Veteran football coach Geoffrey Maxwell is no longer in charge of Haile Selassie High School’s Manning Cup team. Maxwell parted ways with Haile Selassie after he met with the school’s principal, Lorenzo Ellis, yesterday morning. “I don’t want to say anything. I don’t want to comment on the situation, but I am no longer with Haile Selassie. I met with the principal and a decision was taken,” Maxwell, who was hired as Haile Selassie’s coach during the summer, told The Gleaner. However, efforts to contact Haile Selassie principal’s Ellis, on several occasions, proved futile as his mobile number went unanswered. Maxwell dismissed reports that he had been working with Dinthill Technical High in the daCosta Cup competition. “I am not at Dinthill. I went to a football game that Dinthill was playing last weekend and was standing near the bench. They (Dinthill) had about three coaches there giving instructions,” Maxwell said. Maxwell started well at Haile Selassie as the team won nine of 10 Group D preliminary-round matches and lost the other to finish on 27 points in first position. That allowed them passage to the ISSA-FLOW Manning Cup second round, the prestigious FLOW Super Cup competition for the first time, and the Walker Cup knockout competition. However, things went sour when Maxwell accused persons of interfering with the team following a 2-0 loss to Jamaica College in the Walker Cup semi-final match on October 18. Haile Selassie were also eliminated from the FLOW Super Cup when they went down 3-0 to Rusea’s High last Saturday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex in Catherine Hall. Maxwell also spent time at Hydel, and during that period, he guided the St Catherine school to a historic appearance in the Manning Cup final in 2013, where they lost to St George’s College. He guided Excelsior High to one Manning Cup title and two Walker Cup titles in the 1980s and also coached Waterhouse to the National League trophy in 1998. GOOD START
Aces nab first win, beat Meralco
Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ But it wasn’t just Abueva with Alaska drawing 50 points off the bench led by Vic Manuel’s 19.“It was a tough hard-fought game against a tough team. Most particularly, I’m proud of our defensive energy. I thought that set the tone,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folk“I felt there was contributions from everybody who stepped on the floor. [Kevin Racal] knocks down two huge threes and that’s the game. I’ve been talking to K-Racs a lot and he’s a smart basketball player,” he added. “It was really a team effort.”With Meralco threatening to take over, Kevin Racal kept the Bolts at bay with two straight 3-pointers — the last giving Alaska a 93-86 cushion with 2:08 remaining. Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson 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 Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense MOST READ Chinese marathon champion banned for eight years over doping Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Calvin Abueva. PBA IMAGESAlaska notched its first win after holding off Meralco, 103-98, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.Calvin Abueva did a little bit of everything with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals despite battling through foul trouble for the Aces, who improved to 1-2.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson LATEST STORIES View comments Things got testy in the third quarter when Abueva and Meralco swingman Jared Dillinger got tangled underneath the basket. Both got slapped with a technical foul.The incident was reminiscent of their scuffle four years ago when Dillinger held Abueva by the collar.Chris Newsome led all scorers with 23 points while Niño Canaleta and Baser Amer added 16 and 15 points, respectively for the Bolts, who dropped to 1-2.RELATED VIDEOADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina
Authorities must ensure that fishermen are free to work without fear
Dear Editor,A few days ago, I urged Government to handle the issue with Vishnu Persaud carefully, lest it becomes one totally about race more than about his alleged poor performance executing the voter education exercise for the past two general elections.Today, I take time out to commend both the Police and the Public Security Ministry for breaking up a terrible gang of men who had spread terror to the Berbice fishing community through a reign of terror dating back to more than a decade.Googling some of the previous piracy attacks, it is clear to me that this has been going on for far too long. While researching, I came across a Stabroek News story back in February of 2007 pertaining to fishermen complaining to then Security Minister Clement Rohee about how fearful they were of going to sea. Some have migrated; others have abandoned the industry completely.Luckily for all of us, the leaders of the gangs which had for years been operating on the Corentyne coast with impunity overstepped their bounds in a very big way with the brutal killing of about 15 men off the Suriname coast in late April.The massive Police and governmental response by authorities in Guyana and Suriname appears to have now led to the demise of the gang, with its leaders before Guyanese courts. Several henchmen are also facing piracy charges. The response must have caught them by surprise.And until I read it in local papers, I was