Past The Finishing Post
Past The Finishing PostTrack: Muddy Weather: OvercastCHALLENGE” TROPHYRace 1 1600 M (Purse $620,000) 3-Y-O & UP CLM($550,0-$500,0)/NB4YO-NW41. #5 TURBO MACHINE CAT AndrePowell3 53.02. #9 LEGENDARY PLEASURE LSteadman2 55.0 Neck3. #4 CHEERS OWalker 53.0 3/4L*4. #1 ORIGINAL TRAIN RHalledeen 54.0 3-1/2LLate scratch : #7 RAGING PROSPECTWIN: $437.00PLACE: $155.00, $82.00, $169.00Final Time : 1:41.3 Splits : 24.1, 47.0, 1:12.4Winner : 4yo ch colt – DODGEM – SECRET CATTrainer : CARL ANDERSON Owner : CARL ANDERSONBred by CARL ANDERSONQu: $1,571.00 Ex: $3,830.00Superfecta: $13,126.00″EASY TO PLAY” TROPHYRace 2 1500 M (Purse $530,000) NB4-Y-O & UP RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE V(NW2)*1. #4 PARTY CUP JPatterson2 51.02. #2 BURLIN NBerger4 51.0 5-1/2L3. #3 DEMOLITION BOY BebHarvey2 52.5 2-1/4L4. #7 MR. GRAND NATIONAL RLahoe 53.0 16-1/2LLate scratch : #5 VESPERSWIN: $62.00PLACE: $50.00, $50.00, $50.00Final Time : 1:34.3 Splits : 25.1, 49.0, 1:13.3,Winner : 4yo b colt – IMAGE MAKER – SMARTY MARTYTrainer : JOSEPH THOMAS Owner : NORRIS PHINNBred by ARGYLL FARMS LTD.Qu: $163.00 Ex: $202.00D/E: $824.00Superfecta: $503.00″STRAIGHT” TROPHYRace 3 1200 M (Purse $800,000) NB2-Y-O MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT -FILLIES1. #2 THORNHILL MISS RLahoe 52.02. #6 TOUGH COOKIE BebHarvey2 53.0 3L*3. #5 GREAT FAITH AChatrie 52.0 1-1/4L4. #7 MIRABILIS HPottinger2 52.0 5LWIN: $209.00PLACE: $50.00, $50.00, $50.00Final Time : 1:14.1 Splits : 23.1, 46.3Winner: 2yo ch filly – TAQARUB – SILKY SATINTrainer: GRESFORD SMITH Owner : SEA BIRDBred by FREDRICK LEIGHTONQu: $1,776.00 Ex: $2,036.00D/E: $329.00Trifecta: $1,183.00Rolling Triple: $6,391.00″EASY TO WIN” BONANZA TROPHYRace 4 1200 M (Purse $560,000) 3-Y-O & UP CLM($350,0-$300,0)/NB5YO-NW31. #10 BIG MACHINE LINKS JInnis3 51.02. #8 GOLD SCREW AndreePowell4 53.0 3/4L*3. #2 TWO STEPS UP SMuir 54.0 2L4. #3 KABRINA AntThomas4 50.5 64/1 21/4WIN: $942.00PLACE: $156.00, $135.00, $74.00Final Time : 1:14.3 Splits : 23.1, 47.1Winner : 3yo b colt – DAYTON FLYER – MISS POLLYTrainer : WAYNE DACOSTA Owner : IAN LODGEBred by LORENZO ROBINSONQu: $2,393.00 Ex: $5,571.00D/E: $11,036.00Superfecta: $46,404.00Rolling Triple: $16,277.00″MIX” TROPHYRace 5 1100 M (Purse $560,000) NB4-Y-O & UP RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE IV(NW3)1. #9 TRADITIONAL STORM JPatterson2 51.02. #1 LEGAL ARENA AntThomas4 50.0 Neck3. #6 KACI JErwin 53.5 3L4. #8 SIR LEYLAND HALL BebHarvey2 52.5 3/4L5. #7 FLASHY MAMA MIA OnBeckford4 49.5 2-1/2L6. #10 KING WITHIN LAllen 53.0 1LLate scratch : #3 YOGAWIN: $167.00PLACE: $81.00, $109.00, $313.00 Final Time : 1:08.1 Splits : 23.3, 48.0Winner : 4yo b colt – TRADITIONAL – BRAINSTORMINGTrainer : RANDOLPH SCOTT Owner : RENFORD SIMPSONBred by CARL ANDERSONQu: $679.00 Ex: $1,101.00D/E: $7,471.00Trifecta: $3,106.00Hit-6: $134,059.50Rolling Triple: $47,005.00″DASH” TROPHYRace 6 1000 M (R) (Purse $768,000) IMP3YO&UP(NW3&MDN)/NB3YO-REST. STAKES1. #1 KING D OMullings 52.02. #2 RALLY BABY PFrancis 50.0 Neck3. #3 MISTER BONES AndreePowell4 47.0 4-1/2L4. #6 CLASSY AVIATOR AChatrie 51.5 1-1/4L5. #8 FEDORA OEdwards3 51.0 3/4LWIN: $267.00PLACE: $95.00, $120.00, $225.00Final Time : 0:59.1 Splits : 23.1, 46.3Winner : 3yo colt – BLUE PEPSI LODGE – FIGHT FOR PLEASURETrainer: SPENCER CHUNG Owner : MR. J.P.S.Bred by HAM STABLES LTD.Qu: $692.00 Ex: $1,321.00D/E : (9-1) $905.00Trifecta: $1,876.00Hi-5: $88,373.50Rolling Triple: $26,160.00Super-6: $497,701.70″SIMPLE TING FI WIN” TROPHYRace 7 1820 M (Purse $768,000) NB3-Y-O MAIDEN CONDITION RACE*1. #2 LATE N DRAFTY HPottinger2 51.02. #4 TOP EAGLE RLahoe 54.0 3-1/2L3. #11 RUBY ROSE AGray4 52.5 4-1/2L4. #5 HEY CHAMP LSteadman2 54.0 3-1/4LWIN: $124.00PLACE: $55.00, $75.00, $73.00Final Time : 1:58.4 Splits : 26.2, 51.1, 1:17.3, 1:44.1Winner : 3yo b filly – SEEKING THE GLORY – OVER DRAFTTrainer : ANTHONY NUNES Owner : CUDSBred by COURTNEY WALSHQu: $161.00 Ex: $378.00D/E: $629.00Superfecta: $2,633.00Rolling Triple: $4,056.00″SUPREME” TROPHYRace 