Castaway sues Princess Cruises over rescue failure
A Panamanian fisherman who survived 28 days adrift in the Pacific and watched two companions die is suing the owners of a cruise ship that sailed past.
Adrian Vasquez has filed a lawsuit in Florida alleging negligence by Princess Cruises, his lawyer said.
The American cruise company has said it deeply regrets that one of its ships sailed past the dying men.
Passengers said they spotted the castaways and alerted staff, but the firm said the captain was not informed.
Telescope
Mr Vasquez's lawyer, Edna Ramos, said the lawsuit includes testimony from two cruise ship passengers who said they saw the boat and reported it to a member of staff.
One passenger, Judy Meredith, earlier told reporters she had informed a sales representative about the boat and had shown him it through a spotting telescope.
She said she had been assured the information had been passed on to the crew.
Mr Vasquez and his friends set out in their three-metre-long open fishing boat the Fifty Cents from the port of Rio Hato in February, and were on their way back after their catch when the engine failed.
After 16 days adrift, he says, they saw a cruise ship sailing past, and had made attempts to flag it down with a red sweater.
"We felt happy, because we thought they were coming to rescue us," he said.
Mr Vasquez was eventually rescued 1,000km (620 miles) off the mainland, near the Galapagos Islands. His friends had already died of thirst.
He said he survived thanks to a sudden rainstorm that replenished his drinking water supplies.
Princess Cruises said there appeared to have been a "breakdown in communication".
It said the captain - Edward Perrin - and the officer of the watch were not notified.
Princess Cruises said it understood its responsibility under the law of the sea to help any vessel in distress, and said its ships had been involved in more than 30 rescues over the past decade.
Kamla unfazed
Political leaders of the Congress of the People (COP) and the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ)—two of the political parties that came together to form the People’s Partnership Government were absent from yesterday’s induction ceremony of the United National Congress national executive.
In spite of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s announcement that her Government is “intact” neither the leader of the COP, Prakash Ramadhar, nor the MSJ’s David Abdulah was present at the ceremony at Rienzi Complex, Couva. Tobago Organisation of the People (TOP) political leader Ashworth Jack was out of the country.
The Prime Minister yesterday said she was not offended by the absence of the leaders because it was difficult to get a date convenient to all parties. While explaining that the TOP leader had to travel, the Prime Minister said Abdulah was engaged in his party’s committee meeting. But when Sunday Guardian contacted Abdulah he said otherwise.
“I did not know about that ceremony,” Abdulah told Sunday Guardian when contacted. The MSJ has called on the Prime Minister to address a number of national concerns. However, she did not mention Ramadhar, who was absent. Ramadhar was represented by COP secretary Jamal Mohammed who was the lone member from his party.
A newspaper advertisement on Friday published that leadership members were expected to address the ceremony. The COP has accused the UNC of poaching one of its members—San Fernando Mayor Marlene Coudray. In delivering the feature address, Persad-Bissessar urged members to defend the party and not take for granted their 2010 general election victory.
She said there were party deterrents who try to frustrate their every move by using political sycophants in critical positions to foil their progressive policies.
Jack: It is time to work
Meanwhile, chairman of the UNC Jack Warner said the PP must not take the electorate for granted. Indicating that the lead up to general elections is going to be challenging, Warner said: “The work this time will be more challenging. The focus to achieve has to be more austere.
The approach to ensure the readiness of the UNC to face any polls must be more strategic and there has to be a more expansive vision among all if we are to ensure that our ultimate mandate, which is to keep our party in power, is achieved.” Warner said with immediate effect a shadow MP would be placed in each of the 41 constituencies where the MP is not a member of the UNC.
49 bodies left on Mexico highway
Forty-nine bodies, at least some of them mutilated, were found today dumped on a highway connecting the northern Mexican metropolis of Monterrey to the US border, officials said.
A law enforcement official said the bodies of 43 men and six women were found in the town of San Juan on the non-toll highway to the border city of Reynosa at about 4 am (5 am EDT; 0900 GMT), but officials were still investigating.
Authorities closed off the highway, blocking the way for hundreds of motorists, as federal and state police, joined by Mexican troops, sealed off the scene.
The law enforcement official asked that his name not be used because he was not authorized to release the information. The details, however, match reports in Mexican news media.
The discovery echoes several other recent cases in which drug gangs have left bodies scattered in public places as warnings to rivals. Thirty-five bodies were left at a freeway overpass in the city of Veracruz in September. Twenty-six were found in November in Guadalajara. So far this month, 23 bodies were found dumped or hanging in the city of Nuevo Laredo and 18 were found along a highway south of Guadalajara.
--AP
Haiti ‘ready for investment’, says new envoy to Canada
DESPITE Haiti’s past, the country’s first ambassador to Canada in nearly six years, Frantz Liautaud, has said his country is ready for international investment.
Liautaud, a former businessman and recent president of the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, told reporters that many views about his country are obsolete and have held back the nation’s ability to wean itself off foreign aid.
“What we need to do is change our image and make sure people get the right image,” he said, adding that Haiti may have a willing partner in the Conservative Canadian government, which is expected to begin pumping tens of millions of dollars in aid for economic development.