completely unaware that Guyanese law allows Police to charge a pirate or alleged pirate for an act committed in or outside Guyana’s waters.So, surely, the gang leaders were unaware of this exceptional clause, and will likely pay for it with extended jail sentences, if not the death penalty. Going forward, many of us will closely monitor activities on the high seas, to see if the gang and its leaders have in fact been wiped out, or if new ones will emerge.Whatever it may be, authorities must keep their foot on the pedal to ensure that fishermen are free to work without fear of being attacked, tied to weights, and dumped overboard.They must do so, as hard as it is to believe that they were Guyanese who had done these heinous things to their fellow countrymen, some of whom lived in the same community as their victims.Sincerely,Winston Mars
Pomeroon teenager slapped with rape charge
– released into custodyof parentsA 16-year-old chain saw operator from Siriki Village, Upper Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Monday released into his parents’ custody when after he appeared in court slapped with a rape charge.The teen made his appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Magistrate’s Court.He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on February 2, 2016 he had sexual intercourse with a 10-year-old student of Upper Pomeroon River.Following the alleged rape, a report was made at the Charity Police Station where an investigation was conducted. The file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the charge was recommended.The teenager is expected to return to court on July 11 and as a condition of his release, he is required to report to the Charity Police Station every Friday.
It’s Better to Decentralize Our Culture Activities
Mr. Editor:I read with keen interest the editorial published in the Monday, January 13, 2014 edition of the Daily Observer captioned: “Put the National Culture Center Where It Belongs: in Bomi’s Dowein District” which alludes to the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Bomi instead of in Marshall.Noteworthily, Bomi is the home of the Liberia Cultural icon; (late) Bai T. Moore, and a myriad of cultural activities; nevertheless, it is prudent that the Cultural Center be established in an area such as Marshall where cultural activities are inactive for the purpose of decentralization.Our cultural activities should be presented throughout the length and breath of Liberia so as to expeditiously revive Liberia’s rich and diverse culture.Furthermore, the proposal asserted in your editorial for the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Bomi could ignite a lengthy and heated debate that could navigate the attention of the Sirleaf administration and the Liberia people from the urgent need to revive the National Cultural Center.Our attention should rather be concentrated on the establishment of the National Cultural Center in Marshall that will be so culturally intriguing to baffle the minds of those who will visit it.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Undeterred by Teachers’ Threat
In spite of the recent strike action announced by the National Teacher’s Association of Liberia (NTAL), one of the partnership schools for Liberia (PSL) says it is committed to improving the country’s education system.As one of the eight partners, Bridge is currently managing 24 public primary schools in Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess and Bomi counties. According to Bridge, in each of the eight counties, every community and child bring about new opportunities and hope for their families with this partnership.“In this regard, Bridge Partnership Schools for Liberia (Bridge PSL) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) have embarked on providing quality education to every Liberian child together,” Bridge Internal Academies announced over the weekend. They are delighted by the turnout at the schools they are managing, and the warm reception from parents, teachers, and community member, according to a Bridge statement. Understandably, the statement said, “there are reservations in the process of developing trust, pride, and opportunities in the Liberian education system with transparency, support, and collaborative efforts from all parties.“At Bridge, we belong to a global community of partners, parents, teachers, and families who share in our vision and benefit from the gains of education partnerships. At no point will Bridge Academies International (BIA) intentionally mislead the Liberian people. We take pride in our openness and accessibility, and in being active in education on an international spectrum.” As the new school year has begun, BIA said its priority is to support teachers and administrators, ensuring that students maximize their learning capabilities at Bridge Partnership Schools. The statement added: “This is a closely monitored process and involves teacher training and support, lesson guides, and empowerment of teachers, principals, and parents. At Bridge, we believe that quality education opens doors, expands horizons, and is ultimately the best gift of all.” There has been an incredible level of enthusiasm in the recent weeks following the reopening of school, says Bridge, adding that classrooms are reaching maximum limits with parents clamoring for spaces to ensure that their children are registered at the public