New baby mothers were proud recipients of assorted items Tuesday, January 14, presented as a gesture of the Resident Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).Madam Ratidzai Ndhlovu handed out at least 50 “Mama Baby Kits” to the Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, Dr. Bernice Dahn and Madam Yatta Sackie Wapoe, Medical Director of the James N. Davies Hospital in Jacob Town, along the Somalia Drive.Before the UNFPA Resident Rep. handed the kits over, she stated that she was glad that UNFPA can still put smile on the faces of people.Madam Ndhlovu also said the UN specialized organ wants to ensure that no woman dies giving birth, adding: “This hospital is in our core mandate, so we are going to make sure that no woman dies giving life.”A few weeks earlier, through the instrumentality of Madam Ndhlovu, UNFPA had given a facelift to the two-storey hospital building, by painting its interior and exterior.She stated that UNFPA did that because they at UNFPA support institutional delivery. “We support institutional delivery that is the only way we can reduce maternal and newborn mortality. When a woman comes to the institution, she should feel good and comfortable,” she stated.Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bernice Dahn told the UNFPA Resident Rep, that during Liberia’s civil war the hospital was run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and when it folded its operations in Liberia, it turned the facilities over to the Liberian Government, which now manages it.According to her, people got to know the hospital for its free services under MSF and so have continued to come there.The hospital caters for only mothers and children. CMO Dahn disclosed that it was among hospitals with the highest neonatal deaths in the country and that her office was thinking on ways to give care to babies and their mothers who go to the James N. Davies Hospital.Medical Director Yatta Sackie Wapoe thanked Madam Ndhlovu for the gesture and told CMO Dahn that she and the hospital staff would do all to provide good care for babies and their mothers.The “Mama Baby Kit” contains baby clothes, sanitary pads, soap, baby lotion, etc. The Observer was told that most mothers, who come there in labor, don’t bring along those essential items with them.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Category: yfeebw
Mother files report with Police
Death of prisoner… post-mortem to be done tomorrowEven as an investigation has been launched into the death of a 23-year-old prisoner, who succumbed to injuries on Sunday at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the family of the young man is hoping for justice and awaits the post-mortem results expected to be ready by Wednesday.Guyana Times has been reliably informed that the now dead man’s mother made a report to the Alberttown Police Station, where an investigation into his death is to commence.The prisoner, Shawn Thom, breathed his last at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was being treated for injuries he received while at the Camp Street Prison on May 26, 2018.His demise was confirmed to this newspaper on Sunday by acting Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim. During an interview, Pilgrim stated that he received a telephone call on Sunday morning informing him of the man’s demise.He reiterated that upon Thom being discovered in a semi-conscious state on May 26, 2018, the prisoners with whom he had shared a cell told prison officers that he had sustained the injury in a fall.Thom had reportedly stabbed another prisoner with a mop stick during a scuffle on May 25, 2018, and based on that incident, he had been relocated to another cell with three other inmates.Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels had related that investigations were launched into both incidents, and the findings would be sent to the relevant authorities.Those investigations, according to Pilgrim, had been completed and the findings were sent to the Public Security Ministry. Taking Thom’s demise into consideration, the investigations will be reopened.Pilgrim has said that prison officials were waiting on the post-mortem results to decide their next step. However, he noted that ever since Thom’s admittance to the Georgetown Public Hospital, his mother has been in constant contact with the Prison Service.The 23-year-old Thom had been serving two three-year consecutive sentences for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was expected to be released from prison in 2019.
