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Trump Wednesday: ‘Liberal activists’ are stacking town halls – Chicago Sun-Times

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Trump Wednesday: 'Liberal activists' are stacking town halls
Chicago Sun-Times
The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad! 5:23 p.m. Eastern Time Feb. 21, 2017. Backstory: Congress is out of session this week, with lawmakers, if they ...
Donald J. Trump on Twitter: "The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in ...Twitter

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Trump Wednesday: 'Liberal activists' are stacking town halls - Chicago Sun-Times

France election: Centrist boost for liberal candidate Macron – BBC News

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

BBC News

France election: Centrist boost for liberal candidate Macron
BBC News
The leading centrist candidate in France's presidential election, Emmanuel Macron, has received a boost after allying with a veteran moderate. He accepted the offer of an alliance from Francois Bayrou, another centrist and devout Roman Catholic. Recent ...
Emmanuel Macron: a populist eruption from the liberal centreNew Statesman
Meet Emmanuel Macron, France's Liberal Donald TrumpNewsweek
Macron marches on liberal LondresThe Times (subscription)

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France election: Centrist boost for liberal candidate Macron - BBC News

Liberals plan ’empty chair’ town hall for Rubio – CNN

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Some of the town halls held by other lawmakers have turned raucous, with liberal activists and others pressing GOP lawmakers on dismantling Obamacare, implementing tough new immigration rules and where they stand on other controversial policies emerging from President Donald Trump's administration.

A frustrated Rubio staffer dismissed the empty-chair event as "not a true or constructive dialogue."

"The protesters -- some of whom failed to show up for meetings they scheduled with our staff -- continue to fundraise off of it even though we informed them days ago Senator Rubio will not be there," Rubio spokesman Matt Wolking said. "We have been fully accessible and responsive to constituents, and our staff has already met with dozens of these liberal activists at our offices across Florida. As their manual reveals, their goal is to stage a hostile atmosphere, record themselves booing no matter what is said, and refuse to give up the microphone. That is not a true or constructive dialogue."

One Internet posting by the liberal group publicizing the event, Indivisible Tampa, said: "Citizens of Tampa are organizing a town hall event during the Congressional recess for Sen. Marco Rubio to address urgent concerns regarding health care, national security, and the President's links to Russia. We have invited Sen. Rubio to attend but cannot be certain he will attend"

Another posting said organizers hope to get Rubio to a future town hall.

"While we really wanted our Senator to attend and hope to work with him and his staff in the future to deliver a town hall to Tampa with his attendance - we are very happy to have a town hall where our voices will be heard," the group said in a Facebook post.

The event is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 599 in Tampa and will be streamed live by organizers on Facebook.

Rubio is away all week in France and Germany, according to his office.

"Senator Rubio is traveling overseas this week to attend multiple bilateral meetings with heads of state and senior government officials in Germany and France, two countries with upcoming elections who are facing concerns about Russian interference," Rubio's office explained. "As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Appropriations Committee, and Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Rubio is conducting this official oversight trip to discuss the US/EU relationship, NATO operations, counter-ISIS activities, foreign assistance programs, and Russian aggression in Europe."

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Liberals plan 'empty chair' town hall for Rubio - CNN

Liberal group launches ‘Moscow Project’ to pressure Trump – Politico

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

The Moscow Project represents a significant outside effort to move forward on the investigations of President Donald Trump, which Democrats have been eager to pursue. | Getty

Seeking to apply new pressure on President Donald Trump over his ties to Russia, the liberal Center for American Progress Action Fund is bringing on a former State Department official to run its new Moscow Project, while advocating the creation of an independent investigation even while the Senate Intelligence Committees probes proceed.

Max Bergmann a former member of the State Departments policy planning staff who was previously a speechwriter for Secretary John Kerry and a special assistant to the under secretary for arms control and international security will lead the groups efforts on Russia as political scrutiny mounts over alleged ties between Trumps campaign and Russian intelligence. The organization is in the process of hiring more researchers and communications staff in its war room, which is run by former Harry Reid aide Adam Jentleson.

Story Continued Below

In addition to issuing a six-page memo to Capitol Hill offices on February 15 the document called for an investigation just hours after the New York Times reported contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian intelligence officers the group is also launching digital ads targeted at House Speaker Paul Ryan in his home state of Wisconsin.

Aimed at Trump voters, Ryan voters, and veterans, the spots call on the speaker to support an independent investigation, which has been a rallying cry for some Democrats but few Republicans.

The Moscow Project represents a significant outside effort to move forward on the investigations of Trump, which Democrats have been eager to pursue, especially since the resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over his communications with the Russian ambassador to the United States. But party leaders have been concerned about appearing overly partisan, and the memo which includes a long list of questions that must be answered publicly advocates the kind of commission outside of Capitol Hill that has so far been proposed by Democratic senators including Ben Cardin, Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Tom Carper, and Amy Klobuchar.

Such a probe would have bipartisan membership, subpoena power, and a full-time staff.

The circulated missive, titled, RE: Investigations into Russian Interference, insists that Attorney General Jeff Sessions recuse himself from oversight of prosecutors investigating the president, and it suggests that elected officials be willing and prepared to walk away from the GOP-led committee investigations if theyre not both thorough and transparent. It also called the need for a 9/11 Commission-style investigation more critical than ever, while acknowledging the ongoing formal efforts by both the Senate and House Intelligence committees.

While these committee investigations are important, questions remain whether they will have the freedom to fully investigate all the serious allegations in the public domain, including subpoena power for the chairman and ranking member. In past moments of crisis from Watergate to 9/11, Americans have ultimately benefited from having both congressional inquiries and independent commissions, read the note. Indeed, an independent commission would ensure that both parties have full authority to investigate. Perhaps most importantly, it is essential that the process be non-partisan in order to fully explore the Trump teams involvement."

Attempting to guide along the efforts, it also insisted that any investigation must include: A full list of all contacts between the Trump campaign, its staff, and informal advisers with Russian officials, including any Russian intelligence officials, and/or WikiLeaks; Access to transcripts or recordings of those communications, including between General Flynn and Russian Ambassador Kislyak, as well as Donald Trump and President Putin prior to the inauguration; An accounting and summary of briefings given to Members of Congress prior to and after the election on this topic."

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Liberal group launches 'Moscow Project' to pressure Trump - Politico

Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries violence against MASSOB, IPOB – Vanguard

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

By Davies Iheamnachor

PORT HARCOURTTHE leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has called on the Federal Government to give the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, due attention in their agitation.

The organization expressed worry that the treatment meted against the pro-Biafran groups are inappropriate, urging the FG to give them (MASSOB and IPOB) the same attention given to the Niger Delta Avengers and Boko Haram insurgents.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief, John Nwodo, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt during his first visit to Igbo resident in the state, said members of MASSOB and IPOB were treated with hatred.

Nwodo wondered why the IPOB and MASSOB members would be arrested and killed at will by the security operatives, adding that no known member of Niger Delta Avengers or Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East has been prosecuted for felony.

He said that if the FG gives the pro-Biafran agitators the neede

d attention, the agitation would be laid to rest. He urged the FG to have a rethink to resolve the issue, even as he called the MASSOB and IPOB for cooperation.

Nwodo said,I extend my hand to the MASSOB and IPOB members to work with us. I understand your frustrations, your plights and impatience. Inspite of the reproach they have used to oppress you, you have remained calm.

