Dear Editor,There should be a full-fledged enquiry into Justice (r’td) James Patterson’s irrational decision to cancel an August 7th meeting that was supposed to address a review of the report of the United Nations’ (UN) Needs Assessment Team. The rejection conflicts with any genuine intent to update the accountability mechanism of the GECOM and, certainly, the organisation’s image of acceptance locally and internationally.A posture of total arrogance and disrespect has been displayed by GECOM Chairman James Patterson relative to the need to address the report of the UN Needs Assessment Mission. This is certainly disappointing and regressive; and is an enigma, since the likely outcomes of this negative poise will neither engender assurance of reliance in the organisation nor affirm credence of its policies and decisions. Rather, it conveys significant uncertainty about Chairman Patterson’s intent to remedy the problems, and this has become more pervasive with his increasingly negative signals.The Chairman’s decision belies the rationality of scrutiny, and flies in the face of respected global recognition and partnership.It also certainly undermines effective counter-check verification that would result from the establishment of the automated data system to treat electoral matters.In February of this year, GECOM sent a letter to the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana requesting electoral assistance. The purpose indicated was for the UN to provide the Information Technology expertise to aid the Commission in voter registration and the 2018 Local Government and 2020 General Elections.It is rational for one to envisage that GECOM’s intent in engaging the UN was to purposefully improve the organisation’s regulatory and validation capacity. This is particularly relevant given that the questionable results of the 2015 National and Regional Elections were also tarnished by significant gaps between GECOM’s IT systems’ tally and the actual counts, among other glaring issues.Naturally, the response and undertakings by the UN to GECOM’s request would have been initiated by a Needs Assessment Mission, in accordance with the standard UN procedures concerning electoral assistance. Significantly, an impressive high level Mission was led by the Electoral Assistance Division within the Department of Political Affairs at the UN Secretariat (EAD/DPA), and was joined by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).I was reliably informed that the GECOM Chairman and all six Commissioners participated in the early May assessment led by UN Mission team. It is understood that they conducted a thorough investigation and research which targeted several sensitive issues and resulted in findings related thereto. These include: the results’ tabulation process; design of the necessary software to expedite the process; the biometric instrument use at polling stations; verifications of electoral listings; and approach to ensure security at the polling stations. Along with these substantive and sensitive issues, it is noted that the UNDP will be willing to give relevant assistance.Following the assessment, the Chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson, said the recent visit by the UN team was a success, and was highly confident that his request for an internationally recruited Information Technology specialist would be provided by the UN. So why the turn around? It is incomprehensible that, following the submission of the UN Report, GECOM Chairman James Patterson cancelled the scheduled meeting with the UN Team to review the report.Worse is the fact that the necessary review meeting with the UN is now “indefinite”.What is it about the report that the Chairman wants to hide? Why should there be delays in improving the GECOM verification mechanism?The organisation desperately needs to set the record straight!It cannot be denied that the Election Commission has been receiving most valuable aid from the UN, USA, UK, Canada, India, and the European Union. The rejection or indeterminate reluctance to consider the findings of the report is vulgar, offensive, and perhaps a waste of valuable and dedicated resources.It is time to demand a ‘fit and proper’ performance from the GECOM Chairman. The entire nation deserves better!Sincerely,Neil Kumar
PSC hails UN referral of Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to ICJ
