Jack: I will not sit silently on Fifa actions
Former vice-president of world football governing body FIFA, Jack Warner, is warning that if the organisation has its way then the Caribbean will never qualify for another World Cup. Warner was speaking with reporters yesterday following a tour of landslides in the Realise Road/Mandingo Road area in Princes Town. He said:,“If we go along with that lot, not a Caribbean (country) will qualify for the World Cup Again. If we go along with that lot, the Caribbean will never be able again to control even Concacaf.”
Warner, who was the president of Concacaf, was referring to an constitutional Caribbean Football Union (CFU) congress in Zurich on Tuesday and Wednesday where certain decisions were taken and agreed upon by 26 to 30 national association presidents. Warner, who resigned from FIFA after allegations of corruption at a CFU meeting in Port-of-Spain surfaced, said he would not sit silently while such actions were taking place.
Cruz, Bradshaw lead Giants past Jets 29-14
Rex Ryan was brash and confident all week, insisting his Jets were the kings of New York.
Well, the Giants shut him up in a big way - taking the city bragging rights and setting up an even more important showdown with the Dallas Cowboys next weekend with a 29-14 victory Saturday.
"I hate to use that cliche, but this is a huge one," left tackle David Diehl said. "This is about the city, the city of New York and what team wants to be responsible. They have talked all week and said what they wanted to say. From Day 1, they're our big brother and other stuff. We went out there and played our game and showed whose stadium this is."
Ryan said the Jets were the better team the last two years, based on their consecutive trips to the AFC championship game and the Giants missing the postseason. Tom Coughlin responded by saying, "Talk is cheap. Play the game."
It was the Giants who did.
"They were the better team today, and they're the better team this year," a humbled Ryan said. "Clearly, I was wrong."
The Giants kept their postseason hopes alive, helped by Victor Cruz setting two franchise receiving records and Ahmad Bradshaw running for two touchdowns. While neither team looked much like playoff material, the Giants (8-7) are now in position to win the NFC East with a victory at home next Sunday against Dallas.
"Given everything that was at stake, and all the noise that has been coming out of Florham Park," Giants co-owner John Mara said, "yeah, it means a little more."
Running back Brandon Jacobs said he had an exchange with Ryan after the game in which the coach approached him, used an expletive and said, "Wait till we win the Super Bowl."
Added Jacobs: "And I told him I'll punch him in the face. I told him out of all these Giants players on this team you're talking to the wrong one. And that was that."
Ryan acknowledged that he and Jacobs "had a private conversation. He doesn't like me; I respect him."
The back-and-forth went on even in the hours before the game, when Jacobs and kicker Lawrence Tynes both removed black curtains placed by the Jets over the Giants' Super Bowl logos. The Jets said it was simply their standard practice to cover those logos for every one of the team's home games, regardless of opponent, because it is the players' entrance.
"We knew early what we were going to get no matter what happened as soon as he had the opportunity to run his big fat mouth," Jacobs said of Ryan's boasts throughout the week.
Meanwhile, the Jets' playoff hopes took a devastating hit, and at 8-7 they'll need to win at Miami next week and get major help from several other teams. They have to hope for Cincinnati and Tennessee to lose, and have either Oakland or Denver lose.
"I mean, we don't deserve to control our own destiny," Jets linebacker Bart Scott said. "We haven't played good enough football to do that. We need to try to finish strong, but if you don't make it to the playoffs, you've got nobody to blame but yourself."
Cruz, who had three catches for 164 yards, broke Amani Toomer's single-season mark for yards receiving - and the team's record for longest touchdown reception, a 99-yarder that gave the Giants the lead for good in the second quarter.
"It's just amazing," Cruz said, "and to beat the Jets in the process is added incentive."
It was a brutal game at times, with both offenses sluggish and prone to mistakes. The Jets were also penalized 10 times, including a late hit call on Aaron Maybin , who plowed into D.J. Ware in the fourth quarter - a play on which Coughlin was injured out of bounds. The Giants coach needed to be checked out on the bench briefly before limping back to the sideline.