8 1200 M (Purse $845,000) 3-Y-O & UP OPEN ALLOWANCE1. #6 POLLY B WHenry 51.02. #5 BLUE DIXIE AChatrie 51.5 1/2L*3. #8 CRUCIAL APPEAL SEllis 57.0 Neck4. #4 PROLIFIC PRINCESS PFrancis 50.0 Sh.Head5. #7 GARY GLITTER OMullings 50.5 2-1/4LLate scratch : #3 SIR BUDGETWIN: $2782.00PLACE: $193.00, $104.00, $58.00Final Time : 1:11.2 Splits : 23.2, 45.4,Winner : 4yo colt – STORM CRAFT – DUSTY MILLYTrainer : ROWAN MATHIE Owner : ROWAN MATHIEBred by PHILIP SMITH & MURIEL CHAMBERSQu: $15,154.00 Exacta: $29,881.00D/E: $10,591.00 (2-3) $172.00Trifecta : $91,065.00Hi-5: $44,851.50Rolling Triple: $23,479.00Pick-4: $313,372.00″FIVE TIMES A DAY” TROPHYRace 9 1300 M (Purse $768,000) NB3YO(NW2)/IMP3YO&UP(MDN)-REST. ALL. II (DIV.I)1. #2 DR. BANNER JJackson 51.52. #4 EXECUTIVE CHARM JInnis3 48.0 Neck3. #8 MEMORY OF TS AChatrie 52.5 Sh.Head*4. #7 BLUE PEPSI LINKS SEllis 53.55. #11 LUCKY NINE SMuir 52.5 6/1WIN: $569.00PLACE: $195.00, $244.00, $143.00Final Time : 1:20.1 Splits : 23.3, 47.3, ,Winner : 3yo b colt – BLUE PEPSI LODGE – DEJA VUTrainer : STEVEN TODD Owner : GARTH SAMUELSBred by HAM STABLES LTD.Qu: $1,949.00 Ex: $3,920.00D/E: $29,193.00Trifecta: $16,315.00Hi-5: $81,666.00Rolling Triple: $49,043.00PlacePot 8: $220,483.00″FIVE TIMES A DAY” TROPHYRace 10 1300 M (Purse $768,000) NB3YO(NW2)/IMP3YO&UP(MDN)-REST.ALL.II(DIV.II)*1. #8 DREAMING THE CODE HLewis 51.02. #1 MY COMPANION OWalker 53.0 2-1/2L3. #2 IAN LINKS JErwin 52.0 2-1/2L4. #4 FLYING MACHINE HPottinger2 51.5 Neck5. #7 RUNNING STAR LAllen 50.0 1-3/4LWIN: $100.00PLACE: $63.00, $84.00, $65.00Final Time : 1:20.1 Splits : 24.0, 47.1, 1:12.4,Winner : 3yo b filly – CODED WARNING – SEAOFDREAMSTrainer : CARL ANDERSON Owner : CARL ANDERSONBred by CARL ANDERSONQu: $602.00 Ex: $790.00D/E: $1,496.00Trifecta: $847.00Hi-5: $8,833.50Rolling Triple: $63,421.00″SUPER CHALLENGE” TROPHYRace 11 1400 M (Purse $3,600,000) NB2-Y-O GRADED STAKES*1. #3 SHE’S A MANEATER OWalker 54.02. #4 SOTOMAYOR LSteadman2 54.0 6L3. #1 LADY FAYE AntThomas4 50.0 Neck4. #6 HENRY THE SECOND RHalledeen 56.0 4LWIN: $63.00PLACE: $52.00, $98.00, $254.00Final Time : 1:26.0 Splits : 23.2, 46.2, 1:11.4Winner : 2yo b filly – NATURAL SELECTION – AHWHOFAHTrainer: WAYNE DACOSTA Owner : WINSTON KONGBred by WINSTON KONGQu: $463.00 Ex: $447.00D/E: $148.00Superfecta: $77,808.00Rolling Triple: $2,115.00″FIVE PLAY EVERDAY” TROPHYRace 12 1400 M (Purse $500,000) 3-Y-O & UP CLM($180,0)/NB6YO&UP-NW3*1. #4 RED PARROT OWalker 57.02. #15 MONEYNEVERSLEEP PFrancis 54.0 4-1/4L3. #1 YES WE WILL RWilson 53.0 2L4. #7 HE’STHEREAL LINKS LSteadman2 54.0 4-1/2L5. #2 COSEQUIN DenBrown 54.5 3/4LWIN: $76.00PLACE: $58.00, $122.00, $228.00Final Time : 1:29.3 Splits : 24.2, 47.4, 1:14.2Winner : 3yo colt – MIRACLE MAN – LADY NOORIETrainer: WAYNE DACOSTA Owner : ELIZABETH DACOSTABred by HENRY JAGHAI O.D., J.P.Qu : $225.00 Ex: $323.00D/E: $150.00Trifecta: $2,155.00Hi-5: $93,187.50Rolling Triple: $263.00Pick-4: $2,852.00 (4 OF 4)Super-6: $221,457.50Pick-9: $35,912.50 (8 OF 9); $395.50 (7 OF 9)Carry-over : $3,331,830.60
Chinese boxer Zou Shiming trains in a gym in Shanghai on July 12, 2017.He is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and reigning world champion, but Chinese boxing star Zou Shiming is eyeing an even greater prize: making the sport big in his homeland. / AFP PHOTO / STR / China OUTHe is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and reigning world champion, but Chinese boxing star Zou Shiming is eyeing an even greater prize: making the sport big in his homeland.The 36-year-old defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title for the first time next week when he faces Japan’s Sho Kimura in Shanghai, and is targeting a fourth-round knockout.ADVERTISEMENT Malacañang open to creating Taal Commission Cristiano Ronaldo expecting fourth child with girlfriend Hard goodbyeSo why are there no other Chinese boxers even close to matching Zou?Unlike other countries, where boxers usually turn professional after a good Olympics, China’s Soviet-style sports authorities are reluctant to relinquish control of their amateurs.And a good amateur does not necessarily become a successful professional because the styles are so different, according to Zou.Zou knows he does not have many fights left.