schools under BIA management. BIA says it remains committed to zero school fees during its pilot partnership program at public schools. Bridge Partnership Schools are public schools, and no fees are charged to attend school. Therefore, the statement said, through Bridge’s generosity, children are receiving more learning than ever before and all pupils receive a free homework book to use each day, and to show their parents the work they have done in school. Children in early childhood classes receive free class work books with activities and lessons to use and write in. Every child in primary school has time set aside to read books on a tablet computer to boost their reading skills – which is also free of charge. While other public schools charge for uniforms, Bridge has provided each child with a free school uniform. Bridge is also supporting the MOE’s efforts by equipping its schools with desks. “Bridge does not require or receive payments from parents, students, or teachers. The MOE is supporting the Partnership Schools by paying all teaching and administrative staff. All of the programs at Bridge Partnership Schools are funded by donors, ensuring that the entity is self-sustaining. “Let us remember, that education is a fundamental human right. We remain firmly rooted and committed to delivering on the confidence reposed in us by the government and the people of Liberia,” the statement noted. Bridge said it looks forward to providing the very best for all children through the partnerships, and the opportunities afforded to them. In a related development, MOE has termed the decision of the NTAL demanding the resignation of George K. Werner, Minister of Education, and inciting teachers to abandon their duties as “unrealistic and a perception built against the Liberian Education System.”Recently, the leadership of NTAL and five other civil society organizations called for the resignation of Minister Werner, because of what the NTAL said was Werner’s unilateral decision making in running the country’s education system.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
PPP promises to help disenfranchised MMA farmers
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has promised to restore the viability that small farmers within the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) once enjoyed, if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) returns to office at next year’s March 2 General and Regional Elections.In recent years, farmers within the MMA area have been facing hardships and are struggling to sustain their livelihood. First, the Agriculture Ministry made sweeping increases in land rental rates back in 2017. Land rentals went from $3500 to $15,000 per acre, which represented a 600 per cent increase and other rates from $1000 to $7000.MMA/ADA Chairman Kelvin SaulThen a few months ago, several cattle farmers were evicted from lands they had occupied for decades. These persons have been operating on the land, located at Blairmont, which covers 1360 acres, for the past 30 years and throughout that time, applications were filed for lease documents to be granted. However, the farmers received a notice from the agency earlier this year, indicating that they have to vacate the lands since new leases were issued to other persons, some of whom are not even cattle farmers.Meanwhile, farmers who have applied for state lands to cultivate rice are being told no land is available.But while this is happening, it was recently reported that the Chairman of the MMA-ADA, Kelvin Saul, has allegedly been the beneficiary of some 10,609 acres of land.According to Jagdeo at this weekly press conference on Friday, this land is equivalent to 50,000 house lots – which the PPP promised to create if it gets into office. He pointed out that these lands are being given away at a time when the farmers in the area are struggling.“How could the Chairman of your MMA Board get this when there are thousands of people who need land at MMA – small farmers and thousands of them who have had their lands taken away by the MMA. But here is the Chairman of the Board getting over 10,000 acres,” he contended.Moreover, the Opposition Leader outlined that the party has also received information that an Alliance For Change (AFC) – the minority party in the coalition Government – member allegedly got over 400 acres of land there, and within a matter of weeks, he flipped it and reportedly sold it for $45 million to another person.He went on to outline that not only is this a conflict of interest but it is happening at a time when applications of small farmers are stalled and thus their livelihoods affected.“What about the lands taken away from farmers now because they can’t pay the $15,000 per acre fee that was increased from $3500. It has to do with a Government policy so you take away from all the small people who can’t afford and who are going bankrupt because they can’t afford to pay for all of these lands and then give it to one crony – 10,000 acres is a lot of land,” the Opposition Leader stressed.He added that this “…is a policy of transferring resources to people, to cronies because of their connections or some of it could be parking of resources for Ministers and the others. We’ve seen a lot of people who are close to them, suddenly they are getting a lot of these resources and we believe they are parking these resources for after elections.”According to Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the PPP, these instances do not even “scratch the surface as yet” of the massive land giveaway that is ongoing throughout the country.Nevertheless, he noted that while there is not much that the PPP Opposition can do right now, he assured that if the party returns to office next year, it will reverse these injustices to the farmers.