"Never better," a smiling Coughlin said when asked how he was feeling.
Eli Manning finished just 9 of 27 for 225 yards. Mark Sanchez completed 30 passes on a career-high 59 attempts but put up only 258 yards and was intercepted twice. The Jets were also a brutal 4 for 21 on third-down conversions.
"I left a lot of completions out there," Sanchez said.
The sloppiest stretch came midway through the fourth quarter with wild swings of momentum.
The Giants thought they had stopped the Jets on fourth down, but a pass interference call gave them new life. Plaxico Burress - playing against the Giants in the regular season for the first time since they cut him in 2009 and he served a 20-month prison sentence on a gun charge - thought he had scored a touchdown, but offensive pass interference called it back. The Giants thought they'd recovered a fumble by Sanchez, but officials reversed the call on a challenge, saying his arm was going forward.
The Giants got their turnover moments later, though, when Sanchez fumbled the snap in the end zone.
The Jets weren't done. David Harris intercepted Manning's pass that tipped off Hakeem Nicks ' hands, and the Jets had another apparent fumble by Sanchez reversed on review.
On third-and-12 from the 13, Sanchez scrambled for 11 yards - and Antrel Rolle was called for holding, putting the ball at the 1. Sanchez dived into the end zone, making it 20-14 with 7:17 left.
But the Jets wouldn't get any closer. Chris Canty sacked Sanchez for a safety, and after an onside free kick by the Jets was recovered by the Giants, Bradshaw had a 19-yard TD run with 2:04 left.
"It's real sad right now," Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis said. "We needed this win. We made some mistakes and they outplayed us."
Cruz's 99-yard catch - the longest scoring pass in team history - came with the Giants in dire straits facing third-and-10 from the 1. Manning, standing in the back of the end zone, zipped a pass to Cruz, who dodged tackle attempts by Antonio Cromartie and Kyle Wilson and took off down the right sideline. Eric Smith was the only one with a chance to get him, but Cruz outran him to give the Giants a 10-7 lead with 2:12 left in the opening half.
It was also the longest offensive play against the Jets in team history.
Now the Jets will prepare for the Dolphins - and keep their fingers crossed.
SI
Way forward for Caribbean football?
A nine-member normalisation committee appointed by FIFA, football’s world governing body, will attempt to straighten out the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).
Its appointment followed two days of meetings in Zurich hosted by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and chaired by Haitian Football Federation president Yves Jean-Bart.
Representatives from Haiti, Cuba, Grenada, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao and Jamaica were tasked with restoring the reputation of the region’s football authorities in the wake of the Mohammed Bin Hammam bribery scandal.
“I am very pleased that the representatives of the CFU have reached an agreement in order to move forward and to look into the future, for the good of the game in the region,” Blatter said in a statement.
The normalisation committee will double as the CFU’s executive committee until a new
one is appointed at the CFU’s ordinary congress in the first half of 2012.
The nine members will also convene an extraordinary congress in the meantime to appoint an interim general secretary as well as a legal, finance and football committees to steer the CFU back on course.
At a May meeting in Trinidad, former CFU and CONCACAF president Jack Warner allegedly offered 25 colleagues $40 000 each for their support of Bin Hammam in his failed bid to oust Blatter in the FIFA presidential race.
FIFA later handed down sanctions – mostly short-term bans, small fines and warnings – to the bulk of the CFU officials although the federation has yet to provide any explanations.
Injured Maria Sharapova expects to be fit for Australian Open
Maria Sharapova is confident of being fit for January's Australian Open despite pulling out of the Brisbane International with an ankle injury.
The Brisbane International is a warm-up event for the Australian Open, which begins on 16 January.
The Russian former world number one said: "Unfortunately my ankle is not 100% and I won't be able to make it.