“I don’t want to say goodbye. But the hardest part for an athlete to face is injuries and age,” he said.“Maybe tomorrow I will say I can’t fight anymore.“But as long as I can, I will not say goodbye to boxing because I’d hate to part with it.” IT happens: Facebook sorry for Xi Jinping’s name mistranslation Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. He chose China for his first title defence in order to promote the sport in the country, partnering with Chinese companies such as Alisports which is part of e-commerce giant Alibaba.“It was significant that I won the belt in Las Vegas, the boxing temple. I want to bring this glory and passion, as well as the boxing culture, to China,” he said.“It would be significant to defend it in China. I don’t just want to bring the belt from the highest temple, I also want to guard it in China and keep it in China.”The weight of history is against Zou.Communist China’s founder Mao Zedong banned the sport as too violent, and it only returned to the public consciousness in 1979 when Muhammad Ali visited China at the invitation of then-leader Deng Xiaoping.Zou won bronze at the Athens Olympics in 2004, then gold at the Beijing Games four years later, before successfully defending his title at the London games in 2012 to put boxing back on the map in China.Add three amateur world titles and it’s easy to see why, if anyone can make boxing big in China, Zou can.He may train boxers after he retires.“I know this business back to front: not just the training, but also their minds, their injuries, their illness and their promotion,” he said.“I know how to deal with pressure.” Duterte’s ‘soft heart’ could save ABS-CBN, says election lawyer Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal inches closer to entering PH Navy’s fleet Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ MOST READ End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend After a brilliant amateur career Zou turned professional in 2013 — at the relatively late age of 31 — and last November won the world title in Las Vegas to improve to a pro record of 9-1 with two KOs.Now he wants to harness his fame to put boxing on a par at home with more popular sports.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’“In the West they already have a long history of boxing and everyone of all ages watch, but in China this is still something we have to work hard on,” he told AFP in an interview at his sweltering gym in Shanghai.“The attention it gets here is not like some of our more conventional sports such as badminton and table tennis that lots of kids practise and play. LIVE: Sinulog 2020 Grand Parade LATEST STORIES 787 earthquakes recorded in 24 hours due to restive Taal Volcano IT happens: Facebook sorry for Xi Jinping’s name mistranslation View comments Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks PLAY LIST 01:40Filipinos turn Taal Volcano ash, plastic trash into bricks01:32Taal Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite “We want to tell everyone in China that Chinese people have a Zou Shiming who brought back the belt from Las Vegas and kept it here, so that everyone will say, ‘If Zou Shiming can, so can other Chinese’.”Weight of historyWith the end of his boxing career in sight — he declined to say when he would retire — the affable Zou is turning his hand to promotion and mentoring the next generation.He turned professional with US promoters Top Rank, whose founder and chief executive Bob Arum had his eye on the lucrative China market, and was under the tutelage of respected American trainer Freddie Roach.But Zou is promoting himself for the July 28 fight, while insisting he will work with Top Rank again.ADVERTISEMENT