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is lauding the decision made by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to send the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication.The body noted in a statement on Friday that referral of the controversy to the ICJ represents an opportunity to free Guyana of impediments to achieving its full potential. This is a reference to Guyana’s oil reserves which oil gain ExxonMobil discovered while exploring the Stabroek Block.PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer“In 1962, Venezuela laid claim to a major portion of Guyana’s territory on the ground that the 1899 Arbitral Award which delineated Guyana’s borders (with Venezuela) was null and void. Successive Governments of Guyana have since sought steadfastly to peacefully resolve this dispute, and, for the last twenty-seven years, have relied upon the United Nations Good Offices process.“The announcement that the matter will finally be referred to the International Court of Justice is long awaited and most welcome. It is only appropriate that a dispute which hinges upon a claim that a legal judgement is invalid should be resolved through a legal process,” the PSC has added. “The Private Sector Commission stands firmly behind the Government of Guyana in all matters relating to the sovereignty of Guyana.”On Tuesday, the UN moved to send the on-going border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela to the ICJ — a move which Guyana has long been calling for. According to the UN’s Spokesperson on the issue, Stephane Dujarric, the decision came after careful analysis of the good offices process.Dujarric explained in a statement that enough progress has not been made towards a solution to the controversy. As a result, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has referred the matter to the ICJ. This is in accordance with the framework left by his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon.However, Guterres did not rule out the continued Good Offices process of the UN to complement court proceedings, and has also committed to accompanying both Guyana and Venezuela in the bid to settle their differences.Welcome moveIn an address to the nation on the issue, President David Granger has welcomed the Guterres decision to refer the matter to the World Court. According to Granger, “Guyana remains confident in the correctness of its case, (and) looks forward to the reaffirmation of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award before the (ICJ).”The Head of State reminded that Guyana’s position has always been that the basis of the controversy is a legal question, and should be resolved peacefully and conclusively through a legal process.“Guyana will pursue the path ahead in furtherance of the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity with quiet confidence and with the assurance in ever improving relations with its neighbours: Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela,” he added.However, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro has since said publicly that his Government did not agree with the decision, and that continued negotiations would have been preferable. It is understood that now that the matter has been referred to the ICJ, this referral is not contingent on Venezuela’s agreement.In a previous statement on the matter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had noted that this referral does not require Venezuela’s approval beyond what is allotted in the 1966 Geneva agreement.Guyana will now have to procure international lawyers to present its case on the international front.
Carpenter jailed for snatching bag
A carpenter, who told the court on Wednesday that he robbed a woman because he was frustrated with his financial status, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.Julian Corlette appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty and admitted to the charge which stated that on September 9, 2019 at Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, he robbed Yelena Vernell of a quantity of items valued at $59,000 and at the time he used personal violence.Julian CorletteThe 20-year-old man, in plea of mitigation, told the court that “The morning I leave my house to go at a birthday party and we end up stopping on the seawall to get a few drinks”. He said that he received a call from “his girl” stating that some items were needed at home.“I saw the woman walking and I walk up to her and pull the bag, I get nervous,” stated Corlette.Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummel, in relating the facts of the matter to the court, stated that on the day in question about 10:30h on Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, Corlette saw the Virtual Complainant (VC) walking in the southern direction and approached her. The court heard that he then attempted to snatch the VC’s bag, but she held on to it, which resulted in him cuffing the woman about the body and then making his good escape.The matter was reported to the Alberttown Police Station and the father of one was later apprehended. The Prosecutor indicated to the court that the suspect was positively identified by the Virtual Complainant
Dreher shoots 75 at first round of Four Winds Invitational
Starting her round on the tenth tee Dreher had a solid start parring her first four holes but dropped to one over on the 14th and another stroke on the 17th. In her final nine holes Dreher dropped strokes on one and four to sit at four over par. She would par her next three holes and birdie the eighth to move to three over and finished out the round with a par on the ninth hole.- Advertisement –
Russia hosts World Cup in heat of battle with West