"I do expect to be ready for the year's first Grand Slam and I am really looking forward to competing on court."
Sharapova, who has won Wimbledon and the US Open, clinched the last of her three Grand Slam singles titles at Melbourne Park in 2008.
However, she was beaten in the fourth round of the 2011 tournament by Germany's Andrea Petkovic.
Haiti migrants found dead off Cuba's coast
At least 38 migrants from Haiti have been found dead after their boat sank just off the eastern tip of Cuba, officials in Havana say.
Another 87 people from the boat were rescued, Cuban TV reported quoting civil defence officials.
It said the boast was spotted only 100m off shore. A search for more possible survivors is now under way.
Fatal incidents involving migrants from Haiti - the Western hemisphere's poorest nation - are not uncommon.
In 2009, US Coast Guard officials called off their search for about 70 migrants from Haiti whose boat capsized off the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In May 2007, at least 61 Haitian migrants died when a boat carrying 150 people sank off the Turks and Caicos, a British territory.
2011 Christmas Message By Premier Dr. The Hon. D. Orlando Smith
There is an old saying, love can move any mountain; it can weather the storm; and it can bring us back to where we belong.
This is the true spirit of the Virgin Islander. The legacy of our forefathers. The cornerstone of a Caribbean people and the true essence of Christmas.
Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you joyous greetings on this special day where we stop and reflect on the birth of our Lord.
On this day, we are reminded of our Creator´s love for all humankind and of the power of salvation through him.
On this day, our families gather together, to reminisce, give thanks, give gifts and express their love for each other by retelling the stories of old and reflecting on our experiences braved throughout the year.
On this day, our families are remembering the voices and faces of those who have passed, wishing they were here in person, but we are still thankful because their fond memories are in our hearts.
Today, in the spirit of love, let us remember all those who are less fortunate than ourselves. While we are here in our beautiful and relatively peaceful islands, there are those from throughout the world who suffer with poverty, disease and war.
Today, in the spirit of love, let us remember our brothers and sisters throughout the Caribbean who endured pain and devastation in myriad ways. To them, we offer our prayers.
I encourage all of us to take the time today to share the Christmas joy through a telephone call, or a visit.
There are many people among us who do not have extended families, so reach out to them today. Do not allow our busy lifestyles to erase the true meaning of Christmas.
There is no better way to express our thanks to God for the gift of his Son, than to offer our assistance to those in need. Whether it is a contribution made here in our own Territory, for those among us in need of a helping hand, or to those in need abroad, during this season of celebration and joy, giving of our time and ourselves should be our aim.
In my own reflections this Christmas Season, I am reminded this year, as every year, of the many challenges that confronts us in this Territory. I can assure you that my Government is working diligently to address them.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am reminded this year, as every year, of the many wonderful blessings that God has bestowed upon us.
God has given me personally so much to be thankful for: a loving family and dear friends. God has blessed me by making me a member of this loving community: the Virgin Islands. God has instilled in me the desire to serve my people - first as a doctor, now as your Premier. And He has seen fit to inspire in me a vision for our Territory and has brought me together with the dedicated and talented members of my Government who share this vision of putting the needs of the people and our country first.
As we get ready to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012, let us embrace this day as a gift of life from God, our Creator. Let us today encourage a fresh inspiration in each other. Let us show genuine support and interest in the development of each other.
And, let us celebrate this Christmas, looking ahead with optimism and hope to a bright new year.
My Government, my wife Lorna, and my entire family join me in wishing all of you a safe and joyous season.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
A slippery tale - PNP says supporters did not oil roadway
MOTORISTS travelling in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) motorcade in Portland on Wednesday were forced to drive at considerably low speeds after party officials announced that oil was deliberately spilled on sections of the roadway leading out of Buff Bay.
The JLP officials accused People's National Party (PNP) supporters of spilling oil along the road where the motorcade was travelling in a bid to create mayhem.
