There will be a General Club Meeting this Wednesday night in the Clubhouse at 7:30pm.This meeting is open to all Club Members. So if you want to hear the latest news from the Club Executive, come along to Wednesday’s meeting. Please note this meetings is only open to all 2011 members of St. Eunan’s GAA Club.There will also be a meeting of the Minor Board Executive next Monday night (April 18th) in the Clubhouse at 7pm. All Minor Board managers are asked to attend. We hope to have information on Lotto members / Buses for each manager. endsST EUNAN’S GAA CLUB NOTICE: GENERAL MEETING CALLED was last modified: April 11th, 2011 by gregShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:St Eunan’s GAA club
Lee McCarron starred for the Republic of Ireland schoolboys side in their 3-2 win over Northern Ireland.Finn Harps keeper Lee McCarron pulled off some crucial saves to ensure the Republic of Ireland schools side got a St Patrick’s Day win over neighbours Northern Ireland this afternoon.McCarron played the entire match and produced some top-class stops as Ireland earned a vital victory in the International series.The game was played in perfect conditions on a fantastic playing surface at Ferney Park home of Northern Ireland Premiership side Ballinamallard United. The Republic of Ireland schoolboys side had a strong Donegal and Finn Harps connection within its squad.Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan is the assistant manger while Harps coach Willie O’Connor is also on the backroom team while Mickey McGlynn is the team physio.Ireland raced into a two-goal half-time lead thanks to goals from Aaron Robinson and Conor Ellis.Northern Ireland hit back early in the second-half before Ellis got his second and Ireland’s third. Northern Ireland scored from the penalty spot late on but Ireland held on for a crucial win.They now face Wales in their next match in the competition. MCCARRON STARS FOR IRISH SCHOOLBOYS SIDE IN VICTORY OVER NORTHERN IRELAND was last modified: March 17th, 2015 by Mark ForkerShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:InternationalsLee McCarronnewsNOrthern IrelandRepublic of IrelandsoccerSport
24 June 2009 Racism in football can be beaten, just as apartheid rule in South Africa was defeated, says Tokyo Sexwale, a political prisoner on South Africa’s Robben Island for nearly two decades and now a Cabinet minister in the country. Sexwale believes it is time to send a strong message to the world by taking far more stringent actions against people who hurl racial slurs during football matches. He said racial equality was a guiding principle for Nelson Mandela – known to South Africans as Madiba – who spent 27 years in prison, mostly on Robben Island. “Madiba is the number one supporter of anti-racism, it is what he has stood for throughout his life,” Sexwale says. “That is why he has close ties with Fifa; it’s because Fifa promotes and stands for the same values. “In this country, we fought very hard against apartheid because we were convinced that the system was wrong, we knew that it could be defeated,” said Sexwale, who spent many years in prison with the former South African President. “We must therefore stand together to fight and defeat racism in football. ” Sexwale is actively involved in Fifa’s anti-racism initiatives. Together with former Chelsea and Charlton Athletic player Paul Elliot and Federico Addiecho, head of corporate social responsibility for FIFA, Sexwale has made a strong appeal to the world to work together in combating the scourge of racism. One result of this effort is that this week’s Confederations Cup semifinal matches will feature the captains of Brazil, South Africa, Spain and the USA making brief statements in support of the fight against racism in football. Talking about his 18 years as a political prisoner on Robben Island, Sexwale says it was the power of football, and the joy the game brought to his fellow prisoners, that lifted their spirits and helped to keep them going during tough times. “As you know, in prison we didn’t have any privileges,” he says. “When we were behind bars and denied all sorts of things, football was the only thing that they couldn’t keep away from us. “We would form makeshift balls and kick them inside our cells until they allowed football in the prison.” This led to the formation of the now acclaimed Makana Football Association, the football league in which political prisoners at Robben Island competed. Paul Elliot notes that there is much to be done to educate football fans across the globe. “Education is the best, we need to create more awareness all over the world on how we can end racism,” Elliot says. “I know from personal experience what it’s like to hear the boos and jeers from the stands. A lot of work has been done to end racism, but a long road lies ahead before we can see an end to this.” Source: Fifa.com
The price cuts of antiretrovirals (ARVs) will enable the government to save R4.7-billion and reach more people affected by HIV/ Aids.Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s ARV price cuts will help the government treat more HIV positive people. (Image: GovernmentZA, Flickr)Bongani NkosiThe South African government looks set to achieve its goal of providing antiretrovirals (ARVs) to more people affected by HIV/Aids, following sizeable price-slashing of the life-prolonging treatment.Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi announced the price reductions on 14 December 2010. Pharmaceuticals have agreed to drop the price of supplies to state health institutions by 53.1%.The reduction is a result of new two-year supply contracts with 10 drug manufacturers. Aspen subsidiary Pharmacare is the biggest winner in the tender process, as it will supply 40.6% of the ARVs for the government’s treatment campaigns.Other tenders went to groups like Sonke, Adcock, Abbott, Cipla Medpro, Medpro, Strides, Specpharm, MSD and Aurobindo.The new prices will kick in on 1 January 2011 and last until 31 December 2012. The government will spend R4.28-billion on the supply contracts.Tablets like Efavinenz will drop from the current price of R107.07 to R39.22 per 600mg over the next two years. Lamivudine will drop from R29.77 to R18.22.The price of ARVs in South Africa has, until now, been the highest in the world, meaning that the cuts by existing suppliers are a major victory for the Department of Health.Although the country has the largest ARV programme in the world, and one of the highest infection rates, prices have remained high.“This just did not make sense to us. We must be able to buy ARVs at the lowest prices as we are the largest purchasers of ARVs in the world and must benefit from economies of scale,” Motsoaledi said in a statement.The cuts will enable the government to save R4.7-billion. “This saving allows the state to treat double the number of patients,” Motsoaledi said. “If we had to treat the same number of patients using the previous tender prices, it would have cost the state in excess of R8.8-billion.”Stiff competition among suppliers played a significant role in the price drops. “The tender results confirm Aspen’s cost competitiveness and its credibility as a reliable supplier of pharmaceutical products,” said Aspen’s chief executive Stephen Saad in a statement.Boost for 2009 resolutionSouth Africa distributes millions of condoms each year to prevent HIV. (Image: Laura Lopez, Health-eNews)It’s been a year since the government scrapped its policy of only supplying ARVs to affected individuals when they reached a CD4 count of 250. This was highly criticised across the world. The country then resolved to provide treatment to HIV-positive pregnant women with a CD4 count of 350 or less, as well as to all individuals co-infected with TB and HIV with a CD4 count of 350 or less.All children born with HIV are put on ARVs regardless of their CD4 count. “This will help to significantly reduce morbidity, disease progression and mortality associated with TB and HIV and Aids,” said Motsoaledi.The country already has a programme to fight HIV transmission during birth – this is called Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).Out to test 15-millionThe national HIV Counselling and Testing campaign, which aims to test 15-million people by June 2011, hit the road running earlier this year. More than 4.8-million South Africans have already been tested as part of the drive, which is being promoted by the government.Through the campaign, 905 000 people have tested positive for HIV. “In light of these price reductions, we will be able to cope with the load,” said Motsoaledi.South Africans across the country are being urged to get tested and know their status. The government believes this will go a long way towards curbing the spread of HIV/Aids.*The South African rand was R6.85 to the US dollar at the time of publishing.Would you like to use this article in your publication or on your website? See Using Brand South Africa material