Come home, your father has listening ears. I feel bad about how our youths are treated. I know of the Boko Haram terrorising the North-Eastern part of the country. They conquered and displaced community authorities and hoisted their flag, invariably announcing their own country but I have not heard of any of them that was arrested.

I know of the Niger Delta Avengers who are angry as the MASSOB and IPOB and are destroying oil facilities. I dont know any of them that has been arrested. What has IPOB done to be treated differently?

The fact that we have not joined them means that they have not received our cheers because we still believe that the FG can still handle the situation. I call on the Federal Government to have a rethink on how they handle the issues of IPOB and MASSOB. If they treat them as they have treated others, they will have a rethink.

Nwodo appealed to the Igbo to be united, noting that the region has been long neglected.

He said capital projects are not duly given to the states of the South-East and South-South and urged the FG to give the regions fiscal freedom

I am appealing to all Igbo to be united. I feel that dissipating our strength will not help any of us.

I am appreciative to the head of state, that after our election, he extended his hand that he would work with us. I regret that he is not well. Our people feel marginalized, they feel ill-treated.

Nwodo further said: In this country, the most sensitive position pertains to the national security, but there is already a vote of no confidence that the Igbo cannot be trusted with the security of the nation. No Igbo man heads the Nigerian police, no Igbo man heads the military, no Igbo man heads the Federal Road Safety Corps, no Igbo man heads the Department of State Services and others.

I looked at the capital allocation for capital projects in the South-East, I saw a total neglect. If I look into Rivers and Delta States, it is worse. The wealth derived from the South-East and South-South have not been used to develop the areas but are used to enrich individuals outside. but are used to enrich individuals outside.

I dont know why the federal Government does not want to give people fiscal freedom. We are calling for true federalism.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo decries violence against MASSOB, IPOB - Vanguard

PH leaps in economic freedom; ‘yes’ to calls for lasting peace – Manila Bulletin

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Published February 21, 2017, 10:00 PM

By Fred Lobo

Fred M. Lobo

The Philippines has leapt 12 places to 58th from 70th in the annual Index of Economic Freedom, said the Washington-based Heritage Foundation.

Economic performance, sustainability and reforms are okay.

***

Meanwhile, the call for the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels continue to draw support from various sectors.

Peace is more productive and better than war between Filipinos.

***

Despite the challenging global economic environment, the Philippines has achieved notable economic expansion, driven by the economys strong export performance and inflows of remittances that have bolstered private consumption, the Heritage Foundation said in its 2017 Index of Economic Freedom released this week.

Translation: PH economic indicators are healthy and encouraging.

***

The HF said the Philippines achieved an Economic Freedom Score of 65.6 out of a possible 100, which is significantly better than the global and regional averages.

PH also ranked 14th among the countries in the Asia-Pacific that were surveyed, it added.

***

HF noted that the improvement in the prosperity ranking brings the Philippines into the first-third of the countries evaluated by the index, adding that since 2010, the Philippine rank has increased fifty-one (51) spots from its rank at 109 and when the country was identified as Mostly Unfree in its economic competitiveness.

PH standing improving among 180 countries surveyed.

***

The 2017 survey which focused on 12 independent factors called Economic Freedoms, with the addition of Judicial Effectiveness and Fiscal Health this year, noted Philippine improvements in property rights (+19.2); monetary freedom (+2.9); and labor freedom (+.1).

Freedoms thrive in PH.

***

HF, while noting some problems in the absence of entrepreneurial dynamism, still needed institutional reforms and a weak judicial system, said it recognized that the Government is pursuing a series of legislative reforms to enhance the overall entrepreneurial environment and develop a stronger private sector in order to generate broader-based job growth.

Some fiscal reforms have been accomplished, too, it said.

***

The Philippines firmly registers today as a Moderately Free country, said Patrick A. Chuasoto, Charge dAffaires of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

This apparently jibes with Pinoys love for the song Born Free.

***

It clearly indicates the sustainability of the robust and excellent Philippine economic performance of the last few years. We hope that this underpins continued business and investor confidence in one of Asias most dynamic economies, Chuasoto added.

So let it be. Let it be.

***

Meanwhile, various sectors welcomed the Communist Party of the Philippines call on President Duterte to reverse his previous order calling off peace talks with the communist insurgents.

Yes to return to the negotiation table, they said.

***

The communist bloc said in a statement (the CPP) and the New Peoples Army (NPA) reiterate their support for efforts to forge a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

So let the Philippine Government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) meet again in Utrecht, Netherlands to discuss the proposal, it added.

***

Government Chief Peace Negotiator Jesus Dureza and GRP Peace Panel Chairman Silvestre Bello III welcomed the CPPs call, saying we share the same commitment to work for just and lasting peace in the land.

It is now up to the President, whatever he orders, we will follow, Bello said.

***

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ao said the military was not totally closing its door on peace negotiations with the communists.

The Armed Forcesthe soldiers want the peace talks to succeed he said.

***

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said that he is also in favor for the peace negotiations to get back on track.

While we are doing war, we cannot attain (or) have a modicum of progress he lamented.

So let us all stop the war! And exert greater efforts toward lasting peace!

Tags: Economic performance, Fred Lobo, Heritage Foundation, Index of Economic Freedom, Manila Bulletin, mb.com.ph, PH leaps in economic freedom; yes to calls for lasting peace

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PH leaps in economic freedom; 'yes' to calls for lasting peace - Manila Bulletin

Gauging the Trump Effect on Congress and the DOJ – Freedom Leaf (press release) (blog)

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Twenty-nine states have now legalized the therapeutic use of cannabis. In nearly all of these states, legislative provisions authorize state-licensed entities to grow and dispense marijuana or marijuana-infused products. In addition, eight states have legalized the adult use of cannabis, and retailers and sellers must possess a state-issued license in order to engage in commercial activity. For the past few years, two important federal actionsthe Cole Memorandum and the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment have assured that these activities can take place largely free from federal interference. But it may be up to the incoming Trump administration to decide whether or not these protections survive.

Voters in Colorado and Washington shocked the world in November 2012 when majorities in both states decided in favor of legalizing the retail sale of cannabis to anyone aged 21 or older. The votes placed regulators in both states in uncharted territory. Up to that point, no state had ever licensed businesses to legally grow and sell pot to adultsactivity that runs afoul of federal laws. The obvious question at the time was, what, if anything, would the Obama administration do about it?

On Aug. 29, 2013, then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole issued a Justice Department memorandum to U.S. attorneys outlining the administrations position on adult-use legalization, which directs prosecutors to permit state-licensed marijuana facilities to operate without federal interference unless it can be established that theyre engaging in behavior that clearly violates certain enforcement priorities that are of particular importance to the federal government, such as the distribution of cannabis to minors or to non-legal states. Since issuing the Cole Memo, the Feds have taken virtually no prosecutorial action against state-recognized producers or retailers.

In 2014, after nearly a decade, cannabis advocates convinced a majority of Congress to enact legislationthe Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment, sponsored by California Reps. Dana Rohrabacher and Sam Farrprotecting the rights and activities of medical marijuana patients and providers. (Since Farr recently retired, its now known as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Ammendment.)