P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding ‘Stop romanticizing Pinoy resilience’ After scoring only nine points in his PBA debut three days ago, Columbian Dyip import CJ Aiken showed glimpses of his offensive game on Wednesday.ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. No stopping Onuaku as he shrugs off stomach flu to deliver for Meralco Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award MOST READ Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames “He also knows the system already so we’ll sit down with the management tomorrow and figure things out and make a decision.”Dandan said the team has replacement imports on standby in case it doesn’t work out well for Aiken but he kept his lips sealed when asked for any names.“We have a list already. We’ve always had a list. [Every team] has a plan B.”ADVERTISEMENT Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast LATEST STORIES In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ But Aiken will need to do more than just scoring 21 points if he is to keep his job.“He scored 21 points and 18 rebounds I think. Of course he’s up for evaluation. We’re going to meet with management tomorrow (Thursday) morning so we’ll see,” said Columbian head coach Ricky Dandan after a 116-103 loss to Meralco.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownColumbian plays NLEX on Saturday in a game that could very well be a make or break for Aiken.“Yes [he will still play in our next game]. We’re playing three straight. Let’s see because CJ really has a very good attitude. He gets along with his teammates well and it’s good for the team,” said Dandan. Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident View comments
A renowned Liberian Economist, Mr. Samuel P. Jackson, has underscored the need for the Government of Liberia (GoL) to reprioritize the National Development Agenda (NDA), which he said would help support medium and long-termed priorities in the post-Ebola recovery of the country.Mr. Jackson made the statement recently at the end of a two-day forum held in Monrovia on post-economic recovery impact caused by the Ebola epidemic. He stated that donors’ programs and regional initiatives must support the goals of the Liberian government recovery plan.He observed that in order to develop a strategy, it was important that government firstly analyze the state of the country’s economy before and during the Ebola epidemic and that finding will inform government’s capacity to deliver on the national budgetary realignment.“There is a need to realign the national budget, so as to efficiently respond to short term/emergency priorities, including supporting critical sectors and domestic enterprises in the country,” the Liberian economist noted“What was the state of Liberia’s economy before the attack of the devastating consequences of the Ebola Virus Disease? What was the state of livelihoods? Were there any significant improvements in socioeconomic conditions; and what will be the impact of the disease on livelihoods in the short, medium, and long terms?” he asked rhetorically.He indicated that the disease has the potential to make the situation in the country worse than before, because Liberians have been deteriorating in economic indicators ever since and even before the start of the disease.Mr. Jackson said that the projected economic growth rate for this year has been reduced from nearly six per cent to less than one per cent, explaining that the country could see a contraction in economic output in the first two quarters of next year compared to the same quarter of this year, resulting in economic depression.The Liberian economist, who has been critical on a number of national issues, said the revenue will decrease, resulting in expected drop of 20 per cent of the current year’s budget, adding, “We are expecting a decrease in revenues of at least 106 million dollars.”“Export earnings will decline, but the trade deficit will be the same due to lower imports,” he disclosed.