House lot allocations 4 times less annually than under PPP
…dropped from 4400 to 1100 under APNU/AFCThe distribution of house lots has reduced significantly since the change of Government in 2015 despite the fact that the demand has not decreased. This is evident in the 2017 Annual Report of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) which was recently laid in the National Assembly. The report shows that a total of only 1131 house lots were allocated in that year for qualified applicants. In fact, the report states that the original target of allocations for that year was merely 1000.An example of the Turn-Key Houses under the former AdministrationThis does not compare favourably with the previous year, which according to the report, 2020 house lots were allocated in 2016, an improvement on its original target of 1100. This includes 625 low to moderate income house lots and 1395 middle to high-income house lots.But both of these years’ figures pale in comparison to the number of house lots distributed in previous years under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. In the CH&PA’s 2013 annual report, its programme performance assessment had indicated that 4417 house lots were allocated, just shy of the 5900 target.In the area of conveyance of transports and titles, the authority was able to achieve its targets for successive years. The report shows that in 2017, 2076 titles were processed and 3498 were distributed. A target of 2000 was set for both activities. It is, however, a reduction from 2016, when 2212 titles were processed and 4874 allocated.Again, however, 2017’s figures are unable to stand up to CH&PA’s performance under the former Administration. In 2013, the PPP planned to process 5000 titles and exceeded that target to process 5326 titles. In addition, it distributed 3643 titles that year.The backlog of applicants waiting for a house lot has been a consistent problem that CH&PA has been faced with. Last year, CH&PA had announced that nine new housing areas would be developed in 2019.But the house lots being distributed are in stark contrast to times when in excess of 4000 house lots were once distributed by the authority, when former Housing Minister, Irfaan Ali was at the helm.Under the previous Administration, over 100,000 house lots were distributed and over 200 core houses were made available to underprivileged families, while a programme for professional groups provided 200 teachers, nurses and Policemen with fast-track access to loans for home construction.There is also the 1000 Homes Project that was launched in June of 2013 by the CH&PA to expand the Ministry’s Turn-Key Houses programme that recommenced in 2011.Construction began in May of 2014 and by December of 2014, one hundred Buttercup Cottages were completed. Apart from the houses themselves, this project provided employment opportunities for over 300 skilled and semi-skilled workers in the construction industry.Now, it is understood that there are approximately 25,000 applications still piled up at the CH&PA’s office.In an interview earlier this year, the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul had said that at least 5000 solutions are required annually for the next five years to reduce the backlog.While this may be the case, the CEO told the media that just about 3000 housing solutions were made over the past two years in the form of houses and house lots. According to him, the agency plans to develop a number of areas soon to tackle the backlog; however, undertaking the project to develop the lands will be costly.He pointed out that its costs at least $4 million to have one house lot developed, which would require a vast sum being allotted for this purpose only.Given that the number of applications would have mounted to the huge figure, Saul had explained that while it will be important to distribute house lots based on the date of the application, consideration will also be given to those in “dire need”.
McKeon admits ‘no child’ problems
SANTA CLARITA – Howard “Buck” McKeon has been a key supporter of No Child Left Behind, but the Republican congressman acknowledged in a panel discussion this week that the 2002 act has shortcomings. “No Child Left Behind is not perfect,” said McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, in a talk Wednesday at the Santa Clarita Activities Center with school district officials from the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys. A goal of the discussion was to talk about ways to improve the No Child Left Behind Act as it heads toward a vote on reauthorization. The act is President George W. Bush’s signature education reform plan, designed to bring every student in the United States up to basic reading, writing and arithmetic standards inside a decade. Many educators have criticized it as an unrealistic goal that interferes with traditional teaching by forcing educators to teach to a set of standardized tests. Supporters, however, say it has focused the education community on raising achievement standards across the board. McKeon got plenty of feedback from teachers, principals, superintendents and others during the discussion, which drew about 80 audience members. Howard Sundberg, superintendent of the Lancaster School District, suggested lengthening the school day, and educating parents so they can help their children academically. A number of panelists talked about getting more qualified teachers, and how teaching and school administration would attract more talented individuals if society valued those jobs. Mark Gross, principal at Joshua Elementary School in Lancaster and a member of the Palmdale school board, said students’ home environment should be considered. “When we talk about education, the discussion cannot end at the school door,” he said. “We have to look at our communities and what we can do to support them.” Some participants praised the act for holding schools more accountable. “This is the country that created the (Tennessee Valley Authority) and built the Hoover Dam and put a man on the moon,” said Larry Heath, principal of McGrath Elementary School in Newhall. “And to say that we can’t get our sixth-graders performing at sixth-grade level is a disgrace.” But even though Heath supports the act, he questioned a portion of it that would eventually require all students to be proficient in English and math. He talked about his own developmentally disabled son, and how he was happy if the education system could just teach him how to use the bus and be independent. “Never in the history of public education did you have 100percent of your children proficient at grade level,” Heath said. “There was always children that didn’t do as well, so you have to set that bar at a reasonable level.” McKeon, who is the ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, has participated in similar round-table discussions around the country about the act. On March 13, the House and the Senate will open hearings on the act as it comes up for re-authorization. While the re-authorization process will take into account people’s concerns about the act, McKeon said it remains important. He spoke of a new student at West Point who had been a high school valedictorian when he entered the military academy but had to do remedial class work because his academic skills were lacking. The student came from a state with low academic standards. “He was shocked to find out that he wasn’t the student that he thought he was,” McKeon said. “That’s not fair; that’s not right. That’s what we’re trying to address with No Child Left Behind.” alex.dobuzinskis@dailynews.com (661) 257-5253160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
49er women lose to UC Davis
The 49ers will play at UC Irvine next Saturday at 4 p.m. Softball49ers 10, Siena 2: Panita Thanatharn went 5 for 5 with two RBI to help the 49ers (4-8) win an Aztec Invitational game in San Diego. Also for LBSU, Brooke LeSage went 2 for 3 with four RBI and Jessica Beaver hit two doubles and drove in two runs. Bridgette Pagano pitched five innings to earn the win. Women’s tennisFlorida International 4, 49ers 3: Katy Williams was a winner in both singles and doubles play for the 49ers, but the Golden Panthers split in singles and took the doubles point to beat LBSU in nonconference play in Las Vegas. Williams, Hannah Grady and Sandra Rocha won in singles for the 49ers, and Williams teamed with Stephanie Bengson for a doubles triumph. LBSU will play Fresno State today in Las Vegas. Track and fieldBrent Gray, Chris Richardson and Ronald Carter of the 49ers earned all-conference honors for their perfornmances in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Indoor Championships in Seattle. Kaiti O’Brien scored 14 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds for Long Beach State, but the 49er women’s basketball team dropped a 60-50 decision to UC Davis in a nonconference game Saturday night in Davis. Karina Figueroa scored 16 points for the 49ers (6-22), who closed to within 36-32 before the Aggies (12-14) pulled away to lead 47-37. 
