Ukraine war is our war, proclaimed by 3 Brit ex-soldiers
The road to war for CJ, Elliott and Kieran ran through Facebook, a cheap flight to Poland, and a cold night sleeping outside a railway station.
We meet the former British soldiers in Ukraine just outside a school, a couple of kilometres from the border with Poland. They are waiting for a minibus to transport them, along with other recruits, to Lviv.
"I just can't sit at home and watch what's going on and carry on as usual," says CJ Darton, who served for seven years with the Royal Anglian Regiment.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, he almost immediately began making plans to volunteer.
"If you're not fighting in someone else's street, does it end up in yours? Do my kids become a target? Do my mates' kids?"
Between them, the three men have 19 years of experience in the British military, and all did tours in Afghanistan.
After exchanging messages online, they met for the first time at Stansted airport as they waited to catch a £20 Ryanair flight to the Polish city of Krakow.
"We were stopped by police on the way out," recounts Kieran Perkins, 35, who works as a plumber near Brighton. "They said 'fair play to you'. As far as I'm aware we're not doing anything wrong."
Hundreds of former British soldiers who have completed their time in the armed services have said they want to go to Ukraine to fight or help with medical or humanitarian efforts. Many told the BBC earlier this month that they are getting mixed messages from the government about whether they should go.
The legal position at home is vague. In February, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss encouraged people to go, only for Downing Street to advise people "with no combat experience" not to. The Ministry of Defence, meanwhile, says it may be against the law and could lead to prosecution.
That first night in Poland the men slept out outside Przemyśl railway station, before walking across into Ukraine the following morning. Elliott Davies, a construction worker from Colchester, Essex, and CJ had both told their families where they were going.
Kieran, a father of four, had not.
The former armoured vehicle driver with the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment didn't tell the children's mothers, he says, trying to suppress a smile.
"I didn't even tell my mum. I just thought because I'm only away for a short period of time... I didn't want to worry anyone."
Kieran is not planning on a long war. He only wants to stay in Ukraine for two or three weeks before returning home, explaining that he has childcare responsibilities and a birthday coming up.
"I'm not expecting to get to the front line in that time. But if everyone chips in to help then it takes the weight off the people that are really working hard right at the front line."
By contrast, Elliott says he's in Ukraine for as long as it takes.
"I'll help out wherever I can in the field," he says. "Anywhere from back to front."
Bearded, with long, curly hair, the 28-year-old served for seven years with the Grenadier Guards and says he is ready, if necessary, to die in Ukraine.
"Where will it stop? Who else could suffer if we don't do something?"
The men now have a choice to make. One option is to sign up with Ukraine's International Legion. That could mean committing to stay for the duration of the war. In return they'd get paid the same as rank-and-file Ukrainian soldiers.
A more flexible choice is to remain unattached, and link up with other British former soldiers who are already fighting at the front line, bypassing what might turn out to be painful Ukrainian bureaucracy.
As they prepare to leave I ask whether it was the excitement of war that had brought them to Ukraine.
"Anyone who thinks we're war junkies or war tourists needs to stick to watching the news," CJ says. "There is no excitement to war. There's nothing nice about dead kids at the side of the road."
Source- BBC
All 132 passengers and crew dead, officials confirm
Chinese officials have confirmed that all 132 passengers and crew died when flight MU5735 crashed on Monday in southern China.
The China Eastern flight was flying from Kunming to Guangzhou when it nose-dived and crashed in a heavily-forested area in Guangxi.
Rescue teams said they had identified 120 of the victims so far through DNA analysis, aviation officials said.
State media reported that both black boxes have now been found.
The flight data recorder - which could provide crucial information about why the plane crashed an hour into its journey - was recovered on Saturday.
The first black box has already been sent to Beijing to be inspected by experts, Reuters said. That one is believed to contain the cockpit voice recorder.
Though there had been little hope of finding any survivors, victims' families have been waiting for news from the search teams, which have been combing the heavily-wooded area for days.
But the search has been difficult in the remote hills near the city of Wuzhou, with rescue teams working in very muddy conditions.
Hu Zhenjiang, deputy director-general of China's civil aviation administration, said the search would continue for the remains of the victims and parts of plane wreckage, Chinese news website Sina reported.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing - which made the 737-800 jet - said on Saturday its technical team is supporting the US National Transportation Safety Board and China's civil aviation administration with the investigation, Reuters reports.
Following the crash, China's President Xi Jinping called for a full-scale investigation.
The crash is China's most deadly aviation incident in nearly three decades, and has prompted a national outpouring of grief.