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A request by the Special Presidential Taskforce prosecuting government officials for their alleged roles in the US$950,000 bribery scandal brought forth by Global Witness (GW), for Criminal Court ‘C’ to make changes to the two indictments with two separate defendants to be tried together, did not go down well with one of the accused.Former House Speaker Alex Tyler yesterday filed a counter reaction challenging the taskforce’s intention.Judge Yarmie Gbeisay is expected to decide the merits of the request today, before he can begin the case on Friday.During the May 2016 Term of Court, the taskforce indicted Tyler; Senator Varney Sherman of Grand Cape Mount County; Christopher Onanuga, a Nigerian businessman; and Sable Mining, a company operating on the Alternative Investment Market in London, Great Britain, and a major shareholder in DeltaMining Consolidated Limited (DMC), a South African Company that was operating in Liberia.Later, the taskforce at the November 2016 Term of Court, indicted other defendants that include, Richard Tolbert, former chairman of National Investment Commission (NIC); Andrew Groves and Klaus Piprek, of the UK and South Africa respectively; Eugene Shannon, former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME); Senator Morris Saytumah of Bomi County, who was then Minister of State for Finance, Economic and Legal Affairs; and Willie Belleh, former chairman of the Public Procurement Concession Commission (PPCC). They were charged with the commission of the crimes of bribery, economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy, solicitation and facilitation.To support their argument, the taskforce said their decision was in compliance with the law which, they noted, provides that the “court shall permit an indictment to be amended at any stage of the proceedings to correct a formal defect.”They further argued that “amendments can be made to the trial of an indictment where there appears a variance between an allegation in the document and the evidence affects its proof in respect to any name or description not material to the changing of the offense.”However, Tyler’s legal team argued that the defendants cannot be jointly tried, “because those indicted during the May 2016 Term of Court have the right to a separate trial.”They also argued that only a single indictment can be amended, and not two separate indictments with the same crimes, adding: “While those defendants during the November 2016 term of Court should be separate because they remain the same accused…therefore, the amendment of the two separate indictments with different defendants is not applicable under the law without first consolidating the two indictments irrespective of the alleged crimes being the same.”They further argued that if the court were to allow the taskforce’s request, it means that the taskforce will have the option to enter a plea of “nolle prosequi” in favor of some of the defendants, meaning dropping charges against them to enable them to testify on behalf of the taskforce.In their alleged discovery, Global Witness said co-defendant Varney Sherman, while serving as lawyer of Sable Mining, advised the mining firm to pay over US$950,000 in bribes to public officials including Tyler to award the Wologizi Mountain in Lofa County to Sable without going through any public bidding.They were to also insert a provision in the revised PPCC Act of 2010, which was on its way to the Legislature, to give the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy the power to declare a concession area a non-bidding zone.It was based on the reported allegations that the Grand Jury for Montserrado County indicted the 11 defendants, but did so during two separate terms of court – the May 2016 and November 2016 terms.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