0Shares0000Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has spent $13 billion on hosting the World Cup © SPUTNIK/AFP/File / Alexey NIKOLSKYMOSCOW, Russian Federation, May 13 – The World Cup kicks off in Russia in a month’s time with the hosts at loggerheads with the West and intent on using the football showpiece to trumpet their superpower status.Russia was a controversial choice when it was handed the rights to the world’s most watched event in a 2010 vote now tainted by bribery charges. That choice is possibly only more controversial today.The years since have seen Moscow clash with the West over everything from Syria and Ukraine to the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in England.Russia was even banned as a country from this winter’s Pyeongchang Olympics after being accused of state-sponsored doping at the Sochi Games it hosted four year earlier.The diplomatic barbs have been laced with Cold War-era venom and accompanied by the largest expulsion of diplomats in history.Yet Vladimir Putin is riding as high today as he was eight years ago.The former KGB spy’s popularity with Russians remains unshakeable and his presence on the international arena is more dominant than when he first came to power in 2000.The scandals and diplomatic wrangles have failed to generate a repeat of the boycott that saw nearly half the world stay away from the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.And Putin will have the chance to wield the “soft power” afforded by the football showpiece to project himself as a man of domestic achievement and global bearing.– ‘White elephants’ –Yet the tournament also comes riddled with peril for Putin.Russia has spent in excess of $13 billion (11 billion euros) — a World Cup record — on giving many of the 11 host cities their first post-Soviet facelifts.Fans attending matches in the Mordovia Arena in Saransk will be treading far off the tourist trial © AFP/File / Mladen ANTONOVHost city Saransk, for example, is best known for being the capital of a deserted region where Russia has set up female penal colonies.Airports were rebuilt and expanded to accommodate crowds whose size Russia may not see again for some time.Sleek hotels have gone up in places tourists rarely venture.Twelve voluminous stadiums now loom over cities in the European part of Russia after being completed in the nick of time.A part of Putin’s legacy will hinge on what happens to it all when the fans go home.The $50 billion believed to have been spent on the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi has had mixed results.The Black Sea resort city looks modern and feels electric. Residents whizz around on silky smooth roads and travel in style from a comfortable airport and train station.But the surrounding mountains that hosted the snow events are filled with abandoned hotels and FIFA will want to avoid such “white elephants”.Seeing the World Cup transform other cities into what Sochi itself has become will be a monumental achievement that could unlock Russia’s economic potential.Filling them with prestigious buildings no one ever uses will turn into another expensive mistake.– Monkey chants –Fans themselves will care little about the politics. Their main concern will be safely and swiftly getting to stadiums for the matches.Those who plan to follow their team as they criss-cross from one venue to the next will be confronted with Russia’s sheer scale.The 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) spanning the westernmost stadium in Kaliningrad and easterly one in Yekaterinburg translates into the distance between Moscow and London.Host cities are four time zones apart and compare best to the travel teams and fans had to endure in the 1994 World Cup in the United States.Foreigners will be further burdened by having to register with the police within a day of arriving in each new location.Some will also be fearful of Russia’s history of hooliganism and racist abuse that has marred a string of recent matches.Putin’s security services cracked down hard on football troublemakers to ensure there is no repeat of the battles that broke out between Russian and English fans at Euro 2016 in France.And football anti-discrimination chief Alexei Smertin has spent the past year trying to eradicate racist behaviour in stadiums.“We need to introduce personal responsibility so that fans who violate rules start being denied the right to go to stadiums and support their teams,” he said after more monkey chants rang out last month.– Gutsy football –FIFA boss Gianni Infantino wore a big grin in Sochi last week as he congratulated Putin for all Russia had already achieved.“You are working to make this World Cup the best World Cup ever,” Infantino said.Yet the chances of Putin celebrating many Russian triumphs on the pitch remain marginal. The host nation are the tournament’s second-lowest ranked team and have not won any of their last five matches.Putin is a sports fanatic who will be present when Russia face Saudi Arabia — the one nation at the World Cup ranked below them — at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on June 14.Russia will attempt to make the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time in 10 years and have a relatively easy group.But coach Stanislav Cherchesov has nowhere near the class of players of the likes of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo or Brazil’s Neymar — only goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is a name known abroad.Yet Putin spelled out clearly that he expected something special from the Russians at their first home World Cup.“They must show gutsy, uncompromising football, one which the fans love,” the president said in Sochi.0Shares0000(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