Singer-turned-president Michel Martelly, who marks his first anniversary in office on Monday, had made the attraction of foreign investment a top priority, Liataud said, as a way to tackle a jobless rate of 40 per cent.
The new envoy said this involves promoting the country’s coastline as a tourist destination, as well as the opportunities available in farming and natural resources, among others.
“The Martelly government was clear from day one that for Haiti to get back into the position it should have in the region and in the world, we have to increase investment in Haiti,” said Liautaud.
Liautaud acknowledged concerns about risks to investment in Haiti, from security issues and a lack of trained workers to vulnerability to natural disasters and political instability, but said many are overstated.
He said security has improved significantly in recent years, adding that opportunities are available for those willing to invest.
-CMC
Manchester City grab dramatic Premier League title win
Manchester United missed out on the Premier League title despite victory at Sunderland after arch-rivals Manchester City beat Queens Park Rangers.
Wayne Rooney's first-half goal put United in charge and it looked like it would seal a 20th league crown as news filtered through that City were losing 2-1 to 10-man QPR.
But, with United fans in celebratory mood as it appeared their team might snatch glory, they faced an anxious wait as City equalised in stoppage time.
Then, as the Sunderland fans' cheers bellowed around the stadium, United's title bid was over when it became apparent City had pinched a last-gasp winner to seal their first title in 44 years.
It was a fitting end to a race that has fluctuated between both teams in the most dramatic circumstances.
United were made to pay for letting an eight-point lead as little as five weeks ago slip and, despite their final-day efforts, they will look back on a season where, when they needed to step up, they fell flat.
Two defeats in five games coming into this contest, and a draw with Everton, ultimately cost Sir Alex Ferguson's side in what became the most extraordinary finale to the league championship since Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield in 1989.
United were value for their win and Rooney could have had a hat-trick before half-time, with Paul Scholes also striking the post in the second half.
Rooney and his team-mates started ponderously, as if sensing the enormity of the occasion, but once Scholes began to link with Ryan Giggs in the middle of the park, the visitors increased the tempo with Sunderland struggling to keep up.
The Black Cats contributed to their own downfall for the only goal when Titus Bramble, making his first appearance since Boxing Day, and Michael Turner, let Phil Jones' cross bounce across the six-yard box as Rooney tucked in at the back post.
The United striker could have doubled his tally when his free-kick struck the bar from 20 yards, and he should have converted when Ashley Young fired towards goal from Antonio Valencia's cross.
Former United striker Fraizer Campbell volleyed a great chance wide from 12 yards after Stephane Sessegnon's clever chip, but United were largely in control by the break.
The home supporters were growing frustrated by several free-kicks awarded to United, and they wasted little time in mocking the 2,600 visiting fans when City took the lead against QPR, but Ferguson's team were quicker to the ball and using their five-man midfield to better effect.
And from another clever exchange, Rooney was again denied when Simon Mignolet stopped his fierce strike just after the break.
The United fans were given a huge boost when news filtered through of QPR's equaliser at Etihad Stadium, but it was Sunderland who were lifted as they appealed for a penalty when Sessegnon was brought down in the penalty box.
The contest was a lot more even in the second half, as the wind swirled around the Stadium of Light, but it took Craig Gardner's superb block to prevent Young getting on the scoresheet.
After the hour mark, events in Manchester were almost becoming a distraction such was the thunderous cheer from the United fans to greet QPR taking their unlikely lead against City.
At that stage, Ferguson's side were on course to be champions, and they almost went 2-0 up when Scholes hit the post, with Mignolet saving from Giggs after a quick break.
But as United saw the game out, little did they know that, having looked likely to win their 13th Premier League title, it was City who turned the table to snatch glory from their arch-rivals' grasp.
Miami's LeBron James named MVP winner again
Miami Heat forward LeBron James was named on Saturday as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season, cementing his place among the game's greatest players. It was the third time in four years that "King" James has won the game's most prestigious individual award, elevating him alongside the sport's biggest names.
Only seven other players - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone - have won the trophy at least three times.
Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for six MVP wins, one ahead of Jordan and Russell but James, still just 27 years old, has plenty of time on his side.
"I never dreamt about being an NBA Most Valuable Player," an emotional James said in a presentation in Miami broadcast live on national television.
"I never dreamt about doing the things that I do now at a high level.
"Now that it's in me now, and it's happening, it's overwhelming."
FIRST-PLACE VOTES
James, who twice won the award with the Cleveland Cavaliers before moving to Miami last season, averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the 2011-12 regular season, which was shortened to 66 games because of a labor dispute.
He totaled 1,074 points, including 85 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 voters that decided the award.
"We do not take LeBron James for granted, not here in this organization," Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
"He's as committed as ever... and we all respond to his energy on the court."
Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the leading scorer for the third season in a row, finished second in the vote, followed by Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and Kobe Bryant from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chicago's Derrick Rose, who won the MVP award last year, finished 11th in the voting after missing more than a third of the season because of injury.
James, despite his individual success, has yet to win an NBA title, but has perhaps his best chance this season with Miami.
JAMES OVERWHELMED
"This is very overwhelming to me as an individual award," James said.