But the PNP has since denied the claims.
"The PNP carried out extensive investigations into the incident and has been informed by our usually reliable sources that members of the Party were in no way connected with the oiling of the road. Our information is that the substance on the road came from a truck which was transporting waste," the PNP said in a statement.
On Wednesday, West Portland candidate Daryl Vaz said he was informed by the police that the road leading out of Buff Bay had been oiled.
Motorists travelling in the motorcade were forced to drive slowly to avoid skidding on the road, sections of which covered with oil in some sections.
Noting that this had never happened in any other constituency where the JLP had toured, Vaz labelled the incident a "new low" not only in West Portland but in politics.
"I thought we had put that behind us," he said.
Vaz who said he would not be drawn out, urged labourites at a mass meeting in Annotto Bay, St Mary later that night not to retaliate as too many lives had been lost to political violence.
"Sleep with one eye open and if you see them on the left hand side of road walk on the right, if you see dem in the bar go to another, even if them in the church find another," he instructed.
Deputy Leader of the JLP Desmond McKenzie said this is a sign of desperation from the PNP.
"All of a sudden the road leading out of Buff Bay some duppy get up out of the cemetery get some container with oil and oil the road," McKenzie quipped.
"Too much things happening and it is not coincidental," he added.
McKenzie said the culprits did not take into consideration that other motorists, including PNP supporters would be using the busy thoroughfare.
"How can people be so wicked and heartless in quest for power?" McKenzie questioned.
According to McKenzie, the JLP is resolute in its commitment for a peaceful campaign.
As such he urged the labourites to yield not to temptation.
Meanwhile Vaz did not mince words as he made it clear that he did not support the views of Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller who suggested that a PNP government would review the buggery law.
Simpson Miller, who was responding to a question during Tuesday's national leadership debate, also said she was not opposed to having gays in a Cabinet led by her and that parliamentarians should be allowed to vote their conscience. .
However, Vaz told supporters that he wanted to make his stance public even before the debate got to Parliament.
"Since I am going back to Parliament I am going to talk about it and I don't want to be taken out of context," he said.
"People of Portland ask me to tell you say we don't buy 'two' in a cash pot and since it is going to be a debate in Parliament I am going to say God created Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve," he said.
In the meantime the second day of the JLP's islandwide tour kicked off in Western Jamaica Thursday with bus and car loads of labourites travelling through several communities.
The tour, which began in Flower Hill, was led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and candidate for the newly created Central St James constituency Heroy Clarke; candidate for East Central St James, Ed Bartlett; and candidate for North West St James; Dr Horace Chang.
The motorcade travelled through several communities where all that could be heard was the sound of clanging bells, horns and shouts of "shower".
As is the norm, a handful of People's National Party supporters also came out to stake their claim.
However, in communities like Salt Spring, Green Pond, Farm Heights, Rose Heights and Mt Salem, green clad supporters as well as curious bystanders eagerly reached out for the party paraphernalia being distributed.
LIME Presents Christmas Eve of a Lifetime
The LIME Christmas of a Lifetime continues this Christmas Eve with extended store hours from 9am to 9pm. New and Existing customers have plenty of ways to win a Lifetime of LIME.
The leading telecom is also a proud sponsor of "The Big Block Party", taking place at The Wash Car Wash (in the parking lot across from Bobby´s) on Christmas Eve, featuring the Sweetest Band in the World SmallAxe and a host of local DJ´s.
The event runs from 9:00am to 9:00pm. LIME will be on location from 1:30pm to 6:30pm with the infamous LIME Wheel of Fortune giving customers plenty of chances to win random prizes.
Back at the store from 1:00pm to 2:00pm LIME customers are welcomed to bring their kids to have their picture taken with Santa. Earlier from 11:00am to 12:30pm soca fans/St.Kitts Massive are welcomed to come in for meet and greet the members of SmallAxe Band.