– Advertisement – Mr. Boie F. L. Corvah At least 25 third and second division basketball coaches under the Liberia Basketball Association (LBA) will on January 26, undergo a one-day International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) at the headquarters of the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) on Randall Street in Monrovia.Mr. Boie F. L. Corvah, treasurer of the LNOC explained that coaches with five years’ experience in the field from second and third division categories will take part in the seminar.Corvah said, “The LNOC decided to have the coaching seminar for second and third division basketball coaches with five years’ experience so that we can impact them basically with coaching knowledge, including coaching education and athletes development model.”He said the LNOC has received the names of the 25 coaches for the seminar.“One of the advantages of this seminar is that all of the coaches that have been invited to participate in the workshop are coaches that are already coaching in the Inter School Sports Association league and the seminar would help increase their knowledge game and player development.”Corvah, who underwent one-month coaching training in Colorado, USA in October 2018, said he was trained in how to educate coaches, which was the main objective of the program that encouraged him to return home to share the knowledge with local basketball coaches.He acknowledged that the training he participated in was sponsored by the U.S. Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).“Such a coaching seminar was introduced in Liberia in the 1960s but, because of problems that have affected the country the program has not been able to continue, so we have decided to participate in that program so that we can come back home to educate our basketball coaches.”He added that after their upcoming coaching seminar, they will carry on another one in Gbarnga City, Bong County.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Judge Roosevelt Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’– As Judge Willie Exposes Flaw in Police’s Murder Charge Judge Roosevelt Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice granting of bail to Oliver P. Dillon, the coordinator for Decentralization at the Ministry of Transport, who police had charged with murder, has exposed some glaring flaws in the investigation of the matter, a source has informed the Daily Observer.The police probe also claimed that on April 12, 2019, at 12 midnight in the Gardnersville Supermarket Community, along the Somalia Drive, Dillon was attacked by his victim, Emmanuel Koffa, and two of Koffa’s colleagues with a pair of scissors, but in the process, Dillon pulled out a knife and stabbed Koffa twice in his chest that left Koffa dead, only to be charged with murder.But the Dillon’s legal team resisted and subsequently prayed Judge Willie to bail the defendant out of jail.
Oliver Dillon, Coordinator for Decentralization at the Ministry of TransportBesides, the investigation supported Dillon’s self-defense action when it agreed that the vicinity in which the incident occurred was noted to be a crime breeding area, and that there was no history of quarrel or misunderstanding between Koffa and Dillon, and there were no arrangements for them to meet at the place of the incident.However Judge Willie, dismissing the Prosecution’s argument that Dillon should not be granted bail because the crime murder was not a bailable offense, said Dillon can be admitted to bail except that the state must prove that presumption is great and proof is evident.The Judge further noted “the burden was on the prosecution to show by testimony, and or real evidence that there is no question of the defendant’s guilt.”Judge Willie also ordered that Dillon, “while on bail, will report to the Sheriff office three times a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. to sign the attendance sheet.”He added, “The court says that any failure by the defendant placed on bail to abide by these guidelines will leave this court will no alternative, but to declare the defendant as bail-jumping to be arrested and re-incarcerated.” However, the prosecutors have appealed Judge Willie’s decision before the Supreme Court.