"But this is not the award I want, ultimately. I want that championship. That's all that matters to me."
The Heat, who finished runners-up to Dallas last year after James left Cleveland to link up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, cruised through the opening round of the playoffs.
They now face the Indiana Pacers in a best-of-seven series, starting in Florida on Sunday, for a place in the Eastern Conference final.
James is sure to feature in the star-studded United States team at this year's London Olympics after being a member of the team that won the gold medal in Beijing four years ago.
Roger Federer beats Tomas Berdych to win Madrid Open
Roger Federer came back from one set down to beat Tomas Berdych and win the Madrid Open 3-6 7-5 7-5.
"It was a tough tournament and a brutal draw. Tomas played very well," said Federer who now replaces Rafael Nadal as world number two.
"I'm sure we will see each other many more times and they will be quality matches like this one."
Berdych had beaten Federer twice this year, but the Swiss got his own back on Madrid's controversial blue courts .
It's the 11th time Federer has beaten Berdych, the world number six.
Berdych broke his opponent in the second game and went on to win a close first set.
Federer replied with two breaks in the second set to level the match.
The Czech produced a couple of double faults as Federer took a 5-3 lead in the third.
The 16 times grand slam champion let Berdych back in but at 6-5 he converted his fourth match point to claim the title.
Berdych said: "I want to congratulate Roger. He showed that he is really the star."
It was Federer's first game in 44 days and he had already been beaten twice by Berdych this year.
The win, his third Madrid title and the 20th Masters tournament of his career, also earned Federer a framed Men In Black suit from actor Will Smith.
Serena Williams beats Victoria Azarenka to win Madrid Open
Serena Williams beat world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-1 6-3 to win the Madrid Open for the first time.
It was Williams' first appearance in Europe this season and the world number six and ninth seed dominated the Belarussian over two sets.
It took the American just over an hour to win the match and confirmed her as the player in form ahead of the French Open which starts on 27 May.
Williams hit a series of winners to take her 41st WTA singles title.
It is the eighth time the pair have met, with Williams winning on seven occasions.
Azarenka's only victory over Williams came in the final of the 2009 Miami tournament, but she came nowhere near the American on Sunday, with Williams superior in every department.
The Madrid Open is the second consecutive WTA clay tournament for Williams, coming a month after she won in Charleston.
Michael Schumacher penalised for Bruno Senna clash
Michael Schumacher has been hit with a five-place grid penalty for the next race in Monaco after a collision with Bruno Senna in Spain.
The seven-time champion's Mercedes ran into the back of Senna's Williams, taking both out of the race.
The race stewards decided Schumacher had caused a collision that took Senna out of the race.
Schumacher had initially claimed that the incident was the Brazilian's fault for moving in the braking zone.
If you look at the overhead shot you can see he moves right to defend his position and then in the braking point he moves left," Schumacher said. "And I couldn't avoid him.
"It's in the braking phase. I'm very much annoyed about that. In Brazil (last year there was) a strange manoeuvre from him, and just before (in this race) he had an incident with (Lotus driver Romain) Grosjean. I don't know what happened there."
Senna, who had had a minor brush with Grosjean the lap before the crash with Schumacher, said: "He's not going to say it's his own fault.
"He had much newer tyres than me. I guess our braking points are quite different then. I saw Romain Grosjean braking quite late and hitting me. I didn't want Michael to do the same. When I tried to brake he hit me.
"I had old tyres - of course his braking point was going to be much later than mine.
"I wasn't going to resist too much, I left him just enough room to the inside.
"I moved a bit left because I thought he was going to the inside. I never thought he'd go to the outside."
The incident and penalty will pile more pressure on Schumacher, who in the third year of his comeback to the sport has had the worst start to a season in his career.
Yahoo chief executive Scott Thompson steps down
The chief executive of computer firm Yahoo has stepped down, amid accusations that a fake computer science degree was included on his CV.
The California-based company confirmed media reports that Scott Thompson had quit his post.
He has been replaced by Yahoo's global media head Ross Levinsohn.
The firm is also reportedly close to agreeing a truce with activist shareholder Daniel Loeb, who discovered Mr Thompson's mistake.
Mr Loeb, a hedge fund manager who lobbied for Mr Thompson's dismissal, is set to be appointed a company director.
Other new directors will also be appointed and Yahoo has named Fred Amoroso as the new chairman of its board.
Cost cutting
Yahoo has already acknowledged that Mr Thompson, who took up his post in January, does not have a computer science degree.
Just last month, the company, which is based in Sunnyvale, announced plans to make 2,000 employees redundant.
Mr Thompson had previously been the president of online payments firm Paypal since 2008.
He took over as chief executive from Tim Morse, who had held the role on an interim basis since Carol Bartz was sacked in September 2011 after two-and-a-half years in the post.
Since Mr Thompson joined Yahoo, he had been attempting to cut the firm's costs and improve its fortunes.
Part of this involved cutting 2,000 jobs, or 14% of the company's workforce, in a bid to save $375m(£233m) a year.
Besides its search engine, Yahoo's key products include the photo sharing site Flickr and its webmail platform.