“We hope to rectify it after March 2, so you go back to ensuring that people get land and that we have enough land for the 50,000 house lots that we promised. And right at the MMA area, we take back the lease fees, the land and the water charges down to $3500 back again and we restore the budget to the MMA for farm to market roads and for drainage and irrigation, and so that those small farmers can earn a living too. That’s what we want to do,” he stated.Not the sole ownerMeanwhile, Saul in response on Saturday said that in August 2014 himself and three other persons registered under the name Mc Agriculture Trading and Investment Services (MATIS) were granted a Forestry Permission SFP DEM 21/14 from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).The SFP DEM 21/14 is a block of approximately 10,609 acres of state lands lying on either side of Captain Creek in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), he said.“This land was essentially Forest Land in the Hinterland and Intermediate Savannahs and MATIS focused on husbandry and harvesting of forestry products with charcoal production through systematic and sustained tree felling and land clearing. In January 2016 (MATIS) took a conscious decision to diversify into other related agricultural activities (Crops). The conversion from Forestry to Crops required the intervention/permission of the MMA-ADA and to this end, an application was submitted to the MMA in January 2016 to lease the said block of land for agricultural purposes,” Saul said in his defence.He claimed that subsequently, the GFC which had granted the SFP in 2014, informed the Agriculture Ministry and the MMA-ADA on August 8, 2019, that it had no objection to the conversion and to the granting of a lease for the said land to MATIS by the MMA-ADA.“I recused myself from the MMA-ADA discussions in 2016 on the conversion and in any event, I was not a member of that Committee that deliberated, nor was I the Chairman of MMA-ADA at the time. The MMA-ADA subsequently approved the conversion,” he claimed.
New digs for Stage North
Stage North has two productions slated for the end of April, including ‘I Claudia’ and ‘Toronto Mississippi’. – Advertisement -Local thespians have a new place to hone their skills.Executive Director for Stage North, Sue Popesku, says the group will now be practicing in the basement of the co-op mall on 98A Avenue.Popesku says while the location is perfect, the height limitations will cause some problems in set-building.She says the group will be leasing the area for now, and will continue to search for a more permanent home.[asset|aid=2680|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=e9111b241f6c4488bdec37dce5ec9455-Popesku 2_2_Pub.mp3] Advertisement By Christine Rumleskie
Stage North has been practicing in a building close to the airport. But the facility has been sold and Stage North has been forced to find new headquarters by April 30th.Popesku says the next month will be a busy one, because the group has to move at the same time as practicing for two plays and preparing for its annual garage sale.Popesku adds she knows the City has its hands full with the Enerplex and the Kids Arena right now, but she says she would like to see the City get more involved with the arts community in the near future. [asset|aid=2681|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=e9111b241f6c4488bdec37dce5ec9455-Popesku 1_2_Pub.mp3] Advertisement
Ali Khan to replace Beaton in TKR line-up
The Trinbago Knight Riders have sought long and hard to fill their bowling line-up ahead of the 2018 instalment of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and as such, have announced the addition of USA fast bowler Ali Khan.Khan will join the team prior to TKR’s first game on August 8 and will be replacing Guyanese Ronsford Beaton, who will miss this year’s tournament as he continues remedial work on his bowling action.The right-arm fast-medium bowler is in fact no stranger to the Hero CPL arena. Back in 2016, the 27-year-old made his CPL debut on the Guyana Amazon Warriors side. On his very first delivery of the tournament, Khan snatched the wicket of legendary player Kumar Sangakkara. Additionally, he was first selected for the USA team in 2016 and has become a regular for his national team since.The Pakistan native will be in top shape, having just finished his stint in the Canada Global T20, where he played for the Winnipeg Hawks.Khan will have the opportunity to entertain his home crowd with his bowling when in the USA when TKR take on Jamaica Tallawahs at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida on Sunday, August 19.Speaking of Khan joining the squad, Venky Mysore, Director of TKR, said: “Ali Khan has shown that he is a rapidly-improving bowler of real potential, and we are excited about him joining TKR for the 2018 tournament. We are sure he will be a real asset.”The Trinbago Knight Riders will kick off the 2018 edition of the Hero CPL on home turf at the Queen’s Park Oval, facing the St Lucia Stars on August 8.