Flashback: Defendant Oliver Dillon (C) being handcuffed as he was escorted by two courts’ officers to prison.Recalling the official report of the police investigation, on April 12, 2019, defendant Oliver Dillon parked his vehicle opposite the Jeety Trading Corporation in Via Town, Bushrod Island around 12 midnight and went home. At home, the record says, Dillon decided to use his computer, but could not find his reading glasses and one of his cell phones, but noticed he forgot about the items in the car.Later, he decided to go back to collect his items, “as Dillon was approaching his car, he encountered three men, including the Koffa (victim). One of them was in possession of a pair of scissors.”The three, police alleged engaged Dillon in the darkness with aggression and malicious intent, but in the process, Dillon pulled out a knife and stabbed Koffa twice in his left chest.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
President David Granger on Wednesday said that the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) Multi-Stakeholder Expert Group will help to move the pursuit of a ‘green’ agenda from imagination to implementation and from reverie to reality.The President made these remarks at the opening of the Expert Group’s Conference Wednesday morning at the Princess Ramada Hotel.President David GrangerThe Group is expected to provide inputs based on their technical expertise and experience into the process of developing an inclusive and comprehensive strategy. Noting that the Group was an essential element in the consultative and cooperative process, the Head of State said that it was expected to help to produce a “blueprint for a green state”, which would lead to the eventual development and adoption of a green development strategy. He noted that it was his expectation that the Group’s efforts and exertions would enable everyone to better understand why Guyana was pursuing the practices, policies and projects towards becoming a ‘green state’.“This country… needs to develop a ‘total’ transformative plan at the household, community, regional, national and international levels. The Green State Development Strategy is not a whim or fancy. It is intended to become a rational roadmap to guide Guyana along the pathway towards the ‘green state’ and show how the ‘good life’ can be assured. It will develop the pathway towards a diversified and resilient economy; promote the sustainable management of our economy; protect the environment and steer the country towards the creation of happy households and happy people – the ultimate measure of the ‘good life’,” he said.The President said that the GSDS was expected to build greater economic resilience by diversifying production and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels; generating renewable energy from a number of sources – biomass, hydro, solar and wind – and emphasising low-carbon manufacturing.“It will add value to production through cleaner, cheaper and renewable energy generation and propose plans to move closer towards the goal of full renewable energy by the year 2025, thereby reducing our exposure to the volatilities of oil markets. The Green State Development Strategy will define the purpose, principles, policies and the processes, which will guide our path towards becoming a ‘green state’. A better understanding of the need for a strategy requires an appreciation of the rationale behind the ‘green state’,” President Granger is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.President Granger reiterated that Guyana’s economy has been dependent for far too long on the six sisters – bauxite, fisheries, gold, rice, sugar and timber – and while these traditional sectors have served the country well, many of them are now aged and ailing. He further noted that Guyana’s high dependence on commodity exports, coupled with its heavy reliance on the importation of fossil fuels, exposes the economy to exogenous shocks. With Guyana so rich in natural resources, the President believes that it is only fitting that they must be developed for the benefit of this and all future generations.“The ‘green state’ will pursue the sustainable management of our natural resources. It will ensure that these resources will be developed in such a manner that will not result in resource exhaustion or extinction. The Department of the Environment, established in 2016, was a step in this direction. It represented our resolve to ensuring a holistic and rationalised approach to environmental conservation and management through the coordination and integration of agencies with an environmental mandate that could effectively respond to the challenge of the ‘green economy’ and realise the concept of sustainable development,” he said.The Head of State explained that the GSDS was intended to impact on the livelihood of every citizen by allowing for the protection of the country’s biodiversity and the promotion of eco-tourism and eco-education, the promotion of energy generation from renewable sources and the introduction of low-emission, low-carbon manufacturing and the preservation of our wetlands, waterways and lakes and the extension of the protected areas.Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers said that the GSDS represented the Government’s vision for inclusive growth and development of every sector of society. It represents, she said, the country’s response to a change in climate and model for the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).“One of the main objectives of the strategy is to re-orient and diversify Guyana’s economy by opening up new and sustainable investment opportunities in higher value-added sectors and higher growth sectors. The process to develop this comprehensive multi-dimensional document started with stakeholders’ consultations to define the prioritised areas to be developed in the Green State Development Strategy. This resulted in a document titled “Framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financing Mechanism”. This Framework document outlines the development of seven thematic areas to be examined and consulted upon as we embark fully on developing the Green State Development Strategy,” she said.She noted that as the first meeting convenes, it signals the beginning of fruitful discourses and actions on the achievement of the ‘green’ state as envisioned by the President.The participants are drawn from Government agencies and Ministries, civil society, religious organisations, international organisations, non-governmental agencies and organisations and other sections of society.