Gray won the 200 meters, tying his school record of 21.15 seconds. Carter broke his school mark in the triple jump, leaping 52 feet, 7 1/4 inches. Richardson finished third in the heptathlon. Also for LBSU, Jimmy Grabow broke his school record in the 3,000 meters, running 7:59.40. Water poloUSC 14, 49ers 5; Loyola Marymount 10, 49ers 9: Cecilia Canetti scored four goals and Christina Wensman and Rachelle Denaro each netted two to lead the 49ers in a close loss to LMU in the second of their two games at Corona del Mar High in the UC Irvine Invitational. In her debut effort as 49ers goalie, Morgan Bishop made four saves. The 49ers continue play this morning at CdM High at 11:45 and then will play at either 4 or 5:15 p.m. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Spain blame game begins after W Cup penalty heartache
0Shares0000Spain’s Koke reacts after missing a spot-kick during the penalty shoot-out against Russia in the World Cup last 16 © AFP / Francisco LEONGSAINT PETERSBURG, Russian Federation, Jul 2 – Spain’s World Cup roller-coaster ride finally ground to a halt on Sunday and the finger-pointing began after their third consecutive failure at a major tournament.Following humiliation at the hands of the Netherlands in 2014 and a limp defeat to Italy at Euro 2016, this was perhaps the most galling exit of all, given it came at the hands of Russia, ranked 70th in the world, just above Macedonia and El Salvador. It would be a stretch to say Russia deserved their win, with 26 per cent possession and only six attempts at goal compared with Spain’s 25, but they had a plan, stuck to it, and fought to the bitter end.A 4-3 victory on penalties, after the sides were locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time, sends the hosts through to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1970.Spain’s dominance will do nothing to ease the disappointment following what can now be judged as a truly farcical World Cup campaign.Julen Lopetegui, the coach fired two days before Spain’s opening match, and Luis Rubiales, the Spanish Football Federation president who fired him, will be circled as the key offenders.Spain goalkeeper David de Gea made just one save at the World Cup © AFP / Juan MabromataBut Fernando Hierro, Lopetegui’s replacement, and David de Gea, who endured a torrid tournament in goal, will take their share of the blame too.It was a pity that the last match of Andres Iniesta, who later confirmed his international retirement, in the end became little more than a footnote.“What started badly, ended badly,” wrote Marca. “All the problems began with the dismissal of Lopetegui and then continued with a team lacking in form and ideas.”Rubiales was quick to make clear he felt no remorse for sacking Lopetegui, who was clumsy in the way he handled his pending move to Real Madrid, but seemingly dismissed because of hurt, personal pride.“Today there is pain, as we have been eliminated,” Rubiales said. “But you can be calm when you know you have acted with responsibility, conviction and values. You cannot later look in hindsight because of a result on the pitch.”– Positive start –Many would argue it was clear at the time that changing the coach two days before Spain’s opening game was unlikely to benefit the team.With Hierro in place, however, there were positive signs against Portugal, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick overshadowed an assured Spain performance in a 3-3 draw.Coach Fernando Hierro comforts Sergio Ramos after Spain lost their penalty shootout against Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup © AFP / Juan MabromataBut defensive errors and tactical rigidity soon came to the fore as poor displays followed against Iran, Morocco and Russia.Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique were both guilty, the latter because of a handball that gave Russia their equaliser, but De Gea left as the principal villain.Against Portugal, he allowed Ronaldo’s shot to slip through his hands. Against Russia, Igor Akinfeev starred in the shootout while he failed to save at least two spot-kicks he might have kept out.By the end, De Gea had made only one save all tournament.As the late stand-in, Hierro may be spared such stinging criticism but he dropped Iniesta and Dani Carvajal against Russia in Moscow, only to bring both on as substitutes, and then replaced Diego Costa with Iago Aspas, who arguably should have been on from the start.Rubiales sidestepped questions about who will be the coach long-term but Hierro is surely unlikely to continue.Whoever it is, they will now face the same two-pronged brief that Lopetegui was tasked with two years ago: to restore confidence and blood the younger generation.Of the starting eleven against Russia, only Marco Asensio will be younger than 30 by the time the next World Cup comes around. Pique, Ramos, David Silva, Costa and Sergio Busquets will be 33 or older.It means those left from the triple triumph of Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 will either be gone or down to the last few and that could pave the way for an evolution of style too.A debate has emerged during this tournament around Spain’s possession game and it might be that a new manager decides to update the old, winning formula.But for all the talk of tactics and generational change, Spain’s 2018 World Cup will be remembered for a simple act of self-sabotage. This was the team that was ready and then on the eve of the tournament, sacked their coach.0Shares0000(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)