The amendment, codified into law by President Obama that December as part of the Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice and Appropriations Bill, states: None of the funds made available in this act to the Department of Justice may be used to prevent states from implementing their own state laws that authorize the use, distribution, possession or cultivation of medical marijuana. Congress re-approved the amendment in 2015, and this past August, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Justice Department efforts to sidestep the law. The three-judge panel ruled unanimously that the amendments language should be interpreted in the broadest manner possible, and that those who are engaged in state-compliant activities are no longer fair game for federal prosecutors. In December 2016, Congress re-authorized the amendment as part of a short-term spending bill that expires on Apr. 28, 2017.

The outlook for each of these measures in the Trump administration is uncertain. Because the Cole Memo is intended as a set of guidelines for U.S. Attorneys and does not carry the weight of law, it can readily be ignored or even rescinded by the new administration. And thats likely to happen if the President Trump pick for Attorney General, militant prohibitionist Sen. Jeff Sessions, is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

The Alabama politician has a long and outspoken history as Congress leading anti-pot zealot. He criticized the Obama administration for failing to enforce federal prohibitions in legal marijuana states, and once infamously stated, Good people dont smoke marijuana. Absent the explicit assurances of the Cole Memo, its unclear whether state lawmakers and regulators will continue to move forward with licensing and taxing adult-use marijuana salesactivities that potentially place both cannabis businesses and state officials at risk of federal prosecution.

The ultimate fate of the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment is also murky although congressional support for the measure has grown in recent years (it passed by a 242-186 margin in 2015), some have speculated that House Speaker Paul Ryan will no longer permit marijuana-related budgetary amendments to be debated on the House floor. Nonetheless, those closely involved in the process remain confident: Rep. Rohrabacher told Politico in December that he expects the amendment to be reauthorized for a third year by Congress, and that he believes that a Sessions-run Justice Department will abide by its provisions.

Hes a strict constitutionalist who believes in the rule of law, Rep. Rohrabacher commented. I would expect that hell respect the prerogative of individual states to determine their own laws involving strictly intrastate commerce.

NORML is urging people to tell their senators that they oppose Sessions as the next AG, and that Congress should reauthorize the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, and is issuing updates and action alerts at norml.org/act.

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Gauging the Trump Effect on Congress and the DOJ - Freedom Leaf (press release) (blog)

Gambia: Gambian Man Living In The United States; Former Jammeh Aide Sanna Jarju Named In A Multi million dollars … – Freedom Newspaper

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

PRESS RELEASE ON THE STATE OF THE GAMBIAN ECONOMY AND SOME FRAUDULENT ACTIVITIES OF THE FORMER PRESIDENT YAYA JAMMEH AND HIS APRC GOVERNMENT.

With the new dispensation, The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is pleased to inform the general Public concerning the state of the economy at the exit point of the presidency of the former president Yahya Jammeh and the APRC Government.

The Real GDP growth of The Gambia bas rebounded to 4.3 per cent in 2015 from 0.9per cent in 2014. The improved economic activities continued in 2016 with growth be expected to be within the long-term trend growth rant of 4-6 per cent.

Total Revenue and grants in 201 7 is estimated at 14.34 billion from D 12.99 billion budgeted, representing a growth of 10.4 per cent. Domestic revenue is estimated at D8.5 in 2017. Conversely, Total Expenditure and net Lending is projected at D19.1 billion in 2017 from 16.9 billion budgeted in 2016. Of Ibis, interest payments are estimated to be over D 3 billion.

Fiscal deficit in 20 I 7 is anticipated to increase to D4. 7 billion (I 0 per cent of GD P) from D3.9 billion budgeted in 2016, representing a growth of 20.5 per cent. The estimated Net Domestic borrowing for the fiscal year is expected to be 10% of GDP.

Public debt ratio is II 5% of G D P as at end Dec 2016. Total debt stock stood at D48. 3 billion comprising D20.3 billion external and D28 billion domestic. Tbe domestic debt increases from 54% to 67% of GDP from 2015 to 2016 respectively, compared with a marginal increase of the external debt from 46% to 48% of GDP from 2015 to 2016 respectively.

Consumer price inflation measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) rose to 7.9 per cent in December 2016 compared to 6.9 per cent in the corresponding period in 2015. Both food and nonfood inflation increased to 8.7 and 6.S per cent in Dec 2016 from 7.6 and 5.3 per cent in 2015 respectively.

Th monetary policy rate has remained constant at 23 percent since April 2015.

Gross official reserves are US$68.75 million as at Feb 3rd 2017, while the net international reserves are at US$20.81. This is approximately less than 2 months of import cover.

From the above information, it could be clear that the Economy of The Gambia had been completely destroyed and part of the stories are related to the action of the then President Exiled Yaya Jammeh and his enablers. From the little investigations, the Ministry conducted, some alarming and gross mismanagement of public funds were discovered that requires the attention of the Public.

GAMTEL GATE WAY REVENUE

It was discovered that theGAMTEL Ltd Gateway Termination Revenue had been siphoned by the president.

The Gambia Gateway Project is being managed by Gambia Telecommunications Company Ltd, GAMTEL LTD, on behalf of the Government of the Gambia. Incomes emanating from international incoming and outgoing traffic are generated through this gateway and initially used by Gamtel to offset its costs and loans. However, the management of the gateway was contracted to third parties over the years, Spectrum, System1, Tel. and MGl. Currently, the Government through Gamtel Ltd is having a 5 year contract with MGI from 2014 to 2019.

Fellow Gambians, the incomes generated by this project were diverted from Gamtel to an account International Gateway Account at the Central Bank of the Gambia from 13 th September 2013 to 4th July 2014. This account had an accumulated deposit for this period of US$5,421,732.98 of which US$5,421,440.61 was withdrawn leaving a balance of only US$292.37.

On 10th July 2014, another account was opened called the Special Projects Fund. A total US$45,194,083.24 was deposited over the period and US$45,171,420.05 was withdrawn over the same period leaving a balance of only 110,630.42 as at 23rd January 2017.

A sample of the withdrawals include:

Vll. 16/9/15 Cash withdrawal of US$400,000 through Sulayman Badgie, Office of the President.

V111. 16/9/15 Cash withdrawal of US$800,000 through Sulayman Badgie, Office of the President.

Xl. 16/9/15 Cash withdrawal of US$704,721.63 through Nuha Williams, Office of the President.

According to our preliminary findings, these amounts have been withdrawn in cash US dollars or Gambian dalasis withdrawn and US dollars bought in the foreign exchange market thus creating undue pressure on both our reserves and the exchange rates. These two accounts totaling US$50,615,816-22 in deposits of our international call terminating revenue have been withdrawn mainly in cash foreign currency and dalsis converted into foreign currency.

2.1 Carnegie Mining Project

The Gambia has not discovered huge mineral resources but Elminite has been discovered and mined over the years. Carnegie Mining Project account was opened at CBG from 24th January 2012 to 30th December 2015 receiving D139.423 million as deposits and D139.312 million as expenditure. This leaves a balance of only D 11 0,630 as at this date today.

This account was operated outside the Central Government budgetary system and not accounted for in the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The account has been managed by the Office of the President and Yaya Jammeh and all expenditures were done at his directive or will. A sample of these expenditures include:

From 30th December 2015 there was no deposit into this account and we are now investigating were the revenues due to the Government from the mining contract. The Government is paying for the services of lawyers retained for the legal case with Carnegie with retainer fees totaling D59.28 million to date and claims of monthly payments of 50,000 per month still running. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice will look into these payments and the legal issues with Carnegie with a view to bringing this bizarre drama indicative of the selfish interest of the Jammeh APRC regime.

