'Alarming Gaps' Remain in Fighting Ebola
The international community must do more to fill "alarming gaps" in the fight against the Ebola epidemic, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power said to an audience in Brussels as she headed home from a visit to the three hardest-hit countries in West Africa.
Power said the initial international response is making a difference, and has created what she called “the first tangible signs that the virus can and will be beaten.”
But, she said, many countries have not done enough, and urged them to not assume the job is done.
“The international community is not yet doing enough to stem the tide of the epidemic, causing devastating heartbreak to countless families and allowing a global threat to metastasize,” Power said.
Praised volunteers
She praised the many nongovernmental organizations and their volunteers, who have moved in to fight Ebola, as well as local political and religious leaders who are promoting the needed actions by individuals to fight and prevent the disease.
Those steps include seeking treatment quickly, isolating infected individuals, expediting the burial of victims, and not stigmatizing survivors and the families of the dead.
“This is a crisis that is so vast, with needs so great, with potential consequences so dire, that no country can afford to stand on the sidelines. A few are doing a lot, but a lot are doing very little or nothing at all,” Power said.
She declined to say which countries she believes are not doing enough to fight Ebola, but she said contribution data is readily available on a United Nations website.
Power, who stopped in Brussels after visiting Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia this week, said more resources are needed to track the disease and spread public awareness in affected areas.
She called for more flexible planning, faster decision-making, and for support for the affected countries as they try to rebuild and expand their health care systems. Those systems were inadequate before the epidemic and have now been devastated by the deaths of hundreds of doctors and nurses.
But Power said she also came away from West Africa with unexpected hope.
“Today, the affected countries are, in fact, in a very different place than they were six weeks ago. I came away more convinced than ever that if we rally the right response, together we can stop Ebola,” she said.
Power said governments need to stop spreading fear, in part by unnecessarily putting restrictions on returning volunteers who have been to the infected countries.
She called for leaders to send clear and consistent messages about Ebola, based on science and facts.
Source-VOA
World Travel Awards headed to Anguilla
World Travel Awards has revealed it will head to the paradise island of Anguilla in the Caribbean for its annual Grand Final. After touring the globe in search of the world’s best hospitality organisations over the past year, World Travel Awards will host the crème de la crème of the industry at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa on Sunday, December 7th.
October 25th should have seen the highly-anticipated World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2014 take place in Anguilla, however, following Hurricane Gonzalo, and the major damage caused to the island's infrastructure, World Travel Awards was left with no choice but to postpone that event.
Now, in a move to support the island of Anguilla in its recovery and in a show of solidarity, World Travel Awards will host its Grand Final on the island. The event will be the first time the Anguilla Tourist Board and the luxurious resort will host a World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony.
Joining those receiving the highest honour in travel will be hundreds of dignitaries, luminaries, international media, government, industry leaders, and legends in the industry that have continued to set the standard for excellence in travel.
World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “We have a moral commitment to support our partner destinations in their hour of need and by staging the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Anguilla this year we will give the island, its businesses and its economy a major boost at a time when it is most in need of international support. World Travel Awards will also devote the first part of the Grand Final to showcasing Anguilla and will present the island's awards during the Gala Ceremony.”
Mr Cooke added: “It will be an honour for the World Travel Awards to visit Anguilla for the first time and I can think of no better place for us to celebrate the best of global tourism than CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.
“Our 2014 Grand Tour has been an exhaustive search of the very best of the tourism industry around the world. This is the final stage of our annual programme and I look forward to welcoming our regional winners to Anguilla as they compete for the global titles. Best of luck to you all.”
This year has been one of our most successful to date for World Travel Awards, with the annual Grand Tour beginning with the Middle East Gala Ceremony, which took place at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai in May.
This was followed by the Europe Gala Ceremony at Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, in Athens, Greece, before the organisation was welcome to Quito, capital of Ecuador, for the South & Central America Gala Ceremony in August.
Most recently World Travel Awards visited The Oberoi, New Delhi, in India, for the Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony, completing the regional events for the year.
In Anguilla guests will be entertained by a star-studded line up of local and globally renowned hosts, presenters and performers along with a culinary exposition from the island.
“This is a very exciting milestone for Anguilla,” said Hon. Haydn Hughes, Minister of Tourism and Sports. “Tourism is a vital part of our economy, and we have been working closely with local and international businesses to implement a number of groundbreaking initiatives over the last two years to generate tourism growth.
“I am pleased to say that our hard work is bearing fruit with a solid increase in the number of tourists visiting Anguilla over this period. To welcome the World Travel Awards cements our commitment and further provides us with reason to celebrate.”