Athletic Bilbao fighting to keep Aymeric Laporte amid interest from Man City
1 Aymeric Laporte in action for Athletic Bilbao Athletic Bilbao are ready to offer Aymeric Laporte a new contract in order to ward off interest from Barcelona and Manchester City.The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football.Barcelona enquired about the defender last summer, while Manchester City were linked with a big-money swoop during the January transfer window.However, according to Sport, Athletic Bilbao are planning to fight off interest in Laporte by offering him a new contract.The France Under-21 international is currently tied to the club until 2019 after signing a new deal last summer.That contract also contains a release-clause of around £39m and it is likely Athletic Bilbao will look to increase that amount when they discuss fresh terms.
Parents to give views on placing sixth-graders
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGift Box shows no rust in San Antonio Stakes win at Santa Anita Among the ideas are shifting sixth-graders back to elementary school, creating schools for kindergarten through eighth grade or converting Cole Middle School into a special school for science, technology and the visual and performing arts. The board last year approved a pilot program for sixth grade at Eastside Elementary in the 2005-06 school year. Fifth-graders had a choice of staying at Eastside or moving on to Cole Middle School for sixth grade. The program helped alleviate crowding at Cole Middle School, officials said. In February, trustees are expected to approve permanently making Eastside Elementary a school for kindergarten through sixth grade, starting in the 2006-07 school year, Riccio said. “It allows (children) to stay longer at the elementary school,” Riccio said. Often, he said, “sixth-graders are in a transition stage and not quite ready for middle school.” LANCASTER – Eastside parents will be asked if they think that sixth-graders should be moved back to elementary school and if Cole Middle School should be turned into a magnet school. The survey form, expected to be mailed out this week, will also ask parents whether they are satisfied with the curriculum – including music, art and the Gifted and Talented Education or GATE programs – and how they feel about school safety and discipline issues. “As part of our strategic plan, we talked about exploring different school configurations,” said Eastside Union School District Superintendent Greg Riccio. He said parents’ participation is needed before changes are made. “They are our end user or ‘customer’ that we need feedback from,” he said about parents. A decision on whether generally to reorganize the district’s schools into K-6 or K-8 schools is several years down the road, Riccio said. A new school under construction, Columbia Elementary, is scheduled to open next fall for kindergarten through fifth grade, he said. School officials broke ground last June for the $15.3 million Columbia School, the Eastside district’s fourth elementary campus. The 57,600-square-foot school, located at 27th Street East and Avenue J-4, will accommodate up to 800 students and will become the new home of staffers and pupils from Tierra Bonita North Elementary School. Tierra Bonita North now shares a campus on 27th Street East at Lancaster Boulevard with Tierra Bonita South. The two schools started out in 1991 as one, created to accommodate youngsters living in the housing tracts that sprang up in east Lancaster in the late 1980s. The school construction is being financed by a $15.5 million bond measure passed in 1997 by Eastside voters, along with state funds. Karen Maeshiro, (661) 267-5744 karen.maeshiro@dailynews.com 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
Marion, Suns run Clippers off the court