Source- BBC
St. Lucia government disturbed at the sight of the dead killer whale
The St. Lucia government says while killer whales are not listed as an endangered species, it is disturbed at the recent distribution of pictures and video footage showing the “capture and landing of a marine mammal of the order, Cetacea.
In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food security and Rural Development said Cetaceans include whales, dolphins and porpoises and that St. Lucia has adopted a sustainable use policy and as such there has been the traditional use of Cetaceans utilising the meat.
Killer whale captured by local fishermen
“Based on the distinguishing features, the animal landed has been identified as an orca or killer whale (Scientific name: Orcinus orca), which is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member.
“The Fisheries Act Cap. 7.15 of the Revised Laws of St. Lucia makes provision for the promotion and regulation of fishing and fisheries in the fishery waters of Saint Lucia. According to Section 38 of the Regulations, “A person shall not take, kill, damage or fish for any marine mammal or any species of marine mammals in any bay or harbour of St.Lucia.”
In the statement, the ministry sad that it has been advised that the animal was not captured in a bay or harbour and can confirm that the fishing vessel was licensed to fish.
“As such the captain and crew of the vessel complied with the requirements of the Fisheries Act,” it said, adding that “killer whales are considered Data Deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened species and as such, are not listed as an endangered species.
“The Ministry recognises that marine mammals are known to be charismatic animal species with symbolic value or widespread popular appeal; however, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective,” the statement added.
But the fisherman involved in the capture and slaying of the whale, told local media that while he is aware of criticism on social media, fishing today is a very difficult job in the current socio-economic climate here.
“Going fishing out there is not easy. Sometimes you go fishing and for a whole week it’s just gas burning and you don’t catch anything. So fishing is not like you knowing you going to fish and you are going to catch tuna or lobster,” said Sylvester Cyris.
Cyris explained that the whale he and his partner caught was one of hundreds they spotted when they went out to sea.
Source- CMC
New York street co-named in honor of late mother of top Haitian American legislator
The Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn, New York Democratic Party has co-named an East Flatbush, Brooklyn street in honor of her late mother.
Brooklyn Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, whose Haitian-born mother, Marie Andrée Bichotte died a year ago, has collaborated with another Haitian American legislator, New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis, and New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, in hosting the co-naming of East 45th Street, at the corner of Farragut Road, as Marie Andrée Bichotte Way.
According to Lisa L. Derrick, chief-of-staff for Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian American representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, the elected officials said Marie Andrée Bichotte was “a great mother; an immigration activist; a prayer warrior; a supportive neighbor; a dedicated union member and delegate; and a micro-lender, helping many to achieve the American Dream.”
“Marie Andrée Bichotte supported many who were in need by providing shelter and connections to social services,” Derrick told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
She said the unveiling ceremony was well attended, comprising several other elected officials, faith leaders and community leaders, as well as Community Board 17 members in Brooklyn, members of the East 45th Street Block Association, and former colleagues of the New York labor union, Hotel Trades Council.
Derrick said Senator Parker, who represents the 21st Senate District, “joyfully emceed this memorable event commemorating Marie Andrée Bichotte.”
“I am overwhelmed with joy to celebrate the life and legacy of Marie Andrée Bichotte with her East 45th Street Block Association neighbors and the community at large,” Bichotte Hermelyn told CMC.
“Honoring my mother with a street co-naming, Marie Andrée Bichotte Way, is so deserving,” she added. “And because of this street sign, an opportunity is created for those who come after her to ask who is Marie Andrée Bichotte; and they can be told the history of this great woman, the Harriet Tubman of this community.”
Louis, another daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, said: “Our community is home to inspiring New Yorkers like Marie Andrée Bichotte, who dedicated her life to serving others as a compassionate friend, neighbor and union delegate with the Hotel Trades Council.
“As we celebrate Women’s Herstory Month, it was a fitting tribute to unveil Marie Andrée Bichotte Way in recognition of her contributions to Flatbush, Brooklyn and beyond,” said Louis, co-chair of the Women’s Caucus in the New York City Council.
Parker said he was “honored to preside over Marie’s memorial ceremony and to celebrate her life and legacy with the community she loved.
“Marie was a union worker and delegate for the Hotel Trades Council, using this position to be a tireless advocate for immigrants like herself trying to make their way in this country,” he said. “We need more Marie Andree Bichotte’s in this world, and I believe having her name featured prominently in my district will inspire more people to follow in her footsteps.”
Marie West, of East 45th Street Block Association, said: “On behalf of my family and the East 45th Street Block Association, we are most proud to have Marie Andrée Bichotte Way, as her name is placed on Farragut Road.
“Having met her personally, it’s a privilege and honor to witness someone from our time be honored by her daughter, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn,” she said.