We are verifying the current contract that exists between the Mining operators and a company said to have the mining rights Alhamdulilahi Petroleum and Mineral Company. From our initial investigations of this company, there was no trace of its registration with the Registrar of Companies and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice is assisting us on this matter.

2.2 Social Security Housing and Finance Corporation (SSHFC)

The Jammeh APRC administration has dipped its long arm into workers pension funds through rampant Executive Directives to the management of SSHFC. A total of D2,094,891,000 was withdrawn by Executive Directives to a multitude of expenditures including:

All these expenditures were out of the ordinary workers accumulated pensions fund and out of a total of D2,094,891,000, the sum of D1.71 billion remains non-performing without any payment made to it.

Our preliminary review of GP A found that the Authority made some questionable and wanon expenditure in its Business Development Expenses/Corporate Social Responsibilities account for 2015 and 2016:

AJJ Jammeh for D25,000.

V11. Printing of green T-Shirts for D255,750.

Vlll. Payment sponsoring of a table for D375,000 for APRC Peace and Love Gala dinner.

For the year 2016, GPA made the following expenditures out of its Business Development Expenses/Corporate Social Responsibilities account, the resources of the Gambian people:

VlI. Payment fo D 11 0,000 for 500 T-Shirts for July 22nd celebrations.

Vlll. Payment of 105,000 T-Shirts for July 22nd celebrations.

In 2016, the investigations discovered with shock that the GP A bought a new vehicle budgeted at D3,000,000 for D7,527,392.16. This is more than double the budget for thisitem.

These sample Public Enterprise accounts of SSHFC and Gamtel, The Carnegie mmmg project is a reflection of the gross mismanagement of our economy by Yaya AJJ Jammenh and his APRC Government. There conduct amounts to a total betrayal of the Gambian people leaving them with monstrous debts of D48.3 billion, net international reserves of only US$27.4 million or 0.7 months of import of goods and services. The Central Bank of The Gambia has short term borrowings (SWAPS) from commercial banks of US$32.7 million to enable it meet the Governments loan repayment obligations.

Fellow Gambians, this brief is to show you what His Excellency, Adama Barrow and his Government have found left of our country. A truly APRC disaster in human rights, socially, politically, fiscally and monetarily, economically and financially.

We, in the Government of The New Gambia, under your New President, Adama Barrow and the strong goodwill of our international partners and the urgency with which they have come forth to assist and support a New Gambia that if full of freedom, democracy, human rights, rule of law and with sound fiscal and monetary policies, will strive and work and play to achieve the development aspirations of the people of The New Gambia.

His Excellency, the President and his Government will take all steps and measures to ensure that all lost, stolen and misappropriated assets are returned to the Gambian people. The Honourable Minister of Interior and Attorney General and Minister of Justice will have all the information on these preliminary findings to take appropriate actions. The Ministry will continue to come up with more press releases as and when more information are gathered.

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Gambia: Gambian Man Living In The United States; Former Jammeh Aide Sanna Jarju Named In A Multi million dollars ... - Freedom Newspaper

Opinion: Young adults need an easier path to financial independence – LSU Now

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

If you graduated from a Louisiana university in 2012, you would owe on average nearly $23,000 in student loan debt. Based on national figures compiled by the Project on Student Debt, about 70 percent of 2012s U.S. graduates had an average student loan debt of $29,400.

According to the Child Welfare League of America, 10,119 minors were victims of abuse or neglect in Louisiana in 2013. Of these children, 87.2 percent were neglected, 18.8 percent were physically abused and 6.9 percent were sexually abused.

Many people rely on their parents for financial support throughout college, and if you are one of the many young adults in America who have experienced parental abuse or neglect, you know how painful financial dependence can be. You also know just how hard it is for an abused or neglected 18-year-old to break away from that dependence.

When you turn 18, you reach the age of majority and are no longer required to live as a minor under parental control. However, when it comes to applying for federal financial aid, you are not considered fully independent until the age of 24. Students are automatically considered dependents unless they fight and prove they are completely independent from their parents.

To declare yourself as an independent on the FAFSA, you must file a Dependency Review Form and provide documentation explaining your situation.Your case is then reviewed by a committee or financial aid office at your college. Most students will not qualify for a change in status because the circumstances need to be extreme, such as provable abandonment or abuse, to be considered for independent status.

Proving independent status is an arduous task, requiring police and medical reports showing abuse or evidence that parents are dead, in jail or in rehab as well as letters from teachers and friends parents who can corroborate your story, said freelance writer Samantha Stainburn in her article for The New York Times.

If you spent your entire adolescent life aching for the day you get to leave your parents house without looking back, the FAFSA helps ruin your light at the end of the tunnel. Many abused and neglected minors do not have the paperwork to prove their situation, so the inability for many students to become legally independent at 18 helps continue a cycle of extensive and unending mistreatment.

If you are 16 or 17 and wish to be emancipated in Louisiana, you must obtain parental approval, get married with parental approval or go through a lengthy court process. If you go through the court, you must file an affidavit, statements proving independence, verification of employment and another affidavit from either your parents or other close adult who believes emancipation would be in your best interest. You will be charged a fee ranging from $150 to $200, and you will then have to attend a preliminary hearing and a final court hearing, in which a judge will determine whether or not you are suited for emancipation.

Becoming emancipated will take months, and it could take even longer if you or your parents disagree with the ruling. If you are emancipated and your parents do not approve, they can appeal the court and lengthen the process even more.

If you are someone who becomes emancipated, it is harder for you to make a successful life for yourself. It will be hard to begin college because you will have to support yourself before you even graduate high school, and you may get so wrapped up in paying your bills that you find you cannot fit higher education into your life at all.

Young adults need to be able to live on their own without having to fight the system just to survive.

If our young people are doing well, then our country is doing well. It is time to invest in our youth and let them know that, no matter where they come from, they have the ability to stand on their own and become whatever they want to be.

Lynne Bunch is an 18-year-old mass communication freshman from Terrytown, Louisiana.

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Opinion: Young adults need an easier path to financial independence - LSU Now

Burglar in ‘lunatic’ Flintshire police chase jailed – Daily Post North Wales

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

A burglar who drove at lunatic speeds of more than 120mph while being chased by police has been jailed.

At Mold Crown Court today, Michael Darren Hannan was convicted of burglary at Tan y Bryn in Sychdyn near Mold in February last year and of stealing a VW Polo GTi from outside.

The 26-year-old, who was said to have an appalling record, was jailed for a total of four years, including a six-month sentence for dangerous driving.

Judge David Hale said Hannan reached speeds of 122mph in another stolen car while he was being chased by police.

The judge paid tribute to the professionalism of the police officers who boxed Hannan in on a slip road at Queensferry and brought him to a controlled stop.

The defendant, of Dwellyhouse Lane, Norris Green, Liverpool, denied another burglary at Kiln Close in Buckley and stealing a Mini Cooper from the driveway outside.

He was cleared of those charges when the prosecution offered no evidence against him.

But he admitted driving the Mini without consent the one he was later arrested in following the chase from Sealand Road to the Queensferry interchange.

Prosecuting barrister Ffion Thomas said the owner of the Polo arrived home on the evening of February 22 and parked her car outside.