CuisinArt general manager Stephane Zaharia said the resort will be working around the clock to showcase the prestigious event.
“Recognition by the World Travel Awards is rightly seen as the highest accolade in the tourism sector, and it is an honour for CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa to provide our luxury accommodations and world-class service as host of this esteemed industry event. We look forward to extending our rich tradition of hospitality to the attending North American and Caribbean travel specialists and invite each of them to experience our renown culinary, wine and golf offerings in this unparalleled setting,” explained Zaharia.
World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.
PDM ON BRITISH ATLANTIC FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY
The PDM in a release states that they are outraged over the recent announcement made by the FSC concerning its application to have British Atlantic Financial Services placed into liquidation.
The PDM added that they have met with the Managing Director of BAFSL and have heard statements made by him and are deeply concerned about the circumstances leading up to this Announcement. We have since made representation to the Governor and have also written to the Premier and Minister of Finance as to the possibility of whether the Opposition PDM can meet with them to discuss this, given the impact such a liquidation could have on a significant number of citizens and residents of the TCI.
We are informed that there are some 2600 Policy Holders (with the largest of its clientele based in Grand Turk) who stand to lose greatly and in varied ways. We are livid that persons who have been medical, life and annuity policy holders stand to lose in many cases decades of investment. We wish to stress that this closure will have consequences of catastrophic effect. These are the circumstances as we understand them to be:
- many of the life insurance policies are old accounts held for several decades (issued by the now defunct British American Insurance Company) and are in many respects tied to mortgages, educational plans and many have drawn down for varied reasons each year;
- many medical (and life) insurance policies holders are at risk of having to remain uncovered or if possible reinsured at unaffordable rates due the increase in age and the fact that many have suffered a decline in health, both factors making them unattractive to new policy providers;
These are serious concerns and policy holders must be satisfied that all efforts have been made to allow BAFSL to trade into solvency. The FSC has a serious duty of care to the policy holders and ought to have sought ways to protect them who also ought to have a voice.
The Opposition PDM made representation on Tuesday in reference to the times of the meetings for policy holders and venue identified for Providenciales. We are pleased that BAFSL has announced changes to their times and venue so that the Meetings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday respectively in Providenciales and Grand Turk are accessible to more policy holders. We are therefore calling on policy holders to attend and air their concerns in this setting and to be prepared to participate in possible measures that will be launched to fight this process to liquidation. The Policy holders must be satisfied that all efforts to save their investment were made and that there is absolutely no chance of the company trading into solvency.
With the information released yesterday by the Managing Director of BASL, it appeared that the FSC did not allow the business to grow and create new sources of revenue which would have improved its financial footing and create a path to solvency.
Implicit to the role of regulator is the obligation to protect investors and the public at large. If it is that a company was allowed to be formed with an insolvent book of business and not allowed to trade its way to solvency one would have to question whether the duty of care was exercised by regulators in this circumstance.
With the information released by Mr Wilbur Caley of BASL concerning the company’s relationship with Mr Kevin Higgins of the FSC, we have today written to the Governor and called for an investigation into the handling of this Institution bearing in mind that under his directorship, this country is seeing another potential catatrophy for not only hardworking citizens of this country but also again serious reputational damage to these Islands.
Chiquita okays US$681m Brazilian bid
Chiquita has sealed a deal to be acquired by two Brazilian companies for about US$681 million, with the US-based banana producer expected to go private by the end of this year or early next.
The deal comes just days after the fresh produce company's shareholders rejected plans to merge with Fyffes, another major banana producer, based in Ireland.
Chiquita Brands International, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, said Monday it will be acquired by the investment firm Safra Group and the juice company Cutrale Group for US$14.50 per share, a two per cent premium to its Friday closing price of US$14.16.
The companies put the transaction's value at about US$1.3 billion, including the assumption of Chiquita's debt.
Chiquita, founded in 1870, is among the world's top banana producers, along with Fresh del Monte, Dole and Fyffes, according to BananaLink, a nonprofit in the United Kingdom that raises awareness about working conditions in the industry.
The company, which employs about 20,000 people in about 70 countries, also produces pineapples and packaged products like salad blends and sliced apples.
It said its board unanimously approved the deal.
Once the transaction is complete, Chiquita will become a subsidiary of the Cutrale-Safra Group. The Cutrale Group says it already has more than a third of the US$5 billion orange juice market, and also sells oranges, apples, and lemons.
On Friday, Chiquita and Fyffes PLC gave notice to terminate their proposed merger agreement after Chiquita's stockholders didn't approve a revised transaction agreement between the two companies during a special shareholders meeting.