Rich Maroko, president of Hotel Trades Council (HHC), said Marie Andrée Bichotte “cared deeply for her fellow hotel workers and for her union, and her legacy will forever carry on at HTC.
“We are honored to participate in this event and to see her name memorialized on the very street that she called home,” he said. “We thank Assemblywoman Bichotte, a career-long supporter of hotel workers, for including us in this beautiful ceremony.”
Source- CMC
Prime Minister announces lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley on Saturday announced the removal of most of t he restrictions that were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during a news conference on Saturday afternoon, Rowley said the restrictions to be lifted include the removal of the Safe Zone system as of April 4 and a change in the requirement of PCR tests to enter the twin island republic to Antigen tests, effective Sunday.
The Prime Minister also announced the removal of all restrictions regarding rivers and beaches and the removal of limits to public gatherings. These restrictions will be also lifted on April 4.
Concerning gatherings such as public fetes, Rowley said that people will be asked to exercise control.
“We are not telling you don’t party, don’t have a beer, don’t go to a bar…the government is no longer telling you what to do,” Dr Rowley said.
Concerning the requirement to wear masks in public spaces – he said this will remain in place except in sporting activities.
Rowley also warned that the country was not fully yet at a place where life could continue without caution.
“We in T&T can say that our situation has considerably improved but we can not say that the pandemic is over,” he said.
The prime minister thanked all members of the health sector, saying they rose to the challenge in dealing with the effects of the pandemic.
He said the experts who looked into the health sector found nothing to support political and other claims that the loss of life was due to the clinical management of patients at the hospitals.
“There was absolutely no shortcoming of those who committed themselves to the Hippocratic oath,” he said.
Source- CMC
"I want my money! This is not fair!" Wendy Williams takes to Instagram to decry control over her finances
Wendy Williams has posted an Instagram video in which she blasts the people she claims have frozen her access to her own money.
As previously reported, in court documents, Wells Fargo requested a conservatorship for the talk show host because it believes "she is the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation" -- an allegation Wendy has denied.
"My thing is that I've been asking questions about my money and when I begin asking questions about my money, suddenly Lori Schiller has got no response regarding my money. I want my money. This is not fair," Williams says in her post. Schiller, a financial advisor at Wells Fargo, reportedly led the bank to freeze Wendy's funds.
"Wells Fargo has no questions and answers regarding my money. This is not fair," Wendy goes on. "And Lori Schiller and Wells Fargo has this guardianship petition about keeping me away from my money."
The former talk show host previously told Good Morning America that the situation has prevented her from fulfilling her financial obligations, including mortgage payments and employee payroll.
In her video, Williams also puts her former manager, Bernie Young, on blast, claiming, "I know for a fact that Bernie Young used my American Express card to hire an attorney to file a petition against me. That was done with my American Express card."
"You're no good...," she says of Young, who according to a recent report in The Sun claimed Williams' affairs need to be overseen because "she suffers serious health problems."
Wendy continues, "A former doctor… had medical information about me that I never even got! It was sent over to Lori Schiller. So I haven't gotten this stuff. I fired this doctor and, again, all I want to know is where is my money? This is not right! And certainly, this is not fair."
"The New York court system, without evidence is being weird to me," Wendy laments.
In February, Wells Fargo denied any "improper actions" to People, claiming, "The financial well-being of our clients is at the heart of everything we do."
Source- ABC
Imagine Dragons announces summer leg of US Mercury tour
Imagine Dragons has announced a summer leg of the band's U.S. Mercury tour.
The newly added shows begin August 5 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will wrap up September 15 in Los Angeles. Macklemore and Kings Elliot will provide support on select dates.
Tickets go on sale next Friday, April 1, at 10 a.m. local time. For the full list of dates and all ticket info, visit ImagineDragonsMusic.com.
Imagine Dragons just wrapped the first U.S. leg of the Mercury tour last week. They bring the outing to Canada in April.
The Mercury tour takes its name from ID's 2021 album, Mercury -- Act 1, and the forthcoming Mercury -- Act 2, which features the new single, "Bones."
Meanwhile, Dan Reynolds and company have been climbing the charts with their one-off single, "Enemy," recorded with JID for the Netflix animated series Arcane. The track has ruled Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart for the last seven weeks, and just entered the top 10 on the Hot 100.
Source- ABC
Latto and Mariah Carey tease collaboration dropping on Monday
Latto released her new album 777 on Friday, but there's a bonus track coming on Monday, and it just may feature Mariah Carey.
The bonus track is a remix of Latto's hit "Big Energy," which samples the 1981 song "Genius of Love" by Tom Tom Club. And you know what other song samples "Genius of Love?" Mariah Carey's 1995 hit "Fantasy."