When her husband later arrived home, it was discovered the car had been taken along with the keys which had been on the kitchen worktop.

Evidence from ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) showed the Mini Cooper, which had been stolen earlier, was being driven in the Flintshire area with false number plates at the time of the Sychdyn burglary.

Cell site evidence showed Hannans mobile phone was pinging off masts in the area at the time.

The following day, the stolen Mini was seen in Sealand Road and, following a high-speed chase, the defendant and two passengers were arrested at Queensferry.

A month later, the stolen Polo was found in Blacon near Chester, and Hannans DNA was found on the handbrake and the gear stick.

Hannan denied being involved in the burglary or theft of the car, but said he had been paid to take others on a shoplifting expedition in North Wales.

That was why his DNA was in the vehicle, he said.

Defending barrister Ben Morris said there was no direct evidence his client was involved in the Sychdyn burglary.

No charges had been brought against his two passengers, although they were in the same situation, he said.

Judge Hale told Hannan, who had previous convictions for house burglary, robbery and attempted robbery, that he had set his sights on a life of being up to no good.

In addition to the prison sentence, Hannan was banned from driving for two years and ordered to take an extended driving test.

In a victim impact statement, the owner of the stolen Polo said she and her husband had travelled around the area trying to find it after the burglary.

The burglary had had made her tearful and jumpy and, when her husband had been away for a weekend, she had been unable to sleep for fear that the burglars would return, she said.

Following the sentencing, DC Chris Connah of the Burglary Action Team at Mold police station said: When an individual commits a domestic burglary, invades your home and steals property that is either sentimental, valuable or both, it is not uncommon for victims to feel violated.

It is therefore reassuring and welcoming that the criminal justice system shares our concern and imposes custodial sentences on those few in our communities intent on disrupting and disregarding the lives of others.

I welcome the sentence and hope it will provide our local communities with the firm reassurance that North Wales Police will relentlessly pursue those individuals who break the law.

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Burglar in 'lunatic' Flintshire police chase jailed - Daily Post North Wales

Knowledge can fight ignorance: New speakers series will shed light on Yemen – Detroit Metro Times

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Its what you call cognitive dissonance, right? We send the bullets and bombs by ship (billions of dollars worth for Saudi Arabia), by proxy (military aid for Israel), and we even deliver our bombs and bullets ourselves (the recent joint UAE-U.S. force that saw SEAL Team 6 in a tight spot). But when it sends people running like hell, seeking a more stable life in the West, thats when were supposed to worry that they might be terrorists.

Its not very sporting to do so. Its sort of like burning down a hotel and then saying the guests running out of the inferno were probably arsonists, every last one of them.

These are, of course, all finer points if you already know that the United States has done to the Middle East what the English rock band the Who used to do to hotel rooms. Except the Who never left 1.3 million people dead. (Deaf, maybe.)

But wed wager that the people most likely to support Trumps initial travel ban think that the United States has entered the Middle East and transformed it into something like Disneyland, and people arent fleeing this new utopia so much as rushing to the West in hopes of reducing Christendom to a burnt, smoking cinder.

Which is why on major corrective would be to understand what is happening on the ground in the Middle East. Kind of a shocker to actually point that out, right? Well, there is a new speaker series started in the international city-within-a-city of Hamtramck to delve into just such issues. Its called the Hamtramck Monthly Forum, and this months event will focus on just whats happening in Yemen.

This event will feature actual special guests familiar with the region. Author and activist Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, has even written a book on the subject, Understanding ISIS and the New Global War on Terror: A Primer. Shell provide hard-won information, and will sign copies of her book at the end of the event. Also making an appearance will be Yemeni journalist Latifa Ali, a reporter, human rights activist, and a member of several charitable and nonprofit organizations.

If you cant go, (or, heck, even if you can: It might even make good preparation for the discussion) have a look at this half-hour documentary on the situation there to see what your tax dollars are doing, the woman-hating religious extremists theyre doing it with, and why any reasonable person would run as fast as their legs can carry them. Hamtramck Monthly Forum convenes to discuss Yemen War & Muslim Ban, at 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 8625 Joseph Campau, Hamtramkc; 313-207-3904; discussion to be moderated by Bill Meyer and Hanan Yahya;suggested $5 donation;event co-sponsored by JVP-Detroit (Jewish Voice for Peace) .

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Knowledge can fight ignorance: New speakers series will shed light on Yemen - Detroit Metro Times

Anglea Henderson-Bentley: New take on Jack the Ripper an idea whose ‘Time’ has come – Huntington Herald Dispatch

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

There is a list on IMDB.com of 110 TV shows and movies that feature Jack the Ripper, a never-identified serial killer who was active in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. So, exploring who he actually was is not a new idea.

But even though it doesn't really cover any new ground, the latest series featuring the notorious killer - ABC's "Time After Time" - still manages to be entertaining thanks to a charming cast and an unexpected romance set against a darker overall story.

Based on the 1979 novel and movie of the same name and executive produced by Kevin Williamson ("Dawson's Creek, "Scream"), "Time" stars Freddie Stroma as H.G. Wells, best known for the novels "The Time Machine" and "The War of the Worlds."

In 1893, the yet-to-be-published author shows his skeptical friends the actual time machine he has constructed. All but one friend - Dr. John Stevenson (Josh Bowman) - think H.G. is crazy, while John chides him for not having the courage to test his invention or finish his novel. H.G. must summon the courage, however, when he realizes John is Jack the Ripper and must follow John when he escapes into present-day New York City via H.G.'s machine.

H.G. is disappointed when he realizes the utopia he had hoped for doesn't exist in 2017, while John revels in the present, continuing to kill at every opportunity. John plays cat-and-mouse games with H.G. over the key to the time machine, which will allow John to go whenever he wants without fear of H.G. following him. To help track down The Ripper, H.G. befriends Jane (Genesis Rodriguez), the curator of the H.G. Wells exhibit at a downtown museum. But as H.G. and Jane grow closer, Jane finds herself in danger from one of the most notorious criminals of all time.

There is nothing fresh or new about "Time" - especially since it follows the plot of the movie and novel pretty closely. So I was pretty surprised to find it still manages to entertain, thanks to its solid love story foundation. Stroma and Rodriguez are so adorable with so much chemistry, you can't help but root for them as a couple, even though the idea of it is so far-fetched. And Bowman is the perfect combination of creepy and charming to make The Ripper work and be the major obstacle - other than time itself - to a Jane-H.G. coupling. The show even manages to work in some interesting social commentary as John decides his warped ways might actually fit in the world of 2017.

"Time" may not be a new idea, but based on the hour I've seen, I believe it is an idea whose time has come again.

"Time After Time" premieres with a special two-hour episode at 9 p.m. Sunday, March 5, on ABC.

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Anglea Henderson-Bentley: New take on Jack the Ripper an idea whose 'Time' has come - Huntington Herald Dispatch

Paeroa wrestler to represent New Zealand at Oceania Wrestling … – Waikato Times

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

JILL CLEAVE

Last updated11:43, February 23 2017

Jill Cleave/FairfaxNZ

Wrestler Sarah Hills and daughter Bianca, 9.

There are no "flying mares"off the top rope or "step-over-toe holds" when a Paeroa mother of three takes to the wrestling mat, never the less, it is still exciting to watch.

Sarah Hills, 29, who has only been wrestling for 12 months, will be representing New Zealand at the Oceania Wrestling Championships in Tahiti in March.