After submitting a proposal to Business Minister Dominic Gaskin several weeks ago, the President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews on Saturday told Guyana Times that he was expecting a response from the Government as early as the end of this month, so as to quench the rage in the public transportation sector.He said that he would have met with the Business Minister back in June and was confident that he would address the situation within that time frame; however if he did not, then the Union may very well resort to actions which it has reserved since the call for a fare increase.United Minibus Union President Eon AndrewsAndrews added that he understands that the Minister of Business has to meet with several other Ministers of the Government before the issues at hand can be resolved and so he is prepared to wait until the end of the month.A proposal for not only a fare increase but several other interventions was presented to Minister Gaskin back in June, by the Union’s Head with the hope of having them addressed.The fare increase came at a time when the prices for fuel had fluctuated and increased significantly. The head of the UMU had, however, informed that the fare increase suggested by him was not solely because of the fuel price increase, but a number of other issues including the hike in maintenance costs for minibuses due to the ban of used tyres as well as the increase in cost for driver’s licences and other documents.As a result of this, the Head of the Union had made it clear that the proposed fare increase of as much as $40 will not change even if the cost for fuel decreases.Business Minister Dominic GaskinAccording to him, it is not the UMU’s vision to exploit commuters, but rather to set fares which are ‘fair to everyone’. It was on that note that Andrews said he was aware of cases where passengers are being made to pay increases in transportation fares as high as $60 when all that the UMU has requested is a $20 increase for short drop drivers and a $40 increase for drivers who travel longer distances.“We are concerned because if they (minibus drivers) take actions, it means that especially the travelling public, although it is a free-man transportation, they will punish. There may be persons who may react to those increases and you know there might be some violence and police story and these kinds of things, so I don’t think that’s the way anybody wants us to go so I think that the government ought to do something quickly,” the UMU’s President posited.The Minister of Business recently told reporters that he was not responsible for fixing minibus fares and just intervened from a consumer point of view to find out their concerns.He went on to say that the proposal which was submitted to his Ministry will be shared with the respective Ministers who will then carry the burden of introducing the said proposal to Cabinet.
…still awaiting construction of stallsMore than 80 vendors have been placed on the breadline after they would have been relocated from the Stabroek Market Wharf by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to facilitate construction work.Steel barriers which prevent trading in the areaHowever, in light of having to build new stalls to ply their trade, they are left without a place to operate, which is affecting their daily income.For the rehabilitation of the Wharf, City Hall would have asked the vendors to utilise a section of the Route 42 bus park which has been barricaded for many weeks. But the Council contrarily decided that the vendors would have to construct their own stalls, which would cost approximately $400,000 each.Presently, the area remains cordoned off with steel barriers and there is no access to vend. While reaching out to Guyana Times, the vendors remained anonymous as they feared being victimised or having their stalls taken away by the Council.One of them noted that it has been two weeks since the Wharf was shut down by the Council. Since then operations have ceased, and their livelihoods have been erased until they could obtain cash to build new stalls.“That was since the Thursday and now is two week. All we see in the papers is that they say we got to build we own stalls. The goods that I had since that day spoil and we never get to sell again.“I have three children. All three going to school and we don’t have work. When you think we getting $400,000 for a stand that we got to abandon when they finish with the Wharf?” she questioned.At a recent statutory meeting chaired by Mayor Patricia Chase Greene, the Council presented a budget of $23 million which was used to erect barricades and groundwork. As such, it was determined that the Council could not stand the cost of constructing stalls for some 82 vendors.It was decided that the vendors would be solely responsible for the construction, which the Council estimated would cost one vendor approximately $400,000 exclusive of electrical lighting.The question was raised as to whether the Council could have taken up the mantle of producing the stalls. Town Clerk Royston King responded, “We don’t have the money to do it.”It is mandatory that the eight feet by ten feet structure with a maximum height of 13 feet be constructed with wood. The Councillors decided that six weeks after completion of the stalls, a sum of $85 per square foot per month would be collected for sanitation services and other facilities which would be provided by the Council.One of the aggravated vendors who identified himself as Hussain questioned that move as he stated, “The Council could use that money in the first place to help us with the stalls. Me don’t see what kind of work they do that call for millions of dollar.”The budget for the complete refurbishment of the Wharf was slated at some $400 million. After the repairs, the section of the market that overlooks the Demerara River would be converted into a mall inclusive of a boardwalk and entertainment area. Of course, this would impose that those vendors pay a larger sum of money to rent the new building. It is estimated that over two years will be spent to complete this project, which dislocates the Route 42 buses and vendors during that time.