Many ways to win
The LIME Christmas of a Lifetime campaign provides new and existing customers with many ways to win. Customers could win a lifetime of mobile services if they top-up as little as ($20- BDS, ANU $25 - SVG, $100- JAM, $10 - all other BUs) or if they buy a mobile phone or sign-up any post-paid service or upgrade any existing service. Customers who sign-up for any LIME post-paid service or pay any post-paid bills on time and in full, including subscribing to a LIME TV package are all automatically entered in to win one of the respective products for a lifetime.
People who want more information about the promotion can call customer care at 1 800 804 2994 or visit lime.com.
Payroll tax deal passes Congress in rare win for Obama
The US Congress has approved a short-term renewal of a payroll tax cut, a day after House Republicans caved in to overwhelming pressure on the issue.
The bill extends the tax cut as well as unemployment insurance for two months.
Lawmakers held voice votes on the deal, requiring only a few members to be present.
A joint conference committee will work on a year-long deal after the holiday recess. Mr Obama signed the bill before leaving for Hawaii for the holidays.
In a statement at the White House, he urged Congress to work on a longer extension to the package "without drama, without delay" in the new year.
"We have a lot more work to do," said Mr Obama. "This continues to be a make or break moment for the middle class in this country."
The tax break will affect the pay slips of some 160 million American workers.
After Republicans and Democrats passed the bill in the Senate last Saturday, John Boehner, the Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives, put the deal to members of his party.
But that conference call last weekend prompted a revolt from Tea Party-backed lawmakers, prompting this week's political showdown.
The president and his Democratic allies kept up relentless pressure on the House Republicans.
Republican divisions
But perhaps most tellingly, Mr Boehner and his caucus were pilloried by fellow Republican lawmakers, Bush White House strategist Karl Rove and even the conservative editorial board of the Wall Street Journal.
It was a rare retreat for Republicans, who since gaining control of the House in 2010's mid-term elections have wrung a string of concessions from the White House.
Under the compromise, House Republicans came away with face-saving language to make the package more small-business friendly.
Last week, Republicans also forced Mr Obama under the deal to make a politically awkward decision within 60 days on a controversial oil pipeline from Canada to the US Gulf.
The two-month extension will cost $33bn but be covered by a 0.1% increase on guarantee fees for home loans backed by federal mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Conservatives were initially sceptical about extending the payroll tax break, which economists say will aid US economic recovery.
But as Republicans demurred over the $120bn (£76bn) cost of the plan, Democrats accused them of backing tax cuts only for the wealthiest Americans.
Correspondents say Republicans lost the public relations battle and the party realised it would have faced blame for an effective tax rise on US workers in a general election year.
After Friday's voting, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters he wanted the new year to be turning point for Congress.
"I hope this Congress has had a very good learning experience, especially those who are newer to this body," Mr Reid said in a press conference. "The American people need this institution to work effectively," he added.
Senate and House Democrat leaders named their appointees on Friday to a conference committee tasked with extending the compromise to a full-year version.
Brazil fines Chevron $5.4m for oil spill
Brazil has fined US oil giant Chevron $5.4m (£3.5m) for breach of its environmental licence when it tackled an oil spill in November.
Brazil's Ibama environmental agency said Chevron lacked the necessary equipment and was slow to respond.
Ibama had already fined Chevron $28m for causing the spill off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
Chevron is also facing an $11bn lawsuit over the spill of about 3,000 barrels of crude oil at the Frade field.
Brazil has already suspended all of the drilling operations of Chevron and its contractors after the incident.
Chevron has apologised for the leak but stressed it acted as rapidly and safely as possible to contain it.
The spill happened at a well in the Frade oil project, 370km (230 miles) off the Brazilian coast.
In recent years Brazil has discovered billions of barrels of oil in deep water that could make it one of the world's top five producers.
But to date there has been little debate about the environmental risks of offshore drilling.
Political discussion has instead focused on how future oil revenues should be divided between different states.