She said the family was looking for a sport for their three daughters and felt the martial arts or boxing were a little frightening as it involved being hit.

"We settled on wrestling, which relies on strength and technique, and it has turned out to be a great confidence booster, especially for girls, without the fear of being hit," she said.

She said she decided to join in the fun to get a little fitter and lose a bit of weight and realised she was quite good at it.

"In February 2016 I entered the Waikato Bay of Plenty Championships and came away with a bronze medal, then I entered the North Island champs and came away with gold which was pretty exciting," she said.

In September 2016 she entered her first big tournament, the New Zealand Championships, and won her weight category Women's Freestyle 63kg.

"Five days after winning there I crippled over in pain and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to have my gall bladder removed. Two and a half weeks and two surgerys later I was ordered to take three months off," she said.

The family, Sarah, husband Mathew and daughters Bianca, 9, Calista, 7, and Demelza, 6, moved to Paeroa in December to give their daughter who has autism a better education.

"The New Zealand team was announced shortly after we had moved so with only 12 weeks to train I got right into it and am feeling stronger and more confident than I was in September," she said.

Training is going well and you can follow Hill'sprogress on facebook.com/NZwrestling.

She said between working,studying, training, twice a week in Katikati, and spending quality time with her children it leaves little time for fundraising for the trip.

"Wrestling is not a big sport in New Zealand and we have to pay for everything, including uniforms, ourselves so I have set up a page at Give a Little to try help cover costs," she said.

Once the Oceania competition is over the HIlls hope to start a wrestling class for children in Paeroa where everyone will be welcome.

If you would like to help Sarah out with a donation go to givealittle.co.nz/cause.sarah-wrestling.

-Stuff

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Paeroa wrestler to represent New Zealand at Oceania Wrestling ... - Waikato Times

Macquarie books fundies for Oceania Healthcare non deal roadshow – The Australian Financial Review

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Street Talk.

Macquarie Capital is lining up fund managers for another potential aged care listing.

As Street Talk first reported on Thursday, the broker is booking fundies to meet New Zealand's Oceania Healthcare for a non-deal roadshow starting next Friday.

Oceania is owned by Macquarie's infrastructure arm MIRA and is exploring options for an initial public offering including a listing on the ASX.

It's expected to tell fund managers that the company's earnings were worth $NZ47 million in the 2016 financial year, which was up from $NZ29 million a year earlier.

Oceania is expected to be pitched as a growing aged care sector play, with the company requiring capital to fund its brownfield development pipeline of about 1000 units.

Management is expected to front Kiwi fundies late next week, before travelling to Australia.

Oceania is one of New Zealand's largest owners and operators of retirement villages, with 49 locations and 25 villages.

Fund managers are expected to compare it to the already listed Summerset Group Holdings, which has a $1.04 billion market capitalisation and investors including Cooper Investors and Harbour Asset Management.

There are a few differences between Kiwi operators and Australian aged care companies. The key one is that New Zealand's do not have liabilities associated with accommodation bonds, as is common practice in Australia.

The investor meetings come as Oceania's owner MIRA assess floating the company. A decision whether to push ahead with a deal is expected in the coming months.

Macquarie Capital's involvement comes only months after it helped raise $137 million for Australia's Estia Health, and after listing fellow aged care providers Japara Healthcare and Regis Healthcare in recent years.

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Macquarie books fundies for Oceania Healthcare non deal roadshow - The Australian Financial Review

Fourth Steber vessel for Seychelles resort – Manning River Times

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

23 Feb 2017, 10:25 a.m.

Work has started at Tarees Steber International on a fourth vessel for the Fregate Island Resort in the Seychelles archipelago.

Fregate Island Resort manager, Wayne Kafsak takes delivery of the 3800 from Steber general manager, Alan Steber.

Work has started at Tarees Steber International on a fourth vessel for the Fregate Island Resort in the Seychelles archipelago and is due for delivery later this year.

The Steber 5200 (52ft) will be used for a variety of resort activities covering extended excursions, game fishing and diving.

Features also include two sleeping cabins, two lounge areas, galley, two bathrooms, inflatable dinghy and crane and additional on-deck seating suitable for scenic tours.

The 5200 will join the fleet of three other vessels, the first of which was delivered back in 1999.

Late last year Fregate Island took delivery of a Steber 3800 (38ft) which is being used to transfer clients between the island and mainland.

Unlike the majority of fibreglass manufactured vessels, the hulls of the Fregate Island fleet vessels are finished in a unique Jade Mist Green colour.

Sketch showing the versatile layout of the 5200 under construction.

Footnote: The Seychelles archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean, north East of Madagascar and about 1600km east of Kenya. The archipelago consists of 115 islands.

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Seychelles Tourism is in Jeddah promoting tourism – eTurboNews

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) took part once again in the Jeddah Intl Travel & Tourism 2017 (JTTX7) at the Jeddah Hilton from February 15-17.

The consumer event was attended by more than 25,000 visitors from Jeddah and more than 150 exhibitors from 22 countries. Saudi Arabia being one of the main markets of the destination in the region is an apt venue to hold such consumer fairs.

This is the second year that the STBs office in Dubai takes part in this consumer event. It was a very productive one as a number of people visited the stand and showed interest in the destination, hence proving the destinations popularity on the market.

Saudi Arabia is one of the main markets for Seychelles in the region having a 29.96% increase in visitor arrivals in January 2017 as compared to the same month last year. Though the business has been relatively quiet in 2016 until at the start of the year, the increase in the number of visitor arrivals indicates the valuable support we receive from Saudi Arabia.

We are jovial on the outcome of the JTTX7 event as we were able to promote the destination further in the consumer sector in Jeddah and update them on the latest product offerings in Seychelles, said STBs regional manager for Middle East Ahmed Fathallah.

This is our second year at this event and just like in 2016, it paved the way for us to better connect with the consumer sector from Jeddah. This trade and consumer activity opens doors for business opportunities and is also a fitting time for us to know more about the needs and wants of our target market. added Fathallah.

To further push and promote the destination, involvement in different trade and consumer fairs and carrying out of different consumer focused activities have been planned out for this year.

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Seychelles Tourism is in Jeddah promoting tourism - eTurboNews

Destination Seychelles: Topping travel lists in the US – eTurboNews

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Seychelles, an island paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, topped Travel & Leisures list of Best Islands in Africa & the Middle East in 2016, and thats not all. At the recent Travel Show hosted by the New York Times, the destination ranked in the top 10 of client-pleasing takeaways.

There are any numbers of reasons to feel lucky to live in New York City. One is being on location for the annual 3-day New York Times Travel Show, this year drawing a record number of participants: 9,253 from the travel industry and 20,846 consumers. Some 170 countries participated from A (Argentina) to Z (Zagreb), so one will understand the dilemma of picking just 10 client-pleasing takeaways, says Carla Hunt, from Recommend Magazine, USA.

Making the list at number 8: Seychelles Opens New Resorts

This is all good news to David Germain, Seychelles Tourism Bureau Director for Africa & the Americas. The Seychelles are attracting more U.S. visitors, mostly those in search of a beautiful place in the sun following an African safari, or an idyllic addition to a Middle East business or leisure stay, Germain reports. Dotted among islands and private islands are some of the worlds most beautiful resorts with new openings including Six Senses Zil Pasyon on the private island of Felicite, which opened last year, and Desroches Island Resort, re-opening as a Four Seasons this year, with 40 beach suites. According to Germain, the Seychelles are in a cyclone-free zone, so any times a good time to visit; however, the optimum time is for the spectacular annual Creole Festival, held on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue islands from October 25-31 in 2017.