Gattuso warns AC Milan must suffer to return to glory days
The seven-time European champions, once the world’s best team but now way behind their traditional Serie A rivals, released Montella after a goalless draw against Torino left them seventh in Serie A, 18 points behind leaders Napoli.“It’s an important day, a big responsibility,” said 39-year-old Gattuso, who was promoted from coach of Milan’s youth team.“We need to prove that we’re willing to suffer and be a united squad. We’ll need a battlefield spirit.“It’s going to be a tough job, this team has 16 nationalities and an average age of 21. They’re not having an easy time, but everything is in place to work well.”;AC Milan have not finished higher than sixth in Serie A in any of the last four seasons.New Chinese owner Li Yonghong funded a 230-million-euro ($270 million) spending spree in the summer, but it has failed to produce immediate results and Milan lie seventh in Serie A.;Since retiring as a player in 2013, Gattuso has enjoyed mixed fortunes as coach, with short stints at Sion in Switzerland, at Palermo and Pisa in Italy and at Greek minnows OFI Crete before joining the Milan youth setup in May.“I’ve over 100 matches behind me in different championships,” insisted Gattuso, defending his credentials. “It’s up to me now to get results.”A combattive defensive midfielder, Gattuso made a total of 468 appearances for AC Milan between 1999 and 2012.He won the Serie A title in 2004 and 2011 and helped Milan to Champions League glory on two occasions in 2003 and 2007.“I feel the same emotions as I did when I was a player, when I come to Milanello it’s like I’m in heaven,” he continued.“Right now I’m not looking at the table, I’ll take it day-by-day. The match against Benevento (Sunday) has to be like a World Cup final.”– Milan’s DNA –Gattuso is looking to inspire the players with AC Milan’s glorious past, which includes 18 league titles and seven European Cups, both of which they last won in Gattuso’s days as Milan player, in 2011 and 2007 respectively.“There are plenty of photos at Milanello that remind us that this club has a great history.“We can’t forget Milan’s DNA.”Milan chief executive Marco Fassone said he fired Montella “with a lot of regret”.“It was a painful decision due to the relationship we’d created with Montella, for a project which hasn’t gone forward as we’d hoped it would this summer,” said Fassone.“We didn’t choose Rino (Gattuso) to plug a hole, but because he’s the right choice at this time. Given Rino’s history he knows the environment and the dressing room.“In recent months he’s shown what it means to be a Milan coach. It’s a choice we wanted to make, we’ve not pulled an emergency parachute.”0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) 0Shares0000Gennaro Gattuso appointed new AC MIlan manager.Photo/COURTESYMILAN, Italy, Nov 28 – New AC Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso warned on Tuesday that the former Italian giants must suffer if they want to return to their glory days.Gattuso, a key figure in some of Milan’s best ever teams, took over as coach on Monday after Vincenzo Montella was sacked following a disappointing start to the season.
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