On Friday, Latto tweeted an emoji of a slot machine showing three sevens, then the "plus" sign, and then a butterfly, which is, of course, Mariah's symbol. Mariah retweeted it and commented with the surprised eyes emoji.
We'll see what happens on Monday.
Source- ABC
Josh Warrington beats Kiko Martinez to regain IBF featherweight title with KO win
Briton Josh Warrington sensationally knocked out Spain's Kiko Martinez in the seventh round to become a two-time IBF featherweight champion.
In front of his loyal home fans at First Direct Arena in Leeds, the 31-year-old dropped the Spaniard in the first round before the fight was halted two minutes 12 seconds into the seventh.
The two fighters previously met in 2017, Warrington edging a close points decision, but this time the 'Leeds Warrior' won in clinical fashion.
It was Warrington's first win since October 2019 as he regains the title he held between 2018 and January 2021. He seemed to hurt his hand in the fight and was also later taken to hospital with a suspected fractured jaw.
"Kiko [is] still not finished. He's a big puncher," Warrington told BBC Radio 5 Live in his post-fight interview. "He's got iron in both hands and he didn't stop coming.
"I've done the same hands what I did in the first fight on his head. Around three or four, I lost feeling in my hands. It was getting to the stage when every time I hit him I went numb."
The First Direct Arena has become synonymous with the 'Leeds Warrior' - it is the 11th time Warrington has headlined at the venue.
Keeping to tradition, he once again walked to the ring to Marching On Together, the Leeds United anthem, followed by I Predict A Riot by Leeds-based indie band Kaiser Chiefs.
Leeds United footballer Luke Ayling accompanied Warrington to the ring, with team-mate Kalvin Phillips at ringside.
Warrington started quick out of the blocks, and midway through the round unleashed a barrage of shots to head and body. Moments later, a vicious right hook then connected flush on the champion and Martinez hit the canvas.
He rose to his feet and, with Warrington sensing an early finish, somehow withstood the subsequent onslaught. Clearly frustrated by a poor start and hampered by a cut to the left eye, Martinez riled his opponent and the crowd by punching Warrington after the bell.
As 'Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire' echoed around the arena, Warrington threw a combination of left and right hooks which again troubled Martinez in the second.
A bloodied Martinez was undeterred. He landed a solid right in the fourth as both fighters traded hooks and uppercuts.
More damage was being done to Martinez's face and while the Spaniard was enjoying some success and seemingly fully recovered from that first-down knockout, he was now cut above both eyes.
As the fight progressed, there was a feeling at ringside that the tempo was starting to slow down, but Warrington had other ideas.
Having just been caught by a right, Warrington returned with ferocious shots which landed from all angles. With Martinez backed up on the ropes and throwing little back, referee Marcus McDonnell had little choice but to intervene.
Source- BBC
Dustin Johnson and Scottie Scheffler will encounter each other in semi- finals
Dustin Johnson and Scottie Scheffler will meet in an all-American semi-final at the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play, while compatriot Kevin Kisner takes on Canada's Corey Conners.
Fifth seed Scheffler won his quarter-final against Ireland's Seamus Power 3&2 at Austin Country Club.
Meanwhile, eighth seed Johnson finished two-up against Brooks Koepka.
Kisner won 4&3 in his match with Will Zalatoris, and Conners also overcame Abraham Ancer by two holes on Saturday.
There were early exits for world number one Jon Rahm and second-ranked Collin Morikawa, who both lost their last-16 matches in Texas earlier in the day.
Rahm was beaten by four-time major winner Koepka in a play-off, while Mexico's Ancer won 7&6 in his match against Morikawa.
Spaniard Rahm tied his entertaining match against American Koepka on the 17th - and though both players had chances to birdie on the 18th, it was the American who claimed victory on the first extra hole.
But both Koepka and Ancer were unable to follow up those wins in the last eight, against former world number one Johnson and Conners respectively.
Scheffler had beaten compatriot and defending champion Billy Horschel by one hole to progress from the round of 16, while Johnson advanced from the first knockout round with a 3&2 win over England's Richard Bland.
Victory for Bland, who took an early lead against Johnson, would have guaranteed a first appearance at next month's Masters but with the top 50 in the world getting an invite to Augusta National, the 49-year-old is expected to just miss out when the rankings are revised on Monday.
He will have one final chance to qualify, but needs to win next week's Valero Texas Open where he is playing on a sponsor's exemption.
Fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton also qualified for the knockout stage on Friday as one of the 16 group winners, but he lost to Ireland's Power 3&2.
Source- BBC