Mr. Germain said: The North American market contributes significantly towards overall tourism arrivals to Seychelles each year. Arrivals from the Americas continue to increase with a 58% increase in arrivals to date for 2017, compared to the same time in 2016.

For more information, visit seychelles.travel

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Destination Seychelles: Topping travel lists in the US - eTurboNews

RORC Caribbean 600: Phaedo3 Takes Multihull Line Honors – Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

(February 22, 2017) While the multihull race record was not broken this year, Phaedo3 and Maserati had an incredible 600 mile high-speed duel. Lloyd Thornburgs MOD70, Phaedo3 finished the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 21 hrs 20 mins 46 secs AST, taking Multihull Line Honors.

Phaedo3 held on to win the battle of the trimarans, just 12 minutes ahead of Giovanni Soldinis Italian MOD70, Maserati. The high-speed battle saw the lead change hands at least four times during the race. The winning crew is Lloyd Thornburg (Skipper), Brian Thompson (Co-skipper), Paul Allen, Peter Cumming, Michel Desjoyeaux, Robert Greenhalgh, Damian Foxall and Miles Seddon.

The experimental semi-foiling Maserati showed incredible speed on a reach and it took a momentous effort from Phaedo3s well-established team to hold off the challenge. There was high drama at Guadeloupe with vicious squalls and heroics from Maseratis crew diving into the water to free the boat from a fish trap.

Once back on the dock in Antigua, Lloyd Thornburg, skipper of the American boat Phaedo3, summed up the race, Maserati gave us a heck of a run and it was really tough to stay ahead of a foiling boat. They kept coming at us with more pressure and they definitely have more speed at certain angles. The run down to Redonda was a real nail-biter and we knew that after that, the beat home would be in our favor and to cross the line ahead was just awesome.

Every year, I get reminded how insane a race this is and after this race, our navigator Miles Seddon said to me that we have turned the insanity up again this year. You never get used to this race hanging on reaching at 36 knots, it is just incredible. All of our team had to dig so deep and we love Antigua and had an amazing reception.

This years RORC Caribbean 600 proved to be a MOD70 match race around the 600 mile course for Giovanni Soldinis MOD70, Maserati (ITA) and Lloyd Thornburgs Phaedo3 (USA)

Brian Thompson, Co-Skipper of Phaedo3, commented on the unusual wind direction that had been predicted before the start, We had a lot more wind speed for the race, which was a surprise. Off Guadeloupe we had huge rainsqualls that are really quite dangerous in a MOD70 and we had 30 knots of wind from nowhere and shifting 50 degrees in seconds, with Maserati pushing us all the way. The big gennaker stayed up and we had to put in a few big bear-away maneuvers to avoid capsize.

With the strange wind direction, we had to really think on our feet. It was an amazing race with Maserati though, and we got away several times, but they always caught us up. Right near the start they went blasting past us flying through the air, hooting and hollering and waving at us. That is what they had come for and they have learnt a lot about foiling a MOD.

Lloyd Thornburgs MOD70 Phaedo3

Maserati skipper, Giovanni Soldini was full of praise for both his Maserati team and their rivals Phaedo3. The Italian MOD70 has an experimental foil enabling them to literally fly when the boat is on starboard, but not when they are on port, enabling them to give Phaedo3 a really close fight.

Phaedo are a very, very good team. They have known the boat for many years, whereas we are just beginning to get to know ours. We really flew a few times and we were able to play with Phaedo and I am really pleased with my crew, as they were fantastic. At the start of the last leg, we were just a minute behind. We have learnt a lot by racing with Phaedo and so we are improving our performance. Our dream was to make a MOD70 fly and in a couple of months we will have foils on both sides and life will be much more simple, Soldini said.

Maseratis race was not without incident. When we were past La Desirade we caught a buoy on the rudder but we didnt realize until near Barbuda, explains Soldini. Carlos Hernadez heroically jumped into the water when it was blowing 20 knots and the boat would not stop, so he had to swim very fast!

Looking good for Monohull Line Honors: George Davids Rambler 88

George Davids American Maxi Rambler 88 is expected to take Monohull Line Honors for the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 at midday today local time (1600 UTC). At dawn on Day Three of the RORC Caribbean 600, Hap Fauths Bella Mente was winning the battle of the Maxi72s approaching Barbuda. Bella Mente holds a two mile lead from 2016 RORC Caribbean Trophy holder, George Sakellaris Proteus, and is estimated to be top of the leader board overall under IRC.

Simon & Nancy De Pietro racing C.n.b. Briand 76, Lilla are approaching Guadeloupe and are estimated to be leading IRC One by a slender margin from Theodore Kane, Jrs Swan 66 Bounty. Three yachts are in a close battle for victory in IRC Two. Dominic Hurndalls Grand Soleil 43, Jua Kali has taken the normal route on the downwind leg to Guadeloupe.

However, Ross Applebeys Scarlet Oyster and Ed Fishwicks Redshift on El Ocaso passed Montserrat to port. After IRC time correction, there are just seconds separating the three yachts after 330 miles of racing. In IRC Three, Jonty Layfields Swan 48 Sleeper X is enjoying a comfortable lead after IRC time correction and by 22 miles on the water from Andy Schell & Mia Karlssons swan 48, Isbjorn. Peter Hobbs Sigma 38, Sam is approaching the halfway stage in the race and is estimated to be in third in class.

A close battle is raging in the Class40 Division as the three leaders approach the wind shadow of Guadeloupe with barely a mile separating them. Catherine Pourres Erendil is just ahead of Peter Hardings Phor-ty and both team have chosen to take a line close into Guadeloupe. Halvard Mabire and Miranda Merrons Campagne de France has chosen to go offshore by approximately 8 miles.

In the battle of the schooners, the 182ft Adela, skippered by Greg Perkins is rounding Iles des Saintes with 220 miles to go. The 162ft schooner Eleonora, skippered by Brendan McCoy is 44 miles behind Adela on the water.

Event details Tracker Notice of Race Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barths.

Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

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Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more – Newsday

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Carnival is about over-the-top, shed-your-inhibitions fun. Like Mardi Gras, its traditionally a last chance for excess before the solemn season of Lent for Catholics.

The annual bash is practically synonymous with Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. But its also a big deal in the Caribbean, which, despite popular belief, isnt one homogeneous destination. Each Caribbean island has its own history, cuisine, culture and its own take on Carnival.

On some islands, the event is tied to Catholic traditions. On others, it commemorates slave emancipation or the harvest.

Celebrations on Curaao and Trinidad are held this time of year, but you can still catch the festivities on St. Lucia and Barbados, held in summer. One thing they all have in common: the chance to party like a local.

The pounding beat of African tumba music fills the air at a Carnival thats lively but not as risqu as the bashes on other islands. This is a Carnival youd be comfortable taking the kids to.

The parades, taking place today and Tuesday, are a big deal. Sixty marching groups stream down the streets of Willemstad, a capital city so picture-perfect youll think youve landed on the movie set for a quaint Caribbean island.