The proposed agreement with Fyffes was an all-stock deal, with the companies planning to incorporate in Dublin to take advantage of lower tax rates. Chiquita is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Once Chiquita's shareholders rejected the proposed deal with Fyffes, Chiquita said that it planned to enter talks with Safra and Cutrale on their competing offer of US$681 million.
Chiquita had received the bid from the pair last week after previously rejecting offers from the duo. The prior offer from Safra and Cutrale was US$14 per share. They had bid US$13 per share in August.
Shares of Chiquita added 21 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to US$14.37 in morning trading. Its shares have risen more than 40 per cent in the last three months.
- AP
Provo Airport imposes tough measures on motorists
Tough measures are now in effect for motorists at the Providenciales International Airport.
In an effort to meet and maintain international airport landside security standards, the TCIAA has adopted a no nonsense approach to unauthorized parking. As of October 29th, 2014 TCIAA will recommence their strict policy of towing vehicles that participate in curbside parking, obstruct roadways and vehicles that park illegally whilst on airport property.
Providenciales international Airport is indeed private property and may cause to be towed, any vehicles, abandoned, parked in an unlawful or unsafe manner. TCIAA retains the right to decide whether towing or criminal prosecution may be levied on serious infringements. This policy will assist in alleviating traffic congestion and enhance public safety for all that pass through Providenciales International Airport.
The front of the terminal shall be used for the purpose of pick up and drop off zone only. Use of parking lots will be encouraged to all patrons to avoid vehicle towing and associated fees.
Vehicle towing will be carried out by Premier Towing Services owned and managed by Mr Sean Selver as laid out in the Road Traffic Ordinance and as authorized by the Commissioner. Owners of towed vehicles will be subject to pay a fee of $175 in addition to daily storage fees.
Unauthorised parking and obstruction may also be ticketed at a rate of $250 as specified in the Road Traffic Ordinance.
TCIAA advises that the general public be guided according.
Sierra Leone angry at Australia visa ban
Sierra Leone has condemned Australia's decision to suspend entry visas for people from Ebola-affected countries in West Africa as "counterproductive" and "discriminatory".
The move has also been criticised by Amnesty International.
And UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said travel restrictions will severely curtail efforts to beat Ebola.
Nearly 5,000 people have died from the virus, the vast majority of them in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
In other developments:
- Eighty-two people who had contact with a toddler who died in Mali are now being monitored
- A Dallas nurse now free of Ebola is due to be discharged from hospital
- New US federal guidelines say medics returning from treating Ebola patients in West Africa should be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine - but some states say they will continue with their quarantine polices
- Separately, the US Army has imposed a 21-day monitoring period for all soldiers returning from the region
'Protect Australians'
The Australian government announced on Monday that it was cancelling non-permanent or temporary visas held by people from the affected countries who were not yet travelling, and that new visa applications would not be processed.
Permanent visa holders yet to arrive in Australia must undergo a 21-day quarantine process before departure.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison told parliament: "The government's systems and processes are working to protect Australians."
But Sierra Leone's Information Minister Alpha Kanu described the move as "too draconian", insisting that measures put in place at Sierra Leone's Freetown airport had successfully prevented anyone flying out of the country with Ebola.
"It is discriminatory in that... it is not [going] after Ebola but rather it is... [going] against the 24 million citizens of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Certainly, it is not the right way to go," he told Reuters news agency. "This measure by the Australian government is absolutely counterproductive."
Ugandan government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said: "Western countries are creating mass panic which is unhelpful in containing a contagious disease like Ebola.
"If they create mass panic... this fear will eventually spread beyond ordinary people to health workers or people who transport the sick and then what will happen? Entire populations will be wiped out."
Amnesty International said Australia was taking a "narrow approach".
A spokesman for the human rights group said the ban made no sense from a health perspective but ensured that vulnerable people were trapped in a crisis area.
'Fear factor'
Meanwhile, the president of the World Bank has appealed for thousands of medical workers to volunteer and help contain the growing Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Jim Yong Kim said at least 5,000 medics and support staff were needed to beat the disease.
Source-BBC
South Africa tops ICC one-day rankings in Cricket
South Africa have moved to the top of the world one-day rankings for the first time in five years after their 2-0 series win in New Zealand.
The new International Cricket Council rankings see South Africa climb above Australia into top spot, a position the Proteas have not filled since 2009.
India, World Cup winners in 2011, are in third, with Sri Lanka fourth and England fifth.
India defend their title in Australia and New Zealand in February and March.
South Africa, coached by Russell Domingo, moved to the summit despite the final game of their three-match series in New Zealand being washed out.