Video: Muller scores 22nd goal as Bayern Munich continue unbeaten run
1 Bayern Munich and Thomas Muller continued their domination of the Bundesliga as Pep Guardiola’s men beat Schalke 3-1 on Saturday.The Bavarian giants remain unbeaten in domestic competition this season – having lost just once; against Arsenal in the Champions League – and have stretched that run to 12 wins and one draw following this weekend’s trip to west Germany.It was another straightforward victory for Bayern, who have blown sides away throughout the opening period of the campaign, and it provided another goal for star man Muller who capped the win with his 22nd goal in 23 games.Plus, the fixture was the 300th consecutive Bayern game to be played in front of a sell-out crowd – that’s both home AND away!Check out all the goals below…David Alaba opens the scoring after only nine minutes with deflected long-range strike: Thomas Muller Javi Martinez scores first goal in two years with fine header to put Bayern back in front:
Schalke soon level as Max Meyer’s low shot beats Manuel Neuer: Thomas Muller rounds off victory with calm finish after electric run from Douglas Costa:
Ombudsmen work for benefit of seniors
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREPettersson scores another winner, Canucks beat KingsIn a long-term care facility, certain methods of operation develop for the convenience and efficiency of the facility which may conflict with the needs of individual residents. Yet residents may be unable to express their particular needs without assistance from others or with limited assistance due to loss of hearing or speech, sight, mental impairment, depression, or inaccessibility of staff. There is also the fear of retaliation, sense of isolation, loss of confidence, fear of upsetting the family and unfamiliarity with staff. The Older Californians Act of 1965 states, “The office shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints and concerns communicated by, or on behalf of, patients, residents, or clients of any long-term care facility.” Responding to and resolving complaints are a primary part of an ombudsman’s job, and one that at times can be difficult. The ombudsman program investigates and reports violations. If we cannot reach an acceptable resolve to a major problems, we then report that to the California Department of Health Services, who are the enforcers. They can set fines, etc., even to the extent of closing a facility. Long-term Care Ombudsman First, that name! The word “ombudsman” is Swedish and translates as a spokesperson from the masses to the power, advocating for citizen rights. In this case, the ombudsman is a volunteer advocate for resident rights in licensed long-term care facilities, skilled nursing homes, assisted living, adult day care centers, adult day healthcare centers, Alzheimer’s facilities, mental health facilities for the elderly, or in other words, any facility licensed by the state that administers long-term care for seniors. (The word can be applied to other ombudsman programs, including those for libraries, colleges, children in foster care and prisons.) There are very specific categories to look for from having access to eyeglasses, hearing aids, or false teeth to having access to privacy and the right to vote. Cleanliness is very important. The residents are in a facility that should be considered their home and should have all of the comfort that applies. They are not “in jail,” not in a hospital, nor are they under the control of any of the staff members. California is divided into sections, which are further divided into regions. The East San Gabriel Valley, Region No. 6, has 9,000 skilled nursing beds. The number of open cases that need investigating is overwhelming. Each volunteer receives 36 hours of training so that they know exactly what to look for in each situation. A new trainee commits to 16 hours a month, which usually breaks down to at least four visits a month. Plus, they must attend a two-hour monthly meeting. Volunteers are certified by the California Department of Aging. Visits can take place at any time of day or night and new trainees will be given as much partnering and mentoring as they require from staff and long-term volunteers until they feel comfortable assuming the responsibilities of the program. Most training occurs Monday through Friday, during daylight hours. Applicants will be fingerprinted and give permission to allow a background check. They need to be adults and if they drive, must have a valid driver license and insurance. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer ombudsman, please call Susan Osborn, Region 6 manager, or Sally Wieck, ombudsman trainer, in the San Dimas office at (909) 394-0416. The territory extends from Claremont to Rosemead and Whittier. Send information about your organization to linda.gold@sgvn.com, (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2252; or fax to (626) 856-2758.160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