Photo Gallery Clippers vs Suns The Phoenix Suns ran ablaze in the first half, and nothing the Clippers did could bring them back. Not a better second half than the Suns. Marion had 30 points and 17 rebounds, and Steve Nash showed why he was selected as the league’s MVP last season and had 20 points and 18 assists. Phoenix led by 21 points in the third quarter, but the Clippers hung around in the fourth quarter and pulled to 100-94 with 7:18 left, when Daniel Ewing made a 3-point shot the Clippers’ only 3-pointer of the game. But that was as close as they got in the fourth quarter. They nearly pulled to 100-97 with 6:04 left, when Mobley scored and a foul was called. But he was whistled for an offensive foul on a borderline play. The Clippers could argue that was a missed call. But they certainly can claim that Mobley’s third foul with 11:16 to go in the second quarter was absolutely wrong because video evidence showed all he did was clap to get the call. Mobley finished with four points on 1 of 9 shooting. With the Clippers falling down so early and so big, they couldn’t really expect to come back. As for the officiating, Mobley said, “That was big right there. They called an offensive foul. I never question a referee’s call, but that was a tough one to swallow.” CLIPPERS NOTES: Suns CEO and chairman Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of USA Basketball, spoke with Brand before Wednesday’s game to gauge his interest in playing on the 2008 Olympic team. But no official invitation was given. … Results from a precautionary MRI exam on Sam Cassell’s back came back negative, and he started. … Dunleavy started Quinton Ross in the perpetual changing starting spot vacated by Maggette’s absence because a separated ligament in his left foot. By starting, Ross was able to guard Nash. Ross, Livingston, Ewing and James Singleton have all started in Maggette’s place. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Not 27 points from Sam Cassell. Not even the applause of Cuttino Mobley, who was whistled for an early third foul with replays showing he only clapped at the Suns’ Leandro Barbosa for the infraction. 
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGift Box shows no rust in San Antonio Stakes win at Santa Anita Phoenix outran and outshot the Clippers early, and Los Angeles never recovered in a 112-102 loss in front of 16,888 Wednesday night at Staples Center. Coach Mike Dunleavy likens the Suns to an elite team and the Clippers to a mere good one that can make the playoffs, as long as injuries don’t bring them down. When they met, the difference between an elite team and a good one became as easy to see as a Shawn Marion dunk. “That team could have blown out a lot of teams tonight,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Our guys stayed tough. We battled back, played with a lot of energy. Another thing that came out of it that was good for our guys is to tell us that we’re not ready for prime time right now. We got a lot of work to do.” Phoenix, the highest scoring team in the NBA, went 11 for 26 (42.3 percent) from 3-point range, while the Clippers went 1 for 7 (14.3 percent). The Suns had 21 fast-break points to the Clippers’ two. 
Something Blu: Radisson Blu Letterkenny to host the ultimate wedding fayre
RADISSON BLU Letterkenny will be hosting their Wedding Fayre on Sunday October 1st, from 2pm to 5pm, involving wedding suppliers showcasing top trends for weddings. “Something old, something new, something borrowed & something BLU”Radisson, Function Room and Garden. Clive Wasson.Exclusive discounts & competitions will be available on the day, and guests can sample sparkling wine and canapés whilst viewing products and services offered by the industry experts of the North West. In addition, the first 30 couples on the day will receive a complimentary goodie bag filled with delights.Radisson wedding wicker set up. Photo Clive WassonRadisson Blu Letterkenny hosts only one wedding per day, is fully licensed for Civil Ceremonies, as well as offering the outstanding qualities of a first class 4* hotel.A personal Wedding Coordinator will help couples make a range of decisions, such as choosing from the array of wedding banquet options and room layouts available at the hotel.Fully tailorable Wedding Packages start at €33 per person. Photo Credit – Rodi Jeerasoo PhotographyAnother magical feature of the hotel is its photo locations – onsite you will find a ‘Secret Garden’ which is yours for the day to capture a special & unique wedding photo.Wedding Coordinators and Hotel Management will be on hand to guide you through all stages of your special day. Further details can be found on the Facebook Event Page: goo.gl/GwoV1gFor more information on creating your Perfect Wedding Day, contact the Wedding Coordinator on +353749194444 or email Jonathon.officer@radissonblu.comVisit the dedicated wedding page here – radissonblu.com/hotel-letterkenny/weddingsSomething Blu: Radisson Blu Letterkenny to host the ultimate wedding fayre was last modified: September 23rd, 2017 by John2Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:donegaleventsSomething Blu: Radisson Blu Letterkenny to host the ultimate wedding fayrewedding