They also comfortably beat Australia in the final of a triangular series in Zimbabwe in September.
South Africa captain AB de Villiers retained top spot in the ICC one-day batting rankings, with team-mate Hashim Amla moving into second.
Sierra Leone angry at Australia visa ban
Sierra Leone has condemned Australia's decision to suspend entry visas for people from Ebola-affected countries in West Africa as "counterproductive" and "discriminatory".
The move has also been criticised by Amnesty International.
And UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said travel restrictions will severely curtail efforts to beat Ebola.
Nearly 5,000 people have died from the virus, the vast majority of them in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
In other developments:
- Eighty-two people who had contact with a toddler who died in Mali are now being monitored
- A Dallas nurse now free of Ebola is due to be discharged from hospital
- New US federal guidelines say medics returning from treating Ebola patients in West Africa should be actively monitored but not placed in quarantine - but some states say they will continue with their quarantine polices
- Separately, the US Army has imposed a 21-day monitoring period for all soldiers returning from the region
'Protect Australians'
The Australian government announced on Monday that it was cancelling non-permanent or temporary visas held by people from the affected countries who were not yet travelling, and that new visa applications would not be processed.
Permanent visa holders yet to arrive in Australia must undergo a 21-day quarantine process before departure.
Immigration Minister Scott Morrison told parliament: "The government's systems and processes are working to protect Australians."
But Sierra Leone's Information Minister Alpha Kanu described the move as "too draconian", insisting that measures put in place at Sierra Leone's Freetown airport had successfully prevented anyone flying out of the country with Ebola.
"It is discriminatory in that... it is not [going] after Ebola but rather it is... [going] against the 24 million citizens of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Certainly, it is not the right way to go," he told Reuters news agency. "This measure by the Australian government is absolutely counterproductive."
Ugandan government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said: "Western countries are creating mass panic which is unhelpful in containing a contagious disease like Ebola.
"If they create mass panic... this fear will eventually spread beyond ordinary people to health workers or people who transport the sick and then what will happen? Entire populations will be wiped out."
Amnesty International said Australia was taking a "narrow approach".
A spokesman for the human rights group said the ban made no sense from a health perspective but ensured that vulnerable people were trapped in a crisis area.
'Fear factor'
Meanwhile, the president of the World Bank has appealed for thousands of medical workers to volunteer and help contain the growing Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Jim Yong Kim said at least 5,000 medics and support staff were needed to beat the disease.
Source-BBC
Crowds Gather for Funeral of Canadian Soldier
Hundreds of mourners lined the streets of industrial Hamilton, Ontario, on Tuesday to watch the military funeral procession of the soldier shot dead in last week's attack on the nation's seat of government.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo, 24, was one of two soldiers killed in a pair of attacks last week that police said were carried out independently by radical recent converts to Islam. The assaults took place as Canada's military was stepping up its involvement in air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Dressed in ceremonial kilts, white boots and garters, members of Cirillo's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders unit marched slowly alongside his casket, which was draped with a Canadian flag, his belt, bayonet and badge. Cirillo's five-year-old son followed the procession on foot, waving a Canadian flag.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and hundreds of mourners are expected to pack into the 138-year-old gothic Christ's Church Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton, Cirillo's home town west of Toronto, for the funeral, which will be held under heavy security.
“It's very sad, it really hit close to home to have this happen to someone from Hamilton,” said Kim Sass, a 49-year-old medical assistant, who had stopped to write a message on a Canadian flag hung in tribute on the side of a building near the cathedral.
The killings have shaken Canadians and prompted a debate on how the nation's open culture, and particularly the low-key security in its capital city of Ottawa, may need to change. Security services have warned that citizens who adopt extremist views and take up arms against the state pose a “serious” threat.
Source-Reuters
US Boosts Aid for Syrian Refugee Hosts
The United States said it will provide $10 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help communities in the region hosting the more than 3 million refugees from Syria.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Anne C. Richard made the announcement Tuesday in Berlin at an international conference hosted by Germany on the "Syrian Refugee Situation – Supporting Stability in the Region."
This new assistance will help improve schools, buy textbooks and supplies, build health clinics, support staff from local communities, and improve and extend water and sewer infrastructure.
Foreign ministers and representatives from 40 nations are meeting in Berlin to focus on helping Syria's neighbors cope with the huge group of refugees who have been pushed from their country by years of war.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh warned of what he called "host-country fatigue" in trying keeping pace with the needs of so many extra people.
The United Nations has registered more than three million Syrian refugees. Turkey and Lebanon are each hosting more than one million people, while Jordan, Iraq and Egypt have taken in hundreds of thousands more.
Source-VOA