‘One woman shoplifting industry’ jailed again for new wave of thefts
A woman previously described by a Judge as a “one woman shoplifting industry” has been jailed for 12 months for another wave of thefts.Lisa Mongan appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with dozens of robberies from a range of stores over a two-year period. One of the stores the mum-of-three stolen from was a shop within Letterkenny University Hospital.The other stores included LIDL, Sports Direct, Boots, ALDI, Dunnes Stores, Iceland, Penneys, Homestore and More, Peacock, Gamestop, Marks and Spencer, Centra, Simpsons SUpermarket, Menarys and H&M Clothing.Judge Kelly had previously sentenced Ms Mongan to ten months in prison in September of last year for a similar string of offences.On that occasion, he said “This lady appears to be a one-woman shoplifting industry. Her offending is extraordinary.“She has been granted bail numerous times. She has left court and reoffended the next day if not the same day.“It just seems to be whatever she can stuff in her pockets.”During her latest wave of thefts, Ms Mongan of Cashel Park, Letterkenny had been banned from going into shopping centres in Letterkenny and also Letterkenny’s Main Street by Judge Kelly.Ms Mongan had sought medical help and was suspected of suffering from kleptomania.However, forensic psychiatrist Dr Brenda Wright said that Ms Mongan did not meet the threshold of kleptomania but did concede she did have issues.Judge Kelly jailed Ms Mongan for a total of 12 months and ordered that Ms Mongan receive any medical attention she required in prison.Solicitor Donagh Cleary asked Judge if he could backdate the jail sentence until Juy 31st, the date when Ms Mongan went into custody and Judge Kelly agreed to this.‘One woman shoplifting industry’ jailed again for new wave of thefts was last modified: October 21st, 2019 by StephenShare this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Tags:courtdonegaljailedJudge Paul KellyletterkennyLisa Mongantheft
GAA: GAOTH DOBHAIR V ST EUNAN’S POSTPONED
The Senior and Reserve Games scheduled for Gaoth Dobhair against St Eunan’s on Sunday have been cancelled due to a death in the Gaoth Dobhair club.They will be refixed at a later date. GAA: GAOTH DOBHAIR V ST EUNAN’S POSTPONED was last modified: March 29th, 2013 by BrendaShare 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:GAA: GAOTH DOBHAIR V ST EUNAN’S POSTPONED
Jose Mourinho knew Man United ‘were in trouble’ when Phil Jones stepped forward
Sky Sports presenter apologises for remarks made during Neville’s racism discussion Jose Mourinho knew Manchester United were in trouble when Phil Jones stepped up to take the vital spot-kick in their Carabao Cup defeat to Derby County.The Red Devils were played off the park by Frank Lampard’s young side, who showed no fear of playing at Old Trafford under the lights. 3 A sensational strike from Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson and a late header from Jack Marriott had seemingly put the Rams on course for a 2-1 win after Juan Mata gave the Red Devils an early lead.But Marouane Fellaini’s stoppage-time header appeared to have spared Mourinho’s blushes.But Derby deserved to progress at the expense of their Premier League counterparts and kept their cool from 12 yards in one of the best penalty shootouts fans are likely to see.It meant the pressure fell on the shoulders of former Blackburn Rovers stalwart Phil Jones but, before he even saw his spot-kick saved, Mourinho knew his side were in trouble. England’s most successful clubs of the past decade, according to trophies won Jones strikes his penalty low to the right-hand side Boxing Day fixtures: All nine Premier League games live on talkSPORT “At half-time I repeated the same words as the last match. We didn’t kill the game. We couldn’t be dominant in the second half.“I prefer to be proactive and go for it. After the red card we are in a bit of difficulty. We reacted with pride, we tried until the last second.” SORRY “We practice penalties and we see it in training and when we get past the sixth penalty I know we’re in trouble with [Eric] Bailly and Jones,” Mourinho told Sky Sports after the final whistle.Mourinho was as critical of United’s forwards as fans were for failing to ‘kill’ off the Championship side much earlier in the game: “We didn’t score when we could, we could in the first half, we had situations to kill it,’ he said. Every time Ally McCoist lost it on air in 2019, including funny XI reactions silverware Gerrard launches furious touchline outburst as horror tackle on Barisic sparks chaos latest The average first-team salaries at every Premier League club in 2019 
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