Two good spots to enjoy the festivities are the Carnival Dome near the beginning of the parade route and the Carnival Tribune, near the end. Both have seating, music, food and drink.

Curaao prides itself on making sure everyone can enjoy the party. Considered one of the Caribbeans most gay-friendly destinations, it has hotels catering to gay tourists and an annual gay pride parade. Our melting pot history has led to a progressive live and let live philosophy that has long welcomed the LGBT community, says Andre Rojer of the Curaao Tourist Board.

Pictured: Performers pose during festivities in Curaao.

WHERE TO STAY Sitting on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kura Hulanda Village (kurahulanda.com) features 18th- and 19th-century buildings restored to their original splendor. Cobblestone paths meander through lush gardens filled with art and inviting pools. An on-site museum details how Curaao was once the epicenter of the slave trade in the Caribbean. Rates start at $180 a night during Carnival.

INSIDER TIP When its time to eat, head to the food stalls of Plasa Bieu, also known as the Old Market. Sample the popular goat stew or traditional tutu, a dish of ground-up beans with sugar and other goodies.

INFO curacaocarnival.info

Pictured: The colorful Dutch houses at the Sint Annabaai in Willemstad, Curaao.

Trinidad is the mecca for Carnival in the Caribbean. The riotous, multicultural spectacle starts with the pre-dawn Jouvert (daybreak in French Creole) on Carnival Monday, Feb. 27, when people throw paint on one another. It culminates with Parade of the Bands, where several thousand scantily clad costumed revelers dance to pulsating soca.

Birthplace of the steel pan, Trinidad is an oil-rich country whose ports have long been flooded with empty oil drums. Resourceful locals turned them into instruments. Panorama, the worlds largest steel pan competition, is held over several days in January and February leading up to the big final competition in Queens Park Savannah in Port of Spain. Many of the preliminary competitions are held in Port of Spains pan yards, where tourists are welcome to hear steel pan bands practice throughout the year.

Tour companies such as Banwari Experience (banwaricaribbean.com) will help you play mas with a Carnival band, which means you don a costume and march in the parade. They also can set you up to be part of ftes, Carnival-themed parties held all over the island that include your food and drink.

WHERE TO STAY Downtown Port of Spains traffic is at its worst during Carnival, so consider the Hilton Trinidad (hiltoncaribbean.com/destinations/trinidad.html), within walking distance of Queens Park Savannah, where many events are held. Carnival rates begin at $500 a night.

INSIDER TIP If someone asks if you want a wine, theyre not wondering if youd like a chardonnay. Theyre asking if you want to wind as in wind your hips or gyrate, presumably in tandem with the person asking.

INFO ncctt.org/new

Pictured: The Junior Queen of the Carnival competition is part of the festivities in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Known for its towering Piton mountains, breathtaking beaches and a world-class jazz festival, St. Lucia used to hold its Carnival before Lent. The country changed the festival date in 1999 to eliminate competition with Carnival titan Trinidad and Tobago and to attract more tourists to its lush playground in the summer.

St. Lucian Carnival is a more intimate affair that remains on the smaller side, with roughly eight bands participating in the festivities. It culminates in the three-mile-long Parade of the Bands through the capital city of Castries.

WHERE TO STAY Main events are on the north end of the island. The oceanfront St. Jamess Club Morgan Bay (morganbayresort.com) is a good choice in that area. Rates start at $291 a night for two people, including all food and drink.

INSIDER TIP Youll hear the locals talk about liming. Simply put, to lime is to party or to hang out. It refers to the art of doing nothing while sharing food, drink and laughter with friends. And no matter what season you visit, the fishing village of Gros Islet hosts a lively street party on Friday nights, full of barbecue, drinks and dancing.

INFO stlucia.org/events/carnival

Pictured:Carnival performers dance inCastries, Saint Lucia.

Barbados could give Trinidad a run for the title of top party island just dont call Barbados event Carnival. Its Crop Over, pictured, and its so important to this former British colony that its a national holiday. As the name suggests, Crop Over celebrates the end of the harvest, on an island that was once among the worlds largest sugar producers.

Soca music competitions, the coronation of the Crop Over king and queen, parties, boat rides and parades nearly two months of nonstop festivities lead up to the main event, Kadooment Day, the first Monday in August, when revelers parade through the streets in barely-there bikinis loaded with sequins and feathered finery. You might even see pop star Rihanna, who often returns to her native island for the festivities.

WHERE TO STAY Many events take place in the bustling capital, Bridgetown. To be in the heart of the party, try the beachfront Hilton Barbados. The concierge will assist with tickets to events and ftes (hiltonbarbadosresort.com). Rates start at $199.

INSIDER TIP Bring a bathing suit along on Kadooment Day. After parading and partying in the streets of Bridgetown, revelers head to the outskirts for a swim at Brandons Beach.

INFO visitbarbados.org/things-to-do

Pictured: Seafront at St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados.

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Caribbean islands offer Carnival travel choices: St. Lucia, Barbados and more - Newsday

CHIEF and Taste Of The Caribbean To Be Held In Miami In June … – Caribbean360.com (subscription)

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Danzig

Bill Clegg, Chairperson of CHTAs Membership Committee who also serves as CHIEFs Program Chair.

FLORIDA, United States, Tuesday February 21, 2017 Two of the Caribbeans premier tourism events will be staged concurrently in June in Miami during Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) announced that the Caribbean Hotel Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), usually held in the fall, will now take place during the first week of June alongside the popular Taste of the Caribbean educational experience, cultural showcase and culinary competition.

CHIEF will be held fromJune 2 to 4, 2017, while Taste of the Caribbean is slated forJune 2 to 6. Both events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Miami.

CHIEF brings together the right information, the right people at the right time and by producing this event in Miami we expect many more Caribbean stakeholders to benefit from the educational sessions and invaluable peer-to-peer exchange, said Bill Clegg, Chairperson of CHTAs Membership Committee who also serves as CHIEFs Program Chair.

Clegg, Regional Vice President of Product Development for Choice Hotels International, explained that CHIEF, previously held on two occasions in Puerto Rico, would now be more accessible to Caribbean hoteliers and industry partners who can benefit from wider flight selection and more affordable air options into Miami.

CHIEF incorporates a variety of educational tracks led by experts from many travel, tourism and hospitality industry segments, and features roundtable panels with one-on-one discussions on environmental sustainability, operations, sales and marketing, and technology.

Taste of the Caribbean, the regions premier culinary competition and cultural showcase, also provides a forum for gathering practical information, developing skills, sampling, purchasing, strengthening supplier relationships and meeting new vendors. One goal of the popular event is to help attendees build food and beverage business and yield bottom line benefits.

The 2017 edition of Taste of the Caribbean will also bring innovative educational sessions for food and beverage professionals that promise to enhance individual skills, and will feature a major consumer component soon to be unveiled.

There are so many workshops that you can learn from, says Maureen Bowers, former Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year (2010) from Antigua and Barbuda, speaking on the value of Taste of the Caribbean. Social networking is also good for professionals. You can even learn from the competitions as well the practical, physical work of what (other chefs) do.

Since 1993, the best chefs and culinary teams unite to learn, demonstrate their skills and provide the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most savory and delectable treats of the Caribbean.

For additional information about CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean, including pre-registration, visitwww.caribbeanhotelandtourism.comor call+1 305 443-3040. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Matt Cooper atmatt@caribbeanhotelandtourism.comor+1 786 476-8620.

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